AFL Draft 2022: Mature-agers on the radar for end-of-year intake
The mid-season draft has been and gone, but there are a number of overlooked draft prospects putting their hand up for AFL honours. Here’s who is in the mix.
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A number of mature-age mid-season draftees have already made an impact at AFL level this season – and there are more ready to do the same.
From previously-listed players to late bloomers and surprise packets, Dan Batten, Jordan Pinto and Andrew Capel look at the mature-age names in the draft conversation around the country.
NAB LEAGUE
Harvey Gallagher (Bendigo Pioneers)
Forward, 19, 179cm, 77kg
Gallagher has shown promise as a small forward – both in his draft year and at the beginning of 2022 for the Pioneers – but he has been swung into defence with great effect in the back-half of the year. Playing as a rebounding defender, Gallagher has averaged 34.2 disposals and 158 ranking points in his last five matches, showcasing his superb ball-use by foot, composure and line-breaking speed. Gallagher ahs managed to push forward and kick six goals in this period, and in a do-or-die wildcard round match against supremos Oakleigh, Gallagher was a class above with a whopping 42 disposals and 12 intercept possessions. It’s no surprise Gallagher has scored a state combine invite.
Jerome Lawrence (Oakleigh Chargers/Hawthorn F/S)
Key forward, 19, 196cm
Ranking points: 72 (NAB League)
The son of 1991 premiership Hawk Stephen Lawrence, the key forward remains tied to Hawthorn as a father-son prospect despite being an over-age player in the NAB League. The 196cm forward suits the modern game with his agility, speed and running capacity, kicking 15 goals from his eight matches for the Chargers. Lawrence has been sidelined since with a hip concern since round 10 but is set to return this week for the Chargers’ bumper clash against the Sandringham Dragons. He has been invited to test at the state combine, meaning at least two clubs have shown interest – and you’d suspect Hawthorn would be one of them.
Brandon Leary (Tasmania Devils)
Forward, 19, 177cm
Ranking points: 73 (U18 Champs), 97 (NAB League)
A dangerous small forward with an uncanny knack of hitting the scoreboard, Leary sits third on the NAB League goalkicking list behind top 10 fancy Aaron Cadman and highly touted 2023 prospect Zane Duursma, averaging 2.4 goals per game – and slotting at least one major in all 12 of his matches. Leary has emerged from relative obscurity after joining the Devils program in his draft year of 2021 off the back of strong form at Tasmanian State League level for North Launceston. But the competition’s Covid shutdown meant he was unable to feature until this season. A quad injury saw Leary miss the first two games of the national carnival but, again, Leary didn’t miss a beat, booting five goals in the remaining two matches for the Allies. Leary, who earned a state combine invite, has speed to burn and is a threat in the air and at ground level.
Brinn Little (Suns Academy)
Key defender, 19, 195cm
Ranking points: 70 (U18 Champs), 77 (NAB League)
Little is a versatile tall defender who uses the ball well coming out of defence. The Suns Academy prospect went at 85 per cent kicking efficiency across the national carnival for the Allies – even entrusted with the kick-ins at stages – and showcased his intercepting capabilities, averaging 2.7 intercept marks in both the championships and the NAB League. His athleticism and work at ground level means Little can play on a variety of opponents, but he will have to add to his frame to match it with AFL bodies. Little has also had exposure at VFL level for Gold Coast, where he has played in a more defensive role and held his own in his four matches.
Tyreece Leiu four contested marks in Carlton VFL's win over Collingwood, after 5 intercept marks against the same opposition the week before.
— Dan Batten (@danbatten_) August 28, 2022
Putting his hand up for an AFL shot as a key defender after being overlooked in last year's draft.#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/2vkQQ0K81T
VFL
Tyreece Leiu (Carlton VFL/Eastern Ranges)
Key defender, 19, 194cm, 93kg
Ranking points average: 63 (VFL), 108 (NAB League)
Leiu was right in the mix to nab a spot on Carlton’s list during the pre-season after being overlooked in his draft year, but the 194cm prospect suffered an untimely injury as the supplemental selection period came to a close. After spending time as an over-age player with the Eastern Ranges, Leiu has come back into the Blues fold for their VFL side and shone in the back-half of the year — like his former Ranges teammate Preston. In their VFL final against Collingwood, Leiu clunked four intercept marks (all contested) and he was an intercept force the previous week against the same opposition, finishing with 11 intercept possessions, five intercept marks and 115 ranking points. His speed, athleticism and strength as a key defender has seen him thrive in recent weeks, regularly outmuscling senior bodies and clunking intercept marks. He has been used as a taller midfielder and up forward at NAB League level, highlighted his versatility. With Carlton’s dearth of key defenders this year, could the Blues look to pluck Leiu straight from their VFL side?
Corey Preston (Williamstown)
Midfielder/defender, 19, 182cm, 76kg
Ranking points average: 72 (VFL)
Interest is ramping up for Preston after the 19-year-old’s shift to a midfield role six weeks ago. Preston, who was overlooked after being on the draft radar before last year’s mid-season and national draft intakes, has impressed with his agility, speed and footskills as an on-baller for Williamstown, having previously been used as a running defender at VFL level. More than 10 clubs have enquired about the former Eastern Ranges product and several have shown a keen interest, with recruiters in attendance at Seagulls matches each week to catch a glimpse of Preston. And he hasn’t disappointed over the past fortnight in particular, averaging 25 disposals, 15.5 kicks, 13 contested possessions and 120.5 ranking points.
Kaelan Bradtke (Sydney VFL)
Key forward, 20, 196cm
Ranking points average: 30 (VFL)
It’s been a meteoric rise for Bradtke, who has gone from the Ovens and Murray League – on the border of Victoria and New South Wales – to a state combine invite in a matter of months after playing just two VFL games. The intrigue surrounding the Corowa-Rutherglen product centres on his high-end athletic traits, which he is set to put on show at the combine, possessing explosive speed and agility for a 196cm tall. The highlight of his limited exposure at VFL level came in his second match against North Melbourne, where he gathered a ball off the ground at speed, burst away from an opponent and snapped at goal on the left in a way few key position prospects can.
Corey Wagner (Port Melbourne)
Defender/midfielder, 25, 180cm, 80kg
Ranking points average: 95 (VFL)
Wagner has had two cracks at senior level with North Melbourne (2016-17) and Melbourne (2019-20), but a switch to defence could make it third time lucky for the 25-year-old. Playing primarily through the midfield and as a forward previously at VFL and AFL level, Wagner has stood out with his precise ball-use and speed as a running defender, with coach Adam Skrobalak believing he is in the mould of Saints revelation Jack Sinclair. Wagner has attracted interest from several clubs since the role change and he has had no trouble finding the footy when he’s been thrown into the midfield, either. The Borough utility has had a blistering past month, averaging 27.8 disposals, eight intercepts, five tackles and 128.3 ranking points.
Mutaz El Nour
Medium defender, 21, 192cm, 83kg
Ranking points average: 87 (VFL)
El Nour was one of the surprise snubs from the mid-season draft after generating interest from a handful of clubs. An intercepting defender with pinpoint skills by foot, El Nour is a mature-age prospect with promising upside. The youngster, who turned 21 this week, has averaged 16.5 disposals, 12.9 kicks at 83.9 per cent cent efficiency, 7.4 intercepts and 2.4 intercept marks across 12 VFL matches for the bottom-placed Northern Bullants. El Nour’s reading of the play is one of his major strengths and his athleticism gives him the scope to match up on a variety of opponents.
Fergus Greene (Box Hill)
Forward, 25, 187cm, 75kg
Ranking points average: 95
Greene was let go from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2020 after five games in four years, but he has established himself as one of the best VFL forwards in the competition this year. A medium sized forward, Greene is currently leading the Frosty Miller Medal in the VFL for Box Hill with 49.15 in 15 matches, booting three hauls of five or more in the past month. Box Hill coach Clint Proctor likens Greene to Melbourne goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and there are certainly similarities, with his pinpoint accuracy in front of goal, impressive overhead marking and ability to impact at ground level resembling the mature-age recruit. The opportunistic Greene averages 6.6 score involvements from 10.8 disposals and has been a remarkably consistent goalkicker, being held goalless just once this year. If a rival swoops on trade target Jack Gunston, could the Hawks call on Greene from their VFL program?
Boyd Woodcock (Southport Sharks)
20, 179cm, 78kg
Ranking points average: 111 (VFL)
Woodcock was perhaps unlucky to be cut from Port Adelaide’s list last year after two seasons at the club, but the eye-catching 20-year-old has put himself back on the radar after a strong season as a goalkicking midfielder for Southport. The 20-year-old has averaged 27 disposals, 11.7 contested possessions, 7.1 clearances and 111 ranking points while producing moments of brilliance. Woodcock has defied his small stature this season, taking two VFL mark of the year contenders, including an incredible hanger in the goalsquare against the Sydney Swans with the game on the line in the last quarter. He may not have the size to play as a midfielder at the top level, but he certainly has the x-factor in the air and at ground level to be given another shot.
UNBELIEVABLE 🤯
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) July 15, 2022
Check out this absolute hanger from Boyd Woodcock!
Watch the #VFL: https://t.co/dBCbjKhgzzpic.twitter.com/QYTc5ZFB2Z
An INSANE grab from Boyd Woodcock 🚀
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) April 14, 2022
Watch the #VFL: https://t.co/dBCbjKhgzzpic.twitter.com/sYlBrSCn2i
Ethan Phillips (Port Melbourne)
Key defender, 23, 198cm
Ranking points: 112 (VFL)
Phillips has had a breakout campaign for Port Melbourne, where he leads the VFL for intercepts per game (11.5) and intercept marks per game (5.1). Earlier in the year against the Northern Bullants, the 198cm key defender racked up a staggering 24 intercept possessions and 12 intercept marks in a single game. Borough coach Adam Skrobalak said Phillips’ marking and reading of the play is as good as he has seen in the VFL, and he has been able to maintain his intercept game while playing on AFL-listed forwards. Phillips’ athleticism and kicking are areas for improvement but with intercepting such a crucial part of the game and key defenders in short supply, Phillips shapes as a mature-age option who can make an impact right away.
Jacob Dawson (Southport Sharks)
Midfielder, 22, 182cm, 80kg
Ranking points: 115 (VFL)
A Suns Academy graduate, Dawson spent two seasons on Gold Coast’s list for a total of nine games before being delisted at the end of 2019. Dawson has emerged as one of the VFL’s leading inside midfielders, winning more contested possessions (15.9 per game) and clearances (8.9) than any other player in the competition. There have been concerns over his kicking, but Dawson gathers the footy in high pressure situations more often than not, winning 54 per cent of his possessions in a contest — and he is held in high regard, currently leading the VFL coaches award. Dawson’s clearance winning, work in traffic and defensive pressure makes him a ready-made on-ball option – and he is still only 22.
SANFL
Tom Emmett (Sturt)
Forward, 20, 186cm, 86kg
Ranking points average: 59 (SANFL)
The powerful Sturt forward has put himself right on the AFL radar, scoring an invite to the state draft combine after an impressive back-end of the SANFL season. Overlooked in the past two drafts, despite a number of eye-catching displays inside-50 in recent years, Emmett has booted 12 goals in the past five rounds – three of them against a strong Adelaide Crows defence. The 20-year-old attacks the ball hard, uses his body well and can play taller than his height suggests, making him a difficult match-up given his ability at ground level.
Frank Szekely (North Adelaide)
Defender/forward, 22, 170cm, 70kg
Ranking points average: 90 (SANFL)
Szekely is another mature-age prospect from the SANFL set to test at the state combine with at least two AFL clubs interested in the younger brother of former Power forward Wade Thompson. And it comes as no surprise, with Szekely’s elite speed and foot skills being used on a wing and across halfback for the Roosters in 2022, after he started his SANFL career as an inconsistent small-forward. The 22-year-old is composed, setting up play for North in the back-half, and equally as damaging pushing forward, as he highlighted with a three-goal performance – his second for the year – against Glenelg in Round 18. Has key AFL traits.
Baynen Lowe (Norwood)
Forward, 19, 177cm, 75kg
Ranking points average: 67 (SANFL)
The 19-year-old made the move to South Australia after being overlooked in last year’s draft as a hardworking midfielder in the NAB League. But during his time at Norwood, his forward craft and brilliant goal sense – of which there were glimpses during his draft year – have come to the fore. The clean and skilful Lowe has booted 18.10 in 13 SANFL matches and averages five score involvements and three tackles per game in a Redlegs side which moved into outright third spot on the ladder last week. Lowe, who was runner-up in the Tassie Devil’s NAB League best-and-fairest, has kicked them tucked up against the boundary line and off hands out of mid-air, and is right back on the radar of AFL clubs.
Rhett Montgomerie (Central District)
Defender, 22, 190cm, 83kg
Ranking points average: 92 (SANFL)
Against Port Adelaide in Round 16, Montgomerie thwarted everything that came his way – in the air and on the ground – tallying seven intercept marks among 15 total intercept possessions in a dominant display. There have been glimpses over the past few seasons but he’s consistently been the rock for Central in 2022, with the neat-kicking defender, who uses his long arms to great effect, leading all non-AFL listed players in the SANFL for intercept marks. And clubs at the top level have noticed, with Montgomerie invited to show off his athletic traits at the state combine in October after what has been his breakout year.
Casey Voss (Sturt)
Defender, 21, 182cm, 80kg
Ranking points average: 117 (SANFL)
Voss was, again, overlooked in the mid-season draft, despite a strong final audition winning the Fos Williams Medal as the Croweaters’ best player in the state game against WA. But the classy defender went back to the SANFL and lifted his output further, averaging 23 disposals, eight intercepts and 130 ranking points in his past nine matches for Sturt. The son of Carlton coach Michael, Voss rates elite for ranking points (117), disposals (23.8), kicks (17.9), marks (9.2), intercept marks (2.4), intercept possessions (6.9), score assists (0.6) and score involvements as a defender this season. He makes things happen across halfback and Double Blues coach Marty Mattner says Voss is one of the smartest players he’s even seen play the game.
Nick Lowden (Norwood)
Midfielder, 22, 191cm, 97kg
Ranking points average: 79 (SANFL)
A tall, strong midfielder, Lowden has proved almost impossible for some players to tackle in the SANFL this year. The 22-year-old has used his strength to win first possession and shrug off opponents to break into space, or put his teammates in it. Lowden, who arrived at Norwood from VFL side Casey – and before that Gippsland Power – is just as strong, and committed, defensively, averaging seven tackles per game and doing a terrific job in restricting Glenelg star Matthew Snook, while also winning 19 disposals himself, in Round 18.
Hamish Ellem (West Adelaide)
Forward, 21, 195cm, 96kg
Ranking points average: 63 (SANFL)
Former Sydney Swans Academy member is big and strong and possesses elite speed for a player of his size. He recorded a 3.01sec 20m sprint time at the combine in his draft year, when he weighed in at 105kg. But he has trimmed down significantly and is covering plenty of territory, even roaming into defence in recent weeks. Played the best game of his 41-game career against ladder leader North Adelaide in Round 18, booting four goals from 17 disposals and nine marks. It was an eye-catching display from the powerhouse forward, who has key attributes AFL recruiters would love, including strong hands and a nice, long accurate kick.
Harry Boyd (Norwood)
Ruckman/defender, 24, 198cm, 108kg
Ranking points average: 143 (SANFL)
You can’t have such a dominant year and go unnoticed, especially when you’re a ready-made ruckman. Boyd arrived at Norwood in 2021, as a key-position player who had spent the previous few seasons playing for Shepparton and VFL side Werribee. His impact increased as the year went on, and then exploded in 2022, with Boyd leading the competition for ranking points and averaging 17 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 10 hit-outs-to-advantage per game. Boyd outmuscles his opponents in the air and on the ground, to give his midfielders first use – or take it away himself. He tallied a remarkable 31 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 14 clearances and eight intercepts in Round 17 and, given his experience in the role, he’s often in a good spot to win the ball back in defence.
Josh Rentsch (Sturt)
Forward, 18, 197cm, 100kg
Ranking points average: 64 (SANFL)
The 18-year-old booted 14 goals and took 18 contested marks in nine NAB League games last year to win tie for the Morrish Medal as the league’s best player. Rentsch was often too big and too strong for defenders his own age, so there were always going to be eyes on him once he made the step up to senior football across the border. After kicking 12 goals in the opening seven games at reserves level, the former Greater Western Victoria Rebels big man made his league debut and has nine major from nine matches – but he’s struggled to have a consistent impact. If Sturt holds onto fifth spot, it might only take one big finals performance on the big stage, though.
WAFL
Toby McQuilkin (South Fremantle)
Defender, 21, 184cm, 70kg
Ranking points average: 117 (WAFL)
He may be lightly-built, but McQuilkin is a dashing and skilful defender, who just gets in the right spots to win the ball back off the opposition, rating elite for intercept marks (2.1) and intercept possessions (7.1) in the WAFL this year. The right-footer is averaging 24 disposals per game, and he’s composed with the ball in hand. The 21-year-old trained with the Eagles over the summer and will test in front of recruiters at the WA state combine in October.
Jake Florenca (South Fremantle)
Midfielder, 25, 184, 86kg
Ranking points average: 117 (SANFL)
You can’t do much more than hold your own against Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and co at the top level, and that’s exactly what Florenca did when he was called off the Covid top-up list to play against the Lions in Round 8 this season. The strong-bodied midfielder tallied 19 disposals, a team-high 13 contested possessions, seven tackles and 102 SuperCoach points in his AFL debut. Either side of that, the tough ball-winner recorded 214 ranking points for South Fremantle in the WAFL, but a serious hamstring injury has wiped out the second half of his season.
Bailey Rogers (Claremont)
Midfielder, 25, 185cm, 85kg
Ranking points average: 115 (WAFL)
The 2021 Sandover Medallist and Claremont star has consistently been overlooked by AFL clubs, again missing out in this year’s mid-season draft, despite some genuine buzz. But he’s having another standout season, booting 17 goals and averaging 26 disposals and 12 contested possession in 14 matches. There may be no elite speed but he was once a defender and ticks almost every other box.
2023 draft: Every SuperCoach score from U17 trials
A host of 2023 draft prospects from across the country gave an eye-catching glimpse into the future in a windswept double header at Highgate Reserve in Cragieburn on Sunday.
In a dress rehearsal for the AFL All Stars Futures grand final day curtain raiser, a bevy of Victorian and northern academy talents emerged as players to watch over the 12 months, headlined by Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Will Lorenz and Western Jets tall Logan Morris.
The smooth-moving Lorenz tallied 32 disposals and booted three goals while Morris was unstoppable up forward, clunking nine marks – six of those contested – and slotted 5.2 for the match as Vic Metro thumped Queensland by 57 points.
Morris has kicked 26 goals in an impressive bottom-age NAB League season for the Jets, including 13 majors in his last four matches.
Vic Metro prospects Kynan Brown (30 disposals, nine inside 50s), Darcy Weeks (27 disposals, seven clearances, six inside 50s and a goal) and Kade Mueller (22 disposals and a goal) also found plenty of the footy.
Northern Knights product Charlie Naish – the son of Richmond’s Chis and brother of West Coast midfielder Patrick – won 16 disposals.
Remarkably, under-16 All-Australian Leo Lombard – aged just fifteen – was Queensland’s leading disposal winner with 26 disposals, five clearances and 118 ranking points.
He looms as an exciting talent out of the Suns Academy for the 2024, while Lions Academy member Maverick Garaicoa was lively with three goals.
In the opening game, it was NSW/ACT’s Harvey Thomas – a Greater Western Sydney Academy prospect – who was the standout with 27 disposals, six clearances, six inside 50s and three goals in his side’s 14-point loss to Vic Country.
Vic Country midfielder Patrick Hughes (21 disposals and nine clearances) led the way in a tight final term as Cooper Simpson (22 disposals, six inside 50s) and Sebastian Amoroso (three goals) provided forward half spark.
Swans Academy prospect Caiden Cleary, who was a regular for the Allies during the under-18 national championships, finished with 25 disposals, while fellow Swans linked midfielder James Lugsdin slotted two goals and had 21 touches.
SUPERCOACH POINTS
VIC COUNTRY v NSW/ACT
VIC COUNTRY
Sebastian Amoroso – 121
Patrick Hughes – 117
Cooper Simpson – 109
Joel Freijah – 105
Kobe Shipp – 104
Joe Pike – 96
Darcy Wilson – 87
Michael Rudd – 86
Joeve Cooper – 86
Sam Frangalas – 80
Kade De La Rue – 79
Tom Bartlett – 77
Luamon Lual – 77
Harry De Mattia – 73
Oliver Poole – 66
Lachlan Smith – 54
Liam Kershaw – 54
Malik Gordan – 51
Angus Hastie – 45
Flynn Chirgwin – 42
Will Dawson 42
Billy Wilson 33
Zane Snowden 33
Boston Dowling 26
NSW/ACT
Harvey Thomas – 172
James Lugsdin 123
Harrison Podmore-Taylor – 94
Max Rider – 88
Will Kellar – 87
Charlie McCormack – 86
Caiden Cleary – 82
Jacob Jones – 81
Daniel Gauci – 79
Charlie Hillier – 76
Jackson Savage – 67
Patrick Payne – 57
Liam Lieschke – 57
Khy Gibbs – 54
Jesse Hart – 50
Connor O’Sullivan – 47
Ned Hawkins – 47
Nathan Fokes – 45
Cooper McClennan – 43
Lachlan Cabor – 41
Bailee Gilbert – 34
Oliver Rouse – 28
Bryce Langdon – 17
VIC METRO v QUEENSLAND
VIC METRO
Will Lorenz – 181
Kade Mueller – 149
Darcy Weeks – 142
Lance Morris – 139
Archie Roberts – 117
Mahmoud Taha – 99
William Green – 91
Cam Nyko – 91
Kynan Brown – 89
Charlie Naish – 85
Aleksandr D’Arro – 84
Alex Tsia – 77
Diesel Moloney – 76
Jude Georgievski – 75
Luke Lloyd – 69
Jake Smith – 65
Joshua Tovey – 64
Amin Naim – 64
Riley Weatherill – 64
Sam Phillips – 61
Eethan Williams – 59
Vigo Visentini – 34
Will LaMotte 23
Jordan Croft 22
QUEENSLAND
Leo Lombard – 118
Ethan Read – 111
Finn Hay – 85
Charlie Elliott – 81
Jack Stringer – 78
Maverick Garaicoa – 74
Patrick Snell – 69
Ben O’Brien – 61
W Graham – 61
Harry Sullivan – 52
Bradley McDonald – 52
Caleb Nancarrow – 50
Elijah Glass – 45
Hunter Moore – 43
Takoda Boltong 43
Max Masters 43
Hugo Crawford – 38
Sonny Ashley – 37
Nathan Jensen – 35
Billy Richardson – 35
Alex Pope – 27
Jett Jessen – 25
Will Cooper – 15
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2022: Mature-agers on the radar for end-of-year intake
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