AFL Draft 2022: Ultimate guide to every club’s picks, needs and potential targets
If Collingwood retains its first pick, they will have some handy players to choose from. And one of them is the son of an ex-Pie. See who else is in the frame.
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With just two clubs left in this year’s premiership race, 16 other clubs have already turned their attention to how they can make their lists better next year.
A bumper trade period awaits in October, before clubs pick apart November’s national draft in search of the best young talent from around the country.
We’ve taken an early look at each club’s current draft picks — and what they might look to do with them.
Plus, how could the trade period affect your club’s draft hand?
ADELAIDE
Draft Picks: 5, 23, 77
List needs: Midfield class and height, key defender
Who could be available at first pick: Elijah Tsatas, Mattaes Phillipou, Harry Sheezel, Bailey Humphrey
The first question is where is the Crows’ initial selection going to fall? With Gold Coast chasing an early pick for South Australian goalsneak Izak Rankine, Adelaide may cough up No.5 as part of that deal. Do the Crows split it for other selections? Or perhaps the Suns would prefer Adelaide’s 2023 first-round pick, which would boost Gold Coast’s draft hand to match bids for highly-touted key forward Jed Walter? Tsatas is a tall (187cm), explosive, line-breaking midfielder, Phillipou is a 192cm dynamic left-footer who can play in the middle or as a marking forward, Sheezel is a freakishly skilled goalsneak, while Humphrey is a powerful, tough hybrid on-baller. Expect Adelaide to try to trade players not only due to a tight number of list spots, but also to get ample points to match bids on father-son prospect and Norwood defender Max Michalanney. It is looking unlikely that Isaac Keeler, a Crows Next Generation Academy prospect and forward/ruck, will fall to pick 40, where Adelaide gets access to him from.
Latest moves: Lachie Sholl, Matt Crouch, Fischer McAsey and Billy Frampton have all been linked with departures from West Lakes, which may lead to draft picks coming in. But, after he officially requested a trade last week, only Frampton’s move to Collingwood is looking a sure thing right now.
BRISBANE
Draft Picks: 15, 33, 44, 69
List needs: Key forward, midfield speed
Who could be available at first pick: Will Ashcroft
The preliminary finalist will get the best player in this year’s draft, Will Ashcroft, the son of 318-game premiership Lion Marcus. And they might get the best player in the 2024 draft, too, with Will’s younger brother Levi making waves in the NAB League as a 16-year-old. But Will won’t come cheap, with the likely bid from North Melbourne costing the Lions 2400 (3000 minus the 20% discount) draft points. Their current hand equates to 2086 points, meaning, while a club can go into deficit, the Lions draft hand may look different come November. But they may need even more points with Ashcroft not the only Brisbane father-son prospect available this year. The son of Brisbane Bears and Lions player Adrian Fletcher, Jaspa is a long-kicking, skilful midfielder also in the top-30 mix.
Latest moves: Free agent forward Dan McStay will weigh up a significant offer from the Magpies, one which could see a compensation pick somewhere in the second round find its way back to the Lions. Young midfielder Deven Robertson is contracted for next season and has fought his way back into the side this September – but there is reported interested in the West Australian. And then there’s Josh Dunkley, who has named Brisbane as his preferred destination. It’s going to be a big off-season in Brisbane.
CARLTON
Draft Picks: 10, 28, 62, 64
List needs: Key defenders, outside midfielders, foot skills, midfield speed
Who could be available at first pick: Jedd Busslinger, Cam Mackenzie, Elijah Hewett, Mattaes Phillipou, Bailey Humphrey
Carlton has expressed a desire to focus on the draft after recruiting big names through trade and free agency in recent years, and they are in a good place to snare a slider at pick 10. If intercept defender Jedd Busslinger is still on the board, the Blues would be hard-pressed to overlook him given they are in dire need of key defensive depth – as their mid-season recruitment of Sam Durdin showed. The next best options in Josh Weddle and Lewis Hayes may not be there by the time they are on the clock for their second choice. Contested footy is the Blues’ bread and butter, so they will have an eye on a balanced midfielder or an on-baller with a point-of-difference. Cam Mackenzie (composure), Bailey Humphrey (forward half x-factor), Elijah Hewett (acceleration), Mattaes Phillipou (size, forward nous) all have appeal at their first pick. If they take a midfielder early, tall swingman Max Gruzewski has strong hands overhead, while Tasmanian Tom McCallum was the top interceptor at the national carnival and could be a later option. The Blues were impressed with key defender Tyreece Leiu’s form and development in the back-half of the year in their VFL side, putting himself in the mix. The overlooked 2021 prospect came close to a list spot during the supplemental selection period with the Blues before a cruel injury struck. All three of Carlton’s wingmen finished the season rated below average, and, while the arrival of Blake Acres will aid that somewhat, the likes of ball-magnet Jaxon Binns and 195cm prospect Ed Allan loom as a wing options in the second to third round range.
Latest moves: Docker Blake Acres appears set to join the Blues but is yet to officially commit to the club, while wingman Jack Newnes and midfielder-turned defender Liam Stocker have been delisted. Midfielders Paddy Dow and Will Setterfield loom as possible targets for rivals.
COLLINGWOOD
Draft Picks: 16, 42, 47, 48, 88
List needs: Key forward, key defender, small forward, tough midfielder
Who could be available at first pick: Oliver Hollands, Josh Weddle, Lewis Hayes, Jacob Konstanty, Olli Hotton, Mitch Szybkowski
The Magpies are shaping as being a key player in the draft and free agency period, which leaves their draft hand a little uncertain. However, if they retain their current pick 16 they will have their pick of some handy players. The likes of wingman Hollands, key defenders Weddle and Hayes, small forwards Konstanty and Hotton and tough inside midfielder Szybkowski are all in that range to be taken as late first-round picks. Hotton is the son of former Carlton and Collingwood player Trent and has been a draft bolter this year as a classy midfielder-forward who knows where the goals are. Weddle and Hayes are strong defensive interceptors who could help with life after 32-year-old Jeremy Howe hangs up the boots, while Szybkowski could be considered as a contested-ball winning beast given Collingwood’s main man in that department is Taylor Adams who turns 30 this month.
Latest moves: The Magpies have a few irons in the fire ahead of the trade and free agency period. Brisbane big man Dan McStay is expected to join the Magpies as a free agent, along with Greater Western Sydney small forward Bobby Hill. The Magpies have also been linked to Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell and have expressed interest in Gold Coast onballer Brayden Fiorini and Billy Frampton, with the Adelaide big man telling the Crows he wants to get to Collingwood. Free agent Jordan De Goey is expected to stay at the club on a new four-year deal, but the future of ruckman Brodie Grundy is uncertain. On the Tuesday after the preliminary final loss, the club confirmed brothers Callum and Tyler Brown, Isaac Chugg and Liam McMahon had been delisted.
ESSENDON
Draft Picks: 4, 22, 40, 58
List needs: Tall midfielder, key-position players, small forward
Who could be available at first pick: Elijah Tsatas, Harry Sheezel, Mattaes Phillipou, Aaron Cadman, Bailey Humphrey
The Bombers would be happy with recent early selections but with pick 4 this year, it’s time for a genuine match-winner – or a player who can add a much-needed point-of-difference to the midfield mix. It’s why Tsatas, the classy all-round speedster, or the prospect who can turn a game like no other in the draft pool, Sheezel, will appeal. But there’s also the Jeremy Cameron-like Cadman, who would make a great pairing with Harry Jones. Ideally, the Bombers take another player before a bid comes for highly-touted father-son prospect Davey Jnr, the son of former Bombers small forward Alwyn, who plays more like uncle Aaron, the classy midfielder who featured in 178 games for Melbourne. But it will be a nervous first night, with Davey Jnr’s talent putting him firmly in the first-round mix. If it goes Essendon’s way, though, the clean hands and skill of goalkicking small Olli Hotton or the intercepting game of Hayes, arguably the top key-defender prospect behind top-10 fancy Jedd Busslinger, would fit nicely. But in terms of a more readymade defensive prospect, Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist Ethan Phillips will be available later. Davey’s twin brother Jaydon, whose year was wiped out by an ACL injury, is also likely to find his way to the Bombers, even if as a rookie.
Latest moves: The Power has shown interest in talented swingman Aaron Francis, Dyson Heppell’s new deal sees the skipper turn his back on Gold Coast’s interest. Essendon also has its eye on delisted Blue Liam Stocker
FREMANTLE
Draft Picks: 13, 72
List needs: Key forwards, ruck depth, inside midfielders, wingman
Who could be available at first pick: Jed Busslinger, Matthew Jefferson, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett
Fremantle currently holds just two picks in this year’s draft after trading away a host of future picks in 2021, but their current picks will change dramatically by the time the trade and free agency period is over with an exodus looming. The Dockers are the favourite to secure athletic Demon Luke Jackson and pick 13 will likely change hands in pursuit of him, but they could have several Western Australian prospects in their sights if they manage to get back into the first round. Interceptor Jedd Busslinger, who shapes as a possible Griffin Logue replacement, midfielder-defender Reuben Ginbeyand explosive midfielder Elijah Hewett appear to be in the 5-15 range, however none of these address their dysfunctional forward line. Fremantle struggled to get scores on the board this year, ranking in the bottom six for scores per inside 50 and points from forward half this season. The club does have access to long-kicking tall forward Jasper Scaife as an NGA prospect, who will likely slide outside the top 40 bidding threshold. Otherwise, Matthew Jefferson would be top of the list if he slides outside the top 10 and helmet-headed speedster Darcy Jones should come into their thinking in the second round after some impressive WAFL form as a small forward. With Blake Acres on the way out and outside runners Liam Henry and Darcy Tucker a chance to follow, the Dockers could look at recruiting a wingman as well, with the 195cm Ed Allan, the son of Ben who played 47 games for the Dockers and 98 for Hawthorn, worth a look.
Latest moves: Where do we start. Along with Jackson, Rory Lobb wants to get to the Bulldogs – but the club appears to be playing hard ball. Acres appears set to join the Blues, while Griffin Logue has requested a trade to North Melbourne. Silky NGA graduate Liam Henry is assessing his options as is back-up ruckman Lloyd Meek and Tucker.
GEELONG
Draft Picks: 18, 36, 46, 51, 54, 60
List needs: Running defender, key forward, young talent
Who could be available at first pick: Jaspa Fletcher, Lachie Cowan, Josh Weddle, Sam Gilbey, Brayden George, Isaac Keeler
There aren’t many holes in Geelong’s list, with match-winners in every position and close to the most-versatile and balanced best 22 in the competition. It puts the club in a position to just take the best young talent available, something it needs to do anyway given its ageing stars. So, maybe the Cats are the team who can afford to take a punt on Brayden George, who will miss the next 12 months after an ACL tear. The powerful forward’s freakish skill around goal has been compared to former Cat Steve Johnson and he’s top 20 on talent. But after he also battled early-season injury, there is still plenty unknown. Around the same mark, long-kicking, line-breakers Fletcher and Cowan would fit into the Mitch Duncan and Zac Touhy spots – and add more speed there – long term, while defender Josh Weddle’s versatility and athletic profile make him an intriguing prospect. Geelong Falcons vice-captain, and tough contested-ball winner, Ted Clohesy is another who will be in the Cats’ sights later in the draft, with 18-year-old a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy.
Latest moves: Geelong may have missed out on Jacob Hopper, who wants to get to Richmond, but in a significant win, young Giants teammate Tanner Bruhn has nominated the Cats as his preferred new home. The 20-year-old is a Geelong Falcons product, who played 30 games in his two years at GWS. Magpies forward Ollie Henry was also drafted from the Falcons and Geelong has been linked to him, too.
GOLD COAST
Draft Picks: 7, 25, 32, 33, 43, 51, 68, 69, 79, 97
List needs: Small rebounding defender, speedy midfielders, key forward
Who could be available at first pick: Aaron Cadman, Cam Mackenzie, Jhye Clark, Bailey Humphrey
The Suns have a bevy of draft picks this year, including five of the first 43 selections. However, expect them to package up some of those selections or trade them out in a bid to get higher up the draft order or recruit an experienced player through trade. At their first pick, Greater Western Victoria Rebels key forward Aaron Cadman would be an attractive option if he is still available and could form a formidable partnership with Ben King in the years to come. If Cadman is gone, Sandringham Dragons midfielder Cam Mackenzie could come into consideration. Mackenzie knows how to find the footy and also has good pace. Tasmania Devils rebounding defender Lachlan Cowan could be an option with one of the second-round picks, while Murray Bushrangers outside midfielder Oliver Hollands would also come into consideration. Hollands is the brother of current Gold Coast Suns midfielder Elijah Hollands.
Latest moves: St Kilda defender Ben Long is set to head north and join the Suns this off-season, while the club has also expressed interest in Western Bulldogs speedster Jason Johannisen as another ready-made addition to their backline. Johannisen is an unrestricted free agent.
GWS
Draft Picks: 3, 21, 39, 57, 59
List needs: Key forwards, small forwards, scoreboard impact, inside midfielders
Who could be available at first pick: George Wardlaw, Elijah Tsatas, Jhye Clark, Aaron Cadman, Matthew Jefferson, Harry Sheezel
The Giants will have a bonanza of first-round selections in the 2022 and 2023 drafts after deals for wantaway midfielders Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Tanner Bruhn are finalised during the trade period. The club is crying out for forward half talent – alarmingly, Toby Greene was the only forward on the Giants’ list rated higher than ‘average’ by Champion Data this year – but the loss of Taranto and Hopper gives the previously midfield-stacked Giants the opportunity to take an on-baller with their first pick. This brings the likes of George Wardlaw, Elijah Tsatas and Jhye Clark into play, while Harry Sheezel would add plenty of spark to a drab forward line. But the Giants will be mindful that they have Academy prospect Harry Rowston in the wings, which will have a say on the type of players they take before a bid comes in for the midfielder-forward. Aaron Cadman and Matthew Jefferson are the top key position forwards in the draft and if the Giants can pair either of these talls with a high-quality midfielder, it will go some way to alleviating the damage. The Giants also have 204cm ruckman Nick Madden tied to their Academy, who shapes as a later selection, while the club has shown interest in classy Williamstown utility Corey Preston after his strong finish in the VFL.
Latest moves: Taranto, Hopper and Bruhn – all drafted to the Giants as first round picks – are poised to leave the club, while forward Bobby Hill wants to get to Collingwood.
HAWTHORN
Draft Picks: 6, 24, 50, 61, 78, 96
List needs: Some classy midfielders with power and speed
Who could be available at first pick: Jhye Clark, Bailey Humphrey, Cam Mackenzie
You would expect the Hawks to be looking for another gun young midfielder with their first pick in this year’s draft, especially if Tom Mitchell is traded. Veteran Liam Shiels has retired, Jaeger O’Meara turns 29 next year and James Worpel hasn’t developed into the player the Hawks would have hoped. Hawthorn picked up promising young midfielder Josh Ward with its first pick at No. 7 last year. Pick 6 this year could allow the Hawks to snag a midfielder like Geelong Falcons captain Jhye Clark, Gippsland Power’s Bailey Humphrey or Sandringham Dragons’ Cam Mackenzie. Clark is a fierce inside competitor who has been likened to a young Joel Selwood, while Humphrey has speed is classy on both feet and Mackenzie is a ready-to-go accumulator with great composure. The Hawks have lockdown defender Cooper Vickery aligned to the club as an NGA prospect and key forward Jerome Lawrence, the son of premiership Hawk Stephen, as a father-son.
Latest moves: The Hawks could snag a third top-30 pick during the trade period if Tom Mitchell is off-loaded. They are expected to land one experienced classy midfielder in Port Adelaide’s Karl Amon as a free agent.
MELBOURNE
Draft Picks: 32, 41, 50, 63, 68, 86
List needs: Key forward, ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Unknown
It is hard to know what sort of draft hand the Demons will have, with Luke Jackson’s move home to Western Australia expected to command some serious kickback. Melbourne does not currently hold a first-round pick in this year’s draft — having off-loaded that to Sydney last year — but will likely ask for two in exchange for Jackson. This year’s draft does have a bit of depth, but has a lot of midfielders and is relatively short on key position prospects. The Demons would be keen to try and find another key forward if they can, though, with Ben Brown turning 30 later this year and Sam Weideman’s development having stalled. Melbourne selected 194cm forward Jacob van Rooyen at pick 19 in last year’s draft, who has shown plenty of promise in the VFL this year. They could also have their eyes on another young ruckman to replace Jackson – a pick 3 in 2019.
Latest moves: The Demons have met with Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy about a possible move, which could see him team up with Max Gawn in a formidable two-pronged ruck attack. The recruitment of Grundy would help fill the hole left by Luke Jackson’s move west.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft Picks: 1, 55, 66
List needs: Key defender, key forward, midfield class and speed
Who could be available at first pick: Elijah Tsatas, George Wardlaw, Aaron Cadman, Harry Sheezel, Bailey Humphrey, Jedd Busslinger
Could the Roos trade the No.1 pick this time around? After knocking back significant advances last year, it would take an almighty offer. But given they won’t re-enter the draft until the fourth round – as it stands – and the club’s interest in a number of readymade options via the trade period, maybe this year makes more sense – especially with the clear standout prospect Will Ashcroft tied to Brisbane. If North Melbourne takes the first selection into the draft, after a likely bid on Ashcroft, it could fulfil most of its pressing needs. The speed of tall midfielder Tsatas would add another layer to the developing midfield, as would the powerful Bailey Humphrey, whose standout traits help him impact the game in a similar way to Jordan De Goey. But after overlooking Logan McDonald two years ago, the best key-forward in the pool, Aaron Cadman, will tempt the Roos. The verdict on the club’s request for draft assistance could change the conversation altogether, as could the trade period, bringing another group of prospects, including SA ball magnet Billy Dowling who the club interviewed recently, into the equation. Goalkicking small Cooper Harvey, the son of the all-time games record holder, Brent, is tied to the club as a father-son prospect.
Latest moves: New coach Alastair Clarkson is wasting little time making his mark, with the Roos out to make significant list changes. Docker tall Griffin Logue has requested a trade to North Melbourne, and his teammate Darcy Tucker could also make the move. The Roos have also been linked St Kilda duo Hunter Clark and Brad Hill.
PORT ADELAIDE
Draft Picks: 8, 52, 56, 80
List needs: Small forwards, quality midfielder, key defender
Who could be available at first pick: Bailey Humphrey, Mattaes Phillipou, Cameron Mackenzie, Elijah Hewett
If Port Adelaide holds onto its top pick, the players listed above are a decent chance of being available. The Power is also hopeful of landing Junior Rioli from West Coast, after the goalsneak officially requested a trade on Tuesday, while Karl Amon’s free agency departure is expected to net Ken Hinkley’s side a reasonable pick, possibly at the start of the second round. Even if it holds onto pick 8, matchwinner Harry Sheezel will probably be off the board, while it is probably too early for top-20 bolter Oli Hotton. Perhaps Hotton is who they target with the Amon compensation? Local talent Mattaes Phillipou – the son of ex-Woodville-West Torrens and Port Adelaide forward Sam Phillipou – would be difficult to pass on, given his height (192cm) and ability to play forward or on ball.
Humphrey is not too dissimilar, while West Australian midfielder Hewett is explosive and has impressed at senior level for Swan Districts. Sandringham Dragons product Mackenzie is a ready-to-go ball-winner who can eventually help lead the Power’s next generation midfield with Connor Rozee and Zak Butters.
Latest moves: Amon is heading to Hawthorn, and Rioli wants to come, but Dunkley has chosen the Lions. In terms of outgoings, does ruckman Sam Hayes find a new home for a later pick?
RICHMOND
Draft Picks: 12, 19, 30, 84
List needs: Inside midfielders, key forward
Who could be available at first pick: Unknown
The Tigers have three picks inside the top-30 at the moment – including North Melbourne’s second-round pick – but don’t expect that to be the case when draft night rolls around. The Tigers have made seven-year contract offers to Greater Western Sydney midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper and will have to cough up some significant picks for them. Expect this year and next year’s first-round picks to be headed the Giants’ way and potentially a second-rounder or a player as well. The Giants recruits will help address Richmond’s biggest issue which has been contest and clearance in the midfield. The Tigers would also have a key forward on their shopping list, given there is not much in the wings beyond Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt.
Latest moves: Taranto is uncontracted with the Giants for next year, but Hopper has a deal for 2023 which means his path to Richmond is not quite as clear.
ST KILDA
Draft Picks: 9, 27, 45, 64
List needs: Game-breakers, midfield speed, elite ball-users, key position depth
Who could be available at first pick: Bailey Humphrey, Cam Mackenzie (NGA), Mattaes Phillipou, Jed Busslinger, Matthew Jefferson
It’s no wonder the Saints have been linked to Jordan De Goey, as St Kilda’s list lacks match-winners, particularly in the forward half where they ranked 15th for total points and 14th for scoring percentage from chains in 2022. Fortunately, the late bolter of this year’s draft – Bailey Humphrey– has similar qualities to de Goey and could still be on the board at St Kilda’s first selection. Humphrey is somewhat of an unknown quantity given he has missed a fair chunk of the season through injury, but is a powerful marking presence up forward and provides burst through the midfield. South Australian Mattaes Phillipouis another in this range with game-breaking impact. A rule change prohibits clubs from matching bids inside the top 40 for NGA prospects, but if he is still there, why don’t the Saints get in before the crowd and take Dragon Cam Mackenzie? His incredible poise, speed and ball-use as a 187cm midfielder would be a great fit. A tall at either end of the ground would also fill a need, with key forward Matthew Jefferson and Jedd Busslinger, an intercepting backman, going to be hard to pass up if they are still available. Isaac Keeler shapes as a potential long-term replacement for Paddy Ryder with his athleticism as a forward-ruck, while powerful forward Brayden Georgeoozes x-factor, but he will be sidelined for all of 2023 after a late-season ACL rupture.
Latest moves: St Kilda has expressed interest in Jordan De Goey but he appears set to remain at the Pies.
SYDNEY
Draft Picks: 14, 17, 34, 70
List needs: Key defensive depth, key forward, clearance midfielder
Who could be available at first pick: Lewis Hayes, Josh Weddle, Oliver Hollands, Elijah Hewett
Few would have been rejoicing Melbourne’s straight sets exit more than the Swans recruiting team, who acquired the Demons’ first-round pick in their Jordan Dawson trade with Adelaide last year. It means the club currently holds pick 14 (tied to Melbourne) and 17 in this year’s draft, and it will likely be a case of drafting the best talents available given the resurgent Swans have no glaring weaknesses. Sydney could package these two selections together to move into the top 10 but this is considered unlikely, with the club expecting to hold onto their two current picks. With ageing superstar Lance Franklin’s future uncertain and ruckman Callum Sinclair retiring, a tall like Crows NGA ruck-forward Isaac Keelermay appeal, but it could be too early. If they wish to add key defensive depth to support the McCartin brothers at the other end of the ground, 197cm interceptor Lewis Hayes and ultra-competitive backman Josh Weddle would be around the mark. The Swans like to take prospect who can play in multiple positions, and Oliver Hollands — the brother of Gold Coast’s Elijah — is one of the most versatile players in the pool, and would suit them nicely with either of their first-round picks. Later in the piece, Ethan Phillips looms as a plug-and-play key defender, while they have shown an interest in over-age Swans Academy tall defender Will Edwards, who shapes as a project player.
Latest moves: Lance Franklin has signed a one-year deal, ending months of speculation over his future. Key defender Lewis Melican is reportedly assessing his options.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft Picks: 11, 29, 37, 65, 83
List needs: Key defender, key forward, ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Mattaes Phillipou, Jedd Busslinger, Matthew Jefferson
The Bulldogs are well-stocked with midfielders and smaller players, but would be looking to add some key position players to their list for the short-term and long-term in this year’s draft.
West Australian key defender Jedd Busslinger will be in the mix for the Bulldogs’ first pick, as could be exciting South Australian midfielder-forward Mattaes Phillipou. Busslinger is a 196cm intercepting defender while Phillipou is the son of Sam Phillipou, who played three games for Footscray in 1995. Oakleigh Chargers key forward Matthew Jefferson could also come into consideration if he slides outside the top-10. The Bulldogs only have two ruckman on their list in Tim English (25) and Jordan Sweet (24), so may also be on the lookout for a young big man to develop, although Rory Lobb’s expected recruitment will give them cover there in the coming years.
Latest moves: Expect the Bulldogs to land former Western Bulldogs and Carlton defender Liam Jones as a free agent, who is allowed back in the competition after being forced out of the Blues due to Covid-19 vaccine mandates. The Bulldogs are also poised to land Fremantle forward-ruckman Rory Lobb, who will help boost the other end.
WEST COAST
Draft Picks: 2, 20, 26, 38
List needs: Midfield class, key forward, young ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Elijah Tsatas, George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel, Mattaes Phillipou, Jhye Clark
The Eagles need to rejuvenate their midfield and pick 2 in this draft is a perfect place to start. They added the outside pace and kicking skills of Campbell Chesser last year, and the offensive weapon that is Tsatas could be the perfect next piece. Wardlaw and Clark are slightly different prospects, and close to what the club already has, but could both lead the midfield into the future. With two standout West Australians in the mix at the other end of the top-10, however, is West Coast the club that will seriously consider offers for its prized second selection? The draft’s best key defender in Busslinger and the explosive Hewett appear terrific local picks. The Eagles also need to start looking at life after Nic Naitanui and that could bring SA big man Harry Barnett, arguably the draft pool’s best ruck prospect, right into the equation with one of their next picks, as it could homegrown prospect Jackson Broadbent, who has fallen down the pecking order slightly after an inconsistent season.
Latest moves: Fremantle remains the favourite to secure the services of Demon Luke Jackson, who has officially told Melbourne of his desire to move, but the Eagles could still enter the bidding war. The club is “bitterly disappointed” Junior Rioli has requested a trade to Port Adelaide, and will ask for significant compensation in a deal.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2022: Ultimate guide to every club’s picks, needs and potential targets
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