List Mgmt. 2025 AFL Draft - Top 10 Candidates

[eaglevision]

Walker brothers now not eligible in our NGA then. God our zone is dogshite Armstrong literally the only kid that seems half decent in the whole time NGA has been a thing other than Walker who is a FS.

We haven’t fared much better.

 

[Toadvine]

They are both tall. Reckon Smillie is a bit more ... everything.

No no no no. They are both tall blonde midfielders. Cal is right, they are exactly the same player.

He's a deep thinker

 

[Damo80]

Best available would be a mid even at pick 4. It's not going to be a key forward or half back flanker. Our teams biggest weakness is in the midfield.

Split picks so early in a rebuild is West Coast nuffy levels.

Define “mid” in relation to players in this draft. Then define “mid” in terms of our biggest weakness.

I.e. Sharp would be best available if he’s there at our pick, but a similar type mid to what we’re actually already ok for. I’d argue that the type we’re really dying for either isn’t there, or is a flanker you’d hope to develop into an outside, running mid.

End of day, doesn’t really matter what I think. I was more sharing aloud my curiosity about how the club sees the players in this draft in light of next years draft, our playing list and list needs, potential current/future trade targets etc. And a scenario where there might be some appeal to splitting.

 

[Dr Tigris]

No no no no. They are both tall blonde midfielders. Cal is right, they are exactly the same player.

He's a deep thinker

You're right. They are the same

 

[Pomsta]

Define “mid” in relation to players in this draft. Then define “mid” in terms of our biggest weakness.

I.e. Sharp would be best available if he’s there at our pick, but a similar type mid to what we’re actually already ok for. I’d argue that the type we’re really dying for either isn’t there, or is a flanker you’d hope to develop into an outside, running mid.

End of day, doesn’t really matter what I think. I was more sharing aloud my curiosity about how the club sees the players in this draft in light of next years draft, our playing list and list needs, potential current/future trade targets etc. And a scenario where there might be some appeal to splitting.

If we draft Sharp wouldn't he automatically be our best defensive mid, in the Josh Dunkley mould? Why wouldn't you take a player like that when we don't really have one now?

 

[Dr Tigris]

Re: splitting a pick vs taking the best two available... I think you have to factor in the type of players and overall strength of the draft. General feel is that there is some "nice" talent around in this draft, but probably not a lot of players you can project as game breaking, match winners. Robey is a good example of a player worth a risk, cos if he works out, he is that type who could tear a game apart on the regular. Who else fits the mould at the top? Sharp seems solid if not remarkable. CDT big on potential, but high risk. Duursma strikes me as a Goddard/Deledio/Watts type, who should be a good size, versatile, athletic AFL player. Probably an underwhelming pick 1 IMO, but will no doubt have a long and successful AFL career.

But when considering the "best of the rest", do you want more than a neat half back when taking a top 5 pick? Or a nippy small forward (let's face it, Dovaston isn't likely to be Wizard level good). Those might be types we need, but do you reach with a top 5 pick for a Taylor/Grjl/Dovaston/Lindsday? Or do you split pick 4 to a later 1st, and future 1st, knowing you get to fill that list need with the best available of those types, and stockpile draft capital for next year either for an Armstrong, or a player trade, or take to the draft.

Intriguing decision to weigh up.

Absolutely. This year will make our list managers have some deep thoughts.

You say Sharp is 'solid if not remarkable', which I disagree with. He was clearly the best player this year - not necessarily highest potential, but best performed. Sharp is also the guy this year who puts his team on his back and drags them across the line. That sort of player (Cotchin like) is worth gold and jewels to me. They create a never die culture and a belief that nothing is impossible.

Robey has shown an amazing end to the season. You'd really want to be sure, but teaming him with Lalor would be amazing.

But if we went Sharp and Robey for example, then we should basically shut down our drafting of mids. But then, where are we likely to end up next year, and who is available?

We must be thinking 5 years ahead, not thinking that 'we have TT and Hopper' so lets not draft mids. But we need outside run and carry and more skills wouldn't hurt. Plenty of roles to fill. It'll be interesting.

 

[manangatang]

But if we went Sharp and Robey for example, then we should basically shut down our drafting of mids. But then, where are we likely to end up next year, and who is available?

Dougie.

 

[TheOptimum18]

Tiger71 said it was something he had heard, and it wasn't going away. I think he said something like 'I don't understand it'. So just a rumour from within the player managers.

I imagine that if, say Geelong, offered a decent trade he might want a shot at a title before he retires.

Just to add onto this: it sounds like Hopper's management is looking to see if clubs are interested in taking on Hopper. Not sure if a willing club has emerged though, but doesn't stop his management to, effectively, shop him around.

 

[Mr Magic]

Re: splitting a pick vs taking the best two available... I think you have to factor in the type of players and overall strength of the draft. General feel is that there is some "nice" talent around in this draft, but probably not a lot of players you can project as game breaking, match winners. Robey is a good example of a player worth a risk, cos if he works out, he is that type who could tear a game apart on the regular. Who else fits the mould at the top? Sharp seems solid if not remarkable. CDT big on potential, but high risk. Duursma strikes me as a Goddard/Deledio/Watts type, who should be a good size, versatile, athletic AFL player. Probably an underwhelming pick 1 IMO, but will no doubt have a long and successful AFL career.

But when considering the "best of the rest", do you want more than a neat half back when taking a top 5 pick? Or a nippy small forward (let's face it, Dovaston isn't likely to be Wizard level good). Those might be types we need, but do you reach with a top 5 pick for a Taylor/Grjl/Dovaston/Lindsday? Or do you split pick 4 to a later 1st, and future 1st, knowing you get to fill that list need with the best available of those types, and stockpile draft capital for next year either for an Armstrong, or a player trade, or take to the draft.

Intriguing decision to weigh up.

not really, don't split because you have to factor in opportunities in the next few years. We are not winning a premiership in 2026. In any case can do it through other means, futures, player trades if warranted where less is known on the future but our future is known more to others when we go pro-youth/draft.

By going draft and pro youth other clubs value our futures because even though we have good draftees we should not be exploding up next year even though we could get ahead of Bombers, Eagles and maybe one or two more.

When Geelong where doing in they where far more short term focused

 

[juss]

We need speed, run and damaging skills in our midfield. If we need to split a pick for that to more a more appropriate player picked then so be it. I'd probably take best available with one of them and then split the other.

 

[beema limapep]

Have heard from a club source (not RICH or WCE) that tigers are very keen on a F1 from a bottom 10 club for pick 4. A later pick this year would seem to be part of the deal.

I reckon Brady Rawlings is #1 on speed dial on Blair’s phone.

Essendon - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 25.

Outside chance:

Melbourne - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 23.

 

[Rubber Hips]

Here is chat gpts Top 20 Prospects (2025)…probably drawing on info from yonks ago

Rank (approx)	Name	Position / Key Attributes
1	Zeke Uwland	Mid / Medium Defender; Academy‑tied with GC Suns; strong speed, linking, very polished. ESPN.com+2FOX SPORTS+2
2	Willem Duursma	Utility (mid, forward, back); good size (~191‑cm), versatile, good overhead marking. ESPN.com+2FOX SPORTS+2
3	Cooper Duff‑Tytler	Ruck / Key Forward; high athletic upside, mobility, contested work. ESPN.com+2FOX SPORTS+2
4	Dyson Sharp	Midfielder; strong contested traits, clearance game, leadership; performed well for SA. FOX SPORTS+2ESPN.com+2
5	Daniel Annable	Midfielder (Academy tied); ball winner, good at extracting from contests, clean use. afl.com.au+2ESPN.com+2
6	Louis Emmett	Ruckman; mobile big, capable of resting forward or getting involved around ground. afl.com.au+2FOX SPORTS+2
7	Max King	Academy tied; tall mid/forward, marking ability, upside in attack and transitioning through mid. afl.com.au+1
8	Noah Hibbins‑Hargreaves	Forward / Mid; ability to hit scoreboard, decent mid traits; some injury concerns but lots of potential. ESPN.com+2FOX SPORTS+2
9	Ollie Greeves	Midfielder; good work in tight, clean hands, contested possessions, tough at the contest. FOX SPORTS+1
10	Josh Lindsay	Defender; composed by-ball, rebound ability, good reading of the game. FOX SPORTS+2FOX SPORTS+2
11	Sam Cumming	Midfielder; strong performances at Champs; has shown he can lift on big stage. FOX SPORTS+2ESPN.com+2
12	Mitch Marsh	Forward; forward craft, marking, athleticism; ability to impact games in forward half. FOX SPORTS+2FOX SPORTS+2
13	Aidan Schubert	Tall forward / mobile big; good presence in forward‑half, contested marking, and work rate. FOX SPORTS+1
14	Fred Rodriguez	Midfielder; work ethic, inside/outside potential, solid across state Champs. FOX SPORTS+1
15	Jacob Farrow	Defender / rebounding type; good intercepting, drive out of defence, good athletic traits. FOX SPORTS+1
16	Sam Swadling	Midfielder; consistency across the champs; decent contested work + ground ball readings. FOX SPORTS+1
17	Lachlan Carmichael	Defender (Academy tied); good composure, rebound, positioning, decision-making out of defence. FOX SPORTS+2richmondfc.com.au+2
18	Harry Dean	Key Defender; power, intercept marking, potential to lock down tall matchups. FOX SPORTS+1
19	Louis Emmett (if dropping slightly due to questions) or alternate players like Lachy Dovaston	(If Emmett slips) those with forward craft or positional flexibility will push in. Lachy Dovaston: forward craft, flair near goal. FOX SPORTS+1
20	Others pushing: e.g. Ryley Sanders, Colby McKercher, etc.	These are players usually just outside top‑20 but could jump depending on combine / late form.

…and a mock draft


Mock 2025 AFL Draft (Round 1, ~Top 18)

#	Club	Pick	Projected Player	Notes / rationale
1	West Coast Eagles	1	Zeke Uwland	As top‑ranked player in many mocks. Even with injury concerns, the upside is high.
2	Richmond Tigers	2	Cooper Duff‑Tytler	A 200cm ruck/forward with athletic upside; could appeal to big clubs needing key position or ruck.
3	Richmond (via NM)	3	Willem Duursma	Utility type, can play forward, back or mid; good size + flexibility.
4	Essendon	4	Dyson Sharp	Strong midfield traits, consistency in championships; could slot into Essendon’s needs.
5	Essendon	5	Daniel Annable	Brisbane Academy tied but might be bid on early; strong inside work.
6	Gold Coast	6	Max King	As a Suns academy or tied talent, could be matched; forward/marking upside.
7	St Kilda	7	Josh Lindsay	A rebounding defender / intercept style, good fit for clubs wanting drive from defence.
8	Hawthorn	8	Harry Dean	Big defender, strong bolter in recent rankings. FOX SPORTS+1
9	GWS Giants	9	Sullivan Robey	A major bolter through the season; now getting more attention as a first rounder. FOX SPORTS+1
10	West Coast (via Hawthorn)	10	Louis Emmett	Big body, ruck/forward potential.
11	Essendon	11	Fred Rodriguez	Class, composure, strong midfield talent from WA side. ESPN.com
12	Melbourne	12	Ollie Greeves	Strong midfield ball-winner, contested capacity.
13	Fremantle	13	Aidan Schubert	Tall forward / key role player, provides marking, presence in forward half.
14	Geelong	14	Sam Cumming	Midfielder, good form, consistency; might interest clubs needing depth in mid.
15	Gold Coast (second first)	15	Mitch Marsh	Forward/goal-kicking potential, adding forward depth.
16	GWS (or via trade)	16	Jacob Farrow	Rebounding defender with dual skills.
17	Brisbane	17	Sam Swadling	Mid / support midfield; value pick at this stage.
18	Adelaide	18	Lachlan Carmichael	Club‑tied defender with upside, maybe a father‑son or academy tie.

 

[Damo80]

If we draft Sharp wouldn't he automatically be our best defensive mid, in the Josh Dunkley mould? Why wouldn't you take a player like that when we don't really have one now?

Not sure. I just don't think we can play him, Hopper and Taranto in the same midfield. So it would force some thinking around do we look to pro-actively trade out one of those guys. Or move one to HF etc. Not necessarily this year, but with Sharp pretty much ready to go, you might have to make a tough call in 12 months time on a Hopper etc.

Absolutely. This year will make our list managers have some deep thoughts.

You say Sharp is 'solid if not remarkable', which I disagree with. He was clearly the best player this year - not necessarily highest potential, but best performed. Sharp is also the guy this year who puts his team on his back and drags them across the line. That sort of player (Cotchin like) is worth gold and jewels to me. They create a never die culture and a belief that nothing is impossible.

Robey has shown an amazing end to the season. You'd really want to be sure, but teaming him with Lalor would be amazing.

But if we went Sharp and Robey for example, then we should basically shut down our drafting of mids. But then, where are we likely to end up next year, and who is available?

We must be thinking 5 years ahead, not thinking that 'we have TT and Hopper' so lets not draft mids. But we need outside run and carry and more skills wouldn't hurt. Plenty of roles to fill. It'll be interesting.

I like Sharp. I think he's a safe bet. I suppose the challenge is trying to project how a player playing u18's will translate into AFL.

You mention the name Cotchin - I know you're saying "like", not equal in quality - but I think he could be much closer to Jack Graham than Trent Cotchin. And for the record, I think JG is a good defensive mid who will likely play 250+ AFL games. But we were pretty comfortable letting him go.

If our recruiters see him with a similar ceiling, the question then is whether you take him anyway as best available. Or swing for the fences for the high upside guy. Or reach a little for the "type" me arguably need more (Grjl, Lindsay, Taylor et al). Or, if you rate 3 or 4 of those types similarly, and a slide back to a pick 10-12 near guarantees you get one of them, AND you get an extra first round pick next year... You'd have to really like the guy(s) on the table at 4, OR see a large gap not only over that "next" group of options, but also against next years draft/trade potential.

 

[Wrenny]

We got one Twomany

 

[Wrenny]

 

[tiger_tough]

Essendon - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 25.

Outside chance:

Melbourne - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 23.

Dees love to buy now pay later. Feels like they trade a future 1st most years to get into the current draft.

They'll be bottom 6 again next year for sure.

 

[Danog]

Essendon - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 25.

Outside chance:

Melbourne - Pick 4 for their future first and pick 23.

Draper compo instead of 25, and you'd have me interested

 

[Calcium Man]

Dees love to buy now pay later. Feels like they trade a future 1st most years to get into the current draft.

They'll be bottom 6 again next year for sure.

Dees like bringing in 1st round kids in batches of 2. Their recruiting manager has talked about it, they also like to trade into good drafts.

Given that Cochrane and Walker go 1 and 2 this year it would be criminal for any bottom 6 club to play that risk of giving us 2 early picks. I can’t see Us, WCE, Bombers, Dees, Blues or Port trading out F1s, and bombers/blues and maybe port will be trying to get extra F1s as well.

 

[tiger_tough]

One of Darcy Fort

32

Darcy Fort

Age

32

Ht

204cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.6

2star

K

5.8

2star

HB

2.9

3star

CL

2.9

4star

HO

17.8

5star

D

9.2

2star

K

6.0

2star

HB

3.2

2star

CL

3.6

4star

HO

21.2

5star

D

7.6

2star

K

5.4

2star

HB

2.2

2star

CL

2.2

4star

HO

15.6

5star

and Rhys Stanley

1

Rhys Stanley

Age

35

Ht

200cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.6

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

6.4

4star

CL

3.4

5star

HO

27.6

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

7.5

3star

HB

4.5

3star

CL

5.0

5star

HO

21.5

5star

D

11.8

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

6.4

4star

CL

3.0

5star

HO

33.0

5star

is going to be a 2 time premiership ruckman in a few days.

No farkin way should we be using a top 5 pick for a ruck.

 

[4tune8]

If we draft Sharp wouldn't he automatically be our best defensive mid, in the Josh Dunkley mould? Why wouldn't you take a player like that when we don't really have one now?

No

 

[RichoLedio]

Dees love to buy now pay later. Feels like they trade a future 1st most years to get into the current draft.

They'll be bottom 6 again next year for sure.

Imagine death riding then for that game against the Saints

 

[richoatthedisco]

Sharp all the way, the kid has displayed all the qualities you need ! So called experts said the same about Dusty. No engine, low ceiling, slow etc

No they didn't.

 

[Maurice Mitchell]

…Really hope we don't fall for the hype and pick him only if we genuinely think he is the best option….

We have smart people. Their decisions won’t be influenced by hype.

 

[Maurice Mitchell]

I think is the kind of consensus we can all get behind.

 

[Karp3_dm]

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