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AFL Draft 2023 Day 2: All the late mail, news and every pick from the second round onwards

Geelong pulled the biggest surprise of the draft on Tuesday night – but it wasn’t the only shock. See every pick, all the reaction and Carlton and Collingwood’s plans for their draftees.

Jay Clark, Josh Barnes and Jordan Pinto
13 min read
November 22, 2023 - 11:05AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Collingwood has plans to release superstar Nick Daicos into more of a permanent midfield berth after taking a pair of dashing defenders who can meet the team’s running needs.

The Magpies spoiled Hawthorn’s plans when the club took athletic backman and intercept specialist Tew Jiath, the brother of Hawks’ jet backman Changkuoth, to bolster Collingwood’s rebound game at pick 37.

It came after Collingwood took gun cricketer Harry DeMattia, who veteran recruiter Derek Hine said could step from one sport to another like champion Scott Pendlebury ditched basketball for the Sherrin in 2005.

Hine said the 186cm DeMattia had the Collingwood coaches “eating out of his hand” during his first day at the club on Tuesday with his flawless character and impressive football knowledge.

DeMattia was ranked top-16 on Collingwood’s draft order but slipped to pick 25, and could press for selection in defence as early as next season.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY PICK AND ALL THE REACTION

Collingwood picked Tew Jiath at pick 37 on the second night of the draft. Picture: Michael Klein
Collingwood picked Tew Jiath at pick 37 on the second night of the draft. Picture: Michael Klein

The 188cm Jiath was one of the biggest improvers in the pathway system in the second half of the season for Gippsland Power to enter top-40 calculations.

While DeMattia is more advanced in his development than Jiath, Hine said both players would suit Collingwood’s style and help release Daicos into the centre square.

“He (DeMattia) will definitely start high back and then there is no doubt we will find him in the midfield at some point in time, that’s the plan,” Hine said.

“So we can release Nick a little bit more into the midfield as you would have seen in the second half of this year.

“It just gives us a little bit more flexibility in that area of the ground. That was the thinking with ‘TJ’ as well.

“But Harry is a player who, we feel, really plays the way we do, as does ‘TJ’ (Jiath).

“If players can’t run in our system, they can’t play, but the two boys who we brought in certainly can do that.

“And ‘TJ’ is very similar to his brother, although he is probably a little bit more advanced than his brother at the same age.”

Developing playmakers Harvey Harrison and Jakob Ryan would also give Collingwood’s coaches options next season as the club shoots for back-to-back flags.

Hine was optimistic defender Nathan Murphy would be available to play next season despite his concussion problems which will require approval from the league’s concussion panel.

Hine said DeMattia’s maturity and ability to transition from state junior cricketer to football reminded him of champion onballer Pendlebury.

“You guys hear him, and the way he speaks, and the way he presents himself,” Hine said.

“It is not dissimilar to when Scotty Pendlebury came out of an elite basketball program and stepped straight into our program, he showed those same sort of (leadership) traits.”

Essendon pipped the Bulldogs for their NGA prospect Luamon Lual. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos
Essendon pipped the Bulldogs for their NGA prospect Luamon Lual. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos

Collingwood was one of four clubs which spoiled a rival’s academy plans by taking their player inside the first 40 selections.

Essendon also pulled the rug from underneath the Western Bulldogs nabbing backman Luamon Lual at pick 39, one selection before the Dogs had guaranteed access to the defender.

Similarly, Geelong took 206cm ruckman Mitchell Edwards from Fremantle’s NGA program at pick 32, and the Saints nabbed West Coast academy livewire Lance Collard at pick 28.

Clubs are eager to lower the restriction to allow them to secure academy players from pick 20 onwards.

Hine said he would land in hot water if he spoke honestly about the academy system flaws.

“That is a conversation for another day, the NGA versus the national (northern) academies,” he said.

“I’m probably not the best one to ask about that I can tell you, I’ll get myself in trouble.”

Have Blues found the missing pieces?

– Josh Barnes

The big swinging Blues believe they have added much needed speed to their midfield while landing another forgotten gem as they eye difference makers to accelerate a premiership push.

Carlton had long picked out Ashton Moir as a top-end talent after a stunning 2022 season before a hip injury and some confidence issues saw the South Australian goalkicker slide from a potential top-five pick to No.29 on Monday.

The Moir pick came 12 months after the Blues snared Harry Lemmey at pick 47, another player once seen as a top-five talent who slid in his draft year.

With a host of A-graders locked in at Carlton on hefty contracts, the Blues will continue to hit the draft as their way of securing high-end talents, as well as trading in Elijah Hollands from Gold Coast and signing Orazio Fantasia over the off-season.

Carlton list boss Nick Austin said the picks of sliders in back-to-back drafts was all coincidence, with the Blues war room rapt to pick “our boy” late in the first round.

Carlton picked Glenelg’s Ashton Moir on the first night of the draft. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
Carlton picked Glenelg’s Ashton Moir on the first night of the draft. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“We’ve liked Ashton from a fair way out, we had our eye on him for a while, he is just a point of difference forward of centre,” Austin said.

“A really tough match up, he has beautiful skills.

“He had an indifferent year, had a bit of injury and a bit of confidence (issues). It was a funny one coming into the year being touted, it puts a level or pressure on a player and he sort of fought through that and we had some honest conversations with him.”

The Blues pressed Moir mentally and physically, with the Carlton doctors ticking off the hip as no issue before the draft.

The Blues landed speedster Billy Wilson with No.34 on Tuesday with their second and final pick, calling his name as quickly as possible after being wowed by a shift into the midfield late in the year.

Wilson was listed as a defender on draft boards but Austin said he will train with the midfield as soon as he steps into Ikon Park.

Dandenong speedster Billy Wilson is a Blue. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos
Dandenong speedster Billy Wilson is a Blue. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

His electric speed will be a needed addition to a midfield that became one-paced at times this year.

“The speed is a real point of difference for us as well,” Austin said.

“I know he is listed as a general defender but we loved what he did as an inside midfielder in the back end of the year and in the finals.

“Playing pure inside he did some fantastic things and he is going to be a player for us. He is super clean, has burst out (of stoppages) and his ball use was terrific and that is a point of difference for us as a midfield group.”

Austin said the Blues will take one more player in Wednesday’s rookie draft as the club begins to turn its attention to a big 2024 draft.

Father-son twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale will be on the board then, with the brothers to train at Carlton over summer.

RECAP ALL THE ACTION AND EVERY PICK AS IT HAPPENED

– Jordan Pinto

Pick 64 Brisbane – Reece Torrent

Midfielder/defender, Peel Thunder, 184cm, 83kg

And that’s it, the national draft is done with 64 players finding an AFL home. With the final selection, the Lions have looked West. The strongly built Torrent, who will arrive at Brisbane with senior WAFL experience, has been used all over the ground this year but has perhaps played his best footy off half-back, where he can create run from behind and spot up targets with his pinpoint left foot.

Pick 63 Geelong – Lawson Humphries

Midfielder-forward, Swan Districts, 182cm, 77kg

Geelong has gone again, taking another mature-ager – this time 20-year-old Humphries who has plenty of class and skill on either side of his body.

Pick 62 St Kilda – Arie Schoenmaker

Defender, Tasmania Devils, 194cm, 91kg

Finally. The Tasmanian was tipped to go early on night two – but he’s only just been drafted. It’s bee a rapid rise for the Launceston superboot, though, who copped a 10-week suspension for an alcohol related indiscretion earlier in the year. One of the biggest – and best – kicks in the draft.

Barwon Heads star Oliver Wiltshire is now a Geelong Cat. Picture: Mark Wilson
Barwon Heads star Oliver Wiltshire is now a Geelong Cat. Picture: Mark Wilson

Pick 61 Geelong – Oliver Wiltshire

Midfielder-forward, Barwon Heads

The streaky 21-year-old player kicked 12 goals in a single game for Barwon Heads playing through the midfield and kicked 51 goals in 18 games for the Seagulls this season. Wiltshire played just seven games for the Geelong Falcons in 2021 and has never played at VFL level. His selection is the biggest shock over the past two nights.

Pick 60 Fremantle – Jack Delean

Forward, South Adelaide, 181cm, 77kg

The skilful, high-flying forward booted 34 goals in 13 matches under-18 matches as a 16-year-old in 2021, 28 in 2022 and 34 in the minor round this year. But it was his performances at senior level for the Panthers – six goals in three games – and his nine-goal national carnival for SA that really solidified his standing as one of the SA’s top prospects. Many clubs are concerned over his running ability but the Dockers have given him a chance.

Pick 59 GWS – Harvey Thomas

Midfielder, GWS Academy, 176cm, 69kg

A midfielder or halfback, Thomas is clever, creative and has shown to be a ball magnet. A left-footer who uses the footy with precision, he relocated from the Riverina in New South Wales to attend school at Caulfield Grammar in Melbourne.

Pick 58 Geelong – George Stevens

Midfielder, GWV Rebels/VIC, 189cm, 101kg

A strong-bodied onballer, Stevens has been an ultra-consistent performer at all levels of football that he has played this year. Lacks speed but he’s a penetrating kick, has clean hands, makes good decisions and displays great leadership qualities. Clubs were split on Stevens and that saw him slide all the way here, despite a standout junior career.

Pick 57 Port Adelaide – Will Lorenz

Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers, 186cm, 72kg

A member of the AFL Academy squad this year, Lorenz has some good bloodlines as the grandson of former Hawthorn great Graham Arthur. He was viewed as one of the best players on the ground in the under-17 Futures match last year and has gone on to play some further good football for Vic Metro, Oakleigh Chargers and Marcellin College this year.

Pick 56 Hawthorn – Calsher Dear

Forward, Sandringham Dragons/VIC, 195cm, 87kg

The Hawks father-son prospect is a mobile key forward who can win the ball in the air or at ground level. Late father Paul played 123 games for Hawthorn and was mentioned in a touching moment when his son’s name was read out.

Pick 55 Western Bulldogs – Aiden O’Driscoll

Forward/Midfielder,Perth/WA, 175cm, 70kg

A speedy wingman or half-forward, O’Driscoll is the younger brother of Fremantle wingman Nathan. Won the 20m sprint at the national combine.

Pick 54 Essendon – Archie Roberts

Defender, Sandringham Dragons, 184cm, 79kg

The slider of the second night, Roberts is a reliable half-back flanker who provides run from behind and spots up options with his precise foot skills. Can also be used on a wing.

Pick 53 Sydney – Patrick Snell

Defender-forward, Brisbane Lions Academy, 194cm, 86kg

Sydney has pinched Brisbane Lions Academy prospect, Snell, a developing key-position player who has plenty of versatility and upside.

Pick 52 Port Adelaide – Lachlan Charleson

Forward, GWV Rebels, 177cm, 74kg

And after trading, Port has taken another exciting small forward. This time, it’s the skilful Charleson, who booted 17 goals in the final five Coates League matches this season.

Live trade

The Power moved up again after securing pick 52 from Hawthorn in exchange for a future fourth-round selection

Pick 51 Brisbane – Zane Zakostelsky

Claremont/WA, Defender/Ruck, 196cm, 89kg

Exciting athlete who has enormous upside. Won the best-on-ground medal in the Colts grand final where he won a whopping 18 contested possessions as a ruckman and showed off his intercepting as a key defender for WA.

Pick 50 St Kilda – Hugo Garcia

Midfielder-forward, Calder Cannons, 185cm, 78kg

Garcia is a strong runner, has a lovely left-foot kick and is described as the “ultimate competitor”, who has clean hands.

Pick 49 West Coast – Harvey Johnston

Midfielder-forward, Sandringham, 183cm, 79kg

An onballer or half-forward who has drawn comparisons to former Richmond star Shane Edwards, Johnston is a player who “jumped up” for the Sandringham Dragons this year. He has an elusive step out of the contest, is composed and generally uses the ball well when he breaks out into space.

Pick 48 Port Adelaide – Thomas Anastasopoulos

Forward, Geelong Falcons, 176cm, 65kg

The Power has entered the draft earlier than expected after a live trade with the Kangaroos, seemingly with Anastasopoulos, a crafty small forward, in mind. Showing off his forward craft, speed and deadly accuracy in front of goal, Anastasopoulos finished the Coates Talent League season with an incredible 21.2, making his chances in front of goal count as he booted multiple goals in seven of his 12 matches.

Live trade

Port Adelaide gets pick 48 from North Melbourne for a future fourth-round selection (via Essendon)

Pick 47 Western Bulldogs – Lachlan Smith

Ruck, Gippsland Power, 202cm, 101kg

A surprise here from the Bulldogs. A competitive ruckman who took it up to the top big men at the national championships, Smith can impact games at ground level with his athleticism.

Glenelg’s Bodie Ryan has been picked by the Bulldogs. Picture by Kelly Barnes
Glenelg’s Bodie Ryan has been picked by the Bulldogs. Picture by Kelly Barnes

Pick 46 Hawthorn – Bodie Ryan

Defender, Glenelg/SA, 187cm, 82kg

The Harley Reid stopper! The cousin of Collingwood defender Jakob, Ryan has a serious intercept game. He reads the play well but is also good one-on-one when he has to defend

Pick 45 Western Bulldogs – Joel Freijah

Wing, GWV Rebels/VIC, 190cm, 88kg

The third round of the draft is underway and the Bulldogs have taken wingman Freijah, who runs elite patterns, is a good size, kicks the ball well and is generally clean and composed. Freijah can also push forward and kick a goal.

Pick 44 GWS – Joe Fonti

Defender, Claremont, 189cm, 73kg

In the final pick of the second round, the Giants have pulled another slight surprise. A halfback who reads the play well and has good speed, Fonti was a late addition to Western Australia’s squad for the under-18 national championships after some good early-season form in the WAFL Colts. Fonti’s athletic traits also caught the eye during the state combine when he finished top-three in the 20m sprint, agility and running vertical jump tests

Pick 43 Richmond – Liam Fawcett

Forward, Central District, 198cm, 87kg

Richmond makes it two South Australians in two picks. Fawcett is a difficult match-up for defenders – he’s hard to beat one out, terrific on the lead, and has the athletic ability to get up the ground and get his hands on the ball. The strong-marking tall booted 32 goals in the SANFL under-18s this year.

Pick 42 Brisbane – Luke Lloyd

Forward, Sandringham Dragons/VIC, 193cm, 84kg

A second forward for the Lions tonight. Lloyd is a third-tall type forward with a good set of hands, who kicked 19 goals in a game for his school team this year.

Pick 41 Fremantle – Ollie Murphy

Defender, Sandringham Dragons/VIC

Was viewed as a first-round selection late this year but, as tipped in the build up, Murphy has been one of the sliders of the draft. He has an elite tank, is nimble and has good skills – a handy mix for a player standing 200cm. Looks a good long-term prospect.

Pick 40 Richmond – Kane McAuliffe

Midfielder, North Adelaide, 187cm, 82kg

The Tigers kept trading back down the order, and they must’ve had the powerful SA midfielder in mind. This is higher than some would’ve had him but McAuliffe is a midfielder with a penetrating left-foot and nice inside-outside mix. He also showed he had a serious burst of speed at the combine.

Pick 39 Essendon – Luamon Lual

Defender, GWV Rebels, 182cm, 72kg

Essendon has jumped in on Lual one pick before the Bulldogs would’ve been able to match a bid on the NGA prospect. Lual provides great balance as a defender, with the ability to lock down on forwards and provide offensive drive.

Pick 38 West Coast – Clay Hall

Midfielder, Peel Thunder/WA, 189cm, 87kg

West Coast has moved up the board to draft the son of former Eagles and Geelong forward Derek. Hall, an under-18 All-Australian, won possessions at will on the inside at the national championships and showed good signs at WAFL level.

Live trade

Richmond has traded again, handing pick 38 to West Coast for pick 40 and a future third-round pick

Pick 37 Collingwood – Tew Jiath

Defender, Gippsland Power, 188cm, 76kg

The brother of Hawthorn defender Changkuoth Jiath has been one of the biggest bolters in the back-half of the season. Very athletic and has more scope for growth. The Collingwood supporter said he couldn’t wait to meet new teammate Scott Pendelbury after his name was called out.

Pick 36 Geelong – Shaun Mannagh

Midfielder/forward, Werribee VFL, 175cm, 80kg

Geelong has pulled the first surprise of the second night, plucking the mature-ager from the VFL. The best state-league talent on offer, Mannagh, 26, is a damaging forward-half player who kicks goals and wins the footy at will.

Shaun Mannagh is off to Geelong. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos
Shaun Mannagh is off to Geelong. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos

Pick 35 Fremantle – Cooper Simpson

Midfielder/Forward, Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, 181cm, 79kg

The Dockers have traded up three spots to get Simpson, whose year was interrupted by injury. But he’s a professional midfielder with pace, composure and nice finishing skills.

Live trade

Fremantle get pick 35 from Richmond for pick 38 and a future third-round selection

Pick 34 Carlton – Billy Wilson

Defender, Dandenong, 183cm, 72kg

A bit of a surprise here. Wilson is a dashing defender from Dromana, Wilson enhanced his reputation at the Victorian draft combine, finishing first in the 20m sprint and vertical jump tests, equal-first in the running vertical jump and fourth in the agility.

Pick 33 St Kilda – Angus Hastie

Defender, Geelong Falcons, 190cm, 74kg

A mid-sized intercept defender, Hastie is able to play in lockdown roles but can also show some attacking flare. Had a solid year both with the Falcons and Vic Country.

Pick 32 Geelong – Mitch Edwards

Ruck, Peel Thunder/WA, 206cm, 89kg

With the Saints circling with the next pick, the Cats have pounced on Edwards, a great tap ruckman, who marks strongly around the ground. Edwards starred across multiple levels this year and has drawn comparison to Tim English.

Logan Morris is off to the Lions. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos
Logan Morris is off to the Lions. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

Pick 31 Brisbane – Logan Morris

Forward, Western Jets/VIC, 191cm, 90kg

Morris, who had some first-round interest, booted 30 goals in the Coates League this season, with seven hauls of three or more in his 10 games. Kicked two on VFL debut for Werribee and his eye-catching four-goal haul at the national champs put his vice-like hands on full display

Live trade

Brisbane gets pick 51 from Gold Coast for a future fourth-round selection

Pick 30 West Coast – Archer Reid

Key forward, Gippsland Power, 203cm, 93kg

The Eagles have knocked back offers for the first pick of the second night and taken Reid, the younger brother of Essendon key defender, Zach. Archer is a key forward who moves well for his size, take contested marks and can also pinch-hit in the ruck.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2023 Day 2: All the late mail, news and every pick from the second round onwards

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