AFL Draft 2021: What will your club do with its first pick?
Richmond intends to hold onto its two first-round picks in this year’s draft. Who is on the club’s radar? See which young guns the Tigers could swoop on.
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The AFL National Draft is coming up quick as clubs look to change their fortunes or drive more success.
And nothing can fast track a rise up the ladder like nailing your first pick.
What does your club have to play with this year?
Here is every club’s current draft order — and who they are in the mix to select.
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ADELAIDE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 4, 23, 37, 59, 63, 77, 95
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Crows bid on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and after the Western Bulldogs matched it they selected home-grown product Riley Thilthorpe at No. 2.
That continued the theme for the Crows with South Australian prospects Luke Pedlar (No. 11), Brayden Cook (No. 25) and James Rowe (No. 38) coming to the club alongside Victorian Sam Berry (No. 28).
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
Unfortunately for the Crows as it stands the best SA prospect of the 2021 crop Jason Horne-Francis will likely be off the board with Adelaide’s current No. 4 pick, which will probably slide back to No. 6.
So do the Crows either try and offer North Melbourne a package for Pick No. 1 that the Kangaroos can’t refuse for the South Adelaide wonderkid?
Or do they split this first pick to go down the order and take Horne-Francis’ teammates Arlo Draper and Matthew Roberts?
Both Draper and Roberts are midfielder-forwards, while bolter Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera could also come into the mix.
If the Crows do keep their early pick and choose to go with an interstate talent rather than their recent strategy of South Australian prospects then Josh Rachele, who idolises Toby Greene, fits a big need as an exciting small forward who can go through the midfield.
Speed machines Finn Callaghan and Josh Sinn would also offer something if available.
BRISBANE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 14, 18, 47, 51, 57, 73, 87
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Lions traded for Melbourne’s first-round pick this year and then matched a bid from Collingwood for academy prospect and exciting forward Blake Coleman at pick 24.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
The Lions hold two picks in the first round.
With Mitch Robinson 32 and Hugh McCluggage destined for more inside midfield time they could do worse than selecting Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera for a wing position.
Sandringham Dragons star Campbell Chesser is another player who could come into calculations.
Hailing from an athletics background, Chesser is quick and can break the lines coming off either half-back or playing on a wing.
CARLTON
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 6, 25, 61, 79, 97
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Carlton’s first selection was small forward Corey Durdin at pick 37 after the Blues traded out their first-round pick to Essendon in the deal to secure rebounding defender Adam Saad.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
It all depends on whether Adam Cerra joins the Blues during the trade period.
If Carlton is able to strike a deal with the Dockers, they will most likely have to part with pick 6.
Cerra fills a need for the Blues as another strong inside midfielder.
However, if Carlton does not land Cerra, it could look to a player like Greater Western Victoria Rebels onballer Ben Hobbs who also fits the bill.
The Blues will also have an eye on father-son prospect Charlie McKay, who is a 186cm midfielder who was overlooked in last year’s draft.
The Sandringham Dragons product is the son of four-time All-Australian Andrew McKay.
Tom Silvagni, Dane Whitnall and Thomas Gleeson are other potential father-son options for the Blues.
COLLINGWOOD
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 34, 39, 41, 45, 75, 93
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Collingwood snapped up five players in the first two rounds in 2020, including Ollie Henry (pick 17), Finlay Macrae (19) and Next Generation Academy prospect Reef McInnes (23). Henry and Macrae – brother of Bulldogs star Jack – combined to play 19 matches this past season.
Caleb Poulter and Liam McMahon went at picks 30 and 31, respectively. Poulter enjoyed an impressive debut season, averaging 15 disposals in 11 games, whereas McMahon spent the year in the VFL as a longer-term project. He kicked four goals against Frankston in Round 11.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Magpies cleared out their top pick in this year’s draft in anticipation of matching a bid on father-son prospect and potential No. 1 selection Nick Daicos, who’s since agreed to a four-year deal. Collingwood’s wish to be heavily involved in last year’s draft also saw it part with a 2021 second-round pick in a deal with Hawthorn.
Daicos won’t fall outside of the top three, meaning the Pies need to rustle up between 1787 and 2400 draft points, including the 20 per cent discount, to match whatever bid comes in.
Their first pick, as it stands, is No. 33, which is worth only 563 points, so they will have to bundle up a number of selections and even try to trade in some more.
Collingwood can also match a bid on Daicos’ Oakleigh Chargers teammate Youseph Dib, who is part of the club’s Next Generation Academy – as long as it doesn’t come within the first 20 picks. The Magpies can draft Dib with their last selection if an opposition bid comes from pick 56 onwards. They have committed to signing Senegalese ruckman Bassirou Faye as a category B rookie.
ESSENDON
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 11, 48, 54, 84
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Joe Daniher’s deflection to Brisbane through free agency and Adam Saad’s exit to Carlton during the trade period meant the Bombers ended up with three top-10 picks in last year’s draft.
Essendon snapped up wingman Nik Cox (pick 8), forward Archie Perkins (pick 9) and key defender Zach Reid (pick 10) with those selections.
It picked up another key defender, Josh Eyre (pick 39), with its second-round selection.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The Bombers’ current pick 11 is likely to get pushed back to pick 13 given expected early bids on father-son prospects in the draft.
However, the Bombers should still be able to get a very handy player at that point, with recruiters believing the top end of the draft this year is quite strong.
Essendon snaffled a couple of key defenders last year, but appears thin for key forwards which are likely to be a focus this year.
A player like 195cm East Perth forward Jye Amiss could appeal, or even 200cm Dandenong Stingrays ruckman Mac Andrew who has also shown some ability in attack.
The Bombers also have raft of potential father-son prospects, headlined by Tex Wanganeen (son of Gavin) who is eligible for both Essendon and Port Adelaide but has closer ties to the Bombers and trained at Tullamarine during pre-season.
Bendigo Pioneers product Nyawi Moore (son of Nathan Lovett-Murray) is also father-son eligible and is a player with serious athletic ability and a few tricks, while Alex Hird (son of James) and Josh Misiti (son of Joe) are also available.
FREMANTLE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 8, 27, 81, 99
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Dockers went local last year with Western Australian products Heath Chapman and Nathan O’Driscoll joining the club with picks No. 14 and 27 respectively.
Chapman is a medium-sized defender, while O’Driscoll is a midfielder.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
A lot depends on what happens during the trade period for the Dockers.
An Adam Cerra departure to Carlton could see the Dockers snag two picks inside the top-10.
However, if Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale comes back from Brisbane, at least one of those might have to be back out the door.
However, as things stand, the Dockers sit right in the mix for a player like Subiaco midfielder Neil Erasmus, who shapes as Western Australia’s top prospect.
East Perth key forward Jye Amiss would also be of interest with that first pick.
The Dockers also have access to Jesse Motlop through their Next Generation Academy.
The South Fremantle small forward is the son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop but is not father-son eligible for either of those clubs.
GEELONG
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 30, 32, 35, 53, 89
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Cats picked up 189cm midfield-forward Max Holmes (pick 20) after a live trade during the draft with Richmond and then snagged 202cm ruckman Shannon Neale in the second round with pick 33.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Richmond holds the Cats’ first-round pick after last year’s swap, while Geelong holds second-round picks tied to Essendon and GWS as well as its own.
The Cats don’t have a lot of obvious list holes, aside from the fact they have an ageing list.
There is a good chance they might package up a couple of the second-round picks to try and move up the order, which would provide an opportunity to go after a gun young midfielder.
One of Geelong Falcons’ top prospects, Noah Gribble, will be on the Cats’ radar as a 180cm over-age wingman.
Gribble missed selection in last year’s draft after rupturing his ACL in the first week of training before the 2020 season.
Fellow Falcons player Toby Conway – a 204cm ruckman – would also be on the radar.
Expect the Cats to also have a close look at Tom Brown, the son of former Geelong hero Paul Brown.
The 186cm defender is not father-son eligible given his father played only 84 games for the club.
However, it would be a nice touch to see him pull on the hoops, with his sister Millie also part of the Cats’ AFLW team.
Greater Western Victoria Rebels defender Sam Breuer also has Geelong links, with his father Shayne Breuer having played 71 games for the club.
GOLD COAST
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 3, 19, 22, 43, 55, 58, 66, 76, 94
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Suns snapped up midfielder Elijah Hollands after he slid from potentially being a No. 1 pick to No. 7 following an ACL injury.
This was in addition to adding Alex Davies and Joel Jeffery to their list as part of the concessions afford to the Suns by the AFL.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
The Suns are likely to trade the No. 3 pick if they can get an experienced player to the club.
However, if they hold onto it, a big-bodied key position player like Josh Gibcus is certain to be considered.
The Greater Western Victoria Rebels defender is 198cm and has a huge leap that has excited recruiters.
Western Australian key forward Jack Williams, who is 195cm, is another player who could help the Suns add depth to their key position stocks and might be available for Gold Coast’s next picks in the 20s.
GWS GIANTS
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 2, 13, 50, 68, 86
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams departing left the Giants with four first-round draft picks, one of which was used in a trade with Collingwood that resulted in them nabbing pick two this year.
GWS recruited Tanner Bruhn (12), Conor Stone (15) and Ryan Angwin (18) with the remaining selections, with Bruhn and Stone making their mark to the point they played in Friday night’s semi-final against Geelong. Angwin pushed for senior selection at times and boasts speed and endurance.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
Assuming Nick Daicos is off the board, the Giants are likely to place a bid on Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Sam Darcy if North Melbourne doesn’t. What they do from there will be interesting. GWS already has great midfield depth, so could it spring a surprise and select key defender Josh Gibcus? If not, smooth-moving, silky-skilled Finn Callaghan might be a target.
There should be plenty of good options at the Giants’ second pick as well. Tall forward Jye Amiss might slide that far, but versatile players such as Tyler Sonsie, Arlo Draper and Josh Sinn could appeal, too.
GWS looks set to match a bid on Academy standout Josh Fahey, who the AFL ruled can be a Giants Academy selection despite him spending time with Gold Coast last year. Fellow Academy members Harrison Grintell and Patrick Voss also scored Combine invitations.
HAWTHORN
Indicative draft picks: 5, 21, 24, 56, 62, 78, 96
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Hawks unsuccessfully placed a bid on Swans Academy prospect Braeden Campbell before drafting key defender Denver Grainger-Barras, who shook off a knee injury to play five impressive games in his debut season.
They grabbed speedster Seamus Mitchell with their second-round selection but various injuries pre- and post-draft meant he was sidelined for much of this year. Hawthorn also matched North Melbourne’s bid for its Next Generation Academy graduate Connor Downie.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
The Hawks will bring in another gem with their top-five selection, which will slide a couple of spots because of other clubs’ father-son prospects, Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy. Could they draft another key defender in JOSH GIBCUS, or will they look to bolster their on-ball brigade?
Hawthorn will have plenty of midfield options to choose from, depending on which players are still available. Josh Ward and Josh Rachele are two footballers who could be in the mix. With Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar ageing, the Hawks might even swoop on 200cm ruckman Mac Andrew.
Sam Mitchell will also have two selections in the 20s for his first draft as senior coach, courtesy of a pick swap last year with Collingwood. There are more midfielders up for grabs in that range, but Hawthorn might snap up small forward Jesse Motlop, after missing out on Dockers recruiting target Lachie Schultz.
Ex-Hawk Nathan Thompson’s son, Louis Thompson, a small forward, is father-son eligible.
MELBOURNE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 33, 42, 52, 91
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Demons ended up with a pair of first-round picks last year in classy 176cm defender Jake Bowey (pick 21) and 181cm midfielder-forward Bailey Laurie (pick 22).
They also snapped up 194cm midfielder-forward Fraser Rosman in the second round with pick 34.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Changes to Next Generation Academy rules this year have worked against the Demons, who are unlikely to be able to get their hands on an exciting player who they have put some work into in 200cm ruckman-forward Mac Andrew.
The Dandenong Stingrays prospect has been part of Melbourne’s NGA program since 2018 but is expected to be selected in the top 20 picks.
Under new rules this year, clubs are unable to match bids on their NGA talent within the first 20 selections.
There are no major list holes in what has been a very strong team this year, but another key forward could be on the shopping list if there are any suitable prospects left on the table in the 30s or 40s or if the Demons package up picks and trade up the order.
NORTH MELBOURNE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 1, 20, 38, 70, 74, 92
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Kangaroos claimed four of the first 42 players in last year’s draft to kick-start their rebuild. They sprung a surprise when they overlooked Logan McDonald at No. 3 to instead recruit midfielder Will Phillips. North drafted a second ball magnet in Tom Powell with the 13th pick as they look to build from the inside out. Both produced promising performances.
Speedsters Charlie Lazzaro and Phoenix Spicer found their way to Arden St with the 36th and 42nd selection, respectively.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
The wooden-spooners were the ‘winners’ of the Horne Ultimatum. The Roos may place bids on one or both of father-son prospects Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy but are certain to end up with tough South Australian midfielder Jason Horne-Francis. They may even make him the No. 1 pick without placing bids on the other two.
What they do with their second selection will be interesting, given they have already invested so heavily in their midfield. Defenders Darcy Wilmot and Tom Brown or key forward Jack Williams may be considered here.
Small forward Jesse Motlop, son of former Kangaroo Daniel, would also fit a need. He doesn’t qualify for father-son selection, as Daniel played only 47 games for the club.
Father-son options include defender Jackson Archer (Glenn) and midfielder Darby Scott (Robert, brother of Bailey).
PORT ADELAIDE
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 17, 60, 71, 72, 90
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Power got Next Generation Academy prospect and defender Lachie Jones at Pick No. 16 after Collingwood’s bid on him.
Their second-round pick was traded to Essendon in the deal to land Bombers forward Orazio Fantasia.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
The rise of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera this year has the nephew of Port legend Gavin Wanganeen right in the mix at where the Power’s first pick will be.
If Wanganeen-Milera continues to spike and is off the board by then, the Power could look at Western Australia’s Matthew Johnson to add a tall midfielder to the mix.
South Adelaide’s Matthew Roberts and Arlo Draper could even still be on the board then.
The Power will also pick up father-son prospect Jase Burgoyne, who is the son of 2004 premiership player Peter Burgoyne.
A highly-rated prospect, he is a classy midfielder or forward who is damaging by foot and has played some senior SANFL football with Port Adelaide Magpies this year.
RICHMOND
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 7, 16, 26, 28, 40, 44, 80, 98
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Tigers were not a big player in the 2020 draft, opting to trade their first-round pick to Geelong in exchange for the Cats’ first-round pick this year.
They picked up Brisbane Academy member and 206cm ruckman Samson Ryan with their second-round selection at pick 40 after the Lions chose not to match a bid.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Unlike last year, the Tigers have indicated their intention is to hold onto their two first-round picks.
They will have a plethora of options in a draft which is heavy in quality midfielders at the top of the order.
Players like tough Greater Western Victoria Rebels midfielder Ben Hobbs and silky Sandringham Dragons onballer Finn Callaghan could be in the mix at pick 7.
The Tigers have also picked up a lot of players from the Northern Knights in recent years and would have a close eye on Josh Ward.
Highly-rated Rebels key defender Josh Gibcus is another player who could come into calculations as the Tigers look to life beyond the retired David Astbury and the ageing Dylan Grimes.
He is not a top-end pick but the Tigers also have access to Bendigo Pioneers midfielder-forward Nyawi Moore, who is eligible to join Essendon as a father-son where his dad Nathan Lovett-Murray played 145 games.
Along with the Bombers link, Moore is a member of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy.
ST KILDA
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 9, 46, 64, 82, 100
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Saints had only one pick inside the top-40 last year after they did a pick swap with Richmond as part of the deal to get Jack Higgins to the club.
They selected 195cm key forward Matthew Allison at pick 26.
Their second-round pick was traded out a year earlier as part of the deal to get Brad Hill to the club.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Adding some more midfield class looks like being on the agenda for the Saints and there should be plenty of options available when their first pick rolls around.
Locally, Sandrigham Dragons duo Josh Sinn and Campbell Chesser will both be in the mix around that mark.
Sinn is a classy outside player who was co-captain of the Dragons this season, while Chesser was vice-captain and is another predominantly outside midfielder with a good mix of speed and endurance as well as silky skills.
Eastern Ranges midfielder Tyler Sonsie is another player who could come into calculations and is a player who can win the contest but also has polish on the outside.
Another option could be West Australian Neil Erasmus, who is an exciting 188cm midfielder who can also go forward and finish off his work.
The Saints also have a couple of Next Generation Academy members who could be considered later in the order in Sandringham Dragons duo Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager.
Windhager has a basketball background and has had a strong season after coming off an ACL injury in 2019, while Owens is a 190cm wingman or half-forward who significantly stepped up his game this year.
Jack Peris is another NGA member and is the son of former Australian hockey star and Olympic Gold Medal winner Nova Peris.
A speedy half-back or wingman, Peris hails from the Northern Territory and comes from an athletics background.
SYDNEY
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 12, 32, 68, 86
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Swans made a huge splash, drafting Western Australian tall forward Logan McDonald at No. 4, then matching respective bids on Academy products Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden at selections five and 32.
All three of them performed strongly at the start of the season, but injuries sidelined Campbell and Gulden for extended periods, while McDonald had stiff competition for the key forward posts. Gulden returned in time to play in the elimination final and was awarded the club’s Rising Star award.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
There will be some seriously good prospects still available at the Swans’ top pick. They may even add another WA key forward in JYE AMISS to help with life after Lance Franklin. But if it’s players with versatility they’re after, then Arlo Draper or Josh Sinn could appeal.
Midfielders Hugh Jackson and Zac Taylor may be in the mix at No. 32. ANGUS ANDERSON, who was invited to the AFL Combine, and Gulden-clone Felix Rogers may be the next Academy members to join the big time.
Daryn Cresswell’s son, Jake Cresswell, is playing for the Murray Bushrangers and father-son draft eligible this year. There are other Swans family connections in the draft, with Tom Papley’s brother, Will Papley, and Michael O’Loughlin’s nephew, Blayne O’Loughlin, in the mix.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 15, 70, 88
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Bulldogs only had one selection in the first three rounds of last year’s draft but it was a good one in No. 1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
The athletic key forward was snapped up by the Bulldogs given he was a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy.
The Bulldogs matched a bid from Adelaide at No.1.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR?
Like last year, the Bulldogs really only have one player in their sights entering the draft and that is father-son prospect Sam Darcy.
The athletic 205cm forward-ruckman is the son of former Western Bulldogs ruckman and current club director Luke Darcy and is tipped to receive a bid in the first three picks in this year’s draft.
Darcy trained with the Bulldogs during pre-season and has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and play for the club.
If the Bulldogs make any trades for picks beyond the draft points they will need for Darcy, there are also some other players in the mix that they have kept an eye on.
Eastern Ranges forward Corey Preston trained at the club during pre-season, while Western Jets defender Cody Raak is linked to the Bulldogs’ Next Generation Academy and has had a strong year which has included some Vic Metro duties.
WEST COAST
INDICATIVE DRAFT PICKS: 10, 29, 36, 49, 65, 83
WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS OF THE DRAFT LAST YEAR?
The Eagles are the only club to have not taken a top-10 draft pick in the past decade and the only club that hasn’t used a first-round draft pick in the past three years.
This means the Eagles have to use a first-round pick this year, which will be approaching the teens when father-son bid for Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy come in.
The Eagles’ first pick last year was South Australian wingman Luke Edwards at pick 52.
WHO’S IN THE MIX THIS YEAR
The Eagles have said they will go to the draft this year and their first pick has them around the mark for WA products Neil Erasmus, a tall midfielder who can go forward and kick goals.
Another West Australian in that range is East Perth key forward Jye Amiss.
Outside of Western Australia, Sandringham Dragons line-breaker Josh Sinn, talented Eastern Ranges midfielder Tyler Sonsie and South Adelaide midfielder-forward Arlo Draper are all likely to be available around the Eagles’ first pick.
The Eagles also have access to East Perth’s Ethan Regan later in the order.
The 191cm forward is part of the club’s Next Generation Academy.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2021: What will your club do with its first pick?
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