AFL Draft 2021 ultimate guide: Every club’s picks, list needs and targets
Club recruiting teams have been putting in work as they decide who they will take in the draft. This is who is on your club’s radar.
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The AFL Draft is only days away and recruiting teams across the country are working overtime to find your club’s next star.
North Melbourne is likely to crown South Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis as the No. 1 pick and bids for father-son guns Nick Daicos (Collingwood) and Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) won’t be far behind.
But, after that, pick swaps, bolters and sliders could shake things up.
So who will your team end up with?
Our talent watchers Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten have been on the phones, studying vision and analysing the numbers to find out who might suit your club and how draft night could play out.
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Adelaide
Draft picks: 4, 33, 75, 80
List needs: Speed and height in the midfield, goalkicking small, small defender.
Who could be available at first pick: Finn Callaghan, Josh Rachele, Josh Sinn, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Ben Hobbs.
Could be in the mix after that: Mitch Knevitt, Cooper Murley, Judson Clarke, Sam Banks, Hugh Jackson, Cooper Hamilton, Paul Curtis.
At 189cm with speed, class a penetrating left-foot, Callaghan has all the traits of the perfect modern-day midfielder but, as it stands, pick 4 could be too late. Will the Crows move up? The talk is they’ve tried. Hobbs is likely to be snatched up in the next few selections but the skill and speed of Sinn and Wanganeen-Milera might appeal more. Then there’s the midfield x-factor of Josh Goater and the club has shown plenty of interest in sublimely-skilled small, Rachele. Everything could change if they split the early selection for two picks later in the first round but local talents Murley and Jackson could be in the mix at 33, while the attacking traits of Clarke and Tasmanian Banks, who also has the height, would appeal, depending on who Adelaide selects on the first night. Could GWV Rebels defender Sam Breuer or Glenelg tall Oscar Adams be there late?
November latest: The Crows and Giants that have been two of the clubs to show the most interest in Rachele, adding to the chatter that the Murray Bushrangers gun could be Adelaide’s man at pick 4 if, as expected, Callaghan is off the board. And Wanganeen-Milera’s draft range appears to start at the Crows’ first selection.
Brisbane
Draft picks: 14, 18, 41, 60, 76, 90
List needs: Key defensive/forward depth, running defenders
Who could be available at first pick: Josh Sinn, Josh Goater, Sam Butler, Blake Howes, Jacob van Rooyen, Arlo Draper
Could be in the mix after that:Darcy Wilmot, Campbell Chesser, Charlie Molan, Blake Howes, Rhett Bazzo, Leek Alleer
Lions Academy prospects: Toby Triffett, Jack Briskey, Tahj Abberley, Saxon Crozier, Charlie Bowes
Brisbane has no glaring needs and is well-placed to snare a slider with a host of exciting prospects inside the 10-20 range. Line-breaking halfback/midfielder Sinn looms as one who could get to their first selection after an injury interrupted year, and would be a fantastic addition with Daniel Rich turning 32 next year. Running defenders Goater, Chesser, Wilmot, and interceptor Brown are others who will be around the mark for their early selections. The Lions could be exposed if key defenders Harris Andrews or Marcus Adams go down, which is why the high-leaping Alleer or WA swingman van Rooyen might appeal. Triffett, a big-bodied, 19-year-old inside midfielder, headlines Lions Academy group after impressing at VFL and in a national championships trial, but is viewed as a later draft chance. The Lions also have 2022 potential top-five selection Will Ashcroft, son of three-time premiership player Marcus, to look forward to next year. And they have already begun to stockpile points for next year, trading out pick 54 for a future third round selection.
November latest: With Chesser tipped to be off the board by the early 20s,the Lions would be hard-pressed to forgo the speedster with their second selection given their keen interest. Butler and Howes also remain in the mix for those selections. GWV Rebels best-and-fairest winner Molan, a smaller utility, could come into the frame later in the piece.
DOSSIER: FULL DRAFT ORDER, 109 PROSPECTS PROFILED
MORE DRAFT: TOP 10 FROM EVERY COMBINE TEST, U19 STANDOUTS
Carlton
Draft picks: 25, 64, 82
List needs: Outside class, small forward, speed, key defender
Who could be available at first pick: Sam Butler, Jesse Motlop, Blake Howes, Judson Clarke, Rhett Bazzo
Could be in the mix after that:Paul Curtis, Eamon Wilkinson, Charlie Dean, Lewis Rayson, Harvey Harrison, Dominic Akuei (NGA), Isaac Birt, Ronald Fejo Jnr, Blake Schlensog
The Blues need speed and class on the outside - and, in the wake of Liam Jones’ retirement, key-defensive depth - while list boss Nick Austin also confirmed they are after “someone who can go forward and have an impact in the front half”. Motlop, who has sublime ability through traffic and brilliant goal sense, fits that description perfectly. Butler’s added potential as an explosive, athletic midfielder, however, would be hard to pass up, and a tall, goalkicking wingman in Howes is appealing. Clarke takes the game on and is damaging forward-of-centre while prolific SA midfielder Harrison clocked the quickest 20m sprint time in the country. The Blues have also spoken to Josh Cripps, the younger brother of Patrick, a raw 199cm key forward/ruckman who impressed at the WA combine and in the back half of the season for East Fremantle. Could they take a chance in the rookie draft? The highlight reel of NT wingman Fejo Jnr is as good as any in the pool and classy small forward Wilkinson, who some believe is a better prospect than former South Adelaide teammate Beau McCreery, is on the radar of a number of clubs, as he was mid-season before injury.
November latest: Whether or not the Blues now turn their attention to filling the Jones void at their first pick is what to watch for. If they do, Swan Districts tall Bazzo could still be on the board, while WA teammate Jacob van Rooyen would be hard to pass up if he slides. Or do they just hope Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, Charlie Dean, is still available at their next selection? If Carlton stick to the original plan, Butler and Clarke are right in the mix, if available. Meanwhile, Akuei, an athletic key defender who represented Vic Country, has been nominated as a Next Generation Academy prospect.
MOCK DRAFT: JORDAN AND DAN TAKE TURNS TO PICK THE ENTIRE DRAFT
Collingwood
Draft picks: 36, 38, 40, 46, 48, 55, 58, 78, 79
List needs: Key defender, key forward, ruckman, goalkicking forwards
Who could be available at first pick: Nick Daicos (matched bid)
Could be in the mix after that: Oscar Adams, Dante Visentini, Lukas Cooke, Jack Briskey
The Pies have holes across the ground but securing No.1 pick contender Daicos as a father-son will ease the pain. His expected top-three bid is set to wipe out their first four selections, but the Pies could still consider tough utility Dib, who caught the eye as a small forward for Collingwood’s VFL side, despite not nominating him as a NGA prospect for the draft. The club also has Bassirou Faye, an athletic ruckman from Senegal, who will sit outside the list on an international rookie scholarship. Collingwood’s key position stocks are lacking but it may struggle to find any late in the piece in a draft light on talls. Could key defender Adams and high-impact tall forward Cooke – who both stood out for South Australia in their final national carnival clash – be in the frame? Briskey, a 20-year-old key forward from the Lions Academy – trained with the Magpies during the pre-season in pursuit of a supplemental selection spot.
November latest: The news on Wednesday that Greater Western Sydney could bypass a bid for Nick Daicos was music to the ears of Magpies fans. Whether it happens remains to be seen, with the Giants still determining their bidding strategy with the coveted No.2 selection. Another player tied to the Collingwood, tough utility Youseph Dib, is available to all clubs after the Magpies opted not to nominate him as a Next Generation Academy prospect.
Essendon
Draft picks: 11, 51, 56, 87
List needs: Small forwards, key forward, outside speed
Who could be available at first pick: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Neil Erasmus, Josh Sinn, Josh Goater, Jye Amiss
Could be in the mix after that:Corey Preston, Paul Curtis, Josh Rentsch
Essendon has the luxury of pouncing on a prospect who slides outside the top 10 – and there should be plenty of options. It seems unlikely that Amiss would slip through three selections from West Australian clubs, but the deadeye key-forward would be an ideal pick-up for the Bombers after Cale Hooker’s retirement. Rachele slid to Essendon’s pick in News Corp’s early mock draft, and would fit in nicely, but his name appears set to be called by then. Running defender-midfielders Sinn and Goater would help add to their outside speed, Erasmus is an attractive option as an inside midfielder, while Wanganeen-Milera has great appeal as an elite kicking wingman, having a link to the club as the nephew of 1993 Brownlow medallist, Gavin Wanganeen. The Bombers have Wanganeen’s son, Tex, on offer as a father-son prospect but do not plan to nominate him. Small forward Curtis, one of the NAB League’s leading goal kickers, Preston, a dynamic flanker who can play at both ends, and Morrish medallist Rentsch, a strong key forward, could be on offer late. However, they could wait for the twin sons of Alwyn Davey – Alwyn Jnr and Jayden – next year to boost their small forward stocks as father-sons.
November latest: Laser-like kicking Wanganeen-Milera has been linked to the Bombers and it makes sense, given he would fill a need on the outside. Goater is also in contention for Essendon’s first selection, with the athletic prospect having played in the red and black already this year, receiving a call-up for the Bombers VFL side. Sinn would also be in contention if he gets through, and could a bid on fellow Sandringham product Michito Owens — tied to St Kilda — be on the cards? It might be a bit too early. The Bombers have also shown interest in skillful wingman Bergman, who shapes as an option in the back-end of the draft.
Fremantle
Draft picks: 6, 8, 19, 61, 69, 84
List needs: Midfield class, key talls, outside run
Who could be available at first pick: Jye Amiss, Josh Rachele, Mac Andrew, Finn Callaghan
Could be in the mix after that:Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson, Josh Goater, Jacob van Rooyen, Arlo Draper, Jesse Motlop (metro NGA), Alastair Lord, Eric Benning (NGA), Jai Serong
East Perth forward Amiss ticks all the boxes in Fremantle’s search for a new spearhead, and he could be high on Richmond’s board at the next pick. But, still, the pure talent of Rachele and Andrew would make them think long and hard if they fall outside the top five. Tall, goalkicking midfielder Erasmus would help fill the void left by Adam Cerra, and allow Nat Fyfe to play forward more, but the kicking of Wanganeen-Milera might fit better, given the club’s current mix through the middle of the ground. Van Rooyen at 19 would be a brilliant way to cap off the prized early trio of picks but will the athletic, versatile tall still be there, given he has a number of other suitors in the teens? The other thing that remains to be seen is whether the Dockers will be tempted to cash in on the interest for the first pick of the second night. There would be a long list of names, including NGA prospect Motlop and local talent Brady Hough, who would fit nicely if they did move back.
November latest: The Dockers, while not alone, are very keen on Callaghan and, given their current hand, appear best placed to tempt a club further up the board. They’ve also spoken to Jai Serong, brother of young star Caleb, a raw key-position prospect with a great vertical leap. He’s 14cm taller than his star sibling but has also shown glimpses as a midfielder. Could they just grab Motlop with their third pick anyway? This appears unlikely, but don’t rule it out.
Geelong
Draft picks: 22, 30, 32, 34, 50, 91
List needs: Outside speed, key position depth, forward pressure, young midfielders
Who could be available at first pick: Tom Brown, Jesse Motlop, Sam Butler, Jacob van Rooyen, Rhett Bazzo, Leek Alleer, Blake Howes
Could be in the mix after that:Rhett Bazzo, Leek Alleer, Mitch Knevitt, Judson Clarke, Miller Bergman, Justin Davies, Greg Clark, Arthur Jones, Blayne O’Loughlin
The Cats have four selections in the second round and should be able to snare several promising players, while improving their age profile in a draft that bats deep. Geelong’s lack of outside speed was laid bare during the finals series and, after losing Jordan Clark during the trade period, a player like halfback Brown – who falls 16 games short of Cats father-son status from father, Paul – or athletic wingman Howes would be sound additions. The retirement of Lachie Henderson means the Cats’ tall defensive stocks are looking slim, and it’s similar up forward outside of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron. Swingman van Rooyen would address both needs if he is available at their first pick, while Alleer is more advanced as a key defender after a full year at SANFL level. With an ageing centre bounce brigade, could the Cats look to local Geelong Falcons product Mitch Knevitt? The 193cm contested ball-winner tested strongly for endurance and speed at the draft combine and can take marks up forward. Mature-ager Clark, a 24-year-old WAFL star, is a tall midfielder who can give the Cats an immediate boost, while WA youngster Jones showed his exciting attributes at the national carnival as a forward-wingman and could appeal late.
November latest: The Cats may look west on the second night of the draft, showing interest in small forward Motlop, key back Bazzo and tough midfielder Sheldrick. The latter may still be on the board for their three selections in the 30s, where Victorian wingman Bergman will enter calculations. Later in the draft, GWV utility Molan is in the contention, along with Stingrays key defender Davies, who is gaining some momentum.
Gold Coast
Draft picks: 3
List needs: Key defender, ready-made players, rebounding class
Who could be available at first pick: Finn Callaghan, Josh Gibcus, Mac Andrew, Ben Hobbs, Josh Ward
Could be in the mix after that:Ned Stevens (GC Academy), Austin Harris (GC Academy), Bodhi Uwland (GC Academy), Will Bella (GC Academy)
Like the Crows, the Suns could come hard for the Giants’ pick 2 and Callaghan on draft night but, if they select at 3, the 195cm Gibcus is the ideal fit to shore up the future of the spine. His height, elite vertical leap and long arms made him look unbeatable in the air at times in the NAB League. The potential of Andrew will appeal to every club in the top 10, while Hobbs or Ward would provide further leadership. Under the AFL’s concession package, this is the final year the Suns will be able to pre-list their Academy players ahead of the draft and the highly rated trio of Ned Stevens (versatile ruck-forward), Austin Harris (skilful defender/forward) and Bodhi Uwland (Tough, composed defender-midfielder) tick plenty of boxes.
November latest: The Suns are reportedly one of the clubs to have their advances for pick 2 knocked backed by the Giants. So, unless Callaghan slips through, it could be Andrew or Gibcus. Late last month, Uwland and and Northern Territory talent Sandy Brock were pre-listed by the club.
GWS
Draft picks: 2, 13, 53, 54, 71, 89
List needs: Rucks, key forwards, key defenders, small forwards
Who could be available at first pick: Finn Callaghan, Mac Andrew, Josh Gibcus, Josh Rachele
Could be in the mix after that: Josh Goater, Blake Howes, Jacob van Rooyen, Josh Fahey (Giants Academy), Josh Green (Giants Academy), Sam Frost (Giants Acadmy), Patrick Voss (Giants Academy)
GWS can change the face of the draft with the ability to secure any player outside of Jason Horne-Francis, who is expected to have his name called by North Melbourne, and father-son prodigies Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy – which they may well bid on. The Giants are overflowing with midfielders but Callaghan offers something different to their current mix and would be worthy of the second ‘live’ pick, with exciting ruckman Andrew and intercept key defender Gibcus other prospects linked to their first choice. Gibcus and Andrew would both help satisfy clear list needs. However, with the Giants open to offers for the prized pick, could the Giants slide down the order and still nab either of these talented talls? As shown in News Corp’s recent mock draft, numerous clubs inside the top 10 are not in need of a developing ruckman. The Giants’ second pick should net them another quality player, with the mid-first round range boasting high-end talent. Meanwhile, the club will have enough points to snap up Giants Academy rebounding defender Fahey – who was named as the AFL Academy’s best afield against Geelong’s VFL side in April – even if a bid comes inside the top 30.
November latest: After rejecting rival offers, all signs point to Callaghan being taken with the second live pick of the draft. If not him, athletic ruck Andrew appears the most likely alternative, while Rachele and Gibcus remain in the mix. What happens at their first pick will have a significant say on their selection at 15 (pre-bids) — meaning that if they go with a midfielder first up, they will not take another. Goater and Howes are among those they have shown interest in. Interestingly, Howes is best friends with Callaghan, who they could look to pair up to decrease the ‘go-home’ factor.
Hawthorn
Draft picks: 5, 21, 24, 59, 65, 81
List needs: Young midfielders, midfield class, goalkicking small forwards, key forward depth
Who could be available at first pick: Josh Ward, Matthew Johnson, Jye Amiss, Josh Rachele, Ben Hobbs
Could be in the mix after that:Sam Butler, Jesse Motlop, Blake Howes Zac Taylor, Jack Williams, Kai Lohmann, Jake Soligo
Hawthorn has the opportunity to add a future midfield star to its ranks at five, and game-breaking left-footer Callaghan would tick all the boxes. However, prolific ball-winners Hobbs and Ward appear the more likely options to be remaining on the board, both presenting as bankable options. Hawthorn’s ageing midfield features several similar ball-hunters, which is why the class and elite kick of Taylor would be a nice fit. A small forward could also be on the Hawks’ wishlist with Luke Breust in the twilight of his career, and the powerful Rachele looms as the best in the pool with the potential to be a high-impact midfielder. Crafty small forward Motlop, the son of Port Adelaide and North Melbourne player Daniel, and speedy pressure forward-midfielder Butler, the brother of St Kilda goalsneak Dan, might be available at their picks in the 20s. Alternatively, the speed and aerial ability of Lohmann, an eye-catching 185cm forward, could add to Hawks’ forward mix, while the creativity and efficiency of classy midfielder Soligo would also be promising addition if available at their later selections.
November latest: Ward has been strongly linked to the Hawks and looks a perfect fit, but would Rachele be too tantalising to pass up, if he isn’t snared by the Crows? Andrew toured Hawthorn’s facility recently but he may be gone by the time the Hawks are on the clock. Tall WA midfielder Johnson has bolted into the frame for Hawthorn’s early pick, while sharpshooter Amiss is also in the mix. Athletic 190cm product Howes would appeal if he gets through to Hawthorn’s second selection, while outside runner Bergman could come into calculations if he remains on the board late.
Melbourne
Draft picks: 17, 37, 49, 57, 94
List needs: Outside run, key-forward depth
Who could be available at first pick: Campbell Chesser, Blake Howes, Mitch Owens, Tyler Sonsie, Jacob van Rooyen,
Could be in the mix after that: Jack Williams, Cooper Murley, Judson Clarke, Sam Banks, Jack Avery, Morgan Ferres, Taj Woewodin (Father-son), Andy Moniz-Wakefield (NGA) Jordan Lukac, Josh Rentsch
The premier has a well-balanced list with stars on every line so, if they don’t look to package their first two selections for one higher up the order, the Demons might just wait to see who slides. Chesser’s run-and-carry and Sonsie’s midfield class will appeal, while the athletic Howes would give Simon Goodwin’s side a new look on the wing. As would bolter Owens, who has grown 15cm over the past two years. And calling his name out inside the top 20 means St Kilda will not be able to match the bid for the NGA prospect. WA tall Williams would be a terrific selection if he were to slide outside of the top 30, while Murley and Clarke would add another layer to Melbourne’s ball movement. Ferres is a mid-sized forward with strong hands, who is often a step ahead of opposition defenders with his running patterns. Rentsch, on the other hand, is a powerful, 197cm forward, who tied for this year’s Morrish Medal in the NAB League, if the Demons still need to add to their key-forward stocks late.
November latest: The first-round interest in Howes is growing and the Demons are a genuine chance with their first pick. Melbourne has also officially nominated Woewodin as a father-son prospect but where will a bid come? If no rival club calls his name out, the son of Brownlow Medallist Shane will automatically join the club’s rookie list.
North Melbourne
Draft picks: 1, 20, 42, 47, 72, 77
List needs: Key talls, versatile defender, small forward
Who could be available at first pick: Jason Horne-Francis
Could be in the mix after that: Tom Brown, Darcy Wilmot, Jacob van Rooyen, Leek Alleer, Rhett Bazzo, Jesse Motlop, Lewis Rayson, Kai Lohmann, Jack Williams, Charlie Dean, Jackson Archer (father-son)
North Melbourne is likely to crown Horne-Francis the No. 1 pick in November’s draft and the complete midfield prospect should have an immediate impact next season. That’s done, but the Roos’ next call early in the second round is more interesting. Brown and Wilmot offer dash and drive, combined with strong defensive attributes, but pick 20 is where they could pounce on their next star key-position prospect. Central District bolter, Alleer, who broke the running vertical jump record at the combine, starred in the SANFL as an intercept defender in the SANFL this year and has, arguably, the biggest upside of any tall in the draft pool. And he might not be there at 42, given the surging interest in the 20-year-old. Van Rooyen would also be in the mix at the selection, while, later in the draft, speedy forward Lohmann, who is great in the air and on the ground, would add another lay to the forward mix in time. The Roos officially lodged the father-son paperwork for Jackson Archer, the son of club great Glenn, before the deadline in October.
November latest: There is some interest for Alleer in the teens so North might have to pounce if they want the talented tall they like. Bazzo looms as the other key-defender they could consider, too. Or, could the Roos jump a number of clubs and take Motlop, to fulful their need for a small-forward?
Port Adelaide
Draft picks: 12, 63, 73, 74, 92
List needs: Midfield depth and speed, small forward, young defender
Who could be available at first pick: Josh Rachele, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Knevitt, Matthew Johnson, Josh Goater, Josh Sinn, Darcy Wilmot, Arlo Draper,
Could be in the mix after that: Jase Burgoyne, Lachlan Rankin, Oscar Adams, Hugh Stagg
Given Robbie Gray is in the twilight of his career, and the club’s want to get Zak Butters and Connor Rozee in the midfield regularly, the talented Rachele would be hard to pass up in the unlikely even he was still there at Port’s first pick. But at 12 – the selection they got from Sydney in the Pete Ladhams deal – the Power are more likely to bolster their midfield. The the unrivalled foot skills of Wanganeen-Milera would complement the inside stocks perfectly, while Sinn, with his speed, Goater, with his explosiveness, and Knevitt, with his height, would add another dimension altogether – albeit down the track. Burgoyne, the son of premiership star Peter, will nominate as a father-son prospect and the Power have a stack of late picks to match a potential bid. Locals Stagg, Adams and Harvey Harrison could appeal and they have shown some interest in former Lion Skinner.
November latest: It was more than some interest, with Port signing Skinner as a delisted free agent last month. The Power’s place in the draft is still difficult to get a read on but, if he does slide, Wanganeen-Milera is unlikely to get past their pick. And with some believing Johnson won’t get past the Eagles, and St Kilda’s interest in Josh Sinn, there’s a slim chance he does.
Richmond
Draft picks: 7, 15, 26, 27, 28, 83
List needs: Inside midfielders, key forwards, outside speed, key defensive depth
Who could be available at first pick: Josh Rachele, Josh Ward, Ben Hobbs, Jye Amiss
Could be in the mix after that: Josh Goater, Josh Sinn, Sam Butler Zac Taylor, Angus Sheldrick, Jack Williams, Blake Howes
Richmond is crying out for inside midfielders after being smashed in the clinches last season, ranking dead last for stoppage-clearance differential and 16th for contested-possession differential. Ball-winning machine Hobbs would suit the Tigers’ needs perfectly, but will he still be on the board at seven (nine after bids)? Ward, an ultra-consistent midfielder likened to Zach Merrett, could also impact right away and may be on offer, while Rachele has the matchwinning traits as a forward-mid to be a superb option for the Tigers. Amiss is worth considering after the loss of Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol during the trade and free agency period. With five picks inside the top 30, Richmond could look to package selections to move up the board, but expect them to be sitting pretty either way with their strong hand. Line-breaking options Goater or Sinn may be available at the Tigers’ second pick, while draft bolter Sheldrick, a tough-as-nails 179cm midfielder and classy ball user Taylor look to be around the mark for their three picks in the 20s.
November latest: Relentless inside midfielder Hobbs, who the Tigers are meeting with this weekend, has been reportedly linked to the Tigers and they have also shown a keen interest in Ward, but the Northern Knights product may become a Hawk with the previous pick. Key forward Amiss is also in the mix and would address another glaring need. Goater would be difficult to resist if he fell to Richmond’s second selection, or will the the Tigers pounce on another Butler? As for their trio of picks in the 30s, Richmond has shown interest in crafty forward Motlop, while Bazzo could come into the equation as a tall defender.
St Kilda
Draft picks: 9, 62, 66, 67, 85
List needs: Key defenders, midfield polish, goalkicking small forwards, key forward depth
Who could be available at first pick: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson
Could be in the mix after that: Marcus Windhager, Michito Owens, Jack Peris, Josiah Kyle (all NGA)
St Kilda has two Next Generation Academy prospects, Windhager and Owens, who should be taken inside the top 40, despite limited exposure for varying reasons. But Saints fans will be crossing their fingers and toes that the pair aren’t snaffled by a rival club inside the top 20, with NGA Academy bids unprotected in this draft range. Powerful and versatile midfielder-forward Windhager appeared the most likely to be taken in the first round but he has suffered a recent back injury, while Owens came with a rush mid-year and has more growth left in him as a tall midfielder. Matched bids could force the Saints into a draft points deficit with their limited picks, but it is unlikely to be significant. The elite footskills of Wanganeen-Milera would address a glaring need at the club’s first pick, a side short of exponents of the ‘money’ kick and midfield polish. The wingman has some admirers in the top 10 and some believe he will be the second South Australian taken on draft night. It might be too early for the Saints to consider a key defender, but Erasmus and Johnson are tall midfielders who could be on the offer at their first selection.
November latest: Talk was abuzz of Sinn being linked to the Saints after the Victorian draft day, where it was revealed he had added six kilograms to his frame. After shooting up further to 191cm, Saints fans will have their hearts in their mouths as to whether Owens will attract a top-20 bid. Could Essendon pounce as early as 11 (pending bids)? However, the most likely outcome is that a bid falls in the second round. Fellow NGA product Windhager, on the other hand, is expected to have his name called in the second-third round range.
Sydney
Draft picks: 16, 31, 39, 70, 88
List needs: Key defenders, ball-winning midfielders, key forward depth, defensive run
Who could be available at first pick: Jacob van Rooyen, Josh Sinn, Tyler Sonsie, Campbell Chesser
Could be in the mix after that: Leek Alleer, Rhett Bazzo, Angus Sheldrick, Matt Roberts Mitch Knevitt, Corey Warner, Sam Banks, Angus Anderson (Academy), Charlie Molan, Alastair Lord, Shay Linke
Sydney is low on key defenders and van Rooyen, Alleer and Bazzo shape as possible options for their first and second-round selections. Van Rooyen looks to be the one that could be off the board the earliest of this trio, with Bazzo and Alleer a chance to sneak outside the top 30. A first-round slider may be too difficult to resist, with prospects like Sinn and Sonsie a chance of being available. Chesser or Sinn would help fill the void left by new Crow Jordan Dawson with their penetrating kicks and speed. Alternatively, Tasmanian defensive distributor Banks presents as a value pick in the second half of the draft. With veteran Josh P. Kennedy remaining one of Sydney’s prime movers, some inside grunt could be found in the likes of Sheldrick or Knevitt with their second pick. Could South Australian Linke, a 190cm midfielder-forward who shone at stages during the national championships, be on their radar as a later selection?
November latest: The Swans have shown interest in Roberts so could they pounce in the 30s if the SA midfielder slides, like how many now believe he will. Or could it be Sheldrick who the Swans opt for to bolster their inside midfield stocks? Sydney is among the late-first round clubs in the frame for Butler and Howes, and van Rooyen could be in the mix as well. Warner, the brother of Swans young gun Chad, would make sense on a number of fronts, and the interest has been there.
Western Bulldogs
Draft picks: 23, 43, 44, 45, 52, 93
List needs: Key defender, ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Sam Darcy
Could be in the mix after that: Charlie Dean, Cody Raak (NGA), Jack Avery, Hugh Stagg, Dante Visentini
It’s all about Darcy for the Bulldogs and rightly so. The son of club great Luke moves incredibly well for a 204cm big man, but what he can do in the air is even more impressive – at either end, too. With pick 23 set to be eaten up by the Darcy bid, rival clubs are aware the Bulldogs would be open to trading it, in order to strengthen its hand at the back-end this year, or next. The VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medallist, Dean, could fill an immediate need in defence late in the draft, while Perth’s Jack Avery was overlooked in last year’s draft but he’s another prospect capable of having instant impact across halfback, following a standout season in the WAFL. Raak (NGA) and Macpherson (father-son) were also overlooked by the Bulldogs in 2020 but trained with the club in January.
November latest: With the Giants a chance to bid on Darcy before Nick Daicos, given their needs, the club’s draft hand could take a bigger hit than first expected. Explosive midfielder-forward Stagg, who won the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best player in the SANFL under-18 competition, could be avaliable late and the Bulldogs have shown plenty of interest.
West Coast
Draft picks: 10, 29, 35, 68, 86
List needs: Outside run, midfield class, young talls
Who could be available at first pick: Neil Erasmus, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Matthew Johnson, Josh Sinn, Josh Goater
Could be in the mix after that: Jack Williams, Blake Howes, Jesse Motlop, Judson Clarke, Leek Alleer, Toby Conway, Alastair Lord, Brady Hough, Kai Lohmann, Greg Clark
Despite some concern over his kicking, it would be hard for the Eagles to pass up talented WA midfielder Erasmus, who transitioned into the midfield, adding genuine ball-winning ability – at the contest and away from it – to his list of elite traits this year. Johnson is another local midfield prospect, while Wanganeen-Milera would give the club some much-needed outside class. The attacking flair of Howes and Clarke would appeal in the second round but could West Coast pinch Motlop if he got through to 29? The rapid rise of goalkicking midfielder Hough, who was playing country footy not long ago, has also caught the Eagles’ attention.
November latest: Some now believe the Eagles are likely to pounce on Johnson or Erasmus if they are still there at pick 10, while they’ve been monitoring mature-age WAFL gun Clark closely.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2021 ultimate guide: Every club’s picks, list needs and targets
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