AFL Draft 2024: Fans label Levi Ashcroft bid ‘absolute joke’

The No. 1 pick has been named at the AFL Draft but fans are furious at the system that allowed the reigning premiers to get an absolute steal.

The first round of the 2024 AFL Draft has been run and done.

Richmond selected midfielder Sam Lalor with the No. 1 pick. The GWV Rebels prospect has been described as a Dustin Martin clone thanks to his powerful style of play.

The Tigers had seven first round picks to use after several premiership players retired and departing during the trade period.

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Richmond made the most of their haul of picks, filling a host of positional needs across the field.

The highly touted Levi Ashcroft, seen as the best player in this year’s draft, was taken by reigning AFL premiers the Brisbane Lions at pick 5.

Richmond emerged as the big winners of the draft, pulling off a late pick swap with North Melbourne that strengthened their 2025 draft hand.

Read below to see every pick and how the night unfolded. The rest of the AFL Draft will be held on Thursday.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2024: Fans label Levi Ashcroft bid ‘absolute joke’