2025 - AFL Draft Pick 38

[Toadvine]

I thought the other draft thread is dominated by top 10 player discussion and seeing as it's a real lull point in the offseason why not have a thread focused on our later pick. Mods feel free to delete if you think it's over kill.

Who should we pick?

Should we trade it into 2026?

Do you think it will be used to match a Kellaway bid ?

Who are your favourite players in the pick 30 range of the draft?

 

[fargothegreat]

Latrelle Pickett could be someone we look at given we missed out on Rosas? Jack Dalton would be hard to pass up if he slid that far.

 

[RockJobster0312]

If this pick isn’t used/ lost for Kellaway and we take a mid with one of both 3 and 4, then I think we take a non-midfielder here.

Latrelle Pickett if available (suspect he goes earlier).

Blake Thredgold another I don’t mind around this pick.

Another I like is Blake Oudshorn-Bennier.

That said, someone always falls.

 

[4tune8]

It's been interesting listening to Yze, Hartley and Gieschen regarding the aims for this draft, from Yze saying that we addressed a lot of areas of need in the last draft, Ry mentioning pace and Hartley saying that we'll go for BPA with our top picks.

Blair has also repeated many times that he's building a list of premiership players, so character and competitiveness would rate highly in his profiling of draftees along with talent of course. It's obvious that he has a blueprint of the type of players needed and the positions that need to be filled and as stated, a lot of those needs have been met. He's continued down that path already this year by targeting Rosas who would have provided a bit more zip around stoppages and have an impact forward, so it wouldn't surprise me of pick 34 (after bids) was used on that type. I'm not sure who has that skillset that might be available around that pick but it will be an area that's looked at I'm sure.

Two integral parts of the jigsaw of players that made up part of the dynasty picture were the wingers, KMac and Brandon Ellis

4

Brandon Ellis

Age

32

Ht

181cm

Wt

81kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.7

5star

K

12.6

5star

HB

9.0

5star

M

5.3

5star

T

2.4

4star

CL

1.4

4star

D

18.4

4star

K

12.9

5star

HB

5.6

3star

M

4.7

4star

T

2.3

3star

CL

1.4

4star

D

15.0

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.2

4star

CL

1.0

3star

, both had flaws but there's no denying that they were an important part of the structure. The Retschko trade is a clear sign that we're wanting to fill those wing spots and again, I'm sure that we'll be looking to address that need with the best player available at pick 34, to me that would be Matt Leray (if he lasts that long) he's only had 1 preseason in a football environment after captaining the SA U19 cricket side but choosing football instead, sound familiar?

Have a read of his draft profile from Rookie Me..........

Matthew LeRay Draft Profile

Central District utility Matthew LeRay is a versatile prospect with considerable upside after trading cricket for football.

central.rookieme.com

 

[Le RickyBobby]

Would love Rory Wright. Not sure he'll be there at 38 but if not him LeRay would be a good option.

 

[tigs2010]

It's been interesting listening to Yze, Hartley and Gieschen regarding the aims for this draft, from Yze saying that we addressed a lot of areas of need in the last draft, Ry mentioning pace and Hartley saying that we'll go for BPA with our top picks.

Blair has also repeated many times that he's building a list of premiership players, so character and competitiveness would rate highly in his profiling of draftees along with talent of course. It's obvious that he has a blueprint of the type of players needed and the positions that need to be filled and as stated, a lot of those needs have been met. He's continued down that path already this year by targeting Rosas who would have provided a bit more zip around stoppages and have an impact forward, so it wouldn't surprise me of pick 34 (after bids) was used on that type. I'm not sure who has that skillset that might be available around that pick but it will be an area that's looked at I'm sure.

Two integral parts of the jigsaw of players that made up part of the dynasty picture were the wingers, KMac and Brandon Ellis, both had flaws but there's no denying that they were an important part of the structure. The Retschko trade is a clear sign that we're wanting to fill those wing spots and again, I'm sure that we'll be looking to address that need with the best player available at pick 34, to me that would be Matt Leray (if he lasts that long) he's only had 1 preseason in a football environment after captaining the SA U19 cricket side but choosing football instead, sound familiar?

Have a read of his draft profile from Rookie Me..........

Matthew LeRay Draft Profile

Central District utility Matthew LeRay is a versatile prospect with considerable upside after trading cricket for football.

central.rookieme.com

They'll definitely fill a need with this pick. Probably someone with pace unless there's a must pick slider that's too good to overlook. Bit concerned that Leray almost ran 7 mins for his 2km as a winger that's poo. Maybe he was sick or carrying something which the recruiters will be across.

 

[Toadvine]

I'm a fan of Pickett as well.

Louis Emmet is someone we've been rumoured to like for a long time since he trained with us back in January as part of the AFL academy program.

He would be a nice way to balance the list with a talented, young, genuine ruck coming through.

For a long time, he was thought of as a first round pick (even top 5) but now after a pretty weak 2025 he might fall in this range.

 

[tigs2010]

2025 AFL Draft Profiles

Our 2025 AFL Draft Profiles can all be found on this page sorted by position with all National Draft Combine invitees included.

central.rookieme.com

This is a pretty useful tool.

On phone you can see snapshot and analysis tab. If you scroll across there is also a summary tab with a draft range.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

It's been interesting listening to Yze, Hartley and Gieschen regarding the aims for this draft, from Yze saying that we addressed a lot of areas of need in the last draft, Ry mentioning pace and Hartley saying that we'll go for BPA with our top picks.

Blair has also repeated many times that he's building a list of premiership players, so character and competitiveness would rate highly in his profiling of draftees along with talent of course. It's obvious that he has a blueprint of the type of players needed and the positions that need to be filled and as stated, a lot of those needs have been met. He's continued down that path already this year by targeting Rosas who would have provided a bit more zip around stoppages and have an impact forward, so it wouldn't surprise me of pick 34 (after bids) was used on that type. I'm not sure who has that skillset that might be available around that pick but it will be an area that's looked at I'm sure.

Two integral parts of the jigsaw of players that made up part of the dynasty picture were the wingers, KMac and Brandon Ellis, both had flaws but there's no denying that they were an important part of the structure. The Retschko trade is a clear sign that we're wanting to fill those wing spots and again, I'm sure that we'll be looking to address that need with the best player available at pick 34, to me that would be Matt Leray (if he lasts that long) he's only had 1 preseason in a football environment after captaining the SA U19 cricket side but choosing football instead, sound familiar?

Have a read of his draft profile from Rookie Me..........

Matthew LeRay Draft Profile

Central District utility Matthew LeRay is a versatile prospect with considerable upside after trading cricket for football.

central.rookieme.com

If we don't split and get Barker then LeRay would be my backup plan or maybe Rodriguez if LeRay is gone.

 

[Toadvine]

Jai Murray is another one who I like the sound of. Can play anywhere and is supposed to have great disposal. Not especially quick though.

He's a GC Academy kid who might have been rated a lot higher if not for injury.

GC might run out of points by the time it gets to pick 30 if we pick him.

Also like the sound of Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier. But know very little about him other than reading his draft profile

 

[of unsound mind]

It's been interesting listening to Yze, Hartley and Gieschen regarding the aims for this draft, from Yze saying that we addressed a lot of areas of need in the last draft, Ry mentioning pace and Hartley saying that we'll go for BPA with our top picks.

Blair has also repeated many times that he's building a list of premiership players, so character and competitiveness would rate highly in his profiling of draftees along with talent of course. It's obvious that he has a blueprint of the type of players needed and the positions that need to be filled and as stated, a lot of those needs have been met. He's continued down that path already this year by targeting Rosas who would have provided a bit more zip around stoppages and have an impact forward, so it wouldn't surprise me of pick 34 (after bids) was used on that type. I'm not sure who has that skillset that might be available around that pick but it will be an area that's looked at I'm sure.

Two integral parts of the jigsaw of players that made up part of the dynasty picture were the wingers, KMac and Brandon Ellis, both had flaws but there's no denying that they were an important part of the structure. The Retschko trade is a clear sign that we're wanting to fill those wing spots and again, I'm sure that we'll be looking to address that need with the best player available at pick 34, to me that would be Matt Leray (if he lasts that long) he's only had 1 preseason in a football environment after captaining the SA U19 cricket side but choosing football instead, sound familiar?

Have a read of his draft profile from Rookie Me..........

Matthew LeRay Draft Profile

Central District utility Matthew LeRay is a versatile prospect with considerable upside after trading cricket for football.

central.rookieme.com

Hard to teach his natural competitiveness or his clean hands. A lot to like about LeRay. Just not sure about his athletic profile.

 

[Oldmanuncle]

Bit concerned that Leray almost ran 7 mins for his 2km as a winger that's poo. Maybe he was sick or carrying something which the recruiters will be across.

Feel the thinking might be similiar to Lalor & his conditioning due to cricket.

 

[of unsound mind]

Don’t mind a risky, but high upside selection with pick #38. A couple of others have mentioned him, Liam Hetherton.

 

[_RT_]

Some names I like that could be down in that 30-40 range:

Thomas Burton
Sam Swadling
Jack Dalton
Rory Wright
Fred Rodriguez
Taj Murray

A bit of a bolter I wouldn't mind if we picked up would be Tom Blamires from Frankston who won the Fothergill-Round medal in the VFL. As a mature ready to go option he'd offer a bit of a point of difference to all the young players we've taken in recent years.

 

[Calcium Man]

It’s so hard to know… who’ll be available? This is kind of in order but would need a bit more in depth study to really decide but I’m also doubtful half these players slide.


Jai Murray - GC academy HBF/mid, haven’t watched him enough but I’ve heard him described as moving like Murphy Reid

Lindsay - HBF with good kicking skills

Barker - very athletic wing maybe slides

Thredgold - very athletic KPD

Kickett - lightening quick sf who likes the physical stuff, still finishing his time trial though.

Greek Freak - basketball come ruck, looked decent at ranges all year and nullified cdt. Is genuine ruck size unlike Emmett

BOB - quick powerful sa mid, was hoping he’d push into top 10 but does everything well but just needed to find another level

Mikunda - clever medium forward who had a couple of excellent champs games, probably ends up at geelong

R Wright - good left footed HBF, can play midfield, probably a bit flossy like no fuss clever body position type.

Dahlitz- sweet kicking hbf, can absolutely roost the ball

Byrne - small forward who played a little bit of midfield for gwv

Kondog - another long kicking hbf with some toe. Elite pace but watching him not understand the wind in his last game when kicking out the ball was frustrating.

Dalton - lizard man can explain more

Liam heatheton - probably best KPF in futures and academy games but than injured rest of year.

Cal smith - kbs grandson. Good sized mid, early fav of mine but just didn’t find another level at champs and his best games were May/June in CTL. More just the familial connection but can see him taking a Harry Scott route to afl.

Tom Burton - tigs2010 boy. His combine speed was impressive. Just a nice to have accumulator

 

[Wrenny]

Would love Rory Wright. Not sure he'll be there at 38 but if not him LeRay would be a good option.

Am I missing something with him? Had a shocker of a GF! Turned it over numerous times which resulted in goals. Shirked a few contests also, rookie at best.

 

[Wrenny]

Barker
LeRay
Emmett
Pickett
Rodriguez
Bob
Threshold
Byrne
Swadling
Burton
Dalton

In order for mine. Half won’t make it to our pick but we’ll see.

 

[Le RickyBobby]

Hes a solid player. Really nice left footed kick. I haven't seen the GF but watched him live a couple times earlier in the year, was really impressed with his contest work. I thought he was exceptionally good from centre clearance.

 

[4tune8]

They'll definitely fill a need with this pick. Probably someone with pace unless there's a must pick slider that's too good to overlook. Bit concerned that Leray almost ran 7 mins for his 2km as a winger that's poo. Maybe he was sick or carrying something which the recruiters will be across.

It's something he's been working on, only had one preseason and I reckon he'll improve a lot on that after a couple more.

 

[tigs2010]

Jai Murray is another one who I like the sound of. Can play anywhere and is supposed to have great disposal. Not especially quick though.

He's a GC Academy kid who might have been rated a lot higher if not for injury.

GC might run out of points by the time it gets to pick 30 if we pick him.

Also like the sound of Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier. But know very little about him other than reading his draft profile

I watched his game against Dandy. He is smooooooth. Stylistically he plays like Murphy Reid even down to the way he carries the footy as he moves.

Absolute class and tackles to hurt.

We need someone to go early on Addinsall.

 

[4tune8]

I watched his game against Dandy. He is smooooooth. Stylistically he plays like Murphy Reid even down to the way he carries the footy as he moves.

Absolute class and tackles to hurt.

We need someone to go early on Addinsall.

The way it currently sits, a bid by us on Addinsal at 34 would mean that the Suns wouldn't be able to match a subsequent bid on Marray at 35

 

[Calcium Man]

I watched his game against Dandy. He is smooooooth. Stylistically he plays like Murphy Reid even down to the way he carries the footy as he moves.

Absolute class and tackles to hurt.

We need someone to go early on Addinsall.

Oh that’s where I heard the Murphy Reid thing.

 

[sregit]

Don’t mind a risky, but high upside selection with pick #38. A couple of others have mentioned him, Liam Hetherton.

Definitely Liam Hetherton. Another tall but very talented. Was the best KP early in the CFL before being injured. I have pointed him out previously and he is a very smooth mover for a guy his size. Would love to get this bloke.

 

[mrposhman]

Talor Byrne is up there for mine. His highlights look a bit like a left footed Seth Campbell. Young too, doesn't turn 18 until 5 days before the draft. Not quite as young as Seth was in his draft year.

Dalton is another.

Depending on who we take with 3 and 4, do we take another mid, BOB and Coulson probably head that back.

Or do we go tall, Thredgold, Emmett or Hetherton.

Interesting debate.

 

[of unsound mind]

It's something he's been working on, only had one preseason and I reckon he'll improve a lot on that after a couple more.

The combine data is interesting but doesn’t tell the full story. 2km gives some insight but doesn’t represent typical repeat sprint conditions or full endurance either, they run 15 plus kms. Ollie Hannaford had a shocking time, while a weakness, still managed to run out games. Near BOG last years Coates GF competing until the end. 20m is the same. Travaglia comes up slow, but he is wired to get moving quickly so doesn’t look slow. Opposite for our TimmyT. He’s above average in sprint times, but doesn’t drive the legs quickly enough in some situations so looks slow.
The eyeball data is very important.