2025 Draft Thread

[JohnnySteel]

One of the best half backs in contention. Has put together a couple really good years in th WAFL and is only 21.

Write ups have mentioned he has a penetrating kick - certainly can’t have too many of them off half back. Young enough to have a long career, if he is up to the level as well.

 

[Wizard17]

Wonder if we use both picks.

 

[bobs head soup]

Apparently Michael Sellwood has done a medical with the club going by this article

Thunder defender primed for AFL mid-season call-up

Peel Thunder premiership defender Michael Sellwood is closing on an AFL opportunity with a premiership contender. Get the latest mid-season draft news here!

thewest.com.au

Pic looks like Buss.

That's the extent of my insight.

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Glad we’ve chosen to target across half back, always felt that made the most sense given the makeup of our list.

Any update on Cody’s situation in terms of being placed on the LTI?

 

[Mofra]

Apparently Michael Sellwood has done a medical with the club going by this article

Thunder defender primed for AFL mid-season call-up

Peel Thunder premiership defender Michael Sellwood is closing on an AFL opportunity with a premiership contender. Get the latest mid-season draft news here!

thewest.com.au

Much info in the article?
12ft not bypassing this one

 

[Bulldogs85]

Much info in the article?
12ft not bypassing this one

Took it from the North Thread

"Peel Thunder premiership defender Michael Sellwood is closing on an AFL opportunity with the Western Bulldogs.

The West Australian understands Sellwood had a medical with the Bulldogs earlier this week as they look to fill the spot left on their list by injured forward Cody Weightman.

Sellwood has been on the radar of several clubs, including Waalitj Marawar (West Coast), who hold the first pick in the May 28 draft....

McCarthy — who has nominated for an 18-month contract — solidified himself as a player to watch with 24 disposals for the Tigers against North Melbourne’s VFL side at the weekend.

Perth recruit Brandan Parfitt has been persistently linked to the Eagles but is yet to be interviewed by the club.

Interestingly, East Perth ruckman Scott Jones has been linked to several clubs including Brisbane despite turning 30 on Tuesday night.

Jones played six games for the Dockers before returning to the Royals where he has established himself as a premier ruckman in the WAFL."

 

[_Cerberus_]

Interesting that the article referred to us replacing Weightmans spot, when we already had a spot open, and no mention of him being moved to the LTI List.

According to his Peel Thunder profile. He is 186cm and 85kg. So already a good size, and build going by his pics.

 

[Mojorisin]

Interesting that the article referred to us replacing Weightmans spot, when we already had a spot open, and no mention of him being moved to the LTI List.

According to his Peel Thunder profile. He is 186cm and 85kg. So already a good size, and build going by his pics.

Being a WA paper they probably don't know/care how we have an open spot.

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Interesting that the article referred to us replacing Weightmans spot, when we already had a spot open, and no mention of him being moved to the LTI List.

According to his Peel Thunder profile. He is 186cm and 85kg. So already a good size, and build going by his pics.

Body certainly looks AFL ready

 

[Tommycash]

Anyone know much about him?

Was don't argued by him when he was about 19 and I was 31

But this piece details his playing style pretty well:

As a ball winning defender, Sellwood has made a habit of accumulating the football, having averaged 23.7 disposals per game this year including 30 two weekends ago against West Perth, as well as taking 7.5 marks per outing.

His disposal by foot is impactful, with a penetrating left boot his main weapon.

Peel players know he is a threat off half back and try to get the footy into his hands as much as possible, trusting him to begin their forays forward.

Opposition forwards know how damaging Sellwood can be but have had trouble stopping his impact over the last few seasons.

Now in career best form after 42 WAFL league games, the 21-year-old collected 19 disposals and was one of the better players for the Kia WA State team in their 30 point victory over South Australia at the weekend.

Sellwood also has a history of winning, having played in three consecutive Grand Finals in the last three years.

...

2024 was the year that Sellwood established himself as one of the top players in the WAFL competition at just 20 years old, playing 21 matches and averaging more than 19 touches per game as well as seven marks per contest.

He played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s ascent from runners-up to premiers, starring in the Grand Final last season at Optus Stadium against flag favourites East Perth, with 21 disposals, four marks and three tackles.

After breaking out in 2024, Sellwood has now become one of the most reliable players in Western Australia, backed in by senior coach Adam Read to be Peel’s main distributor out of defence and entrusted with a major role in their gameplan.

 

[Mofra]

Was don't argued by him when he was about 19 and I was 31

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Was don't argued by him when he was about 19 and I was 31

By the looks, a stiff arm from him would probably put me in a coma. You’ve come away better than most

 

[Bulldogs85]

Bont talks heat up, Eagles close on VFL Tiger, Docker's new deal

Check out all the latest trade news from around the League

www.afl.com.au

EAGLES FIRM FOR TALENTED TIGER​

RICHMOND VFL prospect Tom McCarthy is widely expected to be taken as the No.1 pick in next Wednesday night's AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, with West Coast now guaranteed to hold the first selection.

As revealed on AFL.com.au's trade and draft show Gettable last month, the 24-year-old McCarthy has long been viewed among AFL recruiters as the top prospect in this season's mid-year rookie pool.

The 187cm midfielder, who is also capable of playing across half-back, continued to impress at VFL level at the weekend to finish with 24 disposals and three clearances in Richmond's two-point loss to North Melbourne.

Subiaco's 20-year-old key forward Archer May is another likely to go early, with the 198cm goalkicker attracting interest from North Melbourne, Carlton and Collingwood among others.
Essendon has tracked 27-year-old Claremont tall Oliver Eastland as it searches for potential ruck depth, while 20-year-old North Adelaide ruck Alex Van Wyk is another tall prospect that clubs have watched.

North Adelaide forward Ewan Mackinlay also has fans, with Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs linked, while Carlton has been strongly paired with Norwood small forward Jacob Newton.

Gold Coast has been linked with high-flying forward Caleb Lewis after an exciting stint with Dingley in the Southern Football Netball League, while the Suns have also monitored Eastern Ranges defender Rod Ali.

Richmond VFL forward pair Massimo Rasoand Sam Toner, and Peel Thunder midfielder Michael Sellwood are others that clubs have tracked closely through the start of the season. – Riley Beveridge

 

[Mofra]

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters | NAFC

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters from the Lavington Football Club in the Ovens & Murray League. Ewan had a strong season in 2023, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest and tied for the club leading goal kicker.

nafc.com.au

 

[JohnnySteel]

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters | NAFC

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters from the Lavington Football Club in the Ovens & Murray League. Ewan had a strong season in 2023, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest and tied for the club leading goal kicker.

nafc.com.au

Interestingly is originally from Murray Bushrangers.

 

[goodcop badcop]

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters | NAFC

Ewan Mackinlay joins the Roosters from the Lavington Football Club in the Ovens & Murray League. Ewan had a strong season in 2023, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest and tied for the club leading goal kicker.

nafc.com.au

Just realised I played footy against Ewan's old man. Also played footy with Ryder Corrigan's old man (a draft hopeful for this year). Starting to feel pretty old right now and I'm only in my 30's.

 

[doggy_dog]

Sellwood sounds like a great fit for us. Potential JJ replacement as another line breaking half back. We look so much better when Dale isn’t the only threat

 

[grassman75]

Just realised I played footy against Ewan's old man. Also played footy with Ryder Corrigan's old man (a draft hopeful for this year). Starting to feel pretty old right now and I'm only in my 30's.

Need to change your name to Young Cop old cop

 

[Mofra]

Maybe not for us but there's a hulking 209cm ruck from the Western Jets that may get a chance too. I always like to see the Jets boys get a chance.

 

[Mofra]

Need to change your name to Young Cop old cop

"He's only one day from retirement..."

 

[Bulldogs85]

LATEST MID-SEASON WHISPERS AS PICK 1 FANCY FIRMS
A Richmond VFL star is firming to be taken within the first two picks of next week’s mid-season draft as clubs scramble to finalise plans over the coming days.

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 [PLAYERCARD]John Noble[/PLAYERCARD], ex-Bomber turned Hawk Massimo D’Ambrosio, in-form St Kilda forward Cooper Sharman and, most notably, dual premiership Tiger [PLAYERCARD]Marlion Pickett[/PLAYERCARD].

Sources at this stage expected between eight and 10 clubs to be involved next week, with 10 to 15 overall selections being tipped.

The only two clubs officially with open spots at the moment are West Coast and the Western Bulldogsafter opting against filling their list during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP). But clubs will confirm their mid-season intentions with the AFL after Round 11.

The Eagles will hold Pick 1 on Wednesday as they’re still guaranteed to occupy bottom spot on the AFL ladder next week.

Two draft sources told foxfooty.com.au this week they expected Tom McCarthy to not last beyond the first two picks, with one suggesting they’d be “surprised” if West Coast overlooked McCarthy with the opening selection.
McCarthy, 24, is considered one of the few genuine AFL talents in a shallow mid-season pool. He’s also nominated for the draft under an 18-month term, rather than a shorter six-month contract for the back half of 2025.

After playing predominantly as a midfielder last season, McCarthy has thrived across half-back this season for Richmond’s VFL side, showing off his excellent kicking skills and power while averaging 22.6 disposals, 4.1 marks and 3.3 tackles from seven games.

If the Eagles don’t take McCarthy first up, it’s unlikely he’d get past North Melbourne, which is likely to have the second selection of the draft. The Roos will need to move Miller Bergman, who ruptured his ACL in the VFL a fortnight ago, to their long-term injury list to open up a spot.

The Eagles could open up a second list spot should they put premiership midfielder Dom Sheed on the long-term injury list after he was ruled out for the season due to a knee issue. If they do, rival clubs have linked the Eagles to premiership Cat Brandan Parfitt, who’s had a monster start to his WAFL stint averaging 30 disposals from five games for Perth. He’d be a safe, plug-in-and-play selection. West Coast has also been linked to 21-year-old defender Michael Sellwood, who’s performed well for Peel Thunder this season averaging 23.7 disposals and 7.5 marks from six WAFL games while racking up 19 disposals and eight marks in the WA-SA state game last weekend. Sellwood confirmed to SEN WAthis week he’d had a medical with the Western Bulldogs, who rival clubs believe could be eyeing a running defender at next week’s draft.
However the Bulldogs have also been linked to 182cm North Adelaide forward Ewan Mackinlay, who’s impressed clubs with his speed and power, as well as his kicking skills in the front half. Mackinlay, who’s kicked 5.7 and averaged 16.2 disposals from six SANFL games, has also been linked to the Port Adelaide, who rival clubs believe are on the hunt for a player speed in the forward half next week.

Port Adelaide still needs to officially open up a list spot, but is being tipped to put Xavier Walsh on the long-term injury list after he was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. The Bulldogs, too, could open up another spot due to [PLAYERCARD]Cody Weightman[/PLAYERCARD]’s injury, but coach Luke Beveridge was hesitant this week to confirm that was his club’s plan.

Another small forward in the mid-season mix is 179cm Norwood player Jacob Newton, who’s been linked to Carlton after being overlooked in last year’s national draft. Newton, who showed his wares as a forward for South Australia at last year’s national Under 18 championships, has kicked 6.3 across his past SANFL two matches. The Blues are likely to have just one pick. While they’ll be without Brodie Kemp (Achilles) for the rest of the season, they’re likely to give gun defender [PLAYERCARD]Nic Newman[/PLAYERCARD] every chance to return.
Carlton has also been linked to Sellwood, 19-year-old Zac Hardingand Richmond VFL star Sam Toner, as well as 198cm Subiaco key forward Archer May who, like McCarthy, is seen by clubs as a player worth taking a punt on at this mid-season draft. May, 20, has kicked 12.11 and averaged 13.8 disposals and 6.2 marks from six games this season, while he kicked two goals in a recent state game against SA.

Clubs love May’s forward 50 presence and strong hands in the air, as well as his accurate kicking in front of goal. One scout told foxfooty.com.au: “He wouldn’t look out of place on an AFL list.”

North Melbourne and Collingwoodhave also been linked to May, but sources on Thursday suggested the Magpies next week are more likely to draft from within their own program. And how many openings they’ll have remains unclear, with calls to be made on Reef McInnes (knee) and Harvey Harrison (knee).

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

After kicking 72 goals from 18 games for Seymour last year, Mason has kicked 17.5 this season, with nine of those goals coming in the first two weeks. Browne, meanwhile, has kicked 6.3 and averaged 23.4 disposals from his seven VFL games for the Magpies.

Browne, in particular, impressed the Magpies’ AFL set-up during the pre-season, including in the triple threat match simulation against Brisbane and Gold Coast in February.
The Pies have also been linked to Eastern Ranges defender Rod Ali, who looms as one of the most intriguing prospects ahead of next week’s draft. However if the Pies take Ali, who’s played two VFL games for Collingwood, it’s more likely to be with a second pick.

A former basketballer who only prioritised football at the start of the year, Ali is a chance to be taken in the mid-season draft after impressing as a 186cm hybrid intercept defender for the Ranges then in both Young Guns games against Vic Metro and Vic Country with his vertical leap, groundball ability, competitiveness and physicality.

Scouts know Ali is raw and would be a long-term project, but his upside is enormous. So if he was selected next week, it’d be if a club wanted to ‘get ahead’ of rivals and take him now before November’s national draft — for Ali could be a top-30 prospect, according to one recruiter, by then if his upwards trajectory continues.


No clubs have been strongly linked to Ali at this stage, but scouts can imagine a world where Essendontakes him, simply due to the number of potential list openings. The Bombers could have as many as four selections next week after a horrific injury run to begin the 2025 season. Rucks Sam Draper and Nick Bryan, as well as pre-season signing Tom Edwards and emerging defender Lewis Hayes, have all been ruled for the rest of the season.
Clubs widely expect Essendon to target a ruck to help support [PLAYERCARD]Todd Goldstein[/PLAYERCARD]. But while ex-Sun turned Southport star Brayden Crossleyhas received ample external hype in recent weeks, multiple sources indicated to foxfooty.com.au the Bombers were more likely to target 27-year-old Claremont big man Ollie Eastland – a 199cm ruck who’s averaged 19 disposals and 32.2 hit-outs from six WAFL games.

Another option is 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.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast could have up to two picks due to season-ending injuries to [PLAYERCARD]Charlie Ballard[/PLAYERCARD] and, most recently, [PLAYERCARD]Elliott Himmelberg[/PLAYERCARD].

The Suns have been heavily linked to Southern Football Netball League bolter Caleb Lewis, who kicked five goals across the two Young Guns games. In his draft year (2021), Lewis was classed as a key defender, renowned for intercept marking and pinpoint ball use from half-back. But the 21-year-old has become an exciting 198cm forward with his high-flying ability and goal nous.
Other players in the mid-season mix include Gippsland Power defender Zac Walker, Alex van Wyk(North Adelaide), Massimo Raso(Richmond VFL), Sam Toner(Richmond VFL), GWV Rebels ruck-forward Floyd Burmeister, 209cm Western Jets ruck Ayden McCarroll, ex-Pies forward Liam McMahon, Geelong VFL defender Charlie McCartin, Borough ball magnet Charlie Lazzaro, Port Melbourne 202cm ruck Ajang Kuol mun, Calder Cannons 193cm defender Gus Papal and Dandenong Stingrays key defender Adrian Cole.

St Kilda and Adelaide could open up spots if a call is made to put [PLAYERCARD]Paddy Dow[/PLAYERCARD] (knee) and Toby Murray (ankle) on their respective long-term injury lists.

Brisbane, Fremantle, the Giants, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmondand Sydney, at this stage, all don’t have list openings.

 

[JohnnySteel]

Hope Harley Hicks keeps flying under the radar, only just got back from injury. Seemed very highly rated as an underager. Could be the small forward we need, would be great to nab him later in the draft.

 

[dogsuperfan]

Hope Harley Hicks keeps flying under the radar, only just got back from injury. Seemed very highly rated as an underager. Could be the small forward we need, would be great to nab him later in the draft.

Can Harley Hicks provide everything that McNeil gives us along the added finishing ability?

 

[Golden_6]

I feel like a running defender or a small lockdown defender should be the priorities with this pick.

 

[noobermensch]

A look at Sellwood if any of you are interested: