Richmond’s No.1 pick Sam Lalor, Scott Camporeale and Carlton father-son selections Ben and Lucas, Essendon selection Isaac Kako.
ADELAIDE
2024 draftees: 4. Sid Draper (South Adelaide), 59. Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens) [father-son]
The Crows will be hoping explosive on-baller Sid Draper will be able to instantly add some class to a midfield that contains the likes of Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine. The dynamic All-Australian has pace to burn and the ability to turn a game singlehandedly. A born leader, his knack for bursting out of the centre will captivate Adelaide fans for years to come. The classy ball winner is always on the move and is very hard to tackle thanks to his impressive core strength. Meanwhile, Welsh is the son of former Adelaide forward Scott, who kicked 270 goals from 129 games with the Crows. Like his father, Tyler is also a forward, but at 192cm is more of a key position player and his strongly-built physique could see him end up being a Darcy Fogarty-type. His best performance of the year came for South Australia in the national championships when he kicked four goals against Vic Country.
BRISBANE
2024 draftees: 5. Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons) [father-son], 25. Sam Marshall (Sandringham Dragons) [academy], 42. Ty Gallop (Maroochydore) [academy]
Melbourne put a bid on Brisbane father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft at pick five, but the Lions were having none of that, giving up selections 40, 42, 43 and 46, while gaining 68, 94 and 97, to secure the midfield prodigy. Ashcroft, the brother of reigning Norm Smith Medallist Will, was a three-time premiership player for the Sandringham Dragons and three-time All-Australian at underage level. In short, he is an absolute gun, and won’t take long to challenge for a spot in Brisbane’s premiership-winning midfield that already features Will, Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley. Like Will, he is an ultimate professional, hardly ever plays a poor game and barely makes a mistake. Brisbane was forced to match another bid from the Swans at pick 25, and once again, they did so gladly in order to snaffle another promising midfielder Sam Marshall, who the Lions had access to as part of their academy. The reigning premiers gave up picks 43 and 44, and acquired 57, to further bolster their stellar midfield group. Like Levi Ashcroft, Marshall is a superb user of the ball, and was best on ground in the under-18 grand final this year with 28 touches and two goals. At pick 42, Geelong made a bid for another of Brisbane’s academy players in key forward Ty Gallop, but the Lions matched the bid by parting ways with pick 59 in what was a bit of a surprise considering he wasn’t rated a top 100 player.
CARLTON
2024 draftees: 3. Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers), 40. Harry O’Farrell (Calder Cannons), 43. Ben Camporeale (Glenelg) [father-son], 54. Lucas Camporeale (Glenelg) [father-son]
Jagga Smith is a brilliant midfielder who was a ball magnet this year, averaging 31 disposals in 21 games, including five at VFL level. The All-Australian team captain registered a remarkable 50 disposals and 17 clearances in a single game earlier this year, but most importantly, the intelligent youngster uses the footy really well. He could’ve easily gone at pick No.1, and is reminiscent of Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters with his great vision, superb hands, lovely balance and propensity to rack up both the contested and uncontested possessions. Harry O’Farrell is a key backman who reads the play extremely well and at 197cm tall already, the 18-year-old looms a potential nightmare for opposing key forwards in years to come. Carlton’s next two picks made for one of the most heartwarming stories of the draft as the Blues picked up twin brothers Ben and Lucas Camporeale, sons of former Carlton premiership star Scott, under the father-son rule. Geelong made a bid for Ben at pick 43, which the Blues matched by giving up selection 56, and then the Swans came knocking at pick 54 for Lucas, and Carlton secured his services as well by parting ways with picks 63 and 67. Ben has the ability to play either down back or on the ball and can rack up the disposals, while Lucas is more suited to the wing and consistently runs himself into the ground.
COLLINGWOOD
2024 draftees: 47. Joel Cochran (UNSW Eastern Suburbs), 50. Charlie West (Woodville-West Torrens), 56. Will Hayes (Claremont)
Collingwood made a bid on Sydney academy player Joel Cochran at pick 47, and somewhat surprisingly the Swans decided against matching the bid, despite only having to give up picks 54 and 87, while also gaining 65 in return. A key defender, Cochran has quite a few tricks up his sleeve and can also play on a wing despite being 195cm tall, such is his athletic prowess. He can take a big mark in the air and won the 2km time trial at the draft combine with a time of 6:05. Charlie West, whose grandfather is former AFL CEO Wayne Jackson, was a bit of a bolter given he wasn’t rated in the top 80 heading into the draft. The key forward played a big role in Woodville-West Torrens’ under-18 SANFL premiership and will clearly fill a need for the Magpies who are desperate for more tall options in attack. The speedy Will Hayes is also an attacking option as a small forward who can play on the wing as well.
ESSENDON
2024 draftees: 13. Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons) [academy], 37. Kayle Gerreyn (West Perth), 39. Angus Clarke (Glenelg), 61. Rhys Unwin (GWV Rebels), 70. Zak Johnson (Northern Knights)
Richmond made a bid for the Bombers’ Isaac Kako at pick 13, and understandably so considering he is the best small forward at the draft. In saying that, Essendon wasted no time in giving up selections 33 and 34, while gaining 60, to land the classy youngster. Kako was outstanding in his final underage year, earning All-Australian honours and will have the ability to light up the Bombers forward line in years to come. He is capable of doing some very special things, but the beauty about the courageous Calder product is that he is also very unselfish. He can get up the ground and set a lot of play up inside 50 with his pace and deadly precise disposal. Kayle Gerreyn is a tall forward/ruck option, and is a logical pick-up for the Bombers considering the flux that their ruck department seems to be in with Nick Bryan, Sam Draper, Todd Goldstein and Vigo Visentini the other members. Possesses beautiful skills that are rarely associated with players who are 200cm tall and heads to Tullamarine after having a very impressive year in the WAFL Colts with West Perth, averaging 22 touches, six marks and 22 hitouts a game while also kicking 18 goals. Angus Clarke is an undersized key defender who plays a bit like new teammate Mason Redman, the crafty Rhys Unwin is effective as either a quick small forward or a midfielder and Zak Johnson is a multi-positional player who is comfortable both in defence and the midfield.
FREMANTLE
2024 draftees: 17. Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons), 34. Charlie Nicholls (Central District), 63. Jaren Carr (South Fremantle) [father-son]
The Dockers would be very happy that they were able to get Murphy Reid at pick 17 considering he was touted as a potential top-10 pick heading into the draft. The Sandringham product is a dangerous playmaker and a powerful runner who regularly leaves opponents in his wake as he sprints away with the ball. Reid knows how to find the footy, as he showed at this year’s national championships, averaging 25 touches (nine contested) and winning the MVP for Vic Metro while also clinching a spot in the All-Australian team. He also made it into the Coates League team of the year after a sensational season with Sandringham and playing a key role in their premiership. Charlie Nicholls is a key forward who probably needs to spend a few summers in the gym to start realising his full potential but he could also fill a role down back if need be. He booted 22 goals in eight SANFL under-18 games for Central District. With their last pick, Freo picked up Jaren Carr, the son of Matthew Carr, as a father-son selection. A speculative pick, Jaren is a medium forward who only managed three goals in nine appearances for South Fremantle this year.
GEELONG
2024 draftees: 44. Jay Polkinghorne (Norwood), 52. Jacob Molier (Sturt), 66. Lennox Hofmann (Sandringham Dragons), 69. Keighton Matofai-Forbes (Western Jets)
The Cats made a late entry into the draft with pick 44, and used that selection to pick up key forward Jay Polkinghorne. The Norwood product has a vice-like grip and is a beautiful shot for goal. He registered 17 touches, eight grabs and two goals in the Redlegs’ reserves premiership. Jacob Molier is a developing ruckman and looks to be a project player after growing 6cm in the last year to now stand 201cm tall. He averaged 11 possessions, four marks and 19 hitouts for Sturt under-18s in 2024. At pick 66, the Cats put in a bid for St Kilda academy defender Lennox Hoffman, which the Saints refused to match. The son of Swiss parents, Hoffman has pace to burn and has displayed a strong ability to chop off opposing forward forays. Keighton Matofai-Forbes was a bit of a surprise pick-up at No.69. He has only shown fleeting hints of what he’s capable of, but the Cats are confident in their strong developmental track record.
GOLD COAST
2024 draftees: 9. Leo Lombard (Burleigh Bombers) [academy], 49. Cooper Bell (Belconnen)
With pick nine, the Saints made a bid for Suns academy player Leo Lombard, but Gold Coast relinquished picks 40, 41, 48 and 58, while getting back selections 89 and 94, to secure the exciting midfielder who is one of the fastest, most athletic and agile players of the draft. Lombard won the Larke Medal this year and was the Allies MVP. The on-baller also has courage in spades and his ability to sprint clear of his opponents in quick time makes him an exciting prospect. At pick 49, the Suns submitted a bid for GWS academy player Cooper Bell, who hails from Canberra. The Giants only had to part ways with pick 93 to match the bid, but decided against it. Perhaps that was because Bell wasn’t rated in the top 90 players of the draft, making him one of the biggest bolters of 2024. At 199cm tall, Bell is a key defender who is deceptively quick and is a reliable grab. The soon-to-be 18-year-old proved himself a sound opponent against some of the best underage key forwards.
GWS
2024 draftees: 18. Oliver Hannaford (GWV Rebels), 19. Harrison Oliver (Sandringham Dragons), 24. Cody Angove (Claremont), 36. Jack Ough (GWV Rebels), 71. Logan Smith (Queanbeyan) [academy]
Oliver Hannaford is a high-energy small forward who has the ability to have a huge impact on games, as evidenced by his bags of six and five in 2024. However, he is also a weapon in the midfield when put there, and even down back, giving his new coach Adam Kingsley plenty of options. Hannaford made it into the Coates Talent League team of the year after averaging 17 disposals and four tackles while kicking 21 majors as well for the GWV Rebels. Meanwhile, down the other end of the ground, the Giants have also got themselves a ripper in Harrison Oliver who was rated as the best small defender in the draft. Oliver is a measured and unflustered player who almost served as a quarterback for Vic Metro at this year’s championships. Gifted with plenty of pace, Oliver simply makes things happen. A draft wouldn’t be complete without GWS pulling a surprise, and that’s exactly what they did at pick 24 when they snared another small forward in Cody Angove who wasn’t expected to get selected until the 50s at least. Jack Ough is a big-bodied midfielder who is a lovely distributor of the pill and Logan Smith was one of two All-Australian rucks along with St Kilda draftee Alexander Dodson.
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HAWTHORN
2024 draftees: 35. Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays), 64. Cody Anderson (Eastern Ranges) [academy]
Noah Mraz slipped down the pecking order and into the Hawks’ waiting arms at pick 35 after missing most of the year due to injury. However, the key defender impressed recruiters at the start of the season, and would’ve probably been a top-20 pick had he continued on that trajectory over the course of the year. But Hawthorn didn’t forget how good he looked and despite being lightly-built, Mraz is a fantastic intercept mark. Once he fills out his frame, he looks like he will be able to play on some of the league’s biggest key forwards. Mraz is athletic and is far from a liability when the ball hits the ground. Cody Anderson was taken as an academy pick and the small defender impressed the Hawks with his sheer reluctance to ever give up a contest against his opponent. Anderson has also displayed an ability to win his own ball at the coal face and averaged 23 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and six tackles this year for Eastern Ranges.
MELBOURNE
2024 draftees: 6. Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays), 11. Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power), 68. Aidan Johnson (Werribee)
After their ambitious bid on Will Ashcroft, the Demons got a very handy consolation prize with the next pick in strong midfielder Harvey Langford who not only can play on the inside and outside, but his versatility enables him to have an impact up forward too. The joint Larke Medal winner is a tall and powerful on-baller at a height of 191cm and has a sensational left foot. Langford very rarely had a down game at underage level, winning the best-and-fairest at Dandenong this year and the MVP for Vic Country as well. Like Langford, Xavier Lindsay is a versatile midfielder who can get you both on the inside and outside of a contest. But the 2024 Morrish Medal winner can also torch the opposition on the wing, at half-back and at half-forward, such is his versatility. Lindsay makes very few mistakes with ball in hand and has bucketloads of courage too. The forward line has long been an issue for Melbourne, and the Demons recognised this with their final pick Aidan Johnson who is a mature age key forward that played an important role in Werribee’s thrilling VFL grand final win this year.
NORTH MELBOURNE
2024 draftees: 2. Finn O’Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers), 27. Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers), 57. Luke Urquhart (East Fremantle), 67. River Stevens (Geelong Falcons) [father-son]
The Kangaroos added to their growing treasure trove of elite midfield talent they’ve acquired in recent years by picking up gun midfielder Finn O’Sullivan with selection No.2. With the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw already having a big impact in that part of the ground, and Colby McKercher most probably heading there too in the not-too-distant future, O’Sullivan is already in great company for season 2025 and beyond. The athletic and smooth-moving O’Sullivan is the total package. He can cut a swathe through heavy congestion, possesses supreme running capacity, can kick the ball magnificently and is also able to take a huge mark. He will thrill North fans as early as next season. The Kangaroos controversially traded for the Tigers’ pick 27, as well as their future second-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 first-round selection, which, unless North improves rapidly, looks likely to be a top-five pick next year. But nevertheless, the Kangas clearly wanted to expedite their long and drawn-out rebuild by selecting Murray Bushrangers key forward Matt Whitlock. The 197cm tall swing man is also comfortable in defence, which no doubt caught coach Alastair Clarkson’s attention. The exciting Whitlock is very athletic, can hold his own in a contested marking situation and reads the play superbly. Luke Urquhart is a clearance machine and River Stevens, the son of North Melbourne great Anthony, is a small forward who can be lethal around goals on his day.
PORT ADELAIDE
2024 draftees: 15. Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers), 33. Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers), 38. Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges)
Port Adelade traded up to pick 15 from 16 to make sure they got their hands on dynamic forward Joe Berry. The Murray Bushrangers product is classy, crafty and agile, and possesses lovely foot skills. He has impressive work ethic and kicked four bags of four goals in 2024 while also earning All-Australian selection after kicking a competition equal-high nine majors and averaging 13 touches at the national championships. Berry is incredibly quick and will prove to be a tricky customer for opposing small defenders. Jack Whitlock, the twin brother of North draftee Matt, was rated as a top-20 pick, so he ended up being one of the big sliders of the draft considering the Power grabbed him at 33. Like his sibling, Whitlock is also a key forward but is slightly taller at this stage at 200cm. He is very athletic and has a great pair of hands on him. Christian Moraes is an absolute running machine and a fantastic midfielder who is a prolific ball winner that can also kick a bag of goals. This year for Eastern Ranges, he averaged 24 possessions and booted 18 goals to feature in the Coates Talent League team of the year.
RICHMOND
2024 draftees: 1. Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels), 7. Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges), 12. Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons), 14. Jonty Faull (GWV Rebels), 21. Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons), 23. Harry Armstrong (Sandrigham Dragons), 28. Thomas Sims (Northern Knights), 58. Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers)
The Tigers were the story of the draft with seven selections inside the top 28. With pick No.1, they took Sam Lalor who is a strongly-built midfielder from the GWV Rebels, and with his authoritative fend-offs, he certainly shares similarities with recently-retired club legend Dustin Martin. Like the triple Norm Smith Medallist, Lalor is a competitive animal, who is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park thanks to his ability to effortlessly extract a contested ball from stoppages. He has fantastic penetration with his kicks but also has aerial ability and will be able to play forward as well. At pick seven, Richmond selected another big-bodied on-baller in Josh Smillie who has modelled his game on Carlton champion Patrick Cripps. The versatile Australian captain can also play back as well as forward, and has great skills, especially his kicking. Smillie already possesses impressive strength, can take a big overhead mark and looks readymade for next season. The Tigers showed a willingness to play the waiting game with small forward Taj Hotton who is still recovering from an ACL rupture, which is probably why he slid down the order. Before the injury, Hotton dominated, and in one particular match, he racked up 32 disposals and four goals. He is a very exciting prospect who is fast, has enviable goal sense and is dangerous when the ball hits the ground. With picks 14 and 23, the Tigers looked to shore up their key forward stocks by selecting Jonty Faull and Harry Armstrong respectively. At selection 21, Richmond picked up intercepting key defender Luke Trainor, who is the grandson of legendary goalkicker Doug Wade, Thomas Sims is a ruckman/key forward who has strong aerial abilities and Oakleigh Chargers forward Jasper Alger is a bit of a bargain considering he was rated a top-40 pick.
ST KILDA
2024 draftees: 8. Tobie Travaglia (Bendigo Pioneers), 10. Alix Tauru (Gippsland Power), 32. James Barrat (Bendigo Pioneers), 45. Hugh Boxshall (Claremont), 53. Alexander Dodson (Sturt). 60. Patrick Said (Calder Cannons)
The Saints have really stocked up on defenders at this draft, with their first three picks all backmen. The talented Tobie Travaglia has fantastic intercepting abilities and provides valuable dash from defence as well. He is a fierce competitor who can run all day and resembles Hawthorn star Will Day and Melbourne gun Trent Rivers. He could conceivably become a midfielder in the future. Two picks later at No.10, Travaglia was joined by Vic Country teammate Alix Tauru who is a key position defender. What makes Tauru so attractive is his huge leap, ability to read the ball and courage to frequently force a turnover from the opposition. He subscribes to the high-risk-high-reward philosophy and backs himself to charge at the contest and take intercept marks. James Barrat is a key backman that can also play forward, as he showed by kicking 22 goals for the Bendigo Pioneers in 2024. Barrat has as great feel for the game and never takes a backward step. The Saints traded up to pick 45, and gave Essendon their future second-round pick, while also getting back the Bombers’ fourth-round pick this year, to get their hands on Claremont midfielder Hugh Boxshall, who averaged 19 touches (eight contested) for WA at this year’s national championships. Alexander Dodson was perhaps the biggest steal of the draft at pick 53, given he was considered a top-30 selection. The All-Australian ruckman could’ve pursued a basketball career after representing Australia earlier in the year and being offered college scholarships in America too. Patrick Said is a quick small forward who can also play on the ball.
SYDNEY
2024 draftees: 22. Jesse Dattoli (Northern Knights), 26. Ned Bowman (Norwood), 41. Riley Bice (Werribee), 55. Riak Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays)
Jesse Dattoli is a clever small forward who is also able to hold his own in the midfield and defies his slight stature to be a very strong mark. He has fantastic skills, is a beautiful kick for goal and certainly isn’t afraid to put his body in risky positions for the benefit of his team. Dattoli starred for Vic Metro during their title-winning campaign this year and was equally impressive for the Northern Knights, averaging 23 disposals and three tackles in seven games while also kicking 12 goals. Norwood forward Ned Bowman was the biggest bolter of the draft who was taken at pick 26 despite being predicted to go in the 80s heading into Wednesday night. Bowman is capable of some amazing highlights, and took one of the best marks at any level this year, which maybe tipped him over the edge at the Swans. Riley Bice is a mature-age wing/backman who, at 24, is fresh from a fantastic performance in Werribee’s VFL grand final victory this year as well VFL team of the year honours after averaging 22 touches a game. At pick 55, the Swans made a bid on Melbourne academy player Riak Andrew, and as the Demons weren’t prepared to lose pick 75 to match it, the brother of Gold Coast swing man Mac Andrew is now a Swan.
WEST COAST
2024 draftees: 16. Bo Allan (Peel Thunder), 30. Jobe Shanahan (Bendigo Pioneers), 46. Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers), 48. Lucca Grego (Western Jets), 65. Hamish Davis (Claremont)
Bo Allan is a very promising midfielder who captained WA at the national championships this year. He starred in that competition, averaging 20 touches, six clearances and four clearances on the way to All-Australian honours. A readymade prospect, Allan has the ability to make an immediate impact in the Eagles’ engine room as early as next year. The beauty about the Peel Thunder product is his versatility, given he also can play effective roles down back and up forward. Allan is cool under pressure, is a beautiful exponent of the handball and has great depth in his kicking. Jobe Shanahan is a bit of a bargain, considering he was expected to be a top-20 pick. The Eagles would be rapt that he slid to 30 given he is a mobile key forward with a powerful contested mark. Tom Gross is a medium forward who can also play on the ball and has pace to burn. He has no qualms playing either on the outside or inside when stationed in the midfield. Lucca Grego is a backman that can play in the midfield as well and holds his own in a marking contest. Hamish Davis was another slider given he was deemed to be a top-30 pick, but wasn’t taken until the 65th selection. Davis is an athletic forward who can take a grab and is also capable of hitting packs hard, making an impact with his physicality.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
2024 draftees: 20. Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays), 29. Lachie Jaques (Geelong Falcons), 31. Josh Dolan (Sandringham Dragons), 51. Sam Davidson (Richmond VFL), 62. Luke Kennedy (Sandringham Dragons)
Cooper Hynes is a hard nut who will add no shortage of competitive spirit to the Bulldogs midfield and forward line in the years to come. Hynes is a contested beast who thrives at the coal face and extracts the pill at will. He absolutely starred for the Dandenong Stingrays this year, averaging 24 disposals (11 contested) and five clearances in 15 games while also kicking 23 goals. Hynes finished second behind Melbourne draftee Xavier Lindsay in the Morrish Medal. Lachie Jaques is a backman who has great command of the defensive part of the ground and is able to pick off opposition forward thrusts at will. He earned All-Australian honours after averaging 16 touches and five marks for Vic Country this year. Josh Dolan is a small forward who is more than capable in the midfield as well due to his blistering speed and magnificent skills. Sam Davidson is a mature-age forward who won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal this year as the most promising young player of the VFL, joining the likes of Bayley Fritsch, Luke Ryan, Nic Newman and Kane Lambert as recent winners of the award. Luke Kennedy is a promising midfielder who averaged 19 touches for Sandringham Dragons this year.
