The Advertiser football writer Andrew Capel predicts the first-round draft order
It’s the best draft talent pool in years and the Power and Crows both hold strong hands in the all-important first round. Football writer Andrew Capel predicts how it could unfold on Thursday.
Draft news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Draft news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Clubs won’t trade top 10 picks, says Power
- SA’s draft young guns in their own words
- Power eyes SANFL youngster with African dream
It has been described as the greatest draft talent pool since the 2001 “Super Draft’’ that produced 17 200-game players and Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd, Gary Ablett and Sam Mitchell. And South Australia will have a major influence, with five SANFL teenagers pegged as potential top-20 picks and the Crows (8, 13, 16 and 21) and Power (5, 10 and 15) holding strong draft hands. With the introduction of live trading and bids for academy players, the draft order could be turned upside down but here is a look at how the first round might unfold.
1 — CARLTON
Sam Walsh.
Midfielder, 18, 184cm, 77kg, Geelong Falcons (Vic)
All-Australian U18 captain carries the label of “Mr Perfect’’ because of his professionalism and work ethic. A ball magnet and leader who Patrick Dangerfield says is the next Joel Selwood.
2 — GOLD COAST
Jack Lukosius
Key forward, 18, 195cm, 83kg, Woodville-West Torrens (SA)
Versatile tall is so quick and agile he can play just about anywhere. Covers the ground like Nick Riewoldt and is the best kick SA talent manager Brenton Phillips says he has seen come through the U18 program.
3 — GOLD COAST
Izak Rankine
Forward/midfielder, 18, 179cm, 79kg, West Adelaide (SA)
Rated by Champion Data as the best player in the draft and is the only dual All-Australian U18 in the pool. Possesses gamebreaking speed and skill in the mould of dual Crows Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod.
4 — ST KILDA
Max King
Key forward, 18, 204cm, 90kg, Sandringham Dragons (Vic)
Powerhouse forward kicked eight goals from 15 shots in round one of the TAC Cup before rupturing his ACL and undergoing a knee reconstruction. Was in contention for pick 1 prior to his injury.
5 — PORT ADELAIDE
Connor Rozee
Midfielder/utility, 18, 185cm, 74kg, North Adelaide (SA)
Won the Kevin Sheehan Medal as best player at the U16 national championships two years ago and rose up the draft board with a standout league finals campaign for North. Has all the tools — speed, skill, jumping ability and aggression.
6 — GOLD COAST
Ben King
Key forward/defender, 18, 202cm, 87kg, Sandringham Dragons (Vic)
Twin brother of Max is a versatile tall who is a proven force at either end of the ground. Strong overhead, quick and agile, he led the TAC Cup for average contested marks this year and his versatility makes him very appealing.
7 — WESTERN BULLDOGS
Bailey Smith
Midfielder, 17, 185cm, 83kg, Sandringham Dragons (Vic)
The most explosive midfielder in the draft is so “obsessed’’ with football and his diet that he only eats between 2-9pm. Vic Metro’s MVP won the second-most disposals of any player at the championships, behind Walsh.
8 — SYDNEY
(Matching Adelaide’s bid)
Nick Blakey
Tall forward/midfielder, 18, 195cm, 82kg, Sydney Swans Academy (NSW)
Crows are tipped to bid for the gun utility and the Swans will match. Exceptional overhead and very athletic for his size. Left-footer was the No. 2 ranked player in the AFL Academy series, averaging 18 disposals and 4 goals. Son of former Lion and Kangaroo John Blakey.
9 — NORTH MELBOURNE
(Matching Adelaide’s bid)
Tarryn Thomas
Midfielder, 18, 188cm, 82kg, North Launceston (Tas)
Crows are tipped to bid for the exciting playmaker and the Roos have the right to match for their Next Generation Academy prospect. Has been inconsistent but oozes class and X-factor in the mould of Shaun Burgoyne.
10 — ADELAIDE
Jye Caldwell
Midfielder, 18, 184cm, 82kg, Bendigo Pioneers (Vic)
Tough and competitive, he had an injury-plagued season but is highly-regarded because of his explosiveness and ability to win the ball on the inside and outside. Plays like West Coast Norm Smith Medallist Luke Shuey.
11 — GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Jordan Clark
Half-back, 18, 185cm, 81kg, Claremont (WA)
Australian under-16 cricket fast bowler has been a draft bolter as a classy, rebounding defender. Has played senior football for Claremont and can quickly turn defence into attack. Is recovering from glandular fever.
12 — PORT ADELAIDE
Jackson Hately
Midfielder, 18, 189cm, 80kg, Central District (SA)
Is so impressive on and off the field that SA under-18 coach Tony Bamford says he is the sort of kid you would want to adopt. On-baller is an inside beast and has improved his outside game, making him a modern utility type.
13 — GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Riley Collier-Dawkins
Midfielder, 18, 190cm, 91kg, Oakleigh Chargers (Vic)
Powerful and strong, he can break away from stoppages and make things happen for his team. Hasn’t yet been a big ballwinner but has the ability to go forward and take a strong mark and kick a goal.
14 — GEELONG
Chayce Jones
Small midfielder/forward, 18, 180cm, 77kg, Launceston (Tas)
Only slight but has a ferocity for the contest and is strong overhead for his height. Averaged 21 disposals and seven tackles for the Allies in the under-18 national championships and featured in the top five for metres gained, pressure acts and score involvements.
15 — COLLINGWOOD
(Matching Adelaide’s bid)
Isaac Quaynor
Half-back, 18, 180cm, 83kg, Oakleigh Chargers (Vic)
Crows are tipped to make another bid on an NGA player and the Magpies should match. A versatile defender of African heritage who can play both tall and small. He’s powerful, a good decision maker and uses the ball well.
16 — ADELAIDE
Zak Butters
Midfielder, 18, 181cm, 71kg, Western Jets (Vic)
Only light but is smart and runs and carries the ball with great effect. Is creative and a good user of the footy. Did not test at the AFL Draft Combine because of a shoulder injury but can play as a midfielder or small forward.
17 — FREMANTLE
Ian Hill
Small forward/midfielder, 18, 175cm, 65kg, Perth (WA)
The cousin of Dockers Stephen and Brad Hill could get the chance to play alongside them next year. Had an injury-interrupted year but is lightning-quick, oozes class and has a great eye for goal.
18 — PORT ADELAIDE
Xavier Duursma
Midfielder, 18, 186cm, 73kg, Gippsland Power (Vic)
Classy on-baller/half-back has an exciting burst of speed and can set up play like Carlton’s Sam Docherty. Is rangy and hard at it and breaks the lines. Averaged 23 disposals for Gippsland this year.
19 — ADELAIDE
Ned McHenry
Small forward/midfielder, 18, 178cm, 71kg, Geelong Falcons (Vic)
SA under-18 MVP Luke Valente will come under consideration for the Crows here but they might be able to get him with their next pick. McHenry is a tough, competitive small forward who can also play in the midfield.
20 — RICHMOND.
Liam Stocker
Midfielder, 18, 183cm, 85kg, Sandringham Dragons (Vic)
Strong and powerful, he won the Morrish Medal as the best player in the under-18 TAC Cup. Has a love for the contest, kicks the ball well and could be ready to step straight into the cauldron of the AFL.
21 — BRISBANE
Curtis Taylor
Half-forward/midfielder, 18, 187cm, 78kg, Calder Cannons (Vic)
Plays a bit like Magpie Will Hoskin-Elliott in that he is versatile, good overhead and has some mercurial ability. Oozes class, has very good goal sense and can push up into the midfield.
22 — GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Sam Sturt
Forward, 18, 189cm, 74kg, Dandenong Stingrays (Vic)
Left-footed medium forward was a talented cricketer who has put the sport on hold to pursue an AFL career. Leads well and has strong hands. Played a major role in the Stingrays’ first TAC Cup premiership.
Ball magnets, famous names: Top 25 draft prospects of 2025
A massive year is only just beginning for the draft class of 2025 and here are the names to watch, with several No.1 pick contenders firmly in the mix. These are the names to watch.
Why navy blue will be Hawks fans’ least favourite colour in 2025
Hawks fans were among the most confident (annoying?) footy fans in season 2024, and this year, as well as barracking for the brown and gold, they will have added incentive to hope Carlton disappoints.