AFL Draft 2021: Every club’s draft picks rated
Which club came out on top after the AFL Draft? Fans have delivered an unexpected verdict. Add your vote and see our expert ratings for every club.
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From Jason Horne-Francis at No.1 to pick 65 Taj Woewodin, a new wave of exciting talent has joined all 18 AFL clubs.
With sliders, bolters and bargains at every turn, which club came out on top?
Scroll down to see every club’s draft picks and the expert verdict on your club’s new recruits.
ADELAIDE
6. Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton Swans)
180cm, 81kg, Fwd
36. Jake Soligo (Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield)
180cm, 80kg, Mid/fwd
44. Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons/Oak Park)
180cm, 74kg, Mid
The Crows got the excitement machine in Rachele with their first pick and added the classy onballer Soligo with their second, only after a trade with Melbourne was knocked back by the AFL because the two clubs were trying to exchange picks they had already swapped in the trade period. Adelaide then snapped up Taylor after he slid considerably.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson’s verdict: The Crows have got the x-factor they need in Rachele, who is one of the most exciting players in the draft. Taylor at pick 44 could be a big steal.
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BRISBANE LIONS
16. Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights/Montmorency)
183cm, 76kg, Def
20. Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels/Lake Wendouree)
185cm, 76kg, Fwd
41. James Tunstill (East Perth/Busselton)
187cm, 76kg, Mid
Wilmot is an all-round defensive package, blending exhilarating offensive run and carry with sturdy defensive attributes. Lohmann screams X-Factor with his vertical leap, speed and agility combination, allowing him to be a dangerous threat aerially and at ground level. Tunstill is an evasive and clean midfielder who had a promising national carnival for Western Australia.
Dan Batten’s verdict: Wilmot fills a key list need after Grant Birchall’s retirement and while Lohmann came as a surprise, his upside is significant. Tunstill adds to their midfield depth, and caps a promising draft crop from the Lions.
CARLTON
27. Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle/South Coogee)
176cm, 75kg, Fwd
The son of Port Adelaide and Kangaroos forward Daniel Motlop was in blistering form, playing eight senior games including the WAFL grand final defeat for South Fremantle as a pure small forward. A club that has lost Eddie Betts has drafted an elusive, crafty goalkicker who rates highly for his inside pressure, just the kind of player that Michael Voss needs on his list.
Daniel played 83 games for Port Adelaide, which meant he was short of father-son qualification, which will be Carlton’s gain. The Blues took only one selection and now have an extra list spot for a summer rookie given Liam Jones’ unexpected retirement.
Jon Ralph’s verdict: Slim pickings in terms of actual picks, but Voss will believe Motlop can be a Round 1 starter as he attempts to get the best out of fellow small forwards Jack Martin, Matt Owies and Zac Fisher.
COLLINGWOOD
4. Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers/Kew Rovers)
183cm, 73kg, Mid
45. Arlo Draper (South Adelaide/Willunga FC)
185cm, 76kg, Mid/Fwd
49. Cooper Murley (Norwood/Tea Tree Gully FC)
180cm, 71kg, Mid
52. Harvey Harrison (North Adelaide/Tyndale Christian College)
181cm, 71kg, Mid/Fwd
Outgoing Magpies assistant coach Brenton Sanderson wasn’t kidding when he said Daicos would have played most games this year if he had been on the list. Expect him to play across half-back initially with some cameo midfield time. The Pies chose a trio of South Australians Arlo Draper, Cooper Murley and Harvey Harrison with their next three picks – with some considering Draper a steal.
Glenn McFarlane’s verdict: It’s ‘Generation Next’ for Collingwood with its 2021 haul adding to the wave of young talent coming into the club’s program across the past 12 months. Craig McRae has got plenty to look forward to next year, even if it may still take some time to come to fruition.
ESSENDON
13. Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels/Horsham Demons)
183cm, 79kg, Mid
46. Alastair Lord (Norwood/Rostrevor College)
180cm, 75kg, Def
50. Garrett McDonagh (Richmond VFL, West Preston)
183cm, 81kg, Def/Mid
Hobbs was touted as a likely top-10 pick but slid to the Bombers, boosting a quality midfield already boasting the likes of Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath, Darcy Parish, Dylan Shiel and Jake Stringer. While you can expect Hobbs to debut next year, Lord looms as a developing type, but has plenty of promise as a dashing half-back flanker. McDonagh is a 25-year-old rebounding defender who can also play on a wing or at half-forward.
Matt Turner’s verdict: A nice draft hand on paper. Hobbs is considered a potential future captain and looks a bargain at pick 13, while Lord is a speedy, Nick Hind type. McDonagh is a ready-made, versatile prospect with a piercing kick.
FREMANTLE
8. Jye Amiss (East Perth/Busselton)
196cm, 83kg, Fwd
10. Neil Erasmus (Subiaco/Sorrento-Duncraig)
190cm, 82kg, Mid
21. Mathew Johnson (Subiaco/North Beaches JFC)
190cm, 78kg, Mid
54. Eric Benning (Claremont/Waringarri Crows)
196cm, 84kg, Fwd-Ruck
The Dockers went local on the first night, pairing the spearhead they craved in Amiss with goalkicking midfield star Erasmus, who added a genuine ball-winning ability to his long list of elite traits this year. Fremantle then knocked back significant interest for the first pick of the second night to take another West Australian, this time first-round slider Matt Johnson. The tall midfielder makes terrific decisions and will add class on the outside. To finish, Fremantle locked in NGA prospect Benning.
Jordan Pinto’s verdict: After losing Adam Cerra, and with such a strong draft hand, the Dockers needed to nail their early picks. And they did, filling voids in the midfield and inside 50. Johnson at 21 was a bonus – a very big one.
GEELONG
24. Toby Conway (Geelong Falcons/St Mary’s)
205cm, 97kg, Ruck
25. Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons/Grovedale)
191cm, 81kg, Mid
32. James Willis (North Adelaide/Ingle Farm)
183cm, 79, Mid
48. Flynn Kroeger (Eastern Ranges/Wandin)
183cm, 85kg, Mid
64. Cooper Whyte (Geelong Falcons/Grovedale)
181cm, 73kg, Mid/fwd
After trading with the Western Bulldogs, the Cats got back-to-back picks in the second round. Conway was one of the best ruckmen in the pool, while Knevitt will add some height in the midfield. Willis is tough as nails and knows how to find the footy, while Kroeger is an explosive and strong midfielder who can also play half-back. The Cats also bid on St Kilda NGA prospect Marcus Windhager, but it was matched.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson’s verdict: The Cats now have their long-term ruck option in the 205cm Conway, although he might be able to make an impact sooner rather than later. Him and Knevitt add to the large Geelong Falcons contingent at the Cats.
GOLD COAST
5. Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick/St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully)
201cm, 74kg, utility
62. Charlie Constable (Geelong)
191cm, 86kg, Mid
Pre-draft concession: Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast Academy/Broadbeach)
185cm, 84kg, Def-Mid
Pre-draft concession: Sandy Brock (Peel Thunder/Gold Coast Academy/Palmerston)
198cm, 96kg, Def
After pre-listing Academy players Bodhi Uwland, a tough defender-midfielder, and Sandy Brock, a key-position prospect with speed, Gold Coast’s main focus at the national draft was pick 3. And they used it to take the player with arguably the highest ceiling of any in this year’s pool. Andrew moves so well for someone of his size, but it’s his skill, and ability to take the ball cleanly at ground level and spring out of stoppages that really caught the eye this year. The Suns then gave big-bodied midfielder Charlie Constable an AFL lifeline.
Jordan Pinto verdict: There hasn’t been much talk about Uwland but he’s capable of having an immediate impact across half-back for the Suns after an impressive VFL stint this year, while Constable helps fill the Hugh Greenwood void. And Andrew could be anything. It all points to a big tick, but can the Suns wait until the lightly-built teenager is ready?
GWS GIANTS
3. Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons/Mordialloc/Braeside)
191cm, 86kg, Mid
15. Leek Aleer (Central Districts/Central Districts)
195cm, 81kg, Def
42. Josh Fahey (Giants Academy/Queanbeyan FC)
187cm, 77kg, Def
Callaghan’s an extremely dangerous offensive threat with his booming kick and unparalleled speed-agility mix as a midfielder, allowing him to weave through traffic with ease. Aleer bolted up draft boards after a breakout season as an intercepting key-defender for Central District. And Fahey, an academy product, won the AFL Academy medal as the side’s best player in its clash against Geelong VFL.
Dan Batten’s verdict: The Giants are not afraid to make a brave call and Aleer has one of the highest ceilings in this draft. Callaghan looms as a future superstar, and the late bid for Fahey was the icing of the cake.
HAWTHORN
7. Josh Ward (Northern Knights/Fitzroy JFC)
183cm, 77kg, Mid
23. Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/Lake Wendouree)
184cm, 73kg, Midfielder-forward
26. Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays/Doveton)
184cm, 77kg, Midfielder
53. Jai Serong (Gippsland Power/Warragul)
192cm, 80kg, Swingman
Lifelong Hawks fan Ward – the great grandson of 1930s player Alex Lee – is a blue-chip choice as a solid footballer and solid citizen. He has shades of Zach Merrett while premiership Tiger Dan Butler said younger brother Sam, Hawthorn’s second selection, plays like Zak Butters and Trent Cotchin. The younger yet bigger Butler elusively weaves through traffic like Hugh McCluggage. Connor MacDonald is a stoppage star who averaged 30 disposals, mostly collected on the inside. The Hawks also swooped on project player Jai Serong, the brother of 2019 Rising Star winner Caleb Serong, one pick before Caleb’s Dockers had a selection and were expected to pounce.
Sam Landsberger verdict: Missed out on 192cm midfielder Matthew Johnson – Hawthorn wanted to strike a live trade for pick 21 on Thursday – and walked away with just one top-20 pick after Luke Breust and Chad Wingard refused to be traded to Greater Western Sydney. But it is a haul with new coach Sam Mitchell’s fingerprints all over it – quality characters and natural footballers. Throw in “recruits” James Sicily (0 games in 2021), Jack Gunston (one), Denver Grainger-Barras and Will Day (five each) and the post-Alastair Clarkson years might not be as gloomy as some suspect.
MELBOURNE
19. Jacob Van Rooyen (Claremont/Claremont)
194cm, 88kg, utility
39. Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons/Mordialloc-Braeside)
190cm, 79kg, Mid-fwd
65. Taj Woewodin (East Fremantle/Booragoon JFC)
183cm, 77kg, Mid
Van Rooyen is yet another high-marking swingman who showed playing for the WAFL Colts and in five senior WAFL games he has a bright future at either end of the ground. The Demons can afford to give him time given their elite stocks of talls, but they have shown in recent years they barely miss with picks inside 50. Howes is the kind of player who could be slotted in anywhere, with the versatility of Kyle Langford and the potential to be a third forward like premiership star Jack Gunston. AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan was effusive of the draft slider: “I can’t believe he’s (gone) this late,” he said of a player who was as high as pick 19 in some phantom drafts.
Jon Ralph’s verdict: The premiers rarely get the cream of the crop in the next draft but with a hugely talented swingman and a versatile wing-half forward with massive upside they can’t go wrong. Consider their record with recent picks including Jake Bowey (pick 21), Trent Rivers (32), Tom Sparrow (27), Bailey Fritsch (pick 31) and James Jordon (33).
NORTH MELBOURNE
1. Jason Horne-Francis (South Adelaide/Christie Beach)
185cm, 81kg, Mid
22. Josh Goater (Calder Cannons/Sunbury FC/Sunbury College)
190cm, 79kg, Mid
35. Paul Curtis (Western Jets/Melton South FNC/Keilor FC)
183cm, 73kg, Fwd
38. Miller Bergman (Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick FC/Mazenod College)
188cm, 65kg, Def/Fwd
59. Jackson Archer (Northern Knights/Park Orchard FC)
183cm, 70kg, Def
No.1 pick Horne-Francis will play Round 1 next year – if fit -– as “a generational midfielder”. On night two, the Kangaroos added variety with composed mid Josh Goater (a lifelong North Melbourne fan), forward Paul Curtis, versatile flanker Miller Bergman and father-son defender Jackson Archer.
Glenn McFarlane verdict: Strap yourselves in, Kangaroos fans, this is going to be some sort of ride. In a decade or so, we might look back on this draft as a key moment in the club’s quest for that elusive fifth flag.
PORT ADELAIDE
12. Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons/Camperdown)
186cm, 78kg, Def
55. Hugh Jackson (North Adelaide/Crystal Brook)
182cm, 72kg, Mid
56. Dante Visentini (Sandringham Dragons/Xavier College)
201cm, 88kg, Ruck/Fwd
60. Jase Burgoyne (Woodville-West Torrens/Henley High)
185cm, 70kg, Mid/Def
Grabbed a little bit of everything over the two nights: a classy, dashing half-back/midfielder, a ball magnet, an aggressive ruck/forward and a silky father-son prospect. The Power traded up to make sure it secured Sinn, who they rated highly and had once been touted as a top-five prospect. Visentini gives the Power a developing ruckman behind Scott Lycett and Sam Hayes. Port Adelaide would be thrilled to get Burgoyne with its final pick without a bid, while fellow South Australian Jackson showed his promise early in the year, finding plenty of the footy.
Matt Turner’s verdict: Getting Sinn outside the top 10 will be viewed as a coup. His weapons complement the young stars the Power already has. After not receiving a bid, Burgoyne has the talent to become a steal for Port Adelaide.
RICHMOND
9. Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels/Eastpoint)
196cm, 87kg, Def
17. Tom Brown (Murray Bushrangers/Mooroopna)
186cm, 77kg, Def
28. Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield)
181cm, 77kg, Mid
29. Samuel Banks (Tasmania/Clarence)
186cm, 73kg, Def
30. Judson Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays/East Ringwood)
179cm, 69kg, Fwd
Gibcus is an intercept marking freak in the mould of Jake Lever, which is exactly what the Tigers need as they forge ahead without Alex Rance and David Astbury, and eventually Dylan Grimes. Brown has pace and evasive skills and lovely skills as a half-back who also takes a strong intercept mark in the mould of Tom Stewart.
Then with a trio of late picks the Tigers secured lightning midfielder Sonsie, elite kicking medium defender Banks (from Jack Riewoldt’s Tasmanian club Clarence) and then small forward Clarke given his buzzy performances as a left-footed goalsneak. He kicked five goals in a Vic Country trial game to put his name up in lights. The Tigers believed they might need to trade up for both Sonsie and Banks, but got them in the late 20s.
Jon Ralph’s verdict: It was shooting fish in a barrel with five picks so early and the Tigers nailed this draft. They’ve stockpiled elite defensive talent to replenish what they have lost and added an exciting goalsneak (Clarke) as well as a Trent Cotchin clone in Sonsie. Sonsie will thrive in an elite footy program and Banks and Clarke have huge upside after injuries in their junior career.
ST KILDA
11. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg/Marion)
187cm, 71kg, Mid
33. Mitchito Owens (Sandringham/Beaumaris)
190cm, 85kg, Forward
47. Marcus Windhager (Sandringham/Beaumaris)
185cm, 85kg, Midfielder
51. Oscar Adams (Glenelg/Compton)
198cm, 85kg, Defender
All eyes on Nasiah, the nephew of 1993 Brownlow Medallist Gavin Wanganeen, who is suddenly a teammate of Jarryn Geary, who played with his father, Terry Milera, only seven years ago. Forget overlooking Josh Sinn and focus on Wanganeen-Milera, who is the best kick of the draft and simply all class. The Saints believe he is deceptively quick once he steps on to some open grass and they can put him on one wing, Bradley Hill on the other and watch Max King’s eyes light up as he leads towards two classy users. Mitchito Owens has shot up 15cm in the past 18 months and the Saints matched a bid for the powerful and brave midfielder, who is half-Japanese, by giving up picks 48 and 54 for Owens and 59.
Sam Landsberger’s verdict: The Saints targeted class and desperately wanted a key defender following the retirements of Dylan Roberton, Jake Carlisle and James Frawley. Well, Wanganeen brings the class and Oscar Adams – who travelled nearly five hours from Mt Gambier to play footy each week – is a big backman they can work with, a little bit like Mark Blicavs or ex-Saint Justin Koschitzke. For a club that has long been dudded by the father-son rule it was fitting that Owens and Windhager arrived as academy bargains. Some suspected Owens had spiked so strongly that he might sneak into the top 20, where the Saints would’ve lost access to him.
SYDNEY
18. Angus Sheldrick (Claremont/Mosman Park)
179cm, 88kg, Mid
34. Matt Roberts (South Adelaide/Langhorne Creek)
184cm, 84kg, Mid
40. Corey Warner (East Fremantle/Willetton)
182cm, 72kg, Mid
58. Lachlan Rankin (Oakleigh Chargers/Beverley Hills)
184cm, 74kg, Mid/Fwd
The Swans have boosted their young midfield stocks, taking two West Australian onballers and a South Aussie. Sheldrick bolted into top-30 contention late in the year and fellow Sandgroper Warner is more skilful and effective on the outside than his brother, new teammate Chad Warner. Roberts, who has five senior SANFL games under his belt, has a high footy IQ and does most things really well.
Matt Turner’s verdict: Sydney is building its generation-next midfield. Roberts has the potential to play from the outset. The Swans look to have done well but maybe overlooked a key defensive need.
WEST COAST
14. Campbell Chesser (Sandringham Dragons/Lavington Panthers)
186cm, 83kg, Def
31. Brady Hough (Peel Thunder/Harvey)
189cm, 74, Mid/fwd
37. Rhett Bazzo (Swan Districts/Guilford Grammar)
195cm, 79kg, Def
57 Jack Williams (East Fremantle/Rossmoyne)
194cm, 95kg Fwd
62. Greg Clark (Subiaco/Sorrento-Duncraig JFC)
193cm, 94kg, Mid
The Eagles traded back in the draft with Port Adelaide and were still able to get speedy Sandringham defender and midfielder Chesser. West Coast then went local with its next picks. Hough was rewarded for strong form in the WAFL, the Eagles snapped up Bazzo, who looms as a key defender of the future for them, while Williams bolsters their key forward stocks. At 24-years-old, Clark is one of the stories of the draft.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson’s verdict: West Coast fans may be disappointed that the Eagles did not pick up WA young gun Matt Johnson with their first pick. But this could be lessened if Bazzo develops like some think he can.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
2. Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris)
204cm, 93kg, utility
43. Arthur Jones (Claremont/Mount Barker)
179cm, 65kg, Wing
61. Luke Cleary (Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris)
189cm, 80kg, Def
Third-generation Bulldog Sam Darcy went by the nickname “Unicorn” this year because his imposing physique is so rare. Much like Max and Ben King, rivals can’t believe the frame this athletic teenager has and it has some thinking he might be the next Paul Salmon. Hopefully, Luke Beveridge’s wife Dana served large portions when Darcy dined with the AFL coach his dad helped appoint last week.
The Dogs had no Indigenous players from 2017-2020, but now Indigenous development coach Travis Varcoe has two to work with as the lightly-built Arthur Jones joins Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The smokey from Mount Barker, a country town of less than 2000 in southern Western Australia, is related to the famous Krakouer clan and has been inspired by “pops” Jim and Phil. Jones knocked back a place in West Coast’s academy, clearing his path to Whitten Oval, and could become the first Arthur to make his debut since Sydney’s Arthur Chilcott in 1984.
Sam Landsberger’s verdict: Whenever a Grand Finalist banks the No.2 player in the draft, it is clearly one of the big winners. But the Dogs have lost leading goalkicker Josh Bruce for most of 2022 and were exposed in the ruck – by Scott Lycett in Round 23 and by teenager Luke Jackson during a third-quarter Grand Final burst – and while Darcy will eventually blossom in both of those positions, he won’t be ready next year. Luke Cleary can learn from Alex Keath, who turns 30 in January, as an intercepting defender.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2021: Every club’s draft picks rated
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