The importance of the draft cannot be understated, it has the ability to make or break teams. The 2024 draft crop is being considered as one of the deepest drafts in history with almost 10 players that are potential options for the coveted No.1 pick. This means some incredibly talented and highly-touted players could slide lower in the order so clubs will have plenty of value on the table regardless of how high their picks are. What players should your club go after in 2024?
Adelaide
Picks: 4*, 26*, 42*, 60*
The Crows have a reasonable draft hand, currently holding pick No.4, as well as a second-round selection. It has been a disappointing year for Adelaide after only just missing the finals in 2023. Their key defensive stocks have looked solid this year with the return of Nick Murray from an ACL injury. Irishman Mark Keane has also had a breakout year, after spending the best part of four AFL seasons struggling for senior opportunities. With the retirement of Rory Sloane, I believe the Crows will be eyeing off a big and dynamic midfielder with damaging skills that can support Jordan Dawson and complement the more inside players like Rory Laird and young gun Jake Soligo.
Harvey Langford: 190cm, Midfielder – Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country
A big-bodied midfielder with a raking left boot, Langford has been ultra-impressive this year. He averages 24.6 disposals from his 11 Coates Talent League matches, and has also regularly hit the scoreboard, kicking 11 goals. After playing well all year long, it has only been recently that Langford has been the talk of the town. The 190cm midfielder came away with the Larke Medal recently as the Under-18 Championship MVP and also received the MVP award for Victoria Country, while coming up against some of the very best midfielders through the champs.
Other options:
Another big-bodied midfielder is Sam Lalor, who can kick goals and win clearances inside the contest which would suit Adelaide. He is a player that can become a real offensive threat, teaming up with Jordan Dawson to produce a more dynamic midfield mix.
Brisbane
Picks: 14*, 52*, 67*
The Lions have become a reliable and solid team over the past four or five years, before a heart-breaking grand final loss against Collingwood last year. After struggling early on this season, Brisbane are now firming as the favourite for the premiership. They will receive a boost to their midfield with the drafting on highly-touted father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft, the brother of Will. They don’t currently hold a great draft hand but will look to trade up the board with their picks 52 and 67. Despite having a dominant Harris Andrews down back, the ageing Ryan Lester has a few years at most left in his career and the Lions should be looking at a key defender as back-up. They may also look into getting a key-forward as Joe Daniher nears the twilight of his career.
Matt Whitlock: 199cm, Key Defender / Key Forward – Murray Bushrangers / Vic Country
A twin alongside his brother Jack, the athletic key position player can play at both ends of the field. The level of versatility should make him a highly sought-after prospect and one that the Lions potentially cannot ignore. From his 11 Coates League games, Whitlock has kicked 19 goals, sharing his time between defence and attack. A feature of his game is his contested marking and ability to fly high while also competing well on ground level. He was an important part of the Vic Country team that came 'oh so close' to a championship title.
Other options:
The Lions will also receive Levi Ashcroft as a father-son selection. Ashcroft was considered an option for the No.1 pick, with his impressive ball-winning ability, as well as his good decision-making and ability to push forward and kick goals regularly.
Carlton
Picks: 10*, 30*, 63*, 68*, 69*
Carlton looked destined for a top-four finish only a few weeks ago but have recently slid down the ladder to be fighting for a finals spot. They don’t appear to require too much, but one area where I see room for improvement lies within their ruck stocks. With the emergence of Tom de Koning as a genuine star ruckman this season, Carlton have got through fine. However, de Koning is now injured until at least the finals, leaving Marc Pittonet and not much else in the ruck department. It will be interesting to see how they fare with weakened ruck stocks over the next few weeks, but their midfield is still capable of excelling in any circumstances.
Jack Whitlock: 200cm, Ruck / Forward – Murray Bushrangers / Vic Country
As mentioned earlier, Jack Whitlock is the brother of Matt with the two forming a dynamic partnership for the Murray Bushrangers in season 2024. Whitlock has shown an ability to play in the ruck with his height and strong athleticism. He can also push forward and hits the scoreboard often, much like his brother. With Carlton currently holding pick 10 in this year’s draft, you would expect the blues to have the opportunity to pick Whitlock. Many phantom drafts and power rankings have seen the tall hover around the pick 20 mark.
Other options:
Another ruckman the Blues may pursue is Joe Pike. He just missed out on selection in the mid-season draft and still has ample footy left at only 19 years of age. He is arguably the most dominant ruckman at Coates Talent League level and possesses a bigger frame than most of his direct opponents. Twin brothers Ben and Lucas Camporeale will end up at Carlton and boost an already strong midfield, as father-son selections in this year’s draft. They are both considered among the top 20 to 30 prospects in the country.
Collingwood
Picks: 31*, 46*, 49*
Suddenly, the Pies seem desperate for some young talent to walk through their doors in this year’s draft. After winning the premiership last year, Collingwood have struggled to replicate that form and look like missing the finals this year. With an ageing list, and the certain retirements of club legends Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom within the next year or two, Craig McRae’s men need to top-up their talent. Despite significant injury challenges that have struck all lines throughout Collingwood’s team this year, the Pies have looked uncharacteristically vulnerable at either end of the field in recent times. Collingwood may have to trade up the draft board to help fill their needs this off-season.
Jobe Shanahan: 194cm, Key Forward – Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country
Predicted to go anywhere between pick 10 and 20 on most draft predictors, Shanahan is one of the strongest aerial players in this year’s draft. With a fantastic leap and strong hands, the 18-year-old is one to watch. He averages two goals per game from just 12 disposals playing for the Pioneers this season. While he will need some developing and time to fully fill out, he could provide some much-needed support for Brody Mihocek and a hopefully fit Daniel McStay next year and beyond. In recent weeks he has firmed as the best key forward in the draft after kicking six goals in two matches with Essendon's VFL side.
Other options:
The Pies might also go after another key defender as McRae’s men have looked vulnerable in the back half of the season. The loss of Nathan Murphy early in the year who was forced to retire with concussion problems, has left a big hole down back. Harry O’Farrell is one that the Pies should have a serious look at. He is raw but has a fantastic leap and great closing speed. Throughout this season he has consistently locked down many of the Coates League’s best tall forwards, with a ruthless and steely mentality.
Essendon
Picks: 9*, 29*
Essendon don’t currently have many picks available, but of the ones they do, the Dons would hope to still bring in some talented young players. After an improved season for Essendon, recent and typical shaky performances have left their season up in the air, with their chances of playing finals looking a 50/50 prospect. While they possess a lot of former high draft picks within their squad, they have mostly been hit and miss. They haven’t quite maximised their draft capital in years gone by. The obvious option for the Bombers is another ruckman, they have just Sam Draper and the ageing Todd Goldstein at their disposal and would desperately love another option. With their first selection, currently pick No.9, they will likely select a big-bodied combative mid but looking at a ruckman later on in the draft.
Hamish Davis: 190cm, Forward / Midfielder – Claremont / Western Australia
Due to Essendon’s lack of draft picks, it is unlikely they will be able to go out and get one of the very best midfielders. Hamish Davis could be what they need! Despite having strong midfielders in recent years, Essendon have always lacked a big and combative midfielder that can push forward and kick goals. That is exactly what Davis is. The Claremont product averaged 14.5 disposals, four marks and 1.8 goals per game in the National Champs, playing mainly forward. He plays more 50/50 between midfield and forward while playing WAFL Colts. Earlier this season he produced a remarkable 40-disposal game to put his name in lights and show his midfield potential. Certainly, one to watch for the Dons as the draft approaches.
Other options:
Big-man Alex Dodson from out of South Australia is a good option for Essendon. With a shortage of ruck options, the fluctuations in form and fitness of Sam Draper and Todd Goldstein’s impending retirement, the Bombers need to look for more ruck stocks. Uniquely Dodson has not made a final decision on his future, playing both basketball and footy at a high level. Essendon will be hoping he chooses AFL, as he has had a strong year for Sturt and played well through the National Championships. Isaac Kako is also expected to end up at Essendon, having been in the club’s Next Generation Academy since he was 13 years of age. Kako could provide an added spark and offensive boost. He also provides great forward pressure and is considered a first round prospect.
Fremantle
Picks: 8*,13*, 17*, 25*, 61*
Fremantle have great draft capital coming into this year’s draft. It remains to be seen what number their first pick will be, with the potential of losing a first rounder or two if they are to lure utility Liam Baker out of Tigerland. After a disappointing season last year which saw them finish 14th, they have rebounded well, and look a great chance to secure a finals spot come the end of the home and away season. Fremantle have always been renowned as a strong defensive side and have that part of their game covered well. A young and emerging midfield also looks set to be dominant in the coming years. With young key forwards Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss starting to flourish in their roles, Fremantle’s focus will be bolstering their already strong lines.
Jonty Faull: 195cm, Key Forward – GWV Rebels / Vic Country
Seen as one of the premier key forwards in this year’s draft pool only a few months ago, it appears Faull has slipped down draft boards recently. After a relatively subdued National Championships compared to some of the other key forwards, most draft experts have him in the pick 20-30 range bracket. As mentioned before, Fremantle have a strong draft hand but may lose that with luring fancied players into the club. Faull is athletic with a great aerobic capacity and ability to cover the ground. He has kicked plenty of goals in his few outings for the GWV Rebels. His selection to Fremantle would add serious depth to their key forward stocks.
Other options:
Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro on-baller Tom Gross could provide extra midfield depth for the Dockers. Gross is often forgotten about, not quite being as talked about as the likes of Josh Smillie, Finn O’Sullivan, Jagga Smith and Levi Ashcroft. However, the 18-year-old has had a strong season. He averaged 20 disposals, five marks and hit the scoreboard in the National Champs, helping Vic Metro to the title. Fremantle’s list is looking in a great spot at the moment and any additions to their team will take them from strength to strength.
Geelong
Picks: 15*, 35*, 53*, 71*
The Cats must be applauded with their remarkable consistency over the past 20 years. It has been a while since they had a good draft hand, such has been their on-field success year on year. However, they have always found some hidden gems late in the National and Rookie drafts. After losing some club legends in the last few years, it finally appeared a drop-off was near with an older list. But Geelong have added some valuable youth this season with Ollie Dempsey, Tanner Bruhn, Max Holmes and Lawson Humphries all playing important roles in the Cats' finals charge. The main area that the Cats will address is their key forward stocks. With the recent retirement of champion forward Tom Hawkins, paired with Jeremy Cameron getting older and in the back end of his career, the Cats will explore tall forward options.
Harry Armstrong: 195cm, Key Forward - Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
Armstrong has bolted into first-round draft calculations after a very impressive Under-18 National Championships for Vic Metro. If he continues the form that he has shown, Geelong might not even have a high enough pick to get him, but nonetheless I imagine they would be eyeing him off strongly in the back end of the season. In some ways Armstrong is an old-school forward, never getting a lot of the footy but kicking goals with his possessions and taking his chances well. Highlighting this was his dominant champs series where he averaged just nine disposals per game but was able to kick bags of goals on several occasions. This included a bag of five in the decider against a very strong Vic Country side.
Other options:
Geelong have long been short on quality ruck options, but have covered that issue up remarkably well in recent years. A player to watch could be West Australian Kayle Gerreyn. The big man has firmed as one of the best ruck options over the course of this season and showed great promise in the Under-18 National Championships. His numbers included an average of 12.5 disposals, nine hitouts and more than a goal per game. He can play as either a ruck or forward, but it appears if Geelong were to pick him up, he’d be used as a ruckman. The Cats are currently playing Sam de Koning out of position and would prefer to use him in his key-defensive role. They also drafted ruckman Mitch Edwards in the first round last November as one of the best ruck options in the draft. Edwards has unfortunately struggled with back injuries and looks like he will take a while to develop.
Gold Coast
Picks: 7*, 12*, 20*, 27*, 34*, 47*, 70*
The Suns currently hold a strong draft hand with potentially three first round picks, and further picks 27 and 34. They are gradually becoming a destination club, with new coach Damien Hardwick coming into the fold and boosting the expectation of impending success for the football club. They have so many former top 10 picks and a list that can seemingly produce special things in the future. Expect the Suns to potentially use some of their higher picks in getting players traded into the club, and for the club to be big players in October’s trade period.
Leo Lombard: 178cm, Midfielder – Gold Coast Suns Academy / Allies
Lombard is the obvious option for the Suns, being a part of the club’s Next Generation Academy, he will almost certainly end up on the Gold Coast. The strong and zippy midfielder has been ultra-impressive not only this year, but last season as well. He was part of a stacked suns VFL premiership team last year, holding his own with experienced AFL players. He had a wonderful National Championships, averaging 26.2 disposals, five clearances and a goal per game. His impressive output culminated in him winning the Larke Medal as the best player of the championships, alongside Vic Country’s Harvey Langford. He will end up at the Suns and be a great long-term player for the club.
Other options:
The Suns could opt to go for dashing half-back Tobie Travaglia out of the Bendigo Pioneers, who has bolted up draft rankings after a brilliant National Championships. They are building a strong team and Travaglia could really add to their offensive flair and ball use off half-back, an area that Gold Coast value highly.
GWS Giants
Picks: 16*, 36*, 48*, 54*, 72*
The Giants don’t have a great deal of draft capital approaching this year’s draft. However, they do have a first round pick (Currently pick 16), that they will use to get a quality player into their footy club.
Taj Hotton: 182cm, Forward / Midfielder – Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
It remains to be seen where the Giants will finish up in 2024. They are currently sitting third but in what is a very close ladder. I believe GWS have a well-rounded list and don’t require too much. I would envisage that they will use their first pick on a midfielder with speed and skill, a player that fits the Giants' system well. Hotton could be that man, after playing three games to start the season, winning plenty of the ball and kicking goals, the 18-year-old unfortunately tore his ACL at training in May. I don’t think the injury setback will affect his chances of being selected in the first-round, as recruiters have seen enough of what the talented and smooth-moving Hotton can do.
Other options:
They might also consider quality outside runners like Christian Moraes, who has had an impressive season with the Eastern Ranges and been in top 10 predictions throughout the year.
Hawthorn
Picks: 11*, 28*, 66*, 74*
The Hawks have been the surprise packet of the AFL this season. After starting winless in their first month and a bit, they have discovered a wonderful and daring brand of footy. Their run and gun from half-back and through the midfield, as well as their ball use have been impressive. They are in the top eight and in better form than any other team in the last two months. They have an alright draft hand but will likely trade up the order to improve their picks 66 and 74. Hawthorn are also starting to become a destination club again after getting out of their rebuild and will likely attract players from other clubs during the trade period in October. They are well covered but could use a key position player particularly in the forward half with the ACL injury to Mitch Lewis. An ageing Jack Gunston doesn’t have much longer left in his wonderful AFL career either.
Murphy Reid: 180cm, Midfielder – Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
While Reid has always been rated highly, he has climbed up draft boards after a really strong National Championships for Vic Metro. I think the Hawks will also look at key position options, especially forward of the football with Mitch Lewis' injury troubles and Jack Gunston coming to the end. However, getting in a silky-smooth midfielder that has the ability to weave in and out of traffic and can hit targets on the run, could be an option too good to pass up. He averaged 25 disposals and a goal per game at the during the champs, mixing it with the best midfielders in the country.
Other options:
Hawthorn might look strongly at key defender Luke Trainor with their first pick if he is still available. He can lock down opponents, intercept the footy, use it well by foot and had a great championships. He also can play as a forward and played that role well as a junior. I believe a team like North Melbourne may swoop on him very early in the draft though, given their woes in the back half.
Melbourne
Picks: 6*, 38*, 43*, 50*, 62*
Of all 18 AFL clubs, Melbourne have some clear needs to add to their list ahead of next year. They currently sit 13th on the ladder and will not play finals in 2024. If the Dees want to become a premiership threat once again in the future, they need to go out and get a good key-forward and dynamic midfielder. What looked a very strong forward half and midfield mix only a few years ago, now looks very average compared to some of the best in the competition.
Jobe Shanahan: 194cm, Key Forward – Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country
This is the second time Shanahan’s name has come up in this piece, but he is a serious talent. Considered as arguably the best key forward in the draft, Melbourne would do anything for a player like Shanahan given their key forward troubles in the last year or two. He has had a very impressive season and continues to go from strength to strength with his wonderful leap and strong hands in the air.
Other options:
With the Dees having a midfield with substantially less bite than it once had, a player like Sid Draper or Xavier Lindsay could be highly sought-after prospects. The Dees appear to need a point of difference in their midfield, someone with genuine pace and damaging footy skills and these are exactly what these two midfielders provide. In terms of key forwards, Melbourne may try to use one of their later picks on a mature-aged tall forward, a player out of the VFL or even quality suburban football leagues, that has showed great traits and form. A player potentially more ready-made to fill the cracks while younger, highly-touted forwards like Jacob Van Rooyen continue to develop.
North Melbourne
Picks: 2*, 22*, 40*, 58*, 65*
Despite a disappointing season, in the last month the Roos have been putting up some good fights. They have been very competitive in every clash, producing some great footy and should’ve come out of those games with a few more wins. North Melbourne has an abundance of high-pick talent in their midfield and a little bit across their forward line. However, the major issues for the Roos have been their key defensive stocks, and while players like Charlie Comben have showed excellent potential, they need more of that type of player defensively. A quality key defender should be a must-have for Alistair Clarkson’s men when November’s draft rolls around.
Luke Trainor: 194cm, Key Defender – Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
Trainor looks destined to be a star at AFL level for the next 10-15 years for a club. Over the course of the year, he has showed a strong ability to lock down opposition forwards, while also intercepting the ball and using great foot skills to impact the game offensively. With North Melbourne currently holding pick No.2 in this year’s National Draft, there is an increasingly strong chance that they will pick Trainor, in a move that can help their future aspirations. He had a strong Under-18 National Championships, making the All-Australian team and winning the title with Vic Metro. His numbers read: 19.8 disposals, 5.8 marks, 4.5 intercepts and he also floated forward to kick the winning goal after the siren in the grand final against Vic Country.
Other options:
North Melbourne realistically needs some more key forward options to assist spearhead Nick Larkey, but they need to shore up their defensive unit first. An intercept player that can play on talls and smalls, someone like Bendigo Pioneers' Tobie Travaglia, could be a brilliant option. He has bolted on draft boards after a standout Under-18 Championships, which sees him in some top 10 predictions.
Port Adelaide
Picks: 37*, 55*
The Power don’t have much to play with, holding just the two picks on the back of trading picks to get Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Esava Ratugolea and Jason Horne-Francis to the club in recent times. It was the hope that with getting these additions to the club, it would take them from a top four team to a premiership winning team. It has so far worked out well with Port Adelaide currently sitting second on the ladder and are well placed to secure the double chance. Coach Ken Hinkley’s future has constantly come under question, with the club at times showing no notable improvements on previous years. They need a key forward with Charlie Dixon’s career hanging by a thread, while Jeremy Finlayson has been inconsistent and in and out of the team. Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades have showed good signs, but it remains to be seen if one of them will breakout and become one of the competitions leading key forwards in the future.
Tom Sims: 199cm, Key Forward – Northern Knights / Vic Metro
Sims has largely not been considered as one of the best four or five key forwards in the draft, but I still believe he can offer a club plenty. With question marks over Port Adelaide’s attack, Sims could be the 'Mr Fix it'. He is a tall key forward with great athleticism and an ability to cover the ground well. He has regularly hit the scoreboard, kicking 22 goals this season, including big hauls of seven and five goals on occasions this year. With the lack of picks available for Port Adelaide, they will hope a player like Sims is still on the board when their first selection comes around.
Other options:
Another thing I think they could do is look to add depth to their defence. A key defender like Claremont’s Clancy Dennis. He has the ability to spoil well and defend, while also showing his intercepting ability for Claremont in the Colts and through the National Championships. Although Port Adelaide has continually made finals and the top four in recent times, their defence and forward line are areas that have failed them in big games and moments. They may trade up to get a look at some better talent, but they should be looking for key pillar additions.
Richmond
Picks: 1*, 21*, 33*, 39*, 41*, 51*, 57*, 64*, 72*
The Tigers already hold a solid draft hand, currently holding the prized No.1 pick. With the potential of benefiting from trades including Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli, Richmond are destined to hold the best draft hand in November. They would love to get to that night in September without losing key players like Bolton and Rioli, but have the flexibility to potentially bring in five or six first round draft picks. With Richmond having strong and contested midfielders like Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, a gun midfielder that uses the ball well and has speed could be the perfect fit for Richmond. They will also look to invest in their key forward stocks, with Tom Lynch’s future uncertain due to injury and Mykelti Lefau’s recent ACL injury.
Finn O’Sullivan: 182cm, Midfielder – Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Country
We haven’t seen the best of O’Sullivan in 2024, with multiple finger injuries derailing his season so far. But that doesn’t take away from his talents and credentials being that of a very high pick. He won the Kevin Sheehan Medal two years ago as MVP of the Under-16 National Championships and made the All-Australian team as a bottom-ager after a brilliant Under-18 carnival last year. He is arguably the most well-rounded player in the draft, with great athleticism and a leap allowing him to take strong marks. He is also very agile, a beautiful kick and decision-maker with the ball in his hands. He could be the perfect fit for the Tigers and their resurgence in future years.
Other options:
Highly-touted midfielder Jagga Smith has also been heavily linked to Richmond, having trained with the club in the pre-season through the AFL Academy. He has also played for the club’s VFL side in recent weeks, producing some massive numbers. He is a lovely kick and a natural ball-winner who could add plenty to the club as well. Top key forwards like Jobe Shanahan and Jonty Faull will also be heavily considered by Richmond as they look to replenish stocks for their big men at the forward end.
St Kilda
Picks: 5*, 24*, 44*
St Kilda currently only hold the three picks in this year’s National Draft and will be looking for a dynamic midfielder with their first. While Mattaes Phillipou is still developing and showing good signs, another big midfielder with strong skills and speed will be what the Saints should be targeting. They don’t have too much to play with at the moment, but a high first round pick, as well as an early second-rounder should deliver what they need.
Josh Smillie: 194cm, Midfielder – Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro
Josh Smillie has been atop of draft boards ever since last year’s draft wrapped up. He is a big-bodied midfielder that is a Patrick Cripps clone with his size, height and ability to push forward and kick goals. I believe he would be a great fit for St Kilda, a really damaging midfielder that can kick goals. He is combative in the clinches and has reasonable skills by foot considering how big he is. He has the ability to win contested possessions but also make his way out of stoppages with his power, getting on the outside and damaging opposition sides. He would compliment the likes of Jack Steele, Brad Crouch and Marcus Windhager well.
Other options:
Another player they will look at will be Sam Lalor from GWV Rebels and Vic Country. He is also a big-bodied midfielder who has showed an ability to dominate resting as a deep forward in school footy for Geelong Grammar and throughout the championships for Vic Country. With key forwards like Tim Membrey getting older, and issues with Max King’s body, St Kilda may also chase a key forward with their second-round pick. Getting in a good key forward through the draft could allow youngsters Cooper Sharman or Anthony Caminiti to take a lesser defender with King and Membrey the main focal points.
Sydney
Picks: 18*, 19*, 56*
With Sydney currently sitting on top of the AFL ladder, they seemingly don’t need much as they look to make amends for their last three grand final defeats, the most recent being their 2022 grand final loss to Geelong. The Swans midfield is stacked with talent and depth, and if anything, they will be looking to further strengthen both ends of the ground. In recent times injuries have left both their forward line and back line looking vulnerable, unable to kick a winning score and starting games with poor defensive efforts.
Harry O’Farrell: 196cm, Key Defender – Calder Cannons / Vic Metro
O’Farrell is a great shut-down defender with a very good leap and good closing speed to deny forwards goal scoring opportunities. He has showed his talents all year, taking down some of the most dangerous forwards in the Coates Talent League, as well as doing a job in the Under-18 National Championships. He is also a member of the AFL Academy and has worked alongside elite coaches, which has no doubt fast-tracked his development. He has been predicted to go somewhere around pick 20, with Sydney currently holding the two selections just before that.
Other options:
Sydney could also do with another dangerous small forward to team up with Tom Papley. Joe Berry has kicked 16 goals in four Coates Talent League games for the Murray Bushrangers, possessing great speed and goal sense. He kicked three goals in the championship decider against Vic Metro and was also named in the All-Australian team for the tournament. A brilliant selection for clubs looking to boost their goal-scoring power and forward pressure.
West Coast
Picks: 3*, 23*, 59*
Key defenders are few and far between in this year’s draft, but the Eagles have to find a way to snare one. With question marks over the future of Tom Barrass at West Coast and and ageing Jeremy McGovern nearing the end of his brilliant career, the Eagles must look to the future. Do they select Luke Trainor with their first pick, with competition from the Kangaroos who will also be desperately wanting to secure his services.
Luke Trainor: 194cm, Key Defender – Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
Trainor has already been included in this article as a possible option for North Melbourne. He is easily the best key defender in the draft, with his ability to lock down his opponent but also leave his man to intercept, being a real highlight of his game. The Kangaroos and Eagles would’ve missed a trick if he doesn’t end up at one of clubs after first round proceedings.
Option options: Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays), Harry O’Farrell (Calder Cannons), the Whitlock brothers (Murray Bushrangers), or Alix Tauru (Gippsland Power) are all good options as some of the best key defenders outside of Trainor.
Western Bulldogs
Picks: 32*, 45*
The Doggies have had a remarkable resurgence in the second half of the season, which appears to have potentially booked them a finals spot. Their midfield is flying now, and the move of Rory Lobb has stabilised their defence while balancing out their squad. One position of player they may need is a defender that is able to take the opposition’s most damaging small forward. Taylor Duryea or Bailey Dale normally get that role, but Duryea is nearing the end of his career.
Harrison Oliver: 181cm, Small Defender – Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro
Oliver has averaged 15 disposals this season and been a great player for Sandy in his four games this season. His other commitments have included his Under-18 carnival with Vic Metro. He is a beautiful kick with his left boot and very composed when the game is at its hottest. He can also take a good small forward and keep them quiet, while still having a bit of offensive flair that the modern half-back needs. He should be one that the Doggies look at closely with their limited draft hand.
Other options:
The Bulldogs don’t appear to need much with multiple emerging forwards and defenders that are playing good footy. While they have Cody Weightman, they have a lot of tall timber in the forward half and would love a small forward that can apply manic pressure and has good goal sense. A player like Joe Berry out of the Murray Bushrangers is classy, but also able to do the tough stuff, the one-percenters that teams love. It appears the Western Bulldogs would need to trade up to secure higher picks if they were any chance of securing Berry though.
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