Competitions West Coast Board Mock Draft V1.0

[Keys]

1. Gold Coast - Dylan Patterson (Bid matched using picks 18,21,24,27)
2. Brisbane - Dan Annable (Bid matched using picks 18,22,41,44)
3. Gold Coast - Zeke Uwland (Bid matched using picks 24,35,32,46)
4. West Coast - Willem Duursma
5. West Coast - Cooper Duff-Tytler
6. Richmond - Sullivan Robey
7. Richmond - Xavier Taylor
8. Essendon - Aidan Schubert
9. Essendon - Sam Cumming
10. Carlton - Harry Dean (Bid matched using picks 12,14 with pick 15 going back to Carlton)
11. West Coast - Dyson Sharp
12. Melbourne - Lachy Dovaston
13. Hawthorn - Oliver Greeves
14. GWS - Sam Grlj
15. Carlton - Josh Lindsay
16. Melbourne - Beau Addinsall (Bid not matched)
17. Western Bulldogs - Jacob Farrow
18. Essendon - Oskar Taylor
19. Sydney - Blake Thredgold
20. Geelong - Tylah Williams (Bid not matched)
21. Fremantle - Mitch Marsh
22. Hawthorn - Jevan Phillipou
23. North Melbourne - Archie Ludowycke
24. North Melbourne - Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
25. Essendon - Harley Barker
26. Adelaide - Latrelle Sumner-Pickett
27. Sydney - Max King
    Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]
28. Western Bulldogs - Taylor Byrne
29. West Coast - Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier
30. Essendon - Hussein El Achkar (Bid matched by going into deficit )
31. GWS - Louis Emmett
32. Fremantle - Matthew LeRay
33. Carlton - Jack Ison (Bid matched using picks 38 and 46 with pick 48 going back)
34. Richmond - Jack Dalton
35. Collingwood - Fred Rodriguez
36. Geelong - Lachlan Carmichael (Bid not matched)
37. Essendon - Adam Sweid (Bid matched using next pick in draft)
38. West Coast - Leon Kickett
39. Sydney - Harry Kyle (Bid matched with pick 47)
40. West Coast - Charlie Banfield (Bid matched with pick 47)
41. Adelaide - Cameron Nairn
42. Collingwood - Riley Onley
43. North Melbourne - Cody Curtin
44. Melbourne - Sam Ainsworth
45. Adelaide - Avery Thomas
46. Port Adelaide - Hunter Holmes
47. Fremantle - Toby Whan (Bid matched)
48. St Kilda - Luke Hallett
49. Collingwood - Bryce Sanders
50. Carlton - Sam Swadling
51. North Melbourne - Max Kondogiannis
52. West Coast - Taj Murray
53. Melbourne - Clancy Dennis
54. Geelong - Tom Evans
55. Collingwood - Zak McCarthy

End R3

 

[Wooshaaaa]

The cats select.....

One of the most consistent hard nosed bendigo pioneers

Tom Evans.

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

I guess that's me for the Pies again.

With the final pick, Collingwood select Talor Byrne to sure up their small forward stocks.



A damaging small forward from Vic Country, Talor plays with high intensity and loves to tackle and pressure, is surprisingly good overhead for his 174cm stature and brings his teammates into the game with great vision and clean hands. Should overtake that spud Lachie Shultz in no time. Draft range was predicted as 25-40, more than happy to take him with pick 55.

Talor Byrne Draft Profile

GWV Rebels powerhouse Talor Byrne possesses plenty of speed and smarts in the front half, along with manic defensive pressure.

central.rookieme.com

 

[rebel23]

I guess that's me for the Pies again.

With the final pick, Collingwood select Talor Byrne to sure up their small forward stocks.

View attachment 2465162

A damaging small forward from Vic Country, Talor plays with high intensity and loves to tackle and pressure, is surprisingly good overhead for his 174cm stature and brings his teammates into the game with great vision and clean hands. Should overtake that spud Lachie Shultz in no time. Draft range was predicted as 25-40, more than happy to take him with pick 55.

Talor Byrne Draft Profile

GWV Rebels powerhouse Talor Byrne possesses plenty of speed and smarts in the front half, along with manic defensive pressure.

central.rookieme.com

Thought he was already picked?

 

[txbyhull]

I believe Byrne was picked by the Bulldogs in the second round earlier

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Shit, you're right. I looked over the list to check and missed it. Looks like he was taken at the Dogs pick. Give me a moment and I'll re-select.

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Attempt number 2!

Ideally without a bid I would have added this fellow to our rookie list but for the sake of this exersise Collingwood select our NGA product Zac McCarthy.

A 199cm Ruck/Forward, Zac adds to the Pies tall depth which is pretty thin. He has rapidly improved his game in a short period to push himself into draft contention.

STRENGTHS:

• Aerial ability
• Mobility
• Reach
• Scoreboard impact
• Upside
• Versatility

Zac McCarthy Draft Profile

Collingwood NGA hopeful Zac McCarthy is a mobile key forward with raw potential who can also chop-out in the ruck.

central.rookieme.com

 

[txbyhull]

Splendid. My mature age recruit has lasted till the end of the draft. Think Massimo Raso is a genuine chance at being drafted out of Richmond VFL. Spark plug in the mid at 171 odd cm but has been lighting it up as a small forward since finishing up his junior career. Think he’d compliment Freo’s list build very well

 

[Monocle]

Attempt number 2!

Ideally without a bid I would have added this fellow to our rookie list but for the sake of this exersise Collingwood select our NGA product Zac McCarthy.

A 199cm Ruck/Forward, Zac adds to the Pies tall depth which is pretty thin. He has rapidly improved his game in a short period to push himself into draft contention.

STRENGTHS:

• Aerial ability
• Mobility
• Reach
• Scoreboard impact
• Upside
• Versatility

View attachment 2465246

Zac McCarthy Draft Profile

Collingwood NGA hopeful Zac McCarthy is a mobile key forward with raw potential who can also chop-out in the ruck.

central.rookieme.com

Excellent choice and you have got a bargain picking him up with such a late pick, well done and a very astute selection.

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Excellent choice and you have got a bargain picking him up with such a late pick, well done and a very astute selection.

Cheers! He rounds out the draft for Collingwood. Not sure if it will continue from here but I'm happy with my 4 picks for the year so will pass on any further selections.

 

[txbyhull]

Cheers! He rounds out the draft for Collingwood. Not sure if it will continue from here but I'm happy with my 4 picks for the year so will pass on any further selections.

Actually super surprised he wasn’t bid on pretty earlier. Think he’s a very talented player

 

[ArdentEagle]

I'm just waiting to see if I can get my hands on full combine results before posting my profiles.

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Actually super surprised he wasn’t bid on pretty earlier. Think he’s a very talented player

I had hoped all through the draft that would be the case. Got lucky I think!

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

I'm just waiting to see if I can get my hands on full combine results before posting my profiles.

Love how invested you've been in this mock draft mate, keeps things interesting.

Also just quietly, if WCE landed a haul of Duursma, CDT, Sharp, BOB, Kickett and Taj Murray I would probably need to visit the emergency room to get rid of my monumental boner. Well done

 

[Keys]

And we’re done for this mock

Thanks to all those who participated and cheered on from the sidelines and I think there were some learnings to be taken from it

Notably the value of bidding early so clubs are forced to pay full sticker price for their academy products in particular. The revised DVI means that it’s not really possible to trade into the back end of R2 and later collecting multiple junk picks to points match as the values aren’t high enough. Matching early bids saw multiple R2 picks vanish and even some late R1 picks

From an Eagles perspective, due to the picks being lost to bid matching, our picks 34 and 41 moved up several places and there were still good options available at those picks. Does make it interesting in how we assess our own NGA players, particularly Tylah Williams who is considered by some to be bid on early in R2 or perhaps even sooner

Standby for a rerun once final list lodgements are done and we have a definitive draft order that takes into account available list spots. I envisage getting that started about 2 weeks out from the draft with a call for volunteers a couple of days beforehand

Thanks again to those who took part

 

[ArdentEagle]

WCE 2025 MOCK DRAFT HAUL.​

Full profiles as below - Most of which was taken from Rookie me central, zero hanger, AFL, Fox, ESPN websites with some contributions from myself as an armchair amateur and D+T tragic fan.

I'm trying to get hold of full combine results, if I can, I will add them to this post.

Will post reasoning/thinking for each pick over the next few days separately

1. Willem Duursma​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 193 cm
• 2024 & 2025 Talent League / U18 Championships: In 2025 for Vic Country: 62 kicks, 35 handballs (97 disposals), 21 marks, 33 inside-50s in limited sample.

Full Profile​

Willem Duursma is a highly rated utility prospect playing with the Gippsland Power and representing Vic Country at the U18 level. He offers a rare blend of size (circa 193 cm) and running ability, allowing him to play across half-back, wing or up on a forward flank. Scouts note his composure under pressure, clean disposal and ability to break lines.


Strengths include his marking sense, ability to transition the ball out of congestion, and versatility. He can impact both offensively and defensively.

Challenges for Duursma will be building his body strength to hold up in heavy midfield or deep-defensive roles and refining his defensive one-on-one craft under AFL pressure.


Projection: He appears likely to be selected in the early first round; his best-case role is a dynamic big midfielder, like Fyfe with a better kick, he's start on the wing/HBF. With the right development his ceiling is extremely high.

He's got a wiry frame which will bulk up, pretty strong through the legs and core already.

According to Willem himself, he likens is game to the Bont -Duursma chat here

Duursma interview from 26/10 - I hope I get a tan!!


Video highlights: Watch Duursma highlights

---

2. Cooper Duff‑Tytler​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 201 cm (mobile ruck/forward/utility)
• 20m sprint: 2.922 seconds (finished 8th in Combine)
• 2 km time trial: 6:21 (finished 8th)
• Sample performance: In one Coates Talent League round: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 22 hit-outs.
• Draft range: Early first round contender.

Full Profile​

Cooper Duff-Tytler is a 201cm ruck/forward/utility prospect with genuine athleticism, an attribute that makes him an exciting option for clubs seeking a very mobile big man. He plays with pretty good tap-work, can push forward and impact scoreboard and uses his feet very well for a player of his size. Pretty good first touch and clean too.


Strengths: mobility around the ground, follow up work, athleticism, versatility, ability to present forward and lead-up mark or finish.

Weaknesses: needs to build strength for sustained contests, and refine consistency in forward craft against mature opponents. Contested marking is okay but not great...I think this will come with increase in strength.


Projection: Clubs could view him as a primary ruck with an interchangeable forward role or as a forward‐ruck luxury. I personally think he'd be best suited to a true tall utility role, much like Blicavs from Geelong. (But with a higher ceiling).

This type of player is rare and VERY valuable to team/structures allowing a huge amount of flexibility.
Rule changes will also be an advantage for him. People should be getting excited. (Not obsessed with 201cm vs 204cm. lol)



Video highlights: Watch Duff-Tytler highlights

Duff-Tytler on gettable from April Duff-Tytler chat here

---

3. Dyson Sharp​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 188 cm
• Captained SA Under-18 team, won Larke Medal (best player of National U18 Championships)
• Draft range: Top 5-10 candidate, viewed as ready-made inside midfielder.

Full Profile​

Dyson Sharp is the archetypal contested ball winner and inside midfielder. He made waves in the 2025 U18 National Championships by captaining South Australia, dominating stoppages and being named the best player.


Strengths: high work rate, elite contested clearance ability, strong tackling pressure, clean hands, and proven leadership.

Areas to refine: his outside running / aerobic endurance for modern midfield loads, and long‐range kicking consistency under fatigue.


Projection: He is likely to be selected top-mid first round and slot directly into an AFL midfield rotation early. His floor is high; his potential is to become a club best and future leader. He want's to win and others will follow him into battle. every team loves this type.


Video highlights: Watch Sharp highlights

Dyson Sharp interview from July - Sharp chat here

---

4. Blake Oudshoorn‑Bennier​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 182 cm
• 2025 U18 Championships (SA): 21 kicks, 38 handballs (59 disposals) in sample, plus 11 marks, 23 inside-50s, 10 tackles.
• Draft range: early-second round or high second, with upside as dual midfielder/small forward.

Full Profile​

Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier is a classy South Australian mid-small forward type, playing for North Adelaide. He is lauded for his execution under pressure, decision-making, movement, and goal sense.


Strengths: Excellent skills, good acceleration, footy IQ, ability to break lines and contribute forward. Areas to improve: Defensive transitions, strengthen contested body work to win inside ball regularly.


Projection: A club that wants versatile forward‐mid depth could pick him to develop into a dangerous mid/forward. With time he could be a 20+ disposal midfielder who goes forward and kicks goals.


Video highlights: Watch Oudshoorn-Bennier highlights

---

5. Leon Kickett​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 172 cm
• 2025 season: In WAFL Colts for Swan Districts: 16 games, 146 kicks, 90 handballs (236 disposals).
• Draft range: 25-50

Full Profile​

Leon Kickett is an over-age draft prospect from Western Australia, playing as a small/medium forward with strong forward craft, leading ability, and goal sense. After a strong second half of the season he earned a national combine invite.


Strengths: excellent leading patterns, goal finishing, pressure forward work, knows how to find space and convert, very aggressive tackling in general...Likes to hurt the opposition.

Areas to improve: Endurance and consistency


Projection: Clubs looking for a small forward with polish will pick him to contribute early in a high pressure‐forward/x-factor role and develop into a regular small/medium forward. (Medium forward due to high flying marking prowess like Liam Ryan

31

Liam Ryan

Age

29

Ht

181cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.3

5star

D

9.9

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.3

3star

T

1.6

3star

G

1.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

- Not in height)


Video highlights: Watch Kickett highlights

---

6. Taj Murray​

Stats & Measurables​

• Height: 201 cm
• U18 Champs / Talent League: 2025 for Allies: 13 kicks, 12 handballs (25 disposals), 7 marks, 13 inside-50s in sample.
• Draft range: Pick ~25-55 (development project)

Full Profile​

Taj Murray is a Northern Territory talent playing tall forward/ruck for North Adelaide and the NT Academy. He is highly athletic for his size and shows signs of upside as a tall who can rotate through the ruck and up forward. He also has scope to become a quality intercept marking CHB


Strengths: mobility, huge leap, reach, upside, versatility.

Areas to lift: positional craft in contested one‐on‐one, building body to run full AFL matches.


Projection: A club willing to invest will pick with him in the draft, will get an exciting developmental tall with high upside. With 2-3 years of development he could become a swing forward/ruck/KPD option and he has some very similar qualities to Luke Jackson

9

Luke Jackson

Age

24

Ht

199cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.3

2star

K

3.3

1star

HB

5.0

4star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.0

3star

G

0.3

3star

D

8.3

2star

K

3.3

1star

HB

5.0

3star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.0

2star

G

0.3

3star

D

8.3

3star

K

3.3

2star

HB

5.0

4star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.0

3star

G

0.3

3star

.


Video highlights: Watch Murray highlights

Taj Murray interview - Taj Murray interview

 

[ArdentEagle]

And we’re done for this mock

Thanks to all those who participated and cheered on from the sidelines and I think there were some learnings to be taken from it

Notably the value of bidding early so clubs are forced to pay full sticker price for their academy products in particular. The revised DVI means that it’s not really possible to trade into the back end of R2 and later collecting multiple junk picks to points match as the values aren’t high enough. Matching early bids saw multiple R2 picks vanish and even some late R1 picks

From an Eagles perspective, due to the picks being lost to bid matching, our picks 34 and 41 moved up several places and there were still good options available at those picks. Does make it interesting in how we assess our own NGA players, particularly Tylah Williams who is considered by some to be bid on early in R2 or perhaps even sooner

Standby for a rerun once final list lodgements are done and we have a definitive draft order that takes into account available list spots. I envisage getting that started about 2 weeks out from the draft with a call for volunteers a couple of days beforehand

Thanks again to those who took part

Thanks for all of your work to keep it running....It's greatly appreciated mate.

 

[squashface]

Western Bulldogs picks sum up/reasoning:

From my stalking on the Dogs board - they were keen on an attacking HBF was well as small forward options. Oskar Taylor was going to be my guy with 17 however with Jacob Farrow still on the board I couldn't pass him up - the idea is he would start his career off the HBF before transitioning into the midfield as the Dogs start preparing for life after Bont.

Talor Byrne was a slight reach at 28 however with my main targets for that pick in Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Harley Barker and Latrelle Sumner-Pickett going just a handful of picks beforehand, I pulled the trigger on Byrne as an impactful forward who I think projects as a Tom Papley type.

Will Darcy (brother of Sam, son of Luke) will be on the Dogs list with no bids expected as a raw prospect who can play at either end.

Below profiles stolen from Rookie Me Central


Pick 17 - Jacob Farrow
West Perth - Defender-Midfielder
Height: 187cm

SNAPSHOT: “The leading prospect out of WA, Farrow is a big-bodied half-back with running power, a booming left foot and midfield potential.” – Hayden Narducci

The big bolter out of Western Australia this year, Jacob Farrow started the season on fire with back-to-back 27-disposal games in the WAFL Colts. Having been overlooked for the summer program, Farrow’s form across half-back saw him storm into the state 18s setup, exciting recruiters with his smooth movement and lethal left foot kicking. He leapfrogged many contenders to put himself in WA’s primary midfield rotation.

Able to break the game wide open with his kicking, Farrow has drawn many comparisons to Hayden Young and Jordan Dawson. His height and running capabilities give him the scope to move from tall intercepting defender, to strong inside midfielder in future. With a bit more time and vision of the field ahead of him, Farrow shows much more confidence and ability to take on dangerous kicks and gain meterage, highlighted by his final two games of the State 18’s where he led all comers for metres gained.

Farrow earned a valuable taste of senior footy this year, playing three games in West Perth’s League side and peaking with a 22-disposal, nine-mark performance against East Perth before running out the season back at Colts level. There is still clearly plenty of growth left for Farrow, but his strong blend of athleticism and skills have fans and recruiters alike excited for what he could become.




Pick 28 - Talor Byrne
GWV Rebels - Midfielder-Forward
Height: 174cm

SNAPSHOT: “A powerful small with dynamite left-foot kicking and explosive speed to impact going both ways.” – Michael Alvaro

Talor Byrne rocketed up draft boards in 2025, carrying the momentum from a promising Coates Talent League Grand Final at the end of 2024. His Greater Western Victoria (GWV) side went down that day, but a bottom-aged Byrne booted two goals to provide a glimpse of his exciting talent. It capped off a steady season for the Koroit product, who played 12 games for an average 7.1 disposals and seven total goals.

Fast forward to 2025, and the pocket rocket meant business off the bat. Byrne’s 23 disposals, seven inside 50s and one goal in a first-up win over Geelong proved a sign of things to come, as he produced a block of form which warranted selection in the Vic Country squad. He missed game one through a corkie but went on to play the remaining three matches, including a five-goal haul against Vic Metro.

Having shown his wares as a midfielder, Byrne progressively spent more time forward where he is likely to end up at the top level. On top of his breakout game for the Big V, he posted 22 disposals, nine tackles and three goals in the Rebels’ Round 12 win over Northern to further prove his credentials inside 50. In his own words, he “can do a bit of damage” no matter the role.

Byrne went on to take out GWV’s best and fairest award and was named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. He was the region’s sole National Draft Combine invitee this year on the back of a deep postseason run, bowing out to eventual premier Eastern in the preliminary final stage. His power was evident with strong results at the combine, which compliments his on-field feats.




Added to list after no bids: Will Darcy
Oakleigh Chargers - Key Position Utility
Height: 196cm

SNAPSHOT: “A raw and wiry key position talent who can impact at either end of the ground, coming from multiple generations of footballing pedigree.” – Michael Alvaro

Football runs in the veins of Will Darcy, as does donning the famous red, white, and blue guernsey. While elder brother Sam produced a breakout campaign for the Western Bulldogs in 2025, Will’s family ties to Whitten Oval extend back to his father Luke – a former captain who played 226 games – and late grandfather David, who managed 133 appearances.

The most junior Darcy has paved his way into draft contention with relatively minimal exposure. His school football form with APS side Scotch College was enough to see him earn a call-up to the Oakleigh Chargers, where he debuted in Round 13. He went on to make five appearances but had his year cut short by a back injury which also kept him out of the National Draft Combine.

Darcy played arguably his best game at school level against Geelong College, where he showcased his ability to impact at either end of the ground. He has had the opportunity to complete touch, vision, and recovery sessions with the Bulldogs every few weeks this year and says it would be a dream to add to his family legacy at Whitten Oval, via father-son rules.

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

And we’re done for this mock

Thanks to all those who participated and cheered on from the sidelines and I think there were some learnings to be taken from it

Notably the value of bidding early so clubs are forced to pay full sticker price for their academy products in particular. The revised DVI means that it’s not really possible to trade into the back end of R2 and later collecting multiple junk picks to points match as the values aren’t high enough. Matching early bids saw multiple R2 picks vanish and even some late R1 picks

From an Eagles perspective, due to the picks being lost to bid matching, our picks 34 and 41 moved up several places and there were still good options available at those picks. Does make it interesting in how we assess our own NGA players, particularly Tylah Williams who is considered by some to be bid on early in R2 or perhaps even sooner

Standby for a rerun once final list lodgements are done and we have a definitive draft order that takes into account available list spots. I envisage getting that started about 2 weeks out from the draft with a call for volunteers a couple of days beforehand

Thanks again to those who took part

Thanks for running this thing Keys, and to all who participated. Love a good mock draft, always a good opportunity to learn about the upcoming real thing.

My takeaway is that there's some good talent but it's not a super deep draft. Shit for rucks, but there's a few tall defender smokeys I wouldn't mind us looking at.

 

[txbyhull]

Is there board rules regarding running unofficial, recreational mock drafts? Would probably be far more difficult without the omnipotent genius that is Keys at the helm but boy am I itching to do another one already

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Is there board rules regarding running unofficial, recreational mock drafts? Would probably be far more difficult without the omnipotent genius that is Keys at the helm but boy am I itching to do another one already

Bootleg style, I love it. No rules. No holds barred. Bare knuckle drafting. Enter at your own risk campaigners

 

[txbyhull]

Bootleg style, I love it. No rules. No holds barred. Bare knuckle drafting. Enter at your own risk campaigners

the way to get around Keys getting a day off is by ****ing off academies and father son, full blown free for all on talent and list need

 

[wceeaglesfan]

thoughts on pick 2 for 5 and Essendon's f1?

 

[txbyhull]

thoughts on pick 2 for 5 and Essendon's f1?

Honestly I would do it, but it’s all about hindsight. I’d rather do push to upgrade 13 than downgrade 2 but chances are we’ll never know

 

[RustyShacklefordFalcon]

Western Bulldogs picks sum up/reasoning:

From my stalking on the Dogs board - they were keen on an attacking HBF was well as small forward options. Oskar Taylor was going to be my guy with 17 however with Jacob Farrow still on the board I couldn't pass him up - the idea is he would start his career off the HBF before transitioning into the midfield as the Dogs start preparing for life after Bont.

Talor Byrne was a slight reach at 28 however with my main targets for that pick in Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Harley Barker and Latrelle Sumner-Pickett going just a handful of picks beforehand, I pulled the trigger on Byrne as an impactful forward who I think projects as a Tom Papley type.

Will Darcy (brother of Sam, son of Luke) will be on the Dogs list with no bids expected as a raw prospect who can play at either end.

Below profiles stolen from Rookie Me Central


Pick 17 - Jacob Farrow
West Perth - Defender-Midfielder
Height: 187cm

SNAPSHOT: “The leading prospect out of WA, Farrow is a big-bodied half-back with running power, a booming left foot and midfield potential.” – Hayden Narducci

The big bolter out of Western Australia this year, Jacob Farrow started the season on fire with back-to-back 27-disposal games in the WAFL Colts. Having been overlooked for the summer program, Farrow’s form across half-back saw him storm into the state 18s setup, exciting recruiters with his smooth movement and lethal left foot kicking. He leapfrogged many contenders to put himself in WA’s primary midfield rotation.

Able to break the game wide open with his kicking, Farrow has drawn many comparisons to Hayden Young and Jordan Dawson. His height and running capabilities give him the scope to move from tall intercepting defender, to strong inside midfielder in future. With a bit more time and vision of the field ahead of him, Farrow shows much more confidence and ability to take on dangerous kicks and gain meterage, highlighted by his final two games of the State 18’s where he led all comers for metres gained.

Farrow earned a valuable taste of senior footy this year, playing three games in West Perth’s League side and peaking with a 22-disposal, nine-mark performance against East Perth before running out the season back at Colts level. There is still clearly plenty of growth left for Farrow, but his strong blend of athleticism and skills have fans and recruiters alike excited for what he could become.




Pick 28 - Talor Byrne
GWV Rebels - Midfielder-Forward
Height: 174cm

SNAPSHOT: “A powerful small with dynamite left-foot kicking and explosive speed to impact going both ways.” – Michael Alvaro

Talor Byrne rocketed up draft boards in 2025, carrying the momentum from a promising Coates Talent League Grand Final at the end of 2024. His Greater Western Victoria (GWV) side went down that day, but a bottom-aged Byrne booted two goals to provide a glimpse of his exciting talent. It capped off a steady season for the Koroit product, who played 12 games for an average 7.1 disposals and seven total goals.

Fast forward to 2025, and the pocket rocket meant business off the bat. Byrne’s 23 disposals, seven inside 50s and one goal in a first-up win over Geelong proved a sign of things to come, as he produced a block of form which warranted selection in the Vic Country squad. He missed game one through a corkie but went on to play the remaining three matches, including a five-goal haul against Vic Metro.

Having shown his wares as a midfielder, Byrne progressively spent more time forward where he is likely to end up at the top level. On top of his breakout game for the Big V, he posted 22 disposals, nine tackles and three goals in the Rebels’ Round 12 win over Northern to further prove his credentials inside 50. In his own words, he “can do a bit of damage” no matter the role.

Byrne went on to take out GWV’s best and fairest award and was named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. He was the region’s sole National Draft Combine invitee this year on the back of a deep postseason run, bowing out to eventual premier Eastern in the preliminary final stage. His power was evident with strong results at the combine, which compliments his on-field feats.




Added to list after no bids: Will Darcy
Oakleigh Chargers - Key Position Utility
Height: 196cm

SNAPSHOT: “A raw and wiry key position talent who can impact at either end of the ground, coming from multiple generations of footballing pedigree.” – Michael Alvaro

Football runs in the veins of Will Darcy, as does donning the famous red, white, and blue guernsey. While elder brother Sam produced a breakout campaign for the Western Bulldogs in 2025, Will’s family ties to Whitten Oval extend back to his father Luke – a former captain who played 226 games – and late grandfather David, who managed 133 appearances.

The most junior Darcy has paved his way into draft contention with relatively minimal exposure. His school football form with APS side Scotch College was enough to see him earn a call-up to the Oakleigh Chargers, where he debuted in Round 13. He went on to make five appearances but had his year cut short by a back injury which also kept him out of the National Draft Combine.

Darcy played arguably his best game at school level against Geelong College, where he showcased his ability to impact at either end of the ground. He has had the opportunity to complete touch, vision, and recovery sessions with the Bulldogs every few weeks this year and says it would be a dream to add to his family legacy at Whitten Oval, via father-son rules.

Highly rate this haul. F U btw, thought I was the smartest in the room taking Talor Byrne. Turns out I was the slowest

 

[txbyhull]

Fremantle Selections 21 and 32.

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Pick #21: Mitch Marsh

191cm, Hybrid Tall Forward
West Adelaide, South Australia

Strengths:

• Endurance / Running Capacity
• Forward Craft (Leads, Overhead, Set Shot)
• Field Kicking

Shortcomings:
- Raw Strength

Mitch Marsh finds himself in the third tall forward / hybrid forward role going into the draft, however has the wares to make a move into a similarly versatile role to that of 2025 Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

32

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

pushing high up the ground and as far as a wing. A repeat leading machine, 'The Bison' marks like he's 195cm and moves like he's 185cm, with the pack marking and ground level skills to boot.

An elite set-shot in all facets of the skill, Marsh is able to bury the pill from near any distance or angle. His booming left foot extends to a deceptively high-level field kicking ability as seen late in his season with West Adelaide. Kicking 2 a game during that u18 campaign, as well as 12 in 4 at champs, Marsh uses his blend of speed, endurance and spring-heeled leap to get off the chain both deep inside 50 or out towards half-forward.

At AFL level he will work towards packing more muscle and core-strength onto his frame, as well as adding a dimension of forward 50 defensive pressure to his game if/when he can't outwork the elite defenders that can match him for speed, endurance, and aerial ability.

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Pick #32: Matthew LeRay

188cm, Wing / Utility
Central District, South Australia

Strengths:

• Intangibles / Character
• Skills
• Upside

Shortcomings:

• Tank
• Decision Making

All-Australian Wing Matt LeRay comes into the draft having played across every line this season and flourishing. At 188cm he blends skill, size, and intangibles together to make him an adaptable, modern footballer who has as much room to grow as anyone. He projects as a potential big-bodied midfielder with his class, and has stood on in a move to defence late this season, after dominating the wings opposite Harley Barker at u18 champs.

A dual-footed, clean overhead and below-the-knees player, LeRay is highly capable when it comes to winning his own ball, not only due to said skills but his immense work-rate both ways, grunt, and willingness to put his body in the line of fire. His immense leadership qualities, having captained Central this year, and also leading the South Australian u19 Cricket side, show off a team-first approach.

At AFL level he will endeavour to further improve his tank, as well as his decision making as to how to approach the game. He presented a modest 2km time trial, impressing more so in-game, but that only shows significant room for improvement and development, hopefully pushing towards a role on-ball in the future. As for his decision-making, LeRay sometimes commits too fully to going for a run, or takes too long to pick a target in open space. Both of these are not concerns to me, as a few years in the system under good IP proposes an elite all-rounder that fits the modern game superbly.

Toby Whan

Massimo Raso (Rookie or 4th Round)