Resource 2025 AFL Draft prospects and discussion.

[Crow till I die]

Watching Sharp play at under 16s and I understand 18s he looked like a dominator like a young Joel Selwood.

The only concerns I have, he has always been a man child in junior footy, he was like a 21 year old in under 16s so I'm concerned on his ceiling.

My gut tells me.he will land at the Bombers and will end up a star for them

Don't discount he performed well in his underage year in centrals senior side especially in the final v Sturt. Won a fair bit of it and was damaging around tge ball

 

[glengowan]

Maybe a more recent comparison could be made between Sharp and D'Aloia? Sharp was obviously best performed in the country whereas D'Aoia was considered best performed for his state. Sharp has also played league and up to the draft, D'Aloia was yet to make his league debut. But, I do remember D'Aloia being talked about at number 1 in his underage year. Both midfield bulls and can find the ball.

It remains to be seen re D'Aloia, he had a very good first season at league level in the SANFL but suffered injuries in 2025 that ruined his season. But obviously he was completely overlooked in the draft and to this point, looks a long way from making it.

Some players have that ingredient that just makes them winners. Think that Hawks team from a decade ago - Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis. Football smarts and a fierce competitive edge. Leadership. From a Crows point of view - I'd be happy for the club to take a reach to get Sharp if they thought he'd bring that something special to the team that elevates his peers. If we could bring in two top tier from this SA team this draft, that would be exciting.

 

[1970crow]

**** off with the pathetic posturing, Wayne.

Mutineer used 5,000 words to say the same thing as me.

Phillips hadn't achieved anything near what Sharp had as an underage footballer. He'd had a very good under 16 carnival and had gotten a few kicks in his underage year around some great teammates, before not having much opportunity in his draft year. Recruiters have seen Sharp MUCH more than Phillips, and have seen him consistently be a winner, and seen some of the elite traits he has around the ball. It's ignorant to compare them.

We all follow the draft closely here, and all have posts going back a decade or more. We all posted dozens in time in Will Phillips year, and all know exactly what the circumstances were around the COVID year.

Get your hard off it, you've become the most arrogant poster on here, and there's a little of competition for that title.

“Become”?

 

[LoBu]

A few recent examples of guys who won everything at Junior level, and are mids with similarities to Sharp (excelled as contested or inside mids):

- Dev Robertson

Won the Larke, and WA won the National Champs in 2019

Sharp is a better goal kicker than Dev. Dev is a far better athlete than Sharp (and was better with defensive pressure). Both had a game primarily built on contested inside ball winning, and aren't damaging kicks.

- Ryley Sanders

Allies won in 2023 (went through undefeated), and Sanders took home the Larke. Also had two Coates Talent League premierships with the Sandringham Dragons.

Sanders excels on the inside, but can also play as an outside mid unlike Sharp (i.e. has more versatility). Also has a much higher handball to kick ratio, and was a bit more of an accumulator. Sanders probably a better kick in his draft year. Both are a similar size, noted goal kickers, and have a good contested game as mids. Both had no athletic testing available coming out, and weren't explosive with their movements.

Larke Medal Winners - Draftguru

www.draftguru.com.au

Dev Robertson of course was not drafted in the first round - although snapped up in the second, indicating that clubs had their concerns over his potential to be an elite footy player either in the modern game or at all.

Was it the player or the style of player? Evidence suggests it's the style of player, with teams opting for skinner, faster, more athletic, more skillful players who are percieved to have development left in them.

 

[Mutineer]

Dev Robertson of course was not drafted in the first round - although snapped up in the second, indicating that clubs had their concerns over his potential to be an elite footy player either in the modern game or at all.

Was it the player or the style of player? Evidence suggests it's the style of player, with teams opting for skinner, faster, more athletic, more skillful players who are percieved to have development left in them.

I think Dev Robertson just got drafted to the wrong team and showed very poor judgement signing another contract when he had quite a bit of interest from other clubs including West Coast.
Isn't it suggested West Coast are going to pick him up when the DFA period opens?

 

[Betts are off]

Few interesting take aways from the Zero Hangar top 50 released today.

No Cody Curtin, No Riley Onley, Latrelle Pickett ranked above both Mitch Marsh and Phillipou, Dyson sitting at 9. Nairne at 31.

 

[ET Sloane Home]

I think Dev Robertson just got drafted to the wrong team and showed very poor judgement signing another contract when he had quite a bit of interest from other clubs including West Coast.
Isn't it suggested West Coast are going to pick him up when the DFA period opens?

West coast can sign him at the moment if they want. They don’t need to wait for any other period to open

 

[Mutineer]

**** off with the pathetic posturing, Wayne.

Mutineer used 5,000 words to say the same thing as me.

Phillips hadn't achieved anything near what Sharp had as an underage footballer. He'd had a very good under 16 carnival and had gotten a few kicks in his underage year around some great teammates, before not having much opportunity in his draft year. Recruiters have seen Sharp MUCH more than Phillips, and have seen him consistently be a winner, and seen some of the elite traits he has around the ball. It's ignorant to compare them.

We all follow the draft closely here, and all have posts going back a decade or more. We all posted dozens in time in Will Phillips year, and all know exactly what the circumstances were around the COVID year.

Get your hard off it, you've become the most arrogant poster on here, and there's a little of competition for that title.

Well given Phillips had no opportunity to play at all in his draft year at either CTL, Nationals or any of the AFL Academy games due to Covid it was unfair to compare him with Sharp who had no restrictions at all.

Gotten a few kicks as an underager?
Are you serious?
He had an outstanding underage year in the best U18'S comp in the land.

Kevin Sheehan's draft profile on Phillips

Will Phillips
Oakleigh Chargers - NAB League/Beverley Hills JFC/Caulfield Grammar
180cm 80kg 22/05/02

Small/medium midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and burst onto the national stage at Under 16s level in 2018 winning Victoria Metro’s MVP as well as All Australian honours averaging 27.3 possessions as an inside mid. His agility, two way running, clean hands and vision are elite along with his breakaway speed. Starred as a bottom-aged player for Oakleigh Chargers last year averaging 22.1 possessions, four clearances and four tackles in 10 matches as well as being one of the Australian Under 17s best against New Zealand gathering 26 possessions. His 2.91 seconds for 20 metres and 6 minutes 38 seconds at Melbourne Draft Combine confirmed his speed/endurance combination.

Weapon - Footy smarts and athletic ability

Traits like - Brisbane’s Lachie Neale

Dismiss his junior footy if you like but he had excellent performances right through his junior career right back to being awarded the M.V.P. J L Williams Medal as a 15 year old at the National Schoolboy championships.

 

[Mutineer]

Maybe a more recent comparison could be made between Sharp and D'Aloia? Sharp was obviously best performed in the country whereas D'Aoia was considered best performed for his state. Sharp has also played league and up to the draft, D'Aloia was yet to make his league debut. But, I do remember D'Aloia being talked about at number 1 in his underage year. Both midfield bulls and can find the ball.

It remains to be seen re D'Aloia, he had a very good first season at league level in the SANFL but suffered injuries in 2025 that ruined his season. But obviously he was completely overlooked in the draft and to this point, looks a long way from making it.

Some players have that ingredient that just makes them winners. Think that Hawks team from a decade ago - Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis. Football smarts and a fierce competitive edge. Leadership. From a Crows point of view - I'd be happy for the club to take a reach to get Sharp if they thought he'd bring that something special to the team that elevates his peers. If we could bring in two top tier from this SA team this draft, that would be exciting.

I saw someone compare him to Ollie Wines which might not be too far off the mark?

 

[JPetro83]

Can DFA's still be signed?

 

[JPetro83]

Well given Phillips had no opportunity to play at all in his draft year at either CTL, Nationals or any of the AFL Academy games due to Covid it was unfair to compare him with Sharp who had no restrictions at all.

Gotten a few kicks as an underager?
Are you serious?
He had an outstanding underage year in the best U18'S comp in the land.

Kevin Sheehan's draft profile on Phillips

Will Phillips
Oakleigh Chargers - NAB League/Beverley Hills JFC/Caulfield Grammar
180cm 80kg 22/05/02

Small/medium midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and burst onto the national stage at Under 16s level in 2018 winning Victoria Metro’s MVP as well as All Australian honours averaging 27.3 possessions as an inside mid. His agility, two way running, clean hands and vision are elite along with his breakaway speed. Starred as a bottom-aged player for Oakleigh Chargers last year averaging 22.1 possessions, four clearances and four tackles in 10 matches as well as being one of the Australian Under 17s best against New Zealand gathering 26 possessions. His 2.91 seconds for 20 metres and 6 minutes 38 seconds at Melbourne Draft Combine confirmed his speed/endurance combination.

Weapon - Footy smarts and athletic ability

Traits like - Brisbane’s Lachie Neale

Dismiss his junior footy if you like but he had excellent performances right through his junior career right back to being awarded the M.V.P. J L Williams Medal as a 15 year old at the National Schoolboy championships.

I wonder how different this blokes career would have ended up if he was drafted by a big club?

 

[ET Sloane Home]

Can DFA's still be signed?

Yes. Up until the draft

 

[Mutineer]

I wonder how different this blokes career would have ended up if he was drafted by a big club?

Who knows but on paper and performance it's disingenuous to suggest he didn't look to tick all the boxes as a very good midfield draft prospect at that time.

I don't know what the after effects of a very very bad dose of Glandular Fever are or how long it's symptoms can linger but it's fair to say they have certainly impacted his AFL career.

 

[1990crow]

From the Hun




AFL Phantom Draft: Who every club will pick in the first two rounds of the 2025 draft

There have also been talks held with Adelaide, which is pondering trading a future first-round pick for Carlton’s pick 11.
It would leave the Crows with two first-round picks this year — at 11 and 16 — as this year’s minor premier’s look to make hay while the sun shines and push for a premiership in coming years.

 

[Betts are off]

Im quite flabbergasted by how Riley Onley is still not being talked about by the footy writers. Watched his clips a couple times now off of Bicks' recommendation and dont know what the draft writers aren't seeing.

As far as 195cm midfielders hes got about as much burst, vision and midfield craft as you'll see. Thought his disposal/kicking action was well above average as well, despite his size.

I would imagine he would be on more then 1 list managers 'keep quiet list' though.

 

[Mutineer]

Im quite flabbergasted by how Riley Onley is still not being talked about by the footy writers. Watched his clips a couple times now off of Bicks' recommendation and dont know what the draft writers aren't seeing.

As far as 195cm midfielders hes got about as much burst, vision and midfield craft as you'll see. Thought his disposal/kicking action was well above average as well, despite his size.

I would imagine he would be on more then 1 list managers 'keep quiet list' though.

He did get a National Draft Combine invite which is an indication plenty of AFL recruiters rate him at some point anyhow even though he couldn't test due to a hamstring issue at the Combine.
That said they would be fully aware of how well he tested at the Preseason testing being near the pointy end in most disciplines including the speed test and hops testing.

 

[LoBu]

I think Dev Robertson just got drafted to the wrong team and showed very poor judgement signing another contract when he had quite a bit of interest from other clubs including West Coast.
Isn't it suggested West Coast are going to pick him up when the DFA period opens?

That's a good point, he certainly has time to turn his career around

 

[ams4crows]

Seems West Coast also wants Carlton's 9.... Perhaps we are after the same player? Maybe Farrow is "the guy"

 

[Mutineer]

There have also been talks held with Adelaide, which is pondering trading a future first-round pick for Carlton’s pick 11.
It would leave the Crows with two first-round picks this year — at 11 and 16 — as this year’s minor premier’s look to make hay while the sun shines and push for a premiership in coming years.

I like this Chris Cavanagh media draft watcher's thoughts for us , almost mirrors my thoughts regardless of where other draft watchers have players in their rankings. Although in his "Phantom draft" he has us trading up using our 2026 1st pick and taking Jevan Phillipou at #15 and Mitch Marsh at #18, Sharp to Essendon at #9 and Cumming to the Demons at #11

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-phantom-draft-who-every-club-will-pick-in-the-first-two-rounds-of-the-2025-draft/news-story/6a2eb3e6c910d247ce77e4a76d8d3c79

ADELAIDE​

Draft Picks Pre-Trade Period: 15, 46, 53, 55, 71, 73

Draft Picks Post-Trade Period: 16, 48, 55, 64, 73, 75

Not much changed during the trade period for the Crows, who still hold a later first-round pick which will get pushed back until at least pick 20 on draft night after early father-son and academy bids are matched. In that range, the Crows should still have some good options available. Big-bodied Murray Bushrangers midfielder Riley Onley is the type of player you could picture running around in a Crows’ jumper next year. He’s a strong 194cm onballer who has long impacted games inside the contest but also showed this year he can have some impact on the outside. Damaging South Australian wingman Harley Barker, who suffered an ACL injury mid-year, could be another option at that first pick. If he was still on the board at Adelaide’s second selection, Onley’s Bushrangers teammate Liam Hetherton – a highly-rated 197cm forward who missed most of this year with a stress fracture in his back – would be another good fit. The Crows also have access to Gippsland Power midfielder Mitch Stevens as a father-son prospect, with his dad Mark having played 101 games for the Crows including featuring in the 1998 premiership.

Riley Onley would be a great fit for the Crows. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos


15

JEVAN PHILLIPOU​

Pick traded 183cm Midfielder/Forward, Woodville-West Torrens

Drafted: ADELAIDE​

We say: The Crows have discussed a trade with Carlton which would see them hand over a future first-round pick in exchange for Carlton’s pick 11 — which would land here. The Blues want to bank draft points to match a bid on top-two prospect Cody Walker next year, and this selection would be pushed back significantly anyway to match a bid on fellow father-son Harry Dean this year. Phillipou missed the under-18 national championships with a broken wrist but has attracted plenty of interest from clubs inside the top-20 and would suit the Crows. He is a driven, natural footballer with impressive athletic traits including his leap, burst speed and agility. Phillipou is dynamic through the midfield and can take a nice overhead mark and kick a goal when forward. If it is not the Crows who trade in for this pick, could it be St Kilda who does a similar deal? Ross Lyon wouldn’t mind another Phillipou at Moorabbin if Jevan was to join his brother Mattaes. The Saints play is unlikely, but it is not without a chance.


18

MITCH MARSH​

191cm Forward, West Adelaide

Drafted: ADELAIDE​

We say: Taylor Walker is going around again next year, but the Crows are pondering what life after the 35-year-old looks like. It is why Marsh is firmly in the picture — particularly if Adelaide does trade with Carlton and end up with two first-round picks this year. An athletic marking and lead-up forward, Marsh has been compared to Jeremy Cameron given his huge tank and willingness to work hard up the ground. When inside the forward 50 arc, he can take a big contested mark and is usually an accurate goalkicker. Marsh booted 12 majors across four games for South Australia at the under-18 national championships, including five in the final game against Vic Country. Rivals believe he would complement Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty nicely into the future.

 

[Mutineer]

Seems West Coast also wants Carlton's 9.... Perhaps we are after the same player? Maybe Farrow is "the guy"

Chris Cavanagh thinks we are targeting their #11

 

[1990crow]

Chris Cavanagh thinks we are targeting their #11

I think Marsh at 16 makes sense.
As for 11, who knows.

 

[bigman]

Would be very happy with that haul.

His intel on our picks didn’t seem quite as definitive as others though.

Still a bit concerned we will take Schubert. Cavanagh has him to Essendon but didn’t sound confident.

Hawks make out like bandits in this phantom.

We weren’t linked to many other names. Greeves the only one.

 

[bigman]

Chris Cavanagh thinks we are targeting their #11

Do you think we be expected to offer anything more than our F1?

 

[BRL121]

Chris Cavanagh thinks we are targeting their #11

So does Gettable. I always thought going after 9 and 11 was a joke.

 

[Mutineer]

Do you think we be expected to offer anything more than our F1?

Don't know but surely our 2026 2nd would be in play?