Preview 2026 MSD Draft Prospects

[The Nostradamus]

How’s Becker been going in the sanfl this year?

Anyone watched him?

 

[Steigenberger]

How's Bamert's foot speed. Seems to have been a query pre draft. Like his aggression & endurance base.

 

[chubbspeterson]

How’s Becker been going in the sanfl this year?

Anyone watched him?

Ask Chad. He'd be stalking him.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Ask Chad. He'd be stalking him.

Yeah that’s why I don’t him to answer

Anyone else?

 

[Twangler]

How’s Becker been going in the sanfl this year?

Anyone watched him?

No vision but nothing special in terms of the stat sheet. Sample is only 4 games though. Don’t think we’ll pick him, we already had a good look and passed.

 

[chubbspeterson]

Yeah that’s why I don’t him to answer

Anyone else?

Well these are his stats from four games.

Averaging 16.5 disposals (11.3 kicks, 5.3 handballs), 1.8 tackles, 2.3 i50s, 4.5 reb 50's, 55.3 ranking pts. 85% DE.

 

[giantroo]

James Tarrant attracts AFL interest ahead of mid-season draft​

Paul Amy

3–4 minutes

---

James Tarrant often arrives at North Melbourne VFL training in a suit.

After the session he’ll sometimes change back into it, heading from the Arden St ground back to his work as a financial analyst.

“He’s a bit of a go-getter outside of footy,’’ Kangas coach Adam Marcon

Adam Marcon

Age

33

Ht

180cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

7.5

5star

M

6.5

5star

T

2.5

4star

CL

1.5

4star

No current season stats available

D

19.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

7.5

5star

M

6.5

5star

T

2.5

4star

CL

1.5

4star

said.

“He’s a very smart guy, intellectual. He loves the tactical side of the game.’’

And he plays it pretty well.

The 26-year-old forward-ruckman is one of the VFL big men who has taken interest from AFL clubs ahead of the mid-season draft.

The strong-marking Tarrant’s performance for the state representative team against the SANFL in April brought him to notice.

A late call-up for the Vics, he kicked two goals and took an energetic and enterprising turn in the ruck.

VFL coach Jackson Kornberg thought him one of the players who turned the match the Victorian side’s way.

VFL chairman of selectors Nigel Carmody credits Kornberg for the 197cm Tarrant’s selection.

But Kornberg said former Kangaroos VFL coach Tom Lynch was the one who promoted him.

“If you want to win, you’ve got to pick this guy,’’ Lynch had texted him.

Kornberg had seen Tarrant’s statsline against Carlton in Round 3 – 20 disposals, four goals and eight marks against Carlton – and the message from Lynch convinced him he should take the big Roo to Adelaide.

Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara had also given Tarrant some lift-off.

“I thought he changed the game in the third quarter with his follow-up stuff when he was playing in the ruck,’’ Kornberg said.

“ (Brayden Crossley

Brayden Crossley

Age

26

Ht

198cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.4

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

4.9

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

2.2

4star

G

0.5

3star

No current season stats available

D

9.2

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

2.2

4star

G

0.6

3star

) was doing really well at stoppage but James’ work around the ground, getting off his opponent and finding it at ground level, was really damaging.

“Before the game I hadn’t seen or known a lot about him but I’m glad he was pushed up.’’

Lynch, now North’s head of development, recruited Tarrant from amateur club Old Scotch, where in 2024 he was a premiership player, ran second in the best and fairest and was a team-of-the-year selection.

Tarrant wore the Big V last year too – for the VAFA representative side. He split his season at Scotch (11 games, 26 goals) and North Melbourne (13 games, 124 goals).

“I rate him very highly,’’ Marcon said.

“He’s a great teammate and very flexible in terms of his role.

“Obviously he can play forward of the ball where I think he’s best. But his ability to go into the ruck and then follow-up with his ground balls is very good. He’s really clean … once the ball hits the ground he’s almost like another midfielder. And if you need him to he can go down back.’’

Marcon said Tarrant considered leaving the VFL after last season.

The Roos had to convince him to play on.

“I’m glad we did, because he’s put together some good games and got some people talking about him,’’ Marcon said.

Carmody is a Tarrant fan — and believes AFL clubs should be considering him.

“Not just for the football, but for the entire package,’’ he said.

“He’s a really intelligent guy having a good professional career. He’d be a great addition to any club.’’

 

[Only Forwards]

Retire Fisher, take two picks.

 

[lockheed]

Early days, but it’ll come around very fast.

Some early names to look out for.

Harry Scott 188cm inside mid Richmond VFL. Was on the radar last year and has started the season well.

Louie Montgomery, 184cm half back with GWS VFL side. Avg’d 19 disposals last year, powerful athlete with good decision making. Very unlucky to not get drafted a few years back.

Zac Becker 191cm Sturt half back. Trained with us over the preseason and was considered unlucky to not get an SPP spot. I’d say he’ll still be on the radar.

Xavier Bamert 18 year old, playing with North in the VFL. Burst athlete with solid footy IQ. Versatile type who can play on all 3 lines.

Oscar Van Dam 20 year old big bodied defensive midfielder who is physical. Capable of playing across half back as well.

Not too sure who ended up getting overage spots in the Talent League but I’m sure a few prospects will announce themselves there too.

Who of these has the most pace, allowing for size?

 

[hilly]

Hopefully Shiels has found another one so a certain someone can't continue this legacy:

Edwards
Ham
Dawson
Hansen
Payne
Teakle
Banch

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

Louie Montgomery’s numbers:

 

[roos_fanatic08]

I’m How’s Becker been going in the sanfl this year?

Anyone watched him?

I watched him in the SA Vs Vic state game and he had next to zero impact. Not sure he is it.

Who of these has the most pace, allowing for size?

Bamert then Montgomery.

 

[Rampaging roos]

How’s Becker been going in the sanfl this year?

Anyone watched him?

Been following his progress.unfortunately his been injured for a number of weeks.

 

[SpiderBurton22]

James Tarrant attracts AFL interest ahead of mid-season draft​

Tarrant wore the Big V last year too – for the VAFA representative side. He split his season at Scotch (11 games, 26 goals) and North Melbourne (13 games, 124 goals).

“I rate him very highly,’’ Marcon said.

How can we not pick him?

124 goals in 13 games last year. That's almost as good as when Aaron Edwards kicked 100 for West Coast

 

[year of the roo]

How can we not pick him?

124 goals in 13 games last year. That's almost as good as when Aaron Edwards kicked 100 for West Coast

Can't wait to reunite him with his brother, former North Melbourne first round pick, Chris.

 

[Hazey1977]

In the first VFL game I saw Bamert in, I could see he's got the dog in him in the first 5 minutes. Can never have enough of them on your list.

Should we be looking at Tarrant as well as a ready to go back-up leaper?

 

[Shermanator]

In the first VFL game I saw Bamert in, I could see he's got the dog in him in the first 5 minutes. Can never have enough of them on your list.

Should we be looking at Tarrant as well as a ready to go back-up leaper?

Yeah I like the Bahn Me too.

Got some campaigner in him and his wingspan looks about 7 foot, so he’s a rangy Daryl White type too.

If we end up with a spot - get him in.

 

[JZTIME!]

Yeah I like the Bahn Me too.

Got some campaigner in him and his wingspan looks about 7 foot, so he’s a rangy Daryl White type too.

If we end up with a spot - get him in.

Surely he hasn't been playing with the promise of being taken. Word is he is fit and available. That could also be by another club. We probably didn't think we would slide down the ladder so quickly either i suppose.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Nic Staropoli wouldn't be a bad option either as a 190cm intercept and rebound defender.

I haven't had a chance to have a look at him yet, but have heard good things.

Would be more of a development pick though as from my understanding he is still very raw.

 

[LB2Snake]

James Tarrant attracts AFL interest ahead of mid-season draft​

Paul Amy

3–4 minutes

---

James Tarrant often arrives at North Melbourne VFL training in a suit.

After the session he’ll sometimes change back into it, heading from the Arden St ground back to his work as a financial analyst.

“He’s a bit of a go-getter outside of footy,’’ Kangas coach Adam Marcon said.

“He’s a very smart guy, intellectual. He loves the tactical side of the game.’’

And he plays it pretty well.

The 26-year-old forward-ruckman is one of the VFL big men who has taken interest from AFL clubs ahead of the mid-season draft.

The strong-marking Tarrant’s performance for the state representative team against the SANFL in April brought him to notice.

A late call-up for the Vics, he kicked two goals and took an energetic and enterprising turn in the ruck.

VFL coach Jackson Kornberg thought him one of the players who turned the match the Victorian side’s way.

VFL chairman of selectors Nigel Carmody credits Kornberg for the 197cm Tarrant’s selection.

But Kornberg said former Kangaroos VFL coach Tom Lynch was the one who promoted him.

“If you want to win, you’ve got to pick this guy,’’ Lynch had texted him.

Kornberg had seen Tarrant’s statsline against Carlton in Round 3 – 20 disposals, four goals and eight marks against Carlton – and the message from Lynch convinced him he should take the big Roo to Adelaide.

Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara had also given Tarrant some lift-off.

“I thought he changed the game in the third quarter with his follow-up stuff when he was playing in the ruck,’’ Kornberg said.

“ (Brayden Crossley) was doing really well at stoppage but James’ work around the ground, getting off his opponent and finding it at ground level, was really damaging.

“Before the game I hadn’t seen or known a lot about him but I’m glad he was pushed up.’’

Lynch, now North’s head of development, recruited Tarrant from amateur club Old Scotch, where in 2024 he was a premiership player, ran second in the best and fairest and was a team-of-the-year selection.

Tarrant wore the Big V last year too – for the VAFA representative side. He split his season at Scotch (11 games, 26 goals) and North Melbourne (13 games, 124 goals).

“I rate him very highly,’’ Marcon said.

“He’s a great teammate and very flexible in terms of his role.

“Obviously he can play forward of the ball where I think he’s best. But his ability to go into the ruck and then follow-up with his ground balls is very good. He’s really clean … once the ball hits the ground he’s almost like another midfielder. And if you need him to he can go down back.’’

Marcon said Tarrant considered leaving the VFL after last season.

The Roos had to convince him to play on.

“I’m glad we did, because he’s put together some good games and got some people talking about him,’’ Marcon said.

Carmody is a Tarrant fan — and believes AFL clubs should be considering him.

“Not just for the football, but for the entire package,’’ he said.

“He’s a really intelligent guy having a good professional career. He’d be a great addition to any club.’’

Isn’t this the sort of guy we need?

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Isn’t this the sort of guy we need?

Not sure a key forward would be too high on our priority list.

I don’t mind Tarrant, but he won’t be able to compete as a ruck at AFL level imo. So it will be key forward or bust for him.

 

[ferball]

Not sure a key forward would be too high on our priority list.

I don’t mind Tarrant, but he won’t be able to compete as a ruck at AFL level imo. So it will be key forward or bust for him.

He's a bit like Jack Gunstan imo. Talented but not a physically imposing player.

 

[chubbspeterson]

I haven't had a chance to have a look at him yet, but have heard good things.

Would be more of a development pick though as from my understanding he is still very raw.

For sure. He's raw but some things to like about him. But definitely caught the eye whenever I've watched him.
Reads the ball well, intercepts and makes quick decisions to rebound.
But probably makes a bit more sense for a rebuilding team perhaps like * who are apparently interested, as well as Dees.
I'd love to draft Hibbins-Hargreaves, but probably just going to have the one pick.

 

[JZTIME!]

For sure. He's raw but some things to like about him. But definitely caught the eye whenever I've watched him.
Reads the ball well, intercepts and makes quick decisions to rebound.
But probably makes a bit more sense for a rebuilding team perhaps like * who are apparently interested, as well as Dees.
I'd love to draft Hibbins-Hargreaves, but probably just going to have the one pick.

I like how as soon as he intercepts he goes back at the oppo taking territory. Players like Ash and Zorko are so good at it. So many scores come from catching defences out. An area we could improve so much

 

[BlueanWhiteKanga]

Essendon just opened a spot by moving Fiorini to the LTI

Team whispers: Star draftee left out, Bulldogs make call on English, Lions get a boost

Stay up to date with all the latest teams news ahead of round 11

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