2025 Draft Thread

[Bulldogs85]

As goodcop badcop has said lots of players from all projected draft spots tour facilities at different stages of the year.
You can never tell just where your pick will land or how draftees will climb or fall on draft boards, for example it wasn't until very late last year we were a real shot at picking up Reid with our first. At this stage of the year it's just getting infront of as many talents as possible and getting as much surface level information on those guys as possible.

In saying all that. The depth of the draft outside the club tied guys just isn't there this year (or haven't shown themselves yet). The dogs definitely are looking to get a pick right at the pointy end but they won't be the only team with that intention.
I can't comment on the player however I know there is one particular we are focusing on.

Our new Recruitment team must really like this particular player

 

[Mojorisin]

Our new Recruitment team must really like this particular player

I don't think it's all that uncommon, doesn't mean that player falls to your pick or that you're any less happy with the guy you do end up drafting. Again using the Reid example last year, just because we missed him I don't think the recruitment team were upset with Hynes in the slightest. It's also well known we traded up a couple year ago for Watson, we end up getting beaten to the punch by Hawks and grab the next best in Sanders. Once again I don't think anyone can be upset with the outcome given Sanders is averaging 20 and a goal this season.

 

[JohnnySteel]

Dovaston is looking like a gun small forward so far this season. Can see him going very high come draft time, if he keeps this form up.

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Carlton are crying out for a small forward I think they will take Massimo Raso with their first pick

We took two in the SSP. Still need a really good one but I think the club would be worried about the optics of taking 3 in a row

 

[Mofra]

Diehard Dogs fan Thomas Burton played his first senior game in a grand final, alongside Luke Dahlhaus and under Clay Smith. He’s now surging up draft boards. Check out every score from the Coates Talent League.

A Western Bulldogs fan from the Western Jets is making his mark in the Coates Talent League as one of the leading rebounding defenders in this year’s draft class.

Thomas Burton finished as the top-ranked player on the ground in the Jets’ loss to the Northern Knights on Sunday, returning to the side after playing for the AFL Academy in recent weeks.

Burton gathered 34 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency across half-back, along with seven marks, seven rebound 50s and five tackles for a total of 183 ranking points.

A Bulldogs fan, Burton grew up idolising Jason Johannisen and trained at Whitten Oval over pre-season as part of the AFL Academy program.

He made his senior debut for local club Point Cook as a 16-year-old in the 2023 Grand Final in the Western Region Football League, under coach Clay Smith.

Smith was a 2016 AFL premiership player for the Bulldogs, while his premiership teammate Luke Dahlhaus was also part of that losing Grand Final side.

“To have Clay put that faith in me was unreal,” Burton said earlier this year.

“And then to have Luke Dahlhaus out on the field directing me and guiding me was special.”

Burton finished his bottom-age season strongly with the Jets in 2024 and has continued his development this season.

He was particularly prominent in the back half for the AFL Academy side in its first match against Richmond’s VFL side in April, logging 20 disposals and three tackles.

“I think my speed combined with my decision-making is probably the biggest things that come to mind,” Burton said of his strengths.

“But also, if I can get my aerobic fitness to be an elite level, I think it will give me the opportunity to be one of the best players.”

He's one in watching closely. Mentioned him elsewhere, I'd be wrapt if we picked him up. Played midfield the first couple of rounds this year IIRC.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I don't think it's all that uncommon, doesn't mean that player falls to your pick or that you're any less happy with the guy you do end up drafting. Again using the Reid example last year, just because we missed him I don't think the recruitment team were upset with Hynes in the slightest. It's also well known we traded up a couple year ago for Watson, we end up getting beaten to the punch by Hawks and grab the next best in Sanders. Once again I don't think anyone can be upset with the outcome given Sanders is averaging 20 and a goal this season.

You'd hope if they are planning on trading up they'd have determined there's other options that are still worth the trade if their first choice is gone. I'd like to think that was the case with Watson/Sanders.

 

[Mojorisin]

You'd hope if they are planning on trading up they'd have determined there's other options that are still worth the trade if their first choice is gone. I'd like to think that was the case with Watson/Sanders.

Absolutely, given the uncertainty of the situation (even though it's less uncertain these days), if you don't have an option b,c,d, e and f then you're setting yourself up to fail. The higher up the order you climb the less possibilities remain and the more control you have over the situation aswell.

 

[goodcop badcop]

I still don't understand why we didn't trade the Hynes pick for North's pick, that pick is looking like a top 3 pick at the moment. Now if we want a top 5 pick, we may have to trade 3 first round picks to get it. Doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[TiAn_]

I still don't understand why we didn't trade the Hynes pick for North's pick, that pick is looking like a top 3 pick at the moment. Now if we want a top 5 pick, we may have to trade 3 first round picks to get it. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Same. I was miffed at the time. It made a lot of sense for us to be the ones to bite on that trade, given the players in the range of our pick weren’t really needs for us and it would have meant we essentially turned Sniff and a second into a likely top 5 pick. We’d have picks 2 and 13 this year currently.

 

[JohnnySteel]

Same. I was miffed at the time. It made a lot of sense for us to be the ones to bite on that trade, given the players in the range of our pick weren’t really needs for us and it would have meant we essentially turned Sniff and a second into a likely top 5 pick. We’d have picks 2 and 13 this year currently.

Can only assume we just rated Hynes very highly. Who knows, If he was in this years draft, he may have gone higher.

I personally think Hynes will be a ripper, can see him in our future midfield & be dangerous rotating forward as well. Will be a bull when he fills out.

 

[goodcop badcop]

Can only assume we just rated Hynes very highly. Who knows, If he was in this years draft, he may have gone higher.

I personally think Hynes will be a ripper, can see him in our future midfield & be dangerous rotating forward as well. Will be a bull when he fills out.

I've always been of the opinion that this year's draft had better talent at the top end but much poorer depth compared to last year. I guess Milesi thought differently where as the new recruiting team must really like the top end I guess.

 

[dogwatch]

Same. I was miffed at the time. It made a lot of sense for us to be the ones to bite on that trade, given the players in the range of our pick weren’t really needs for us and it would have meant we essentially turned Sniff and a second into a likely top 5 pick. We’d have picks 2 and 13 this year currently.

Can only assume we just rated Hynes very highly. Who knows, If he was in this years draft, he may have gone higher.

I personally think Hynes will be a ripper, can see him in our future midfield & be dangerous rotating forward as well. Will be a bull when he fills out.

Like Watson/Sanders it could also be that we were aiming for somebody else but settled for Hynes when the picks before us didn't work out as we'd hoped. Murphy Reid perhaps?

 

[weltschmerz]

Like Watson/Sanders it could also be that we were aiming for somebody else but settled for Hynes when the picks before us didn't work out as we'd hoped. Murphy Reid perhaps?

We could have made that trade any time before our pick though.

 

[goodcop badcop]

I like Rod Ali for the mid season draft, I see some Dale Morris in him. The only thing is he's raw, maybe too raw for what we are after. I imagine we want someone more mature.

 

[Wizard17]

I like Rod Ali for the mid season draft, I see some Dale Morris in him. The only thing is he's raw, maybe too raw for what we are after. I imagine we want someone more mature.

Given the age profile of our list I'm expecting us to pick a younger player. Particularly in defence and through the middle as we starting to age quite considerably in those areas and it could eat into our depth in the next few years. So definitely wouldn't be surprised if we took Ali.

 

[Mofra]

Yep I see us taking someone at the MSD who may take time, treating it like and extension of the regular draft.

 

[goodcop badcop]

Given the age profile of our list I'm expecting us to pick a younger player. Particularly in defence and through the middle as we starting to age quite considerably in those areas and it could eat into our depth in the next few years. So definitely wouldn't be surprised if we took Ali.

Maybe. I was thinking since we are decent shout for the premiership, we may be looking for more mature depth. Our forward stocks have taken a pretty big hit and we may need some backup options here.

 

[House_of_Dahl]

I still don't understand why we didn't trade the Hynes pick for North's pick, that pick is looking like a top 3 pick at the moment. Now if we want a top 5 pick, we may have to trade 3 first round picks to get it. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Hopefully this post is quoted in the future cause Hynes ends up that good. (Not saying he will, just hoping for the ultimate scenario)

 

[goodcop badcop]

Hopefully this post is quoted in the future cause Hynes ends up that good. (Not saying he will, just hoping for the ultimate scenario)

He'll be ok, I don't think he has A grade talent though. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Pencil case]

I still don't understand why we didn't trade the Hynes pick for North's pick, that pick is looking like a top 3 pick at the moment. Now if we want a top 5 pick, we may have to trade 3 first round picks to get it. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Especially when Hynes doesn’t have any stand out traits for AFL level (happy to be proven wrong)

 

[Bulldogs85]

With the mid-season draft just a few weeks away, these are the top prospects — and some of the clubs interested in them.

Plus a 2026 father-son gun’s tricky choice and the prospect of another Darcy at the Dogs.

Get the latest talent news and updates in AFL Draft Watch!
AFL clubs will considerably ramp up their focus on this year’s mid-season draft over the coming weeks as they seek the next mid-year bargain gem later this month.

The 2025 AFL mid-season rookie draft will take place on Wednesday May 28.
The draft has uncovered an array of success stories this decade, including Hawthorn star Jai Newcombe, Essendon’s Sam Durham, ex-Pie turned Sun John Noble

2

John Noble

Age

28

Ht

180cm

Wt

72kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.3

4star

K

9.2

4star

HB

7.1

4star

M

3.5

4star

T

2.0

4star

MG

186.1

3star

D

14.2

3star

K

7.7

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

3.2

3star

T

1.8

3star

MG

149.7

3star

D

18.8

5star

K

11.0

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.2

4star

MG

229.8

4star

, ex-Bomber turned Hawk Massimo D’Ambrosio, in-form St Kilda forward Cooper Sharman and, most notably, dual premiership Tiger Marlion Pickett

50

Marlion Pickett

Age

33

Ht

184cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.0

3star

K

7.5

3star

HB

5.5

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

3.3

5star

CL

1.5

4star

D

11.7

3star

K

6.7

3star

HB

5.0

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

3.6

4star

CL

1.3

4star

D

12.8

4star

K

7.2

3star

HB

5.6

4star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.6

4star

.

Trying to find that gem, however, takes a lot of man hours. Already trying to track hundreds of national draft-eligible players all year round, monitoring the mid-season crop stretches club recruiting resources even more at this time of the year.
How many clubs participate in this year’s mid-season draft remains unclear at this stage, with only Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, North Melbourne, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs currently having vacant list spots. Recruiters expect more positions to open up in the lead-up to the draft as club injury toll becomes clearer and pressing list needs crystallise.

Some clubs will still devote ample time and resources to the mid-season crop, yet ultimately not end up picking a player on the night. As one scout told foxfooty.com.au: “It can be a lot of work for no return.” The risk is, of course, not doing enough work on the players then being left unprepared ahead of the night after a late, ill-timed injury or necessary list strategy pivot.

One aspect that is clear, though, is the strong interest in several players from Richmond’s VFL team, which has been a terrific breeding ground in recent times with the likes of Durham, Sam Davidson and James Trezise all plucked from there. The program’s ability to recruit players from all levels of footy, upskill them and get them ready for AFL level has earned the respect of the recruiting industry.

This year, VFL Tiger Tom McCarthy (189cm) is on the radar of multiple clubs after a strong start to his 2025 VFL campaign, averaging 22.1 disposals and 4.1 marks.

After playing predominantly as a midfielder last season, McCarthy has thrived across half-back this season, showing off his excellent kicking skills and power.

Also in the mix is teammate Sam Toner – a dangerous 184cm natural goalkicker with lots of tricks.

Toner has played predominantly as a wing for the Tigers’ VFL side, averaging 12.3 disposals from three games. But he showed his craft close to goal and impressed in both of the Young Guns’ recent games, booting 3.2 from 12 touches against Vic Metro before kicking 4.1 from 14 disposals and seven marks against Vic Country eight days later.

The 19-year-old this year has shown he’s more than just a last-line goalkicker, improving his work up the ground to give himself the best chance of a mid-season spot.
Tigers small forward Massimo Raso has also caught the eye of AFL clubs and will be strongly considered at the mid-season draft, despite receiving less hype in recent weeks. He looms as a classic ‘needs’ pick for a club seeking small forward depth.

A Western Jets product renowned for his speed and cleanliness at ground level, Raso has been a standout for the Tigers’ VFL side, booting a team-high 12 goals and averaging 14.5 disposals per outing.


Clubs, too, are excited about the prospects of Eastern Ranges Rod Ali – a late-comer to footy with a high ceiling.

A former basketballer who prioritised football at the start of the year, Ali is a good chance to be taken in the mid-season draft after impressing as a 186cm hybrid intercept defender.

Scouts know he’s raw — and if he was selected later this month, he’d be a long-term project — but they also love his competitiveness and physical nature. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au that if Ali was on the open national draft board at the end of this year, he’d be a top-30 prospect.
Ali, who was playing for Mitcham’s Under 19s in the Eastern Football Netball League last season, played in both Young Guns games against Vic Metro and Vic Country, but needs to play another game to ensure he’d mid-season draft eligible. That match should come this weekend, with Ali set to represent Collingwood’s VFL side against Northern Bullants.

The Magpies have been keeping close tabs on Ali, as well as two of their own VFL players in 195cm forward Riley Mason and on-baller Josh Browne.

After kicking 72 goals from 18 games for Seymour last year, Mason has kicked 13.4 this season, with nine of those goals coming in the first two weeks. Browne, meanwhile, has kicked 6.3 and averaged 24.5 disposals from his past four VFL games for the Magpies.
Among the myriad of VFL players in the mid-season draft discussion include Geelong VFL defender Charlie McCartin – the brother of Paddy and Tom McCartin

30

Tom Mccartin

Age

25

Ht

194cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.3

2star

K

5.6

2star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.7

4star

T

1.6

4star

MG

129.5

2star

D

7.2

2star

K

4.4

2star

HB

2.8

2star

M

3.2

3star

T

0.8

1star

MG

87.4

2star

D

9.0

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

168.0

3star

– ex-Kangaroo turned Borough ball magnet Charlie Lazzaro and Port Melbourne 202cm ruck Ajang Kuol mun.

McCartin has averaged 16.8 disposals and 8.4 marks from his five VFL matches, while Lazzaro has averaged 27.2 disposals and 7.2 tackles from five games for Port Melbourne. Kuol mun, renowned for his natural leap and mobility, is coming off his best VFL game yet, booting 2.1 from 20 disposals, 17 contested possessions, nine clearances, nine score involvements, three contested marks and 39 hit-outs.

North Adelaide’s Ewan Mackinleyalso has ample fans at AFL level.

A 182cm Mildura product, Mackinley has kicked 4.5 and averaged 16.0 disposals and 3.8 inside 50s in the SANFL this season. He also kicked one goal from 16 disposals and five inside 50s in the SANFL-VFL state game.

Clubs love Mackinley’s speed and power, as well as his kicking skills in the front half.

One ex-AFL player on the radar is premiership Cat Brandan Parfitt, who’s had a monster start to his WAFL stint, averaging 31.0 disposals from four games for Perth.

Ex-Eagle Hamish Brayshaw on 6PR radio flagged a month ago that West Coast “will be eyeing him (Parfitt) off for the mid-season draft, adding he had “a spring in his step, bounce and a sheer drive and determination to make it back in the AFL” after being delisted by Geelong at the end of last season.

Parfitt, however, is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury, which could put him in doubt for the upcoming SANFL-WAFL state league match.


There’s several players in their 19th years generating momentum, especially key-position prospects.

Athletic and energetic GWV Rebels ruck-forward Floyd Burmeister was unlucky to miss out on being drafted last year, but this month is right in the mix to earn an AFL gig.
The 199cm prospect played two Coates League Talent games as a forward for the Rebels, booting 3.7 and averaging six marks per game. His impact was limited in the two Young Guns game as he spent more time in the ruck, but scouts have noted his improvement since the end of last season.

Burmeister shared ruck duties with Zac Harding in the Young Guns game against Vic Metro — then rucked against Harding eight days later when the latter lined up for Vic Country. Playing for the Young Guns, Harding had 11 disposals and 16 hit-outs before putting 16 touches and 18 hit-outs on the Young Guns when representing Country.

Harding, the son of former Fitzroy player Dean Harding who played 19 AFL games in the early ‘90s, is considered one of the top 19-year-olds in the mid-season pool, with recruiters liking his kicking skills, as well as his mobility and competitiveness.

Then there’s the sheer size and presence of 209cm Western Jets ruck Ayden McCarroll, who’s consistently hit the scoreboard in recent months. After booting two goals for the Jets against Eastern Ranges, McCarroll kicked three goals across the two Young Guns matches.

McCarroll is raw, so would be a long-term project if selected, but he kicks it beautifully for a player of his size — and might be the type of prospect clubs want to pick now to get ahead of rivals that might consider him later in the year.

Calder Cannons 193cm defender Gus Papal is also a chance to be picked up after a solid start to his Coates Talent League campaign and an impressive Young Guns performance against Vic Country (17 disposals, 8 marks, 7 rebound 50s). Powerful Cannons teammate Cooper Herbert (191cm) also starred against Vic Country, booting 3.1 from 15 disposals and six marks.

There’s also interest in Dandenong Stingrays key defender Adrian Cole— a St Kilda Next Generation Academy graduate who was stiff not to be drafted last year. An athletic 194cm backman with strong one-on-one ability and a great natural leap, Cole has played three games for the Stingrays and two games for the Young Guns this year.
Rival clubs have linked Cole to the Sydney Swans, who could look to develop more key-position depth in defence.

Elsewhere, multiple sources linked Gold Coast to Southern Football Netball League bolter Caleb Lewis, who kicked five goals across the two Young Guns games.

In his draft year (2021), he was classed as a key defender, renowned for intercept marking and pinpoint ball use from half-back. But Lewis, 21, has become an exciting 198cm forward with his high-flying ability and goal nous.

The Suns, as it stands, don’t have a list opening, but defender Charlie Ballard

10

Charlie Ballard

Age

26

Ht

196cm

Wt

95kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.9

3star

K

8.8

3star

HB

3.1

3star

M

4.7

4star

T

1.2

3star

MG

185.6

3star

D

11.3

3star

K

7.7

3star

HB

3.6

2star

M

4.9

5star

T

1.3

2star

MG

158.9

3star

D

9.4

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.4

4star

MG

156.0

3star

is out for the rest of the season after suffering a ruptured ACL in March.


Recruiters are also expecting Essendon to pick a ready-made ruck, considering the long-term injuries to Sam Draper and Nick Bryan. Southport 25-year-old ruck Brayden Crossley, who played 10 games for Gold Coast and was close to an SSP lifeline with the Bulldogs in February, will be strongly considered after averaging 15.2 disposals, 5.8 tackles, 4.2 clearances and 40.0 it-outs across five games for the Sharks. Another option could be 26-year-old East Fremantle big man Lachlan Blakiston, who was heavily linked to AFL clubs ahead of last year’s national draft before ultimately being overlooked.


Western Bulldogs fans should also keep tabs about how Will Darcy is tracking.

Darcy, the brother of star forward Sam and son of club legend Luke, played a pivotal role for Scotch College in the APS competition last week. He played the first half in defence and took several intercept marks, before being swung forward after half-time and spearheading Scotch to the win.

Like Sam, Will can kick on both sides of his body. He’s not as advanced as what Sam was at the same age, but there’s plenty of upside and potential in his game.


Darcy is tied to the Dogs under the father-son rule, but isn’t on a Coates Talent League list at this stage. So it’d be some bolt if he was taken later this year, but the early signs, according to recruiters, are very promising.

 

[Mojorisin]

I understand Ali needs to get 3 VFL games before the MSD to be eligible as he didn't nominate for the national draft last year.
Apparently he's lining up for Collingwood VFL this week.

That's correct, he played the 2 young guns games which count towards the total.

 

[swuzzlebubble]

That's correct, he played the 2 young guns games which count towards the total.

Yer I deleted as it's all sorted

 

[Wizard17]

My gut feeling is at this point for the MSD is Zac Harding. Need another Ruck developing on the list I reckon and he just has the attributes we have drafted for in the last few years.

 

[VitalDread]

I do hope someone takes Caleb Lewis
Always have a soft spot for ex Footscray players