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Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

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Who do you want for our first pick at the AFL Draft?

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    104
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I think Croft goes pick 20 plus, unless he smashes it for the rest of the Under 18s season. Lual however, has pushed himself into the top 40 after todays display. Given the poor depth in this draft, I think he was going to go inside the top 40 regardless. Our first round picks are safe, unless we trade them.
 
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LittleG said:
The Lions pick is right in the Croft range. Lual appears to be a 40+ player, which is lucky for us.

I expect we will have pick ~10 and can take a decent mid but not Wilson, Sanders or Watson [emoji20]

With Street getting enough attention, he should bring in an early second rounder as a ready to go Ruckman who is best player at VFL in his role (usually their value, sometimes more). That pick combined with the Lions pick, may get us a bit higher in the draft and before Croft. Something like 16+24 gets us 10 plus some late change. That could get us O’Sullivan or Murphy.

Draft Haul:
Pick ~10 Mid
Pick ~10 KPD
Croft (Match)
Lual (match)

There are also a few potential small forwards and defenders who may be available late.
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The problem with this plan is we are not getting 24 for Sweet.
 

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hatescaptcha said:
Might slide due to being Tasmanian. Probably not far enough for us to nab him though.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com
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Smiley Boy said:
Would be really skeptical of picking Tasmanian kids with a team coming into the league soon
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I think we put more weight into it then recruiters do.
 
_Cerberus_ said:
I think Croft goes pick 20 plus, unless he smashes it for the rest of the Under 18s season. Lual however, has pushed himself into the top 40 after todays display. Given the poor depth in this draft, I think he was going to go inside the top 40 regardless. Our first round picks are safe, unless we trade them.
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I like the draft and think it does have a fair bit of depth. I haven't seen the latest match, but think the quality of some of the matches have been of high standard and very enjoyable compared to other years. Some teams have heavily rotated in players and still maintained a good standard which is a sign the depth is pretty good. The midfield quality may not be anywhere near as good, but the depth of talls and smalls both in the front half as well as the the back half is quite good in my opinion. There's a lot of good rucks and wingers as well. I was expecting a bit more from some of top prospects given the talent levels of some of them, but there's better prospects in this year's draft compared to last year's still.
 
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AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY​


AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY




1 Harley Reid​

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.5 disposals (12.5 contested), 4.3 marks, 6.5 clearances, 3.8 inside-50s, 2.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 112 ranking points (4 games)

The No.1 pick fancy since the middle of last year hasn’t lost his spot after a strong national championships with Vic Country which saw him win the side’s MVP award. Reid entered the tournament a touch underdone following a lay-off after a concussion in May. However, he impressed with his work both forward and through the midfield. Reid has proven his versatility in a range of positions, but is best used as a midfielder-forward like Dustin Martin. He is a similar power athlete with core strength, a signature fend off, breakaway pace and silky skills. As it stands, the boy from Tongala is looking at a move to wooden-spoon favourite West Coast.


2 Jed Walter​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Forward, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 2.8 contested marks, 7.5 score involvements, 2.8 goals, 104 ranking points (4 games)

Some recruiters would select Walter ahead of Reid if they had pick 1 in this year’s draft, which is saying something. The power key forward was as eye-catching as anyone through the national championships, proving more than a handful for opposition defenders. Given his size and strength, Walter looks ready to go at AFL level and is expected to play some VFL football for Gold Coast in the second half of the year. Walter is still working on his goalkicking accuracy – which sat at 44 per cent during the national championships – but his competitive edge and will to defend are two areas of his game that he has already mastered. The Suns are certain to match a very early bid on their Academy prospect.


3 Colby McKercher​

Tasmania Devils/Allies​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 32.8 disposals (9.3 contested), 5.8 marks, 5 inside-50s, 7.8 ground ball gets, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 1.8 score assists, 150 ranking points (4 games)

Recruiters label McKercher as a “superstar” and don’t hesitate to peg him as a firm top-five prospect in this year’s draft. The Tasmanian has been described as a faster version of Essendon captain Zach Merrett and not only possesses speed but also has great agility, a damaging left-foot kick and elite decision making. McKercher has shown an ability to push forward and kick goals from the midfield this year, which is another trait that sets him apart. He was best afield in the Allies’ final match of the national championships against Vic Country, booting two goals to go with 33 disposals and nine clearances in a performance that attracted plenty of attention.

4 Ethan Read​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Ruckman, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 21.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, 13 hitouts (3 to advantage), 2.5 clearances, 5.5 score involvements, 3 tackles, 0.5 score assists, 0.3 goals, 119 ranking points (4 games)
Read has been described as a “unicorn”, with players of his size, running ability and skills incredibly rare to come across. Allies coach Mark McVeigh likens Read to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs, who has featured as a ruckman, key defender and even midfielder across his AFL career. The Suns Academy product runs a 2km time trial in under six minutes, is a great kick of the ball, has a big leap, takes plenty of marks around the ground and rarely wastes the footy. All those attributes mean that, like Blicavs, Read could end up playing anywhere at the next level.

5 Zane Duursma​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 15.3 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.8 marks, 4 inside-50s, 2.8 clearances, 3.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1.8 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
Duursma left his best for last in the national championships, producing a monster final game for Vic Country which turned plenty of heads. Playing almost exclusively as a mid-sized forward, Duursma was at his damaging best as he recorded 15 score involvements, six score assists and kicked four goals from his 22 disposals and 10 marks. He finished with 191 SuperCoach ranking points, making it the second-highest rated game of any player during the tournament. The younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier, Duursma has fans as the very pointy end of the draft given the sizeable X-Factor he possesses. He has high football IQ, is strong overhead, is an elite runner, has a nice side-step through traffic and is as dangerous around goals as anyone in this year’s draft class.

6 Daniel Curtin​

Claremont/Western Australia​

Midfielder/Defender, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 23.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 5.8 intercept possessions, 3.3 inside-50s, 3.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 0.3 goals, 137 ranking points (4 games)
Described as “ultra-professional”, Curtin caught the eyes of recruiters in the under-17 Futures match on the MCG on Grand Final Day last year. There he won the best-on-ground medal after a dominant display while playing as a rebounding defender for Team Houli. Curtin impressed while playing on power key forward Jed Walter in the first match of this year’s national championships, before being thrown into a midfield role across the rest of the tournament. He has great speed and agility for his size, rarely wastes a disposal and reads the play well. While Curtin is expected to begin an AFL career as a backman, he has shown enough to suggest he could become a tall, big-bodied midfielder in time.

7 Ryley Sanders​

Sandringham Dragons/Allies​

Midfielder, 186cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 35.8 disposals (14.5 contested), 6.3 marks, 5.8 inside 50s, 5 clearances, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1 goal, 170 ranking points (4 games)

A prolific ball-winning midfielder, Sanders took out the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Will Ashcroft, Sam Walsh and Christian Petracca. Originally from Tasmania, he is a bull in the contest and has improved his fitness this year to become more damaging on the spread. Coaches rave about Sanders’ character, leadership and selflessness to bring others into the game. He gets to the right spots, is clean by hand and foot and is becoming more explosive with his movements, which has seen Sanders draw some comparisons to Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis.

8 Nick Watson​

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro​

Forward, 170cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1 clearance, 7.3 score involvements, 1 tackle, 1 score assist, 3.5 goals, 97 ranking points (4 games)

What he lacks in height, Watson makes up for in pure footy smarts and skills. He was the leading goalkicker in the under-18 national championships with 14 majors – three more than Allies key forwards Jed Walter and Charlie McCormack. While small forwards aren’t normally picked high in the draft order, Watson is certain to be among the first dozen selections in November. He is quick, agile, reads the play well, uses his body to perfection in marking contests and has unrivalled goal sense. Watson kicked five goals in a half in Vic Metro’s national championships match against Western Australia and made the most of limited opportunities to boot four majors against Vic Country in the last game. He has also looked good playing as a rebounding halfback at stages this season.

9 Connor O’Sullivan​

Murray Bushrangers/Allies​

Defender, 198cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.5 intercept marks, 6.8 intercept possessions, 4 spoils, 3 rebound 50s, 99 ranking points (4 games)
O’Sullivan’s stocks rose significantly during the under-18 national championships, with the Albury product bolting into top-10 calculations. He won the MVP award for the Allies, which says something given the top-end talent in that side this year. A strong-marking tall, O’Sullivan has played as both a key forward and a key defender over the past two years but looks best suited to a role down back. There he reads the play well, has an exciting leap, possesses the speed to go with opponents on the lead, is strong in one-on-one contests and backs himself to drop off an intercept when appropriate. O’Sullivan also has leadership qualities and was made captain for the Allies’ second match.

10 Jake Rogers​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Midfielder, 172cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 22.5 disposals, 5.5 clearances, 4.8 inside 50s, 2.3 marks, 6.3 ground ball gets, 5.3 tackles, 5 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 108 ranking points (4 games)

Some clubs say that Rogers is the cleanest player they have seen coming through the talent pathways. A dynamic and speedy midfielder, he gets from contest to contest and has incredibly clean hands which allows him not only to pick up the footy but also effectively get it to teammates on the outside. Rogers’ vision and creativity are other features of his game, along with his leadership. He was best on ground with 27 disposals (13 contested) and six clearances in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, proving he is ready to step up to the next level. Rogers has drawn comparisons to Gold Coast’s Touk Miller, but has also been labelled “as clean as Caleb Daniel”.

11 Darcy Wilson​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 16 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.8 clearances, 4.3 inside-50s, 3 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 79 ranking points (4 games)
A wingman or high half-forward, Wilson can run all day. He finished fifth among all the Victorian draft hopefuls in the YoYo test during pre-season testing in March and has put that athletic ability on show on a weekly basis throughout the season. Wilson takes the game on, has good football IQ, has pace to burn off the mark, is a thumping kick and regularly hits the scoreboard. He booted two goals in two of his national championships matches for Vic Country, while also having high numbers of score involvements across the tournament. If there has been one knock on Wilson, it is his competitiveness. However, he has been working to improve in that area.

12 Mitchell Edwards​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Ruckman, 205cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 10 disposals (7 contested), 2 marks, 23 hitouts (8.7 to advantage), 2 clearances, 3.7 tackles, 0.3 goals, 94 ranking points (3 games)
The best pure ruckman in this year’s draft pool – if you exclude the versatile Ethan Read – is Edwards. He stood out as a bottom-age player in the national championships last year and backed up those performances as a top-age prospect this season. Edwards has impressive ruck craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and quite mobile for his size. He still has plenty of development to come physically and from a running point of view, but looks near-certain to be a first-round draft pick regardless. Edwards was sorely missed by Western Australia in its last match of the championships, sitting out the match after suffering a concussion. However, he returned to the field for Peel Thunder in the WAFL Reserves on the weekend.

13 Nate Caddy​

Northern Knights/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.7 disposals (6 contested), 3.7 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 4.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 2 goals, 78 ranking points (3 games)

Pegged as a potential top-five prospect heading into the year, Caddy has perhaps dropped a few rungs after a quieter than expected national championships with Vic Metro. He missed the first match of the tournament through illness, having had an interrupted start to the season following a broken fibula in pre-season. But he still has all the makings of a very good AFL player. A Carlton fan, the Northern Knights product looks up to Charlie Curnow and some similarities are there in the way he plays. He has a vice-like grip overhead and strong athletic traits including an exciting natural leap. Caddy plays taller than he measures in at as a forward but has also shown an ability to play as a big-bodied midfielder in the Coates Talent League. Against Bendigo Pioneers in Round 11 he split his time between midfield and forward roles and finished with 25 disposals and six goals in a best-on-ground display. He is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy.

14 Koltyn Tholstrup​

Subiaco/Western Australia​

Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.7 disposals, 6 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 2 tackles, 6.7 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 88 ranking points (3 games)
One of Western Australia’s best players across each of his three national championships matches, Tholstrup has left himself firmly in the frame to be a first-round draft selection. He missed Western Australia’s first match against the Allies with a back issue, but returned with a bang to log 21 disposals, eight marks and a goal against South Australia. Tholstrup generally plays as a high half-forward but can also have stints through the midfield. Tholstrup has a fierce competitive edge, is fearless in the contest, has excellent game sense, is a penetrating kick and has some real polish in his game. Hailing from Esperance in regional WA, Tholstrup has also proven himself against men this season, playing regular senior WAFL football for Subiaco.

15 Ollie Murphy​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 5.3 intercept possessions, 4 rebound 50s, 3.8 spoils, 1.5 tackles, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A first-round draft bolter, Murphy took out Vic Metro’s MVP award after an exceptional under-18 national championships campaign in defence. He had played as a forward and back-up ruckman in his bottom-age season last year. However, Murphy has taken to his new role as a key defender in 2023 like a duck to water. While still lightly framed, the Sandringham Dragons product is viewed as a “high reward” prospect given his ability to win the ball back, while he also kicks the footy well for a player of his size, is a strong runner and is ultra-competitive. Murphy was given some big jobs during the national championships – including on top key-forward prospect Jed Walter – and rose to those challenges.

16 Riley Hardeman​

Swan Districts/Western Australia​

Defender, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.5 disposals, 5.8 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 4.5 intercept possessions, 6.3 rebound 50s, 1.8 tackles, 90 ranking points (4 matches)
A left-footed rebounding defender, Hardeman led from the front as captain of Western Australia during the national championships. It was well known entering the year that he had great speed and was a booming and accurate kick, but Hardeman has also been able to add another element to his game this season with his strong overhead marking. Hardeman played in a WAFL Colts premiership for Swan Districts in 2021, still aged 16. He has also been exposed to senior WAFL football with the Black Swans this season.

17 Will McCabe​

Central District/South Australia​

Defender, 197cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 rebound 50s, 3.3 tackles, 7.3 spoils, 95 ranking points (3 games)

Shaping as South Australia’s top draft prospect, McCabe was an All-Australian at under-16 level last year and has gone on to build a strong top-age season. The son of former Hawthorn star Luke McCabe – who played 138 games for the club – he is yet to officially nominate as a father-son for the Hawks but is expected to attract a first-round bid if he does. A tall defender, McCabe is a competitive player who has a good natural leap, is nice overhead mark and wins plenty of one-on-one battles. He is quite athletic, can play on talls or smalls and is an elite reader of the play. McCabe missed South Australia’s second match of the under-18 championships with groin soreness, but returned to play his best game against Vic Country with 19 disposals, six marks and six spoils.

18 Joel Freijah​

(GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 191cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 0.8 clearances, 1.8 tackles, 3.8 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 60 ranking points (4 games)

An athletic wingman at a good height, there is a lot to like about Freijah. He is an elite runner, has a strong body, possesses great composure, is clean below his knees and kicks the ball beautifully. During pre-season testing, Freijah ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint to highlight his speed, while he also holds his width when playing on a wing. Freijah caught the eye of scouts across the competition when he was best-on-ground for the Rebels in a Coates Talent League clash against Dandenong in Round 4. That day he logged 26 disposals, six clearances and kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance, playing primarily on one wing. While his national championships campaign with Vic Country wasn’t quite to that level, he remains in the frame to be a top-20 selection.

19 Archer Reid​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Forward, 203cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 1 contested mark, 1 tackle, 5.5 score involvements, 1 goal, 63 ranking points (4 games)

The younger brother of Essendon defender Zach Reid, this towering Gippsland Power product plays at the other end of the ground. He is an exceptional overhead mark, reads the ball well in flight, is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a strong natural goal sense. Reid was poised to make his VFL debut for Box Hill earlier this year but instead ended up going back to his local club Inverloch-Kongwak and booted 11 goals across two games in the seniors of the West Gippsland Football League. While he wasn’t able to string it all together during the national championships, he did impress early in Vic Country’s final match and finished with 8 disposals, 7 marks and 2.2. Reid isn’t ready to step straight into the AFL next year, but could provide a club with some serious long-term rewards.

20 Archie Roberts​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1 intercept mark, 4.3 intercept possessions, 6 rebound 50s, 3.5 score involvements, 1.5 tackles, 87 ranking points (4 games)
A rebounding halfback with a bit of swagger about him, Roberts hasn’t put a foot wrong across his various football programs this year. He finds a way to have an impact week-in, week-out and was a key part of Vic Metro’s backline across the under-18 national championships. The left-footer is a damaging and penetrating kick, while he is also an elite runner who loves to play on and run and carry off halfback to break the lines. Roberts has also become a fine intercept player, while still being accountable to his man. He had 21 disposals as a bottom-age player in Sandringham’s premiership side last season and caught the eye with 17 disposals in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May.

21 Cooper Simpson​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 2 inside-50s, 2 score involvements, 33 ranking points (4 games)
A nasty corked thigh during Vic Country’s first match of the national championships sidelined Simpson for the rest of the tournament. But clubs haven’t forgotten about his talents and some still expect him to be a top-20 pick on draft night. The midfielder is a true professional and possess pace, composure, great finishing skills and a neat step through traffic. He works had both ways of the ball and has shown an ability to step up in the big moments as Dandenong’s captain. An AFL Academy member, Simpson played in exhibition matches against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and Carlton’s VFL team earlier this year and has had a further taste of VFL football with Casey.

22 Nathan Philactides​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro​

Defender, 181cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 rebound 50s, 3 intercept possessions, 1.5 tackles, 0.5 spoils, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A former athletics ace who once ranked top-five in the world in his age group in the 400m hurdles, Philactides has some serious pace to burn off a halfback flank. His agility is just as impressive as his speed, with Philactides having ranked fifth in the agility test during Victorian pre-season testing this year. The left-footer describes himself as a “run and gun” defender who likes to tuck the ball under his arm, take off and then use his penetrating kick to further propel his team forward. Philactides, who was selected as a co-captain of the Chargers this season, looks up to similar players like Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Carlton’s Adam Saad. While recruiters would like to see Philactides continue to work on his one-on-one defending, his weapons certainly excite.

23 Jordan Croft​

Calder Cannons/Vic Metro​

Forward, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 68 ranking points (3 games)
Another year, another talented tall linked to the Western Bulldogs. Croft is the son of former Bulldogs key defender Matthew Croft but is making his name as a marking and goalkicking key forward and is available as a father-son prospect this year. Rival clubs expect a bid on Croft to come within the top-30 picks on draft night following a breakout season from the Calder Cannons product. While still lightly built, Croft is extremely mobile and athletic, leads well and marks the ball at the highest point, which makes him tough for opposition defenders to stop. Croft burst onto the scene with five goals against Northern Territory in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League and carried his form into the national championships, which started with three goals in Vic Metro’s first game against South Australia.

24 Koen Sanchez​

East Fremantle/Western Australia​

Midfielder-Forward, 176cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.5 clearances, 2 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.5 goals, 102 ranking points (4 games)
A speedy half-forward or wingman, Sanchez has climbed up club draft boards on the back of an eye-catching national championships campaign for Western Australia. He had been playing significant midfield time in the WAFL Colts, but featured primarily across half-forward during the national championships and was able to show his forward craft, clean hands and ability to hit the scoreboard. Sanchez’ goalkicking accuracy of 35.3 per cent was the only thing that let him down during the tournament, but recruiters loved his speed, energy and lateral movement and believe he is ready to go at the next level as a high half-forward. Sanchez had missed matches with East Fremantle earlier in the season with a hip-flexor issue.

25 Ashton Moir​

Glenelg/South Australia​

Forward, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 0.8 goals, 66 ranking points (4 games)

Considering he entered the year as a top-three prospect, Moir has been a significant slider among this year’s draft class. But given his enormous potential and what he showed in his bottom-age year, the mid-sized forward is still a good chance to be snapped up within the top-25 selections in November. Moir is a unique X-Factor player who can comfortably kick with either foot and is able to impact both in the air and at ground level. But after kicking 30 goals across 10 SANFL under-18 matches last year, he hasn’t been able to back up that form this season. Niggling hip issues earlier in the year didn’t help Moir’s cause, leading into a national championships where he both he and his team struggled. But if Moir can produce some strong performances back with Glenelg in the back half of the year, he could climb back up the rankings again.

26 Logan Morris​

Western Jets/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 0.5 tackles, 4 score involvements, 1 goal, 70 ranking points (4 games)
There was some surprise around Princes Park when Morris went almost unsighted in the final game of the national championships with Vic Metro. But there was a reason for that – he went into the game ill. The previous week Morris had put his full potential on show against Western Australia, logging 16 disposals, 11 marks (five contested), 12 score involvements and kicking 4.1 in a performance that was the talk of the town. At 192cm, Morris has been likened to St Kilda’s Tim Membrey given he is more of a second or third tall than a key forward. But he has a nice vertical leap which helps him compete against taller opponents and a strong pair of hands overhead. Morris is also capable of playing in defence and will be a close watch for a lot of clubs in the second half of the season.

27 George Stevens​

GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3.8 clearances, 3 inside-50s, 6.3 tackles, 4.5 score involvement, 0.5 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
A strong-bodied midfielder who has also spent time across halfback this year, Stevens has some clear strengths. Coming off an ACL injury which saw him sidelined for the entirety of 2022, he made an immediate impact slotting back into the fold at the Rebels in the Coates Talent League earlier this year. Stevens a contested ball beast, wins plenty of ground balls, is a penetrating kick, has clean hands, makes good decisions and reads the ball well when playing behind the ball. He’s also a natural leader who captained the AFL Academy in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April. The one question mark over Stevens and his ability to play through the midfield is his lack of speed. That will means some clubs are less keen than others, but what scouts do know is they will be getting a quality person and true professional if they do pick Stevens.

28 Will Patton​

West Adelaide/South Australia​

Defender, 193cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 5.5 rebound 50s, 1.5 tackles, 4 spoils, 91 ranking points (4 games)
A composed left-footed defender, Patton captained South Australia’s team for the under-18 national championships and has drawn some comparisons to Hawthorn rising star Will Day. Patton has shown an ability to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards and not only reads the play well but also makes good decisions and uses the footy exceptionally well by hand and foot when he does win it back. A state representative in cricket as a junior, Patton has sharpened his focus on football in recent years but will be sidelined for the remainder of this year as he undergoes shoulder surgery.

29 Harry De Mattia​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 14.3 disposals, 2 marks, 5 inside-50s, 2.3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 score involvements, 73 ranking points (4 games)

Another former junior cricket star who represented Victoria, De Mattia impressed recruiters during the national championships with Vic Country. He showed off his explosive speed breaking away from the contest, as well as nice agility, clean hands and his pressure game. De Mattia was also deployed in a different role in the backline during the final match of the tournament and didn’t look out of place. Dual-sport athletes have some added appeal to clubs given their ability to learn, which could enhance De Mattia’s prospects later in the year.

30 Clay Hall​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Midfielder, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 27.3 disposals, 43.5 marks, 4.5 inside-50s, 6 clearances, 5.3 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 111 ranking points (4 games)

A staple in Western Australia’s midfield across the under-18 national championships, Hall only bolstered his draft rankings with a strong tournament. A WAFL Colts premiership winner with Peel Thunder as a bottom-age player last year, he stepped up to senior WAFL football earlier this season and did not look out of place. Hall’s work ethic on and off the field stands out, he has a good balance with his ability to win the ball on the inside and outside of the contest and he uses his strength to win plenty of ground balls. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.
 
goodcop badcop said:

23 Jordan Croft​

Calder Cannons/Vic Metro​

Forward, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 68 ranking points (3 games)
Another year, another talented tall linked to the Western Bulldogs. Croft is the son of former Bulldogs key defender Matthew Croft but is making his name as a marking and goalkicking key forward and is available as a father-son prospect this year. Rival clubs expect a bid on Croft to come within the top-30 picks on draft night following a breakout season from the Calder Cannons product. While still lightly built, Croft is extremely mobile and athletic, leads well and marks the ball at the highest point, which makes him tough for opposition defenders to stop. Croft burst onto the scene with five goals against Northern Territory in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League and carried his form into the national championships, which started with three goals in Vic Metro’s first game against South Australia.
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would love if he went in the second round
 

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goodcop badcop said:

AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY​


AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY




1 Harley Reid​

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.5 disposals (12.5 contested), 4.3 marks, 6.5 clearances, 3.8 inside-50s, 2.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 112 ranking points (4 games)

The No.1 pick fancy since the middle of last year hasn’t lost his spot after a strong national championships with Vic Country which saw him win the side’s MVP award. Reid entered the tournament a touch underdone following a lay-off after a concussion in May. However, he impressed with his work both forward and through the midfield. Reid has proven his versatility in a range of positions, but is best used as a midfielder-forward like Dustin Martin. He is a similar power athlete with core strength, a signature fend off, breakaway pace and silky skills. As it stands, the boy from Tongala is looking at a move to wooden-spoon favourite West Coast.


2 Jed Walter​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Forward, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 2.8 contested marks, 7.5 score involvements, 2.8 goals, 104 ranking points (4 games)

Some recruiters would select Walter ahead of Reid if they had pick 1 in this year’s draft, which is saying something. The power key forward was as eye-catching as anyone through the national championships, proving more than a handful for opposition defenders. Given his size and strength, Walter looks ready to go at AFL level and is expected to play some VFL football for Gold Coast in the second half of the year. Walter is still working on his goalkicking accuracy – which sat at 44 per cent during the national championships – but his competitive edge and will to defend are two areas of his game that he has already mastered. The Suns are certain to match a very early bid on their Academy prospect.


3 Colby McKercher​

Tasmania Devils/Allies​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 32.8 disposals (9.3 contested), 5.8 marks, 5 inside-50s, 7.8 ground ball gets, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 1.8 score assists, 150 ranking points (4 games)

Recruiters label McKercher as a “superstar” and don’t hesitate to peg him as a firm top-five prospect in this year’s draft. The Tasmanian has been described as a faster version of Essendon captain Zach Merrett and not only possesses speed but also has great agility, a damaging left-foot kick and elite decision making. McKercher has shown an ability to push forward and kick goals from the midfield this year, which is another trait that sets him apart. He was best afield in the Allies’ final match of the national championships against Vic Country, booting two goals to go with 33 disposals and nine clearances in a performance that attracted plenty of attention.

4 Ethan Read​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Ruckman, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 21.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, 13 hitouts (3 to advantage), 2.5 clearances, 5.5 score involvements, 3 tackles, 0.5 score assists, 0.3 goals, 119 ranking points (4 games)
Read has been described as a “unicorn”, with players of his size, running ability and skills incredibly rare to come across. Allies coach Mark McVeigh likens Read to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs, who has featured as a ruckman, key defender and even midfielder across his AFL career. The Suns Academy product runs a 2km time trial in under six minutes, is a great kick of the ball, has a big leap, takes plenty of marks around the ground and rarely wastes the footy. All those attributes mean that, like Blicavs, Read could end up playing anywhere at the next level.

5 Zane Duursma​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 15.3 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.8 marks, 4 inside-50s, 2.8 clearances, 3.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1.8 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
Duursma left his best for last in the national championships, producing a monster final game for Vic Country which turned plenty of heads. Playing almost exclusively as a mid-sized forward, Duursma was at his damaging best as he recorded 15 score involvements, six score assists and kicked four goals from his 22 disposals and 10 marks. He finished with 191 SuperCoach ranking points, making it the second-highest rated game of any player during the tournament. The younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier, Duursma has fans as the very pointy end of the draft given the sizeable X-Factor he possesses. He has high football IQ, is strong overhead, is an elite runner, has a nice side-step through traffic and is as dangerous around goals as anyone in this year’s draft class.

6 Daniel Curtin​

Claremont/Western Australia​

Midfielder/Defender, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 23.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 5.8 intercept possessions, 3.3 inside-50s, 3.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 0.3 goals, 137 ranking points (4 games)
Described as “ultra-professional”, Curtin caught the eyes of recruiters in the under-17 Futures match on the MCG on Grand Final Day last year. There he won the best-on-ground medal after a dominant display while playing as a rebounding defender for Team Houli. Curtin impressed while playing on power key forward Jed Walter in the first match of this year’s national championships, before being thrown into a midfield role across the rest of the tournament. He has great speed and agility for his size, rarely wastes a disposal and reads the play well. While Curtin is expected to begin an AFL career as a backman, he has shown enough to suggest he could become a tall, big-bodied midfielder in time.

7 Ryley Sanders​

Sandringham Dragons/Allies​

Midfielder, 186cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 35.8 disposals (14.5 contested), 6.3 marks, 5.8 inside 50s, 5 clearances, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1 goal, 170 ranking points (4 games)

A prolific ball-winning midfielder, Sanders took out the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Will Ashcroft, Sam Walsh and Christian Petracca. Originally from Tasmania, he is a bull in the contest and has improved his fitness this year to become more damaging on the spread. Coaches rave about Sanders’ character, leadership and selflessness to bring others into the game. He gets to the right spots, is clean by hand and foot and is becoming more explosive with his movements, which has seen Sanders draw some comparisons to Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis.

8 Nick Watson​

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro​

Forward, 170cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1 clearance, 7.3 score involvements, 1 tackle, 1 score assist, 3.5 goals, 97 ranking points (4 games)

What he lacks in height, Watson makes up for in pure footy smarts and skills. He was the leading goalkicker in the under-18 national championships with 14 majors – three more than Allies key forwards Jed Walter and Charlie McCormack. While small forwards aren’t normally picked high in the draft order, Watson is certain to be among the first dozen selections in November. He is quick, agile, reads the play well, uses his body to perfection in marking contests and has unrivalled goal sense. Watson kicked five goals in a half in Vic Metro’s national championships match against Western Australia and made the most of limited opportunities to boot four majors against Vic Country in the last game. He has also looked good playing as a rebounding halfback at stages this season.

9 Connor O’Sullivan​

Murray Bushrangers/Allies​

Defender, 198cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.5 intercept marks, 6.8 intercept possessions, 4 spoils, 3 rebound 50s, 99 ranking points (4 games)
O’Sullivan’s stocks rose significantly during the under-18 national championships, with the Albury product bolting into top-10 calculations. He won the MVP award for the Allies, which says something given the top-end talent in that side this year. A strong-marking tall, O’Sullivan has played as both a key forward and a key defender over the past two years but looks best suited to a role down back. There he reads the play well, has an exciting leap, possesses the speed to go with opponents on the lead, is strong in one-on-one contests and backs himself to drop off an intercept when appropriate. O’Sullivan also has leadership qualities and was made captain for the Allies’ second match.

10 Jake Rogers​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Midfielder, 172cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 22.5 disposals, 5.5 clearances, 4.8 inside 50s, 2.3 marks, 6.3 ground ball gets, 5.3 tackles, 5 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 108 ranking points (4 games)

Some clubs say that Rogers is the cleanest player they have seen coming through the talent pathways. A dynamic and speedy midfielder, he gets from contest to contest and has incredibly clean hands which allows him not only to pick up the footy but also effectively get it to teammates on the outside. Rogers’ vision and creativity are other features of his game, along with his leadership. He was best on ground with 27 disposals (13 contested) and six clearances in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, proving he is ready to step up to the next level. Rogers has drawn comparisons to Gold Coast’s Touk Miller, but has also been labelled “as clean as Caleb Daniel”.

11 Darcy Wilson​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 16 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.8 clearances, 4.3 inside-50s, 3 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 79 ranking points (4 games)
A wingman or high half-forward, Wilson can run all day. He finished fifth among all the Victorian draft hopefuls in the YoYo test during pre-season testing in March and has put that athletic ability on show on a weekly basis throughout the season. Wilson takes the game on, has good football IQ, has pace to burn off the mark, is a thumping kick and regularly hits the scoreboard. He booted two goals in two of his national championships matches for Vic Country, while also having high numbers of score involvements across the tournament. If there has been one knock on Wilson, it is his competitiveness. However, he has been working to improve in that area.

12 Mitchell Edwards​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Ruckman, 205cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 10 disposals (7 contested), 2 marks, 23 hitouts (8.7 to advantage), 2 clearances, 3.7 tackles, 0.3 goals, 94 ranking points (3 games)
The best pure ruckman in this year’s draft pool – if you exclude the versatile Ethan Read – is Edwards. He stood out as a bottom-age player in the national championships last year and backed up those performances as a top-age prospect this season. Edwards has impressive ruck craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and quite mobile for his size. He still has plenty of development to come physically and from a running point of view, but looks near-certain to be a first-round draft pick regardless. Edwards was sorely missed by Western Australia in its last match of the championships, sitting out the match after suffering a concussion. However, he returned to the field for Peel Thunder in the WAFL Reserves on the weekend.

13 Nate Caddy​

Northern Knights/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.7 disposals (6 contested), 3.7 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 4.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 2 goals, 78 ranking points (3 games)

Pegged as a potential top-five prospect heading into the year, Caddy has perhaps dropped a few rungs after a quieter than expected national championships with Vic Metro. He missed the first match of the tournament through illness, having had an interrupted start to the season following a broken fibula in pre-season. But he still has all the makings of a very good AFL player. A Carlton fan, the Northern Knights product looks up to Charlie Curnow and some similarities are there in the way he plays. He has a vice-like grip overhead and strong athletic traits including an exciting natural leap. Caddy plays taller than he measures in at as a forward but has also shown an ability to play as a big-bodied midfielder in the Coates Talent League. Against Bendigo Pioneers in Round 11 he split his time between midfield and forward roles and finished with 25 disposals and six goals in a best-on-ground display. He is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy.

14 Koltyn Tholstrup​

Subiaco/Western Australia​

Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.7 disposals, 6 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 2 tackles, 6.7 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 88 ranking points (3 games)
One of Western Australia’s best players across each of his three national championships matches, Tholstrup has left himself firmly in the frame to be a first-round draft selection. He missed Western Australia’s first match against the Allies with a back issue, but returned with a bang to log 21 disposals, eight marks and a goal against South Australia. Tholstrup generally plays as a high half-forward but can also have stints through the midfield. Tholstrup has a fierce competitive edge, is fearless in the contest, has excellent game sense, is a penetrating kick and has some real polish in his game. Hailing from Esperance in regional WA, Tholstrup has also proven himself against men this season, playing regular senior WAFL football for Subiaco.

15 Ollie Murphy​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 5.3 intercept possessions, 4 rebound 50s, 3.8 spoils, 1.5 tackles, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A first-round draft bolter, Murphy took out Vic Metro’s MVP award after an exceptional under-18 national championships campaign in defence. He had played as a forward and back-up ruckman in his bottom-age season last year. However, Murphy has taken to his new role as a key defender in 2023 like a duck to water. While still lightly framed, the Sandringham Dragons product is viewed as a “high reward” prospect given his ability to win the ball back, while he also kicks the footy well for a player of his size, is a strong runner and is ultra-competitive. Murphy was given some big jobs during the national championships – including on top key-forward prospect Jed Walter – and rose to those challenges.

16 Riley Hardeman​

Swan Districts/Western Australia​

Defender, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.5 disposals, 5.8 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 4.5 intercept possessions, 6.3 rebound 50s, 1.8 tackles, 90 ranking points (4 matches)
A left-footed rebounding defender, Hardeman led from the front as captain of Western Australia during the national championships. It was well known entering the year that he had great speed and was a booming and accurate kick, but Hardeman has also been able to add another element to his game this season with his strong overhead marking. Hardeman played in a WAFL Colts premiership for Swan Districts in 2021, still aged 16. He has also been exposed to senior WAFL football with the Black Swans this season.

17 Will McCabe​

Central District/South Australia​

Defender, 197cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 rebound 50s, 3.3 tackles, 7.3 spoils, 95 ranking points (3 games)

Shaping as South Australia’s top draft prospect, McCabe was an All-Australian at under-16 level last year and has gone on to build a strong top-age season. The son of former Hawthorn star Luke McCabe – who played 138 games for the club – he is yet to officially nominate as a father-son for the Hawks but is expected to attract a first-round bid if he does. A tall defender, McCabe is a competitive player who has a good natural leap, is nice overhead mark and wins plenty of one-on-one battles. He is quite athletic, can play on talls or smalls and is an elite reader of the play. McCabe missed South Australia’s second match of the under-18 championships with groin soreness, but returned to play his best game against Vic Country with 19 disposals, six marks and six spoils.

18 Joel Freijah​

(GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 191cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 0.8 clearances, 1.8 tackles, 3.8 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 60 ranking points (4 games)

An athletic wingman at a good height, there is a lot to like about Freijah. He is an elite runner, has a strong body, possesses great composure, is clean below his knees and kicks the ball beautifully. During pre-season testing, Freijah ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint to highlight his speed, while he also holds his width when playing on a wing. Freijah caught the eye of scouts across the competition when he was best-on-ground for the Rebels in a Coates Talent League clash against Dandenong in Round 4. That day he logged 26 disposals, six clearances and kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance, playing primarily on one wing. While his national championships campaign with Vic Country wasn’t quite to that level, he remains in the frame to be a top-20 selection.

19 Archer Reid​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Forward, 203cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 1 contested mark, 1 tackle, 5.5 score involvements, 1 goal, 63 ranking points (4 games)

The younger brother of Essendon defender Zach Reid, this towering Gippsland Power product plays at the other end of the ground. He is an exceptional overhead mark, reads the ball well in flight, is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a strong natural goal sense. Reid was poised to make his VFL debut for Box Hill earlier this year but instead ended up going back to his local club Inverloch-Kongwak and booted 11 goals across two games in the seniors of the West Gippsland Football League. While he wasn’t able to string it all together during the national championships, he did impress early in Vic Country’s final match and finished with 8 disposals, 7 marks and 2.2. Reid isn’t ready to step straight into the AFL next year, but could provide a club with some serious long-term rewards.

20 Archie Roberts​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1 intercept mark, 4.3 intercept possessions, 6 rebound 50s, 3.5 score involvements, 1.5 tackles, 87 ranking points (4 games)
A rebounding halfback with a bit of swagger about him, Roberts hasn’t put a foot wrong across his various football programs this year. He finds a way to have an impact week-in, week-out and was a key part of Vic Metro’s backline across the under-18 national championships. The left-footer is a damaging and penetrating kick, while he is also an elite runner who loves to play on and run and carry off halfback to break the lines. Roberts has also become a fine intercept player, while still being accountable to his man. He had 21 disposals as a bottom-age player in Sandringham’s premiership side last season and caught the eye with 17 disposals in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May.

21 Cooper Simpson​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 2 inside-50s, 2 score involvements, 33 ranking points (4 games)
A nasty corked thigh during Vic Country’s first match of the national championships sidelined Simpson for the rest of the tournament. But clubs haven’t forgotten about his talents and some still expect him to be a top-20 pick on draft night. The midfielder is a true professional and possess pace, composure, great finishing skills and a neat step through traffic. He works had both ways of the ball and has shown an ability to step up in the big moments as Dandenong’s captain. An AFL Academy member, Simpson played in exhibition matches against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and Carlton’s VFL team earlier this year and has had a further taste of VFL football with Casey.

22 Nathan Philactides​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro​

Defender, 181cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 rebound 50s, 3 intercept possessions, 1.5 tackles, 0.5 spoils, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A former athletics ace who once ranked top-five in the world in his age group in the 400m hurdles, Philactides has some serious pace to burn off a halfback flank. His agility is just as impressive as his speed, with Philactides having ranked fifth in the agility test during Victorian pre-season testing this year. The left-footer describes himself as a “run and gun” defender who likes to tuck the ball under his arm, take off and then use his penetrating kick to further propel his team forward. Philactides, who was selected as a co-captain of the Chargers this season, looks up to similar players like Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Carlton’s Adam Saad. While recruiters would like to see Philactides continue to work on his one-on-one defending, his weapons certainly excite.

23 Jordan Croft​

Calder Cannons/Vic Metro​

Forward, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 68 ranking points (3 games)
Another year, another talented tall linked to the Western Bulldogs. Croft is the son of former Bulldogs key defender Matthew Croft but is making his name as a marking and goalkicking key forward and is available as a father-son prospect this year. Rival clubs expect a bid on Croft to come within the top-30 picks on draft night following a breakout season from the Calder Cannons product. While still lightly built, Croft is extremely mobile and athletic, leads well and marks the ball at the highest point, which makes him tough for opposition defenders to stop. Croft burst onto the scene with five goals against Northern Territory in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League and carried his form into the national championships, which started with three goals in Vic Metro’s first game against South Australia.

24 Koen Sanchez​

East Fremantle/Western Australia​

Midfielder-Forward, 176cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.5 clearances, 2 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.5 goals, 102 ranking points (4 games)
A speedy half-forward or wingman, Sanchez has climbed up club draft boards on the back of an eye-catching national championships campaign for Western Australia. He had been playing significant midfield time in the WAFL Colts, but featured primarily across half-forward during the national championships and was able to show his forward craft, clean hands and ability to hit the scoreboard. Sanchez’ goalkicking accuracy of 35.3 per cent was the only thing that let him down during the tournament, but recruiters loved his speed, energy and lateral movement and believe he is ready to go at the next level as a high half-forward. Sanchez had missed matches with East Fremantle earlier in the season with a hip-flexor issue.

25 Ashton Moir​

Glenelg/South Australia​

Forward, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 0.8 goals, 66 ranking points (4 games)

Considering he entered the year as a top-three prospect, Moir has been a significant slider among this year’s draft class. But given his enormous potential and what he showed in his bottom-age year, the mid-sized forward is still a good chance to be snapped up within the top-25 selections in November. Moir is a unique X-Factor player who can comfortably kick with either foot and is able to impact both in the air and at ground level. But after kicking 30 goals across 10 SANFL under-18 matches last year, he hasn’t been able to back up that form this season. Niggling hip issues earlier in the year didn’t help Moir’s cause, leading into a national championships where he both he and his team struggled. But if Moir can produce some strong performances back with Glenelg in the back half of the year, he could climb back up the rankings again.

26 Logan Morris​

Western Jets/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 0.5 tackles, 4 score involvements, 1 goal, 70 ranking points (4 games)
There was some surprise around Princes Park when Morris went almost unsighted in the final game of the national championships with Vic Metro. But there was a reason for that – he went into the game ill. The previous week Morris had put his full potential on show against Western Australia, logging 16 disposals, 11 marks (five contested), 12 score involvements and kicking 4.1 in a performance that was the talk of the town. At 192cm, Morris has been likened to St Kilda’s Tim Membrey given he is more of a second or third tall than a key forward. But he has a nice vertical leap which helps him compete against taller opponents and a strong pair of hands overhead. Morris is also capable of playing in defence and will be a close watch for a lot of clubs in the second half of the season.

27 George Stevens​

GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3.8 clearances, 3 inside-50s, 6.3 tackles, 4.5 score involvement, 0.5 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
A strong-bodied midfielder who has also spent time across halfback this year, Stevens has some clear strengths. Coming off an ACL injury which saw him sidelined for the entirety of 2022, he made an immediate impact slotting back into the fold at the Rebels in the Coates Talent League earlier this year. Stevens a contested ball beast, wins plenty of ground balls, is a penetrating kick, has clean hands, makes good decisions and reads the ball well when playing behind the ball. He’s also a natural leader who captained the AFL Academy in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April. The one question mark over Stevens and his ability to play through the midfield is his lack of speed. That will means some clubs are less keen than others, but what scouts do know is they will be getting a quality person and true professional if they do pick Stevens.

28 Will Patton​

West Adelaide/South Australia​

Defender, 193cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 5.5 rebound 50s, 1.5 tackles, 4 spoils, 91 ranking points (4 games)
A composed left-footed defender, Patton captained South Australia’s team for the under-18 national championships and has drawn some comparisons to Hawthorn rising star Will Day. Patton has shown an ability to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards and not only reads the play well but also makes good decisions and uses the footy exceptionally well by hand and foot when he does win it back. A state representative in cricket as a junior, Patton has sharpened his focus on football in recent years but will be sidelined for the remainder of this year as he undergoes shoulder surgery.

29 Harry De Mattia​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 14.3 disposals, 2 marks, 5 inside-50s, 2.3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 score involvements, 73 ranking points (4 games)

Another former junior cricket star who represented Victoria, De Mattia impressed recruiters during the national championships with Vic Country. He showed off his explosive speed breaking away from the contest, as well as nice agility, clean hands and his pressure game. De Mattia was also deployed in a different role in the backline during the final match of the tournament and didn’t look out of place. Dual-sport athletes have some added appeal to clubs given their ability to learn, which could enhance De Mattia’s prospects later in the year.

30 Clay Hall​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Midfielder, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 27.3 disposals, 43.5 marks, 4.5 inside-50s, 6 clearances, 5.3 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 111 ranking points (4 games)

A staple in Western Australia’s midfield across the under-18 national championships, Hall only bolstered his draft rankings with a strong tournament. A WAFL Colts premiership winner with Peel Thunder as a bottom-age player last year, he stepped up to senior WAFL football earlier this season and did not look out of place. Hall’s work ethic on and off the field stands out, he has a good balance with his ability to win the ball on the inside and outside of the contest and he uses his strength to win plenty of ground balls. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.
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Riley Hardeman is one who I really like but he isn’t a list fit, unless we see Busslinger becoming a KPD and can play Hardeman as the third tall. I see Buss as a future KPD (CHB) style but the club would know better than me.

We may even be after Doedee, so then Hardeman would be even further back. Some team should be happy with him.
 
Complete bullshit that GC can select all their academies with no issues but we miss ours. And they'll probably have 2 top 5 picks with the best ruck (a "unicorn ") and best key forward and one of the best midfielders

At least they cannot preselect them like a couple of years ago but it's still bullshit
 
Doggy said:
Complete bullshit that GC can select all their academies with no issues but we miss ours. And they'll probably have 2 top 5 picks with the best ruck (a "unicorn ") and best key forward and one of the best midfielders

At least they cannot preselect them like a couple of years ago but it's still bullshit
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Like GWS, the GC Suns cannot be allowed to fail. The AFL will do whatever it takes. (Hmmm ... where have I heard that expression before?)

We just have to live with it. We are minor indirect beneficiaries if that's any consolation.
 
goodcop badcop said:

AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY​


AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - JULY




1 Harley Reid​

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.5 disposals (12.5 contested), 4.3 marks, 6.5 clearances, 3.8 inside-50s, 2.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 112 ranking points (4 games)

The No.1 pick fancy since the middle of last year hasn’t lost his spot after a strong national championships with Vic Country which saw him win the side’s MVP award. Reid entered the tournament a touch underdone following a lay-off after a concussion in May. However, he impressed with his work both forward and through the midfield. Reid has proven his versatility in a range of positions, but is best used as a midfielder-forward like Dustin Martin. He is a similar power athlete with core strength, a signature fend off, breakaway pace and silky skills. As it stands, the boy from Tongala is looking at a move to wooden-spoon favourite West Coast.


2 Jed Walter​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Forward, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 2.8 contested marks, 7.5 score involvements, 2.8 goals, 104 ranking points (4 games)

Some recruiters would select Walter ahead of Reid if they had pick 1 in this year’s draft, which is saying something. The power key forward was as eye-catching as anyone through the national championships, proving more than a handful for opposition defenders. Given his size and strength, Walter looks ready to go at AFL level and is expected to play some VFL football for Gold Coast in the second half of the year. Walter is still working on his goalkicking accuracy – which sat at 44 per cent during the national championships – but his competitive edge and will to defend are two areas of his game that he has already mastered. The Suns are certain to match a very early bid on their Academy prospect.


3 Colby McKercher​

Tasmania Devils/Allies​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 32.8 disposals (9.3 contested), 5.8 marks, 5 inside-50s, 7.8 ground ball gets, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 1.8 score assists, 150 ranking points (4 games)

Recruiters label McKercher as a “superstar” and don’t hesitate to peg him as a firm top-five prospect in this year’s draft. The Tasmanian has been described as a faster version of Essendon captain Zach Merrett and not only possesses speed but also has great agility, a damaging left-foot kick and elite decision making. McKercher has shown an ability to push forward and kick goals from the midfield this year, which is another trait that sets him apart. He was best afield in the Allies’ final match of the national championships against Vic Country, booting two goals to go with 33 disposals and nine clearances in a performance that attracted plenty of attention.

4 Ethan Read​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Ruckman, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 21.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, 13 hitouts (3 to advantage), 2.5 clearances, 5.5 score involvements, 3 tackles, 0.5 score assists, 0.3 goals, 119 ranking points (4 games)
Read has been described as a “unicorn”, with players of his size, running ability and skills incredibly rare to come across. Allies coach Mark McVeigh likens Read to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs, who has featured as a ruckman, key defender and even midfielder across his AFL career. The Suns Academy product runs a 2km time trial in under six minutes, is a great kick of the ball, has a big leap, takes plenty of marks around the ground and rarely wastes the footy. All those attributes mean that, like Blicavs, Read could end up playing anywhere at the next level.

5 Zane Duursma​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 15.3 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.8 marks, 4 inside-50s, 2.8 clearances, 3.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1.8 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
Duursma left his best for last in the national championships, producing a monster final game for Vic Country which turned plenty of heads. Playing almost exclusively as a mid-sized forward, Duursma was at his damaging best as he recorded 15 score involvements, six score assists and kicked four goals from his 22 disposals and 10 marks. He finished with 191 SuperCoach ranking points, making it the second-highest rated game of any player during the tournament. The younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier, Duursma has fans as the very pointy end of the draft given the sizeable X-Factor he possesses. He has high football IQ, is strong overhead, is an elite runner, has a nice side-step through traffic and is as dangerous around goals as anyone in this year’s draft class.

6 Daniel Curtin​

Claremont/Western Australia​

Midfielder/Defender, 195cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 23.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 5.8 intercept possessions, 3.3 inside-50s, 3.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 0.3 goals, 137 ranking points (4 games)
Described as “ultra-professional”, Curtin caught the eyes of recruiters in the under-17 Futures match on the MCG on Grand Final Day last year. There he won the best-on-ground medal after a dominant display while playing as a rebounding defender for Team Houli. Curtin impressed while playing on power key forward Jed Walter in the first match of this year’s national championships, before being thrown into a midfield role across the rest of the tournament. He has great speed and agility for his size, rarely wastes a disposal and reads the play well. While Curtin is expected to begin an AFL career as a backman, he has shown enough to suggest he could become a tall, big-bodied midfielder in time.

7 Ryley Sanders​

Sandringham Dragons/Allies​

Midfielder, 186cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 35.8 disposals (14.5 contested), 6.3 marks, 5.8 inside 50s, 5 clearances, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1 goal, 170 ranking points (4 games)

A prolific ball-winning midfielder, Sanders took out the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Will Ashcroft, Sam Walsh and Christian Petracca. Originally from Tasmania, he is a bull in the contest and has improved his fitness this year to become more damaging on the spread. Coaches rave about Sanders’ character, leadership and selflessness to bring others into the game. He gets to the right spots, is clean by hand and foot and is becoming more explosive with his movements, which has seen Sanders draw some comparisons to Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis.

8 Nick Watson​

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro​

Forward, 170cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1 clearance, 7.3 score involvements, 1 tackle, 1 score assist, 3.5 goals, 97 ranking points (4 games)

What he lacks in height, Watson makes up for in pure footy smarts and skills. He was the leading goalkicker in the under-18 national championships with 14 majors – three more than Allies key forwards Jed Walter and Charlie McCormack. While small forwards aren’t normally picked high in the draft order, Watson is certain to be among the first dozen selections in November. He is quick, agile, reads the play well, uses his body to perfection in marking contests and has unrivalled goal sense. Watson kicked five goals in a half in Vic Metro’s national championships match against Western Australia and made the most of limited opportunities to boot four majors against Vic Country in the last game. He has also looked good playing as a rebounding halfback at stages this season.

9 Connor O’Sullivan​

Murray Bushrangers/Allies​

Defender, 198cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.5 intercept marks, 6.8 intercept possessions, 4 spoils, 3 rebound 50s, 99 ranking points (4 games)
O’Sullivan’s stocks rose significantly during the under-18 national championships, with the Albury product bolting into top-10 calculations. He won the MVP award for the Allies, which says something given the top-end talent in that side this year. A strong-marking tall, O’Sullivan has played as both a key forward and a key defender over the past two years but looks best suited to a role down back. There he reads the play well, has an exciting leap, possesses the speed to go with opponents on the lead, is strong in one-on-one contests and backs himself to drop off an intercept when appropriate. O’Sullivan also has leadership qualities and was made captain for the Allies’ second match.

10 Jake Rogers​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies​

Midfielder, 172cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 22.5 disposals, 5.5 clearances, 4.8 inside 50s, 2.3 marks, 6.3 ground ball gets, 5.3 tackles, 5 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 108 ranking points (4 games)

Some clubs say that Rogers is the cleanest player they have seen coming through the talent pathways. A dynamic and speedy midfielder, he gets from contest to contest and has incredibly clean hands which allows him not only to pick up the footy but also effectively get it to teammates on the outside. Rogers’ vision and creativity are other features of his game, along with his leadership. He was best on ground with 27 disposals (13 contested) and six clearances in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, proving he is ready to step up to the next level. Rogers has drawn comparisons to Gold Coast’s Touk Miller, but has also been labelled “as clean as Caleb Daniel”.

11 Darcy Wilson​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 16 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.8 clearances, 4.3 inside-50s, 3 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 79 ranking points (4 games)
A wingman or high half-forward, Wilson can run all day. He finished fifth among all the Victorian draft hopefuls in the YoYo test during pre-season testing in March and has put that athletic ability on show on a weekly basis throughout the season. Wilson takes the game on, has good football IQ, has pace to burn off the mark, is a thumping kick and regularly hits the scoreboard. He booted two goals in two of his national championships matches for Vic Country, while also having high numbers of score involvements across the tournament. If there has been one knock on Wilson, it is his competitiveness. However, he has been working to improve in that area.

12 Mitchell Edwards​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Ruckman, 205cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 10 disposals (7 contested), 2 marks, 23 hitouts (8.7 to advantage), 2 clearances, 3.7 tackles, 0.3 goals, 94 ranking points (3 games)
The best pure ruckman in this year’s draft pool – if you exclude the versatile Ethan Read – is Edwards. He stood out as a bottom-age player in the national championships last year and backed up those performances as a top-age prospect this season. Edwards has impressive ruck craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and quite mobile for his size. He still has plenty of development to come physically and from a running point of view, but looks near-certain to be a first-round draft pick regardless. Edwards was sorely missed by Western Australia in its last match of the championships, sitting out the match after suffering a concussion. However, he returned to the field for Peel Thunder in the WAFL Reserves on the weekend.

13 Nate Caddy​

Northern Knights/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.7 disposals (6 contested), 3.7 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 4.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 2 goals, 78 ranking points (3 games)

Pegged as a potential top-five prospect heading into the year, Caddy has perhaps dropped a few rungs after a quieter than expected national championships with Vic Metro. He missed the first match of the tournament through illness, having had an interrupted start to the season following a broken fibula in pre-season. But he still has all the makings of a very good AFL player. A Carlton fan, the Northern Knights product looks up to Charlie Curnow and some similarities are there in the way he plays. He has a vice-like grip overhead and strong athletic traits including an exciting natural leap. Caddy plays taller than he measures in at as a forward but has also shown an ability to play as a big-bodied midfielder in the Coates Talent League. Against Bendigo Pioneers in Round 11 he split his time between midfield and forward roles and finished with 25 disposals and six goals in a best-on-ground display. He is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy.

14 Koltyn Tholstrup​

Subiaco/Western Australia​

Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.7 disposals, 6 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 2 tackles, 6.7 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 88 ranking points (3 games)
One of Western Australia’s best players across each of his three national championships matches, Tholstrup has left himself firmly in the frame to be a first-round draft selection. He missed Western Australia’s first match against the Allies with a back issue, but returned with a bang to log 21 disposals, eight marks and a goal against South Australia. Tholstrup generally plays as a high half-forward but can also have stints through the midfield. Tholstrup has a fierce competitive edge, is fearless in the contest, has excellent game sense, is a penetrating kick and has some real polish in his game. Hailing from Esperance in regional WA, Tholstrup has also proven himself against men this season, playing regular senior WAFL football for Subiaco.

15 Ollie Murphy​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 5.3 intercept possessions, 4 rebound 50s, 3.8 spoils, 1.5 tackles, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A first-round draft bolter, Murphy took out Vic Metro’s MVP award after an exceptional under-18 national championships campaign in defence. He had played as a forward and back-up ruckman in his bottom-age season last year. However, Murphy has taken to his new role as a key defender in 2023 like a duck to water. While still lightly framed, the Sandringham Dragons product is viewed as a “high reward” prospect given his ability to win the ball back, while he also kicks the footy well for a player of his size, is a strong runner and is ultra-competitive. Murphy was given some big jobs during the national championships – including on top key-forward prospect Jed Walter – and rose to those challenges.

16 Riley Hardeman​

Swan Districts/Western Australia​

Defender, 185cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 18.5 disposals, 5.8 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 4.5 intercept possessions, 6.3 rebound 50s, 1.8 tackles, 90 ranking points (4 matches)
A left-footed rebounding defender, Hardeman led from the front as captain of Western Australia during the national championships. It was well known entering the year that he had great speed and was a booming and accurate kick, but Hardeman has also been able to add another element to his game this season with his strong overhead marking. Hardeman played in a WAFL Colts premiership for Swan Districts in 2021, still aged 16. He has also been exposed to senior WAFL football with the Black Swans this season.

17 Will McCabe​

Central District/South Australia​

Defender, 197cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 rebound 50s, 3.3 tackles, 7.3 spoils, 95 ranking points (3 games)

Shaping as South Australia’s top draft prospect, McCabe was an All-Australian at under-16 level last year and has gone on to build a strong top-age season. The son of former Hawthorn star Luke McCabe – who played 138 games for the club – he is yet to officially nominate as a father-son for the Hawks but is expected to attract a first-round bid if he does. A tall defender, McCabe is a competitive player who has a good natural leap, is nice overhead mark and wins plenty of one-on-one battles. He is quite athletic, can play on talls or smalls and is an elite reader of the play. McCabe missed South Australia’s second match of the under-18 championships with groin soreness, but returned to play his best game against Vic Country with 19 disposals, six marks and six spoils.

18 Joel Freijah​

(GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 191cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 0.8 clearances, 1.8 tackles, 3.8 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 60 ranking points (4 games)

An athletic wingman at a good height, there is a lot to like about Freijah. He is an elite runner, has a strong body, possesses great composure, is clean below his knees and kicks the ball beautifully. During pre-season testing, Freijah ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint to highlight his speed, while he also holds his width when playing on a wing. Freijah caught the eye of scouts across the competition when he was best-on-ground for the Rebels in a Coates Talent League clash against Dandenong in Round 4. That day he logged 26 disposals, six clearances and kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance, playing primarily on one wing. While his national championships campaign with Vic Country wasn’t quite to that level, he remains in the frame to be a top-20 selection.

19 Archer Reid​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Forward, 203cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 1 contested mark, 1 tackle, 5.5 score involvements, 1 goal, 63 ranking points (4 games)

The younger brother of Essendon defender Zach Reid, this towering Gippsland Power product plays at the other end of the ground. He is an exceptional overhead mark, reads the ball well in flight, is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a strong natural goal sense. Reid was poised to make his VFL debut for Box Hill earlier this year but instead ended up going back to his local club Inverloch-Kongwak and booted 11 goals across two games in the seniors of the West Gippsland Football League. While he wasn’t able to string it all together during the national championships, he did impress early in Vic Country’s final match and finished with 8 disposals, 7 marks and 2.2. Reid isn’t ready to step straight into the AFL next year, but could provide a club with some serious long-term rewards.

20 Archie Roberts​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Defender, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1 intercept mark, 4.3 intercept possessions, 6 rebound 50s, 3.5 score involvements, 1.5 tackles, 87 ranking points (4 games)
A rebounding halfback with a bit of swagger about him, Roberts hasn’t put a foot wrong across his various football programs this year. He finds a way to have an impact week-in, week-out and was a key part of Vic Metro’s backline across the under-18 national championships. The left-footer is a damaging and penetrating kick, while he is also an elite runner who loves to play on and run and carry off halfback to break the lines. Roberts has also become a fine intercept player, while still being accountable to his man. He had 21 disposals as a bottom-age player in Sandringham’s premiership side last season and caught the eye with 17 disposals in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May.

21 Cooper Simpson​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 182cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 2 inside-50s, 2 score involvements, 33 ranking points (4 games)
A nasty corked thigh during Vic Country’s first match of the national championships sidelined Simpson for the rest of the tournament. But clubs haven’t forgotten about his talents and some still expect him to be a top-20 pick on draft night. The midfielder is a true professional and possess pace, composure, great finishing skills and a neat step through traffic. He works had both ways of the ball and has shown an ability to step up in the big moments as Dandenong’s captain. An AFL Academy member, Simpson played in exhibition matches against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and Carlton’s VFL team earlier this year and has had a further taste of VFL football with Casey.

22 Nathan Philactides​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro​

Defender, 181cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 rebound 50s, 3 intercept possessions, 1.5 tackles, 0.5 spoils, 74 ranking points (4 games)
A former athletics ace who once ranked top-five in the world in his age group in the 400m hurdles, Philactides has some serious pace to burn off a halfback flank. His agility is just as impressive as his speed, with Philactides having ranked fifth in the agility test during Victorian pre-season testing this year. The left-footer describes himself as a “run and gun” defender who likes to tuck the ball under his arm, take off and then use his penetrating kick to further propel his team forward. Philactides, who was selected as a co-captain of the Chargers this season, looks up to similar players like Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Carlton’s Adam Saad. While recruiters would like to see Philactides continue to work on his one-on-one defending, his weapons certainly excite.

23 Jordan Croft​

Calder Cannons/Vic Metro​

Forward, 200cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 68 ranking points (3 games)
Another year, another talented tall linked to the Western Bulldogs. Croft is the son of former Bulldogs key defender Matthew Croft but is making his name as a marking and goalkicking key forward and is available as a father-son prospect this year. Rival clubs expect a bid on Croft to come within the top-30 picks on draft night following a breakout season from the Calder Cannons product. While still lightly built, Croft is extremely mobile and athletic, leads well and marks the ball at the highest point, which makes him tough for opposition defenders to stop. Croft burst onto the scene with five goals against Northern Territory in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League and carried his form into the national championships, which started with three goals in Vic Metro’s first game against South Australia.

24 Koen Sanchez​

East Fremantle/Western Australia​

Midfielder-Forward, 176cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.5 clearances, 2 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.5 goals, 102 ranking points (4 games)
A speedy half-forward or wingman, Sanchez has climbed up club draft boards on the back of an eye-catching national championships campaign for Western Australia. He had been playing significant midfield time in the WAFL Colts, but featured primarily across half-forward during the national championships and was able to show his forward craft, clean hands and ability to hit the scoreboard. Sanchez’ goalkicking accuracy of 35.3 per cent was the only thing that let him down during the tournament, but recruiters loved his speed, energy and lateral movement and believe he is ready to go at the next level as a high half-forward. Sanchez had missed matches with East Fremantle earlier in the season with a hip-flexor issue.

25 Ashton Moir​

Glenelg/South Australia​

Forward, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 9.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 0.8 goals, 66 ranking points (4 games)

Considering he entered the year as a top-three prospect, Moir has been a significant slider among this year’s draft class. But given his enormous potential and what he showed in his bottom-age year, the mid-sized forward is still a good chance to be snapped up within the top-25 selections in November. Moir is a unique X-Factor player who can comfortably kick with either foot and is able to impact both in the air and at ground level. But after kicking 30 goals across 10 SANFL under-18 matches last year, he hasn’t been able to back up that form this season. Niggling hip issues earlier in the year didn’t help Moir’s cause, leading into a national championships where he both he and his team struggled. But if Moir can produce some strong performances back with Glenelg in the back half of the year, he could climb back up the rankings again.

26 Logan Morris​

Western Jets/Vic Metro​

Forward, 192cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 0.5 tackles, 4 score involvements, 1 goal, 70 ranking points (4 games)
There was some surprise around Princes Park when Morris went almost unsighted in the final game of the national championships with Vic Metro. But there was a reason for that – he went into the game ill. The previous week Morris had put his full potential on show against Western Australia, logging 16 disposals, 11 marks (five contested), 12 score involvements and kicking 4.1 in a performance that was the talk of the town. At 192cm, Morris has been likened to St Kilda’s Tim Membrey given he is more of a second or third tall than a key forward. But he has a nice vertical leap which helps him compete against taller opponents and a strong pair of hands overhead. Morris is also capable of playing in defence and will be a close watch for a lot of clubs in the second half of the season.

27 George Stevens​

GWV Rebels/Vic Country​

Midfielder, 189cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 19.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3.8 clearances, 3 inside-50s, 6.3 tackles, 4.5 score involvement, 0.5 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)
A strong-bodied midfielder who has also spent time across halfback this year, Stevens has some clear strengths. Coming off an ACL injury which saw him sidelined for the entirety of 2022, he made an immediate impact slotting back into the fold at the Rebels in the Coates Talent League earlier this year. Stevens a contested ball beast, wins plenty of ground balls, is a penetrating kick, has clean hands, makes good decisions and reads the ball well when playing behind the ball. He’s also a natural leader who captained the AFL Academy in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April. The one question mark over Stevens and his ability to play through the midfield is his lack of speed. That will means some clubs are less keen than others, but what scouts do know is they will be getting a quality person and true professional if they do pick Stevens.

28 Will Patton​

West Adelaide/South Australia​

Defender, 193cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 17 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 5.5 rebound 50s, 1.5 tackles, 4 spoils, 91 ranking points (4 games)
A composed left-footed defender, Patton captained South Australia’s team for the under-18 national championships and has drawn some comparisons to Hawthorn rising star Will Day. Patton has shown an ability to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards and not only reads the play well but also makes good decisions and uses the footy exceptionally well by hand and foot when he does win it back. A state representative in cricket as a junior, Patton has sharpened his focus on football in recent years but will be sidelined for the remainder of this year as he undergoes shoulder surgery.

29 Harry De Mattia​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country​

Midfielder-Forward, 184cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 14.3 disposals, 2 marks, 5 inside-50s, 2.3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 score involvements, 73 ranking points (4 games)

Another former junior cricket star who represented Victoria, De Mattia impressed recruiters during the national championships with Vic Country. He showed off his explosive speed breaking away from the contest, as well as nice agility, clean hands and his pressure game. De Mattia was also deployed in a different role in the backline during the final match of the tournament and didn’t look out of place. Dual-sport athletes have some added appeal to clubs given their ability to learn, which could enhance De Mattia’s prospects later in the year.

30 Clay Hall​

Peel Thunder/Western Australia​

Midfielder, 188cm
U18 National Championships Averages: 27.3 disposals, 43.5 marks, 4.5 inside-50s, 6 clearances, 5.3 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 111 ranking points (4 games)

A staple in Western Australia’s midfield across the under-18 national championships, Hall only bolstered his draft rankings with a strong tournament. A WAFL Colts premiership winner with Peel Thunder as a bottom-age player last year, he stepped up to senior WAFL football earlier this season and did not look out of place. Hall’s work ethic on and off the field stands out, he has a good balance with his ability to win the ball on the inside and outside of the contest and he uses his strength to win plenty of ground balls. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.
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I can't remember a year when everyones phantoms were so different. Goes to show how even alot of the draft is going to be. Certainly going to be a few gems picked up late aswell as a few busts early.
 
Mojorisin said:
I can't remember a year when everyones phantoms were so different. Goes to show how even alot of the draft is going to be. Certainly going to be a few gems picked up late aswell as a few busts early.
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Cue every recruiter post draft talking about how they had their 2nd and 3rd round picks much higher on their own draft boards to get fans excited
 
If we had to lose a star player for a high end pick. I'd pick McKercher over everyone else. Was really warm on him and hoping he would be around our picks. Instead he goes bang during the championships and races up the order. Sanders and O'Sullivan would be the perfect combo if we landed both.
 

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LittleG said:
Riley Hardeman is one who I really like but he isn’t a list fit, unless we see Busslinger becoming a KPD and can play Hardeman as the third tall. I see Buss as a future KPD (CHB) style but the club would know better than me.

We may even be after Doedee, so then Hardeman would be even further back. Some team should be happy with him.
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Hardeman has had some success on a wing also and isn't necessarily limited to playing as a 3rd tall. I'm starting to warm to him a bit more after watching some of his WAFL games lately.

I'd prefer we don't pick up Doedee after doing his knee for the 2nd time. We've also been linked to Bergman, so it does appear we want this sort of player anyway.
 
goodcop badcop said:
Hardeman has had some success on a wing also and isn't necessarily limited to playing as a 3rd tall. I'm starting to warm to him a bit more after watching some of his WAFL games lately.

I'd prefer we don't pick up Doedee after doing his knee for the 2nd time. We've also been linked to Bergman, so it does appear we want this sort of player anyway.
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Ideally Lual gets completely forgotten and he is that guy.
 
goodcop badcop said:
That would be the ideal scenario! Unfortunately, it looks unlikely.
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I’m still holding out hope, I feel there’s a bit of good will that goes around with these mid range academy picks and teams can let them slide, although we’re usually the club that bids on them so I doubt we’ll be afforded that luxury….

First time I’ve really been impressed with him on the weekend (from the minimal times I’ve seen him) he’d be very very handy as a super quick defensive winger, exactly what we need the way he can cover ground and get back to help the defence but seems pretty solid in the contest too
 
doggies ftw said:
I’m still holding out hope, I feel there’s a bit of good will that goes around with these mid range academy picks and teams can let them slide, although we’re usually the club that bids on them so I doubt we’ll be afforded that luxury….

First time I’ve really been impressed with him on the weekend (from the minimal times I’ve seen him) he’d be very very handy as a super quick defensive winger, exactly what we need the way he can cover ground and get back to help the defence but seems pretty solid in the contest too
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I've been hopeful as well, as I think he can be sloppy with his kicking skills and hasn't had much of an impact in champs apart from the last game. What will hurt us though, is he's someone of good character and has good leadership skills. He also has a good amount of upside and he's accountable to his direct opponent. I think recruiters will like that unfortunately.
 
Cal Twomey phantom Guide July Ranking


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The Harley hype exists for a reason – he is a matchwinner, game-changer and high impact player. The Bendigo Pioneers prospect set himself near-impossible levels to reach in his draft year after a bottom-age season in 2022 that saw him dominate games as a defender, forward and midfielder and be touted as the likely No.1 pick more than a year and a half from his own draft. This season the strong-bodied, effective fend-off producing midfielder has been a level above in the Coates Talent League (averaging 20 disposals and two goals a game), was a standout for the AFL Academy in its two games, impressed off half-back for Carlton's VFL side and, after a five-week break after a concussion, his performances for Vic Country were exciting. His best game came against Western Australia in Perth, where he gathered 26 disposals, took 10 marks and kicked 2.3, before he finished his carnival in style with 24 disposals and 11 clearances (including six out of the centre) against Vic Metro on Sunday.



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Everyone loves a big, strong, aggressive key forward and Walter is all of that. The Gold Coast Academy talent came into this season with big wraps after being an under-18 All-Australian last year and he's backed it up. He confirmed his place right near the top of the draft order at this year's carnival where he was a crucial cog in the Allies' breakthrough championship win, kicking 11 goals across four games and being a dominant player. It came after big games for the Suns in the Talent League, where he booted eight goals against the Northern Territory and six against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels. He chases and tackles and puts on more defensive pressure than you'll have seen from a key forward, he marks and outbodies and crashes packs and has a thirst for the contest. The Suns will have to match a very early bid for Walter, who is the leading key position player in the pool.



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There isn't a draftee I've enjoyed watching over the years as much as Watson, who lights up games with his skills and lights up faces of fans. He will continue to do that at the next level. We dubbed him 'The Wizard' for a reason – Watson is a special small forward who can jump and take big marks, who is elite at ground level, who has brilliant finishing skills and who can produce moment after moment of trickery. At 170cm, Watson's size is there for all to see, but he has always been a smaller player in his junior footy and it hasn't held him back. This season he has also played across half-back and through the midfield for the Eastern Ranges, but he kicked 14 goals for Vic Metro in the championships – the most of any player – and will be picked as an electric small forward.



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McKercher ticks all the boxes as a premium midfielder in this year's draft crop. He's a terrific left-foot kick, he's consistent, plays well in big games, has a turn of speed and sets up the game. The Zach Merrett comparisons are well applied to McKercher, who took things up a notch for the Allies, where he proved himself as the best outright midfielder in the draft, averaging 33 disposals in their four games, including a mammoth 40-disposal performance against Western Australia. He closed his carnival with 32 disposals and two crucial goals in the Allies' title-winning game against Vic Country. He went back to play with Tasmania in the Coates Talent League last weekend and kicked 2.3 from 41 disposals, including a brilliant running goal.



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As the year has gone on, Curtin has shown more and more of his capabilities as a prospect. Used predominantly as a marking key defender last year, from where he was named best afield in the Grand Final under-17s game at the MCG, Curtin has spent some time in that role again this year, including taking on Jed Walter in Western Australia's clash with the Allies during the championships. But it has been Curtin's midfield work that has really caught the eye. He finished the carnival with 23 disposals (and a terrific goal) against Vic Country and then 27 touches and eight clearances against Vic Metro. Curtin's athleticism, size and versatility makes him an appealing talent.



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Duursma had his standout game for Vic Country in the final outing of the championships, gathering 22 disposals, 10 marks and booting 4.2 against Vic Metro in a best-afield showing. It came after he had spent the majority of the previous three games in a midfield role and was a strong reminder of his polish. There's a unique blend to Duursma's game that makes him one of the most talented in the draft crop. He can fly in front of packs and take marks, he kicks goals (last year he booted 31 goals for Gippsland and this year he's kicked 13 from 10 games), he is a taller midfielder and has penetration to his game. He's also got the layer of class that separates him from others.



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Caddy has done some very exciting and eye-catching things this season, firstly playing as a marking and long-kicking key forward and then at stages as a powerful clearance midfielder. He overcame a broken leg earlier in the season to return to form with the Northern Knights, where he's kicked 15 goals from four games, including a recent six-goal haul against Bendigo from 25 disposals and nine marks. In his previous outing for them, he lined up at centre bounces and used his strength and size to be a commanding presence whilr also finishing with four goals from 21 disposals. Illness saw him miss Vic Metro's first game of the carnival but he finished with six goals from three games.



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Another of Gold Coast's group of promising Academy products, Read has a very nice mix of traits for a player his size. The 200cm ruckman can jump and impact in the air but also has the mobility of smaller types, is able to pick the ball up at his toes and shoot off handballs, has very good kicking skills and can float forward to hit the scoreboard as well. He trained with the Suns' AFL side in the pre-season and didn't look out of place and has proven he can find the ball – he averaged 20 disposals for the Suns in their Coates Talent League stint at the start of the season.



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A ball magnet with hurt factor. Sanders has barely put a foot wrong in an ultra-consistent under-18s season that saw him play a huge role in the Allies' title win and claim the Larke Medal as the best player in the carnival. Sanders has his socks pulled up and has a gait similar to Jason Horne-Francis, and some of his powerful bursts from stoppage carry a likeness to the Port Adelaide star as well. From Tasmania but studying at Melbourne Grammar, Sanders played the first three games of the Coates Talent League with the Sandringham Dragons, where he averaged 32 disposals and a goal. With a stronger frame, he uses his hands to be clean and collect the ball while also making the play, with his 39-disposal game against Western Australia his standout showing, which included a run and bounce goal from a centre clearance.



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O'Sullivan's capacity to play in different spots enhances his draft stocks, but it was his settling into the centre half-back role for the Allies that solidified him as a top-10 chance. The 18-year-old, who had played as a midfielder earlier in the year with the Bushrangers, was an intercept machine during the championships, including against Western Australia when he gathered 21 disposals and took 10 marks in an impressive aerial display. Sits as one of the leading key backs of the group and was named the Allies' MVP.



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For a smaller player, Rogers packs a punch. He's able to be thrown into a range of positions but is most at home as a busy midfielder who is clean with his hands and neat by foot. Rogers has been terrific all season, a consistent operator who averaged 25 disposals for the Suns in the Coates Talent League and also was a standout for the AFL Academy in its pair of games against senior opposition earlier in the year. Another member of the Gold Coast Academy who could attract a top-15 bid, Rogers finished his Allies championships with 22 disposals, eight inside-50s, six tackles and five clearances against Vic Country.


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Wilson brings a couple of different traits to the fore as a potential first-round selection. He has genuine speed and endurance, has a spring in the air, takes marks inside 50 and hits the scoreboard. Wilson started the season strongly as a goalkicking midfielder for the Murray Bushrangers, including two games of three goals and 20-plus disposals in the first three rounds, but played a fair portion of Vic Country's championships as a medium forward. He was a consistent goalkicker at national level as well, booting two goals in games against Western Australia, South Australia and the Allies before having 23 disposals against Vic Metro.



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After grabbing Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (NGA in 2020) and Sam Darcy (father-son in 2021), the Bulldogs have priority access to a third key position player in the first round with Croft, who has quickly crept up draft boards. The son of former Bulldogs defender Matthew, Croft is a fleet-footed tall forward who is agile, quick and efficient with his goalkicking, having booted 14 goals in his past four Coates Talent League games for the Cannons. His best game of the carnival came against South Australia when he kicked 3.2 from 10 disposals.



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Edwards got good exposure to the under-18 national level last year as a bottom-ager and this season was the leading ruckman for Western Australia and also the AFL Academy. He went head-to-head with Ethan Read in the WA v Allies clash, where he picked up 11 disposals and had 30 hitouts. He will take time at the next level but his height and mobility gives him weapons. Has ties to Fremantle's Next Generation Academy but the Dockers would only have access after pick 40 under NGA rules and Edwards is expected to have been snapped up by then.



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Hawthorn will have first call on McCabe, the son of former Hawk and current board member Luke, at this year's draft. McCabe is a tall defender who enjoys going for his grabs, intercepting and kickstarting play out of the back half. He has done that at under-18s level for Central District, where he has averaged 22 disposals and six marks a game. He had less of the ball in South Australia's championships, where he played on Jed Walter in the opening game and then missed the second match due to a groin injury.



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Murphy is a tall defender in a top part of the draft that doesn't have many of his type. The left-footer takes his grabs and can shut down opponents and has also pinch-hit in the ruck at stages through this season at school level. Murphy played throughout Vic Metro's campaign during the championships, including having 15 disposals and five rebounds against Vic Country last week.



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With 24 disposals and eight rebound-50s, Roberts finished his championships campaign well on Sunday against Vic Country. The attacking half-back can use the ball from defence, take the game on and enjoys making the play with it in his hands. He averaged 21 disposals across Vic Metro's four games and is given the responsibility to be a distributor on his left side.



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The rebounding defender has pieced together a strong resume at junior level in recent seasons and this year also jumped up to make his League debut with Swan Districts. He averaged 23 disposals in the colts competition and was also consistent for Western Australia's under-18 side, with his best game coming against Vic Country when he collected 23 disposals, nine marks and eight rebounds. The AFL Academy member is a penetrating left-foot kick and can also duck in front of forwards to be an intercepting player.



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The promising cricketer – DeMattia ran water for Australia at last year's Boxing Day Test match at the MCG – also has exciting traits on the football field. DeMattia has genuine speed (he runs the 20-metre sprint in 2.94 seconds) and he showed that with his dash during the carnival, particularly in Vic Country's clash with Western Australia. The Country co-captain can play through the midfield and as a half-forward and has hit the scoreboard with Dandenong during the Coates Talent League.



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It was a game last month for the Northern Knights that kickstarted Green's rise up the draft board. The ruckman starred that day with 22 disposals, two goals and 18 hitouts, all the while showing off some of his movement and mobility for a taller prospect. Green, who was a member of the AFL Academy program as well, took that confidence into the under-18 championships, where he led Vic Metro's ruck division and performed consistently. He is among a strong group of ruckmen who are shaping as potential top-40 picks this year.
 

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