AFL Draft 2025: Brisbane Lions Academy member Daniel Annable stars alongside top prospects in AFL Academy game v Richmond VFL

Recruiters flocked to RSEA Park on Sunday as the AFL Academy took on Richmond’s VFL side – and they didn’t leave disappointed. Here’s all the intel.

The Brisbane Lions will have priority access to yet another classy midfielder in this year’s draft in what looms as an embarrassment of riches for Chris Fagan’s side.

Lions Academy member Daniel Annable was one of the standout performers for the AFL Academy in an exhibition match against Richmond’s VFL side on Sunday, stamping himself as a top-10 draft prospect.

Annable captained the Australian under-18 side and led from the front as he collected 22 disposals, five marks and four clearances through the midfield.

He also kicked two lovely goals on the run when pushing forward.

A strong-bodied onballer who measures 183cm, Annable consistently makes good decision with ball in hand and executes beautifully by foot.

He featured in all four games for the Allies as a bottom-age player at last year’s under-18 national championships and will again prove an important part of that side this year.

The latest Academy ace comes after the Lions secured three players with ties to them inside the first 42 picks in last year’s national draft.

Levi Ashcroft (pick 5) found his way to Brisbane as a father-son, while the Lions also matched bids on Academy talents Sam Marshall (pick 25) and Ty Gallop (pick 42) within the first three rounds.

Daniel Annable led from the front. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Gold Coast Suns Academy member Beau Addinsall (28 disposals, five clearances) was also impressive, providing some run and finishing as the leading possession winner on the ground in Sunday’s match.

Big-bodied Eastern Ranges midfielder Oliver Greeves (26 disposals, four clearances) caught the eye playing both onball and forward roles but wasn’t quite able to finish some of his good work as he missed four shots on goal.

Sandringham Dragons key forward Archie Ludowyke did capitalise on his chances, booting 3.1 from 12 disposals.

Mobile big man and potential No. 1 draft pick Cooper Duff-Tytler had a quieter game after enjoying a bumper start to the season in the Coates Talent League.

Duff-Tytler stormed out of centre bounce to slot a long-range goal from 50m in the first quarter, but it would be his only score of the day as the 200cm giant split his time between forward and ruck duties.

Oliver Greeves put in a strong performance. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The Calder Cannons product logged 10 disposals, three marks and eight hutouts, having his moments.

Another Gold Coast Suns Academy member – Dylan Patterson – produced a big first half, playing predominantly across halfback where he showed a strong ability to read the play and good composure with the footy.

AFL-listed Richmond defender Noah Balta played all four quarters in his return game after serving a club-imposed suspension and was solid with 11 disposals and four marks.

Tigers midfielder Josh Smillie racked up 14 disposals and two clearances in the first half before being pulled from what was his second VFL game back from a pre-season hamstring injury, while mid-season draft prospect Tom McCarthy was good again across halfback with 19 disposals.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2025: Brisbane Lions Academy member Daniel Annable stars alongside top prospects in AFL Academy game v Richmond VFL