AFL news 2025: Sam Draper injury, VFL ruck star looms as mid-season draft option

Essendon have lost their two first-choice ruckman in two weeks after Sam Draper’s Achilles injury was confirmed. With the mid-season draft approaching, who will the Bombers look at?

Essendon has been urged to consider a 26-year-old VFL ruck star as a mid-season prospect as Todd Goldstein prepares for an Anzac Day return as the club’s new No. 1 ruckman.

Essendon received the worst-case news on Sam Draper’s achilles tear which will mean the free agent and back-up Nick Bryan (ACL) are out for the season.

And yet while ex-Roo Goldstein turns 37 in July, he is in elite shape and excellent form after 24 possessions, 46 hitouts and 18 hitouts to advantage against Werribee two weeks ago.

He travelled over to Perth as an emergency in the win over West Coast so was never in line to play VFL this week, but is ready to take on in-form Darcy Cameron on Anzac Day.

Sam Draper leaves the field with a serious injury. Picture: Getty Images

Todd Goldstein (R) jog laps after Essendon’s win over West Coast. Picture: Getty Images

Peter Wright can also help him in the ruck after his six-goal performance, and will hold his spot even though Kyle Langford is expected to return from a hamstring tear.

He will need to train fully on Tuesday at main training ahead of a 30-year anniversary service at the Shrine of Remembrance where both squads will assemble along with luminaries from previous clashes.

But the Dons expect Langford to play and Goldstein to slot in seamlessly in the first game of his 17th season.

Draper is keen to re-sign at Essendon but was hoping to prove himself so he could secure top dollar as an unrestricted free agent.

Jye Caldwell’s recontracting in August last year meant he tipped from restricted status to unrestricted free agent.

But even if his achilles recovery takes 10 months he could be back for round 1 next year.

Draper told Channel 7 on Sunday as he entered a scanning clinic ahead of his diagnosis: “Yeah, pretty flat. I don’t know the extent but (I am) not feeling too confident. I thought someone stepped on the back of my leg and there was no one there so that’s all the evidence you need. It just feels like it’s not fair. I was in the best shape of my career and playing the best footy so that’s what is the real kicker for me. I was playing with a lot of confidence. But I will be back. I believe in myself and my body and the team as well. I will be back stronger.”

The Dons will likely have three list spots open for the mid-season draft in late May, with Coburg ruckman Cooper Keogh and Southport’s Brayden Crossley the standout state league rucks.

East Fremantle ruckman Lachlan Blakiston is also a player of interest for clubs with ruck holes even though a shoulder injury has prevented him from putting his case forward so far.

Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara said on Sunday, Keogh was a ready-made ruckman if given a chance.

Cooper Keogh. Picture: Craig Dooley

He racked up 20 possessions and had eight clearances in Coburg’s first win over Williamstown in 17 seasons, and averages 18.5 possessions and 8.5 clearances a game this year.

“I think he can make the jump. He’s a bit older at 26 and this is only his third year in this competition but he was sick all week and didn’t train at all and he was 50-50 to play so we are happy he played like he did against Tom Downie who has been a really strong VFL ruckman for a long time,” he said.

“He is just a competitor. His follow-up work is what sets him apart. He gets after it at ground level, he has high ground ball, clearance and tackle numbers. And he brings mids into the game. What sets him apart is his transition running. He is just a workhorse. He only comes off for 4-5 minutes a quarter but he’s playing big minutes and he can transition really well. Crossley is really strong in the ruck one-on-one but Cooper is really good as a transition runner.”

Brayden Crossley (L) is another option for the Bombers. Picture: Getty Images

Brad Scott said on Friday night Goldstein was ready for the challenge of stepping up to the mark.

“I think if any club loses their two starting ruckmen, they’re going to be challenged,” Scott said.

“I think we’re in a better position than most because I can’t speak highly enough of Todd Goldstein. I’ve clearly been a huge fan of his for a long time, but this (not playing) has been a new challenge for him.

“To have one of the best ruckmen in the history of the game be prepared to sit — effectively working as a ruck coach — but also preparing himself to play each week and to accept that role and to work with our two ruckmen … not many players can do that.

“He’s a proud competitor, and he wants to perform, but just constantly he’s said to me, ‘I’ll be ready. When you need me, I’ll be ready’.”

Originally published as AFL news 2025: Sam Draper injury, VFL ruck star looms as mid-season draft option