Resource 2025 AFL Draft prospects and discussion.

[Firewalker]

For three quarters of this game Mitch Stevens looked like a solid rangy wingman with endurance and nice skills who enjoyed cracking in with a tackle from time to time. In the fourth quarter he was moved onball and immediately produced a few clearances with quick and clean hands and an ability to gather and burst clear of stoppage, which showed a tantalizing glimpse of what could be significant upside.

One to watch for Crows fans over the course of the season.

Kicking looks to be his major work on, very pokey and up and under, looks to have a very good modern footballers build (seems to have a good wingspan too) and moved pretty well. Hopefully some more composure naturally comes in time.

Hopefully more footage surfaces throughout the year, recruiting team probably likely viewing him as a rookie range pick.

 

[Mutineer]

Kicking looks to be his major work on, very pokey and up and under, looks to have a very good modern footballers build (seems to have a good wingspan too) and moved pretty well. Hopefully some more composure naturally comes in time.

Hopefully more footage surfaces throughout the year, recruiting team probably likely viewing him as a rookie range pick.

He's in the Vic Country squad so I think he's a bit better rated than that, I've watched plenty of him and his kicking is way way better than you describe. Did almost all of the Gippsland Power's kick-ins last year as an under-ager, you don't get tasked with that by Gippy Power coach Rhett McLennan if there's any doubts with your kicking.

You do realise he's very early in his midfield exposure?

Rhett McLennan's pre-season take...

Mitchell Stevens
Defender | 185cm | 15/08/2007

“Mitch has been excellent. Unfortunately he got a little bit of a head knock at training so will miss testing but everything he’s done before that has been excellent. He’s had some stints in Adelaide as part of their father-son academy and some of the stuff he’s done in match simulation with us has shown better growth than probably what we gave him credit for. Expect him to play closer around the ball in midfield this year.”

 

[spenze]

2026 I think.

We did have Isaiah Dudley in our Academy didn't we?

Oh we did, good to see him make it, sucks it wasn't with us

 

[spenze]

He’s a potential match winner for sure

Any guy that can play both ends and take contested marks is a 1st round pick

I've heard he has wrestled a circus bear. I think we should pick him on the sheer basis he'll break Scott Thompson bench press record in his rookie year

 

[spenze]

Be interesting to see where Stevens ends up at draft time. Rules have probably changed but using one of some of our junk picks to pick him up as a F/S would be great outcome for the club

 

[Jeffcrowe]

I've heard he has wrestled a circus bear. I think we should pick him on the sheer basis he'll break Scott Thompson bench press record in his rookie year

He plays like a bear wrestler

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Be interesting to see where Stevens ends up at draft time. Rules have probably changed but using one of some of our junk picks to pick him up as a F/S would be great outcome for the club

I think that’s where it will likely happen , late ish

 

[TankEngineTommy]

There's a few that haven't played yet I liked the look of last year like Blake Oudshoon-Bennier and Charlie McKinnon etc, not sure what's going on there.

With Taj Murray is he aligned with the Suns through his NT residency or has that deal with the NT getting access finished?

BOB is in for the Roosters this week.

 

[Firewalker]

He's in the Vic Country squad so I think he's a bit better rated than that, I've watched plenty of him and his kicking is way way better than you describe. Did almost all of the Gippsland Power's kick-ins last year as an under-ager, you don't get tasked with that by Gippy Power coach Rhett McLennan if there's any doubts with your kicking.

You do realise he's very early in his midfield exposure?

Rhett McLennan's pre-season take...

Mitchell Stevens
Defender | 185cm | 15/08/2007

“Mitch has been excellent. Unfortunately he got a little bit of a head knock at training so will miss testing but everything he’s done before that has been excellent. He’s had some stints in Adelaide as part of their father-son academy and some of the stuff he’s done in match simulation with us has shown better growth than probably what we gave him credit for. Expect him to play closer around the ball in midfield this year.”

To be fair I was just judging his foot skills on that clip specifically which you’d have to say all his kicks were not the best, like I said hopefully more footage is available throughout the year for others like myself to make a better judgement on him.

In terms of the draft range I think most clubs once a father son prospect gets past the top 40 range wrestles with if they’d pick him with a late pick if he’s bid on or if they would really prefer he falls to the rookie draft & they take him there as a rookie, especially if list spots end up being tight again like last season.

 

[Mostyn]

Dudley and Keeler on our list would be handy right now

Would they?

Both seem no better than what we have.

 

[Mutineer]

BOB is in for the Roosters this week.

Thanks, I really rated his 2024 as an under-ager.

Same with the GWV Rebels forward Charlie McKinnon, spoke to the Rebels yesterday and he along with Harley Hicks are getting close to finally getting on the field. in 2025 with their rehab going well.
Must be frustrating for the young fellas to cop injuries in their draft year.

 

[spenze]

He plays like a bear wrestler

If he is around the mark of a first rounder and we finish top 8, it makes good sense to pick him...unless Daniel thinks his brothers a dick

 

[WeeBlake]

For three quarters of this game Mitch Stevens looked like a solid rangy wingman with endurance and nice skills who enjoyed cracking in with a tackle from time to time. In the fourth quarter he was moved onball and immediately produced a few clearances with quick and clean hands and an ability to gather and burst clear of stoppage, which showed a tantalizing glimpse of what could be significant upside.

One to watch for Crows fans over the course of the season.

Looks good. Quick hands, good tackles.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

If he is around the mark of a first rounder and we finish top 8, it makes good sense to pick him...unless Daniel thinks his brothers a dick

Be right in our zone I reckon

The kid can play

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Would they?

Both seem no better than what we have.

Dudley over Murphy

Keeler not sure , think I prefer Toby Murray

 

[Mutineer]

Kicking looks to be his major work on, very pokey and up and under, looks to have a very good modern footballers build (seems to have a good wingspan too) and moved pretty well. Hopefully some more composure naturally comes in time.

Hopefully more footage surfaces throughout the year, recruiting team probably likely viewing him as a rookie range pick.

Think he's a pretty astute talent rater as well because Cody Templeton is going to be a gun and will be right in the 2026 draft discussions.

Preseason Q&A: Mitchell Stevens (Gippsland Power)

Mitchell Stevens is Adelaide's latest father-son hopeful, looking to earn more midfield minutes this year after impressing down back in 2024.

central.rookieme.com

PRESEASON Q&A​

Q: Mitch, can you give us a rundown into your footy journey and how you got started?

MS: I wasn’t allowed to play early on because Dad didn’t let me, but I started at Heyfield in Under 10s I think. Won a flag in Under 12s, Covid happened and then I did my knee, which was a bit unfortunate. Now I’m playing for [Gippsland] Power and loving it.

Q: How much influence has your Dad had on your career?

MS: A fair bit. Always having chats after the game to see how I can improve, kicking with me, seeing what I can do different to improve myself. So, heaps.

Q: Have you watched many of his highlights?

MS: There’s not too many of them, but I try to watch a couple of replays of games just to see how he goes.

Q: Are you an Adelaide fan?

MS: Adelaide and Saints. After all the things the Crows do for you, I guess you have to go for them.

Q: How has your preseason been?

MS: I’ve only had a couple of full preseasons, so this one’s been pretty full on and I’ve loved it.

Q: What about your experience in the Vic Country hub?

MS: That was amazing. Getting to know all the Vic Country boys, elite coaching and just a very good environment to improve.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

MS: Versatile [and] hard at it.

Q: What are some of your strengths?

MS: My speed. I like to burst away from the stoppages or just off my opponent. My kicking, and just versatility to play on anyone, any size.

Q: Are there any improvements you’re looking to make?

MS: Probably just getting my hands on the footy more and being more of a leader out on the field.

Q: Which player do you try and mould your game on?

MS: Probably Will Day at the minute, or Max Michalanney. I watch his game fairly heavily and like the way he plays.

Q: What role do you expect to play this year?

MS: Mainly off the half-back due to last year, but hopefully I’ll move into the midfield this year. Maybe even the forwardline.

Q: Have you set any goals for the year?

MS: Getting drafted is the main one, but there’s little ones before that like making Vic Country and getting in the leadership group.

Q: Which teammate should we look out for to have a big season?

MS: Zach O’Keefe or Cody Templeton.

 

[Mutineer]

Squads in for the VM vs VC trials on Friday

Squads announced for Victorian boys trials

Victoria Metro and Victoria Country have announced squads to compete in this week's under 16 and under 18 boys trial matches.

www.afl.com.au

The under-18 boys trial matches will be played at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee on Friday, April 18, with game one commencing at 11:00am and game two following at 1:30pm.

Players who haven’t been selected to play in this week’s trial matches will still be eligible to be selected in the final squads that compete at this year’s Championships.

UNDER-18 BOYS​

Game 1
Victoria Country v Victoria Metro
Friday, April 18 @ 11:00am
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

VICTORIA COUNTRY
#	NAME	SURNAME	CTL CLUB	COMMUNITY CLUB	HT
1	Ethan	Drever	GWV Rebels	Ballarat	185
2	Tanner	Armstrong	Murray Bushrangers	Shepparton United	176
3	Archie	Taylor	GWV Rebels	Cobden	178
4	Zachary	O'Keefe	Gippsland Power	Maffra	177
5	Jesse	Mellor	Geelong Falcons	Geelong West	185
6	Mitchell	Stevens	Gippsland Power	Heyfield	185
7	Marcus	Prasad	Dandenong Stingrays	Dromana	167
8	Thomas	Matthews	Gippsland Power	Moe	171
9	Hunter	Wright	Bendigo Pioneers	Golden Square	188
10	Cody	Templeton	Gippsland Power	Warragul Industrials	179
11	Toby	Sinnema	Dandenong Stingrays	Devon Meadows	180
12	Finlay	Lockhart	Bendigo Pioneers	Sandhurst	191
13	Wil	Malady	Gippsland Power	Bairnsdale	190
14	Jessie	Johnstone	Bendigo Pioneers	Tongala	185
15	Zac	Walker	Gippsland Power	Phillip Island	191
16	Jobe	Scapin	Gippsland Power	Inverloch-Kongwak	187
19	Callum	Smith	Dandenong Stingrays	Vermont	189
20	Charlie	Lawless	Geelong Falcons	Anglesea	194
22	Josh	Granger	Dandenong Stingrays	Bonbeach YCW	197
23	Xavier	Ladbrook	Gippsland Power	Nar Nar Goon	200
26	Oliver	Johnston	Geelong Falcons	Newtown & Chilwell	192
27	Chad	Finck	GWV Rebels	Portland	195
28	Shaun	Watson	Bendigo Pioneers	Mildura	194
29	Zac	Harding	Murray Bushrangers	Wodonga Bulldogs	199
30	Tairon	Ah-Mu	Dandenong Stingrays	Berwick	198
VICTORIA METRO
#	FIRST	SURNAME	CTL CLUB	COMMUNITY CLUB	HT
1	Tyson	Gresham	Northern Knights	South Morang	169
2	Hussien	El Achkar	Calder Cannons	Pascoe Vale	171
3	Roman	Moxon	Northern Knights	Fitzroy	175
4	Sebastian	Murphy	Northern Knights	Montmorency	176
5	Thomas	McGuane	Western Jets	Keilor	178
6	Arki	Butler	Sandringham Dragons	Beaumaris	180
7	Mitchell	Moate	Northern Knights	Epping	181
8	Sam	Grlj	Oakleigh Chargers	Old Camberwell	182
9	Hamish	Pearce	Calder Cannons	Strathmore	183
10	Mingara	Clark	Oakleigh Chargers	Parkside	183
11	Blake	Chambers	Eastern Ranges	Rowville	182
12	Aaron	Sharkie	Oakleigh Chargers	Kew Rovers	184
13	Rod	Ali	Eastern	Mitcham	186
14	Kobe	Williams	Western Jets	Williamstown CYMS	186
15	Hamish	Bird	Calder Cannons	Aberfeldie	187
16	Hunter	Holmes	Oakleigh Chargers	Old Melburnians	187
17	Mitchell	Hansen	Eastern Ranges	North Ringwood	189
18	Jack	Ison	Oakleigh Chargers	Parkside	190
19	Andrew	Barker	Eastern Ranges	Mooroolbark	191
20	Cooper	Herbert	Calder Cannons	Laurimar	191
23	Jackson	Barber	Calder Cannons	Aberfeldie	195
28	Tyson	Bradley	Sandringham Dragons	Highett	196
29	Lewis	Houndsome	Northern Knights	Yarrambat	199
30	Zac	McCarthy	Oakleigh Chargers	Old Carey	199

Game 2
Victoria Country v Victoria Metro
Friday, April 18 @ 1:30pm
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

VIC COUNTRY
#	NAME	SURNAME	CTL CLUB	COMMUNITY CLUB	HT
1	Cody	Walker	Bendigo Pioneers	Echuca	184
2	Tom	Evans	Bendigo Pioneers	Echuca	180
3	Noah	Willliams	Geelong Falcons	St Josephs	176
4	Brodie	Atkins	Gippsland Power	Drouin	181
5	Gus	Kennedy	Dandenong Stingrays	Seaford	185
6	Louis	Hodder	Dandenong Stingrays	Mt Eliza	176
7	Sam	Lewis	Dandenong Stingrays	Red Hill	186
8	Jack	Marks	Murray Bushrangers	Mansfield	177
9	Luca	Tonner	Dandenong Stingrays	Mount Eliza	193
10	Jaidi	Jackson-Leahy	Bendigo Pioneers	Strathfieldsaye	183
11	Marlon	Neocleous	Gippsland Power	Traralgon	168
12	Sinclair	Burmeister	GWV Rebels	Redan	185
13	Rilley	Aquilina	Geelong Falcons	St Josephs	181
14	Quinn	Harvey	Dandenong Stingrays	Langwarrin	188
15	Jonty	Davis	Bendigo Pioneers	Marong	181
16	Archie	Edwards	Sandringham Dragons	South Melb Districts	188
18	Darcy	Szerszyn	Dandenong Stingrays	Noble Park	188
19	JayDe	Varlet	Dandenong Stingrays	Beaconsfield	181
20	Floyd	Burmeister	GWV Rebels	Redan	199
21	Taj	Bowman	GWV Rebels	North Ballarat	184
24	Harry	Moon	Murray Bushrangers	Rochester	196
25	Jett	Elek	Geelong Falcons	Lara	201
28	Fraser	Marino	Dandenong Stingrays	Bonbeach YCW	197
29	Jonah	Walker	Gippsland Power	Bairnsdale	191
30	Fletcher	Pulleine	Geelong Falcons	St Josephs	189
VICTORIA METRO
#	NAME	SURNAME	CTL CLUB	COMMUNITY CLUB	HT
1	Ricky	Theodoropoulos	Sandringham Dragons	Bentleigh	170
2	Adam	Sweid	Calder Cannons	Pascoe Vale	175
3	Bennett	Martin	Sandringham Dragons	St Bedes Mentone	179
4	Lachy	Dovaston	Eastern Ranges	Blackburn	177
5	Felix	Kneipp	Calder Cannons	Fitzroy	179
6	Jai	Saxena	Oakleigh Chargers	Doncaster East	180
7	Archer	Ryan	Oakleigh Chargers	Blackburn	182
8	Lachlan	Hicks	Western Jets	Altona Vikings	182
9	Ned	La Motte	Oakleigh Chargers	Balwyn	184
10	Rory	Wright	Sandringham Dragons	Caulfield Gram.	184
11	Jamie	Gilchrist	Eastern Ranges	East Ringwood	185
12	Charlie	Sizer	Eastern Ranges	North Ringwood	185
13	Kye	Fincher	Sandringham Dragons	East Brighton Vampires	185
14	Xavier	Bamert	Sandringham Dragons	South Melbourne	186
15	Oskar	Ainsworth	Western Jets	Williamstown CYMS	186
16	Sacha	Levine	Sandringham Dragons	Ormond	188
20	Max	Kondogiannis	Oakleigh Chargers	Old Carey	190
23	Xavier	Taylor	Eastern Ranges	East Ringwood	191
24	Nick	Canavan	Northern Knights	Montmorency	191
25	Jacob	Marron	Western Jets	Yarraville Seddon	195
26	Harry	Van Hattum	Northern Knights	St Mary’s	202
28	Benjamin	Fergusson	Oakleigh Chargers	Camberwell/Old Scotch	197
29	Kayne	Watt	Sandringham Dragons	Caulfield Gramm.	199
30	Miles	Tyrer	Sandringham Dragons	South Melbourne	200

 

[noobermensch]

Another from the weekend to drop down from the seniors to dominate the junior grade and remind everyone of his quality. Sharp had a massive game here, racking up 19 disposals in the first half before sitting out significant portions of the second including most of the fourth quarter. He's not going to blow anyone away with his athleticism and pace, but this was a reminder of just how dominant he can be as a force at stoppage and contest. His footwork and body control through contact is a class above, allowing him to twist and turn through congestion and tight spaces while maintaining his composure with the ball, and his spacial awareness lets him find and release teammates with creative hands.

 

[noobermensch]

While his disposal count was a little lower this week, Mitch had his fingerprints all over this win. He had a bunch of actions that led to goals for his team including two nice setup kicks and defensive spoil. He played for the majority of the game onball and his defensive pressure was a standout feature.

 

[noobermensch]

Jack was certainly cooking in this one. This is possibly the longest single game edit that I've ever done as Cook was involved in everything, racking up disposals all over the ground and applying immense defensive pressure from his position as the sweeper on the back side of stoppage. Jack is as hard working, brave and tough as anyone you'll find at this level, and it'll be an interesting watch to see how far those admirable qualities can take him this year.

 

[bigman]

What has happened to the exciting Memphis Webb for north Adelaide? Assume injury??

 

[Crow till I die]

While his disposal count was a little lower this week, Mitch had his fingerprints all over this win. He had a bunch of actions that led to goals for his team including two nice setup kicks and defensive spoil. He played for the majority of the game onball and his defensive pressure was a standout feature.

He is a rangy height and that burst of speed was evident a few times there. Promising player and one we should be all over

 

[Trigger13]

Port kissed on the you know what getting Cochrane for next to nothing. Clear pick 1.

 

[Eddie Murphy]

Port kissed on the you know what getting Cochrane for next to nothing. Clear pick 1.

It’s not confirmed yet is it?

 

[Crow till I die]

Port kissed on the you know what getting Cochrane for next to nothing. Clear pick 1.

Dyson Sharp? - I thought he has been the consensus pick 1 to date?