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List Mgmt. 2026 AFL Draft

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Like I said last night who knows who we're paying but what I do know is that in 2026 we need to pay a minimum of $17,240,957, which means we bank $907,419. In 2027 we must pay $17,376,689 and can bank $914,563, which gives us an extra $1,821,982 in cap space heading into 2028 on top of the 5% we may have already budgeted for, which would bring the total cap space to closer to $3m.

Now if we are pre-paying some of the guys on longer term contracts to help us reach the minimum threshold for 2026 & 2027 we would create a bit more space but I don't see how it would be around $6m.

Another thing you may not have considered is that all our 2023 & 2024 draftees get a significant boost to their base salary in 2025 due to the games they played last 1-2 years. All of McAuliffe Fawcett Trezise Lalor Smillie Hotton Faull Trainor Armstrong Sims Alger & Gray get between $10,000 to $60,000 added to their base salary + $4000 in match payments for each senior game. That all adds up.

We also need to consider that between now and 2028 we're also could be re-signing the likes of Miller Ralphsmith Ross Alger Gibcus Clarke Mansell Fawcett Rioli Green Nankervis Gray Armstrong Faull Smillie McAuliffe Trainor Banks Lalor Hotton Sims Brown Peucker & NRT. That's 24 players and just allowing $100k for each chews up $2.4m in space and I'd suggest it would be closer to $3-3.5m as some of those top end draftees are going to get more than $100k increase.

So after all that and even allowing for the departure of Lynch Prestia (won't be on much now) Broad & Vlastuin in that time I still can't see how we create the $6m of cap space you're suggesting. IMO I'd say we're going to comfortably have around $2.5-3.5m in cap space come 2028 if we're going to be paying the minimum amount of cap over the next 2 years. Still plenty of coin to be able to go and aggressively attack the trade/free agency market just as our window is hopefully opening.

Anyhow I think we've taken up enough thread space dedicated to the 2026 draft with cap chat and I'm going to leave it where it sits as neither of our opinions are right or wrong, they're just our opinions. I think we can both agree that Blair will be right on top of things as list manager and will make the moves necessary to ensure that we're ready to hit the market when the time comes
Whilst i agree with the younger kids getting their game bonus and it increases i also made room for that in my estimations when i posted 25 players on $300k to easily cover that which if you look at 1-3 year salaries
1st year top 10 players $130k , 11-20 $120k etc

Players that are resigning will get increases but are easily off set by the retirements and reductions of other in 2025 , 2026 Clarke , Gibcus , Mc Auliffe ,Fawcett ( injuries wont be big increases for obvious reasons)
Green , smith , Gray ,Rioli , Smith - They are just barely holding on to list spots so again very little if any
2024 draftee's are not eligible until 2027 and 2028.

You just need to look at clubs like NorF's & St Kilda at the $$$ they have been throwing around and its not only the banking of $900k a year for 2 years that enables that its that they had front ended their existing player to max whilst also banking the 5% after 2 years and 2026 being the year where they had the famous "War Chest" they just had to use.

But when you compare the Brisbane list to the Richmond list in what players would be getting paid just on the estimation its simple to see the difference is massive and how that $6 mil gets save ( and thats being conservative)
 
Whilst i agree with the younger kids getting their game bonus and it increases i also made room for that in my estimations when i posted 25 players on $300k to easily cover that which if you look at 1-3 year salaries
1st year top 10 players $130k , 11-20 $120k etc

Players that are resigning will get increases but are easily off set by the retirements and reductions of other in 2025 , 2026 Clarke , Gibcus , Mc Auliffe ,Fawcett ( injuries wont be big increases for obvious reasons)
Green , smith , Gray ,Rioli , Smith - They are just barely holding on to list spots so again very little if any
2024 draftee's are not eligible until 2027 and 2028.

You just need to look at clubs like NorF's & St Kilda at the $$$ they have been throwing around and its not only the banking of $900k a year for 2 years that enables that its that they had front ended their existing player to max whilst also banking the 5% after 2 years and 2026 being the year where they had the famous "War Chest" they just had to use.

But when you compare the Brisbane list to the Richmond list in what players would be getting paid just on the estimation its simple to see the difference is massive and how that $6 mil gets save ( and thats being conservative)
Guess we'll just need to agree to disagree as I don't want to derail this thread any further
 

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Another compromised draft, hope the club doesn't finish last. Would be pretty shit to have pick 1 and not be able to take 1 of the 2 highly rated kids in 2026.
 
Another compromised draft, hope the club doesn't finish last. Would be pretty shit to have pick 1 and not be able to take 1 of the 2 highly rated kids in 2026.
Surely better than West Coast. They looked like complete ass this year and took 2 blokes nowhere near ready.
 

Write up on the top WA kids.

Wonder how far the best one slides this year? SSP this time lol
 
Port will 100% match the bid and demand 3 x 1st rounder plus some
Just need to look at what Curnow got traded for and the Merrett off and more

I would say 3 x 1st rounders plus a pretty decent player would be on the cards
thats what scares me about the Butters free agency attempt
Yeah its why im not really keen on Butters
 
why arnt contracts discolsed?
They will be 20 years after they expire and you can find them here
 

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Top 30 Players to watch from Tommy Wolfe at Reading The Play

Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
176cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A nuggety and quick small defender or midfielder who loves to take the game on. Armstrong plays with power and agility, bursting out of congestion with real intent. His kicking still needs polish, but the drive and speed he brings to chains of play is unmistakable.

Arki Butler
180cm – Medium Forward / Midfielder
A classy small forward with ambitions to push into the midfield. Butler is clean overhead, sharp by foot and a natural goal kicker. He is a genuine livewire and shapes as an early selection as the season unfolds.

Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA)
196cm – Utility
Port Adelaide’s newly tied prospect might well be the best player in the pool. Cochrane can play tall forward, big-bodied midfielder or roaming utility. He is skilful, evasive, powerful overhead and classy on the move. A genuine match winner with elite versatility.

Kodah Edwards
183cm – Midfielder
A powerful clearance midfielder who thrives in the crush. Edwards is a tough customer who loves the contest and can rest forward to become a genuine scoring threat.

George Gale
187cm – Medium Defender / Wing
A smooth mover in space with size, balance and quality ball use. Gale reads the play well, can intercept, and offers rebound through measured, composed distribution.

Ethan Herbert
200cm – Ruck
A ruck who wins hitouts and gets his hands dirty. Herbert is clean at ground level and offers impressive follow up at stoppage. Adding forward craft is the next step for a player with a promising all-round ruck profile.

Archie Hill (Gold Coast Academy)
182cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A high-endurance rebounding defender who gives constant run and carry. Hill’s footskills are tidy and his decision making usually ensures retention. Plenty of upside as he fills out.

Lewis Houndsome
199cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A powerful and imposing key forward with strong marking hands and real aerial presence. Houndsome has the potential to provide ruck support but looks most dangerous as a leading forward.

Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
190cm – Midfielder / Medium Forward
Raw but full of power and intent. Justice brings toughness to the contest, clean hands and breakaway speed. At 190 centimetres he profiles as a damaging mid-forward once his frame matures.

Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA)
182cm – Medium Defender
An athletic, springy defender who intercepts above his height. Kenh accelerates play with leg speed and is always looking to surge forward.

Koby LeCras
190cm – Medium Forward
A smooth left-footer who creates matchup problems. LeCras is clever on the lead, mobile for his size and one of the top WA forwards in the class.

Wil Malady
190cm – Medium Forward
A marking forward who loves to leap at the ball. Malady is an aerial threat with goal sense and projects as a genuine scoreboard presence.

Kale Matthews-Hampton
198cm – Key Defender
A dual-sport talent choosing between football and basketball. Matthews-Hampton already has National Championships exposure and shows real potential as a strong marking defender who reads it early.

Aidan McCartney (North Melbourne F/S + Sydney NGA)
191cm – Key Forward
An athletic tall who looks most likely to settle as a key forward, though his mobility and skill set leave the door open for experimentation. Early signs suggest Sydney may be in the box seat.

Lachlan McGlade (West Coast NGA)
173cm – Small Forward
A powerful, high-speed small forward with serious x-factor. McGlade is explosive and dangerous inside 50. If it all comes together, he fits the modern prototype perfectly.

Caylen Murray (Brisbane Academy)
183cm – Medium Defender / Midfielder
A smart ball user off half back with the ability to transition into midfield. Murray balances decision making with clean kicking and has the composure to become a genuine rebound threat.

Marlon Neocleous
168cm – Small Forward
A sharp, skilful small forward who plays with real edge. Neocleous is creative with ball in hand and penetrative with his kicking. Exactly the type of player who can flip momentum in bursts.

Gabriel Patterson
182cm – Small Forward
An explosive small forward who flies at the ball and is equally dangerous at ground level. Patterson kicks goals, creates chaos and fits the modern AFL forward mould.

Jack Pickett
193cm – Key Forward
A deep leading forward who does his job with reliability. Pickett marks well and kicks goals consistently, though adding variety to his game will be the next step.

Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
188cm – Midfielder
A big-bodied midfielder who thrives inside. Robinson is a clearance winner with marking ability around the ground and projects as a strong interior presence.

Harvey Spawton-Guy
194cm – Key Forward
A raw tall forward with mobility and a lovely kicking action. Still putting it all together, but there are enough flashes to suggest a high ceiling.

Darcy Szerszyn
188cm – Medium Defender
A hybrid defender who can lock down, intercept and rebound. Szerszyn fills multiple roles and offers significant flexibility in the back half.

Gus Teixeira
179cm – Midfielder / Small Forward
A creative small midfielder who had a strong season with the Sandringham Dragons. Teixeira makes things happen through craft and clean disposal and is a threat near goal.

Cody Templeton
179cm – Midfielder
A dynamic small midfielder capable of posting big stat lines. Templeton can win it, run with it and hit the scoreboard in bursts. Very smart with ball in hand.

Angus Tippett
192cm – Midfielder
One of the new breed of tall midfielders. Tippett finds the ball easily and competes well. Improving composure and kicking will be the key to unlocking his full upside.

Archie Van Dyk
185cm – Midfielder
A well balanced onballer who wins contested footy and hits the scoreboard. Van Dyk is rounded, clever and impacts in multiple phases.

Harry Van Hattum
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A strong and athletic tall who can ruck or play deep forward. Van Hattum is an aerial force with mobility and shapes as a powerful hybrid at the next level.

Benji van Rooyen
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
Raw but competitive, van Rooyen got early exposure at National Championships level. He is learning the craft quickly and carries real athletic upside.

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S + Richmond NGA)
184cm – Midfielder
The best performed bottom ager in the crop and a near lock for pick one or two. Walker dominated the Coates League with size, power and skill. He can play anywhere and impact immediately.

Noah Williams
176cm – Defender / Winger
A smooth moving distributor who looks at home on a wing or across half back. Williams has lovely footskills and profiles as a high quality outside option as he develops.
 
Another compromised draft, hope the club doesn't finish last. Would be pretty shit to have pick 1 and not be able to take 1 of the 2 highly rated kids in 2026.
Imagine the Tassie draft with the added Academy picks being the same this year.Our Pick 3 would be around 50.lol
 
Your boy not on that list Tigerbob

Imagine getting him as a 2nd rounder

secret smell GIF
 
Top 30 Players to watch from Tommy Wolfe at Reading The Play

Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
176cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A nuggety and quick small defender or midfielder who loves to take the game on. Armstrong plays with power and agility, bursting out of congestion with real intent. His kicking still needs polish, but the drive and speed he brings to chains of play is unmistakable.

Arki Butler
180cm – Medium Forward / Midfielder
A classy small forward with ambitions to push into the midfield. Butler is clean overhead, sharp by foot and a natural goal kicker. He is a genuine livewire and shapes as an early selection as the season unfolds.

Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA)
196cm – Utility
Port Adelaide’s newly tied prospect might well be the best player in the pool. Cochrane can play tall forward, big-bodied midfielder or roaming utility. He is skilful, evasive, powerful overhead and classy on the move. A genuine match winner with elite versatility.

Kodah Edwards
183cm – Midfielder
A powerful clearance midfielder who thrives in the crush. Edwards is a tough customer who loves the contest and can rest forward to become a genuine scoring threat.

George Gale
187cm – Medium Defender / Wing
A smooth mover in space with size, balance and quality ball use. Gale reads the play well, can intercept, and offers rebound through measured, composed distribution.

Ethan Herbert
200cm – Ruck
A ruck who wins hitouts and gets his hands dirty. Herbert is clean at ground level and offers impressive follow up at stoppage. Adding forward craft is the next step for a player with a promising all-round ruck profile.

Archie Hill (Gold Coast Academy)
182cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A high-endurance rebounding defender who gives constant run and carry. Hill’s footskills are tidy and his decision making usually ensures retention. Plenty of upside as he fills out.

Lewis Houndsome
199cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A powerful and imposing key forward with strong marking hands and real aerial presence. Houndsome has the potential to provide ruck support but looks most dangerous as a leading forward.

Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
190cm – Midfielder / Medium Forward
Raw but full of power and intent. Justice brings toughness to the contest, clean hands and breakaway speed. At 190 centimetres he profiles as a damaging mid-forward once his frame matures.

Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA)
182cm – Medium Defender
An athletic, springy defender who intercepts above his height. Kenh accelerates play with leg speed and is always looking to surge forward.

Koby LeCras
190cm – Medium Forward
A smooth left-footer who creates matchup problems. LeCras is clever on the lead, mobile for his size and one of the top WA forwards in the class.

Wil Malady
190cm – Medium Forward
A marking forward who loves to leap at the ball. Malady is an aerial threat with goal sense and projects as a genuine scoreboard presence.

Kale Matthews-Hampton
198cm – Key Defender
A dual-sport talent choosing between football and basketball. Matthews-Hampton already has National Championships exposure and shows real potential as a strong marking defender who reads it early.

Aidan McCartney (North Melbourne F/S + Sydney NGA)
191cm – Key Forward
An athletic tall who looks most likely to settle as a key forward, though his mobility and skill set leave the door open for experimentation. Early signs suggest Sydney may be in the box seat.

Lachlan McGlade (West Coast NGA)
173cm – Small Forward
A powerful, high-speed small forward with serious x-factor. McGlade is explosive and dangerous inside 50. If it all comes together, he fits the modern prototype perfectly.

Caylen Murray (Brisbane Academy)
183cm – Medium Defender / Midfielder
A smart ball user off half back with the ability to transition into midfield. Murray balances decision making with clean kicking and has the composure to become a genuine rebound threat.

Marlon Neocleous
168cm – Small Forward
A sharp, skilful small forward who plays with real edge. Neocleous is creative with ball in hand and penetrative with his kicking. Exactly the type of player who can flip momentum in bursts.

Gabriel Patterson
182cm – Small Forward
An explosive small forward who flies at the ball and is equally dangerous at ground level. Patterson kicks goals, creates chaos and fits the modern AFL forward mould.

Jack Pickett
193cm – Key Forward
A deep leading forward who does his job with reliability. Pickett marks well and kicks goals consistently, though adding variety to his game will be the next step.

Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
188cm – Midfielder
A big-bodied midfielder who thrives inside. Robinson is a clearance winner with marking ability around the ground and projects as a strong interior presence.

Harvey Spawton-Guy
194cm – Key Forward
A raw tall forward with mobility and a lovely kicking action. Still putting it all together, but there are enough flashes to suggest a high ceiling.

Darcy Szerszyn
188cm – Medium Defender
A hybrid defender who can lock down, intercept and rebound. Szerszyn fills multiple roles and offers significant flexibility in the back half.

Gus Teixeira
179cm – Midfielder / Small Forward
A creative small midfielder who had a strong season with the Sandringham Dragons. Teixeira makes things happen through craft and clean disposal and is a threat near goal.

Cody Templeton
179cm – Midfielder
A dynamic small midfielder capable of posting big stat lines. Templeton can win it, run with it and hit the scoreboard in bursts. Very smart with ball in hand.

Angus Tippett
192cm – Midfielder
One of the new breed of tall midfielders. Tippett finds the ball easily and competes well. Improving composure and kicking will be the key to unlocking his full upside.

Archie Van Dyk
185cm – Midfielder
A well balanced onballer who wins contested footy and hits the scoreboard. Van Dyk is rounded, clever and impacts in multiple phases.

Harry Van Hattum
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A strong and athletic tall who can ruck or play deep forward. Van Hattum is an aerial force with mobility and shapes as a powerful hybrid at the next level.

Benji van Rooyen
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
Raw but competitive, van Rooyen got early exposure at National Championships level. He is learning the craft quickly and carries real athletic upside.

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S + Richmond NGA)
184cm – Midfielder
The best performed bottom ager in the crop and a near lock for pick one or two. Walker dominated the Coates League with size, power and skill. He can play anywhere and impact immediately.

Noah Williams
176cm – Defender / Winger
A smooth moving distributor who looks at home on a wing or across half back. Williams has lovely footskills and profiles as a high quality outside option as he develops.

No knapp?
 

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Top 30 Players to watch from Tommy Wolfe at Reading The Play

Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
176cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A nuggety and quick small defender or midfielder who loves to take the game on. Armstrong plays with power and agility, bursting out of congestion with real intent. His kicking still needs polish, but the drive and speed he brings to chains of play is unmistakable.

Arki Butler
180cm – Medium Forward / Midfielder
A classy small forward with ambitions to push into the midfield. Butler is clean overhead, sharp by foot and a natural goal kicker. He is a genuine livewire and shapes as an early selection as the season unfolds.

Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA)
196cm – Utility
Port Adelaide’s newly tied prospect might well be the best player in the pool. Cochrane can play tall forward, big-bodied midfielder or roaming utility. He is skilful, evasive, powerful overhead and classy on the move. A genuine match winner with elite versatility.

Kodah Edwards
183cm – Midfielder
A powerful clearance midfielder who thrives in the crush. Edwards is a tough customer who loves the contest and can rest forward to become a genuine scoring threat.

George Gale
187cm – Medium Defender / Wing
A smooth mover in space with size, balance and quality ball use. Gale reads the play well, can intercept, and offers rebound through measured, composed distribution.

Ethan Herbert
200cm – Ruck
A ruck who wins hitouts and gets his hands dirty. Herbert is clean at ground level and offers impressive follow up at stoppage. Adding forward craft is the next step for a player with a promising all-round ruck profile.

Archie Hill (Gold Coast Academy)
182cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A high-endurance rebounding defender who gives constant run and carry. Hill’s footskills are tidy and his decision making usually ensures retention. Plenty of upside as he fills out.

Lewis Houndsome
199cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A powerful and imposing key forward with strong marking hands and real aerial presence. Houndsome has the potential to provide ruck support but looks most dangerous as a leading forward.

Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
190cm – Midfielder / Medium Forward
Raw but full of power and intent. Justice brings toughness to the contest, clean hands and breakaway speed. At 190 centimetres he profiles as a damaging mid-forward once his frame matures.

Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA)
182cm – Medium Defender
An athletic, springy defender who intercepts above his height. Kenh accelerates play with leg speed and is always looking to surge forward.

Koby LeCras
190cm – Medium Forward
A smooth left-footer who creates matchup problems. LeCras is clever on the lead, mobile for his size and one of the top WA forwards in the class.

Wil Malady
190cm – Medium Forward
A marking forward who loves to leap at the ball. Malady is an aerial threat with goal sense and projects as a genuine scoreboard presence.

Kale Matthews-Hampton
198cm – Key Defender
A dual-sport talent choosing between football and basketball. Matthews-Hampton already has National Championships exposure and shows real potential as a strong marking defender who reads it early.

Aidan McCartney (North Melbourne F/S + Sydney NGA)
191cm – Key Forward
An athletic tall who looks most likely to settle as a key forward, though his mobility and skill set leave the door open for experimentation. Early signs suggest Sydney may be in the box seat.

Lachlan McGlade (West Coast NGA)
173cm – Small Forward
A powerful, high-speed small forward with serious x-factor. McGlade is explosive and dangerous inside 50. If it all comes together, he fits the modern prototype perfectly.

Caylen Murray (Brisbane Academy)
183cm – Medium Defender / Midfielder
A smart ball user off half back with the ability to transition into midfield. Murray balances decision making with clean kicking and has the composure to become a genuine rebound threat.

Marlon Neocleous
168cm – Small Forward
A sharp, skilful small forward who plays with real edge. Neocleous is creative with ball in hand and penetrative with his kicking. Exactly the type of player who can flip momentum in bursts.

Gabriel Patterson
182cm – Small Forward
An explosive small forward who flies at the ball and is equally dangerous at ground level. Patterson kicks goals, creates chaos and fits the modern AFL forward mould.

Jack Pickett
193cm – Key Forward
A deep leading forward who does his job with reliability. Pickett marks well and kicks goals consistently, though adding variety to his game will be the next step.

Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
188cm – Midfielder
A big-bodied midfielder who thrives inside. Robinson is a clearance winner with marking ability around the ground and projects as a strong interior presence.

Harvey Spawton-Guy
194cm – Key Forward
A raw tall forward with mobility and a lovely kicking action. Still putting it all together, but there are enough flashes to suggest a high ceiling.

Darcy Szerszyn
188cm – Medium Defender
A hybrid defender who can lock down, intercept and rebound. Szerszyn fills multiple roles and offers significant flexibility in the back half.

Gus Teixeira
179cm – Midfielder / Small Forward
A creative small midfielder who had a strong season with the Sandringham Dragons. Teixeira makes things happen through craft and clean disposal and is a threat near goal.

Cody Templeton
179cm – Midfielder
A dynamic small midfielder capable of posting big stat lines. Templeton can win it, run with it and hit the scoreboard in bursts. Very smart with ball in hand.

Angus Tippett
192cm – Midfielder
One of the new breed of tall midfielders. Tippett finds the ball easily and competes well. Improving composure and kicking will be the key to unlocking his full upside.

Archie Van Dyk
185cm – Midfielder
A well balanced onballer who wins contested footy and hits the scoreboard. Van Dyk is rounded, clever and impacts in multiple phases.

Harry Van Hattum
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A strong and athletic tall who can ruck or play deep forward. Van Hattum is an aerial force with mobility and shapes as a powerful hybrid at the next level.

Benji van Rooyen
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
Raw but competitive, van Rooyen got early exposure at National Championships level. He is learning the craft quickly and carries real athletic upside.

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S + Richmond NGA)
184cm – Midfielder
The best performed bottom ager in the crop and a near lock for pick one or two. Walker dominated the Coates League with size, power and skill. He can play anywhere and impact immediately.

Noah Williams
176cm – Defender / Winger
A smooth moving distributor who looks at home on a wing or across half back. Williams has lovely footskills and profiles as a high quality outside option as he develops.
Guss Kennedy is surely there....
 
last draft we can tank to be in just before tassie comes in then its all systems go
Tassie will have u17 year old concessions and will already picked a large qty of the best kids
 
Last edited:
Kodah Edwards from SA was one of the best on the field in the opening half of the Futures game, playing midfield, tackling hard, breaking into space and show class with the ball at times. He was moved to the forward line in the second half and drafted out of the contest a little but still did enough to be named among the best for his team on the day.

 

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List Mgmt. 2026 AFL Draft

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