AFL Draft 2022: Fox Footy expert Mick Ablett previews every club’s top targets
Draft expert Mick Ablett has had his eye on this year’s top junior talent as clubs narrow their focus ahead of draft night. Here’s his take on who your club could add to the list next week.
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The AFL national draft is just over a week away and clubs’ plans are firming.
Fox Footy’s Mick Ablett – a former AFL national talent manager – looks at what every club needs and who they could select.
ADELAIDE
Picks: 46, 56, 59
Ablett says: The Crows already have their top-five pick, bringing in Izak Rankine. Now he’s home I think we’ll see his best. We’ve witnessed the Crows continue to improve across 2022 with the likes of Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele, Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe and Jordan Dawson forming a quality core to build on for the future.
Draft Prediction: The Crows will have to match a bid for father-son prospect Max Michalanney. A genuine hybrid defender at 190cm, he has the athleticism and smarts to play on both talls and smalls. Jakob Ryan is another local SA prospect that could provide some much needed height through the midfield.
BRISBANE LIONS
Picks: 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 73
Ablett says: With the added firepower of Jack Gunston and the reigning Bulldogs best-and fairest winner Josh Dunkley, the Lions look a genuine premiership threat next year. They have had to trade in picks and accumulate as many draft index points as possible in order to bring in two very promising father-son prospects who will add to an already star-studded midfield.
Draft Prediction: The No. 1 talent in the draft is Lions father-son Will Ashcroft (son of Marcus), who will no doubt feature within the first couple of picks. The question is who will nominate him — GWS or North Melbourne? Jaspa Fletcher (son of Adrian) will also attract a first-round father-son bid. Both will have an immediate impact in season 2023.
CARLTON
Picks: 10, 29, 49, 66
Ablett says: The time for the Blues is now. A return to finals football is imminent. With the twin towers up forward and a quality midfield, the Blues need to turn their attention to a ready-made key defender. A quality mid-sized forward would also provide them with a different dynamic.
Draft Prediction: Bailey Humphrey is a high energy medium forward that kicks multiple goals and is a genuine barometer who would fit nicely if he is still on the board at pick 10. Ethan Phillips — who won the VFL Fothergill-Round Medal — is one of the most prominent mature age options. His intercept marking and strength in the contest as a key defender makes him very attractive.
COLLINGWOOD
Picks: 16, 25, 27, 51
Ablett says: With the departure of former All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy and promising young star Ollie Henry, the Pies needed to restock and that’s exactly what they did. Bringing in Tom Mitchell, Bobby Hill, Dan McStay and Billy Frampton has only strengthened an already fast rising Craig McCrae-led team. Two top-25 picks will be the cherry on top. Draft Prediction: The Pies might look to add some height down back. Jedd Buslinger would be an ideal rookie to learn from one of the best in the business in Darcy Moore. Josh Weddle is another option. The 192cm defender tore the draft combine testing apart with top-10 finishes in four out of the five disciplines. His kicking depth is a real feature.
ESSENDON
Picks: 4, 22, 54, 62, 68, 72
Ablett says: To borrow a line from the Kevin Sheedy Playbook: “Speed Kills” is what the Bombers require. They also need some height and size through the midfield, which would assist in giving them a different look. The need for a tall defender could also present with the departure of Michael Hurley.
Draft Prediction: With the Davey Twins — Alwyn and Jayden — nominating the Bombers as their club of choice via the father-son rules, this helps address the need for speed. South Australian star Mattaes Phillipou, a 190cm big bodied game-changer who hits the scoreboard and possesses an excellent speed and endurance mix which could suit Essendon’s midfield needs.
FREMANTLE
Picks: 30, 43, 44, 67, 76
Ablett says: Set out to land the big fish during the trade period and did exactly that, bringing in former NAB Rising Star Luke Jackson. The Dockers have lost significant depth with Darcy Tucker, Griffin Logue, Blake Acres and Rory Lobb departing and will be praying for another injury-free season to assist their premiership assault.
Draft Prediction: Likely to add midfield depth to compliment the likes of Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong. Mitch Szybkowski fits this mould. A 185cm strongly-built stoppage specialist, he averaged 24 disposals during the under-18 national championships. Jaxon Binns — a hard running outside endurance machine who accumulates possessions — also comes into contention with later picks. Freo may also target ready-made, mature age talent to compliment its young group.
GEELONG
Picks: 7, 58, 64
Ablett says: Every other club is looking for the handbrake. With the addition of Jack Bowes, who we are yet to see the best of, along with Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn, it’s staggering that the Cats still have Pick 7 as well. This year they targeted young talent who have completed their AFL apprenticeship which is very shrewd.
Draft Prediction: With Joel Selwood retiring, Jhye Clark is as close a successor as possible. One of the best leaders in this crop, his combative nature and football smarts are hard to look past. Reuben Ginbey is a bigger bodied mid with an all-round outstanding athletic profile and also possesses senior experience in the WAFL.
GOLD COAST
Picks: 5, 45, 71, 74
Ablett says: After losing some genuine outside class in Izak Rankine and Jack Bowes, the Suns should be targeting this space. Some height through the midfield would also assist the talented Touk Miller and Matt Rowell combination. The departure of Josh Corbett and retirement of Rory Thompson means they will also be looking to restock their height.
Draft Prediction: Reuben Ginbey could hold the key to the early part of the draft and will be heavily discussed at the Suns. A bigger-bodied midfielder at 189cm with an all-round outstanding athletic profile, he also possesses senior experience in the WAFL and is ready to go. Isaac Keeler is a Paddy Ryder-type forward-ruck with athleticism which would suit the quick track on the Gold Coast.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Picks: 1, 15, 18, 19, 31, 57, 61
Ablett says: With a draft hand reminiscent of their early days, the Giants are poised to strike gold again this year. They need to restock their midfield supplies along with securing the best key forward to team up with Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene. Land a gluttony of young talent along with some mature age players late and they could bounce back quickly.
Draft Prediction: All-Australian key forward Aaron Cadman at 195cm and 91kg is a must. He kicked 34 goals for the year at NAB League level to go with an average of 17 disposals and six marks. Olli Hotton — the son of ex-Collingwood and Carlton forward Trent — shapes as a potential midfield option. His 25 disposal, one goal game in the NAB League Grand Final didn’t go unnoticed.
HAWTHORN
Picks: 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52, 65
Ablett says: Hawks fans are hoping this is the start of a journey towards the next dynasty with Sam Mitchell making wholesale changes during trade period. Nine players have either been delisted or traded including former Brownlow Medal winner Tom Mitchell. The additions of Lloyd Meek and Karl Amon give their midfield a much-needed boost.
Draft Prediction: The Hawks could look to bolster their inside midfield stocks with Cam Mackenzie, who plays with Sam Mitchell-type similarities in his ability to find the football and distribute by hand in traffic. Ollie Hollands is a star of the future. An endurance machine through midfield and a very smart user of the ball of half back, he could also be an option.
MELBOURNE
Picks: 13, 37
Ablett says: After a disappointing exit in the 2022 finals series, expect a statement to come early in 2023. With the most potent ruck duo arguably since Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui, the Demons’ engine room will get plenty of supply. Targeting some firepower to assist Bailey Fritsch and Kysiah Pickett is paramount and the only area Melbourne has to address before another September assault.
Draft Prediction: Matt Jefferson could come into calculations for their first pick. He averaged 2.2 goals during his NAB League season, along with kicking a standout seven goals straight against Western Australia in the under-18 national championships. At 195cm he is a strong lead-up forward. Sam Gilbey should be on the board at their second pick and would provide some class by foot off halfback.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Picks: 2, 3, 23, 40, 70
Ablett says: The time is now. The Kangaroos have positioned themselves to strike and they must nail this year’s draft. With new coach Alastair Clarkson at the helm and club legend Brent Harvey by his side, these young men couldn’t wish for more. The inspirational Ben Cunnington is back, which provides some much-needed leadership.
Draft Prediction: Harry Sheezel should be a definite target. He gives North Melbourne a very different look up forward. He is a medium forward with genuine matchwinning ability and loads of power. George Wardlaw is another class midfielder who rarely turns the ball over, plays instinctive football and stands up in big moments.
PORT ADELAIDE
Picks: 33, 60
Ablett says: The departure of Robbie Gray is big, however the acquisition of Junior Rioli still gives them a genuine small forward threat. Some additions through the midfield — with a focus on speed — and most certainly some reinforcements in the key defenders department will assist the Power to return to their best.
Draft Prediction: Look no further than Henry Hustwaite. A 195cm, strong body that has also spent a lot of time in the midfield, Hustwaite can hold down a half-back role with ease. A tidy left-foot kick, he also provides a strong aerial presence. Noah Long is another option. He is a smart midfielder-forward who is a genuine goalkicking threat.
RICHMOND
Picks: 53, 63,
Ablett says: With the additions of former Giants star midfielders Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto, the Tigers are on their way to returning as genuine premiership contenders. Now there is simply a need for speed. While Shai Bolton and Maurice Rioli tick these boxes, further outside leg speed would greatly assist. Could the Tigers find a mature age recruit like Isaac Smith was to give them the edge?
Draft Prediction: While the Tigers won’t get their chance until late in the piece, there will still be talent on the board. Should a player like Swan Districts small forward Darcy Jones slip through, he would be an ideal candidate. Jones won the agility test at the draft time in 7.70sec to show just how elusive he is. Powerful defender James Van Es is also a watch.
ST KILDA
Picks: 9, 28, 32, 47
Ablett says: “Ross The Boss” is back. Expect improvement out of the Saints. The addition of Zaine Cordy gives them some much-needed assistance in their key defensive stocks. Now it is time to find some leg speed and midfield class that can also hit the scoreboard.
Draft Prediction: Elijah Hewett could be the answer. He is an exceptionally well-balanced midfield-forward who is a natural finisher. Having experienced senior football at Swan Districts in the WAFL, Hewett is ready to play. Coby Burgiel would also suit. His blistering speed and ability to kick multiple goals is attractive.
SYDNEY
Picks: 14, 17, 42, 75
Ablett says: Coming off a 2022 grand final appearance with one of the competition’s youngest sides, the Swans now hold two first-round draft picks. List manager Kinnear Beatson is quietly assembling a sustainable force. A bigger body through the midfield to replace Josh Kennedy and learn from veteran Luke Parker would suit the Swans, as could a forward-ruck type.
Draft Prediction: Ed Allan — the son of former Hawk and Docker Ben — could be the surprise packet of the draft. At 194cm, he has the frame to suggest he could be a beast. Allan missed the first half of the year with a back injury, but his combine testing was off the charts. South Australian ruckman Harry Barnett at 202cm also begs the question.
WEST COAST
Picks: 8, 12, 20, 26
Ablett says: After a challenging 2022 season where injury and Covid decimated the Eagles, it is time to hit the draft. Turning pick 2 into 8 and 12 was a masterstroke which will pay dividends. Last year’s draftees Brady Hough and Rhett Bazzo have emerged as future stars, while Campbell Chesser is yet to show his wares due to injury. Three top-20 picks are on their way, with the rebuild well and truly on.
Draft Prediction: The Eagles would love to see Reuben Ginbey, Jhye Clark or Ollie Hollands there at pick 8 to bolster their midfield. Jedd Buslinger is another home grown talent that could be an option. The 196cm intercept defender has good speed and can play on a range of opponents. Brayden George is worth a look with their later picks as a dangerous medium forward.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Picks: 11, 21, 39, 69
Ablett says: The addition of Rory Lobb gives them another focal point up forward to help ease the burden on Aaron Naughton and a developing Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. With potency through the midfield and enough firepower up forward, the Dogs must look to a key defender. Since the retirement of Easton Wood they have been left a little exposed.
Draft Prediction: Lewis Hayes, a 199cm key defender, will likely be the first of his type taken and should be on the Dogs’ radar. He is the brother of Port Adelaide’s Sam. His ability to not only win the ball back but also win his share of one on one contests is impressive. Max Gruzewski is another player that should be available at the Dogs’ second selection.
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