First two-round attempt 25/10/2023
Second two-round attempt 06/11/23
2023 PHANTOM DRAFT
November, 2023
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/97kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/80kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Bayley Fritsch
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 182cm/76kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/68kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally as creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: The Hawks will be hoping to tick off their small forward box for a long time by picking up Ginnivan and Watson within weeks of each other. Luke Breust has been a champion and will be tough to replace, so Watson naturally will be of significant interest to Hawthorn. Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: The Dogs have an urgent need for either of Sanders or Watson, and the rumour mill has in swing that they are very keen on Sanders assisting their dreadful age gap in midfield. Sanders is a beauty, and looks very much a safe selection that will play 200 games and potentially reach All-Australian level.
Pick 7, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1,401 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 56.
Ethan Read | Ruck 202cm/92kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 8, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 197cm/95kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: Curtin is the prototype modern defender – quick, strong, skilful and effective in big games. We can no longer ignore the fact that Steven May commences next season at 32 years of age, with only Jed Adams drafted last season spearheading their young key defensive stocks. Curtin as a prospect is a stud and he’ll gain valuable experience from May and Lever.
Pick 9, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
James Leake | Utility 187cm/77kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: One of the tougher picks of the draft, the Giants aren’t in dire need in any position. I think they roll the dice on the bolter Leake who is noted for his ability to play well at both ends. I believe he could make it in any position, even as a ball winning midfielder or winger in addition to being a marking option at either end. Super high potential player.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/92kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player you want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55.
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Nate Caddy | Key Forward 193cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Best available selection for Essendon and he fills a super need at Essendon too, assisting Langford and Wright as another mobile marking option who can push half-forward and maybe grab midfield minutes when he matures too.
Pick 13, Adelaide
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 186cm/74kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Josh Daicos
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: It has to be a midfielders’ draft for Adelaide in my opinion, and Wilson is the best available here. Whilst I agree they could do with Windsor on a wing, they are desperate for some run and gun inside the contests and Wilson just ticks too many boxes at a pick outside the top 10 to ignore.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 185cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: I think Windsor is too good a natural-winger to last any longer than Melbourne’s second selection, and he can really bolster their outside run and turn it into one of the league’s best alongside Langdon and Hunter. Will go a long way to improving the midfield-forward connection.
Pick 15, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 890 points to match. Lose picks 50, 57, 60. Gain picks 16 and enter 289-point deficit in 2024.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 171cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 16, Sydney Swans
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/75kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: The Swans have announced they’ll be drafting best available, so it’s a mystery as to whom they rate highest who will be available but Hardeman carries a lot of the traits I feel Sydney have chased in recent years. A booming rebounding defender who breaks lines and defends well could be of great interest – he’s probably the best non-key defender in this draft.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Sam Powell-Pepper
Profile: Bullish midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to St Kilda’s midfield group. He adds a point of difference to whom they already have, and they’ll like his aggressive movement forward. They’re known fans, and I think barring any significant drifters, he’ll likely be a Saint.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 191cm/85kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Crows need midfield depth most. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but they have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/86kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15. Following some midfield heavy drafts, Curtin and McCabe can set up the posts for a strong Hawks back line in years to come.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Green is a big boy with plenty of tricks and looks likely to make a two-ruck system work in tandem with another ruck. His tank is admirable and his skills are great for a big man. North Melbourne’s ruck stocks are tragic to be brutal. They should take one and Green appears the best beyond Ethan Read.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Lance Collard | Small Forward 180cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. Another pure small option up forward for GWS is something they could use I reckon, as guys like Bedford and Daniels do more damage up the ground.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: I think North’s need for keys in defence is too great to ignore. Can Pink, Nyuon and Comben fill the void long-term? Doubtful, I think. Many underrate his potential and he could be one of the picks of the draft. Seems a very good fit to me.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 628 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 70.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match and unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 25, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 605 points to match. I presume they will trade in the required picks to pay for Rogers and Graham or minimise their deficit in 2024.
Will Graham | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 186cm/81kg
Age: 18 (July 27, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Mitch Hinge
Profile: Consistent athletic ball winning mid who splits his minutes with playing half-back
Rationale: After being forgotten for much of the year, it appears Graham could actually appear on the first night of the draft. He will need to work on his tank to become a full-time midfielder, but perhaps with an already established midfield group, the Suns would actually nurture him to be a tough half-back who can just support the mids.
Pick 26, Collingwood
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. I think the Magpies will draft best available as they usually do, and Sanchez is the type of player they often rate highly.
Pick 27, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: I’m going to ride the bandwagon and go with the Crows taking the SA ruck with their third selection. His season was terrific given he only took footy seriously this year for the first time. Strachan sits as their only reserve ruck and he’s not really up to the AFL level, so the need is there.
Pick 28, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It pains me to have DeMattia this low as I really rate him. It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 29, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Trent McKenzie
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: Has all the attacking weapons to be a very good defender. Defensive application can improve with coaching. I would be surprised if the Blues see Young and Sam Durdin in their long-term future, so I think there’s a need to begin developing another tall defender. Schoenmaker on the last line of defence might give flexibility to free up Weitering and McGovern more.
Round two
Pick 30, West Coast
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. The Eagles are without Hurn now and I think their current WAFL defence stocks are uninspiring, so Jiath comes in to aid their rebuild.
Pick 31, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. Geelong need to regenerate in defence and the local boy brings a lot of the skills and run they will lose from Tuohy and Duncan.
Pick 32, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. In a club devoid of serious depth, a player like Moir will be rated much higher by some than others and I feel Carlton could be one of the clubs looking to unlock his potential.
Pick 33, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 34, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: Despite acquiring Brandon Ryan last month, Brisbane still need tall forward support and one who can ruck also. We know the Lions rate a three tall forward line, and time is on Brisbane’s side to develop Reid effectively.
Pick 35, Essendon
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: I think Essendon’s greatest shortfall is their ability to quickly move the ball out of defence, and this is Lual’s specialty. An extremely quick attacking defender, he is also a reliable interceptor and should he add size, could improve defensively too. A great fit.
Pick 36, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Mitch Edwards | 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: The Magpies re-signed the developing Begg but I believe the club are somewhat resigned to the fact he doesn’t have the size to be a ruck at the top level. Cameron and Cox are a serviceable combination but not young and not going to improve from here. Now is the time to take advantage of a good ruck draft where a couple may slip through the cracks.
Pick 37, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Shaun Mannagh | Small Forward 175cm/80kg
Age: 26 (August 6, 1997)
Werribee
Plays like: Orazio Fantasia
Profile: Mercurial goal-kicking forward who has taken the VFL by storm.
Rationale: Would be fitting for the Dockers to use the spare parts from the outgoing Schultz trade to secure this exciting mature-age forward. Ready to go after a fantastic VFL season, Mannagh has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Freo and clubs won’t let him hang around too long.
Pick 38, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jack Higgins
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Essendon would love to add another goal-kicking small at this stage in the draft, and Delean would be a great fit should he be available.
Pick 39, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Clay Hall | Balanced Midfielder 189cm/87kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Conor Nash
Profile: Swift big-bodied midfielder who accumulates the footy both inside and out
Rationale: The Eagles will be keen to grab another midfielder or two and Hall is someone who might play sooner rather than later I reckon. They’re linked and he’s a good fit.
Pick 40, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Seb Ross
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The big-bodied ready to go mid can add immediate midfield depth to Brisbane Lions, who need it with very few options outside of their best 22.
Pick 41, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Though his size likely prevents him from being more than a rare chop-out ruck, it’s one element to Zane’s growing bag of tricks. The Saints would like another young key defender to develop to eventually overtake Howard/Cordy, and Zakostelsky’s rapidly improving defensive work suggests he could well be taken on the first night of the draft.
Pick 42, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Tigers need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
Pick 43, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Riley Weatherill | Key Forward 197cm/93kg
Age: 18 (November 21, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Dan McStay
Profile: Big contested marking forward
Profile: Melbourne are likely on borrowed time with Petty so it’s time to draft a successor. Granted they already have Jefferson from last year’s draft, but I think they probably need another developing. Weatherill is a pretty simple mark and kick forward, but what he does well he does very well.
Pick 44, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
Wil Dawson | Key Defender 200cm/86kg
Age: 17 (December 20, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Profile: Quick tall defender with good tackling and intercept marking
Rationale: Though Dawson projects to be a longer-term prospect, clubs will need to move quickly to secure a 200cm defender with his foot speed, and his experience playing in a variety of roles. The Giants wouldn’t mind another monster on the list, and Dawson seems a good fit.
Round three
Pick 45, Hawthorn [from Fremantle via Port Adelaide via Richmond]
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: Freijah could be a bargain buy at this stage of the draft. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle. A best available call for Hawthorn.
Pick 46, Fremantle
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: Morris brings to Fremantle a great marking target and much needed emerging depth alongside Amiss. Could be a gun player at either end with his ability to read the ball well and take strong marks.
Pick 47, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Will Brown | Inside Midfielder/Key Forward 195cm/85kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Efficient tall midfielder who can overhead mark and play forward
Rationale: A bit of additional size to add to the Lions’ midfield group, though Brown’s experience playing forward at his size will also appeal to clubs as an option for his development.
Pick 48, Brisbane Lions [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Joe Fonti | Outside Midfielder 188cm/73kg
Age: 18 (December 24, 2004)
Western Australia | Claremont
Profile: Athletic and agile overage winger who covers some serious ground
Rationale: Think Brisbane are low on natural wingers at the club, so Fonti joins as a prospect who runs all day and can use the ball well.
Pick 49, Western Bulldogs [from St Kilda]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to the Western Bulldogs who need young mids.
Pick 50, North Melbourne [from Melbourne]
Sam Clohesy | Medium Defender 189cm/74kg
Age: 20 (December 12, 2002)
Werribee
Profile: Aggressive well-rounded rebounding defender
Rationale: Shredded a lot of medium defensive depth this year and Clohesy is a plug-and-play option with untapped potential. Reunites with Michael Barlow too.
Pick 51, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Anthony Davis | Key Defender 196cm/89kg
Age: 22 (July 23, 2001)
Claremont
Profile: Big intercepting defender with a raking left foot kick
Rationale: Davis is at an age where progress can still be significant, and I think the Eagles really need to boost their defence initially to become more competitive. With McGovern aging and injury plagued, I see the need for a ready-made defender as substantial.
Pick 52, GWS Giants
Will Patton | General Defender 192cm/79kg
Age: 18 (January 4, 2005)
South Australia | West Adelaide
Profile: Well-rounded defender who can play tall or small
Rationale: Best available defender to further boost GWS’ depth.
Pick 53, Fremantle [from Carlton]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: Johnston is a reliable second possession midfielder who the Dockers can add to further improve their midfield depth, and skills away from the stoppages.
Pick 54, Hawthorn [from Collingwood via Gold Coast]
Calsher Dear | Key Forward 195cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 4, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Raw tall forward with great leap
Rationale: Hawks to use their last selection of the night on the father-son prospect.
Round four
Hawthorn pass
Pick 55, Fremantle
Aiden O’Driscoll | Outside Midfielder 175cm/70kg
Age: 18 (July 22, 2005)
Western Australia | Perth
Profile: Speedy attacking winger
Rationale: Never mind the fact his brother and sister play for Fremantle already, Aiden fits Freo’s need for more outside speed, with their current wing options being rather ordinary.
Pick 56, Richmond [from Hawthorn via North Melbourne]
Evan Smith | Key Forward/Ruck 201cm/89kg
Age: 18 (August 11, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Profile: Good supporting ruck-forward with great work ethic
Rationale: Don’t really have any developing tall forwards so Smith fixes that.
Brisbane Lions pass
Richmond pass
Pick 57, Western Bulldogs
Jack Callinan | Small Forward 179cm/81kg
Age: 18 (October 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Profile: Mercurial little forward with good pressure
Rationale: Exactly what the Bulldogs need late in the draft – an intelligent forward who can run both ways.
Pick 58, Carlton
Matt Carroll | Medium Defender 188cm/81kg
Age: 17 (November 28, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Defensive-minded player with good foot speed and intercept marking
Rationale: Carlton have been linked to this kid so if he’s still on the board, he’ll gather some interest. A more defensive player than the likes of Cowan and Cincotta whom they’ve taken recently.
Pick 59, Port Adelaide [from Sydney via Essendon]
Tarkyn O’Leary | Outside Midfielder 178cm/70kg
Age: 18 (July 1, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Intelligent forward-turned winger with great kicking
Rationale: He would be rated much higher if he was a bit bigger, but O’Leary has the stamina and skills to make it in the AFL, and the Power I think would like another developing winger.
Pick 60, Geelong
Reece Torrent | Inside Midfielder 184cm/83kg
Age: 18 (August 3, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Profile: Smooth-using mid who can win the footy and run hard all day
Rationale: An underrated prospect for mine, would be a healthy addition to Geelong’s midfield.
GWS Giants pass
Collingwood pass
Round five
West Coast pass
Fremantle pass
Pick 61, Geelong
Kade De La Rue | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (November 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Profile: Tough two-way running midfielder who can play forward
Rationale: Deserves to get drafted. Geelong select the nimble and efficient young midfielder.
Sydney pass
St Kilda pass
Melbourne pass
Geelong pass
Round six
Pick 62, Port Adelaide
Nathan Philactides | Small Defender 179cm/80kg
Age: 18 (January 10, 2005)
VIC Metro | Oakleigh Chargers
Profile: Rapid rebounding defender who marks well for his size
Rationale: The Power use the last pick to add some rapid running to their defensive group.
Pick 63, Sydney Swans [bid match surplus]
Luke Lloyd | Key Forward 193cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 8, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Playmaking centre half-forward with good hands and an eye for goal
Rationale: I think Lloyd can develop at either end of the ground, and really soften Sydney’s blow of losing some of their aging talls.
Round seven
Port Adelaide pass
2023 PHANTOM DRAFT
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 185cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Jordan De Goey
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 181cm/73kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 195cm/93kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: Curtin is the embodiment of the modern tall defender – strong, mobile, finely skilled and a big game player. The Hawks unsuccessfully targeted Ben McKay in the trade period, so they were obviously prepared to spend big on a tall defender. Should Curtin stand before them on the night, I think he’s the way to go. Grainger-Barras just hasn’t been able to secure his spot in the side that the Hawks spent big on in 2020.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/67kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally as creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: The Western Bulldogs have been a little behind the game in recent times with regards to the importance of speed and skill inside forward fifty. It is their biggest fault in their list. Besides Weightman, the cupboard is bare. Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully. Exactly what the Bulldogs need.
Pick 7, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: Though their midfield is not old by any stretch of the imagination, the Demons have a large age gap in their midfield group and it’s time to make amends. They shed Harmes, Jordon and Dunstan from their midfield depth over the off-season and added nobody. I think they’d love Sanders to add another big body to boost the rotations, and allow the flexibility of shifting Petracca forward more. Sanders has clean skills and could be a best 22 addition to Melbourne during their premiership window.
Pick 8, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
Nate Caddy | Key Forward/Midfielder 192cm/91kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Best available at this selection and to me Caddy is a great fit. Will provide great competition to the forwards already at the club.
Pick 9, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1175 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 37.
Ethan Read | Ruck 200cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player who want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 185cm/73kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Chad Warner
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: There’s one last player in what I consider to be category 2 of this draft and that is Wilson. He’s got a few more strings to his bow than some of the current Essendon midfielders – including the ability to play half-forward – and that’s why I expect him to appeal to them. No stranger to the scoreboard, he’s got the skills and slick ball movement to add to Essendon’s depth of mids..
Pick 13, Adelaide
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 184cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: Run and carry, and urgent movement toward their strong forward line is what can take Adelaide to the next level. Windsor provides this and seems a great fit.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
James Leake | Utility 188cm/74kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: Noted for his ability to play well at both ends, I think Leake is a great best available selection for Melbourne in order to boost their marking stocks at either end. Personally, I think he should be developed as an intercepting defender in his early days.
Pick 15, Sydney Swans
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Zac Bailey
Profile: Zippy midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to Sydney’s midfield group. He is a classy user forward of centre, and just seems a type of player who will thrive under Longmire, like Gulden before him.
Pick 16, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 854 points to match. Lose picks 37, 50, 60. Gain picks 16 and 70.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 172cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 185cm/78kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 190cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Crows need midfield depth more than anything in my opinion. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but the Crows have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/81kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: If North don’t take Curtin early, they’ll need defenders later and if Murphy is available at this selection, I think it’s a no-brainer. Murphy is strong and reliable in contested situations down back.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. I think he’s comparable to Brent Daniels but with better midfield ability. A great fit for the Giants – best available again.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Lance Collard | Small Forward 185cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. A player who can make something from nothing will really boost North during their rebuild, and can help turn them into a competitive side once more.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Collingwood
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Shannon Hurn
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: Following the uncertainty of Nathan Murphy’s future, I’d be stunned if the Pies didn’t look to add to their defensive depth this draft. Schoenmaker’s ability to clear 60 metres from the last line of defence will suit McRae’s fast rebounding game style. Could improve his defensive application but that can be coached.
Pick 25, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. He can really boost Adelaide’s ball movement from defence to the benefit of their great forward line.
Pick 26, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: Another boost to St Kilda’s midfield. Johnston is a reliable second touch midfielder who the Saints will like moving the ball to their forwards.
Pick 27, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jamie Elliott
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Delean projects to be better than any little forward currently on the Blues’ list. They’ve got capable crumbing options, but Delean is not only a good crumbing forward option but he’s a frequent leading target and reads the flight of the ball well. Can give the Blues another consistent goal kicking option.
Round two
Pick 28, West Coast
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Kyle Langford
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: The Eagles are still shallow for emerging midfield depth and Freijah could be a bargain buy in the second round. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle.
Pick 29, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Though he has spent much of his junior footy playing half-back, it has been Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to Geelong’s young midfield group.
Pick 30, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/89kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Although Pittonet and De Koning re-signed last season, I still think Carlton would like another developing ruck option for the future. I think Green has a good skillset and can be a complimentary piece in a two-ruck side.
Pick 31, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 32, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 467 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 55.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match any unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 33, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: Would love him to go earlier as I love this kid’s potential. Brisbane have a great side as it is, but sometimes I think they could do with another speedy runner out of defence. The need for speed is great in today’s game, and I think Lual would be a super fit for the grand finalists.
Pick 34, Essendon
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: A genuine second forward than can ruck is a glaring hole on the Bombers’ list and they don’t want to use their primary forward option Wright in that role. Never minding the fact that Reid’s brother is already at Essendon, Archer is definitely somebody that should be in the mix for the Bombers’ second pick.
Pick 35, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/80kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: A slider at 35, Hardeman could feature in the top 25 on draft night but a raft of half-back options around this mark sees him slide. The Pies are not short on half-back options right now but I think with his impressive endurance and accumulation, he can be developed as a winger which the Pies are in need of.
Pick 36, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Lost some depth with Hamling’s departure and probably need to rectify that. Zakostelsky is highly rated by many and a chance to go much earlier.
Pick 37, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. I think Essendon’s biggest shortfall is their inability to move the ball quickly enough out of defence, and Tew likes to get it and go. A nice boost to Essendon’s defence.
Pick 38, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Luke Lloyd | Key Forward 193cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 8, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jake Riccardi
Profile: Playmaking centre half-forward with good hands and an eye for goal
Rationale: With no successor to Darling emerging so far, the Eagles should draft a tall or two this year in the early stages of their rebuild to try and develop into good players once they’re ready to push for finals once more. Lloyd could be really good support for Allen who plays his best footy deep. He played decently for Frankston in the VFL when he had the chance.
Pick 39, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 357 points to match. Lose picks 65 and 68. Gain pick 39 and go into 2024 with 208-point deficit.
Will Graham | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 186cm/81kg
Age: 18 (July 27, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Mark O’Connor
Profile: Consistent athletic ball-winning mid who splits his minutes with playing half-back
Rationale: The last notable Suns academy option this year, and occasionally forgotten; I expect Graham to still be thereabouts on draft night, and I think he’s decent enough for the Suns to sacrifice a small deficit for. He’ll need to work on his tank to become a full-time midfielder, but perhaps with an already established midfield group, the Suns would actually nurture him to be a tough half-back who can just support the mids.
Pick 40, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Tom Sparrow
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The Lions don’t have a great deal of midfield depth and with Lyons approaching the end of his contract at 32 years of age, I think now is the time to recruit and Stevens provides a big body that could play next season. Should be a better player than Mathieson who played his fair share of games over the years.
Pick 41, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. The Saints liked Isaac Keeler’s upside enough to take him in the 40’s last year, so I reckon Moir is another in the same mould that could really appeal. If he can improve consistency, he could be a star.
Pick 42, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Plays like: Brody Mihocek
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: Should he last this long, he won’t drift much further. Morris albeit a touch undersized for a true key forward, has clean strong hands and a great kick for goal. A great fit for the Tigers.
Pick 43, Fremantle [matched bid]
Dockers need 302 points to match. Lose pick 45 and gain pick 43.
Mitch Edwards | Ruck 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: A drifter, Edwards has made it outside the 40 and will be eligible to join Fremantle via their NGA. It’s not that I don’t rate Edwards, but I don’t think many clubs in the 20’s and 30’s are in dire need of rucks. The Dockers would be stoked should this occur on the night.
Pick 44, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: The Demons probably want another developing ruck with Gawn in the twilight of his career. Goad will take time but he is steadily improving.
Pick 45, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Giants need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 185cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Jordan De Goey
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 181cm/73kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 195cm/93kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: Curtin is the embodiment of the modern tall defender – strong, mobile, finely skilled and a big game player. The Hawks unsuccessfully targeted Ben McKay in the trade period, so they were obviously prepared to spend big on a tall defender. Should Curtin stand before them on the night, I think he’s the way to go. Grainger-Barras just hasn’t been able to secure his spot in the side that the Hawks spent big on in 2020.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/67kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally as creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: The Western Bulldogs have been a little behind the game in recent times with regards to the importance of speed and skill inside forward fifty. It is their biggest fault in their list. Besides Weightman, the cupboard is bare. Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully. Exactly what the Bulldogs need.
Pick 7, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: Though their midfield is not old by any stretch of the imagination, the Demons have a large age gap in their midfield group and it’s time to make amends. They shed Harmes, Jordon and Dunstan from their midfield depth over the off-season and added nobody. I think they’d love Sanders to add another big body to boost the rotations, and allow the flexibility of shifting Petracca forward more. Sanders has clean skills and could be a best 22 addition to Melbourne during their premiership window.
Pick 8, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
Nate Caddy | Key Forward/Midfielder 192cm/91kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Best available at this selection and to me Caddy is a great fit. Will provide great competition to the forwards already at the club.
Pick 9, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1175 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 37.
Ethan Read | Ruck 200cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player who want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 185cm/73kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Chad Warner
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: There’s one last player in what I consider to be category 2 of this draft and that is Wilson. He’s got a few more strings to his bow than some of the current Essendon midfielders – including the ability to play half-forward – and that’s why I expect him to appeal to them. No stranger to the scoreboard, he’s got the skills and slick ball movement to add to Essendon’s depth of mids..
Pick 13, Adelaide
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 184cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: Run and carry, and urgent movement toward their strong forward line is what can take Adelaide to the next level. Windsor provides this and seems a great fit.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
James Leake | Utility 188cm/74kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: Noted for his ability to play well at both ends, I think Leake is a great best available selection for Melbourne in order to boost their marking stocks at either end. Personally, I think he should be developed as an intercepting defender in his early days.
Pick 15, Sydney Swans
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Zac Bailey
Profile: Zippy midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to Sydney’s midfield group. He is a classy user forward of centre, and just seems a type of player who will thrive under Longmire, like Gulden before him.
Pick 16, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 854 points to match. Lose picks 37, 50, 60. Gain picks 16 and 70.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 172cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 185cm/78kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 190cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Crows need midfield depth more than anything in my opinion. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but the Crows have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/81kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: If North don’t take Curtin early, they’ll need defenders later and if Murphy is available at this selection, I think it’s a no-brainer. Murphy is strong and reliable in contested situations down back.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. I think he’s comparable to Brent Daniels but with better midfield ability. A great fit for the Giants – best available again.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Lance Collard | Small Forward 185cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. A player who can make something from nothing will really boost North during their rebuild, and can help turn them into a competitive side once more.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Collingwood
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Shannon Hurn
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: Following the uncertainty of Nathan Murphy’s future, I’d be stunned if the Pies didn’t look to add to their defensive depth this draft. Schoenmaker’s ability to clear 60 metres from the last line of defence will suit McRae’s fast rebounding game style. Could improve his defensive application but that can be coached.
Pick 25, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. He can really boost Adelaide’s ball movement from defence to the benefit of their great forward line.
Pick 26, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: Another boost to St Kilda’s midfield. Johnston is a reliable second touch midfielder who the Saints will like moving the ball to their forwards.
Pick 27, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jamie Elliott
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Delean projects to be better than any little forward currently on the Blues’ list. They’ve got capable crumbing options, but Delean is not only a good crumbing forward option but he’s a frequent leading target and reads the flight of the ball well. Can give the Blues another consistent goal kicking option.
Round two
Pick 28, West Coast
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Kyle Langford
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: The Eagles are still shallow for emerging midfield depth and Freijah could be a bargain buy in the second round. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle.
Pick 29, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Though he has spent much of his junior footy playing half-back, it has been Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to Geelong’s young midfield group.
Pick 30, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/89kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Although Pittonet and De Koning re-signed last season, I still think Carlton would like another developing ruck option for the future. I think Green has a good skillset and can be a complimentary piece in a two-ruck side.
Pick 31, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 32, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 467 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 55.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match any unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 33, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: Would love him to go earlier as I love this kid’s potential. Brisbane have a great side as it is, but sometimes I think they could do with another speedy runner out of defence. The need for speed is great in today’s game, and I think Lual would be a super fit for the grand finalists.
Pick 34, Essendon
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: A genuine second forward than can ruck is a glaring hole on the Bombers’ list and they don’t want to use their primary forward option Wright in that role. Never minding the fact that Reid’s brother is already at Essendon, Archer is definitely somebody that should be in the mix for the Bombers’ second pick.
Pick 35, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/80kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: A slider at 35, Hardeman could feature in the top 25 on draft night but a raft of half-back options around this mark sees him slide. The Pies are not short on half-back options right now but I think with his impressive endurance and accumulation, he can be developed as a winger which the Pies are in need of.
Pick 36, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Lost some depth with Hamling’s departure and probably need to rectify that. Zakostelsky is highly rated by many and a chance to go much earlier.
Pick 37, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. I think Essendon’s biggest shortfall is their inability to move the ball quickly enough out of defence, and Tew likes to get it and go. A nice boost to Essendon’s defence.
Pick 38, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Luke Lloyd | Key Forward 193cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 8, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jake Riccardi
Profile: Playmaking centre half-forward with good hands and an eye for goal
Rationale: With no successor to Darling emerging so far, the Eagles should draft a tall or two this year in the early stages of their rebuild to try and develop into good players once they’re ready to push for finals once more. Lloyd could be really good support for Allen who plays his best footy deep. He played decently for Frankston in the VFL when he had the chance.
Pick 39, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 357 points to match. Lose picks 65 and 68. Gain pick 39 and go into 2024 with 208-point deficit.
Will Graham | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 186cm/81kg
Age: 18 (July 27, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Mark O’Connor
Profile: Consistent athletic ball-winning mid who splits his minutes with playing half-back
Rationale: The last notable Suns academy option this year, and occasionally forgotten; I expect Graham to still be thereabouts on draft night, and I think he’s decent enough for the Suns to sacrifice a small deficit for. He’ll need to work on his tank to become a full-time midfielder, but perhaps with an already established midfield group, the Suns would actually nurture him to be a tough half-back who can just support the mids.
Pick 40, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Tom Sparrow
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The Lions don’t have a great deal of midfield depth and with Lyons approaching the end of his contract at 32 years of age, I think now is the time to recruit and Stevens provides a big body that could play next season. Should be a better player than Mathieson who played his fair share of games over the years.
Pick 41, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. The Saints liked Isaac Keeler’s upside enough to take him in the 40’s last year, so I reckon Moir is another in the same mould that could really appeal. If he can improve consistency, he could be a star.
Pick 42, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Plays like: Brody Mihocek
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: Should he last this long, he won’t drift much further. Morris albeit a touch undersized for a true key forward, has clean strong hands and a great kick for goal. A great fit for the Tigers.
Pick 43, Fremantle [matched bid]
Dockers need 302 points to match. Lose pick 45 and gain pick 43.
Mitch Edwards | Ruck 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: A drifter, Edwards has made it outside the 40 and will be eligible to join Fremantle via their NGA. It’s not that I don’t rate Edwards, but I don’t think many clubs in the 20’s and 30’s are in dire need of rucks. The Dockers would be stoked should this occur on the night.
Pick 44, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: The Demons probably want another developing ruck with Gawn in the twilight of his career. Goad will take time but he is steadily improving.
Pick 45, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Giants need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
2023 PHANTOM DRAFT
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 185cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Bayley Fritsch
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 181cm/73kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 195cm/93kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: The question begs – is Hawthorn’s need for key defenders so great they’ll take both Curtin and McCabe? For me, yes. Curtin is the prototype modern defender – quick, strong, skilful and effective in big games. Grainer-Barras just doesn’t look like filling out after Hawthorn drafted him with pick 6 three years ago, and after drafting heavily on midfielders in the last two years, I think they can confidently select tall and continue their upward trajectory.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: The Dogs have an urgent need for either of Sanders or Watson, and the rumour mill has in swing that they are very keen on Sanders assisting their dreadful age gap in midfield. Sanders is a beauty, and looks very much a safe selection that will play 200 games and potentially reach All-Australian level.
Pick 7, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1,401 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 56.
Ethan Read | Ruck 200cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 8, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Nate Caddy | Key Forward 192cm/91kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Although he has two years to run on his deal, you get the feeling the Demons are on borrowed time with Harry Petty, and with Brown and McDonald entering their last seasons, they need young firepower. Caddy, van Rooyen and Jefferson gives great long-term coverage and enables the Demons to have great hope in their young forward line and direct their attention elsewhere.
Pick 9, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/67kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully. You can never have too much speed in modern footy. Watson will be a great fit at GWS and boost them at ground level.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player you want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55.
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 184cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: Windsor is an extremely well-rounded winger and in an area where Essendon have good depth already, I think Windsor gives great flexibility with guys like Martin and Duursma in playing them on flanks. They need speed in and around the midfield.
Pick 13, Adelaide
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 185cm/73kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Chad Warner
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: It feels as if Windsor and Wilson will go at these two selections but depends on which one Essendon takes first. If Wilson gets to Adelaide’s selection, I think he’s a lovely pick to add to their growing midfield group.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
James Leake | Utility 188cm/74kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: Noted for his ability to play well at both ends, I think Leake is a great best available selection for Melbourne and I believe he could make it in any position, even as a ball winning midfielder or winger in addition to being a marking option at either end. Super high potential player.
Pick 15, Sydney Swans
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: Despite signing Hamling last month, Sydney’s long-term tall defensive stocks are aging with the aforementioned, as well as Rampe and Fox all being at least 30 years old, and Melican being ordinary at best at 27. Sydney can patiently develop Murphy for a year or two before he can take over from those older fellas and partner McCartin for years.
Pick 16, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 854 points to match. Lose picks 50, 57, 60. Gain picks 16 and enter 253-point deficit in 2024.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 172cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 185cm/78kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Sam Powell-Pepper
Profile: Brutish midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to Adelaide’s midfield group. He is a decent user forward of centre, present in big moments and is a great size to be able to impact sooner rather than later.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/81kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15. Following some midfield heavy drafts, Curtin and McCabe can set up the posts for a strong Hawks back line in years to come.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Trent McKenzie
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: North Melbourne urgently need tall defenders and Schoenmaker’s ability to clear huge distance from the last line of defence and take kick-ins will be attractive to them. Defensive application could be better but that can be coached. Has all the attacking weapons to be a very good defender.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 190cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Giants need midfield depth more than anything in my opinion. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but they have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Lance Collard | Small Forward 185cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. A player who can make something from nothing will really boost North during their rebuild, and can help turn them into a competitive side once more.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Collingwood
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/80kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: The Pies are not short on half-back options right now but I think with his impressive endurance and ball accumulation, he can be developed as a winger which the Pies need to regenerate in.
Pick 25, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. He can really boost Adelaide’s ball movement from defence to the benefit of their great forward line.
Pick 26, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Though his size likely prevents him from being more than a rare chop-out ruck, it’s one element to Zane’s growing bag of tricks. The Saints would like another young key defender to develop to eventually overtake Howard/Cordy, and Zakostelsky’s rapidly improving defensive work suggests he could well be taken on the first night of the draft.
Pick 27, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. A best available selection for Carlton – a midfielder with a point of difference compared to whom they already have.
Round two
Pick 28, West Coast
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Kyle Langford
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: The Eagles are still shallow for emerging midfield depth and Freijah could be a bargain buy in the second round. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle.
Pick 29, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to Geelong’s young midfield group.
Pick 30, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Plays like: Brody Mihocek
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: If Carlton have a need greater than any other, it’s a reliable third marking option up forward. Although not overly mobile for his size, Morris brings to Carlton a great marking target and needed depth behind McKay and Curnow. Could be a gun player at either end with his ability to read the ball well and take strong marks.
Pick 31, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 32, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: Despite acquiring Brandon Ryan last month, Brisbane still need tall forward support and one who can ruck also. We know the Lions rate a three tall forward line, and time is on Brisbane’s side to develop Reid effectively.
Pick 33, Essendon
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. I think Essendon’s biggest shortfall is their inability to move the ball quickly enough out of defence, and Tew likes to get it and go. A nice boost to Essendon’s defence.
Pick 34, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Mitch Edwards | 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: The Magpies re-signed the developing Begg but I believe the club are somewhat resigned to the fact he doesn’t have the size to be a ruck at the top level. Cameron and Cox are a serviceable combination but not young and unlikely to improve from here. Now is the time to take advantage of a good ruck draft where a couple may slip through the cracks.
Pick 35, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 418 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 52.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match and unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 36, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: A boost to Fremantle’s midfield, Johnston is a reliable second possession midfielder who the Dockers will like moving the ball to their forwards.
Pick 37, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jamie Elliott
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Essendon would love to add a goal kicking small at this stage in the draft, and Delean would be a great fit should he be available.
Pick 38, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/89kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Green is a big boy with plenty of tricks and looks likely to make a two-ruck system work in tandem with another ruck. Too good a player to pass up for West Coast who have uncertain long-term depth in this position.
Pick 39, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: I believe the Lions would benefit from adding another running defensive option and Lual has seriously high potential in my opinion. An extremely quick attacking defender, he is also a reliable interceptor and should he add size, could improve defensively too.
Pick 40, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. The Saints liked Isaac Keeler’s upside enough to take him in the 40’s last year, so I reckon Moir is another in the same mould that could really appeal. If he can improve consistency, he could be a star.
Pick 41, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Tigers need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
Pick 42, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: The Demons probably want another developing ruck with Gawn in the twilight of his career. Goad will take time but he is steadily improving.
Pick 43, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Charlie Constable
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The big-bodied ready to go mid can add immediate midfield depth to Greater Western Sydney who don’t have a great deal of it.
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 185cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Bayley Fritsch
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 181cm/73kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 195cm/93kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: The question begs – is Hawthorn’s need for key defenders so great they’ll take both Curtin and McCabe? For me, yes. Curtin is the prototype modern defender – quick, strong, skilful and effective in big games. Grainer-Barras just doesn’t look like filling out after Hawthorn drafted him with pick 6 three years ago, and after drafting heavily on midfielders in the last two years, I think they can confidently select tall and continue their upward trajectory.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: The Dogs have an urgent need for either of Sanders or Watson, and the rumour mill has in swing that they are very keen on Sanders assisting their dreadful age gap in midfield. Sanders is a beauty, and looks very much a safe selection that will play 200 games and potentially reach All-Australian level.
Pick 7, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1,401 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 56.
Ethan Read | Ruck 200cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 8, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Nate Caddy | Key Forward 192cm/91kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Although he has two years to run on his deal, you get the feeling the Demons are on borrowed time with Harry Petty, and with Brown and McDonald entering their last seasons, they need young firepower. Caddy, van Rooyen and Jefferson gives great long-term coverage and enables the Demons to have great hope in their young forward line and direct their attention elsewhere.
Pick 9, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/67kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully. You can never have too much speed in modern footy. Watson will be a great fit at GWS and boost them at ground level.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player you want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55.
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 184cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: Windsor is an extremely well-rounded winger and in an area where Essendon have good depth already, I think Windsor gives great flexibility with guys like Martin and Duursma in playing them on flanks. They need speed in and around the midfield.
Pick 13, Adelaide
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 185cm/73kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Chad Warner
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: It feels as if Windsor and Wilson will go at these two selections but depends on which one Essendon takes first. If Wilson gets to Adelaide’s selection, I think he’s a lovely pick to add to their growing midfield group.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
James Leake | Utility 188cm/74kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: Noted for his ability to play well at both ends, I think Leake is a great best available selection for Melbourne and I believe he could make it in any position, even as a ball winning midfielder or winger in addition to being a marking option at either end. Super high potential player.
Pick 15, Sydney Swans
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: Despite signing Hamling last month, Sydney’s long-term tall defensive stocks are aging with the aforementioned, as well as Rampe and Fox all being at least 30 years old, and Melican being ordinary at best at 27. Sydney can patiently develop Murphy for a year or two before he can take over from those older fellas and partner McCartin for years.
Pick 16, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 854 points to match. Lose picks 50, 57, 60. Gain picks 16 and enter 253-point deficit in 2024.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 172cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 185cm/78kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Sam Powell-Pepper
Profile: Brutish midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to Adelaide’s midfield group. He is a decent user forward of centre, present in big moments and is a great size to be able to impact sooner rather than later.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/81kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15. Following some midfield heavy drafts, Curtin and McCabe can set up the posts for a strong Hawks back line in years to come.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Trent McKenzie
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: North Melbourne urgently need tall defenders and Schoenmaker’s ability to clear huge distance from the last line of defence and take kick-ins will be attractive to them. Defensive application could be better but that can be coached. Has all the attacking weapons to be a very good defender.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 190cm/82kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Giants need midfield depth more than anything in my opinion. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but they have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Lance Collard | Small Forward 185cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. A player who can make something from nothing will really boost North during their rebuild, and can help turn them into a competitive side once more.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Collingwood
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/80kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: The Pies are not short on half-back options right now but I think with his impressive endurance and ball accumulation, he can be developed as a winger which the Pies need to regenerate in.
Pick 25, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. He can really boost Adelaide’s ball movement from defence to the benefit of their great forward line.
Pick 26, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Though his size likely prevents him from being more than a rare chop-out ruck, it’s one element to Zane’s growing bag of tricks. The Saints would like another young key defender to develop to eventually overtake Howard/Cordy, and Zakostelsky’s rapidly improving defensive work suggests he could well be taken on the first night of the draft.
Pick 27, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. A best available selection for Carlton – a midfielder with a point of difference compared to whom they already have.
Round two
Pick 28, West Coast
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Kyle Langford
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: The Eagles are still shallow for emerging midfield depth and Freijah could be a bargain buy in the second round. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle.
Pick 29, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to Geelong’s young midfield group.
Pick 30, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Plays like: Brody Mihocek
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: If Carlton have a need greater than any other, it’s a reliable third marking option up forward. Although not overly mobile for his size, Morris brings to Carlton a great marking target and needed depth behind McKay and Curnow. Could be a gun player at either end with his ability to read the ball well and take strong marks.
Pick 31, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 32, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: Despite acquiring Brandon Ryan last month, Brisbane still need tall forward support and one who can ruck also. We know the Lions rate a three tall forward line, and time is on Brisbane’s side to develop Reid effectively.
Pick 33, Essendon
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. I think Essendon’s biggest shortfall is their inability to move the ball quickly enough out of defence, and Tew likes to get it and go. A nice boost to Essendon’s defence.
Pick 34, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Mitch Edwards | 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: The Magpies re-signed the developing Begg but I believe the club are somewhat resigned to the fact he doesn’t have the size to be a ruck at the top level. Cameron and Cox are a serviceable combination but not young and unlikely to improve from here. Now is the time to take advantage of a good ruck draft where a couple may slip through the cracks.
Pick 35, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 418 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 52.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match and unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 36, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: A boost to Fremantle’s midfield, Johnston is a reliable second possession midfielder who the Dockers will like moving the ball to their forwards.
Pick 37, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jamie Elliott
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Essendon would love to add a goal kicking small at this stage in the draft, and Delean would be a great fit should he be available.
Pick 38, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/89kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Green is a big boy with plenty of tricks and looks likely to make a two-ruck system work in tandem with another ruck. Too good a player to pass up for West Coast who have uncertain long-term depth in this position.
Pick 39, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: I believe the Lions would benefit from adding another running defensive option and Lual has seriously high potential in my opinion. An extremely quick attacking defender, he is also a reliable interceptor and should he add size, could improve defensively too.
Pick 40, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. The Saints liked Isaac Keeler’s upside enough to take him in the 40’s last year, so I reckon Moir is another in the same mould that could really appeal. If he can improve consistency, he could be a star.
Pick 41, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Tigers need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
Pick 42, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: The Demons probably want another developing ruck with Gawn in the twilight of his career. Goad will take time but he is steadily improving.
Pick 43, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Charlie Constable
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The big-bodied ready to go mid can add immediate midfield depth to Greater Western Sydney who don’t have a great deal of it.
2023 PHANTOM DRAFT
November, 2023
Ages as of draft night
Round one
Pick 1, West Coast
Harley Reid | Utility 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 17, 2005)
VIC Country | Bendigo Pioneers
Plays like: Christian Petracca
Profile: Contested ball-winning mid with strength who can boot goals up forward and take big marks.
Rationale: There isn’t much more to say than we already know about Harley Reid. He will go at #1 no matter which club holds the pick, and he will start as Rising Star favourite. I expect the Eagles to retain the pick and groom Reid into the team immediately in 2024. He will likely be a star in years to come.
Pick 2, Gold Coast [academy bid]
Suns need 2014 points to match. Lose picks 24, 26, 27. Gain picks 2 and Pick 56.
Jed Walter | Key Forward 194cm/97kg
Age: 18 (June 8, 2005)
Allies | GC Academy
Plays like: Charlie Curnow
Profile: Strong key forward with natural goal sense. Also has decent ground level game.
Rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Walter. Not too far off being the #1 prospect (in my opinion), Walter will see playing opportunities at the Suns in 2024.
Pick 3, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma | General Forward 189cm/80kg
Age: 18 (August 28, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Bayley Fritsch
Profile: Aerially gifted medium forward with scoreboard impact and ball-winning potential
Rationale: The mercurial forward will almost certainly become a Roo in order to boost Clarkson’s goal kicking stocks, with potential to grow into an attacking midfielder in years to come.
Pick 4, North Melbourne [McKay compensation pick]
Colby McKercher | Inside Midfielder 182cm/76kg
Age: 18 (April 12, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania Devils
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Profile: Sharp-using ball winning midfielder who has stood well above in most of his outings.
Rationale: North Melbourne already have an abundance of up-and-coming midfielders but I don’t think you can pass up a player like McKercher when you have the opportunity to get them. A near complete midfielder, with LDU, Wardlaw, Phillips and Thomas, these boys can form a formidable midfield group in the 2020’s.
Pick 5, Hawthorn
Nick Watson | Small Forward 170cm/68kg
Age: 18 (February 25, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Tom Papley
Profile: Blissfully skilled little forward who is equally as creative as he is clinical.
Rationale: The Hawks will be hoping to tick off their small forward box for a long time by picking up Ginnivan and Watson within weeks of each other. Luke Breust has been a champion and will be tough to replace, so Watson naturally will be of significant interest to Hawthorn. Size is no concern for Watson given his attack on the footy and acceleration away from contests. He marks well and kicks beautifully.
Pick 6, Western Bulldogs [from Gold Coast]
Ryley Sanders | Inside Midfielder 186cm/85kg
Age: 18 (January 21, 2005)
Allies | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Adam Cerra
Profile: Tough well-rounded ball winning mid with elite handballing and positioning
Rationale: The Dogs have an urgent need for either of Sanders or Watson, and the rumour mill has in swing that they are very keen on Sanders assisting their dreadful age gap in midfield. Sanders is a beauty, and looks very much a safe selection that will play 200 games and potentially reach All-Australian level.
Pick 7, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 1,401 points to match. Lose picks 30, 34 and 36. Gain picks 9 and 56.
Ethan Read | Ruck 202cm/92kg
Age: 18 (July 7, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Tim English
Profile: Strong-marking athletic ruck with elite tank
Rationale: Like Walter, the Suns won’t pass up Read who will be the successor to Jarrod Witts. I expect the bid to come from Geelong.
Pick 8, Melbourne [from Fremantle]
Daniel Curtin | Key Defender 197cm/95kg
Age: 18 (March 18, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Tom Stewart
Profile: Wonderfully versatile defender who performs on the big occasions.
Rationale: Curtin is the prototype modern defender – quick, strong, skilful and effective in big games. We can no longer ignore the fact that Steven May commences next season at 32 years of age, with only Jed Adams drafted last season spearheading their young key defensive stocks. Curtin as a prospect is a stud and he’ll gain valuable experience from May and Lever.
Pick 9, GWS Giants [from Richmond]
James Leake | Utility 187cm/77kg
Age: 18 (February 10, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
Profile: Versatile mid-size option who has looked terrific up forward and down back.
Rationale: One of the tougher picks of the draft, the Giants aren’t in dire need in any position. I think they roll the dice on the bolter Leake who is noted for his ability to play well at both ends. I believe he could make it in any position, even as a ball winning midfielder or winger in addition to being a marking option at either end. Super high potential player.
Pick 10, Geelong
Connor O’Sullivan | Key Defender 198cm/92kg
Age: 18 (May 19, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Jeremy McGovern
Profile: Proactive defender who racks it up and rebounds efficiently
Rationale: O’Sullivan is a ripping big defender and super likely to become a great player at the top level. The Cats surprised me last year when they didn’t take a defender in the draft, after holding Esava to his contract. Now that he’s gone, the reserves are bare. Not a worry though, O’Sullivan is exactly the type of player you want to sit at centre half-back in front of De Koning for 10 years.
Pick 11, Western Bulldogs [matched bid]
Bulldogs need 1063 points to match. Lose picks 44, 46, 48 and 49. Gain picks 11 and 55.
Jordan Croft | Key Forward 201cm/80kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
VIC Metro | Calder Cannons
Plays like: Eric Hipwood
Profile: Agile big forward-ruck with plenty of improvement to come.
Rationale: An earlier bid than fancied by most, the Dogs may have to pay up a bit for Croft but they’ll be happy to get him. With Naughton, Ugle-Hagan and Darcy already spearheading their attack for the next decade, it’ll be interesting to see if Croft is developed down back, if the Dogs don’t switch Darcy or Naughton.
Pick 12, Essendon
Nate Caddy | Key Forward 193cm/88kg
Age: 18 (July 14, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Darcy Fogarty
Profile: Dynamic big forward with midfield potential.
Rationale: Best available selection for Essendon and he fills a super need at Essendon too, assisting Langford and Wright as another mobile marking option who can push half-forward and maybe grab midfield minutes when he matures too.
Pick 13, Adelaide
Darcy Wilson | Balanced Midfielder 186cm/74kg
Age: 18 (October 18, 2005)
VIC Country | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Josh Daicos
Profile: Clever, evasive midfielder with scoreboard impact.
Rationale: It has to be a midfielders’ draft for Adelaide in my opinion, and Wilson is the best available here. Whilst I agree they could do with Windsor on a wing, they are desperate for some run and gun inside the contests and Wilson just ticks too many boxes at a pick outside the top 10 to ignore.
Pick 14, Melbourne [from Western Bulldogs, via Gold Coast]
Caleb Windsor | Outside Midfielder 185cm/74kg
Age: 18 (June 9, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Ed Langdon
Profile: Energetic winger with rapid speed and runs both ways
Rationale: I think Windsor is too good a natural-winger to last any longer than Melbourne’s second selection, and he can really bolster their outside run and turn it into one of the league’s best alongside Langdon and Hunter. Will go a long way to improving the midfield-forward connection.
Pick 15, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 890 points to match. Lose picks 50, 57, 60. Gain picks 16 and enter 289-point deficit in 2024.
Jake Rogers | Inside Midfielder 171cm/69kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Dylan Moore
Profile: Tough, nuggety two-way running midfielder with forward potential
Rationale: The third Suns’ academy prospect set to stay home, Rogers is a ripping talent forward of centre with his grittiness, speed and ability to cause damage up forward.
Pick 16, Sydney Swans
Riley Hardeman | General Defender/Outside Midfielder 188cm/75kg
Age: 18 (February 27, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Plays like: Mason Redman
Profile: Well-rounded rebounding defender who runs all day and links up well
Rationale: The Swans have announced they’ll be drafting best available, so it’s a mystery as to whom they rate highest who will be available but Hardeman carries a lot of the traits I feel Sydney have chased in recent years. A booming rebounding defender who breaks lines and defends well could be of great interest – he’s probably the best non-key defender in this draft.
Pick 17, St Kilda
Koltyn Tholstrup | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 186cm/86kg
Age: 18 (June 28, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Sam Powell-Pepper
Profile: Bullish midfield-forward with strong hands and good touch
Rationale: Tholstrup’s flair and goal kicking will be a welcome addition to St Kilda’s midfield group. He adds a point of difference to whom they already have, and they’ll like his aggressive movement forward. They’re known fans, and I think barring any significant drifters, he’ll likely be a Saint.
Pick 18, Adelaide [from Melbourne, via Gold Coast]
Charlie Edwards | Inside Midfielder 191cm/85kg
Age: 18 (May 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
Profile: Tall ball-winning midfielder with gusto and acceleration
Rationale: The Crows need midfield depth most. Edwards is a unique midfielder in this draft who will likely take more time to blossom, but they have time on their side. Upside is a word that drives me nuts but he has it, and a lot of it if he can really put it together.
Pick 19, Hawthorn [matched bid]
Hawks need 758 points to match. Lose picks 39 and 42. Gain picks 19 and 66.
Will McCabe | Key Defender 197cm/86kg
Age: 18 (September 29, 2005)
South Australia | Central District
Plays like: Nick Blakey
Profile: Quick, mobile big defender who can intercepts and sets up play.
Rationale: The Hawks will match any unreasonable bid on McCabe which looks set to come after 15. Following some midfield heavy drafts, Curtin and McCabe can set up the posts for a strong Hawks back line in years to come.
Pick 20, North Melbourne [from Port Adelaide]
Will Green | Ruck 204cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 8, 2005)
VIC Metro | Northern Knights
Plays like: Toby Nankervis
Profile: Strong marking around the ground ruck.
Rationale: Green is a big boy with plenty of tricks and looks likely to make a two-ruck system work in tandem with another ruck. His tank is admirable and his skills are great for a big man. North Melbourne’s ruck stocks are tragic to be brutal. They should take one and Green appears the best beyond Ethan Read.
Pick 21, GWS Giants
Lance Collard | Small Forward 180cm/66kg
Age: 18 (March 26, 2005)
Western Australia | Subiaco
Plays like: Will Hayward
Profile: Opportunistic and mercurial ground level forward who is capable as a marking target
Rationale: A small forward as prolific in big games as Collard has been won’t be sitting for too much longer I wouldn’t think. Another pure small option up forward for GWS is something they could use I reckon, as guys like Bedford and Daniels do more damage up the ground.
Pick 22, North Melbourne [from Carlton]
Ollie Murphy | Key Defender 200cm/85kg
Age: 18 (September 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Charlie Ballard
Profile: Clever intercepting defender whose attack on the footy is a standout
Rationale: I think North’s need for keys in defence is too great to ignore. Can Pink, Nyuon and Comben fill the void long-term? Doubtful, I think. Many underrate his potential and he could be one of the picks of the draft. Seems a very good fit to me.
Pick 23, North Melbourne [from Brisbane Lions, via Western Bulldogs via Gold Coast]
Archie Roberts | General Defender 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (November 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Wil Powell
Profile: Confident driving defender who is reliable from kick ins and gels with teammates
Rationale: The fifth selection for North who have ticked a few boxes and lastly, I think they really need an aggressive rebounding defender who can move the ball with ease and take kick ins.
Pick 24, Sydney Swans [matched bid]
Swans need 628 points to match. Lose picks 43 and 48. Gain picks 32 and 70.
Caiden Cleary | Inside Midfielder 182cm/79kg
Age: 18 (March 5, 2005)
Allies | Swans Academy
Plays like: Willem Drew
Profile: Hungry ground-level midfielder with good touch and smarts
Rationale: The Swans should match and unreasonable bid for Cleary, and he’ll provide additional midfield depth for the Swans for years to come. A potential bargain buy.
Pick 25, Gold Coast [matched bid]
Suns need 605 points to match. I presume they will trade in the required picks to pay for Rogers and Graham or minimise their deficit in 2024.
Will Graham | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 186cm/81kg
Age: 18 (July 27, 2005)
Allies | Gold Coast Academy
Plays like: Mitch Hinge
Profile: Consistent athletic ball winning mid who splits his minutes with playing half-back
Rationale: After being forgotten for much of the year, it appears Graham could actually appear on the first night of the draft. He will need to work on his tank to become a full-time midfielder, but perhaps with an already established midfield group, the Suns would actually nurture him to be a tough half-back who can just support the mids.
Pick 26, Collingwood
Koen Sanchez | Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward 177cm/69kg
Age: 18 (January 19, 2005)
Western Australia | East Fremantle
Plays like: Liam Baker
Profile: Crafty and efficient goal kicking midfielder with great marking hands for his size
Rationale: One of my favourite prospects, Sanchez has the skillset to make it in any non-key position on the ground in my opinion. His skills are a true weapon and his ability to link up with teammates and read the play ahead of time is a pleasure to watch. I think the Magpies will draft best available as they usually do, and Sanchez is the type of player they often rate highly.
Pick 27, Adelaide [Doedee compensation pick]
Taylor Goad | Ruck 206cm/97kg
Age: 18 (April 24, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Ned Reeves
Profile: Monster ruck prospect with good foot speed
Rationale: I’m going to ride the bandwagon and go with the Crows taking the SA ruck with their third selection. His season was terrific given he only took footy seriously this year for the first time. Strachan sits as their only reserve ruck and he’s not really up to the AFL level, so the need is there.
Pick 28, St Kilda [Gresham compensation pick]
Harry DeMattia | Inside Midfielder/Utility 184cm/77kg
Age: 18 (September 11, 2005)
VIC Metro | Dandenong Country
Plays like: Taylor Adams
Profile: Explosive athlete with speed to burn. Runs both ways and is versatile.
Rationale: It pains me to have DeMattia this low as I really rate him. It’s not easy to get speed out of the middle at this stage in the draft, but the Saints may be able to secure it in DeMattia who is equipped to burst out of the middle and use the ball well, and also able to get back and defend when things are going the other way.
Pick 29, Carlton [North Melbourne 2023 assistance pick]
Arie Schoenmaker | Key Defender 194cm/91kg
Age: 18 (January 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Plays like: Trent McKenzie
Profile: Booming playmaking defender who marks strongly and moves the ball with ease
Rationale: Has all the attacking weapons to be a very good defender. Defensive application can improve with coaching. I would be surprised if the Blues see Young and Sam Durdin in their long-term future, so I think there’s a need to begin developing another tall defender. Schoenmaker on the last line of defence might give flexibility to free up Weitering and McGovern more.
Round two
Pick 30, West Coast
Tew Jiath | General Defender 188cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 2, 2005)
Gippsland Power
Plays like: Changkuoth Jiath
Profile: Speedy and evasive rebounding defender who reads the play well.
Rationale: A similar height and weight to his Hawk brother Tew plays similarly but I think his intercepting and reading of the flight of the ball is superior. The Eagles are without Hurn now and I think their current WAFL defence stocks are uninspiring, so Jiath comes in to aid their rebuild.
Pick 31, Geelong [North Melbourne 2022 assistance pick, via Fremantle via Port Adelaide]
Angus Hastie | Medium Defender 190cm/74kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Geelong Falcons
Plays like: Lachie Whitfield
Profile: Quick, skilful and ambitious rebounding defender who intercepts well too
Rationale: Hastie is a player that could surprise on the night and go top 20 in my opinion. The importance of players with daring overlapping run and good skills from defence has never been greater. Geelong need to regenerate in defence and the local boy brings a lot of the skills and run they will lose from Tuohy and Duncan.
Pick 32, Carlton [from Hawthorn, via Sydney via North Melbourne]
Ashton Moir | General Forward 187cm/85kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | Glenelg
Plays like: Paul Curtis
Profile: Skilful dual-sided forward once considered an early pick contender
Rationale: It’s a shame we didn’t see the best of Moir this year but we saw glimpses. In a club devoid of serious depth, a player like Moir will be rated much higher by some than others and I feel Carlton could be one of the clubs looking to unlock his potential.
Pick 33, Richmond
Phoenix Gothard | Small Forward 178cm/72kg
Age: 18 (September 7, 2005)
Allies | Murray Bushrangers
Plays like: Lincoln McCarthy
Profile: Crafty and creative little forward whose speed forward of centre is a force
Rationale: With no first round selection, the Tigers need to make the most of their selections and take the best available. At this stage it’s Gothard who projects to be better than any small forward currently getting games at Tiger land. His skill and pressure will be loved at Punt Road, and he is a reliable goal kicker too.
Pick 34, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Archer Reid | Key Forward/Ruck 203cm/93kg
Age: 18 (September 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Hayden McLean
Profile: Capable dual-position forward with good hands and a hunger for the contest
Rationale: Despite acquiring Brandon Ryan last month, Brisbane still need tall forward support and one who can ruck also. We know the Lions rate a three tall forward line, and time is on Brisbane’s side to develop Reid effectively.
Pick 35, Essendon
Luamon Lual | General Defender 182cm/72kg
Age: 18 (March 28, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Isaac Quaynor
Profile: Rapid running defender with aggressive ball movement
Rationale: I think Essendon’s greatest shortfall is their ability to quickly move the ball out of defence, and this is Lual’s specialty. An extremely quick attacking defender, he is also a reliable interceptor and should he add size, could improve defensively too. A great fit.
Pick 36, Collingwood [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Mitch Edwards | 206cm/88kg
Age: 18 (June 2, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Tom De Koning
Profile: Athletically gifted ruck with good hands and improving forward craft
Rationale: The Magpies re-signed the developing Begg but I believe the club are somewhat resigned to the fact he doesn’t have the size to be a ruck at the top level. Cameron and Cox are a serviceable combination but not young and not going to improve from here. Now is the time to take advantage of a good ruck draft where a couple may slip through the cracks.
Pick 37, Fremantle [from Sydney Swans via Collingwood]
Shaun Mannagh | Small Forward 175cm/80kg
Age: 26 (August 6, 1997)
Werribee
Plays like: Orazio Fantasia
Profile: Mercurial goal-kicking forward who has taken the VFL by storm.
Rationale: Would be fitting for the Dockers to use the spare parts from the outgoing Schultz trade to secure this exciting mature-age forward. Ready to go after a fantastic VFL season, Mannagh has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Freo and clubs won’t let him hang around too long.
Pick 38, Essendon [from St Kilda]
Jack Delean | Small Forward 181cm/77kg
Age: 18 (April 15, 2005)
South Australia | South Adelaide
Plays like: Jack Higgins
Profile: Prolific goal kicking small forward with a spring in his step
Rationale: I think Essendon would love to add another goal-kicking small at this stage in the draft, and Delean would be a great fit should he be available.
Pick 39, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Clay Hall | Balanced Midfielder 189cm/87kg
Age: 18 (May 12, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Plays like: Conor Nash
Profile: Swift big-bodied midfielder who accumulates the footy both inside and out
Rationale: The Eagles will be keen to grab another midfielder or two and Hall is someone who might play sooner rather than later I reckon. They’re linked and he’s a good fit.
Pick 40, Brisbane [from Carlton via Collingwood via Hawthorn]
George Stevens | Inside Midfielder/General Defender 189cm/101kg
Age: 18 (April 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Plays like: Seb Ross
Profile: Tough defensive-minded midfielder who has the body to play senior footy early
Rationale: The big-bodied ready to go mid can add immediate midfield depth to Brisbane Lions, who need it with very few options outside of their best 22.
Pick 41, St Kilda [from Brisbane Lions via Western Bulldogs]
Zane Zakostelsky | Key Defender/Ruck 196cm/89kg
Age: 17 (December 14, 2005)
Western Australia | Claremont
Plays like: Noah Balta
Profile: Athletic and mobile intercepting defender who can ruck
Rationale: Though his size likely prevents him from being more than a rare chop-out ruck, it’s one element to Zane’s growing bag of tricks. The Saints would like another young key defender to develop to eventually overtake Howard/Cordy, and Zakostelsky’s rapidly improving defensive work suggests he could well be taken on the first night of the draft.
Pick 42, Richmond [from Collingwood via GWS Giants via Port Adelaide]
Cooper Simpson | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 181cm/79kg
Age: 18 (February 13, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jade Gresham
Profile: Speedy goal kicking midfielder
Rationale: Rationale: An underrated midfield prospect in this draft, Simpson’s numbers have been consistently impressive so much so I expect him to be taken. The Tigers need additional midfield depth in my opinion and Simpson is one who can be developed into a good player.
Pick 43, Melbourne [James Jordon compensation]
Riley Weatherill | Key Forward 197cm/93kg
Age: 18 (November 21, 2005)
VIC Metro | Eastern Ranges
Plays like: Dan McStay
Profile: Big contested marking forward
Profile: Melbourne are likely on borrowed time with Petty so it’s time to draft a successor. Granted they already have Jefferson from last year’s draft, but I think they probably need another developing. Weatherill is a pretty simple mark and kick forward, but what he does well he does very well.
Pick 44, GWS Giants [Matt Flynn compensation]
Wil Dawson | Key Defender 200cm/86kg
Age: 17 (December 20, 2005)
VIC Country | Gippsland Power
Plays like: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Profile: Quick tall defender with good tackling and intercept marking
Rationale: Though Dawson projects to be a longer-term prospect, clubs will need to move quickly to secure a 200cm defender with his foot speed, and his experience playing in a variety of roles. The Giants wouldn’t mind another monster on the list, and Dawson seems a good fit.
Round three
Pick 45, Hawthorn [from Fremantle via Port Adelaide via Richmond]
Joel Freijah | Wing 190cm/88kg
Age: 18 (November 14, 2005)
VIC Country | GWV Rebels
Profile: Tall skilful outside mid with the frame and skillset to fill roles across the ground
Rationale: Freijah could be a bargain buy at this stage of the draft. He is able to get forward and hit the scoreboard often as a marking target, and he covers plenty of ground through the middle. A best available call for Hawthorn.
Pick 46, Fremantle
Logan Morris | Key Forward 191cm/90kg
Age: 18 (October 5, 2005)
VIC Metro | Western Jets
Profile: Tough contested marking forward with a great set shot routine
Rationale: Morris brings to Fremantle a great marking target and much needed emerging depth alongside Amiss. Could be a gun player at either end with his ability to read the ball well and take strong marks.
Pick 47, Brisbane Lions [from Geelong]
Will Brown | Inside Midfielder/Key Forward 195cm/85kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Efficient tall midfielder who can overhead mark and play forward
Rationale: A bit of additional size to add to the Lions’ midfield group, though Brown’s experience playing forward at his size will also appeal to clubs as an option for his development.
Pick 48, Brisbane Lions [from Western Bulldogs via Hawthorn]
Joe Fonti | Outside Midfielder 188cm/73kg
Age: 18 (December 24, 2004)
Western Australia | Claremont
Profile: Athletic and agile overage winger who covers some serious ground
Rationale: Think Brisbane are low on natural wingers at the club, so Fonti joins as a prospect who runs all day and can use the ball well.
Pick 49, Western Bulldogs [from St Kilda]
Billy Wilson | General Defender/Inside Midfielder 182cm/71kg
Age: 18 (June 16, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Plays like: Jye Caldwell
Profile: Accumulating ball-winning midfielder with strong rebounding game
Rationale: Wilson’s late season midfield form which has seen him rise up the rankings, by winning plenty of footy, linking well with teammates and getting it inside 50. A prospering midfield option, I think he’s a nice boost to the Western Bulldogs who need young mids.
Pick 50, North Melbourne [from Melbourne]
Sam Clohesy | Medium Defender 189cm/74kg
Age: 20 (December 12, 2002)
Werribee
Profile: Aggressive well-rounded rebounding defender
Rationale: Shredded a lot of medium defensive depth this year and Clohesy is a plug-and-play option with untapped potential. Reunites with Michael Barlow too.
Pick 51, West Coast [from Port Adelaide]
Anthony Davis | Key Defender 196cm/89kg
Age: 22 (July 23, 2001)
Claremont
Profile: Big intercepting defender with a raking left foot kick
Rationale: Davis is at an age where progress can still be significant, and I think the Eagles really need to boost their defence initially to become more competitive. With McGovern aging and injury plagued, I see the need for a ready-made defender as substantial.
Pick 52, GWS Giants
Will Patton | General Defender 192cm/79kg
Age: 18 (January 4, 2005)
South Australia | West Adelaide
Profile: Well-rounded defender who can play tall or small
Rationale: Best available defender to further boost GWS’ depth.
Pick 53, Fremantle [from Carlton]
Harvey Johnston | Balanced Midfielder 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (August 18, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Ben Keays
Profile: Swift attacking midfielder who can play inside or out, and hurt forward of centre.
Rationale: Johnston is a reliable second possession midfielder who the Dockers can add to further improve their midfield depth, and skills away from the stoppages.
Pick 54, Hawthorn [from Collingwood via Gold Coast]
Calsher Dear | Key Forward 195cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 4, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Raw tall forward with great leap
Rationale: Hawks to use their last selection of the night on the father-son prospect.
Round four
Hawthorn pass
Pick 55, Fremantle
Aiden O’Driscoll | Outside Midfielder 175cm/70kg
Age: 18 (July 22, 2005)
Western Australia | Perth
Profile: Speedy attacking winger
Rationale: Never mind the fact his brother and sister play for Fremantle already, Aiden fits Freo’s need for more outside speed, with their current wing options being rather ordinary.
Pick 56, Richmond [from Hawthorn via North Melbourne]
Evan Smith | Key Forward/Ruck 201cm/89kg
Age: 18 (August 11, 2005)
Western Australia | Swan Districts
Profile: Good supporting ruck-forward with great work ethic
Rationale: Don’t really have any developing tall forwards so Smith fixes that.
Brisbane Lions pass
Richmond pass
Pick 57, Western Bulldogs
Jack Callinan | Small Forward 179cm/81kg
Age: 18 (October 7, 2005)
Allies | Tasmania
Profile: Mercurial little forward with good pressure
Rationale: Exactly what the Bulldogs need late in the draft – an intelligent forward who can run both ways.
Pick 58, Carlton
Matt Carroll | Medium Defender 188cm/81kg
Age: 17 (November 28, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Defensive-minded player with good foot speed and intercept marking
Rationale: Carlton have been linked to this kid so if he’s still on the board, he’ll gather some interest. A more defensive player than the likes of Cowan and Cincotta whom they’ve taken recently.
Pick 59, Port Adelaide [from Sydney via Essendon]
Tarkyn O’Leary | Outside Midfielder 178cm/70kg
Age: 18 (July 1, 2005)
VIC Metro | Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Intelligent forward-turned winger with great kicking
Rationale: He would be rated much higher if he was a bit bigger, but O’Leary has the stamina and skills to make it in the AFL, and the Power I think would like another developing winger.
Pick 60, Geelong
Reece Torrent | Inside Midfielder 184cm/83kg
Age: 18 (August 3, 2005)
Western Australia | Peel Thunder
Profile: Smooth-using mid who can win the footy and run hard all day
Rationale: An underrated prospect for mine, would be a healthy addition to Geelong’s midfield.
GWS Giants pass
Collingwood pass
Round five
West Coast pass
Fremantle pass
Pick 61, Geelong
Kade De La Rue | Inside Midfielder/General Forward 183cm/79kg
Age: 18 (November 19, 2005)
VIC Country | Dandenong Stingrays
Profile: Tough two-way running midfielder who can play forward
Rationale: Deserves to get drafted. Geelong select the nimble and efficient young midfielder.
Sydney pass
St Kilda pass
Melbourne pass
Geelong pass
Round six
Pick 62, Port Adelaide
Nathan Philactides | Small Defender 179cm/80kg
Age: 18 (January 10, 2005)
VIC Metro | Oakleigh Chargers
Profile: Rapid rebounding defender who marks well for his size
Rationale: The Power use the last pick to add some rapid running to their defensive group.
Pick 63, Sydney Swans [bid match surplus]
Luke Lloyd | Key Forward 193cm/87kg
Age: 18 (August 8, 2005)
Sandringham Dragons
Profile: Playmaking centre half-forward with good hands and an eye for goal
Rationale: I think Lloyd can develop at either end of the ground, and really soften Sydney’s blow of losing some of their aging talls.
Round seven
Port Adelaide pass
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