By Marc McGowan
Rival recruiters believe North Melbourne will prioritise the best-available talent rather than pick for need in a key decision that will shake up the rest of the top 10 in the AFL draft.
Richmond are strongly tipped to anoint GWV Rebels powerhouse and Dustin Martin clone Sam Lalor as the dux of the 2024 draft class on Wednesday night before the Kangaroos make their draft-shaping decision.
Intercept defender Alix Tauru was linked to North in recent months, given their midfield riches and need to upgrade their key-position stocks at either end, but hard-running onballer Finn O’Sullivan is now the popular choice at No.2.
If The Age’s predictions ring true, Sam Lalor (left), Alix Tauru and Jagga Smith will be the first three players selected in the AFL draft.Credit: Steve Kiprillis
O’Sullivan is routinely viewed as the most talented player in this year’s draft, and was an under-18 All-Australian last year after winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the best player at the under-16 championships in 2022.
He would join a Kangaroos midfield logjam that includes Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel, Jy Simpkin, George Wardlaw, Tom Powell, Colby McKercher and Will Phillips, while they also traded for Sydney great Luke Parker this off-season.
Sheezel could spend more time in attack to help open some midfield minutes, while McKercher and potentially O’Sullivan could occupy opposite wings with Bailey Scott and spend time across half-back.
Ball magnet Jagga Smith is on track to be Carlton’s pick at No.3, which would lead to Adelaide selecting South Australian talent Sid Draper, whose power and burst are likened to Patrick Dangerfield and Jason Horne-Francis.
Levi Ashcroft will hear his name read out early in the first round.Credit: Simon Schluter
If none of those clubs bid on Brisbane Lions father-son gun Levi Ashcroft, then Melbourne will, which the Lions will match, before the Demons draft Dandenong Stingrays rising star Harvey Langford, the co-winner of this year’s Larke Medal.
Langford is a 191-centimetre midfielder who barely put a foot wrong in 2024 and can add potency to Melbourne’s much-maligned forward line.
The late twist revolves around West Australian standout Bo Allan, who has soared on draft boards after recording brilliant testing results at the draft combine and holding his own at WAFL senior level. His leadership skills are also coveted.
Allan, who is also 191 centimetres, has spent time at half-back and through the midfield, where recruiters hope he will play primarily at AFL level.
The Demons are one of Allan’s admirers, but it would be a shock if they took him ahead of Langford. They could secure him at their second pick, four selections later, unless Richmond or St Kilda swoop first.
The Tigers may need to take the punt on Josh Smillie still being available at their third pick, currently No.10, if they want Allan, while the Saints have back-to-back selections at seven and eight, where they will look at players such as Tobie Travaglia, Tauru, Allan and Xavier Lindsay.
If Richmond and St Kilda opt for others, Melbourne look poised to grab Allan, who would join the Dees’ West Australian contingent, which already includes Trent Rivers, Jacob van Rooyen, Judd McVee and Koltyn Tholstrup.
We spoke to 13 recruiters and list managers to find out what might be about to happen, albeit with disclaimers at every selection in a wide-open draft.
1. Sam Lalor (Richmond)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Midfielder/forward, 188cm, 30/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23 disposals, 6.3 clearances, 6 inside 50s
The Age’s August top 30: 5 October top 30: 1 November top 40: 1
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
Sam Lalor is in contention to join Richmond as the No.1 draft pick.Credit: Darrian Traynor
The kid being likened to Dustin Martin for his dual-position impact, toughness, power and clean skills remains the strong favourite to be this year’s top pick. Injuries significantly curbed Lalor this year, he needs to become a better runner, has never done a proper pre-season, and there is risk here – but the upside is tantalising.
If not: The Tigers could surprise everyone and take Finn O’Sullivan at No.1 instead. Jagga Smith was the other player given some chance of being the dux of the class.
Finn O’Sullivan (right) representing the AFL academy earlier this year.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
2. Finn O’Sullivan (North Melbourne)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 182cm, 30/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 17.3 disposals, 5.3 inside 50s, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 3 October top 30: 7 November top 40: 4
Agility test: 8.14 secs 20m sprint: 2.99 secs 2km time trial: 6:28 mins
Rivals now expect the Roos to select O’Sullivan at No.2 to add to their midfield riches. He had an interrupted season with injuries, but was outstanding in his bottom-age under-18 campaign last year and the best player at the under-16 championships in 2022. O’Sullivan is classy, an excellent runner and marks well overhead. Does he have the same drive as others?
If not: Richmond surprised everyone and took O’Sullivan No.1, meaning North would likely take intercept defender Alix Tauru or South Australian speedster Sid Draper.
3. Jagga Smith (Carlton)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 182cm, 28/1/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 33.8 disposals, 13.9 contested possessions, 7.9 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 1 October top 30: 4 November top 40: 6
Agility test: 8.484 secs 20m sprint: 3.038 secs 2km time trial: 6:27 mins
Smith could hardly have done more this year, establishing himself as the best ball-winner in this draft class and wowing recruiters with his agility and sharp hands in congestion. Rival clubs think Smith will be the Blues’ pick – but it is a tight race. He kicked more goals late in the season after queries on how impactful he was with his touches.
If not: Carlton are blessed for choice. O’Sullivan – who has also been linked to the Blues – would be an option if available, while Draper and Harvey Langford are also high-quality alternative options.
4. Sid Draper (Adelaide)
South Adelaide/South Australia
Midfielder, 182cm, 5/7/2006
SANFL seniors stats (avg): 22.2 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 6.2 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 6 October top 30: 10 November top 40: 10
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
With Smith gone in this scenario, the Crows select the local product. Draper has been likened to Patrick Dangerfield and Jason Horne-Francis for his power, albeit without the same marking prowess. He is a dual under-18 All-Australian and overcame a delayed start due to a shin stress injury to finish strongly against the SANFL’s best senior footballers.
If not: It would be a surprise. Adelaide have done significant due diligence on Langford, who is the alternative to Draper here, while they would likely go for Smith if he was available, but that scenario probably depends on securing North Melbourne’s pick two, which is long odds at this point.
5. Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions match Melbourne’s bid)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 179cm, 18/12/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 30.8 disposals, 5.3 clearances, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 2 October top 30: 2 November top 40: 2
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
An Ashcroft bid could come earlier, but not later. He is Brisbane-bound as a father-son selection regardless, and will join forces with his Norm Smith Medal-winning brother Will after their father Marcus played in three flags as a Lion. Ashcroft is ultra-professional, self-driven and a dual under-18 All-Australian.
If not: Ashcroft is already a Lion, and the Dees likely take Langford.
6. Harvey Langford (Melbourne)
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder, 191cm, 15/3/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.9 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 11 October top 30: 5 November top 40: 5
Agility test: 8.642 secs 20m sprint: 3.24 secs 2km time trial: 6:24 mins
The co-Larke medallist has arguably been the best-performed player this year as a tall, powerful onballer who is a force in attack, and even drew Marcus Bontempelli comparisons. Some recruiters believe Langford could make his AFL living purely as a forward, so impressive is he aerially, and Melbourne could do with help in attack.
If not: In an alternative world, where Langford is off the board, the Demons would seriously consider Tauru, but that would likely mean Draper is still available as well.
7. Josh Smillie (Richmond)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 195cm, 17/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.5 disposals, 11.3 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 4 October top 30: 8 November top 40: 7
Agility test: 8.391 secs 20m sprint: 3.09 secs 2km time trial: 6:38 mins
Smillie started the year as a No.1 pick contender, but did not reach the heights of some peers. He is huge by midfielder standards and likened to Patrick Cripps for that reason, plus his physicality. Tigers football bosses Blair Hartley and Tim Livingstone have a connection to Smillie’s junior club Park Orchards and are big fans.
If not: They may roll the dice that Smillie is more likely than WA prospect Bo Allan to still there be at their next selection.
8. Tobie Travaglia (St Kilda)
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Defender/midfielder, 187cm, 26/10/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.6 disposals, 11.6 contested possessions, 6.4 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 13 October top 30: 12 November top 40: 13
Agility test: 8.261 secs 20m sprint: 3.19 secs 2km time trial: 6:13 mins
Only Sydney academy prospect Joel Cochran ran a quicker 2km time trial at the combine than Travaglia, who interviewed well, brings positional versatility, was a big improver this year and hates being beaten. He could start at half-back but has the endurance to play on a wing, while there is hope he develops into an inside midfielder.
If not: The Saints might take Tauru, Allan or Xavier Lindsay here instead.
9. Leo Lombard (Gold Coast match St Kilda’s bid)
GC Suns Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 179cm, 5/10/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 24.7 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 5.7 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 14 October top 30: 9 November top 40: 8
Agility test: 7.81 secs 20m sprint: 2.851 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins
The Saints are widely tipped to make a bid on Lombard, and might even do so at their previous selection. The Suns academy graduate shared the Larke Medal as the under-18 championships’ best player with Langford, and he is highly competitive and a beast in the clinches. Tested off the charts at the draft combine for speed and agility.
If not: St Kilda made this bid a pick earlier, or they completed a swap with Fremantle to slide back a few spots, where they could take Joe Berry or Lindsay instead. The Dockers would move up likely for Allan.
10. Alix Tauru (St Kilda)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Tall defender, 193cm, 16/11/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.5 disposals, 3.7 intercept marks, 7.3 intercept possessions
The Age’s August top 30: 19 October top 30: 3 November top 40: 3
Agility test: 8.196 seconds 20m sprint: 3 seconds 2km time trial: 6:36 minutes
Alix Tauru has emerged as a draft bolter in 2024 and could be picked up as early as the No.2 pick.Credit: via Getty Images
A fearless interceptor overflowing with athleticism and star quality, Tauru was strongly linked to North’s top pick in recent months, but now seems likely to be available here, unless the Roos can use their future first-rounder to trade back in. He was little known in the pre-season, but has rocketed up draft boards and has major upside.
If not: Some clubs think the Saints might opt for a second midfielder instead, such as Lindsay or Allan, given coach Ross Lyon’s want to upgrade that area.
11. Bo Allan (Melbourne)
Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Defender/midfielder, 191cm, 16/2/2006
WAFL seniors stats (avg): 11.5 disposals, 3.9 contested possessions, 3.3 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 9 October top 30: 19 November top 40: 15
Agility test: 7.94 secs 20m sprint: 2.99 secs 2km time trial: 6:37 mins
The Dees would love to nab Tauru, but might just miss out. Allan’s superb testing results at the draft combine, plus his leadership skills, heightened his draft stocks after a season where he captained Western Australia and held his own at WAFL senior level. He can play across half-back or in the midfield. Allan’s kicking and decision-making need work, but he is a man in demand.
If not: Recruiters believe Harry Armstrong, who was long linked to Melbourne, is sliding. The silky skilled Lindsay is an alternative option, a year after the Demons used a top-10 pick on Caleb Windsor. Jobe Shanahan has also been linked to Melbourne.
12. Isaac Kako (Essendon match Richmond’s bid)
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Forward, 176cm, 7/3/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 18.7 disposals, 1.7 goals, 7.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 12 October top 30: 6 November top 40: 9
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
St Kilda may make a double academy bid, but otherwise it should be the Tigers who force the Bombers’ hand. Essendon sent their in-demand No.9 selection to Melbourne during the trade period, at least in part because they feared the Demons would bid on their NGA prospect. Kako is powerful, can create a goal out of nowhere, and has an engaging personality.
If not: The Tigers might get another pick in first before making the Kako bid, or the Saints may already have done it.
13. Xavier Lindsay (Richmond)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Midfielder, 183cm, 3/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.4 disposals, 5.4 clearances, 5.2 inside 50s
The Age’s August top 30: 10 October top 30: 13 November top 40: 11
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
It’s expected Gippsland product Xavier Lindsay will be picked up in the first round of the AFL draft.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Lindsay has lots of fans, with his ball-winning talents, ability to play an outside or inside midfield role, laser-like left-foot kicking and leadership all part of his package. The Victorian likely starts – and may remain – as a winger, but he had some terrific performances on big stages this year and could already be gone by this stage.
If not: The Tigers would love Allan to get through to them, but will be sweating on Melbourne’s pick, in particular. Rivals believe they like Joe Berry as well, so he is another possibility. They also could grab a tall forward first, with Shanahan a leading candidate.
14. Jobe Shanahan (Richmond)
Bendigo Pioneers/Allies
Tall forward, 195cm, 2/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 12.9 disposals, 8.5 contested possessions, 2.1 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 21 October top 30: 17 November top 40: 14
Agility test: 8.77 secs 20m sprint: 3.1 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins
The Tigers’ hunt for Jack Riewoldt’s successor leads them to Shanahan, who kicked goals at every level he played this year. He is a strong runner, an excellent field and set-shot kick, presents in the right areas, is a smart judge of aerial balls and makes good decisions. Shanahan can play down back, too, which only adds to his appeal.
If not: Richmond might instead go for Jack or Matt Whitlock, the latter of whom can also play at both ends and is a late riser for many clubs as the draft approaches.
15. Taj Hotton (West Coast)
Sandringham Dragons
Midfielder/forward, 182cm, 17/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 28.7 disposals, 7.3 marks, 1.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 15 October top 30: 16 November top 40: 18
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
The question here is whether the Eagles are willing to take a risk on Hotton, whose blistering opening to the season ended in May when he ruptured the ACL in his right knee. No one started the year better, and he is a dual-position player with great athleticism, while Haileybury College coach and ex-Bombers great Matthew Lloyd rates him as a top-five talent.
If not: The talk among recruiters is West Coast are also weighing up Sandringham Dragons midfielder Murphy Reid or going for a key-position player at this spot.
16. Harry Armstrong (Port Adelaide)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Tall forward, 195cm, 14/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 9.9 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 8 October top 30: 11 November top 40: 12
Agility test: 8.132 secs 20m sprint: 3.09 secs 2km time trial: 6:50 mins
Harry Armstrong playing for the Dragons.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Does Armstrong’s slide end here? He was long considered a top-10 pick, but how he came across in interviews appears to have hurt his stock. Likened to Jeremy Cameron, Armstrong is a good athlete with a mix of speed and endurance who works up the ground and is strong aerially, so the Power could get a bargain here.
If not: Jack Whitlock has commonly been raised as a strong contender at Port’s pick, with fellow tall forward Shanahan apparently not as high on the Power’s board. Whitlock’s twin, Matt, is another possibility.
17. Joe Berry (Fremantle)
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Forward, 181cm, 18/4/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.4 disposals, 1.9 goals, 6.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 16 October top 30: 15 November top 40: 17
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
Recruiters believe Berry’s draft range starts with the Tigers’ third pick, and he has no shortage of admirers. He is quick, agile, runs hard all game and impacts the scoreboard regularly. Berry projects as a high half-forward who can also fill a wing role, with the potential to provide some centre-bounce burst as well.
If not: The Dockers were raised as a possible trade partner for St Kilda’s second top-10 selection, where they would have a stack of good options, potentially including West Australian prospect Allan. If Berry is gone, Hotton is another option.
18. Jack Whitlock (GWS Giants)
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Tall forward, 200cm, 16/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.4 disposals, 2.5 F50 marks, 2.1 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 22 October top 30: 22 November top 40: 16
Agility test: 8.912 secs 20m sprint: 3.1 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins
Jack Whitlock will be appealing to clubs looking for a key forward of the future.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
You can’t teach Whitlock’s size, and he is mobile, boasts good endurance, gets into dangerous spots inside 50, kicks goals from marks and at ground level, can serve as a relief ruckman and has upside. Whitlock is one of three key forwards rated in this draft range, but the Giants also like Jonty Faull.
If not: Whitlock might be unavailable, Hotton may still be up for grabs, or GWS may prefer Faull or Whitlock’s brother, Matt.
19. Matt Whitlock (GWS Giants)
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Tall forward/defender, 198cm, 16/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.2 disposals, 5 marks, 1.9 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 29 October top 30: 26 November top 40: 26
Agility test: 8.545 secs 20m sprint: 3.05 secs 2km time trial: N/A
Matt Whitlock is considered more athletic than his twin brother, Jack.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
There have been murmurs in recruiting ranks in the past week that the Giants would be open to picking both Whitlocks. There is always a player who rises as the draft approaches, and this year that might be the second Whitlock twin, who several recruiters believe is the more athletic of the two. He tested well at the combine, is equally good up forward or down back, and there are scouts who view him in the 10 best players in this class.
If not: The Giants beat to their own drum, and it works for them. Another tall option they like is Faull, while Harry Oliver – as a replacement for Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman – Jasper Alger, Ollie Hannaford and Jesse Dattoli could be in the frame.
20. Murphy Reid (Western Bulldogs)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 30/7/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.1 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions, 4.1 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 17 October top 30: 18 November top 40: 20
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
Will Reid be a midfielder-forward, or vice versa at AFL level? That is the million-dollar question, given recruiters need to project what a player will become and not just how they performed at junior level. Reid’s shorter stature, and lack of speed and physicality make some doubt his midfield bona fides, but he is as clever in congestion as anyone in this class.
If not: Reid might be unavailable. The Dogs have a bevy of developing key-position players, so it is unlikely they add to that collection. Dattoli and Hannaford are other possibilities for a club looking to restock its midfield depth. This might be too early for Tom Gross or Christian Moraes, while Cooper Hynes has also been linked.
21. Jesse Dattoli (Richmond)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 179cm, 7/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.1 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 1.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 23 October top 30: 25 November top 40: 23
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
There is a confidence and drive in Dattoli that recruiters love. He is not as physically imposing or gifted as others, but recruiters believe his competitiveness could take him a long way at AFL level. Dattoli can play in the midfield and up forward, is tough and powerful, a good stoppage player, and marks the ball well overhead.
If not: Alger is a red-hot chance to go here, while Faull could be a target if the Tigers don’t opt for a tall forward at one of their earlier picks. There is also a chance Matt Whitlock is available. Hannaford could be in Richmond’s mix, too.
22. Sam Marshall (Brisbane Lions match Sydney’s bid)
Sandringham Dragons/Allies/Brisbane Lions Academy
Midfielder, 185cm, 19/1/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.1 disposals, 5.9 contested possessions, 6.5 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 28 October top 30: 21 November top 40: 22
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
The hot tip is the Swans will place a bid on the Lions’ academy prospect, who runs all day and finished the season well, including receiving best-on-ground honours in Sandringham’s third-straight Talent League premiership. Brisbane does not really need another midfielder, but Marshall will provide quality depth.
If not: Sydney may wait until their next pick to place a bid.
23. Jonty Faull (Sydney)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Tall forward, 195cm, 1/2/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 13 disposals, 2.5 goals, 6.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 26 October top 30: 23 November top 40: 25
Agility test: 8.34 secs 20m sprint: 3.12 secs 2km time trial: 6:53 mins
Jonty Faull gets a kick away for the Rebels during a Talent League clash against the Dragons.Credit: AFL Photos
Faull is in the top 20 on some clubs’ boards, and his combativeness would be a point of difference in a Swans attack that let them down in the grand final. He does not have the height of the Whitlocks and is not lightning quick, but he is competitive, aggressive, has no problem taking contested marks and has a booming kick.
If not: The Swans might opt for a different forward type, such as Hannaford, Alger or Hynes, who bring different strengths to the table. Oliver could be an option here as well.
24. Harrison Oliver (Richmond)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Defender, 181cm, 15/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 15.4 disposals, 5.5 intercept possessions, 2.2 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 25 October top 30: 29 November top 40: 36
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A
The Tigers might need to grab Oliver here to get ahead of the Giants. The belief in recruiting circles is the hard-edged Oliver would be an ideal “glue man” for a rebuilding club, and is a safe-as-houses selection. He is the best small defender in the draft, was an All-Australian, is a good kick and offers a good mix of attack and defence.
If not: Richmond might go for Hannaford, Alger or Hynes instead. It is unlikely they would take Alex Dodson here, given the Giants and Swans don’t need a ruckman.
25. Jasper Alger (GWS Giants)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country
Forward, 183cm, 17/12/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 10.8 disposals, 2.7 tackles, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A November top 40: 24
Agility test: 8.141 secs 20m sprint: 2.931 secs 2km time trial: 6:28 mins
Alger, who is likened to Melbourne’s Bayley Fritsch without being an exact replica, is a draft bolter who tested well and excites recruiters with what he could become in the AFL. He is fast, strong aerially for his height and in one-on-one situations, makes quick and smart decisions under pressure, and gets in dangerous spots.
If not: Alger may already be gone. Bash-and-crash forward Hannaford would be a good pick here, too, if he was available, while they might consider Oliver if he is still up for grabs.
26. Ollie Hannaford (Sydney)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Forward, 180cm, 1/9/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.7 disposals, 9.5 contested possessions, 1.2 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: 20 November top 40: 19
Agility test: 7.92 secs 20m sprint: 2.95 secs 2km time trial: 7:26 mins
Victoria Country’s Ollie Hannaford.Credit: AFL Photos
There is a scenario where Hannaford is a top-20 selection on Wednesday night after an impressive end to the season following his switch into attack. He started the year down back and can play in the midfield, too, but seems best suited as a forward. He is fast, super tough and ultra-competitive, and will be a first-round selection.
If not: Others potentially in this mix are Alger, Gross and Hynes, along with Oliver if he was available.
27. Alex Dodson (Richmond)
Sturt/South Australia
Ruckman, 201cm, 15/6/2006
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 20.8 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7.4 hit-outs-to-advantage
The Age’s August top 30: 20 October top 30: 24 November top 40: 27
Agility test: 9.08 secs 20m sprint: 3.25 secs 2km time trial: 7:06 mins
The former NBL prospect-turned-best ruckman in this year’s AFL draft. There is always some mystery around where the first ruckman goes, but we saw two taken in the first round last year and Dodson could also sneak in on Wednesday night. He focused solely on basketball last year, so he should have plenty of development in him.
If not: The Tigers might look at Hynes instead, while Oliver could be available here as well.
And the rest …
The most notable omission from the first round is Sandringham Dragons intercept defender Luke Trainor, whose blistering start to the year had him in top-five contention.
Trainor is this draft’s biggest slider and there is a good chance he makes it into the 30s or beyond now. Recruiters are concerned about his concussion history – although the AFL has medically cleared him – some other intangibles and him not proving himself as a lockdown defender. At some stage, Trainor’s talent will be too hard to pass up, but it is unclear where he will land.
Among the players linked to clubs in the second round are Cooper Hynes (Richmond, Port Adelaide, Fremantle), Tom Gross (Western Bulldogs, GWS), Christian Moraes (Port Adelaide), Angus Clarke (Fremantle) and Noah Mraz (GWS and Gold Coast), while one of St Kilda or Sydney could place a bid on Carlton father-son prospect Ben Camporeale.
Key forward Thomas Sims could be an option for clubs in that range, including the Tigers, and St Kilda academy graduate Lennox Hofmann might attract a bid in the mid-30s. Speedster Rhys Unwin is linked to Brisbane and GWS. Collingwood would like to select a tall forward, and recruiters believe there is a chance promising South Australian Charlie Nicholls could be available in the 50s.
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