AFL Phantom Draft Top 30: Prospects in the mix at every club and the latest whispers
The AFL Draft is only hours away. What is the last minute buzz? Who will your club pick? Re-cap our live Q&A and check out who could land where.
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The AFL national draft is almost here but there is still so much up in the air, with clubs themselves finding it hard to get a read on the first round.
North Melbourne will crown Jason Horne-Francis as the No. 1 pick but what happens after that?
We look at how the first 30 picks could fall, plus who’s in the mix at every club after that.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHO’S IN THE MIX AT YOUR CLUB LATER IN THE DRAFT
1. North Melbourne
Jason Horne-Francis (South Adelaide)
Midfielder/forward, 185cm, 81kg
After knocking back big offers during the trade period – and maybe a few more on the night – North Melbourne will take the South Adelaide midfielder with the No.1 pick. He’s explosive at the contest, and an aerial threat forward of centre, but it’s the sheer competitiveness that sets Horne-Francis apart
IN THE MIX: It’s very unlikely any club will pry the first pick, and Horne-Francis, away from North Melbourne. A father-son bid is also unlikely to happen.
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2. Western Bulldogs
Matching GWS bid
Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers)
Key forward/defender, 205cm, 93kg
With Darcy, the son of Bulldogs great Luke, who moves unbelievably well for a 204cm big man and is elite in the air, suiting needs, expect the Giants to bid on him here. And there’s no chance the Bulldogs don’t match.
IN THE MIX: Expect GWS to stick to its talent order and bid on at least one of the father-son guns before taking its man. The Bulldogs will have most of their draft hand wiped out as a result of matching this bid - but look for them to be involved in a trade for their current pick 23 beforehand.
3. GWS
Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder, 191cm, 86kg
If, as expected, the Giants hold on to pick 2, they are likely to take 191cm Callaghan, who has all traits of the perfect modern day midfielder. He’s tall, quick, brilliant in traffic and boasts a penetrating left-foot.
IN THE MIX: Another bid, this time for Daicos, is a chance, while the Giants have done plenty of work on Josh Rachele, who suits their need in the forward-half and the club’s plan to pick with a specific best-22 role in mind. They’ve long been linked to Mac Andrew, too.
MORE: FULL DRAFT ORDER, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
4. Collingwood
Matching GC bid
Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers)
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 72kg
The Magpies will be thrilled to match a bid for Daicos outside of the top-three, given some still view the prolific, skilful midfielder as the best player in the pool - and a player who could’ve played for Collingwood last season.
IN THE MIX: If Gold Coast don’t bid on Daicos, the Crows are likely to do so.
5. Gold Coast
Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays)
Ruckman, 201cm, 79kg
Andrew’s potential is likely to be too hard for the Suns to pass up. He moves so well for someone of his size and he’s shown glimpses of his best at either end of the ground. But it’s his skill, and ability to take the ball cleanly at ground level and spring out of stoppages, that really caught the eye this year.
IN THE MIX: A big call for the Suns here that could still go a number of ways. The leadership and competitiveness of the readymade Hobbs would appeal, while the best key-defender in the pool Josh Gibcus is still a chance. Josh Rachele remains in the mix, but would be considered unlikely. If GWS pull a surprise at pick 2, they would pounce on Callaghan.
6. Adelaide
Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers)
Forward/midfielder, 179cm, 81kg
The Crows have been one of the clubs to show the most interest in the sublimely-skilled Rachele, who can do things with the ball that others can’t. Rachele is a genuine matchwinner, and would bring much-needed x-factor to Adelaide’s forward-half - and maybe the midfield in time.
IN THE MIX: Inside midfielder Ben Hobbs and dashing defender Josh Sinn have been linked to the Crows at this pick, while Adelaide - like most in the top 10 - would love for Callaghan to slip through. And the chatter around a trade with Richmond, that would see the club move back, isn’t going away. Would that bring Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera into play?
MORE: PROFILES, STATS ON 109 TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS
7. Hawthorn
Josh Ward (Northern Knights)
Midfielder, 183cm, 77kg
It’s an important draft for the rebuilding Hawks, and they’ve put work into plenty of names who would fit here. But Ward, a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever at the contest, and very effective by foot away from it, could get the nod.
IN THE MIX: The link to Subiaco’s Matt Johnson is real with the Hawks believed to be deciding between the two midfielders. Andrew, like a number of others in the top-10 mix, toured the club recently and they like Jye Amiss. Rachele is unlikely to get past them, either.
8. Fremantle
Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder, 183cm, 79kg
The Dockers loom as the key to how the rest of the first-round plays out. Hobbs is a great leader, competitive and, arguably, the best pure inside-midfielder in the draft pool, and Fremantle could pounce here before the Tigers do.
IN THE MIX: This selection will shape the draft. The Dockers have long been linked to local forward Jye Amiss, who addresses an immediate need. But could they still get him at their next pick? Neil Erasmus and Matt Johnson remain in the mix, while they could be the club to tempt the Giants for Callaghan, who they’ve put a lot of work into.
9. Richmond
Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels)
Key defender, 196cm 87kg
Things might play out differently if the Dockers opt for a key forward, but Josh Gibcus may be too good to resist if Ward and Hobbs are off the board when the Tigers are up. The intercept defender reads the play extremely well and has the athletic make-up to play on the key-forward monsters, like the King twins, bursting on the scene.
IN THE MIX: A midfielder may be the first-choice for the Tigers, with Hobbs and Ward set to be snapped up if they get to Richmond’s selection. Jye Amiss is another player in consideration for the Tigers, who they have done their work on. A live trade between Adelaide and Richmond is one to watch on the first night.
Get the latest draft intel from Tigers recruiting boss Matthew Clarke on a special draft week edition of the Herald Sun Footy podcast
10. Fremantle
Jye Amiss (East Perth)
Key forward, 195cm, 83kg
The Tigers overlooking Amiss would be a great result for the Dockers, who have long been linked to the local forward, given their need for a new spearhead. Amiss booted 51 goals in 15 WAFL Colts matches this season and is the second-best key-forward prospect in the pool.
IN THE MIX:If the Dockers go for Amiss with their first pick, WA midfielders Matt Johnson and Neil Erasmus would be right in the mix here.
11. St Kilda
Matt Johnson (Subiaco)
Midfielder, 190cm 78kg
St Kilda interviewed the classy WA midfielder recently and could jump in front a number of interested clubs with its first pick. Johnson is tall, clean, agile and makes great decisions with the ball, and will complement what the Saints already have nicely.
IN THE MIX: The Saints met with the best kick in the draft, Wanganeen-Milera, in Adelaide on Tuesday and have shown interest in dashing defender Josh Sinn. They could also snap up Gibcus if he slid past the Tigers and Dockers.
12. West Coast
Campbell Chesser (Sandringham)
Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 83kg
This is another selection that could shake-up the first round with the late mail suggesting the Eagles could spring a surprise and take the explosive Chesser, who was touted as a top-10 selection coming into the year before injury and Covid struck, with their first pick. It would take something significant for West Coast to overlook local gun Neil Erasmus but Chesser’s speed, raking kick and leadership qualities might be it.
IN THE MIX: Erasmus is the one but Wanganeen-Milera is another who could come into play here, while Johnson would be a chance, too, if he gets through.
13. Essendon
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg)
Wingman, 188cm, 71kg
Wanganeen-Milera, who is incredibly balanced and delivers with precision on both feet, would add another layer to the Bombers’ developing midfield group. The best kick in the pool has some admirers in the top-10 so it would be a nice get for Essendon here.
IN THE MIX: The Bombers have put some time into Darcy Wilmot and have some history with Northern Knights products. Sinn is also in the mix and they’ve shown some interest in big-bodied midfielder Mitch Knevitt.
14. Port Adelaide
Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons)
Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 72kg
With Wanganeen-Milera off the board, the Power like Sinn, the dashing defender who was once touted as a No. 1 pick contender. He breaks the game open with his speed and elite foot skills from defence, but he also has the potential to become a game-changer through the midfield.
IN THE MIX: Port are likely to consider Wilmot and Erasmus at this point, and Gibcus would be hard to pass up if he got through. Goater is another the Power have been linked to. It’s a bit of a wait-and-see spot for Port.
15. GWS
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels)
Forward/midfielder, 184cm, 76kg
After grabbing a midfielder with its prized first selection, the Giants are poised to take a small forward with their next pick. The brother of St Kilda livewire Dan has the capacity to be used in the midfield and his all-round athletic traits make him an exciting prospect with power and speed.
IN THE MIX: Jesse Motlop and Judson Clarke could come into the equation here as dynamic forward-half players. Blake Howes, who is best mates with Callaghan, had been linked with the Giants but this looks unlikely to eventuate.
16. Brisbane
Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights)
Defender/midfielder, 183cm, 76kg
The Lions are in need of a defender after the retirement of Grant Birchall, and Wilmot looms as a nice fit with his daring run, coupled with his strong defensive attributes. Born on New Year’s Eve, Wilmot is 20 minutes from being ineligible for the draft and has significant upside.
IN THE MIX: Will the Lions risk letting Jacob van Rooyen through to their next pick? Considering the interest for Wilmot as early as the Bombers, they might have to. Tom Brown could be in the mix here, as would Chesser if he is still on the board.
17. Richmond
Neil Erasmus (Subacio/WA)
Midfielder, 192cm 80kg
In the event the Tigers draft a tall with their first selection, Erasmus would be a great get if he slides to this spot - and there’s every chance he could, if he is overlooked by West Coast and Fremantle. The big-bodied midfielder has plenty of scope for growth after transitioning into the centre-square just this year.
IN THE MIX: Midfielder Tyler Sonsie could appeal here, and Richmond has shown interest in small forwards Jesse Motlop and Sam Butler, but it might be too early for the former and too late for the latter. If Hobbs or Ward slide to the Tigers’ first selection, a key position prospect like van Rooyen could come into consideration.
18. Sydney
Tom Brown (Murray Bushrangers)
Defender, 186cm, 77kg
Losing Jordan Dawson during the trade period, Brown looms as one of the best small defenders at this spot, with his speed, footskills and intercepting ability. Falling just shy of the 100-game father-son eligibility criteria with Geelong, it might be Sydney who pounces.
IN THE MIX: Would van Rooyen come into Sydney’s thinking to shore up its key defensive stocks, or will they look for one with their next selection? Butler and Blake Howes are in the mix, while Arlo Draper remains a chance - but he may be available at their next pick.
19. Melbourne
Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons)
Forward/midfielder, 190cm, 79kg
Howes is as versatile as he is athletic, with his raking kick and hands overhead making him an exciting talent who can be used all over the ground. The Demons have been fans of his progress and he may reach their pick, despite some late interest.
IN THE MIX: Could Howes be off the board at this point? One of the outside runners like Wilmot or Chesser could also be in the mix.
20. Brisbane
Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont)
Key defender/forward 193cm, 90kg
Brisbane is among the clubs interested in van Rooyen, a powerful swingman who dominated at both ends of the ground this year. He arguably played his best footy as a key defender, a position where the Lions are lacking depth.
IN THE MIX: If the Lions opt for van Rooyen with their earlier selection, Chesser could appeal here if he isn’t snared by West Coast. Butler and Howes may be options with either of their selections as well.
21. Fremantle
Josh Goater (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder/defender, 190cm, 79kg
If the Dockers keep the much-sought-after selection, Goater, who they have been linked to, could be hard to pass up. He’s starred in defence but, in the midfield, the explosive teenager is brilliant in traffic and can explode out the other side. And he has family ties in WA.
IN THE MIX: Clubs will come after the first pick of the second night, and the Dockers could cash in on the interest. Motlop is a chance, given they won’t be able to match a bid for the NGA product in the top 40 and Howes would be in the mix if he gets past the Demons.
22. North Melbourne
Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle)
Small forward, 176cm, 74kg
The Kangaroos have long been linked with the best pure small forward in the pool and could get their man if the Giants don’t pounce earlier. Motlop, who’s quick, skilful and weaves in and out of traffic with ease, hits the scoreboard and brings teammates into the game further up the field.
IN THE MIX: Butler could be the one, if GWS go with Motlop and they may look at van Rooyen if he gets through, or fellow WA tall Rhett Bazzo.
23. Hawthorn
Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder, 181cm, 73kg
Sonsie is one of the most talented players in the draft pool - as he showcased with 24 touches and two goals on debut for Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill. But his lack of exposure and question marks over the defensive side of his game could see him slide into the second round, which may be too tantalising to resist for the Hawks.
IN THE MIX: Judson Clarke could help spice up their forward half, while Howes would appeal if he gets through to Hawthorn’s second selection.
24. Geelong
Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
Will the Cats pounce on the big-bodied inside midfielder from their own backyard? Knevitt has an excellent speed-endurance mix and his overhead marking adds to his appeal.
IN THE MIX: Brown would enter considerations if he fell to this spot with his father Paul’s ties, and what about Sonsie, or his Eastern Ranges teammate Jake Soligo? Watch out for key defenders Leek Alleer and Rhett Bazzo, but they might be more of a shot with Geelong’s selections in the 30s. The best ruckman in the pool Toby Conway is a chance of landing here, too.
25. Hawthorn
Judson Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays)
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 70kg
If the Hawks go with two midfielders before this selection, the speedy left-footer, who is damaging forward of centre, would be a nice addition in the forward-half, given his attacking traits are as good as any.
IN THE MIX: Hawthorn has shown interest in Connor MacDonald, while Butler and Motlop would also enter the frame to address similar needs to Clarke, if they got through.
26. GWS
Matching Carlton’s bid
Josh Fahey (GWS Academy)
Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 76kg
The Blues are tipped to bid on the GWS Academy gun and the Giants won’t be surprised it comes this early, with the club viewing him somewhere between 15-30 in the talent pool. And it’s hard to see them letting the long-kicking speedster, with a strong defensive mindset, go.
IN THE MIX: With some interest inside 20, the Giants would be relatively happy with this outcome on Thursday night.
27. Carlton
Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays)
Midfielder, 185cm, 83kg
Carlton love what MacDonald is about - a no-frills midfielder who blew clubs away during interviews this year. MacDonald was a prolific ball-winner at all levels this season and has his fans in the second round of the draft.
IN THE MIX: A small forward will be top of the list for the Blues, so expect them to pounce on Motlop or Clarke if they are still on the board. Bendigo Pioneers product Cooper Hamilton looms as a potential smokie for this spot, but they may opt to grab him later in the piece.
28. Richmond
Arlo Draper (South Adelaide)
Forward/midfielder, 186cm, 75kg
Draper’s position in the draft is an intriguing one. There’s a chance he finds a home in the first round, but he could also push out to this point - or later, with the Swans watching closely. He has plenty of class and has proven just as effective as a ball-winning midfielder, who drifts forward, as he has a marking target inside-50.
IN THE MIX: If the Tigers don’t select Gibcus or van Rooyen, Bazzo might enter the frame to fill their key position stocks. Same with Motlop if he is not off the board. The Tigers also loom as the next cab off the rank to bid on Josh Fahey, if the Blues decide against it.
29. Richmond
Jake Soligo (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder/forward 180cm, 78kg
Soligo is a second round bolter of sorts having risen up draft boards, with clubs remarking about just how silky smooth he looked at the Victorian draft day last week. The hard-running midfielder/forward impressed in a Tigers guernsey for their VFL side earlier in the year and he has shades of Errol Gulden with his decision making and endurance.
IN THE MIX: There’s a chance Richmond uses this trio of picks in some sort of trade on the second night but, along with those mentioned above, the draft’s ‘money kick’ Zac Taylor would also be a nice get at this point.
30. St Kilda
Matching Richmond’s bid
Mitchito Owens (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder, 191cm, 87kg
It will be a nervous first night for the Saints, who won’t able to match a top-20 bid for their NGA prospect. But they are likely to match one outside that and the Tigers are a chance to make them with one of their selections. After a huge late growth spurt, there’s a lot to like about the athletic, high-leaping Owens, who could continue to develop into an attacking weapon.
IN THE MIX: It’s hard to see the Saints letting Owens go, even if that means orchestrating another pick swap to make it work.
IN THE MIX AFTER THAT
Adelaide
Picks (pre-bids): 4, 33, 75, 80
South Australian excitement machine Cooper Murley is in the frame for Adelaide’s pick in the 30s, while skilful, hard-running Bendigo Pioneers midfielder/forward Cooper Hamilton had been linked to the same selection but it might be a touch early. Late mail suggests smart, neat-kicking Victorian Jake Soligo is also a chance if he gets through and they could pounce on Hugh Jackson deep in the draft if no one else does. Isaac Birt is a potential rookie option.
Brisbane
Picks (pre-bids): 14, 18, 41, 60, 76, 90
Toby Triffett, a 19-year-old big-bodied midfielder/forward, looms as the strongest chance to attract a bid from both Queensland academies after garnering club interest. The Lions have enquired about classy utility Charlie Molan, who may appeal for the Lions with their third round selection or later in the piece. Would Charlie Dean come into the frame if they don’t pick up a key defender early?
Carlton
Picks (pre-bids): 25, 64, 82
Following the shock retirerement of Liam Jones, the Blues had their request to the AFL for an extra list spot knocked back, so the club appears set to take just one selection at the draft. Carlton could even slide back down the order on the second night, which would put elite running small forward Hamilton in contention. The Blues have shown an interest in tall swingman Justin Davies, and have been linked to mature-age key defensive option Charlie Dean. They also have nominated athletic tall Dominic Akuei, who has been used predominantly in defence this year, as a Next Generation Academy prospect. Isaac Birt is also a chance to land at the Blues in the rookie draft.
Collingwood
Picks (pre-bids):36, 38, 40, 46, 48, 58, 78, 79
Don’t rule out Youseph Dib, who the Magpies did not nominate as a Next Generation Academy prospect, late in the piece, particularly if Daicos does not receive a top-three bid. The Magpies were impressed with what Dib produced as a pressure forward for Collingwood’s VFL side this year. A bid at pick four will cost 1627 draft points, which will only impact Collingwood’s first four selections. WA midfielder James Tunstill has also been linked to the Pies, depending how their hand plays out later in the draft.
Essendon
Picks (pre-bids): 11, 51, 56, 87
The Bombers are among the clubs to show interest in Victorian small forwards Paul Curtis and Cooper Hamilton, while Miller Bergman may also come into the frame if he slips through. Port Adelaide said Essendon was one of the clubs that had shown the most interest in Power father-son prospect Jase Burgoyne, who could come into the mix with one of those picks in the 50s.
Fremantle
Picks (pre-bids): 6, 8, 19, 61, 69, 84
There has been a swell of late buzz around Oakleigh Chargers utility Lachie Rankin, who looms as a second-round bolter, and his range may begin at the Dockers after showing strong interest. Athletic key forward Eric Benning has been nominated by the club as an NGA and is tipped to find his way there. Fremantle is one of several teams linked to Jai Serong, which is of note given he is the brother of Dockers on-baller Caleb Serong.
Geelong
Picks (pre-bids): 22, 30, 32, 34, 50, 91
Key defenders Rhett Bazzo and Leek Alleer are right in the mix for Geelong’s four second-round selections, as is midfielder Angus Sheldrick. Skilful playmaker Miller Bergman has been linked to the Cats in the 30s. Tall Justin Davies, utility Charlie Molan, midfielder Matthew Roberts and elite runner Cooper Hamilton could be in the frame for their later selections, while the Cats have also shown interest in running defender Flynn Kroeger, who shapes as a late or rookie chance, and West Australian midfielders James Tunstill and Kade Dittmar. Small defender Blayne O’Loughlin is another potential rookie option, along with WA small forward Kaden Harbour.
Gold Coast
Picks (pre-bids): 3, 86, 90
Gold Coast does not have plans to find an immediate replacement for Hugh Greenwood, who was poached by North Melbourne as a delisted free agent. The Suns have committed to re-listing Jez McLennan and Rory Thompson – the latter through the pre-season draft – to fulfill their minimum amount of three selections. While the Suns have already pre-listed their academy products Bodhi Uwland and Sandy Brock, the likes of dashing defender Austin Harris, tall forward/ruck Ned Stevens and high-leaping key forward Will Bella could still be in the mix.
GWS
Picks (pre-bids): 2, 13, 53, 54, 70
The Giants appear set to be out of action after pick 30 of the national draft after matching a bid for academy prospect Josh Fahey, which is expected to wipe out their last three selections. Who the Giants take with their second selection will have a say on where they look in the rookie draft. A tall could be on the cards if they end up with Callaghan and Butler, which could bring tough Giants academy key defender/forward Patrick Voss into the mix. Alternatively, they might prise a mature-ager or a delisted player.
Hawthorn
Picks (pre-bids): 5, 21, 24, 59, 64, 77
Miller Bergman will enter calculations with Hawthorn’s back-end selections if he is still on the board. They have also put work into South Adelaide’s Matthew Roberts. The Hawks have also done homework on goalkicking small forward Paul Curtis and have nominated speedy Eastern Ranges small forward Paul Haasbroek out of their Next Generation Academy.
Melbourne
Picks (pre-bids): 17, 37, 49, 57
Melbourne will likely welcome Taj Woewodin, the son of Brownlow medallist Shane, to the club in the back-half of the draft. While they won’t get Mac Andrew, Northern Territory product Andy Moniz-Wakefield has also been nominated as an NGA prospect. The Demons have shown interest in GWV Rebels best-and-fairest winner Charlie Molan and they are one of the clubs that may give small defender Blayne O’Loughlin a chance via the rookie draft. Port Adelaide said Melbourne was among two clubs to have shown the most interest in Power father-son prospects Jase Burgoyne.
North Melbourne
Picks (pre-bids): 1, 20, 42, 47, 71, 75
If there is no bid for Jackson Archer – the son of club great Glenn Archer – he will join the Kangaroos with their last pick. Neat-kicking defender Lewis Rayson and explosive forward/midfielder James Willis are two South Australians who are in the mix for North Melbourne’s picks in the 40s. With interest growing for Willis significantly as the year went on, there’s a chance he’s already off the board. Small forward Kaden Harbour is a rookie possibility.
Port Adelaide
Picks (pre-bids): 12, 62, 72, 73, 85
With its later picks, the Power has been linked to the likes of North Adelaide duo Hugh Jackson and James Willis, as well as West Australian inside midfielder/forward Kade Dittmar – the nephew of Port Adelaide great George Fiacchi. The club has also put work into mature-age swingman Charlie Dean. The Power does not expect a club to bid on Jase Burgoyne until after pick 40. Melbourne and Essendon have shown the most interest in him. Eastern Ranges defender Flynn Kroeger may be a rookie option, while athletic Sandringham Dragons half-forward Luke Nankervis has also been linked to the Power.
Richmond
Picks (pre-bids): 7, 15, 26, 27, 28, 79
Most of Richmond’s work will be done early with five selections inside the first two rounds but WA midfielders Kade Dittmar and James Tunstill may come into the mix if they end up with a later selection. Small forward Kaden Harbour is a rookie chance.
St Kilda
Picks (pre-bids): 9, 55, 61, 65, 66, 81
St Kilda has powerful NGA prospect Marcus Windhager, who appears likely to attract a bid in the second or third-round range. The Saints have also nominated lively small forward Josiah Kyle and speedster Jack Peris – the son of Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris – out of their academy. St Kilda has shown interest in Kyle in particular over the past week. Both prospects are late to rookie chances.
Sydney
Picks (pre-bids): 16, 31, 39, 69, 84, 89
Will the Swans look to reunite Chad Warner with his brother, athletic midfielder Corey Warner? There has been interest there from the Swans and the same goes for fellow WA midfielders Angus Sheldrick, James Tunstill and Kade Ditmar, as well as neat-kicking utility Lachie Rankin. If x-factor utility Arlo Draper manages to slide to their second selection, the Swans may pounce – don’t rule him out with their first either. Sydney has had interest in Matthew Roberts, who may enter the equation in the 30s, along with his SA teammates James Willis, Lewis Rayson and Hugh Jackson.
West Coast
Picks (pre-bids): 10, 29, 35, 67, 82
West Coast looks to be on the hunt for mature-age options later in the piece, which puts star WAFL goalkicking midfielder Greg Clark firmly in the mix. The Eagles have shown an interest in ready-made midfielder Angus Sheldrick, who may come into calculations with their second selection, along with South Adelaide’s Matthew Roberts. Skilful utility Lachie Rankin could come into the equation in the second round, but might he be taken before their pick? They have also met with WA prospects Brady Hough and speedster Arthur Jones. Late paperwork stopped Jones from being tied to the club as a NGA prospect. NGA product Ethan Reegan has not been nominated by the Eagles. Inside midfielder Kade Dittmar is another potential option, along with fellow West Australian James Tunstill.
Western Bulldogs
Picks (pre-bids): 23, 43, 44, 45, 52
The Bulldogs look the most likely suitor for 24-year-old utility Mitch Cox and the Frankston VFL gun looms as a late or rookie chance after a strong season. NGA nominee Cody Raak, a 19-year-old medium defender/forward, is also a potential rookie option. Fellow overage Victorian Corey Preston played two matches for the Bulldogs’ VFL side this year and the dynamic small defender/forward came close to snaring an SSP last pre-season.
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