AFL Draft: Eastern Ranges midfielder Oliver Greeves on Hawthorn NGA, Geelong links

He’d trained with Hawthorn and been mentored by Will Day. But the AFL has said no to Oliver Greeves being part of the Hawks’ next gen academy. Greeves explains how he took the news.

Oliver Greeves playing for Caulfield Grammar. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Victorian midfielder Oliver Greeves says he isn’t dwelling on a decision by the AFL to deny him entry into Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy as he prepares to enter his top-age draft season.

Hawthorn had applied for Greeves to be included as a member of their NGA program given he discovered Indigenous heritage on his father’s side “a couple of years” ago.

The move would have handed the Hawks priority access to Greeves this November.

However, the AFL recently rejected the application, leaving the Eastern Ranges product in the open draft pool.

“I knew a little bit was going on behind the scenes,” Greeves said.

“I worked pretty close with them (the Hawks) and with my family as well.

“It hasn’t affected me too much. I’ll still have the same focus as before on just playing the best footy that I can.”

Greeves trained with Hawthorn over pre-season as part of the AFL Academy program, working closely with star midfielder Will Day.

“He is probably one of the most amazing people that I’ve met,” Greeves said.

“He probably changed my perspective a little bit on the outlook of footy. He was amazing for me.”

Oliver Greeves, pictured celebrating a goal during the under-16 national championships in 2023. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

But while the Waverley Park experience was one to remember, Greeves has family ties to rival Geelong.

He is a great nephew of Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves, the winner of the inaugural Brownlow Medal in 1924 and the man who the Cats name their best-and-fairest award after.

“The Cats’ scarf has been on me since I was born,” Greeves said.

Likened to 2024 Ranges graduate and No. 7 draft pick Josh Smillie, the 192cm big-bodied onballer has taken on the Richmond draftee’s old No. 26 jumper at the Ranges this season and has kept in touch with his former teammate.

“Hopefully I can live up to half of what he’s done this year,” Greeves said of Smillie.

“He’s an amazing role model for me and he’s helped me a lot with little bits of advice for the year.”

Greeves has been likened to Richmond draftee Josh Smillie. Picture: Mark Stewart

Greeves playing in the Futures game last season. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Greeves recorded an impressive bottom-age season in the Coates Talent League and was the leading disposal winner for Team Heppell with 31 touches in the under-17 Futures game at the MCG last September.

He took part in pre-season testing of Coates Talent League players on Saturday, which included yo-yo, agility, sprint and jump tests as well as height and weight measurements being taken.

The Coates Talent League season kicks off on March 29.

Alex Condon playing for Western Australia at the Under-20 National Championships. Picture: Chris Burd

Alex Condon takes a shot for the Florida Gators.

WILL PIES LOSE CONDON TO NBA?

— Lauren Wood

Australian Alex Condon continues to catch the eye of NBA recruiters – and perhaps worry some at Collingwood – with more impressive performances in the NCAA championship in the US.

The 211cm — that's 6’11” in the old format — Florida Gators forward hails from Perth and produced a career-high showing against Alabama with 27 points, 10 boards, an assist and two blocks this week, with a clash against “Ole Miss” (University of Mississippi) awaiting on Sunday morning (10am, Melbourne time).

Florida’s 6’11 Alex Condon but together a ridiculous performance tonight vs 7th ranked Alabama

27 points
10 boards
1 assist
2 blocks
9-16 FG
2-4 3P
7-9 FT

The sophomore from Australia has fully developed Into a legit first round prospect and has been a major factor to… pic.twitter.com/h5xiV02sE4

— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) March 6, 2025

Condon signed as a Category B rookie with Collingwood at the end of last year but his form on the basketball court has many in the US touting him as a potential first-round NBA draft pick.

And it hasn’t been without a bit of footy-style physicality along the way.

Condon, 20, had two of his teeth pushed back thanks to a wayward elbow a few weeks ago, had them straightened and now dons a footy-style mouthguard to play.

Originally published as AFL Draft: Eastern Ranges midfielder Oliver Greeves on Hawthorn NGA, Geelong links