Preview 2024 AFL Draft General Discussion

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RonnieRaven said:
Yeah the afl need to do more in WA.
AFL totally neglecting WA footy.
With all the mining money why would parents be pushing their children towards a footy career with an average span of 6 years.
AFL think because memberships/revenue is good in the west everything is great.
It’s not.
Also parents don’t want to lose their children to the other side of the country.
If only there was a solution.
Academies, priority access seems to be working in nsw and qld
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WA should be an untapped gold mine. There are few rival sports and the Glory are on life support.

The WAFL needs work and so does local footy by the sounds of it.

The point about not losing kids is interesting. The AFL would never go back to State of Origin style where you play for a club in your area because it reduces trade and draft which becomes a boring competition.

The point about academies is one that I’d say is good at the top, bad for development. It’s great for the teams and their best athlete. But it mucks with development of youngsters as they’re thrown around between sides, played out of position, etc - basically the few kids who’ll make it are favoured over others. Knew three in the GWS Academy and the best development they got was playing senior community football against bigger bodies.
 
memoryofmchale said:
WA should be an untapped gold mine. There are few rival sports and the Glory are on life support.

The WAFL needs work and so does local footy by the sounds of it.

The point about not losing kids is interesting. The AFL would never go back to State of Origin style where you play for a club in your area because it reduces trade and draft which becomes a boring competition.

The point about academies is one that I’d say is good at the top, bad for development. It’s great for the teams and their best athlete. But it mucks with development of youngsters as they’re thrown around between sides, played out of position, etc - basically the few kids who’ll make it are favoured over others. Knew three in the GWS Academy and the best development they got was playing senior community football against bigger bodies.
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Sadly, there aren't a heck of a lot of kids playing footy in Perth anymore.

In fact, footy is near enough dead in the poorer districts. It never used to be that way. Check back old state schoolboys squads and it was played in both wealthy and poor districts with state players being provided by both.

And it has simply never taken off in the suburbs with high numbers of Africans, Nepalese, Indians, Afghans etc.

Until this is acknowledged and addressed footy in WA will rely on private schools and the junior clubs that are based in wealthy areas along the coast and river.
 
Futbolista said:
Sadly, there aren't a heck of a lot of kids playing footy in Perth anymore.

In fact, footy is near enough dead in the poorer districts. It never used to be that way. Check back old state schoolboys squads and it was played in both wealthy and poor districts with state players being provided by both.

And it has simply never taken off in the suburbs with high numbers of Africans, Nepalese, Indians, Afghans etc.

Until this is acknowledged and addressed footy in WA will rely on private schools and the junior clubs that are based in wealthy areas along the coast and river.
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Wealth in general has changed footy. More often than not, the best players are the ones with money as a kid, male or female. Victoria APS is overrepresented. I don’t blame the kids for taking scholarships or their parents’ wealth but it does create inequality. There are few kids who’ve grown up rough on AFL lists, especially in recent times.

Tasmania bucks this trend to a degree where the best private schools for footy are working class (especially one) and the public system sees kids drafted. Eg. Chayce Jones, Seth Campbell, Colby McKercher, etc went through the public system for their entire education. The elite private schools have seen very few AFL or AFLW players drafted recently - I think Mia King is the only example. Think that it’s worth exploring ways to make footy more equitable regardless of school (I don’t want to start a private v public debate).

It’s bewildering the AFL makes no attempt to properly market the game to international communities here. It’s not like migrants can’t play footy and it’s not like they’re not in the AFL.
 
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Futbolista said:
It's thin so far to say the least......although there are so many new names on lists this year (more than usual) that i'm wondering if quite a few players will be unearthed. I only see 5 draft picks thus far.....but hoping for the best.
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It look really bad this year.
Though as you said the colts lists have added a lot of unknown names
So hoping we can see some surprises
Just don't think WA will have any picks in the top 20 this year
I also don't rate Bo Allan at all
 
Coates league guide. Lists. Father/sons (2024/2025), NGA.


BENDIGO PIONEERS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Archer Day-Wicks and Jobe Shanahan spent the summer with the AFL Academy as well as the Vic Country training squad. Shanahan can play at either end at 194cm and has been rolled through the midfield at times. He reminds Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree of Jack Lukosius with his footskills and overhead marking. Day-Wicks provides plenty of highlights as a half-forward but he also works hard pushing up the ground. Hard-running midfielder Tobie Travaglia was also named in the Vic Country summer squad.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

No father-sons to look forward to this year, but Cody Walker, the son of Blues high-flyer Andrew, is one for Carlton fans to watch out for in the future. The Echuca product is currently part of the Pioneers’ U16 program.

OTHER FAMILIAR NAMES

Glen Gilbee is the brother of former GWS player Jason, who was best known for penchant for milk. From all reports the younger Gillbee is even more of a character than Jason.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

The pieces are falling into place for Dayten Uerata. The exciting forward is capable of winning a game off his own boot and the Pioneers are expecting big things from him in 2024. Versatile and athletic Charlton prospect Nick Thompson is another who could bob up.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Oliver Poole was on the radar of several clubs ahead of last year’s draft after impressing as a mid-forward for the Pioneers, also playing a game for Vic Country. Big man Taj Bond, who stands at 204cm, is another who has caught the eye this pre-season.

BENDIGO PIONEERS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1OllieMorris5/01/06175.2Sandhurst Football Club
2ArcherDay-Wicks13/05/06185.6Sandhurst Football Club
3TobieTravaglia26/10/06187.3Sandhurst Football Club
4TomEvans22/02/06180.5Echuca Football Club
5OliverPoole18/03/05183.3Echuca United Football Club
6KobenRyan28/01/06172.9Lake Boga Football Club
7PatrickBlake27/13/07185.0Tyntynder Football Club
8DaytenUerata28/10/05185.0Sandhurst Football Club
9HunterWright20/10/07187.0Golden Square Football Club
10NickThompson21/07/06189.4Charlton Football Club
11ConnorEvans2/06/06182.0Kangaroo Flat Football Club
12JobeShanahan2/08/06194.3Moama Football Club
13JedDaniels29/10/06173.3Strathfieldsaye Football Club
14JaidiJackson-leahy31/01/07183.3Strathfieldsaye Football Club
15MitchellBell2/03/06178.9Moama Football Club
16LiamGronow22/06/07170.1Echuca Football Club
17LachlanHogan13/01/06176.5Moama Football Club
18GlenGillbee24/10/06185.2Balranald Football Club
19AidanAvery25/01/06181.1Mildura Demons Football Club
20EthanCurran19/08/07174.8Nyah-Nyah West United
21JyeChambers25/09/06188.1Kyneton Football Club
22JudeRyan31/01/06181.6Colbinabbin Football Club
23MitchellMcKnight15/10/07178.1Castlemaine Football Club
24FinlayLockhart17/06/07190.8Sandhurst Football Club
25CharlieCook3/07/06182.9South Mildura Football Club
26ThomasRutledge6/04/07180.9Macedon Football Club
27CharlieKing12/03/07181.0Woorinen Football Club
28JamesCoulson22/12/06189.6Tongala Football Club
29RyanBassett11/04/07190.8Koondrook Barham Football Club
30NashRamage30/12/05191.0Echuca United Football Club
31AngusScoble19/12/06183.6Kyabram Football Club
32ArchieWatt31/01/06181.1Kyabram Football Club
33DarbyJones22/08/07191.8Echuca Football Club
34LachlanVrolijks17/08/07185.0Swan Hill Football Club
35KaianConstable28/10/06181.6Maryborough Football Club
41GusToll11/07/05190.9Echuca Football Club
42JamesBarrat23/11/06193.0Leitchville Gunbower Football Club
43DustyGeister20/05/06192.4Irymple Football Club
44ZaydynLockwood25/01/06198.0South bendigo Football Club
45TajBond12/09/05203.7Maryborough Football Club
46ShaunWatson29/05/07193.0Mildura Football Club
47WilBennett19/01/07190.9Swan Hill Football Club
48JontyDavis15/01/07181.1Marong Football Club
49GusHay19/01/07183.6Sandhurst Football Club
50JackMcMahon21/02/06188.0Golden Square Football Club

Oliver Poole is back at the Pioneers. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Oliver Poole is back at the Pioneers. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

CALDER CANNONS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

The Cannons only have one player in the AFL Academy Squad, that being athletic key defender Harry O’Farrell who is shaping as a high pick in a draft pool otherwise dominated by midfielders.

Dynamic small forward Isaac Kako and inside midfielder Nash King were both picked as part of the initial Vic Metro training squad and are also considered a good chance to be selected at the end of the year.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Isaac Kako – whose parents were both born in Iraq – is a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, but the Bombers won’t be able to match a bid on him in November unless he slips past pick 40.

Jakden Nguyen – who has Vietnamese heritage – is also tied to Essendon’s NGA program and is a damaging small rebounding defender who tied for the Cannons’ best-and-fairest award as a bottom-age player last year.

Alex Alessio is the son of 2000 Essendon premiership player Steven and qualifies as a father-son for the Bombers, with the raw young ruckman or key forward developing nicely.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Captain Damon Hollow is one to watch for the Cannons this year and could come into consideration to be added to the Vic Metro squad if he gets away to a good start.

Hollow had a strong bottom-age season last year and is a dynamic midfielder who is strong in the air and can hit the scoreboard.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Ryan Eyre – the younger brother of Collingwood-listed Josh Eyre – is a player to watch for the Cannons early in the season.

An intercepting defender, he has returned as a 19-year-old this season along with signing for Essendon’s VFL side.

Isaac Kako is a highly-rated prospect for the Calder Cannons this year. Picture: Getty Images

Isaac Kako is a highly-rated prospect for the Calder Cannons this year. Picture: Getty Images

CALDER CANNONS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1KayneRutley24/04/06179.9Keilor
2IsaacKako7/03/06174.8Northern Saints
3JaydenNguyen27/07/06177.3Aberfeldie
4MaxCollier13/07/06187.0South Melbourne Districts
5RileyLeedham16/11/06195.0Gisborne Bulldogs
6HughAllison8/04/06175.8Strathmore
8OmarAbou-Eid2/11/05200.2Pascoe Vale
9RyanBrodie8/05/05182.0Strathmore
10DamonHollow30/03/06179.7Epping
11RyanEyre19/03/05191.0Castlemaine
12AlistairMcQuire25/02/06191.9Fitzroy JFC
13KieranGallagher19/06/06184.2Westmeadows
14KhalilKaakour25/05/06167.3Pascoe Vale
15HarryAlbon13/08/06179.6Craigieburn
16NoahScott23/08/06177.0Pascoe Vale
17NashKing5/01/06180.8Wallan
18HarryO'Farrell3/05/06196.3St Kevin’s APS
19ThomasLegudi15/03/06177.1Aberfeldie
20HarryRyan22/05/06185.4Strathmore
21ThomasBarnett22/04/06194.9Maribyrnong Park
22JettLaidler9/01/07180.4Strathmore
23DanteIacovone28/04/06188.1Heidelberg
24FinnMcAvoy13/08/07188.5Maribyrnong Park
25CooperHerbert19/01/06187.0Laurimar
26HamishBird16/08/07187.0Aberfeldie
27PatrickSaid24/04/06179.9Sunbury Lions
28DanielShepherd7/05/06184.8Old Marcellin Collegians
29AlexAlessio10/10/06199.4St Bernards
30NicholasPage16/08/06195.1Strathmore
31FelixKneipp1/01/07177.2Fitzroy JFC
32JacksonBarber1/06/07193.0Aberfeldie
33JoshuaWhitfield9/11/06187.6Essendon Doutta Stars
34WillemHanegraaf20/05/07184.5Strathmore
35ZachMcKenzie12/09/07190.7Gisborne Giants
36LukePelosi9/08/07190.1Pascoe Vale
37HussienEl Achkar2/04/07170.7Pascoe Vale
38TristanLeeds7/06/07188.0Coburg Districts
39OliverWatt6/02/07178.5Woodend-Hesket
40LucasMousley11/07/07183.0Gisborne Giants
41ArdenStevens19/07/07180.8Aberfeldie
43GusPapal22/09/06192.5Aberfeldie
44HamishCaine6/07/06196.7Whittlesea
45JackRyan19/12/06192.6Strathmore
46AdamSweid14/09/07177.0Pascoe Vale
47CameronPascoe17/12/07176.2Pascoe Vale
48HamishPearce15/06/07182.2Strathmore
56CooperDuff-Tytler22/08/07199.3Woodend Hesket
60NoahCrowley20/03/07195.0Craigieburn

DANDENONG STINGRAYS ​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Key defender Noah Mraz has had a strong pre-season and the Collingwood fan spent a week learning off his idol Darcy Moore over the summer. The Stingrays believe he has the potential to turn into a promising player at the next level. Harvey Langford is also part of the AFL Academy, a big-bodied mdfielder who can push forward and hit the scorebaord. Langford is coming off a strong bottom-age season where he averaged 121 SuperCoach ranking points, 22 disposals and a tick under a goal per game.

Harvey Langford wins a hard ball. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos

Harvey Langford wins a hard ball. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Elwood Peckett, the son of 252-game St Kilda player Justin, spent a week with the Saints over the summer and he has improved his training intensity since his bottom-age year. The Stingrays also have Collingwood father-son prospect Oscar Lonie entering the program. The bottom-ager has great skills just like his father Ryan, who played 123 games for Collingwood. Riak Andrew, a Melbourne NGA prospect like his brother, Gold Coast top-10 draft pick Mac, spent time with Casey VFL over the off-season where they were impressed with his development. Andrew returns to the Stingrays as a 19-year-old and shares his brother’s athleticism. Indigenous prospect Coren Giliam, a crafty small forward who can impact up the ground and 198cm tall Tarion Ah-Mu are also tied to the Demons’ NGA.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Henry Hayes has shown some top-end traits during match simulation and at training for the Stingrays this pre-season. Described as a “tougher version of Bayley Fritsch” by coach Nick Cox, Hayes was hampered by a serious illness last year but the Stingrays have high hopes for him Harry Doughton is viewed as one of the most talented players on the Stingrays’ list and is another to keep tabs on.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Ben Hopkins generated some interest from AFL clubs last year and will play for the Stingrays early in the piece, having also earned a spot on North Melbourne’s list after training with the Roos over the summer. A 190cm prospect who runs well and makes good decisions, Hopkins shapes as a possible mid-season draft chance after getting better as the season went on in his first year at the Stingrays in 2023. Andrew is another who could push but he might be a greater chance at the end of the year.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1Cooper Hynes28/02/06189.6Bonbeach YCW JFC
2Harvey Langford15/03/06189.9Mount Martha JFC
3HarrisonDoughton23/04/06184.8Mt Eliza JFC
4Riley Purton15/03/06179.2Lysterfield
5Riak Andrew17/02/05192.0Berwick JFC
6PatrickBloink6/04/06188.5Frankston YCW
7CharlieRowe27/07/06177.7Mt Eliza JFC
8NoahHibbins-Hargreaves16/11/07185.0Mornington JFC
10BenHopkins28/07/05189.8Langwarrin FC
11SamLewis25/02/07185.7Red Hill JFC
12TahjDe La Rue20/05/06183.4Pakenham JFC
13KaylebLovett4/11/07178.6Beaconsfield JFC
14Henry Hayes8/06/06188.8Rye FC
15KaneHurst13/08/06187.8Berwick JFC
17HamishTerris7/01/06188.6Frankston Dolphins
18JacobGrant8/07/05192.6Endeavour Hills
19WilliamWhite16/08/06186.8South Mornington
20ZaneSnowden15/12/05194.6Pines FNC
22JordanDoherty 21/02/05198.8Sorrento FC
23Noah Mraz20/02/06198.2Noble Park FC
24JordanWaters7/07/06199.5Beaconsfield JFC
25JackLawrence12/09/07170.0Berwick JFC
26ThomasSullivan10/01/07170.0Edithvale-Aspendale
27RaidenBergman 8/09/06184.2Berwick JFC
28LachlanRoe7/02/06201.9Berwick JFC
30MaxLee24/07/07182.5Edithvale-Aspendale
32ArchieLeclerc5/11/07190.0CPL JFC
33JackKarthigesu13/06/07167.0Frankston Dolphins
34LouisHodder27/06/07175.4Mt Eliza JFC
35JustinBarnes7/02/06182.9Rye FC
36JacksonMuscillo19/10/06183.0Hastings FC
37Charlie Orchard 17/06/06189.5Langwarrin FC
40NateMarchant30/07/07189.0Mount Martha JFC
41CorenGiliam14/04/06182.8Fountain Gate FC
43JasperRussell10/01/07176.2Mt Eliza JFC
44Jay-DeVarlet26/07/07181.3Beaconsfield JFC
45ElwoodPeckett26/03/06186.7Bonbeach YCW JFC
46JacksonLong12/03/07194.8Mt Eliza JFC
48SethCleary25/02/07183.3Langwarrin
49TobySinnema11/12/07179.0Narre North Foxes
50TysonAnic16/02/07178.2Langwarrin
51OscarLonie14/11/07188.2Frankston Dolphins JFC
52ZakSmith21/05/07185.0Frankston Rovers
53JoshGranger6/02/07195.7Bonbeach YCW JFC
54ThomasHose30/06/07191.2South Mornington
55FraserMarino23/05/07195.0Bonbeach YCW JFC
59Riley Hilliard13/07/07186.0Beaconsfield JFC
63QuinnHarvey11/07/07188.1Langwarrin
65Tarion Ah-Mu 6/06/07198.0Berwick JFC

EASTERN RANGES​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

There is plenty of excitement building around Josh Smillie, who is a tall and big-bodied midfield playmaker with a good balance between his inside and outside game.

Ranges teammate Christian Moraes is also part of the AFL Academy squad and is another attacking midfielder who excels in clearances and groundball wins.

Midfielders Lachy Dovaston and Oliver Greeves were both included as part of the initial Vic Metro squad this year, but are not draft eligible until 2025.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Iliro Smit is a developing ruckman who is linked to Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy and has returned to the Ranges as a 19-year-old this year.

Smit has not played a game for the Ranges since mid-2022, having had a rough injury run ever since.

However, he has got himself fit once again and has linked up with both the Ranges and VFL club Box Hill this year.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Seth Macdonald caught the eye for the Ranges as a bottom-age player in the second half of last year as a good-sized wingman who is strong overhead and composed with ball in hand.

Macdonald kicked two goals from 15 disposals in the losing Grand Final last year.

Tough inside midfielder Cody Anderson and key defender Riley White are also worth keeping an eye on.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Iliro Smit will look to push his case for mid-season draft selection early in the year if he can have an injury-free run.

Key defender Cooper Trembath attracted a little AFL interest last year and is also back as a 19-year-old for the Ranges, along with linking up with North Melbourne’s VFL side.

Fellow tall defender Remy MacLean is another 19-year-old who has returned and is also tied to VFL club Box Hill.

Eastern Ranges prospect Josh Smillie is a big-bodied midfielder. Picture: Getty Images

Eastern Ranges prospect Josh Smillie is a big-bodied midfielder. Picture: Getty Images

EASTERN RANGES​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1JacksonMooney13/01/06177.4North Ringwood
2OscarCafiso8/01/07170.4Vermont
3LukeWilson31/01/06175.0Vermont
4JakRyan25/07/06175.5Woori Yallock Football
5DarcyJamieson17/06/07171.0The Basin
6JoshuaGalstians20/01/06173.0Park Orchards
7CodyAnderson30/01/06181.1Healesville
8LachyDovaston29/05/07175.7Blackburn
9ChristianMoraes8/11/06182.5Knox
10ConnorBrown24/04/07174.2Vermont
11WillVerrell31/07/06177.1Lysterfield
12JordanHider21/03/06172.4Vermont
13CameronWest31/10/06190.7Norwood
14ZacBrown13/04/07183.0The Basin
15MitchellBuckland7/03/07185.6Montrose
16OliverGreeves7/02/07190.7Vermont Eagles
18RileyWhite18/07/06192.0Park Orchards
19MitchellGamel20/08/06186.5Rowville Hawks
20JamieArmitage2/06/07181.0Blackburn
21RyCantwell16/08/05187.0North Ringwood
22JeremyNewsome5/03/07181.7Healesville
23JamieGilchrist3/02/07184.5East Ringwood
24BlairWilson22/05/06190.0Olinda Ferny Creek
25OskarTaylor1/08/07180.7Upwey-Tecoma
26JoshSmillie17/05/06194.0Park Orchards
27BlakeChambers31/05/07181.0Rowville Hawks
28MarcusKrasnadamskis18/06/07199.0Knox
29MasonPorter25/06/07184.4Mitcham
31AndrewBarker18/06/07189.6Mooroolbark
32WilliamJones30/07/06193.4North Ringwood
34BaylinSpencer24/02/06183.3Woori Yallock
35BaileyLloyd2/04/07174.1South Belgrave
36IliroSmit9/08/05200.0Montrose
37JackBaldwin1/02/06185.0Mitcham
38XavierTaylor30/01/07190.9East Ringwood
39RyanMuir22/08/06195.7Wantirna South
42LincolnWright1/10/06195.2Norwood
43CameronZani12/01/06195.5Vermont
44SethMacdonald14/09/06188.9South Belgrave
45ThomasSwainston4/05/07191.1Rowville Hawks
46TomMatthews8/02/07187.0North Ringwood
47ZacMcGown26/10/06189.0Warrandyte
48KyeTormay7/12/06191.3Knox
49LachlanMonteath17/11/05197.0FTG Eagles
51MitchellHansen10/02/07188.0Blackburn
52JamesHepburn14/03/07191.0The Basin
53ZachTulloch27/04/06200.0Lysterfield
55RemyMaclean14/10/05196.0East Ringwood
56LiamWestlake8/05/06181.4Warburton-Millgrove
59CooperTrembath17/10/05193.0Park Orchards
60MaxNicoll5/03/07193.0The Basin

GEELONG FALCONS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Key forward Zac McInnes and midfielder Xavier Ivisic shape as the Falcons’ top prospects entering the season after being picked in the Vic Country summer training squad. McInnes would have likely been playing in the U17 Futures game last year if not for ankle issues in both feet that sidelined him for the back-half of the season. Ivisic was a ball-magnet at APS level for Geelong Grammar and also impressed for the Falcons.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

It is fair to say the bloodlines are strong down the highway. The Falcons have five father-sons among their primary and development lists and all five are renowned football surnames: Stevens, Wojcinski, Caracella, Riccardi and Mooney. River Stevens is a small forward who is the son of North Melbourne legend Anthony and has trained with the Roos’ VFL side over the summer, while Alfie Wojcinski (son of Cats three-time premiership star David) and Noah Caracella (son of former Brisbane, Essendon and Collingwood player Blake) played alongside Stevens in an under-18 premiership for Newtown & Chillwell last year. Caracella is only tied to Essendon given it was the only AFL club he played more than 100 games with. Bottom-agers Jegger Mooney (son of Cameron) and Boston Riccardi (son of Peter and brother of Osca) have trained with Geelong’s father-son academy and Cats fans will be tracking their progress over the next 18 months. Perhaps the most talented of their father-sons and NGA prospects is bottom-ager Ben Rongdit, who recorded the second highest running vertical jump (98cm) at the CTL pre-season testing day. The Cats next generation academy talent starred at last year’s U16 national carnival for Vic Country. Jesse Mellor is another bottom-age NGA prospect tied to the Cats.

Jagger Mooney, Boston Riccardi and Alfie Wojcinski.

Jagger Mooney, Boston Riccardi and Alfie Wojcinski.
POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Gus Morrison is one who has shone over the pre-season after playing a couple of games last year and should receive more time as an on-baller in 2024. Jack Henderson has also caught the eye.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Vic Country ruckman Joe Pike returns to the Falcons after in the draft mix last year, while playmaker Liam Kershaw and forward Will McLachlan are also back at the Falcons as over-agers. Pike was interviewed by Geelong ahead of the draft last year and has earned a spot on the Cats’ VFL list.

GEELONG FALCONS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1WillMithen16/03/06172.9Geelong Amateur
2AngusMorrison26/04/06189.8St Joseph's
3AlfieWojcinski29/09/06180.6Newtown & Chilwell
4AngusHanley6/04/06167.0Toruqay
5MarleyCornell14/09/06176.3Ocean Grove
6RiverStevens26/06/06176.2Newtown & Chilwell
7NoahTullio23/03/06168.8Newtown & Chilwell
9KobeGeorge22/04/06187.0Bell Park
10BenPennisi5/06/06175.5Newtown & Chilwell
11JoshSanders11/01/06176.0Lara
12JoelCooper14/08/05180.0Torquay
13XavierIvisic6/01/06179.8Bell Park
14BenCoote4/03/07190.9Ocean Grove
15CooperWard19/05/06177.6Newtown & Chilwell
16WillMontebello7/11/06186.6Torquay
17SamSinnott15/08/06184.0Newtown & Chilwell
18NoahCaracella17/06/06188.0Newtown & Chilwell
19CooperPatton4/10/06186.9Torquay
20LachieJaques6/01/06184.2St Mary's
21JackSkinner6/07/06188.4Colac Imperials
22ZacMcInnes13/01/06196.0Bell Park
23BradyHall3/09/06190.1Colac
24McLachlanWill13/04/05181.0Colac
25JackHenderson26/10/06187.7Barwon Heads
26MackenzieButcher1/08/05202.0St Mary's
27LiamKershaw17/10/05185.0St Joseph's
28DanielLowther8/07/06197.9Lara
29JoePike17/05/05203.0Barwon Heads
30LachlanMcLean5/01/06187.3Leopold
31WillSmith6/08/06194.5Leopold
32MaxWaight1/11/06181.7Queenscliff
33EdanIbbetson1/02/06187.0Newtown & Chilwell
35MarleyMcCombe14/03/06183.4St Mary's
36SpencerJones28/06/06197.3Geelong Amateur
37Leigham Elzinga28/02/06183.4Bannockburn
38LachlanGilligan11/04/06190.0St Mary's
40ThomasGorell16/02/06188.6Geelong Amateur
41GeordieRichardson5/01/07185.5Geelong Amateur
42HarryMorphet1/08/07175.0Leopold
43RyanPerkins26/11/06186.1Bannockburn
46JamesHose2/02/06180.2Bannockburn
47GiuseppePosterino2/12/07175.6St Joseph's
48ArcherHanegraaf1/02/07184.0Geelong Amateur
50JoshLindsay7/04/07182.2Newtown & Chilwell
52HamishMcGowan28/03/07181.0Toruqay
53FredLucas2/10/07182.0Lara
54BenRongdit5/10/07183.0Colac
58HugoMikunda13/03/07178.8Bell Park
60JesseMellor1/04/07185.5Geelong West

GIPPSLAND POWER​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Xavier Lindsay and Ricky Mentha were both named in AFL Academy. Lindsay is a clean utility with a tidy left foot who can play all over the ground, while Alice Springs product Mentha is a pressure forward with elite skills and plenty of speed. Moving down to Morwell to live with his father last year, the Power will look to develop his midfield craft this year.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Indigenous talent Mentha is tied to Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy given his links to their Alice Springs zone.

OTHER FAMILIAR NAMES

The fourth and final Duursma, Willem, already got a taste of Coates Talent League footy last year as a double bottom-ager and will get more action this season. He is tracking well to be one of top prospects in the 2025 draft after finishing Vic Country’s MVP at last year’s U16 carnival.

Willem Duursma is the fourth Duursma hoping to join the bigtime. Picture: [PLAYERCARD]Chris Hyde[/PLAYERCARD]/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Willem Duursma is the fourth Duursma hoping to join the bigtime. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

The Power expects Alixander Tauru’s highlights package to be quite the watch by year’s end. Tauru is a hybrid 191cm forward who is competitive in the air and at ground level. Max Donahue is another to watch out for, a small forward or wingman who provides good pressure.

MID-SEASON DRAFT PROSPECT

Tom Hanily was on the radar last year before injuries and shapes as the Power’s best mid-season draft chance. Jesse Craven is another they will look to get exposure in the Young Guns match in the lead-up to the intake.

GIPPSLAND POWER​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1GoanarRuach9/09/06169.4Traralgon FNC
2JesseBills20/02/07170.5Bairnsdale FNC
3XavierLindsay3/08/06182.8Leongatha FC
4ZacharyO'Keefe22/03/07176.9Maffra FNC
5FinnDonohue19/10/07177.7Leongatha FC
6JulianCallahan1/07/06178.4Leongatha FC
7WillemDuursma21/06/07191.0Foster FC
8ThomasMatthews28/02/07169.7Moe FNC
9MaxWoodall4/06/07177.7Moe FNC
10MaxDonohue19/03/06179.7Leongatha FC
11ThomasHanily31/05/05 Leongatha FC
12JesseCraven21/04/05 Tooradin-Dalmore FC
13MaxStobie21/09/06180.3Maffra FNC
14BrodieSnooks11/01/06182.0Officer SFC
15CampbellBooth7/08/06176.4Traralgon FNC
16JobeScapin1/05/07 Inverloch-Kongwak FC
17RileySenini14/09/07182.0Warragul FNC
18WilliamBrent31/05/06177.8Traralgon FNC
20MatthewHamilton24/08/06186.4Bairnsdale FNC
21OliverWilson22/01/07185.5Warragul FNC
22FinnO'Brien29/07/07193.4Phillip Island FC
23ArchieTerlich18/09/07180.9Inverloch-Kongwak FC
24BrodieAtkins25/01/07181.0Drouin FC
25HarrisonCanning18/04/06188.8Berwick FC
26MitchellStevens15/08/07183.9
27AsherEastham13/05/06187.8Heyfield FNC
28HarryTatterson27/09/07180.1Sale FNC
29RickyMentha4/09/06178.4Morwell FNC
30CooperWalton30/01/07189.5Phillip Island FC
31AlixzanderTauru26/11/06191.1Warragul Industrials FC
35NoahChristy4/06/06182.8Maffra FNC
38SamBradley28/12/07192.4Leongatha FC
39MatthewPearce12/09/06195.0Lakes Entrance FNC
40JehiEsler13/05/05186.4Tooradin-Dalmore FC
44LewisRobbins10/07/05203.3Warragul Industrials FC

GWV REBELS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

The Rebels have two AFL Academy players in inside midfielder Sam Lalor and key forward Jonty Faull, but both face delayed starts to their drat year. Lalor, a bullocking ball-winner who earned a Vic Country birth as a bottom-ager, will be sidelined for up to two months, while Faull is set to be sidelined for the first half of the season. The same goes for ruckman Flynn Penry, who is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

Jonty Faull (right) will be sidelined with injury. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Jonty Faull (right) will be sidelined with injury. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
FAMILIAR NAMES

Will Rantall is a completely different player to former Collingwood running machine Jay Rantall, the draft combine 2km time-trial record holDer who spent two years on the Pies’ list. The younger Rantall is a key defender with great closing speed and long arms. Lachie Charleson was taken late in the piece by Port Adelaide in the 2023 draft and his younger brother, Harry, enters his draft year in 2024.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Talented dual sportsman Ned Renfree is away for the first six weeks of the season with the Australian basketball side and will be one to keep an eye on if he chooses to go down the football path. Ollie Hannaford and Connor Weidemann have had big pre-seasons and are set to get more midfield time this year, while Rhys Unwin had a purple patch as a small forward during the middle of last year and is crafty.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

The Rebels have gone into the year without any 19-year-old prospects.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

The Bushrangers don’t have any AFL Academy members but they do have a couple of promising twin talls who were named in the Vic Country summer training squad. Key forward Jack Whitlock had a solid bottom-age year highlighted by a match-winning goal in the state futures clash, with the 199cm tall possessing great power and moving well for his size. Meanwhile, his brother Matt plays at the other end as a rebounding defender and has similar athletic traits.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

The son of two-time Carlton premiership player Peter Dean has entered the Bushrangers program as a bottom ager. At 190cm as a 16-year-old, Harry Dean has trained well over the summer and he is tipped to get a good run at it this season. Rumbalara product Brogan McGee has some tricks and is tied to Richmond’s NGA program, as is Kade Dwyer. GWS Academy prospect Jack Glanvill will play for the Bushrangers as an over-ager after playing two games for the Allies and making his VFL debut for the Giants last year.

FAMILIAR NAMES

Developing speedster Ryder Stevens is the son of 66-game North Melbourne and Port Adelaide footballer Mick.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

At 190cm, Josh Murphy has good speed and power and the Bushrangers believe he has great scope for improvement.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Murray Bushrangers are hopeful ruck-forward Indhi Kotzur can push for a Young Guns opportunity, while Glanville is their other returning over-ager.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1JoshMurphy28/11/06190.1North Albury
2MaxMahoney12/06/06182.3Mansfield
3ReubenBourke 16/02/06195.8Wodonga Bulldogs
5AlexSwinnerton6/03/06175.2Lavington Panthers
6CohenAinsworth 19/12/06179.3Wodonga Bulldogs
7DarbyWilson30/01/06181.4Euroa
8BenKennedy2/07/06188.5Yarrawonga
9JoeBerry18/04/06180.1Wangaratta Magpies
10AshtonMcPherson19/08/06179.1Myrtleford
11JackGlanville1/01/05186.0
12MitchellGrumley3/02/06180.8Shepparton Swans
13HarryDean13/11/07190.2Lavington
14KadeDwyer3/03/06180.2Shepparton Swans
15KadeAnderson3/05/06184.1Shepparton Swans
16JezRigoni19/05/06185.5Wangaratta Rovers
17RyderCorrigan14/03/07184.8Lavington Panthers
18CohenPaul7/06/06192.5Euroa
19HarrisonWilson3/01/07188.1Lavington Panthers
20JackWhitlock16/05/06199.5Shepparton Football Club
21WillMcCarthy17/05/06188.4Wangaratta Rovers
22LennyKoller21/03/07194.0Albury
23ZacHarding1/01/06199.0Wodonga
24MattWhitlock16/05/06197.0Shepparton Football Club
25SamBicknell29/10/06188.9Shepparton Swans
26TomForrest14/06/06189.0Corowa Rutherglen
27RyanAsh20/03/07178.0Shepparton Football Club
28CadenRatcliffe12/03/07188.0Mooroopna
29OscarRoberts8/03/07186.9Wangaratta Magpies
30BroganMcGee30/11/06182.7Rumbalara
31PauliDegei20/02/07178.0
32IndhiKotzur16/11/05199.3Wodonga Raiders
33CodyGardiner12/01/07176.2North Albury
34Riley Onley30/03/07193.7Shepparton United
35JensenDowling26/05/06200.4Shepparton Football Club
36BeauO'Neil1/02/06188.1Wodonga Raiders
37LiamHetherton2/05/07195.2North Albury
38HarveyCribbes8/01/06188.8Wodonga Raiders
39ZachGraham22/02/07179.6North Albury
40CooperHoldsworth /Rose14/05/06188.5Seymour
41CaidanPhilips29/08/06183.7Shepparton Swans
43DanielFinnimore15/07/06189.0Lavington
44OliverWarburton 13/06/06184.5Shepparton Swans
45RyderStevens28/01/07178.5Yarrawonga

NORTHERN KNIGHTS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Talented midfielder-forward Jesse Dattoli leads the Knights’ draft hopes on the back of a big pre-season which has seen him get fitter, stronger and stay injury-free.

Dattoli is an elite decision maker who also uses the ball incredibly well and can be a game-changer when he is on.

Zak Johnson is another Knights players who is part of the Vic Metro squad.

Possessing great leadership attributes, Johnson has primarily played as a midfielder in the past but looks set to feature in some other roles as well this year.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Liam Farrar caught the eye in the Yo-Yo test during pre-season testing, putting his endurance and repeat running on display as he finished in the top-10 with a level of 21.8.

The 189cm forward covers the ground well, has nice hands and is generally a reliable shot on goal – attributes which make him a player to watch this year.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Christian Mardini has returned as a 19-year-old this year, after serving as the Knights’ co-captain last season and featuring in three matches for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships.

However, the defender underwent a shoulder reconstruction in January and is set to be sidelined until mid-season, meaning he will have little — if any — time to show recruiters what he has got to offer before the mid-season draft.

Northern Knights coach [PLAYERCARD]Anthony Rocca[/PLAYERCARD] has two Vic Metro representatives this year. Picture: Getty Images

Northern Knights coach Anthony Rocca has two Vic Metro representatives this year. Picture: Getty Images

NORTHERN KNIGHTS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1JesseDattoli7/08/06179.0Ivanhoe
2MitchellMoate4/09/07179.9Epping
3TysonGresham21/06/07168.2South Morang
4LiamFarrar14/02/06189.0Diamond Creek
5TajLogan5/10/06181.3Diamond Creek
6NickCanavan9/11/07190.5Montmorency
7ZakJohnson24/12/06185.2Old Ivanhoe
8AaronDoyle30/03/06180.9Bundoora
9NedNihill27/03/07171.5Yarrambat
10SeanTyrell5/04/07197.2Montmorency
11LucasMcInerney28/02/06180.1Heidelberg
12NicholasDriscoll7/04/07177.0Eltham
13RileyOrmerod7/04/06172.7Banyule
14KristianLawson5/04/06177.0Watsonia
15Kyle Templeton24/07/06192.0Diamond Creek
16JetWilliams14/04/06194.0Eltham Panthers
17CharlieOpie18/10/06175.6Old Ivanhoe
18ThomasSims12/05/06198.8Montmorency
19TyKitchell12/05/06188.4St Marys
21WilliamDean27/11/06182.0St Marys
22CallanHealy14/06/06199.3Heidelberg
23GabrielStumpf23/11/06195.5Warrandyte
25DuncanMckie23/03/07184.0Fitzroy
26TommyVrkic6/06/06194.3Montmerency
28JoshShepherd14/12/06189.7Research
29JoshuaCarelli27/02/06166.1St Marys
30Alex Kirkopolous 8/10/06178.8Yarrambat
31JakeWoodward13/01/06177.8Montmorency
32Christian Mardini18/06/05197.0Bundoora
34JordynGillard2/12/06178.8Bundoora
35ZacharyBroadbent1/05/07182.5Montmorency
36Jesse JohnChristidis29/06/06175.8South Morang
37Josh Bawden6/11/07190.0Epping
38Tom Eames1/01/07188.0St Mary's
39Carter McCall7/06/06186.0Laurimar
40IssacDugdale 5/02/07178.5St Marys
41FinleySkehan22/04/07190.0Whittlesea
42LucasYacoub22/03/07174.0South Morang
43JamesAllison23/02/07184.4Montmorency
44Ryan Commandeur25/02/07179.6St Mary’s
45Sebastian Murphy23/10/07175.2Montmorency
46ZacHarwood4/08/06187.3Heidelberg
47JackStone20/01/07176.6Beverley Hills
48RomanMoxon11/06/07173.7Fitzroy
49JettMclaughlan12/02/06176.9Diamond Creek
50PatrickDownie16/02/06174.0Blackburn

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Ball-winning midfielder Finn O’Sullivan has been touted as a possible No.1 draft pick this year and is an explosive player who is also strong overhead and can be a game-changer.

O’Sullivan hails from the town of Koroit in western Victoria, but is boarding at Xavier College and has therefore linked up with the Chargers.

Jagga Smith is another highly-touted prospect and AFL Academy member from the Chargers, who has primarily played midfield in the past but will also spend some time forward this year where he can be creative around goals.

Tom Gross is a powerful midfielder-forward with burst speed from stoppages and a strong overhead mark, while Charlie Richardson is a high half-forward who has great hands and is a lovely kick.

Richardson is the grandson of Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett.

Athletic tall Louis Emmett has been included in the initial Vic Metro squad this year, but is not draft eligible until 2025.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Luke Quaynor is the younger brother of Collingwood premiership player Isaac and is a competitive small defender who is also part of the Magpies’ Next Generation Academy.

Quaynor is strong in one-on-one contests and makes good decisions when he wins it back.

Key defender Tadhg McCarthy and inside midfielder Douglas Kerr are also linked to the Magpies’ NGA program and have shown promising signs.

Forward Noah Yze is the son of Richmond coach and former Melbourne champion Adem Yze and is eligible as a father-son for the Demons this year.

Adem played 271 AFL games for the club.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

After rupturing his ACL in his under-16 season, Patrick Retschko’s recovery meant he didn’t get a look-in for the Chargers until the middle of last season.

However, the athletic midfielder – who has good speed and class – made the most of those chances and logged 41 disposals in one game against Gippsland Power to stamp himself as a player to watch this season.

Zane Cochrane has also jumped up after a massive pre-season and looms as an exciting midfield-forward prospect who can kick goals.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Towering 205cm ruckman Boston Dowling has returned to the Chargers as a 19-year-old, while also signing with Collingwood’s VFL side where he completed most of the pre-season.

Halfback Oliver Badr has also linked up with a VFL side – Carlton – over pre-season and returns to the Chargers as a 19-year-old searching for opportunities.

A rebounding halfback with speed and power, Badr’s top-age season last year was cut short by hamstring issues.

Tom Gross (left) is a powerful midfielder-forward from the Oakleigh Charges. Picture: Getty Images

Tom Gross (left) is a powerful midfielder-forward from the Oakleigh Charges. Picture: Getty Images

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1Jasper Alger17/12/06182.1Warragul
2Oliver Badr4/06/05177.0
3KobeAskew16/01/06175.3Vermont
4PatrickRetschko28/02/06185.9St Kilda City
5FinnO'Sullivan30/05/06181.6Koroit
6TadhgMcCarthy7/03/06190.9Old Carey
7JaggaSmith28/01/06180.6Richmond Juniors
8CharlieRichardson20/02/06190.8Vermont
9TomGross15/09/06180.8Old Trinity
10Douglas Kerr3/08/06191.5
11LouisEmmett23/03/07197.5Glen Iris Gladiators
12Benjamin Fergusson27/03/07195.6Camberwell Sharks
13PeterCostanzo15/01/06177.4Mitcham
14SamAllen13/01/07184.0Glen Iris Gladiators
15NoahYze12/04/06189.6Shepparton United
16FlynnMcNamara23/04/07180.0Kew Comets
17KaiStewart21/12/07175.0Blackburn
18Kane Oppy16/05/06175.0Park Orchards
19AntwanHuddleston3/11/06182.0
20ZaneCochrane11/07/06187.2Old Carey
21BlakeLeidler20/03/06180.7Collegians
22IsaacBarry6/09/05180.0Marcellin Old Collegians
23Lucas Tovey3/01/06198.0Blackburn
24KaneEmery11/01/06172.6Kew
25SamGrlj26/07/07182.0Old Camberwell Grammarians
26ZaneEnaty17/04/07174.0North Ringwood
27WaylonDavey Motlop26/09/06171.4
28Thomas McCluskey5/05/07185.0Waverley Park
29CharlieWhitehead29/03/07190.6Blackburn
30AaronSharkie20/01/07182.0Kew Bears
31Jack Ison26/02/07189.0Parkside
32BostonDowling8/04/05205.0University
33LukeQuaynor 17/03/06179.3East Doncaster
34MingaraClark29/04/07185.0Parkside
35ThomasWenzel19/04/06186.8Hawthorn Citizens
36BlaiseDjordevic5/12/06177.5Donvale
37PeterAdamopoulos 19/09/06188.5
38KaidenMarshall17/07/06186.1Blackburn
39NedLa Motte24/05/07182.0Kew Bears
40HarryDixon15/08/07187.0Old Scotch
41WilRansom12/02/06180.0Old Trinity
42LachlanBell24/04/07183.0
44Hudson Goulding28/10/06182.0Mitcham
45LiamCallaghan30/01/06194.6Norwood
46MaxKondogiannis14/11/07187.0Kew Comets
47Russell Parry 4/09/07185.0Blackburn
48CharlieSammartino18/01/07189.0Old Trinity
49JamesMilner27/06/07187.0
50CallumSmith12/09/07190.0Vermont Eagles
51MatthewHaberfield11/04/06185.4De La Salle OB
55IsaiahMarkovsky 10/12/05178.9Balwyn
59AnnguyenTran17/10/06167.6Mitcham
60ZacMcCarthy27/10/07198.0Old Carey
63QuinnMcKay31/07/06197.0Hawthorn Citizens
64JamesMcLaughlin19/11/06200.5Oakleigh Dragons
65HughBailey26/01/06199.3Blackburn
70NedBetts26/06/05190.7Old Xaverians

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

Levi Ashcroft is one of the standout prospects in this year’s draft pool and is expected to attract a very high father-son bid like his older brother Will did when he joined Brisbane at pick 2 in 2022.

A similar type of player to Will, Levi is a clean and skilful midfielder who can also go forward and kick goals.

Sam Marshall is also linked to the Lions through their Academy, but is boarding at Melbourne Grammar and playing for the Sandringham again this year.

Marshall is a wingman or onballer who is an elite runner and gets from contest to contest.

Luke Trainor is a promising halfback or third-tall defender, who is a member of the AFL Academy squad alongside Ashcroft and Marshall.

Other top prospects who have been included in the initial Vic Metro squad are gun midfielder or half-forward Murphy Reid, powerful goalkicking key forward Harry Armstrong, midfielder or half-forward Taj Hotton and speedy halfback Harrison Oliver.

Jack Dalton and Archie Ludowyke are also part of the Vic Metro squad but are not draft eligible until 2025.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall are both linked to the Brisbane Lions as father-son and Academy prospects respectively.

Third-tall defender Lennox Hoffman missed some footy with a shoulder injury last year but is an exciting prospect who is linked to St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy.

Adrian Cole is also part of the Saints’ NGA program and is an athletic tall utility who has been appointed a vice-captain of the Dragons this year.

OTHER FAMILIAR NAMES

Taj Hotton is the son of former Collingwood and Carlton tall Trent Hotton, but is not father-son eligible for either club.

Taj’s older brother, Olli, was drafted to St Kilda at pick 35 in the 2022 national draft.

The Dragons also have some familiar names among their bottom-age players, who are not eligible to be drafted until 2025.

These include Harvey Allan (son of former Carlton ruckman Matthew), Archer Grant (son of North Melbourne premiership player Shannon), Archie Edwards (brother of Adelaide’s Charlie) and Freddie Brayshaw (cousin of Fremantle midfielder Andrew).

Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft has plenty of talent. Picture: Getty Images

Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft has plenty of talent. Picture: Getty Images
POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Nathaniel Sulzberger is a big and powerful inside midfielder of half-forward who can drive through traffic and is a strong runner.

A Tasmanian, Sulzberger is boarding at Caulfield Grammar and has linked up with the Dragons.

Another player to watch is Josh Dolan, who was a premiership player as a bottom-age prospect across half-forward last year but is set to spend more time through the midfield this season.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Lachlan Voss had some interest ahead of the national draft last year, before foot surgery derailed those hopes for the key defender.

He has returned to push his case as a 19-year-old, but will miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery.

Ned Maginness – who was overlooked by Hawthorn as a father-son last year – has also returned, as has co-captain and ruckman Brodie Findlay.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1OliverGreen5/10/06 Parkdale Vultures
2JackDalton5/04/07177.0Camberwell
3LeviAshcroft18/12/06178.9Old Brighton Grammarians
4JulianGalbally24/12/06201.7South Melbourne Districts
5RickyTheodoropoulos5/04/07169.0Bentleigh
6HarrisonOliver15/06/06181.0St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
7MaxHoult9/04/05 St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
8OwenBater5/10/06186.7St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
9RoryWight6/02/07182.0Caulfield Grammarians
10TedClayton26/02/06182.6Beaumaris
11NathanielSulzberger6/05/06187.1North Hobart Demon
12HarryArmstrong14/06/06194.6Ormond
13AlfieLambert2/11/07178.0East Brighton Vampires
14NedMaginness22/04/05194.0
15LennoxHofmann8/08/06189.7Old Brighton Grammarians
16AngusPhillips18/03/06189.9De La Salle OC
17JamesArnold5/10/07179.0East Brighton Vampires
18JoshDolan11/11/06176.5Beaumaris
19LukaPecer28/03/06199.4Beaumaris
20AdrianCole5/01/06194.8St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
21ArcherGrant 18/08/07177.0East Brighton Vampires
22MurphyReid30/07/06179.7South Melbourne Districts
23LukeTrainor10/04/06194.0Old Brighton Grammarians
24BrodieFindlay20/05/05199.0Parkdake Vultures
25AngusBowd14/04/06 Beaumaris
26HunterLynch28/10/06178.5Mordialloc Braeside
27XavierBamert29/01/07184.0Collegians
28DexterPrime6/09/06191.8St Kevins Old Boys
29PheonixJanover15/08/07171.0Ajax JFC
30TajHotton17/06/06181.6Old Haileybury
31BaileyMckenzie10/03/06191.2Old Brighton Grammarians
32Miles Tyrer18/08/07199.0South Melbourne District
33MitchellKirkwood-Scott18/01/06177.6Old Haileybury
34KyeFincher18/11/07184.5East Brighton Vampires
35RielyCollins26/03/06176.1Redan
36Sam Marshall19/01/06185.0Old Melbournians
37ArisMoustakis20/10/06176.4South Melbourne District
38JhettHaeata25/10/06185.3Beaumaris
39Ollie Moodie11/05/06186.8St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
40Harvey Allan29/05/07189.0East Brighton Vampires
41BennettMartin26/01/07176.5St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
42BenjaminSeers20/11/06179.4Beaumaris
43OscarCheetham8/02/06195.2Old Melburnians
44JackCheep25/04/06194.0Parkdale Vultures
45LukeKennedy11/10/06180.3Ormond
46ZachTravers25/01/06179.9Old Brighton Grammarians
47LachlanVoss19/04/05 Port Melbourne Colts
48ArchieEdwards16/07/07187.5South Melbourne District
49JackHayter12/07/07179.0University Blues
50ZachHawkins25/08/07193.0St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
51JakeMatthews15/08/06185.0St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
52AaronTaylor25/03/06182.5Ormond
53SamuelFanning22/09/06193.3Old Brighton Grammarians
55Charlie Rozenes9/08/06176.1Collegians
56MaxChalamandaris9/05/06 Beaumaris
57LukeMcGinness31/05/07193.0East Brighton Vampires JFC
58FletcherTeelow6/11/06 East Brighton Vampires JFC
59SamuelLinder16/09/06177.7Old Brighton Grammarians
60SachaLevine26/04/07187.0Ormond
61SamBuck28/02/06195.6St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
62Sam Haywood15/03/07189.0Bentleigh JFC
63FreddyBrayshaw31/10/07173.0Old Haileybury
64JamesGeorgiou29/04/07182.0St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
66Edien Pitt1/06/07189.0Ajax FC
68ArchieLudowyke19/11/07194.9East Sandringham Rovers
70Jess Mildenhall15/08/06 South Melbourne District
71Jack Meredith 10/08/07 St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
72SamMeredith 8/08/06184.5St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
76JoshCresswell14/06/06177.0South Cairns Cutters

WESTERN JETS​

THE TOP PROSPECTS

The Jets had only one player included in the initial Vic Metro squad, that being Lucca Grego.

The midfielder impressed for the Jets in 13 games as a bottom-age player last year, as well as featuring in one match for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships.

Grego is a versatile all-rounder who is defensively accountable and will also spend some time across halfback this season.

NGA PROSPECTS & FATHER-SONS

There are two father-son prospects coming through who are entering their bottom-age campaigns this season.

Thomas McGuane is a clever midfielder who is the son of 1990 Collingwood premiership player Mick McGuane.

Kobe Williams is the son of 2008 Hawthorn premiership forward Mark Williams and is a mid-sized forward.

Both players are draft eligible in 2025.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Daniel Snell is an athletic midfielder or high half-forward who is the son of former Geelong forward Jason Snell, but is not father-son eligible for the Cats given his father managed just 68 AFL games before a career-ending ankle injury.

Daniel has great power and speed and is a tough match-up for opponents given his abilities both in the air and at ground level.

Keighton Matofai-Forbes is another player to watch, given his booming and accurate kick which is likely to attract some AFL attention.

As well as featuring for the Jets as a bottom-age player last season, Matofai-Forbes kicked 16 goals from six senior games for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League.

MID-SEASON DRAFT WATCH

Lachlan McArthur has returned to the Jets as a 19-year-old and will be a watch for clubs after he attended the Victorian State Draft Combine last October.

The athletic 188cm utility featured at both ends of the ground last season, starting the year forward before showing plenty as down back in his final four games as an interceptor and rebounding player.

McArthur is also on Footscray’s VFL list this year.

Daniel Snell could be a surprise packet for the Western Jets this year. Picture: Getty Images

Daniel Snell could be a surprise packet for the Western Jets this year. Picture: Getty Images

WESTERN JETS​

NO.FIRST NAMESURNAMEDOBHTCOMMUNITY CLUB
1MassimoRaso21/04/06171.4Keilor
2DanielSnell24/08/06184.2Yarraville/Seddon
3LuccaGrego15/09/06183.7Keilor
4Jack Gerardi1/11/06174.7West Footscray
5BlairMarsden16/01/07172.3Keilor
6DarcyWeeks29/07/05180.0Keilor/Williamstown VFL
7KadeHilton9/09/07171.2Bacchus Marsh
8ObieMiller8/11/06177.3Werribee Districts
9LukasHare25/05/07170.0Caroline Springs
10ThomasBurton9/01/07177.7Point Cook
11ThomasMcGuane27/08/07176.9Keilor
12LachieMcArthur9/12/05190.0Keilor/Footscray VFL
13WestonBarker31/10/06178.8Yarraville/Seddon
14LachlanFitzgerald 20/04/06180.1Keilor
15TaajAssafiri1/03/06180.1Williamstown CYMS
16KaneSexton5/09/06188.3Yarraville/Seddon
17CooperBattye5/09/07177.9Melton Bloods
18RobbieCockerell12/06/06185.1Williamstown CYMS
19MitchellGardiner3/03/06178.4Darley
20ChristianKitanovski19/03/07186.7Caroline Springs
21KobeWilliams30/10/07185.0Williamstown Juniors
23AstinHewitt23/11/06186.0Keilor
24NoahMcMenamin22/03/07190.3Keilor
25OskarAinsworth26/04/07184.9Williamstown Juniors
26FinneganDavis21/01/07186.0Williamstown Juniors
27HusseinKadour10/07/05188.0East Keilor
28XavierKardachi15/06/06186.0Sunshine
29JakeConnors27/04/06177.9Williamstown CYMS
30JacksonDaley13/01/06184.2Williamstown CYMS
31Oscar Greenshields4/03/06176.5Melton Bloods
32NoahAsciak24/01/06184.8Hillside
33KeightonMatofai-Forbes2/02/06188.3Keilor
34LachlanFazzolari4/10/05193.0Pascoe Vale
35MaxDowning25/02/06188.2Point Cook
36JacobMarron27/11/07193.4Yarraville/Seddon
37MacauliBuck12/10/07197.4Werribee Districts
38KadeLong28/08/06185.0Keilor
40Darcy Steedman29/06/07185.7Williamstown Juniors
41EdwinNyembo31/12/05181.6St Marys (NTFL) / East Keilor
42OscarBurt1/04/07177.0Werribee Districts
43RaniPavlidis19/09/07175.0Werribee Districts
45MillerHarvey4/10/06181.1Keilor
46DanielGilham16/02/06183.0St Bernards
47ChristianOlivieri5/11/06172.3Keilor
48LucasImpey12/12/05196.0Darley/Williamstown VFL
49AidanHobson6/07/06190.5Keilor
50JayvenTanner9/07/06192.0Darley
60SethFawcett27/01/06185.0Darley
61DeaconFawcett27/01/06187.0Darley
Click to expand...
 
Tasmanians are starting to move early to pursue opportunity. McKercher and Sanders both trained since they were 15 at a State League level. James Leake was given a chance to play Devils because of it and Arie had his career saved. I imagine it will only become more common once the TSL folds at the end of the year.

Ryley one of the first, Nathaniel Sulzberger now another one to add to the list. The APS schools are streets ahead of what Tassie has, even the one that usually wins the state title. Toby Callow followed his older brother to Norwood but becomes draft eligible in 2026.

SANFL is also shaping up as a pathway for young Tasmanians. They've had success stories in Jackson Callow and Rhyan Mansell (Woodville-West) and gained three young TSL players - Beaumont, Callinan and Gillow, possibly more on top of that. I'd be watching Callinan and possibly Beaumont. Callinan had a great season last year and was stiff not to be drafted; Beaumont had a good under-age year but wasn't as good last year. Jade Rawlings at Norwood is the connection to the state.

Even with a new side (if it goes ahead), they'll need an academy or stronger local league that can lure talent to stop kids leaving.
 
memoryofmchale said:
Tasmanians are starting to move early to pursue opportunity. McKercher and Sanders both trained since they were 15 at a State League level. James Leake was given a chance to play Devils because of it and Arie had his career saved. I imagine it will only become more common once the TSL folds at the end of the year.

Ryley one of the first, Nathaniel Sulzberger now another one to add to the list. The APS schools are streets ahead of what Tassie has, even the one that usually wins the state title. Toby Callow followed his older brother to Norwood but becomes draft eligible in 2026.

SANFL is also shaping up as a pathway for young Tasmanians. They've had success stories in Jackson Callow and Rhyan Mansell (Woodville-West) and gained three young TSL players - Beaumont, Callinan and Gillow, possibly more on top of that. I'd be watching Callinan and possibly Beaumont. Callinan had a great season last year and was stiff not to be drafted; Beaumont had a good under-age year but wasn't as good last year. Jade Rawlings at Norwood is the connection to the state.

Even with a new side (if it goes ahead), they'll need an academy or stronger local league that can lure talent to stop kids leaving.
Click to expand...
Surely, they reformat the state league to be a whole state league with juniors incorporated like SANFL and WAFL.
 
Haggas said:
Surely, they reformat the state league to be a whole state league with juniors incorporated like SANFL and WAFL.
Click to expand...
The Development League is meant to be the reserves but it’s an U18 comp. Players prefer to earn the coin in the local leagues and train at lower intensities. Less travel as well.

Instead of fixing it, they are nuking the comp and having regional competitions instead. Underfunded league that should still exist.

NWFL, NTFA and SFL will be the main ones, representative games in there as well. NTFA will be the best followed by the NWFL and the SFL.

Pathways in the state reduce unless the Tassie side has some partnership.
 
memoryofmchale said:
The Development League is meant to be the reserves but it’s an U18 comp. Players prefer to earn the coin in the local leagues and train at lower intensities. Less travel as well.

Instead of fixing it, they are nuking the comp and having regional competitions instead. Underfunded league that should still exist.

NWFL, NTFA and SFL will be the main ones, representative games in there as well. NTFA will be the best followed by the NWFL and the SFL.

Pathways in the state reduce unless the Tassie side has some partnership.
Click to expand...
Yeah but the AFL should invest in it more and unify it all
 
ROYAL EAGLE said:
It look really bad this year.
Though as you said the colts lists have added a lot of unknown names
So hoping we can see some surprises
Just don't think WA will have any picks in the top 20 this year
I also don't rate Bo Allan at all
Click to expand...
I think Bo Allan will grow on you mate.

Up until midway through last year I wasn't sure either but he seemed to gain confidence from playing as an underager at the national championships.

He's been playing league for Peel in the scratch matches and doing well. The word is he's going to spend a lot of time in the midfield with stints occasionally back or as a pinch hitter up forward.

I think he's going to be ok.
 
memoryofmchale said:
Tasmanians are starting to move early to pursue opportunity. McKercher and Sanders both trained since they were 15 at a State League level. James Leake was given a chance to play Devils because of it and Arie had his career saved. I imagine it will only become more common once the TSL folds at the end of the year.

Ryley one of the first, Nathaniel Sulzberger now another one to add to the list. The APS schools are streets ahead of what Tassie has, even the one that usually wins the state title. Toby Callow followed his older brother to Norwood but becomes draft eligible in 2026.

SANFL is also shaping up as a pathway for young Tasmanians. They've had success stories in Jackson Callow and Rhyan Mansell (Woodville-West) and gained three young TSL players - Beaumont, Callinan and Gillow, possibly more on top of that. I'd be watching Callinan and possibly Beaumont. Callinan had a great season last year and was stiff not to be drafted; Beaumont had a good under-age year but wasn't as good last year. Jade Rawlings at Norwood is the connection to the state.

Even with a new side (if it goes ahead), they'll need an academy or stronger local league that can lure talent to stop kids leaving.
Click to expand...
Jye Menzie(Ess) also went to SA i believe to get drafted, he was 1 i liked for Tassie in his underage and draft year, that got drafted as a 19 yo in the MSD after joining South Adel and seems to be doing alright at Essendon.
 
Davo-27 said:
Jye Menzie(Ess) also went to SA i believe to get drafted, he was 1 i liked for Tassie in his underage and draft year, that got drafted as a 19 yo in the MSD after joining South Adel and seems to be doing alright at Essendon.
Click to expand...
Yes he did. Comes from Hobart, like his style.
 

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memoryofmchale said:
Tasmanians are starting to move early to pursue opportunity. McKercher and Sanders both trained since they were 15 at a State League level. James Leake was given a chance to play Devils because of it and Arie had his career saved. I imagine it will only become more common once the TSL folds at the end of the year.

Ryley one of the first, Nathaniel Sulzberger now another one to add to the list. The APS schools are streets ahead of what Tassie has, even the one that usually wins the state title. Toby Callow followed his older brother to Norwood but becomes draft eligible in 2026.

SANFL is also shaping up as a pathway for young Tasmanians. They've had success stories in Jackson Callow and Rhyan Mansell (Woodville-West) and gained three young TSL players - Beaumont, Callinan and Gillow, possibly more on top of that. I'd be watching Callinan and possibly Beaumont. Callinan had a great season last year and was stiff not to be drafted; Beaumont had a good under-age year but wasn't as good last year. Jade Rawlings at Norwood is the connection to the state.

Even with a new side (if it goes ahead), they'll need an academy or stronger local league that can lure talent to stop kids leaving.
Click to expand...
Jye Menzie moved to SA too after leaving the Devils program and was drafted from SA by Essendon. He actually didn't really look that draftable in the Devils, he was okay, but was surprised he improved enough to get drafted after going to SA. I think for a long time our development in Tasmania has been terrible, but it looks like things are changing for the better. We are starting to get WAY more funding now than we ever have.

The presence of a team and before that the high performance centre that will be in use in 2026 will be really great for our development and participation. I am hoping that the Tassie dark footballing days are starting to be over. Sanders and McKercher are by far the best AFL ready and most professional players we have seen from here. Leake is meant to be very professional too and that has been what has let many of our players down in the past.
 
Jazny said:
Jye Menzie moved to SA too after leaving the Devils program and was drafted from SA by Essendon. He actually didn't really look that draftable in the Devils, he was okay, but was surprised he improved enough to get drafted after going to SA. I think for a long time our development in Tasmania has been terrible, but it looks like things are changing for the better. We are starting to get WAY more funding now than we ever have.

The presence of a team and before that the high performance centre that will be in use in 2026 will be really great for our development and participation. I am hoping that the Tassie dark footballing days are starting to be over. Sanders and McKercher are by far the best AFL ready and most professional players we have seen from here. Leake is meant to be very professional too and that has been what has let many of our players down in the past
Click to expand...
Forgot Jye - you can tell which end I grew up in.

The dark days should be over. Footy is back. All changed once the Devils Coates side was launched. Kids started to get much better.

Sanders is a professional and has been for some time. When he left Tassie for Melbourne, he treated it like he was drafted. McKercher is also an elite footballer and will be a part of North’s future. He’s a very rare selection in the top ten that was public school educated from kinder right through to Year 12. Wish there were more.

I’m mates with Leake. Head down, hard work sort, approachable. Won a senior premiership at 17. All class.

There’s some more prospects coming through in the next few years I’m excited about and hope to see them do well.
 
memoryofmchale said:
Forgot Jye - you can tell which end I grew up in.
Click to expand...
Same as me :)
memoryofmchale said:
There’s some more prospects coming through in the next few years I’m excited about and hope to see them do well.
Click to expand...
Who are you looking forward too? I think this year will be a bit quiet. Maybe Geordie Payne as a top-ager and Oliver Dean. Not too many others but hopefully we get some bolters.

Haven't seen Avery Thomas yet, hope he is a gun.
 
Jen2310 said:
Oakleigh team for round 1 on Sunday.

Tadhg tells me this is the first time he gets to play with his younger brother Zac.

42c50188dec9011227f5f60a70b006ca.jpg
Click to expand...
Would I be correct in saying the Suns have academy access to Waylon Davey-Motlop through their Darwin zone? Grew up playing for Palmerston in the NTFL which I believe falls under the Suns' Darwin zone. He's boarding at Xavier which means his postal address is still in the NT. Am I missing something here or is this the case?
 
GC2015 said:
Would I be correct in saying the Suns have academy access to Waylon Davey-Motlop through their Darwin zone? Grew up playing for Palmerston in the NTFL which I believe falls under the Suns' Darwin zone. He's boarding at Xavier which means his postal address is still in the NT. Am I missing something here or is this the case?
Click to expand...
Good question. Out of my knowledge, I'm afraid. Does the suns only have access to specific players in Darwin? Do they have to be part of the academy?
 
Jazny said:
Same as me :)

Who are you looking forward too? I think this year will be a bit quiet. Maybe Geordie Payne as a top-ager and Oliver Dean. Not too many others but hopefully we get some bolters.

Haven't seen Avery Thomas yet, hope he is a gun.
Click to expand...
Payne was close last year so probably is the prime candidate. Dean is a very good chance, as is Depaoli-Kubank and Lenny Douglas, who tested well. An outsider is Max Roney. He's a natural runner and is a strong rower, which helps with endurance and made a TSL debut at 16. Outside of Tasmania at Sandy is Nathan Sulzberger. So we do have some contenders before anyone does a Leake and bolts.

In 2025, the three Launceston boys in Wooton, Thomas and Smedley have my attention. Wooton is strong in the midfield and Smedley has a great footy resume with his achievements at his junior club. I could see him playing for the Devils AFL side one day if he makes it. I'm mates with him and his brother. Thomas has an athletics background, like Chugg. Debuted in the TSL and went well. He's big for his age which helps. Humble kid by all reports. It also seems Toby Callow may have returned to Tasmania and would be in this class.

A lot of these boys have played school and/or club footy together on top of rep games so are quite close which helps drive and build their performances.
 
Wild Bill said:
It they follow our precedence it will be a F2 & F3 that must be traded.

I think the days of the AFL giving out picks after a teams 1st pick are long gone.
Click to expand...
Really? I think it depends on the club. If WC do indeed have a similar year to last year the AFL will fall over themselves to give them pick 2 as well. Media will say “Well north got 2 and 3”….can already see it.
 
Jen2310 said:
Oakleigh team for round 1 on Sunday.

Tadhg tells me this is the first time he gets to play with his younger brother Zac.

42c50188dec9011227f5f60a70b006ca.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
'S.GRLJ'
People aren't even trying with last names now smh
 
GC2015 said:
Would I be correct in saying the Suns have academy access to Waylon Davey-Motlop through their Darwin zone? Grew up playing for Palmerston in the NTFL which I believe falls under the Suns' Darwin zone. He's boarding at Xavier which means his postal address is still in the NT. Am I missing something here or is this the case?
Click to expand...
Is there any F/S links for him ?
Not aware who his Dad is, however that hyphenated name sure has some major AFL pedigree…
 
SMP said:
Is there any F/S links for him ?
Not aware who his Dad is, however that hyphenated name sure has some major AFL pedigree…
Click to expand...
Nah his uncles are Alwyn Davey and Daniel Motlop. But his dad didn’t play AFL
 
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