AFL Draft 2020: The next-gen kids your club is eyeing and indicative draft picks
Carlton has the cap space to make a big splash this off-season. But as it currently stands, the club also has a nice early draft pick. What should they do with it? Find out your club’s draft plans.
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Some potential AFL draftees who live in Victoria have not been sighted all year, but others around the country are continuing to push their cases under the close watch of clubs.
The clubs have been left with plenty to think about in a unique year for the AFL national draft.
Chris Cavanagh, Simeon Thomas-Wilson have rattled the cages to identify which talents each club is targeting.
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ADELAIDE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 1, 8, 20, 30, 44, 48, 60
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
Adelaide holds GWS’s first-round pick, the Western Bulldogs second-round pick. The Crows also hold third-round picks from Collingwood and Fremantle, as well as Gold Coast’s fourth-round pick. However, they have traded their own third-round pick to the Bulldogs and their fourth-round pick to Sydney.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Crows picked up four players in the first two draft rounds last year, with tall defender FISCHER MCASEY at No. 6 and midfielder HARRY SCHOENBERG at 24 going in the first round.
They then picked up utility JOSH WORRELL (pick 28) and RONIN O’CONNOR (pick 42) in the second round.
Both McAsey and Schoenberg debuted in Adelaide’s colours in 2020, playing 10 and seven games respectively, with particularly Schoenberg shining in the back-half of the season, kicking three goals.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
For the first time in the club’s 30-year history, Adelaide holds the No. 1 pick and it’s widely expected the Crows will force Western Bulldogs to pay a premium for their Next Generation Academy tall forward prodigy JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN by calling his name their prized first pick.
If the Bulldogs match Adelaide’s bid – which they are expected to – it’s likely the Crows will turn to local key forward RILEY THILTHORPE as the club plans for the future in its post-Taylor Walker life. But with two picks inside the Top 10 — potentially three if Brad Crouch exists as expected — the Crows will also be able to add to their midfield stocks and could be looking at Vic Country pair ELIJAH HOLLANDS and TANNER BRUHN.
They also have priority access to 2020 prospects JAMES BORLASE (Next Generation Academy) and LUKE EDWARDS (son of Tyson).
BRISBANE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 18, 19, 38, 64
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
Picked up a first-round and fourth-round pick from Port Adelaide last year, and also a third-rounder from Sydney and a fifth-rounder from Fremantle. Gave up its second-round and fourth-round pick this year to the Gold Coast and a third-rounder to the Swans.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Waited until night two to make their first move and took the sliding DEVEN ROBERTSON with the first pick of the second round. Then picked up Academy selection KEIDEAN COLEMAN with Pick 37, matching Essendon’s bid.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Won’t hit the board until late on in the first round at this stage, and that’s before the flurry of NGA, father-son and academy picks come in. By then it will be a case of best talent available.
The Lions have been linked to key forwards Joe Daniher and Ben Brown in the upcoming trade/free agency period and if they can’t get them 199cm forward and defender NIKOLAS COX — son of former player Darryl — may appeal.
South Adelaide bolter BRAYDEN COOK, a forward/midfielder, may also be available at the time the Lions have their two picks or Tasmanian SAM COLLINS may be a long-term prospect to add to their defence. But don’t be surprised if the Lions use their juicy hand to trade up the draft, with recruiting manager Stephen Conole indicating they are more than prepared to package up their picks to move up.
If that happens then maybe Sandringham midfielder/forward ARCHIE PERKINS might tempt or if they can get in the top 10 then maybe they might have a play at Geelong Falcons’ forward OLIVER HENRY, who is an exciting attacking option.
The Lions have three players they can pick up from their Academy, BLAKE COLEMAN, SAXON CROZIER and CARTER MICHAEL, but those three are expected to be selected later on in the draft.
CARLTON
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 7, 27, 45
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
Carlton gave up its fourth-round pick in this year’s draft to make Eddie Betts a Blue again.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Made a bid on GWS Academy player TOM GREEN at Pick 10, which was matched. Then traded its pick 11 to Gold Coast, who selected SAM FLANDERS, for No. 17 who became BRODIE KEMP. The Blues then received Port Adelaide’s Pick No. 20, for Pick. 22 which was then on-traded for No. 23, and selected SAM PHILIP.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Just what hand Carlton take into the draft will depend much on how aggressive they go in trade/free agency period to add to a side that again fell short of finals. But in the top 10 there are some options to get some midfield talent into the Blues to help out Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
TANNER BRUHN is considered as one of the best midfielders in the pool and could still be available, while Oakleigh’s WILL PHILLIPS is a tough inside player who can find plenty of ball.
COLLINGWOOD
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 12, 34, 37, 68
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Magpies hold Richmond’s second-round selection, North Melbourne’s third-round selection and St Kilda’s fourth-round selection but are without their own second-round (with Brisbane), third-round (with Fremantle) and fourth-round (with GWS) picks.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Magpies did not have a first-round selection in last year’s draft after trading it out as part of the DAYNE BEAMS trade in 2018. Port Adelaide ended up with the Pies’ pick 18 and selected forward MITCH GEORGIADES. Collingwood used its second-round pick on athletic midfielder JAY RANTALL.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Magpies will be hoping a bid does not come on their Next Generation Academy prospect REEF McINNES before their first selection, which would potentially allow them to snaffle two high-end talent players.
A versatile player from Oakleigh Chargers, McInnes is a big-bodied player at 193cm who can win the contested ball, has clean hands and is good in clearance situations. He spent much of his time down back for the Chargers last season, but has also shown his ability to run through the midfield and play forward.
A key-forward could also be on Collingwood’s shopping list this year, a player like 199cm Northern Knights first-round draft prospect NIKOLAS COX one who could fit the bill.
ESSENDON
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 6, 41, 61, 69, 70
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Bombers hold Gold Coast’s third-round pick, Geelong’s fourth-round pick and West Coast’s fourth-round pick, but are missing their own second-round pick (with North Melbourne) and their own third-round pick (with Brisbane).
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Bombers traded out their first-round pick as part of the trade for DYLAN SHIEL in 2018. Their pick 14 ended up in the hands of Port Adelaide, who picked up forward MILES BERGMAN. Essendon ended up with two second-round selections, picking key forward HARRISON JONES (pick 30) and 203cm ruckman NICK BRYAN (pick 38).
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
AFL trading rules state clubs must use two first-round selections at the AFL Draft over a rolling four-year period, unless they apply to the league for permission to do otherwise.
Essendon already gave up its first round picks in 2018 and 2019 as part of the DYLAN SHIEL deal, meaning it needs to use a first-round pick this year.
The Bombers hold pick 6, but their strategy with it could be swayed with what happens during the free agency and trade period. Key forward JOE DANIHER is a restricted free agent and Essendon has shown interest in Adelaide midfielder BRAD CROUCH who is also part of this year’s free agency pool.
Whatever happens, recruiters believe the first round of this year’s draft is strong and the Bombers are well placed to take their pick from a raft of talented key forwards, key defenders or classy midfielders. Essendon also has two Next Generation Academy prospects in key defender CODY BRAND and key forward JOSH EYRE, who are expected to be in the discussion later in the draft.
FREMANTLE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 11, 28
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Dockers hold Melbourne’s second-round pick, while their own second-round pick is with Port Adelaide. Meanwhile, their third-round pick is with St Kilda, fourth-round pick is with Melbourne and their fifth-round pick with Brisbane.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Dockers had three high picks in a row – 7, 8 and 9 – and selected defender HAYDEN YOUNG, midfielder CALEB SERONG and forward LIAM HENRY. To get Henry, Fremantle matched Carlton’s bid on their Next Generation Academy player. This gave Freo their third pick. They had no second-round picks.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
This year, Fremantle has just the single first-round pick, but is influenced not by where they finished on the ladder (12, with pick No. 7), but by the fact that they are entering the 2020 draft with a 265 draft-point deficit that needs to be made up in the first round after their trio of first-round picks in 2019. That bumps them back from pick 7 to pick 11.
Regardless, they will be looking to use that pick to add some outside run to its list, but coach Justin Longmuir has also hinted that a developing ruck-forward would be on the club’s shopping list as well.
The Dockers have a couple of Next Generation Academy players they’ll have first dibs on – Claremont midfielder JOEL WESTERN and East Fremantle halfback BRANDON WALKER and both these players could well attract attention from rival clubs inside the first round. Fremantle is more likely to use the draft than free agency to build its list for 2021.
GEELONG
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 10, 15, 16, 33
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Cats hold Gold Coast’s concession pick 11 as part of a pick swap with the Suns last year as well as having West Coast’s first-round pick which was part of the TIM KELLY trade deal. However, the Cats don’t have their own third-round (with West Coast) or fourth-round (with Essendon) selections.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Cats received an extra first-round pick from West Coast as part of the TIM KELLY trade, selecting midfielder COOPER STEPHENS at pick 16. They used their own pick 19 to select key defender SAM DE KONING and picked up forward FRANCIS EVANS in the second round at pick 41.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
List manager Stephen Wells would be licking his lips at the prospect of having two first-round draft picks to play with for a second-straight year.
Whether they keep both or offload one during the trade period remains to be seen, but it is a very nice position to be in after selecting two first-round picks last year.
Opposition recruiters feel that the Cats might target key position talent with at least one of their first-round picks this year, if they do indeed keep two.
Players who fit the bill include Victorian key defender ZACH REID and Victorian key defender or forward NIKOLAS COX.
West Australian key defender DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS could also come into consideration if he isn’t snapped up inside the top-10.
GOLD COAST
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 5, 24, 35, 72
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Suns hold Brisbane’s second and fourth-round picks, while their own third and fourth-round picks are with Adelaide. Their first-round assistance package pick sits with Geelong.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Last year, the Suns drafted gun midfielder MATT ROWELL with their No. 1 draft pick, and picked up his Oakleigh Chargers teammate and best mate NOAH ANDERSON at No. 2. The two midfielders made their AFL debuts together in Round 1, with Rowell wowing the competition before injuring his shoulder and both received Rising Star nominations. The Suns also picked up SAM FLANDERS at 11 to round out their three first-round picks, and then got JEREMY SHARP with pick 27 in the second round.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The 191cm ALEX DAVIES, who is in the Gold Coast Academy will join the Suns automatically thanks to last year’s list concessions and his versatility will add further depth to the Suns’ midfield.
The expansion of the Suns’ Academy to include talent out of the Northern Territory, means utilities JOEL JEFFREY and BRODIE LAKE are in the mix to head to the Gold Coast.
Lake has recently relocated to Adelaide to play for Central District in the SANFL’s under 18s competition to increase his draft prospects after the NT Thunder didn’t play because of COVID, while Jeffrey is considered a first-round pick by recruiters.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 40, 46, 66
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
GWS have given up its first-round pick in this year’s draft to Adelaide, in order to snare LACHLAN ASH at No. 4 last year. The Giants also sent a fourth-round pick to the Crows for Sam Jacobs, who retired at the end of this season. They do have a fourth-round pick from Collingwood. However, they look set to end up with a first-round compensation pick after speedy defender Zac Williams informed the club that he wants to explore free agency.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Got Pick 4 to get ASH and then were able to select Academy exciting prospect TOM GREEN at 10, matching Carlton’s bid.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Tom’s younger brother JOSH, who shares a lot of physical traits with his sibling but plays more as a key positional player, is available as an Academy selection.
Now that Williams wants out, and the Giants will get a first-round compo pick, GWS will become a bit more interesting at the draft.
With a plethora of midfield options and a ruckman more likely to come in via a trade, the Giants may look to bolster their key defender stocks.
Western Australia’s DENVER GRAINER-BARRAS looks set to go in the first round, as does Gippsland’s ZACH REID, while West Perth’s HEATH CHAPMAN is an intriguing prospect.
If the Giants look to replace Williams via the Draft then Geelong Falcon’s CHARLIE HAM, brother of Essendon’s Brayden, is a defender with speed who could evolve into a midfielder or a wingman, Greater Western Victoria’s NICK STEVENS has plenty of draftable attributes and South Adelaide midfielder ZAC DUMENSY could be converted to a half-back flanker.
RELATED
Vic Metro’s Top 12 Draft prospects in 2020
Vic Country’s Top 12 Draft prospects in 2020
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South Australia’s Top 30 Draft prospects in 2020
HAWTHORN
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 4, 21, 39, 42, 59, 67
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Hawks hold North Melbourne’s second-round pick, Essendon’s third-round pick and Western Bulldogs’ fourth-round pick, but have given up their own second-round pick to Melbourne.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Hawks’ first-round pick ended up being No. 13 due to Gold Coast concessions and Academy player bids, Hawthorn selecting defender WILL DAY who earned a Rising Star nomination this year. They also picked up father-son FINN MAGINNESS at No. 29, matching a bid from North Melbourne.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Hawks have indicated they will use their first-round pick in this year’s draft and largely have their hands tied around that decision.
AFL trading rules state clubs must use two first-round selections at the AFL Draft over a rolling four-year period, unless they apply to the league for permission to do otherwise.
Hawthorn used its first-round pick on WILL DAY last year, but traded out its 2017 and 2018 first-round selections to secure trades for JAEGER O’MEARA and CHAD WINGARD.
The Hawks are bullish about the top-end of the draft and will be in the thick of it at pick 4. That position puts them in line for players like West Australian key forward LOGAN McDONALD, South Australian key forward RILEY THILTHORPE and big-bodied Victorian midfielder ELIJAH HOLLANDS.
With an ageing backline, players like West Australian key defender DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS and Victorian key defender ZACH REID could also come into consideration.
The Hawks have one eligible Next Generation Academy player this year in CONNOR DOWNIE. Named the Eastern Ranges captain this year, Downie had an impressive bottom-age season in the NAB League in 2019 as a rebounding defender who can also push into the midfield.
MELBOURNE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 23, 47, 62, 63
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Demons hold Hawthorn’s second-round pick, Carlton’s fourth-round pick and Fremantle’s fourth-round pick. Their own first-round pick is in North Melbourne’s hands, their second-round pick is tied to Fremantle and their fourth-round pick will go to Hawthorn.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
In the first round last year, Melbourne picked up athletic tall LUKE JACKSON with pick 3, followed by South Australian KYSAIAH PICKETT as a small forward option at No. 12. TRENT RIVERS was then welcomed into the club in the second round with pick 32.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Melbourne did its wheeling and dealing in last year’s draft to secure two first-rounders, so will go into 2020 with no first-round draft picks.
But the Demons will be hoping to pick up some midfield talent to take over from the likes of Nathan Jones. Ideally they’d really love to draft someone like 184cm Vic Metro product FINLAY MACRAE, but most likely he’ll be gone by the time they get to pick.
So, if a player like South Australian BRAYDEN COOK or Western Australian product ZANE TREW were still available, they’d certainly be handy additions to the midfield.
The Demons also have access to KOBI GEORGE and DEAKYN SMITH through their Next Generation Academy.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 2, 9, 25, 57, 65
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
North Melbourne received Melbourne’s first-round pick for this year’s draft as part of a package that gave the Demons the Kangaroos first-round pick last year. They also have Essendon’s second-round pick and Melbourne’s fourth-round pick while have given Hawthorn its second-round pick and GWS a third-round selection.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Waited until the second round and took CHARLIE COMBEN with Pick No. 31, JACK MAHONY with 34 and FLYNN PEREZ with 35 after trades with Hawthorn and Essendon.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Roos need to get some quality young talent in as part of the big rebuild that will take place and their two picks in the top 10 at this stage gives them a solid platform.
Should Adelaide pass on SA product RILEY THILTHORPE then he could be an option to replace the likely departing Ben Brown while Perth’s LOGAN MCDONALD is also shining as a key forward in the WAFL.
ELIJIAH HOLLANDS would add some class to North’s midfield and forward line while TANNER BRUHN would also compliment rising stars Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas in the engine room.
With the Roos second first round pick DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS may still be available, as may OLIVER HENRY and ZACH REID to give North Melbourne an exciting prospect at either end of the ground.
PORT ADELAIDE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 26, 29, 43, 50, 55
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
Port Adelaide have given up its first-round pick in this year’s draft to Brisbane, to get an extra selection last year, and its round-four pick to St Kilda. But the Power did get Fremantle’s second-round pick, St Kilda’s third-round pick and a second-round pick from the Lions that is tied to Collingwood.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Power continued their big focus on getting good talent through the draft. MILES BERGMAN was picked up at Pick 14, the high-flying MITCH GEORGIADES at 18 despite him missing out on a year of footy and DYLAN WILLIAMS all came in the first 24 selections of the draft. Port then picked up father-son JACKSON MEAD at Pick 25.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The top priority is impressive defender LACHLAN JONES, who Port have access to as a Next Generation Academy pick.
The Power don’t necessarily have to try and trade for a first-round pick to have enough points to match any bid for Jones — who is rocketing up draft rankings each week as he shines for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL — but matching this with their current hand could seriously deplete the Power’s further options in the draft.
They also have access to TAJ SCHOFIELD, a midfielder/half-forward, as a father-son pick.
RICHMOND
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 17, 31, 53, 71
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Tigers hold St Kilda’s second-round pick, but their own second-round pick is with Collingwood.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Tigers picked up midfielder THOMSON DOW at pick 21 with their first-round selection. They ended up with two second-round picks – one being free agency compensation for BRANDON ELLIS leaving for Gold Coast – and selected midfielders NOAH CUMBERLAND (pick 43) and WILL MARTYN. Cumberland and Martyn were Brisbane Next Generation Academy members that the Lions did not match bids on.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Tigers’ pick 17 will be pushed back given a large number of expected Next Generation Academy player bids by clubs at the top end of the draft, meaning it will be a case of best-available when Richmond finally gets its pick.
The Tigers have a relatively well-balanced list but may look towards life after JACK RIEWOLDT and TOM LYNCH and search for their next key forward. History also tells us the Tigers love players with speed, which suits their game style.
Richmond also have a Next Generation Academy prospect in 194cm Murray Bushrangers key defender ETHAN BAXTER.
ST KILDA
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 14, 58, 73
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Saints currently have the fourth-round picks of both Port Adelaide and Sydney, but their second-round and fourth-round picks are in the hands of Fremantle, while their third-round pick is with Port Adelaide.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Saints went hard during the 2019 trade period, recruiting big names including BRADLEY HILL from Fremantle and Port Adelaide ruckman PADDY RYDER and defender DOUGAL HOWARD. So their first pick in 2019 came in the third round where they picked up midfielder RYAN BYRNES at pick 52.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
With the rise of athletic tall forward MAX KING this year – 2018’s No. 4 pick – you’d doubt the Saints would be in the market for forwards, rather looking to shore up their midfield stocks.
They don’t have any Next Gen Academy or father/son picks, so they’d be hoping the likes of TANNER BRUHN might still be available. But should he be gone, someone like Western Australian NATHAN O’DRISCOLL could suit St Kilda.
O’Driscoll is a 187cm 18-year-old who has worked hard to elevate himself into Perth’s league side in the WAFL. All-in-all, it’s party-time at Moorabbin right now with the Saints making their first finals series in nine years and recruiters will be largely happy with their recent efforts.
SYDNEY
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 3, 22, 54, 56
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Swans have given up their third-round pick in this year’s draft to Brisbane and their fourth-round pick to St Kilda, but hold Brisbane’s third-round pick and Adelaide’s fourth-round pick.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Swans snapped up classy midfielder DYLAN STEPHENS at pick 5, who has played X AFL games this year. They also ended up with three second-round draft picks, securing key defender WILL GOULD (pick 26) as part of a pick-swap with Adelaide, small forward ELIJAH TAYLOR (pick 36) as part of the ZAK JONES trade and small forward CHAD WARNER at pick 39.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Sydney has two gun Academy players in its sights this year, who are both seen as potential first-round picks.
There are big wraps on BRAEDEN CAMPBELL, who was best afield in the U17 All Stars game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year and is seen as a player with elite attacking traits, genuine speed and a strong goal sense.
ERROL GULDEN is also highly rated by many as a small forward or midfielder who stands just 171cm tall but has a serious competitive edge.
Depending on list sizes and any early bids on the Academy prospects, the Swans could potentially end up both players as well as having pick 4.
That would put them in the market for top-five prospects like damaging Murray Bushrangers midfielder ELIJAH HOLLANDS, West Australian key defender LOGAN McDONALD, West Australian midfielder NATHAN O’DRISCOLL or South Australian key forward RILEY THILTHORPE.
WEST COAST
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 32, 51, 52
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Eagles sent their first-round pick in this year’s draft to Geelong as part of the blockbuster deal to bring TIM KELLY back to WA. From that deal they have the Cats’ third-round pick. They have also given up their fourth-round pick to Essendon.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Eagles did not make a selection in either of the first two rounds last year.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Won’t be on the board until the middle of the second-round as a result of this deal to get KELLY.
Unless they can acquire an early choice this year the Eagles will also be blocked from trading its 2021 future first-round pick. A key position player is probably required, as is a small forward. Tasmanian JACKSON CALLOW is a quick tall forward, Central Districts COREY DURDIN may be on the board while the Eagles may hope 199cm key defender forward/defender NIKOLAS COX also slips.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 13, 36, 49
PICK SWAPS ALREADY DONE
The Bulldogs have Adelaide’s third-round pick, while their second-round pick is in the hands of the Crows and their fourth-round pick is with Essendon.
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Small forward CODY WEIGHTMAN joined the Bulldogs with pick 15, which was the only selection the club had in the first two rounds of the 2019 draft.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
It’s becoming increasingly speculated among recruiters and commentators that the Bulldogs will end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft thanks to the quality of their Next Generation Academy key forward JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN.
The 194cm key forward might only be 18, but is already being compared with the great Lance Franklin and it’s with due cause: last season he kicked 24 goals for the Oakleigh Charges in only nine games.
The Crows currently have the No. 1 pick, but it wouldn’t bother Adelaide’s recruiters to call out his name in the No. 1 spot despite the Bulldogs then being able to claim him under Academy rules, because they’ve done it before with the likes of Harry Himmelberg.
The Bulldogs also have defender CODY RAAK in their Next Generation Academy.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2020: The next-gen kids your club is eyeing and indicative draft picks