AFL 2024 draft guide: Where every club sits ahead of November

Where does your club sit ahead of November’s 2024 AFL draft? Our experts have taken a close look at the players every club could be taking in our ultimate draft guide.

Who could your club select in this year’s draft?

The season is already over for 14 clubs and the AFL national draft is fast approaching.

Here are your club’s current draft picks — and who they could target with their first selections.

ADELAIDE

Indicative draft order: 4, 25, 42, 60

Adelaide is in the perfect position to draft a gun midfielder - something it has not done this early in a long time. None of the Crows’ recent top-10 choices have been pure on-ballers: Dan Curtin (2023), Josh Rachele (2022), Riley Thilthorpe (2021), Fischer McAsey (2019), Chayce Jones (2018). The good news for them is there are plenty among this year’s best prospects. Will damaging Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Finn O’Sullivan be there at pick 4? He ticks a lot of boxes because of his pace and ability to push forward and kick goals. Eastern Ranges’ Josh Smillie, who stands 194cm, is the type of big-bodied on-baller Adelaide needs, even if Curtin keeps developing in the middle. Smillie is a clearance beast with a thumping right boot. But the Crows will find it hard to look past South Adelaide’s Sid Draper if he is still on the board.

Sid Draper. Picture: Getty Images

After a delayed start to the year due to a shin issue, Draper quickly began turning heads, recording at least 20 disposals in five consecutive league games for the Panthers and five or more clearances in all but one of those matches. He is not tall at 182cm, but is a great decision-maker and is composed with the ball, something Adelaide lacks. With All-Australian under-18 captain Jagga Smith expected to go in the top two, one of O’Sullivan, Smillie or Draper will be available at pick 4.

BRISBANE LIONS

Indicative Draft Order: 15, 53, 69

There will be no surprises from Brisbane come November, with the Lions set to grab Levi Ashcroft at the top of the draft after the Sandringham Dragons star confirmed his intention to join the club as a father-son selection last month. Ashcroft, the brother of Lions midfielder Will and son of 318-game club great Marcus, would be a prospective No.1 pick if not for his ties to the Lions. The midfielder was arguably best on ground for Brisbane in a one-off VFL appearance last month. He is undoubtedly one of the top players in the draft but through the father-son system, the Lions will simply have to match any bid on Ashcroft at a discounted rate. With their current draft hand (worth 1466 points) the Lions could only match a bid at pick 6 or lower, meaning they will likely have to do some pre-draft wheeling and dealing to ensure they have the draft hand to match any bid from pick 2 down.

Tobie Travaglia. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON

Indicative Draft Order: 11, 31, 62, 65, 68, 85

Carlton will draft on talent rather than positional needs with its first pick, but there are players around the mark that suit their list profile. With Adam Saad and Nic Newman both over the age of 30, the Blues can look for some top-end talent to add rebound. The likes of WA’s Bo Allan and Bendigo Pioneers prospect Tobie Travaglia could be available, with Travagalia having played two games for Carlton’s VFL side. He offers running power and ball use that can have an immediate impact for the Blues. They have taken Lachie Cowan and Billy Wilson in recent years, but Allan and Travaglia are a class above and have the potential to go through the midfield at the next level. It appears unlikely Luke Trainor would be available at pick 11, but the 194cm interceptor would be hard to pass up for the Blues if he is still there. The likes of Harry Armstrong, Jobe Shanahan and the Whitlock twins have appeal to develop under Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. Joe Berry is one of the best small forwards on offer in the open draft, while electric Essendon academy goalsneak Isaac Kako would be a perfect fit, although an AFL rule change means he is certain to join the Bombers. But it would be fitting for the Blues to make their arch-rivals pay a high rise for him.

COLLINGWOOD

Indicative Draft Order: 33, 48, 51

The Magpies would like to find a way to get back into the first round of this year’s draft, but currently hold pick 32 and don’t have a lot to play with. Their first-round pick is in possession of Fremantle, handed over as part of the trade which landed small forward Lachie Schultz at Collingwood last year. Key position players at either end of the ground could and should be a focus this year. The Magpies have primarily drafted midfielders, rebounding half-backs and small forwards in the past three drafts and have some ageing talls in Jeremy Howe (34), Mason Cox (33), Brody Mihocek (31) and Dan McStay (29). They also lost key defender Nathan Murphy to an early retirement due to concussion this year.

Victorian key forwards Jonty Faull (195cm) and Tom Sims (199cm) could come into consideration if they are still available at pick 32, with both being strong-marking goalkickers and Sims also able to provide some back-up in the ruck. Another option could be 198cm Dandenong Stingrays defender Noah Mraz, who trained with Collingwood during pre-season and models his game on captain Darcy Moore but has had an injury-interrupted 2024 campaign.

Jobe Shanahan (L). Picture: Getty Images

ESSENDON

Indicative Draft Order: 8, 28, 82

Essendon took a tall forward in Nate Caddy with its first pick last year, but with Peter Wright finishing his season in the VFL and few other options presenting, the Bombers need another key position target. Mobile marking forward Jobe Shanahan has been right under Essendon’s noses in their VFL side, outshining Wright by kicking 11 goals in three games, and pick eight might not be too early. Then there is Harry Armstrong, another athletic option who has flown up draft boards as the year has gone on. Alternatively, a midfielder that can add a point-of-difference to their mix is also sorely needed. Sandringham Dragons talent Murphy Reid would make a big difference with his silky skills, scoreboard impact and clean hands, Harvey Langford’s 190cm frame, penetrating kick and goalkicking ability has appeal and Sam Lalor has huge upside as a midfielder-forward. Luke Trainor, a 194cm intercept defender, has drawn comparisons to Jordan Ridley — and two Ridleys is better than one. The Bombers will be crossing their fingers and toes that no club bids on exciting forward Isaac Kako, who addresses a glaring need, before they are on the clock.

FREMANTLE

Indicative draft order: 9, 10, 17, 27, 63

It’s anyone’s guess as to when Fremantle will enter the draft this year given that the Dockers are in hot pursuit of established talent. Fremantle currently has the best draft hand in the league, headlined by three first-round picks. But the Dockers will be open-minded as to how they use the trio of selections given that Shai Bolton and Liam Baker have expressed an interest in returning home to Western Australia. Given Fremantle boasts one of the youngest lists in the competition and the club is firmly in the premiership window, we wouldn’t be surprise if the Dockers traded out all three first-round picks and enter the draft in the second round. Fremantle likes to take a ‘best player available’ approach with its first pick. Vic Country’s Noah Mraz will be around the mark. The key defender looked like a first-round draft prospect earlier this year but suffered a foot injury which ruled him out of the national championships. The Dockers could always do with more key position depth after losing Alex Pearce, Oscar McDonald and Brennan Cox for long stretches in 2024. Jonty Faull is an option but Fremantle do have a lot of young, promising key forwards in Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Luke Jackson. Looking locally, Bo Allan is likely to be off the board by the second round but the Dockers could consider Claremont product Hamish Davis, who kicked four goals from 21 touches in the Tigers’ elimination final win over East Fremantle.

Jack Whitlock. Picture: Getty Images

GEELONG

Indicative Draft Order: 16, 36, 54, 72, 90

Geelong’s first pick could be used to secure Bailey Smith. But if they take pick 16 to the draft, there are some talls on offer and that stage who can help with life after Tom Hawkins. Jack Whitlock is nimble, 200cm, and can take a grab, his twin brother Matt has similar traits and can play at both ends, while Jobe Shanahan is a strong contested mark and has already turned heads at VFL level. Gippsland Power bolter Alixzander Tauru is rising higher than his leap and has shown he can turn games as an interceptor or a marking forward. He has serious potential that the Cats’ vaunted development team can help realise. Bolstering their engine room should also be a priority, but it seems unlikely a top-end midfielder will be available at pick 16. However, Eastern Ranges talent Christian Moraes has some serious weapons and Xavier Lindsay is very well rounded and versatile. Geelong loves picking players from its own backyard and if the Cats offload pick 16, All-Australian small defender Lachie Jaques and balanced midfielder Xavier Ivisic could present as options.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Indicative Draft Order: 6, 13, 20, 26, 35, 46, 71

It’s highly unlikely the Suns enter November’s draft with anything resembling their current hand. Pick 6 will likely be traded out in any deal that involves bringing Richmond star Daniel Rioli to the club, while another deal – perhaps involving pick 20 or 26 – will have to be struck to get wantaway Magpie John Noble in the door. If the price is right, the Suns are open to trading Jack Lukosius and Malcolm Rosas away which would again strengthen their draft hand. But with a looming list squeeze, it is unlikely Gold Coast will stack the deck with draft talent this year, unless a serious list cull happens beforehand. The only near-certainty is that Suns Academy star Leo Lombard will be their first draftee. The midfielder, who won a VFL premiership with the Suns as a 16 year old last year, was a joint winner of the Larke Medal as the U18 National Championships’ best and fairest player.

Logan Smith. Picture: Getty Images

GWS GIANTS

Indicative Draft Order: 14, 34, 49, 52, 70

The Giants appear set for a more settled draft in comparison to recent history, with just one first-round pick currently in their hand. Their decisions could be influenced by free agency and trade week with the likes of Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling all still undecided about their future. The big watch for the Giants is their Academy product Logan Smith. A solid ruckman at 204cm who hails from Queanbeyan, Smith was named on the bench in the under-18 All-Australian side following this year’s championships. Considering their the club’s ruck stocks consist of Kieran Briggs and Nick Madden beyond 2024, picking up Smith will be a priority. He’s currently slated to go at the start of the second round, so it will be interesting to see if a club forces the Giants’ hand to match a bid on him. He has already gained plenty of VFL experience this year playing against senior ruckman and looks ready-made to be on an AFL list. Another player sitting around their first draft pick could be Tobie Travaglia, who impressed playing off halfback for Vic Metro and could fill Perryman or Cumming’s spot on the list if they depart.

HAWTHORN

Indicative Draft Order: 13, 30, 67, 74, 86

Let’s assume Hawthorn’s first pick will be used to grab interceptor Tom Barrass from West Coast. In that event, their first pick would be at 30, and in a draft that bats deep they can still snare a quality slider. Some extra midfield spark wouldn’t go astray, and offensively gifted midfielder Christian Moraes would be a nice fit if he isn’t already off the board. He has played a game with Box Hill and was projected as a top 10 pick entering the year, but he is a prospect who could be available around their selection. At 190 centimetres, Cooper Hynes provides forward half impact with his competitive streak and power, Jesse Dattoli is a clever and creative user that fit nicely in Hawthorn’s gamestyle, and key forward Jonty Faull moves well for a player his size. But, like Moraes, all three may also be off the board by then. In a world where they hold onto that first selection, Larke medallist Harvey Langford – if still available - and 191cm WA prospect Bo Allan would add another dimension to their midfield mix, while Harry Armstrong and Jobe Shanahan are quality key forward options.

Sam Lalor. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

Indicative Draft Order: 5, 38, 45, 50, 61, 79

The silver lining of Melbourne’s disappointing finish to the season is that they now have a top-five pick in the draft. And in this even top-end, you could quite easily grab the top talent in the draft with the selection that Melbourne holds. Replenishing their midfield is a high priority with Christian Petracca’s long-term future remaining uncertain, and there are several options who can add an injection of class. Finn O’Sullivan may be gone by this point but his high-impact per possession and goalscoring threat makes him one of the most damaging midfielders available. South Australian Sid Draper has some wheels and has stood up at state league level, while Murphy Reid can provide the precise ball-use and decision making their on-ball brigade lacks. Midfielder-forward Sam Lalor shapes as the wildcard, a player in the Petracca mould with his strength and attacking threat. Or do the Dees look to shore up their limited key forward stocks with forward Harry Armstrong?

Luke Trainor. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

Indicative Draft Order: 2, 22, 40, 58, 64

The Kangaroos have mostly targeted midfielders with their drafting in recent years and now have a strong group of up-and-coming stars in that area of the ground with the likes of George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher. But where they are clearly lacking is in their key position stocks – both forward and defence. North Melbourne did draft one key defender in the 201cm Wil Dawson (pick 22) last year, who they have high hopes for. But there’s a clear lack of support for key forward Nick Larkey, who was drafted back in 2016. The top-end of this year’s draft is dominated by midfielders, but 194cm swingman Luke Trainor and 195cm key forward Harry Armstrong are both widely considered to be top-10 selections and it wouldn’t surprise if North Melbourne grabbed one of them with its first selection. Trainor has Kangaroos links as the grandson of Doug Wade, who kicked 1057 goals across 267 games for Geelong and North Melbourne in the 1960s and 70s. With their second-round pick, the Kangaroos could look to add another key position player like Matt Whitlock, Jack Whitlock, Jobe Shanahan or Jonty Faull.

PORT ADELAIDE

Indicative Draft Order: 37, 55

As it stands, the Power – who has not picked inside the first 35 selections in each of the past two years - will be the last team to enter the national draft and it holds the weakest hand of any club. Dan Houston’s potential return home might improve those selections, but he would also leave a significant void. Under-18 All-Australian defender Harrison Oliver might be gone, but the line-breaking Sandringham Dragon’s kicking and decision making could help cover that loss in the long run. Geelong Falcons gun Lachie Jaques also made the All Australian team – on a half-back flank - after an impressive national carnival and he might be more of a realistic chance of getting through to the Power’s current selection, as would South Australian Angus Clarke. Port has been linked with a number of small-forwards in the exchange period, but if Ken Hinkley’s side is still looking for one come November, Jesse Dattoli might be on the wishlist. Or if they want to keep Esava Ratugolea forward, there appears to be a solid crop of key defenders placed towards the back end of the second round – WA’s Clancy Dennis one of them.

Jagga Smith. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND

Indicative Draft Order: 1, 21, 29, 39, 41, 47, 57, 66, 73

The Tigers’ draft hand looks strong as it is, with the wooden-spoon winners holding the No.1 pick among four selections in the top-40. But you can bet that it will look a lot stronger after the trade and free agency period as departures loom for experienced players Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Jack Graham. Therefore, Richmond could easily end up with five or more picks inside the top-25. That would provide plenty of options and allow the Tigers to pick a range of different players to build around over the next decade. Some still think Victorian midfielder Finn O’Sullivan is the best choice at pick 1 as a combative two-way running midfielder, but Jagga Smith has also put forward a strong case this year as a prolific ball-winner who uses the footy well. If the Tigers snag multiple other first-round picks in deals for Rioli and Bolton, they could snag a second star midfielder like Sam Lalor, Harvey Langford or Murphy Reid, before targeting some taller key position players. Key forward Harry Armstrong – a strong-marking 195cm player – would be a nice addition, while Tobie Travaglia is a 187cm intercepting defender who would also be of interest. Twins Matt and Jack Whitlock – who measure 199cm and 200cm respectively – would also be firmly in the frame. Matt has shown an ability to feature at both ends of the ground this year, while Jack is a high-marking key forward who kicks goals.

ST KILDA

Indicative Draft Order: 7, 24, 43

What St Kilda wants to add to its list isn’t exactly a secret. Coach Ross Lyon has put on the record that he would still like to add some class and depth to the midfield group – and this is a good draft to do that. The top-end is stacked with midfielders and the Saints should be able to grab one of those with their first pick. Players like Sam Lalor, Harvey Langford, Sid Draper and Murphy Reid could all still be on the board. Lalor has been hampered by injury and a lack of fitness this year, but could be the type of game-breaker that the Saints are crying out for. He is an explosive midfielder who can also push forward and kick goals, in a similar mould to Dustin Martin. Langford is an explosive 190cm player with a penetrating left-foot kick who would also be a nice fit as a big-bodied onballer, while the dynamic Draper has plenty of AFL traits and Murphy is an ultra-clean ball-winner. St Kilda could secure a second top pick if free agent Josh Battle departs, while there have been calls to trade key forward Max King who would also command multiple high picks if he were to be offloaded. The Saints also have priority access to 195cm key defender Adrian Cole, a potential second-round pick who is part of the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Noah Mraz. Picture: Supplied

SYDNEY SWANS

Indicative Draft Order: 18, 19, 56

The Swans currently have only three draft picks, but two of those are in the first round thanks to the trade with North Melbourne for Dylan Stephens last year. They therefore have some flexibility to move. One option could be to package the two picks up to shift higher up the draft order, but usually the Swans back their recruiting team to find some gems. Defence is probably the one position where John Longmire could use some extra depth and Noah Mraz looms as a good option should Sydney keep their picks. He was sidelined with a foot injury for much of the year, but at 198cm the Dandenong product was mooted as a first-round prospect earlier in the season. Alexander Tauru is another who racks up intercept possessions for fun, while Matt Whitlock is a utility tall who has proven he can play at either end of the ground. There isn’t a standout Academy product for the Swans like Caiden Cleary last year. Lachlan Carmichael and Nicholas Andreacchio are the two that stood out most in the under-18 national championships, but Carmichael is another year away from being draft-eligible.

WEST COAST

Indicative Draft Order: 3, 23, 59.

The Eagles are likely to look midfield with their first pick - even if they are successful in bringing Tigers Liam Baker and Jack Graham in. If they get what they want for Tom Barrass (two first round picks) they should be able to use one on Baker and have the other for a tall later in the first round. While they lose Tom Barrass and have Jeremy McGovern ageing at 32 - they have Harry Edwards developing nicely in defence with Rhett Bazzo re-emerging late in the season. At the other end Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman and Jack Williams give them talls. There is also a strong confidence that Archer Reid will develop into a key position player who can play at either end of the ground. He is being developed forward at the moment. The chance to get their hands on a big bodied mid like Josh Smillie would be nice but there is no guarantee that he gets to their first pick at three overall. A big bodied mid with a sweet left foot like Harvey Langford will be tempting — especially with Dom Sheed’s future clouded.

Harrison Oliver. Picture: Andrew Batsch

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Indicative Draft Order: 32, 44

The Bulldogs bagged two first-round picks last year in gun onballer Ryley Sanders and key forward Jordan Croft, but don’t currently have a first-round pick this year. That selection (currently pick 13) is in the hands of the Gold Coast Suns, having been handed over as part of the deal to climb up the order and grab Sanders. The Bulldogs are well stocked across most lines, so there’s a good chance they will take a ‘best available’ approach when they enter the draft late in the second round. Defence could be the area the Bulldogs look to strengthen, either with a key defender or a rebounding half-back. Players like Harrison Oliver, Noah Mraz, Alixzander Tauru and Harry O’Farrell are all defenders who sit around pick 25-35 mark in this draft. Oliver is a 181cm rebounder who breaks the lines, Mraz is a 198cm prospect who reads the play well, Tauru is an exciting 191cm interceptor who can also push up the ground and O’Farrell is a 196cm tall who is strong one-on-one and possesses good intercepting ability.

Originally published as AFL 2024 draft guide: Where every club sits ahead of November