Ultimate AFL Draft guide: Your club’s list needs, latest intel and who they could take
What does your club’s list need? And, more importantly, who could be available to fill them in this year’s draft? We run the rule over every team.
Draft news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Draft news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With the AFL trade period done and dusted, clubs have already turned their attention to next month’s national draft.
Here’s the picks that your club holds and who they could potentially target with them.
ADELAIDE
Draft picks: 46, 56, 59
List needs: Midfield class and height, key defender, young ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Max Michalanney
Who’s in the mix after that: Jaxon Binns, Adam D’Aloia, Kyle Marshall, Will Verrall, Phoenix Foster, James Van Es
After Adelaide gave up pick 5 in a trade to land Gold Coast’s Izak Rankine, and then 23 to North Melbourne in exchange for pick 59 and the Roos’ 2023 second-round selection, it’s set to be all about father-son prospect and Norwood defender Max Michalanney on draft night. The Crows strengthened their draft hand for what is set to be a stronger crop next year, while arming itself with two extra late-round picks – one from a seperate trade with Brisbane – to match the bid for Michalanney, which is expected to come between 25 and 40. But, as it now stands, there will be no player taken before the versatile defender, ruling a line through homegrown ruckman Harry Barnett and tall midfield bolter Ed Allan. And it still looks unlikely Isaac Keeler, a Crows Next Generation Academy prospect and forward/ruck, will fall to pick 40, where Adelaide gets access to him.
Latest word: After showing significant interest in Barnett, all eyes were on the Crows at pick 23. But after the latest pick swaps, it now might just be Michalanney and a late-round pick, depending on when the bid comes.
BRISBANE LIONS
Draft picks: 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 73
List needs: Key forward, midfield speed
Who could be available at first pick: Will Ashcroft
Who’s in the mix after that: Jaspa Fletcher
The preliminary finalist will get the best player in this year’s draft, Will Ashcroft, the son of 318-game premiership Lion Marcus. But he won’t come cheap, with a potential bid from GWS costing the Lions 2400 (3000 minus the 20% discount) draft points. But the Giants appear a better chance of letting him slide than the Kangaroos were. Despite landing Josh Dunkley, Brisbane added to its draft points during the trade period, with its current hand equating to 2432. But Ashcroft isn’t the only father-son prospect available this year, with the son of Brisbane Bears and Lions player Adrian Fletcher, Jaspa – a long-kicking, skilful midfielder – also in the top-20 mix.
Latest word: Brisbane has done well to position itself to match early bids, but might still need more yet. It’s hard to see the Lions taking anyone else, but they have shown some interest in North Adelaide swingman Shaun Bennier, who looms as a late-rookie chance.
COLLINGWOOD
Draft picks: 16, 25, 27, 51
List needs: Key forward, key defender, ruckman
Who could be available at first pick: Matthew Jefferson, Lewis Hayes, Olli Hotton, Ollie Hollands
Who’s in the mix after that: Brayden George, Isaac Keeler, Harry Barnett, Charlie Clarke
The Magpies addressed many of their immediate list needs through the trade period, adding Tom Mitchell, Dan McStay, Billy Frampton and Bobby Hill. This draft will be about looking to the future, with a lot of key senior players including Scott Pendlebury (34), Jeremy Howe (32), Steele Sidebottom (31), Mason Cox (31), Jamie Elliott (30), Brody Mihocek (29) and Taylor Adams (29) not getting any younger. Tall forward Matthew Jefferson would be handy if he slips down the order more than expected, while Lewis Hayes could also appeal as a key defender. South Australian key forward Isaac Keeler could come into the frame in the second round, as could ruckman Harry Barnett.
Latest word: The Pies have indicated they might look for a ruckman through the draft or over summer for back-up as they look to a future which now doesn’t include Brodie Grundy.
CARLTON
Draft picks: 10, 29, 49, 66
List needs: Outside run, wingman, key defensive depth
Who could be available at first pick: Ollie Hollands, Mattaes Phillipou, Jedd Busslinger, Cam Mackenzie
Who’s in the mix after that: Max Gruzewski, Jaxon Binns, Jason Gillbee, Tyreece Leiu
If Carlton moves up the order from pick 10, powerful midfielder-forward Bailey Humphrey or smooth-mover Cam Mackenzie would give their midfield mix a point-of-difference. The Blues secured Blake Acres on the cheap but their outside run remains an area it can bolster at the draft. Ollie Hollands, the brother of Gold Coast’s Elijah, took out the 2km time trial with a sizzling time of 5:54 and can play all over the ground. He would be a nice fit at the Blues, having risen into top 10 calculations after a strong finish to the year. Taller midfield-forward Mattaes Phillipou also ran a strong 2km and would be around the mark at pick 10. Or if they look to shore up their tall defensive stocks for the future – having been depleted in that department mid-year – then WA interceptor Jedd Busslinger fits the bill. Wingers Jaxon Binns and Jason Gillbee present as outside midfield options with their next two picks. Overlooked 2022 prospect Tyreece Leiu is one to watch late in the piece after an exceptional finish to the year in Carlton’s VFL side as a key defender, with the club impressed with his development.
Latest word: Carlton made their intentions clear during the trade period that club wishes to improve its draft hand – whether that be on draft night or beforehand. Would the Blues give up pick 29 or a future selection to shuffle further into the top 10?
ESSENDON
Draft picks: 4, 22, 54, 62, 68, 72
List needs: Tall midfielder, key-position players, small forward
Who could be available at first pick: Harry Sheezel, Elijah Tsatas, George Wardlaw, Mattaes Phillipou, Bailey Humphrey
Who’s in the mix after that: Olli Hotton, Jacob Konstanty, Anthony Munkara, Coby Burgiel, Ed Allan, Ethan Phillips, Jaydon Davey
With the Giants a strong chance to take Aaron Cadman, the Bombers will be ready to swoop on one of Elijah Tsatas, George Wardlaw or Harry Sheezel – whoever gets past North Melbourne’s pick 2 and 3. And given the club’s need for a genuine matchwinner – or a player who can add a much-needed point-of-difference to the midfield mix - either Tsatas, the classy all-round speedster, or the prospect who can turn a game like no other in the draft pool, Sheezel, would fit perfectly. Ideally, the Bombers take another player before a bid comes for father-son prospect Alwyn Davey Jnr, but it will be a nervous first night, with Davey Jnr’s talent putting him firmly in the first-round mix. If it goes Essendon’s way, the goalkicking feats and skill of Olli Hotton and Jacob Konstanty will appeal, while NGA member Anthony Munkara looms as the draft’s wildcard.
Latest word: The hugely-talented Munkara’s position in the draft is a fascinating one. As skilful as just about any prospect, some believe there is little chance he gets to 40, where Essendon can match a bid. But given his inconsistencies, other clubs might not jump before then.
FREMANTLE
Draft picks:30, 44, 67, 76
List needs: Key forward, wingman, ruckman,
Who could be available at first pick: Isaac Keeler, Jed Hagan, Steely Green, Jaxon Binns, Jason Gillbee
Who’s in the mix after that: Jed Adams, Corey Wagner, Josh Draper (NGA), Harry Lemmey, Jasper Scaife (NGA)
Fremantle lost a handful of players during the trade period but it won’t enter the draft until pick 30, which they received from the Dogs in the Rory Lobb trade. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many talls in the backhalf that can replace the likes of Rory Lobb, Griffin Logue and Lloyd Meek aside from Crows NGA prospect Isaac Keeler, who looms as the standout key forward in that range. Small utilities Jed Hagan and Darcy Jones have shone in the WAFL at different stages this year and would be around the mark at their first pick, along with running machines Jaxon Binns and Jason Gillbee, who could replace Blake Acres in the long-term. Tall Harry Lemmey, who loomed as a top-10 pick before a confidence slump, could enter the frame later along with WA key defenders Hugh Davies and Jed Adams. The Dockers have shown interest in VFL mature-ager Corey Wagner, who has been recast as a damaging defender for Port Melbourne. It would be his third chance at AFL level after stints with North Melbourne and Melbourne.
Latest word: The loss of Lobb and Meek has strengthened the claims of Dockers NGA prospect Josh Draper as a later draft or rookie option. The key forward has a fantastic leap, is capable of backing up in the ruck and showed good signs this year when he wasn’t sidelined with an ankle injury.
GEELONG
Draft picks: 7, 58, 64
List needs: Running defender, key forward, young talent
Who could be available at first pick: Jhye Clark, Matthew Jefferson, Bailey Humphrey Mattaes Phillipou, Oliver Hollands
Who’s in the mix after that: Harvey Gallagher, Kaleb Smith, Harry Lemmey, Oskar Kregar, Ted Clohesy (NGA)
Geelong left trade period with Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry and a top-10 pick which could land the premiers one of the draft’s best prospects, and local product, Jhye Clark. The tough, competitive, well-balanced midfielder looms as the ideal replacement for Joel Selwood. In the middle rounds, long-kicking line-breakers Harvey Gallagher and Kaleb Smith – a bolter out of WA – could fit into the Mitch Duncan and Zac Tuohy spots long term, while Geelong Falcons vice-captain, and tough contested-ball winner, Ted Clohesy is another who will be in the Cats’ sights later in the draft. The 18-year-old a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy.
Latest word: If he’s still available at pick 7, which will become pick 8 after the Ashcroft bid, it’s hard to see the Cats passing up the homegrown gun in Clark – and, at this point, it’s seems likely he gets to there.
GOLD COAST
Draft picks: 5, 45, 71, 74
List needs: Talented midfielder-forward
Who could be available at first pick: Reuben Ginbey, Bailey Humprey, Mattaes Phillipou
Who’s in the mix after that: Unknown
The Suns are on the hunt for a player at the top of the draft who has got the flexibility to play multiple positions, with big-bodied Western Australia midfielder Reuben Ginbey one such player who has caught their attention. Victorian midfielder-forward Bailey Humphrey could also fit the bill, as could South Australian goalkicking midfielder Mattaes Phillipou. The Suns have spoken to Ollie Hollands – the brother of Elijah Hollands – but he is not expected to command a top-10 pick. Gold Coast did have pick 7 as well, but gave that away to Geelong as part of the Jack Bowes trade which relieved some salary cap pressure. When pick 45 comes around it will be best available. Clubs only expect around 50 players to be selected in the national draft.
Latest word: Gold Coast loaded up on future picks in next year’s draft during the trade period in anticipation of some top Academy prospects coming through including Jed Walter, Jake Rogers, Ethan Read and Will Graham.
GWS GIANTS
Draft picks: 1, 15, 18, 19, 31, 57, 61
List needs: Key forward, small forwards, scoreboard impact, inside midfielder
Who could be available at first pick: Aaron Cadman
Who’s in the mix after that: Josh Weddle, Jacob Konstanty, Darcy Jones, Charlie Clarke Harry Rowston (academy)
Key forward Aaron Cadman looks a monty to join the Giants with the first pick of the open draft, with the club sacrificing picks 3 and 12 to move up in the Jason Horne-Francis mega-trade. With their three picks in the teens, speedy small forwards will be on the agenda. Prospects like agility test-record breaker Darcy Jones, the charismatic Charlie Clarke, tackling machine Jacob Konstanty and dynamic forward Noah Long will all be in the mix. Clarke looks up to Toby Greene and has the same antagonistic approach, and also has a freakish ability around goal. Athletic 191cm defender Josh Weddle is another prospect in the frame for those picks if he is still on the board, and they may be more inclined to look at a midfielder after losing Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto and Tanner Bruhn. The Giants are prone for a draft night surprise – they stunned by snaring mature-age defender Leek Aleer at pick 15 last year – and they could look to bundle their picks in the teens to move up the order to snare a top-10 slider. Allies MVP Harry Rowston is tied to the Giants’ Academy, with a bid set to come in the second or third round for the tough midfielder-forward. GWS has also shown strong interest in dynamic mature-ager Corey Preston — after a strong finish to the season for Williamstown — who could play a small forward role. The Giants have 201cm ruck monster Nick Madden, who appears more likely to join the club after they were unable to pick up Ivan Soldo in the Hopper deal.
Latest word: Cadman isn’t necessarily No.1 on the Giants’ talent board, with the club saying publicly that they draft from a different pool to Victorian clubs due to the go-home factor. They are still yet to make a call on whether they’ll bid on Ashcroft with the first pick.
HAWTHORN
Draft picks: 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52, 65
List needs: Classy midfielder with power and speed
Who could be available at first pick: Bailey Humprey, Jhye Clark, Cam Mackenzie, Mattaes Phillipou
Who’s in the mix after that: Brayden George, Jacob Konstanty, Mitch Szybkowski, Cooper Vickery
The Hawks have seven draft picks in the first four rounds at the moment, but might look to package some of them up to move a little higher up the order. At pick six, they will be able to land a handy player like midfielder-forward Bailey Humphrey, onballer Jhye Clark or classy ball-winner Cam Mackenzie. With their second pick, Brayden George could appeal as a mid-sized power forward, as could livewire small forward Jacob Konstanty. Cooper Vickery is a speedy rebounding defender or midfielder who is a Hawthorn Next Generation Academy member and could come into the frame with one of the later picks.
Latest word: The Hawks have denied they have “cut too deep” after parting ways with experienced trio Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Jack Gunston during the trade period. The departures have freed up significant salary cap space for future trade and free agency targets.
MELBOURNE
Draft picks: 13, 37
List needs: Key forward, key defender
Who could be available at first pick: Matthew Jefferson, Mattaes Phillipou, Jedd Busslinger, Lewis Hayes
Who’s in the mix after that: Charlie Clarke, Harvey Gallagher, Jed Hagan, Blake Drury
With Sam Weideman’s departure to Essendon during the trade period, the Demons went after Western Bulldogs swingman Josh Schache as a back-up key forward. That spot still looks a weakness on their list but there look like being few options on the table at pick 13 unless Victorian key forward Matthew Jefferson slips outside the top-10. South Australian Mattaes Phillipou is also more likely to be a top-10 pick, but would appeal as a goalkicking midfielder. Alternatively, a young key defender could be targeted for life beyond Jake Lever and Steven May. West Australian Jedd Busslinger and Victorian Lewis Hayes are both exciting prospects in that department.
Latest word: The Demons are targeting what shapes as a potential ‘Super Draft’ in 2023, already holding two first-round selections and two second-round selections in that draft.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft picks: 2, 3, 23, 40, 43, 59, 70
List needs: Key defender, key forward, midfield class and speed
Who could be available at first pick: George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel, Elijah Tsatas, Bailey Humphrey, Jedd Busslinger
Who’s in the mix after that: Billy Dowling, Blake Drury, Jaiden Magor, Cooper Harvey
After handing over pick 1 as part of the huge Jason Horne-Francis trade, North Melbourne has positioned itself to land two of the best three players in the draft. The Giants appear to favour Cadman with the first selection, but that’s not a league-wide view. So North fans should be pretty happy if the club walks away with two of the top-end trio of game-changer Harry Sheezel, Clayton Oliver-like midfielder George Wardlaw and speedster Elijah Tsatas. Later on, SA ball magnet Billy Dowling and lively small Blake Drury might enter the mix, while goalkicking small Cooper Harvey, the son of the all-time games record holder, Brent, is tied to the club as a father-son prospect.
Latest word: All eyes are on North Melbourne, who will shape the top 10 with its two early picks – and they could be used on Wardlaw and Sheezel.
PORT ADELAIDE
Draft picks: 33, 60
List needs: Quality midfielder, key defender, forwards
Who could be available at first pick: Jaxon Binns, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Coby Burgiel, Isaac Keeler, James Van Es, Ed Allan, Brayden George
Who’s in the mix after that: Baynen Lowe, Kaleb Smith, Harry Lemmey, Kyle Marshall, Ethan Phillips
It was a huge trade period for the Power, who addressed two pressing needs in explosive midfield young gun Jason Horne-Francis and goalkicking small-forward Junior Rioli. Like its SA rival, Port Adelaide – as it stands – won’t take part in the first night of the draft but the class and speed of Jaxon Binns and Coby Burgiel would suit the Power on the outside in the second round, as would the goalkicking feats of Jacob Konstanty. And could they be the club to jump at Isaac Keeler before the Crows get access in the 30s? Fellow SA talls Harry Lemmey, athletic defender Kyle Marshall and ruckman Will Verrell have developed right under Port’s noses, too.
Latest word: The aggressive Power were one of the winners of trade period – but its draft hand took a significant hit, this year and next. And they might just miss out on one of the more highly-rated talls at 33, after they failed to get Esava Ratugolea to Alberton.
RICHMOND
Draft picks: 53, 63
List needs: Key forward
Who could be available at first pick: Unknown
Who’s in the mix after that: Unknown
The Tigers had a top draft hand this year before the trade period, but gave away picks 12, 19 and 31 to secure Greater Western Sydney midfielders Tim Tarranto and Jacob Hopper. That means they are left with only a couple of late speculative selections at this stage. They can afford that, though, after snaring five top-30 picks in last year’s draft. Not losing anyone in the trade period will also help keep Richmond in the premiership window next year.
Latest word: The Tigers were very happy to retain ruckman Ivan Soldo during the trade period, who had been discussed as an option for GWS as part of the Jacob Hopper trade. Midfielder Jack Graham will also be welcomed back with open arms after exploring a trade opportunity with Port Adelaide.
ST KILDA
Draft picks: 9, 28, 32, 47
List needs: Game-breakers, midfield speed, elite ball-users, key position depth
Who could be available at first pick: Bailey Humphrey, Cam Mackenzie (NGA), Mattaes Phillipou, Jedd Busslinger, Matthew Jefferson
Who’s in the mix after that: Brayden George, Charlie Clarke, Jaiden Magor, Bailey Macdonald
The under-fire Saints desperately need of matchwinners, and there’s several who could come into calculations with their first choice. Bailey Humphrey, who has shades of Jordan De Goey, would be a perfect fit but he may be off the board by then. They won’t have first dibs on their Next Generation Academy star Cam Mackenzie – bids inside the top 40 are protected - but taking him would make a lot of sense. His incredible poise, elite ball-use and speed can boost a lacklustre midfield group, and taller midfield option Mattaes Phillipou is also in that range as a dynamic midfielder-forward. Other gamebreaking forwards who could enter the frame with their next two selections include the powerful Brayden George, who will be sidelined for all of 2023 with injury, SA forward-midfielder Jaiden Magor and Sandringham livewire Charlie Clarke. Draft bolter Bailey Macdonald is raw but has electric speed which could help add to Jack Sinclair’s run off halfback in time.
Latest word: If you’ve been living under a rock, St Kilda is currently coachless after their club review. List boss James Gallagher said last week the club isn’t interested in finishing sixth, so they appear set to hit the draft hard in the coming years.
SYDNEY
Draft picks: 14, 17, 42, 75
List needs: Key defensive depth, clearance midfielder, running defender
Who could be available at first pick: Lewis Hayes, Josh Weddle, Elijah Hewett, Ollie Hollands
Who’s in the mix after that: Lachie Cowan, Sam Gilbey, Harvey Gallagher, Will Edwards (academy)
The Swans, headed by experienced recruiter Simon Dalrymple, prefer to pick on talent rather than specific list needs, and there should be plenty of quality options on offer with their two selections in the teens. Sydney picked up Aaron Francis from Essendon during the trade period and either interceptor Lewis Hayes or competitive beast Josh Weddle would be quality additions for the future. The Swans’ clearance and contest game could also be bolstered with their early picks, with midfielders like Elijah Hewett, Ollie Hollands and Henry Hustwaite potentially available. If the Swans wish to add run out of defence to compliment Nick Blakey, Morrish medallist Lachie Cowan breaks lines with his penetrating kicking and leg speed, while Sam Gilbey’s class out of defence could come into their thinking later on.
Latest word: Swans Academy key defender Will Edwards ran a blistering 20m sprint for a big man at the state combine and impressed up against expected top-three pick Aaron Cadman earlier in the year. The project player shapes as a potential later draft or rookie option for the Swans.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft picks: 11, 21, 39, 69
List needs: Key defender, wingman, small forward
Who could be available at first pick: Jedd Busslinger, Mattaes Phillipou, Oliver Hollands, Olli Hotton
Who’s in the mix after that: Henry Hustwaite, Lewis Hayes, Jaspa Fletcher, Josh Weddle
The Bulldogs have a solid draft hand and should be able to fill some list holes with their first and second picks. South Australian midfielder-forward Mattaes Phillipou would be a good option with their first pick if he falls outside the top-10. West Australian key defender Jedd Busslinger would be another good option, with the club’s key defensive stocks looking a touch thin. After Lachie Hunter’s departure during the trade period, hard-running wingman Oliver Hollands would also be handy. With pick 21, Victorian key defenders Lewis Hayes and Josh Weddle could be available if the Bulldogs don’t secure Busslinger with pick 11. Henry Hustwaite is a tall midfielder who can play midfield or defence, while Jaspa Fletcher is another handy wingman but is a NGA prospect for Brisbane.
Latest word: Mattaes Phillipou is the son of Sam Phillipou, who played only three games in his one season with Footscray in 1995 but also enjoyed a successful career in the SANFL.
WEST COAST
Draft picks: 8, 12, 20, 26
List needs: Midfield talent, key position depth, ruckman, outside run
Who could be available at first pick: Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Jedd Busslinger
Who’s in the mix after that: Harry Barnett, Ed Allan, Kaleb Smith, Tyrell Dewar (NGA)
The Eagles have four picks inside the top 30, and you can lock in Reuben Ginbey at their first choice (after Ashcroft bid) if he is still on the board. The tall, athletic midfielder has stacks of potential and the Dockers fan has been strongly linked to West Coast. The Eagles have the chance to nab two West Australians with pick 8 and 12, with tall interceptor Jedd Busslinger and explosive midfielder Elijah Hewett firmly in calculations. However, Busslinger may be off the board before then. The club has shown interest in Harry Barnett, who is widely viewed as the top ruckman available in this draft, which makes sense given Nic Naitanui turns 33 next year, and 194cm midfield speedster Ed Allan presents as an exciting option with their picks in the 20s. Later on, powerful defender Kaleb Smith has links to the Eagles, with former West Coast defender Brad Sheppard one of his coaches at Wesley College. West Coast can also take lively small forward Tyrell Dewar through its Next Generation Academy, and there’s every chance he slips through to the rookie draft.
Latest word: The Eagles split their prized No.2 pick selection for picks eight and 12 in the four team mega-trade. Rivals believe the Eagles were even considering Ginbey with the second pick in the draft, given the go-home concerns surrounding a number of top prospects.
More Coverage
Originally published as Ultimate AFL Draft guide: Your club’s list needs, latest intel and who they could take
Draft Intel: 10 players to watch in Coates Talent League decider
Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft is vying for a historic feat as he prepares to lead the Sandringham Dragons to another Grand Final. But he’s not the only top draft prospect who will be in action.
AFL Draft 2024: Full order, latest intel and the top prospects
The off-season is in full swing for most clubs and that means the 2024 AFL Draft is just around the corner. Get the latest intel on who your club could pick plus full indicative draft order.