Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

VitalDread · Apr 25, 2023

doggies ftw said:
What’s Lual like as a player? Would love another academy graduate on the list (should he be around our pick range)

Edit: had a look online for some info, potential wing prospect? Fills a need if so, but then we need to heavily focus on genuine midfielders with the rest of our assets

Classy Winger/half back
Beautiful by foot and hard at the contest
Has the ability to develop into a sweeper role and played a lot of shut down roles throughout the last two seasons

Overall I would say his AFL spot would be the winger role

doggies ftw · Apr 25, 2023

VitalDread said:
Classy Winger/half back
Beautiful by foot and hard at the contest
Has the ability to develop into a sweeper role and played a lot of shut down roles throughout the last two seasons

Overall I would say his AFL spot would be the winger role

Thanks VD - Sounds fantastic, paired with an inside mid with the other first rounder would be great for us

weltschmerz · Apr 25, 2023

McAuliffe and Lual is the current duo I’m interested in.

goodcop badcop · May 6, 2023

As hype around this year’s top AFL draft prospect grows, recruiters remain unsure about the rest of the landscape.

Plus the conundrum around top Tassie players, the plethora of Gold Coast academy stars and the latest mid-season draft whispers.

DUSTY-LIKE REID CLEARLY TOP OF THE CLASS

All the hype you‘re hearing about Harley Reid – the Dustin Martin comparisons, the talk about wooden spoon favourites playing for the ‘Harley Reid Cup’ – is real. Very real.

The proof? One experienced recruiter told foxfooty.com.au Reid was the best prospect they‘d ever seen come through the draft system – and if 17-year-olds could be drafted, he would’ve been taken last year … in the first three picks.

Like Will Ashcroft last year – even though Aaron Cadman was ultimately taken by the Giants with Pick 1 – Reid (187cm) is viewed by recruiters as this year‘s clear top AFL draft prospect. And by some margin.

After an awesome bottom-age draft campaign – which saw him star as a midfielder/forward in for Bendigo Pioneers then earn All-Australian honours after a brilliant national carnival as a defender for Vic Country – Reid has continued to turn heads in his official draft year. The 18-year-old kicked 5.2 and averaged 22.3 disposals, 7.3 score involvements and 5.3 clearances from his first three Coates League games before making a successful VFL debut for Carlton last weekend where he looked clean and composed around the contest

Harley Reid of the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Reid can play across any line — and win games from any line. He has Dusty-like power at stoppages, is a beautiful kick and hits the scoreboard consistently. But what sets Reid apart from the Tigers superstar is he has terrific overhead marking ability, either as a forward inside 50 or as an intercepting defender.

There‘s a belief Reid has more gears to go to and might even be wasting his time playing against 18-year-olds, with recruiters keen to see him play more games against older, seasoned teams.

When the four-way mega trade was struck during last October’s exchange period, Pick 1 changed clubs for the first time in 21 years. In 2023, don’t be surprised to see a few clubs clamouring to get their hands on the prized draft selection, for the chasm between Reid and the rest of the draft class is already significant.

AFTER HARLEY, WHO’S NEXT BEST?

So if Reid is so clearly this year’s top prospect, who’s next?

There’s no consensus yet among recruiters, who believe the traditional Under 18 national championships can’t come quick enough to help them begin to formalise their draft boards.

If last year’s draft was dominated by midfielders and hybrid types, this year’s crop is all about players outside the centre square, particularly key-position players and small forwards. In fact there’s concerns around a lack of midfield depth — although those fears could be allayed come the champs if a few on-ballers step up.

On talent alone, Eastern Ranges star Nick Watson is a top-five pick this year.

A mercurial forward with innate goal sense, high-flying ability, elite groundball work and indisputable swagger, Watson is as eye-catching a player as they come. He’s booted 5.6 and averaged 26.0 disposals and 4.7 inside 50s in his three Coates League games for the Ranges, which has included impressive stints across half-backs.

At 170cm, some recruiters believe it’d be a courageous call to select Watson with a top-five pick. But he’s barely put a foot wrong in his draft campaign and his attitude – both on and off the field – has been impressive.

Nick Watson of the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Melbourne took a punt on 171cm forward Kysaiah Pickett with Pick 12 in the 2019 draft, with some at the time believing he’d been taken too early. A premiership, 100 goals and a four-year contract extension later, the risk was worthwhile.

Gippsland Power 189cm forward Zane Duursma is another genuine top-five contender.

Duursma, the brother of Port Adelaide duo Xavier and Yasmin, played for Vic Country’s Under 18s side last year as a bottom-age player. He’s had a solid — rather than outstanding — start to his 2023 campaign, booting 2.2 and averaging 20.0 disposals from his first two Coates League games, but was quiet in the AFL Academy’s game against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side.

But recruiters were impressed by Duursma’s VFL cameo for Casey against Box Hill in Wonthaggi, finishing with 12 disposals and not looking out of place in a high-quality contest.

A couple of goalkickers are also in the early-pick mix: Glenelg’s Ashton Moir and Suns academy member Jed Walter.

Moir (184cm) showed off his exciting potential playing close to goal for SA as a bottom-ager last year, booting a game-high four goals against WA. He’s had a couple of four-goal games at SANFL reserves and Under 18s levels this year, but he hasn’t found a lot of the ball in games as he’s been asked to play close to goal. Still, his mercurial nature and ability to seamlessly kick on either foot has recruiters excited.

Walter (195cm) had tongues wagging last year, booting nine goals for the Allies to make the Under 18 All-Australian team as a bottom-ager. And after consecutive two-goal hauls to start the Coates League, Walter exploded on the weekend with 8.3 from 19 disposals and nine marks against the Northern Territory academy – although recruiters aren’t reading too much into the performance considering it was NT’s third consecutive loss by 100-plus points.

Jed Walter of the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Northern Knights’ Nate Caddy (191cm) – the nephew of dual premiership Tiger Josh Caddy – could also be in the top 10 mix. After booting three goals for Vic Country against SA as a 16-year-old last year, he’s become a consistent scoreboard contributor in his outings for the Knights this year. He also stood out for Vic Country in a trial match recently.

There’s a strong WA contingent this year, headlined by Claremont’s Daniel Curtin (195cm). After being named best on ground in the Under 17s futures game last year for his game in defence, Curtin has been played up forward in the WAFL colts so far this season, booting three goals in two games. But recruiters believe Curtin’s biggest strength is as a defender and want to see him play down back in the back-half of the season, which is expected to happen.

Versatile Subiaco prospect Koltyn Tholstrup has also caught the eye this season. He’s played three leagues games and averaged 12.3 disposals, but his effort to restrict dual Sandover Medallist Jye Bolton to 11 disposals in a run-with role a few weeks ago impressed on-lookers.

Hard-running Swan Districts defender Riley Hardiman and Peel Thunder’s Clay Hall — the son of former Eagles and Cats forward Derek Hall — have both had a taste of senior WAFL footy. Hall, in particular, has starred, booting one goal from 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances and five tackles against East Fremantle playing mainly as an inside mid.

Mitch Edwards – who’s been likened to Tim English in terms of looks and playing style – is considered one of the best rucks of the class and has improved with every game that he’s played so far this season. The 205cm ruck linked to Fremantle via its Next Generation Academy, but the Dockers can only match a bid on him if it comes outside the top 40 — and, at this stage, there’s little chance Edwards is getting picked that late.

Gippsland Power’s Archer Reid – the brother of Essendon’s Zach Reid – Oakleigh Chargers duo Nathan Philactides and Will Lorenz and West Adelaide’s Will Patton all came into the season as highly-touted possible first-round picks. But recruiters want to see a greater sample size, including ideally strong performances at the national championships.

Will Lorenz during an AFL Academy training session in December, 2022. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

WATCH ON TASSIE PROSPECTS

The announcement this week of a 19th AFL licence for Tasmania has most of the footy world excited. But it also has recruiters wary.

Attracting star players and young talent without compromising the other 18 sides will be a key challenge for the league, but outgoing boss Gillon McLachlan believes it’ achievable.

McLachlan declared the upcoming drafts ahead of Tassie’s AFL entry would be “much less compromised than they’ve been in the past” – although recruiters still have their doubts.

But the more immediate concern is eventually losing recruits to the Tassie team later in the decade — especially if the players are from the Apple Isle.

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield this week suggested the AFL should allow Tasmania to recruit any player that wants to come to the team — even if they’re contracted to another club. While it might seem like a radical idea, recruiters wouldn’t be surprised to see it come to fruition. And it’s why they’ll be wary of drafting Tassie products in the coming years.

Launceston product Colby McKercher is a particular player of interest this year. He had 15 disposals for the AFL Academy against the Port Magpies, while he dominated for the Devils in the Coates League, racking up 31, 31, 32 and 31 disposals respectively in his four games.

Colby McKercher of the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Renowned for his poise under pressure, inside-outside balance, ability to find space and ball-winning ability, McKercher (181cm) at this stage is considered a top-10 prospect. And considering the lack of pure midfield options at the top of this year’s draft class, McKercher could be a man in demand come this year’s draft.

Clarence’s Jack Callinan (179cm), like McKercher, is an AFL Academy member who’s had a dominant start to his draft year, booting 14.1 for Tassie from four Coates League games. A dynamic small forward with the ability to pinch-hit in the midfield, Callinan — the son of former Crow Ian Callinan — is also in the first-round mix, along with 185cm North Launceston on-baller Ryley Sanders. The latter is boarding in Melbourne and playing for the Sandringham Dragons, averaging 31.7 disposals from his first three games.

This year looms as arguably Tassie’s best quality draft crop since 2018 and perhaps its deepest in a decade.

But club recruiters are already talking about the decisions these players will inevitably have to weigh up in the coming years.

POSSIBLE SUNS CONUNDRUM

The Suns’ Queensland academy has been a strong breeding ground, with the club selecting dozens of players from there over the past decade.

But this year’s crop features three gun players that could all be in the first-round mix. And whether the Suns take all of them has recruiters intrigued.

Key forward Jed Walter, as aforementioned, has ample AFL traits, to the point where he’s in top-five contention. But the Suns also have access to 172cm forward/midfielder Jake Rogers and 202cm ruck-forward Ethan Read, who’ve both had strong starts to their respective draft year campaigns.

Read is renowned for his aerobic ability and skill below his knees for a player of his size, while Rogers has impressed recruiters with his speed, agility and groundball ability.

Ethan Read playing for the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Knowing the calibre of their 2023 academy talent, the Suns have traded heavily into this year’s draft. They already hold one pick in the first round, two in the second, three in the third and three in the fourth, meaning they’re armed with points to match inevitably early bids and well placed to trade in more picks later this year.

But rival recruiters remain sceptical as to whether the Suns will commit to all three players, as the club can’t pre-list Queensland academy players anymore.

They’ll undoubtedly match a bid on Walter – the thought of him and Ben King in the same forward line is a salivating one – while their lack of ruck stocks means Read should be a priority. Rival clubs are certainly tracking Rogers closely.

The Suns, of course, could go into draft deficit if they wanted all three players and didn’t have enough 2023 draft points to match.

Nonetheless, it’s a good problem for Gold Coast to have.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WHISPERS

The fifth mid-season draft of the 21st century will be held at the end of this month. Although there seems to be less buzz and fanfare around it compared to past mid-year rookie drafts.

As it stands, only Hawthorn, Fremantle, Essendon, Western Bulldogs and Geelong have free spots on their lists, although other clubs could open up opportunities should they move long-term injured players to their inactive list.

Ryan Maric of Gippsland Power. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

How many teams decide to do that, though, remains uncertain, with many recruiters spoken to by foxfooty.com.au this week appearing unenthusiastic about the talent up for grabs.

The AFL recently confirmed the Young Guns squad for its upcoming two-game series against Vic Metro and Vic Country Under 18 teams. Strong performances in these games by Jai Culley (West Coast), Massimo D‘Ambrosio (Essendon) and Max Ramsden (Hawthorn) helped the trio get drafted 12 months ago.

Of the players named in the Young Guns squad, Gippsland Power’s Ryan Maric (193cm) excites recruiters the most with his goal nous and efficient kick.

This time last year, the hybrid forward was playing country football for Drouin in the Gippsland League. At the end of this month, he could be among the first two players taken in the mid-season AFL draft.

There’s also some hype around 204cm Eastern Ranges ruck Clay Tucker and 203cm Oakleigh Chargers big man William Elliott – the son of former Australian Test cricketer Matthew Elliott – considering the array of injuries to rucks at AFL clubs this season.

Beau Tedcastle (177cm, Richmond VFL), Rye Penny (186cm, Calder Cannons), Nicholas Newton (187cm Murray Bushrangers), Ethan Stanley (188cm, Box Hill Hawks) and Luke Teal (190cm, Richmond VFL) are other Young Guns players in the mid-season draft mix. Teal, a mid-sized defender, was considered one of the unluckiest not to get picked up in last year‘s drafts.

Of the state league players in the mid-season draft mix, luckless ex-Swan Sam Naismith is a good chance to get picked up.

[PLAYERCARD]Sam Naismith[/PLAYERCARD] of Port Melbourne. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Sam Naismith of Port Melbourne. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

After three knee reconstructions during his stint at Sydney, Naismith linked up with Port Melbourne, where he’s become one of the VFL’s most dominant rucks. He produced his best game yet against the Giants last weekend, finishing with 24 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles and 38 hit-outs. Recruiters linked Naismith to Geelong, Collingwood and even Sydney ahead of the mid-season draft.

Other VFL players clubs are reportedly keeping tabs on are Williamstown duo Oscar McDonald (ex-Melbourne and Carlton) and Marty Hore (ex-Melbourne), Frankston’s Ryley Stoddart (ex-Sydney) and Box Hill’s Callum Brown (ex-Collingwood), while Essendon could consider upgrading key defender Jack Cleaver from its VFL list.

North Adelaide 191cm forward Noah Casalini, who won the best on ground medal for six-goal, 10-mark display in an Anzac Day victory over Norwood, is one of the SANFL’s best chances, while 199cm Claremont key forward Jack Buller reportedly has interest from the two WA clubs.

Why Harley Reid is the clear No. 1 of 2023, Suns and Tassie conundrums and mid-season whispers: AFL Draft Watch

Freak Dusty clone AFL’s ‘best ever prospect’; recruiters’ big Tassie doubt: Draft Watch

www.foxsports.com.au

Not mentioned, but Joel Freijah kicked 6 goals on a wing the other week and would be on my watch list at our first pick. He's perhaps a bit like an outside version of Bontempelli.

Northernsoul74 · May 7, 2023

doggies ftw said:
What’s Lual like as a player? Would love another academy graduate on the list (should he be around our pick range)

Edit: had a look online for some info, potential wing prospect? Fills a need if so, but then we need to heavily focus on genuine midfielders with the rest of our assets

Think I read Lual himself say he likens his game to Jiath.

weltschmerz · May 7, 2023

We have a mid-season draft spot. What do people want to see us do with that? Poulter as a winger, a ready made mid, a mature small forward, something else?

Bulldogs85 · May 7, 2023

weltschmerz said:
We have a mid-season draft spot. What do people want to see us do with that? Poulter as a winger, a ready made mid, a mature small forward, something else?

I wouldn’t mind if we pick up Poulter surprised he got delisted by Collingwood

dogwatch · May 7, 2023

Ideally a player ready for senior footy but not yet peaking. Say 20-23 yo.
Poulter is only 20 and a surprising 193cm tall so he's an attractive option.

Our midfield is shallow. Just look at the lack of options to cover Treloar, or indeed any of the regulars there.

Can Poulter fill that role as a standby midfielder? Is there anybody available who is better suited than him?

goodcop badcop · May 7, 2023

weltschmerz said:
We have a mid-season draft spot. What do people want to see us do with that? Poulter as a winger, a ready made mid, a mature small forward, something else?

Poulter I haven't seen that much of. But one of the few times I have seen him, it was over preseason in a match sim with our AFL players and his kicking didn't look AFL standard. He does seem to have quite a penetrating kick though.

Maybe Boyd Woodcock could be worth a shot, he's 23 years old. Would give us some cover for our midfield and forward line. Kicks some pretty ridiculous goals at times. Had 25 possessions and kicked 3 goals today. Had over 40 touches and kicked 1 last week and was BOG against our VFL side the week before last with 32 touches and a goal.

doggies ftw · May 7, 2023

I just don’t see what Poulter is bringing that we need right now? I don’t mind him and he deserves a spot on a AFL list but not for us IMO. From what I’ve seen He doesn’t bring leg speed, he doesn’t have much of a defensive side/not overly strong in the contest and a neat kick but not overly damaging.

What role is he playing for us and what strengths is he bringing that we lack? Not sure we need an outside leaning accumulator whose not overly damaging with footy

Doggies7 · May 7, 2023

doggies ftw said:
I just don’t see what Poulter is bringing that we need right now? I don’t mind him and he deserves a spot on a AFL list but not for us IMO. From what I’ve seen He doesn’t bring leg speed, he doesn’t have much of a defensive side/not overly strong in the contest and a neat kick but not overly damaging.

What role is he playing for us and what strengths is he bringing that we lack? Not sure we need an outside leaning accumulator whose not overly damaging with footy

Well ideally for a team like ours, a midseason draft pick should be a decent depth option, unlikely to get a guy who is an instant best 22 plug and plug guy.

Our wing depth behind Baker and Williams is still pretty ordinary, one injury to those guys and we are back to trying to fit an Anthony Scott / McNeil on the wing again. So ideally Poulter would be our depth winger if one if our current one goes does or hits a form slump etc.

doggies ftw · May 7, 2023

Doggies7 said:
Well ideally for a team like ours, a midseason draft pick should be a decent depth option, unlikely to get a guy who is an instant best 22 plug and plug guy.

Our wing depth behind Baker and Williams is still pretty ordinary, one injury to those guys and we are back to trying to fit an Anthony Scott / McNeil on the wing again. So ideally Poulter would be our depth winger if one if our current one goes does or hits a form slump etc.

Yeah fair depends what’s available I guess, but I feel unless they’re genuinely going to help us this year most teams have been using it to bring in more good talent, there’s been some pretty handy picks taken last few years. So unless we can fill a genuine hole I’d probs prefer to go down that path over wing depth who I don’t really see impacting at AFL level for us

Doggies7 · May 7, 2023

doggies ftw said:
Yeah fair depends what’s available I guess, but I feel unless they’re genuinely going to help us this year most teams have been using it to bring in more good talent, there’s been some pretty handy picks taken last few years. So unless we can fill a genuine hole I’d probs prefer to go down that path over wing depth who I don’t really see impacting at AFL level for us

That's fair. If there's a Nic Martin, Jai Newcombe etc who we believe can turn into a locked in best 22 player for us, absolutely target that talent over just solid depth in Poulter.

Dannnnnnnnnn · May 7, 2023

goodcop badcop said:
Poulter I haven't seen that much of. But one of the few times I have seen him, it was over preseason in a match sim with our AFL players and his kicking didn't look AFL standard. He does seem to have quite a penetrating kick though.

Maybe Boyd Woodcock could be worth a shot, he's 23 years old. Would give us some cover for our midfield and forward line. Kicks some pretty ridiculous goals at times. Had 25 possessions and kicked 3 goals today. Had over 40 touches and kicked 1 last week and was BOG against our VFL side the week before last with 32 touches and a goal.

I liked Woodcock at AFL level but would rather not add another sub-180cm guy unless they are a genuine primary forward, which I'm not totally convinced he is.

VitalDread · May 10, 2023

I'm all for this but at first it should only be limited to Father-Sons prospects for a few years
Since a lot of clubs already know how their F/S will progress
E.G Levi Ashcroft would be a top 5 pick next year

Once we get closer to the Tassie first season, open it up since they are likely to draft under 17's as per GWS and GCS rules

Dannnnnnnnnn · May 10, 2023

VitalDread said:
I'm all for this but at first it should only be limited to Father-Sons prospects for a few years
Since a lot of clubs already know how their F/S will progress
E.G Levi Ashcroft would be a top 5 pick next year

Once we get closer to the Tassie first season, open it up since they are likely to draft under 17's as per GWS and GCS rules

There are flow on effects with this kinda thing though, e.g. cap ramifications. If they can't play, are they included in the cap? If not, are we just gonna end up with a situation where the cashed-up teams do this and the ones lacking money don't? If they are, are there extra/separate list spots or can a tanking team just load up on 17 year olds that can't play for them as a tanking strategy? Re: the further study option, what is to stop a team paying for a short-term TAFE course that the player can just quit at any point? Or, arguably more nefariously, convince a player to drop out of school? And even putting team intentions aside - do you really think a 17 year old with their heart set on being an AFL player is going to hesitate to drop out of school if that means they can be drafted???

TBH, I think if you're gonna expand the draft age, you do it with as few bizarre little caveats as possible. Adding these kinda rules just means you have to add more... and more... and more...

Munnez · May 10, 2023

Bulldogs85 said:
I wouldn’t mind if we pick up Poulter surprised he got delisted by Collingwood

If the club thunk that Poulter can develop as an inside mid, would take a throw at the stumps with him.

VitalDread · May 10, 2023

Dannnnnnnnnn said:
There are flow on effects with this kinda thing though, e.g. cap ramifications. If they can't play, are they included in the cap? If not, are we just gonna end up with a situation where the cashed-up teams do this and the ones lacking money don't? If they are, are there extra/separate list spots or can a tanking team just load up on 17 year olds that can't play for them as a tanking strategy? Re: the further study option, what is to stop a team paying for a short-term TAFE course that the player can just quit at any point? Or, arguably more nefariously, convince a player to drop out of school? And even putting team intentions aside - do you really think a 17 year old with their heart set on being an AFL player is going to hesitate to drop out of school if that means they can be drafted???

TBH, I think if you're gonna expand the draft age, you do it with as few bizarre little caveats as possible. Adding these kinda rules just means you have to add more... and more... and more...

Jack Higgins is a prime example
He dropped out of school to focus on trade and full time local footy

dogwatch · May 10, 2023

VitalDread said:
Jack Higgins is a prime example
He dropped out of school to focus on trade and full time local footy

I think Dannnnnn's point is that for every single-minded Jack Higgins that you make it easier for you are going to open up a range of anomalies and loopholes that will quickly get exploited. Clubs are very good at finding those sorts of anomalies. Much better than the legislators.

I agree with Dannnnnnnnn. Keep it simple.

doggies ftw · May 10, 2023

To be fair being on an AFL list even for just 2 years (and if we’re talking only minimal prospects per year they’ll be top end and likely much longer even if they’re no goood) will offer farrrrrrrr more opportunities and pathways for a good career path outside of footy than doing year 12 would

Snarls Barkley · May 10, 2023

I don't really like the idea. Don't see how its beneficial to the draft or comp as a whole.

I also don't like the thought that teams in the bottom four are going to draft players that are ineligible for a year, instead of trying to improve straightaway.

doggiesin08 · May 10, 2023

Snarls Barkley said:
I don't really like the idea. Don't see how its beneficial to the draft or comp as a whole.

I also don't like the thought that teams in the bottom four are going to draft players that are ineligible for a year, instead of trying to improve straightaway.

Agree. I’m not sure what problem it addresses? So what if some 18 year olds are coming in ready to go. Far fewer 1st round duds and far fewer rookie draft superstars than there were 10 years ago which is on balance a good thing for equalisation (although the points index needs to update for this).

If there’s any problem here it’s that Daicos, Ashcroft, Sheezel are massively underpaid versus their output. not that they should have had facility access 12 months earlier. Below images are from the last CBA. It's not just Daicos being an absolute gun, but a draftee who plays 17+ matches in their first year will conceivable in their second year earn:

$140k base salary
$115k match payments (23 games)
$12k maximum games played bonus
Total $267k vs AFL average salary of $406k (not sure what median is)

Even if they're in the bottom half of their own team, with a 38 player list it doesn't make sense for a player playing every game to land that far below the average. The games bonuses and step-ups (e.g. $105k to $140k) are way too small (in the context of AFL players, what the rest of the world gets paid as a 19 year old is irrelevant for this discussion). Those numbers should be a lot higher and you could even exclude them the salary cap to avoid clubs leaving a player on [16] games versus [17] games.

goodcop badcop · May 11, 2023

The VFL is stacked with hopefuls for the AFL mid-season draft, including (top left to clockwise) Ethan Stanley, James Trezise, Aaron Clarke and Jye Chalcraft.
The AFL’s mid-season draft is three weeks away and recruiters are running an eye over the state-league players capable of joining lists.

Here are some hopefuls from the VFL.

Jye Chalcraft, Geelong
The 22-year-old won the Cats’ VFL best and fairest in 2022 as an inside midfielder and there’s a good chance he’s leading the count this year.

Coach Mark Corrigan has used Chalcraft at half forward at times “just to try to add another string to his bow and I guess add to the appeal from a draftable point of view’’.

“He’s a beautiful ball-user, he finishes his work, he’s clean, he’s tough and he’s got enough power, his tank is good enough … he’s a very good player,’’ Corrigan declares. “If you put him in a full-time program you’ll see him go to another level.’’

The midfielder is from Shepparton United, went through the Murray Bushrangers and became a VFL Cat in 2021.

Aaron Clarke, Coburg
There aren’t many tall forwards kicking around the VFL. The Lions have one in 23-year-old Clarke, 195cm and 100kg, who can take a contested mark and is a reliable kick.
He has a chance to see how he stacks up against Northern Bullant Brandon Ryan in this week’s Battle of Bell Street at Coburg City Oval.

Mitch Cox, Williamstown
The powerful right-footer spent last year on Brisbane’s list as a selection in the pre-season supplemental period.

He hasn’t quite shown his best for the Towners as he makes the transition back to part-time footballer, but he’s a dynamic player and started May the right way, having 23 touches and kicking a goal against Collingwood.

Mutaz El Nour, Richmond
The tall defender was considered a mid-season draft hope last year as a Northern Bullant and was disappointed when he was overlooked.

But he’s presented again as a Tiger, negating with hard spoils or creating with his intercept marking, and there’s a touch of class to whatever he does.

Felix Flockhart, Port Melbourne
There were quiet raps on the young ruckman after his late rise at the Sandringham Dragons, and he’s back in the thoughts of clubs now that he’s overcome injuries (groin last year, ankle in the 2023 pre-season) and served as Sam Naismith’s back-up.

His athleticism is apparent with his ability to play forward and his skill at ground level.

“He’s turning himself into a competitive footballer,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

Marcus Herbert, Geelong
The Cats have a high opinion of the former Greater Western Victoria Rebel, who sat out a few games with concussion and has impressed since his return to the half back line.

“I look at him and I think he’s got attributes that could go to another level,’’ Geelong coach Mark Corrigan says. “Beautiful ball user, really clean, he changes the game when he gets the ball in his hands.

“But he also defends really well. He’s not just a purely offensive-minded player. He’s really good in the contest, he finds his way out of traffic quickly and he dilutes the pressure situations for us.’’

Herbert, 20, joined Geelong VFL in 2021.

Marty Hore, Williamstown
It’s believed two AFL clubs have contacted Willy about the 14-game former Demon.

Hore, 27, joined the Seagulls this year from North Melbourne VFL and has averaged 21.7 disposals across six games.

Ben Jepson, Coburg
The Lions knew they were getting a good player when they recruited Jepson from Old Carey three years ago.

At 21 and with more confidence, his football has taken off this season; he’s the best decision-maker and kick in the Coburg team.

Jepson is averaging 23 possessions across his first six matches, boosted by 34 and 30-disposal hauls in his past two outings.

“His last fortnight has been awesome, and hopefully he can carry that all the way into the mid-season draft and be a realistic chance,’’ Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara says.

Sam Lowson, North Melbourne
Roos coach Tom Lynch calls the small forward “the most dynamic player in the VFL’’.

Touted as the No.1 mid-season pick in 2019, only to pick up an injury before the draft, Lowson has kicked 16.10 for the Roos this season since crossing from Coburg.

Trent Mynott, Frankston
Few VFL midfielders are going as well as Frankston’s co-captain, who led his team to its first victory of the season with four goals and 23 possessions against Sandringham in Round 4.

Mynott was an Essendon rookie in 2018-19 but he’s still only 23 and there are Dolphins officials who will tell you he’s their most influential and important player as an “inside’’ midfielder.

Sam Naismith, Port Melbourne
Clubs needing to bolster their ruck divisions will look at the former Sydney 30-gamer, who has proven his fitness this year as a dominant big man in the VFL.

He’s averaging 43.2 hit-outs and 15.7 disposals per game, and his leadership has been exemplary.

“He’s been really solid in his performances. His ruck work has been outstanding and he’s building his around-the-ground game,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

“As a person and player, his buy-in at our club has been exceptional. He’s getting through week to week and he’s covering a lot of ground and he’s crashing and bashing. He’s doing all the things I would think an AFL club would want to see.’’

Kai Owens, Frankston
The 23-year-old is the older brother of fast-rising Saint Mitch, and his move into the midfield this season has been the making of him.

Previously a forward lending an occasional hand in the ruck, Owens (192cm) has flourished as an onballer alongside Will Fordham and Trent Mynott, averaging 24 disposals and seven tackles.

“Kai’s got that bit of swerve and curve about him that comes from his basketball background and he’s also got hops – he can really jump. He’s in good nick because his game’s in good shape and he’s bubbling along off some of the buzz around his brother,’’ Dolphins coach Danny Ryan told CODE Sports last week.

Fraser Rosman, Port Melbourne
Drafted during the Covid period and delisted after two years at Melbourne, the athletic and sure-handed Rosman is relishing his move to Port Melbourne.

With his spring and speed, the 194cm defender is capable of playing on opponents of all shapes and sizes.

Brandon Ryan, Northern Bullants
No VFL player has risen as quickly this year as 25-year-old Ryan, a 200cm forward who joined the Ants from Essendon District league club Maribyrnong Park.

The strong-marking left-footer caught the eye in the state-alone practice-match carnival in Craigieburn – “Who is No 12 for Bullants? He’s not on the team sheet?’’ a recruiter asked on the day – and has since kicked 17 goals from six matches, including five against Sydney.

Ryan is raw but has a lot of natural ability.

Ryley Stoddart, Frankston
In his second year with the Dolphins, the 23-year-old former Sydney Swan will be some chance for a second AFL listing if he maintains his slashing start to the season.

His left-foot kicking has been on show from half back, spearing Frankston forward, and he’s displayed plenty of dash and aggression too.

He had 37 touches against Port Melbourne in round five and is averaging 29 disposals from five matches.

Shaun Mannagh, Werribee
The dynamic Mannagh hurtled into the headlines with his round three performance for Werribee, when he stacked up 40 possessions and booted four goals against Southport.

“He’s a matchwinner. He’s special,’’ Sharks coach Steve Daniels declared after the game.

The 25-year-old had 31 touches against Essendon last Sunday and is averaging 27.6 disposals per outing as he pushes for the next level.

“He’s a jet,’’ a VFL coach says of the former Murray Bushranger.

Oscar McDonald, Williamstown
At 27, McDonald appears set to join a third AFL club, with talk around that Sydney will seek to strengthen its defence with the former Demon and Blue.

His performances and professionalism have been everything Willy expected of him, and they’re resigned to going into the second half of the season without their No.1 backman.

Tom Phillips, Essendon
The former Magpie and Hawk is building towards his best after recovering from a minor knee injury. The left-footer had 20 touches on a wing in the round seven loss to Werribee.

“He’s good enough to play AFL again,’’ Bombers coach Leigh Tudor says.

“He’s still really determined and doing everything right. He’s still got that belief.’’

Jack Sexton, Southport
Sharks coach Steve Daniel says he’s taken calls from AFL clubs about his small forward, who joined the club this year after a stint with Richmond VFL.

“He’s quick, he’s tough, his tackle-pressure is through the roof, he uses the ball really well and he’s quite smart,’’ Daniel says of the 178cm, who came out of Finley Cats juniors and took some star turns for Yarrawonga last year in the strong Ovens and Murray league.

Ethan Stanley, Box Hill Hawks
The 188cm, 81kg Stanley has been a surprise package this year for the Hawks.

Recruited from local club Frankston YCW, where he played some senior games last year but mostly in the Under 19s, he has made four appearances as a wing and flanker.

He also turned out in last Sunday’s Young Guns game at Sandringham, performing handily in tough conditions.

“We’ve been rapt with him,’’ says Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn.

“There was no expectation on him when he came here – he’s never been a pathways kid, just played local footy with his local club – and he’s been a breath of fresh air, I guess.

“He’s excited, he wants to learn, he’s hungry. He’s played four games as the 23rd player, but we’re arguably missing him and he’s going to be a big chance to play regardless of the 23rd. He can play a variety of roles – wing, half back, half forward, inside – he’s got athleticism and running power, and he’s a beautiful user of the footy.’’

Lachie Sullivan, Footscray Bulldogs
The Dogs’ VFL captain is one of the league’s most consistent players, rarely leaving the ground without having handled the ball 25 times. He won the Dogs’ best and fairest and was in the VFL team of the year in 2022.

Unheralded but not to be underestimated, Sullivan might appeal to a club keen to add another number to its midfield.

The Tigers have latched on to a good prospect in 21-year-old Trezise, who featured in West Gippsland club Tooradin-Dalmore’s premiership last season alongside former AFL Magpies Brent Macaffer and Adam Oxley.

“Needs to be on an AFL list,’’ Oxley declared on social media last month after Tigers VFL coach Steve Morris called the 20-year-old a “super exciting player’’.

Trezise is 188cm and versatile enough to play any position on the ground; he’s even done some ruck work for the Tigers this season.

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Nat Fyfe · May 12, 2023

I hope Mutaz El Nour gets picked up this year. I remember last year they did a whole interview with him and his family, talking up his prospects of being drafted and how exciting the opportunity was, only for him to go undrafted. Would have been devastating

goodcop badcop · May 13, 2023

The AFL academy and Carlton reserves match is kicking off before our match at Marvel. Starts 4pm for those that want to come down a bit earlier. It's also live streamed.

Carlton Reserves to play curtain raiser this weekend

The Carlton Reserves will play a curtain raiser this Saturday.

www.carltonfc.com.au

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