Preview 2026 National Draft Thread

[noobermensch]

Arki Butler put in a hard working display for the Academy in game one but definitely didn't have it all his own way. He showed some toughness and physicality through the midfield and hunted the ball strongly. As a forward he led well and found the space to be used in transition. His disposal was uncharacteristically wayward, perhaps effected by the faster pace and strong wind.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

For those more across it, where is McCartney likely to go? Second round?

More than likely post pick 20, especially now that he’ll spend the year on the sidelines.

 

[My Left Foote]

What makes Cochrane extra Northish was his old man spending 8 years on our list for SFA games as a certified whipping boy, only to come good and be traded for a much worse player in Michael Stevens at our instigation.

So our ROI for all that time was giving Port Adelaide a questionable NGA pick #1.

We’ve made some truly bizarre list management decisions over the years. First it was appeasing the star player by recruiting his far less talented brother and now it’s appeasing the former star player by drafting his far less talented son.

 

[King Corey]

We’ve made some truly bizarre list management decisions over the years. First it was appeasing the star player by recruiting his far less talented brother and now it’s appeasing the former star player by drafting his far less talented son.

Would've been nice if we did the one about drafting the very talented son of the then current club president.

The one time we put the nepotism cue back in the rack..

 

[noobermensch]

Not the biggest stat haul but a typically industrious and skillful display from Neocleous who was a late call up to represent the Academy and proved why he should have been part of the squad all along. He pushed up high off a forward flank, ran hard to get involved in the play, chased and tackled, and damaged with the ball using his elite evasive skills and excellent field kicking.

 

[Hojuman]

Not the biggest stat haul but a typically industrious and skillful display from Neocleous who was a late call up to represent the Academy and proved why he should have been part of the squad all along. He pushed up high off a forward flank, ran hard to get involved in the play, chased and tackled, and damaged with the ball using his elite evasive skills and excellent field kicking.

Not a big fan. Prefer his team-mates Alec Tron & Quentin Kwark who know how to get in tight and then explode out into space.

 

[Passmore]

What makes Cochrane extra Northish was his old man spending 8 years on our list for SFA games as a certified whipping boy, only to come good and be traded for a much worse player in Michael Stevens at our instigation.

So our ROI for all that time was giving Port Adelaide a questionable NGA pick #1.

I don't recall him coming good. Thought he was terrible. Surprised he got to 50 games at both clubs.

 

[King Corey]

I don't recall him coming good. Thought he was terrible. Surprised he got to 50 games at both clubs.

He became a really effective tagger and at 192cm could cover most opponents. Also got a bit of the ball.

Remember him owning Nick Stevens and iirc did well on Judd.

Bit of a bizarre outcome for a guy taken as an elite CHB in the 16yo compo pool for losing a player to Freo though.

For reference *'s 16yo compo was Matthew Lloyd and cats got Steven King.

 

[Passmore]

He became a really effective tagger and at 192cm could cover most opponents. Also got a bit of the ball.

Remember him owning Nick Stevens and iirc did well on Judd.

Bit of a bizarre outcome for a guy taken as an elite CHB in the 16yo compo pool for losing a player to Freo though.

For reference *'s 16yo compo was Matthew Lloyd and cats got Steven King.

I recall the compo. I was dirty when Peter Mann left, but I was excited until I saw him. Those were the days before saturation junior coverage.

I'd rather have had him over Stevens having said that.

 

[shinboner magic]

I recall the compo. I was dirty when Peter Mann left, but I was excited until I saw him. Those were the days before saturation junior coverage.

I'd rather have had him over Stevens having said that.

So he ended up similar to Mann then

 

[chubbspeterson]

Going early on this, I really hope we take Clancy Snell. Gippsland Power/Vic Country. DEF, 196cm

A do-it-all defender showing potential to be the best defender in the class, Snell is an alert interceptor at his best coming forward to chop off attacks. He offers safe hands in the air and reliable disposal by foot out of the backline, plus the closing speed and long arms to get timely fists in when required. Snell will be highly coveted in defensive systems requiring proactive roll-up to the ball-carrier where he can make quick decisions and has the speed to close down angles.

There's a bit of Sam Taylor about him. Apparently his Aunt is former Opals legend Belinda Snell.

 

[giantroo]

 

[giantroo]

 

[giantroo]

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

I was thinking about the type of player we need to complete our side and my mind kept coming back the Ben Cunnington/Daniel Harris shaped hole in our midfield. Please tell me he is the type to accumulate big tackles and clearance numbers…

 

[giantroo]

North Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect Archie Devine and father-son hopeful Sam Harris both played strong games on the weekend.

Devine had 37 disposals on Saturday playing for the Tasmania Devils, showcasing his blend of stoppage work and efficiency on the outside as a defender/midfielder.

Harris, meanwhile, was selected to represent Vic Metro in a talent showcase at Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee.

He found plenty of the footy as a starting midfielder, with his clean skills, slick hands and contest work all features as he helped his side to a big victory

Both are currently viewed as more likely to be selected in the second half of the draft if they find AFL homes.

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

North Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect Archie Devine and father-son hopeful Sam Harris both played strong games on the weekend.

Devine had 37 disposals on Saturday playing for the Tasmania Devils, showcasing his blend of stoppage work and efficiency on the outside as a defender/midfielder.

Harris, meanwhile, was selected to represent Vic Metro in a talent showcase at Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee.

He found plenty of the footy as a starting midfielder, with his clean skills, slick hands and contest work all features as he helped his side to a big victory

Both are currently viewed as more likely to be selected in the second half of the draft if they find AFL homes.

Can’t hurt to add 2 more smooth moving, clean players to the mix for what at the end of the year will be for most likely next to nothing, who have connections to the club. Along with potentially 2 raw project forwards as well. Exciting.

 

[noobermensch]

Another solid game from Neocleous who's confirmed himself as a first round prospect across this two game Academy series. His ball use was a little less tidy than usual but his work rate to present as a link man pushing up off a forward flank was as elite as always. Considering his diminutive size he took some solid marks, highlighted by his effort early in the first quarter where he leaped over his opponent to mark on the goal line before snapping truly.

 

[giantroo]

 

[muttley45]

Is Jack Pickett any relation to Choppy or just same surname ?

 

[giantroo]

Is Jack Pickett any relation to Choppy or just same surname ?

No relation.

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

From what I’ve watched, this year feels very similar to 2024. In that I think generally the class doesn’t have a Reid/Walsh/Rowell type star at the top, with obvious top talented guys maybe not ultra-dominating, but it has strong players 1-30 and onwards who will contribute early, and a strong mix of types.

Depending on where our pick falls wouldn’t mind trading back to ensure we can trade at full capacity or pick a couple of likely types in positions of needs - to go along with those tied to the club.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

No Tate Hodgson, Lewis Houndsome, Archie Van Dyk…

and lottttts of small midfielders

 

[roos_fanatic08]

From what I’ve watched, this year feels very similar to 2024. In that I think generally the class doesn’t have a Reid/Walsh/Rowell type star at the top, with obvious top talented guys maybe not ultra-dominating, but it has strong players 1-30 and onwards who will contribute early, and a strong mix of types.

Depending on where our pick falls wouldn’t mind trading back to ensure we can trade at full capacity or pick a couple of likely types in positions of needs - to go along with those tied to the club.

It definitely feels like there is a lot less buzz around this draft class. Outside of Cochrane and Walker I’m not sure if there are any future top 10-15 players in the comp.

I’ve said from the get go that this draft will end up being a “role players” draft. One thing that is really noticeable is that how many of the most highly rated mids are sub 183/184cm. Probably what makes Robinson and Drever stand out so much.

 

[eDPS]

No Tate Hodgson, Lewis Houndsome, Archie Van Dyk…

and lottttts of small midfielders

I prefer Hodgson to Houndsome but both are very developed already which is a worry for me. Van Dyk I just need to see more to make an accurate rating for him, same with a few others.

The small mids are good what can I say