AFL draft 2025: Melbourne poised to commit to NGA prospect Toby Sinnema

Melbourne is finally set to benefit from the next generation academy system with an Errol Gulden clone in its sights. Plus, the latest on the Kalani White tug-of-war with Gold Coast.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 07: Toby Sinnema of Victoria Country handballs against Fred Rodriguez of Western Australia during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Country at Mineral Resources Park, on June 07, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

A smooth-moving left-footer is giving Melbourne’s recruiters a rarity — a prospect out of their Next Generation Academy.

It’s believed the Demons are firming on taking Dandenong Stingrays top-ager Toby Sinnema, a Vic Country Under 18 representative in four nationals matches this year.

The wingman has averaged 20.2 disposals from his 11 games for the Stingrays.

It comes with the Demons likely to secure father-son prospect Kalani White despite him also being linked to the Suns as a Gold Coast Academy player.

The Demons last year put Ricky Mentha Jr on their category B list as a small crafty forward.

They do not have a first-round pick in this year’s national draft but will be hopeful they can secure some exciting young talent to build with their next coach.

Toby Sinnema (left) is set to become a Demon.

Melbourne believes Sinnema has the scope to improve sharply.

“He can hurt teams with his foot skills and he’s got good pace and he’s improved in the areas he was deficient in to become a better all-round player,’’ Rays coach Nick Cox said of Sinnema.

“He’s played in the majority of positions – wing, half-back, half-forward – so he’s got that versatility too.

“He’s our vice-captain and he shows a lot of leadership.’’

Sinemma takes possession during the Under-16 national carnival.

Sinnema is likely to line up for Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Casey this weekend against ladder leader Box Hill Hawks.

He has been training with the Casey Demons for the past fortnight.

Sinnema made his debut for Devon Meadows in local football last year, earning high praise for coach Ryan Hendy, who told this masthead: “He was unbelievable, he’s got a massive future.”

“He’s just classy,” he said. “He reminded me of a young Errol Gulden, it’s a big wrap but he just moves exactly like him, he just runs and runs and is a magnificent ball user.”

White has played four games for the Allies in the national championships and three for Gold Coast and while he has huge athletic potential, he is a low possession winner at this stage.

He is likely to be considered by clubs from the second and third rounds of the draft but as a project player who could one day take on the ruck after Max Gawn retires, he is an exciting prospect for the Dees.

Father Jeff has always told him to choose the club where he is most comfortable, but the Suns have as many as five other Academy players they can choose from this year.

At least three of them are considered first-round prospects including top 10 picks Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson.

Originally published as AFL draft 2025: Melbourne poised to commit to NGA prospect Toby Sinnema