By Marc McGowan
This year’s top AFL draft prospects are telling clubs almost unanimously that they want to be the No.1 pick rather than the back-up plan to a failed bid on a father-son or academy gun.
Brisbane Lions-bound midfielder Levi Ashcroft has a case to be the first player taken after back-to-back All-Australian under-18 selections and starring in Talent League powerhouse Sandringham Dragons’ flag three-peat.
Levi Ashcroft (centre) celebrates Sandringham’s flag win with coach Rob Harding and fellow co-captain Brodie Findlay.Credit: AFL Photos
The Lions are prepared to match any Ashcroft bid, and it would be a surprise if he lasted beyond pick three based on The Age’s discussions with recruiters – but at least one rates him at No.5.
This masthead has followed Ashcroft’s journey this year as part of the Draft dreams series, and he would like his name read out first.
“I want to be the best player in the draft. If that’s pick one, it’s pick one,” Ashcroft said.
The Age placed GWV Rebels midfielder-forward Sam Lalor, who has been likened to champion Tiger Dustin Martin, at No.1 in its October and November draft rankings.
Another contender to be the dux, Oakleigh Chargers onballer Jagga Smith, is among the prospective draftees who told clubs he would prefer to be their first choice rather than follow an Ashcroft bid, according to two recruiting sources.
“Yeah, obviously, I would,” Smith told this masthead, on whether he wanted No.1 status.
“There’s no point not wanting to be the No.1 pick ... I know there is pressure that comes with that, but I think when I get into the system, people will be around me, helping me through that. To go pick one would be a massive honour.”
However, South Adelaide’s Sid Draper – the only player other than Ashcroft in this draft who is a dual under-18 All-Australian – would be unfussed being picked after an unsuccessful bid.
Sid Draper is happy to join a club after it first bids on an academy or father-son gun.Credit: AFL Photos
There could be other top-10 bids this year on academy graduates Leo Lombard (Gold Coast) and Isaac Kako (Essendon).
Ashcroft’s brother, 2024 Norm Smith medallist Will, was considered the clear-cut best prospect in 2022, but the Giants selected Aaron Cadman at No.1 before the Lions matched North Melbourne’s bid at two.
There was also debate three years ago, when the Roos anointed Jason Horne-Francis as the top pick rather than bidding on Nick Daicos (Collingwood) or fellow father-son prospect Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs).
Adelaide are the only club to bid at No.1 on a player attached to a rival team – Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in 2020 – with the Bulldogs matching.
The Crows’ decision forced the Dogs to use extra draft points, which shifted their remaining picks down and enabled Adelaide to get in first to select James Rowe, who they believed the Bulldogs were interested in.
No.1 draftees previously scored a $10,000 NAB portfolio, but that was last awarded two years ago, with Telstra taking over the sponsorship and the prize yet to be determined.
Harley Reid last year became the first top selection to receive the Allen Aylett Medal in recognition of the achievement.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.