Ultimate guide to every AFL club’s under 23s heading into the 2024 season
A new era is beginning at Tigerland, and one young gun could be the key to Adem Yze’s tenure kicking off in grand fashion. GLENN MCFARLANE breaks down every club’s under 23s.
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Just how good are your club’s youngsters?
Do you have a group capable of taking you to a flag? Or is the talent still coming up short?
Glenn McFarlane has gone through every club’s under 23s, breaking down the key players and where they stand.
To be eligible a player has to be under 23 years of age at March 1, 2024.
ADELAIDE
HEADLINE MAKER
Josh Rachele is ready to go from exciting talent to bona fide star this year. He has the equal longest contract at the club — until the end of 2029. Is dangerous around the goals but has the smarts and ball-winning nous to make a difference in the middle.
X-FACTOR
A near-perfect blend of class and courage under fire sees Jake Soligo as critical to the Crows’ plans. Also locked in until the end of 2029, ending the hopes of Victorian clubs hopeful of coaxing him home. One of the cornerstones of Matthew Nicks’ future planning.
QUESTION MARK
Is Riley Thilthorpe a key forward who can pinch-hit as a back-up ruck or is he better suited in the ruck than down forward? We’re still not entirely sure. This might sound harsh for a player who is only 21, is contracted until the end of 2025 and is about to enter his fourth AFL season. But as a former No. 2 pick, there is a feeling he needs a breakout season.
KEEP IT UP
Luke Pedlar got his body right and the Crows reaped the benefits from their one-time pick 11 in his third AFL season. He relished the opportunities in attack, kicking 23 goals (fourth at the club) from 21 games last year, with his tackling pressure and goal sense coming to the fore.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
When a club launches a draft night trade to move up the order, you know they mean business. The Crows did that to secure Dan Curtin, the Claremont teenager considered the best key defender in the draft but also a potential swingman. Might take some time to find his feet, but will get a chance early given Tom Doedee’s departure and Nick Murray’s injury.
BRISBANE LIONS
HEADLINE MAKER
We know Will Ashcroft won’t play until the late second half of the season following his ill-timed ACL last year, but all the talk will centre around when the Lions can get him back. He showed in 18 games (averaging 22 disposals and two lots of three Brownlow votes within his first seven games) and is going to be a star. Hopefully he is fit and firing in the finals.
X-FACTOR
He calls it ‘the Wilmot way’, referencing Darcy Wilmot’s eagerness to be a game-breaker. It’s something his late father Grant — a former Collingwood player and northern suburbs legend in Melbourne — instilled in him at a young age. He is putting it to good use now as a fast, agile and line-breaking defender who finished top-10 in the club’s best and fairest. His upside is huge.
QUESTION MARK
Queensland zone selection defender Carter Michael has had little luck with injury, playing just one game — in 2022. He was cruelled last year with a quad injury that kept him out for the entire season. Can the 21-year-old get his body right and prove that he needs more time?
KEEP IT UP
For much of 2023 it looked like Deven Robertson was going to be coaxed back to Perth. But the midfielder chose to stay and after 16 games last season, he can look to lock in a spot permanently in his fifth season. Jaspa Fletcher shapes as a 10-year-plus player and can take his game to new heights.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Given the midfield options they will access to in the 2024 national draft, it was no surprise to see the Lions chase forwards with their first two picks last year. Don’t expect Logan Morris and Luke Lloyd to break into the Lions’ attack early on, but they have nice futures ahead.
CARLTON
HEADLINE MAKER
Ollie Hollands justified his pick 11 selection in the 2022 draft with a strong debut season comprising 19 games, a Rising Star nomination and holding down a spot on the wing throughout the club’s rollicking finals run. Loved the pressure he applied.
X-FACTOR
Jesse Motlop’s fortunes in his second season mirrored his team’s — a solid start, some struggles in the middle before finding his form again. He kicked 24 goals including two in the semi-final against Melbourne. A high talent who can lift the team in a heartbeat.
QUESTION MARK
It is not an easy midfield to break into, but Jack Carroll needs to bridge the gap between prolific VFL ball winner and AFL regular. Played just one game to add to his five in 2022, but averaged 23 disposals in his 12 games for the VFL side. He needs to find a regular opening.
KEEP IT UP
Defender Brodie Kemp will have plenty of incentive for a big 2024 after being dropped for the preliminary final. The No. 17 pick from the 2019 draft had his most consistent season with 17 games. If he can iron out a few defensive deficiencies, he looks to have a future. Corey Durdin will be hoping he can have a clear run after knee, shoulder and hamstring injuries interrupted his flow last season.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Hard to split the Blues’ two draft picks, with Ashton Moir (pick 29) and Billy Wilson (pick 34) already making solid early impressions. Moir’s 2023 draft stocks fell in his draft year, but this helped the Blues to access the well-built forward who will wear Anthony Koutoufides’ No. 43. Carlton has been pleasantly surprised with how Wilson has integrated with the mids.
COLLINGWOOD
HEADLINE MAKER
Who else but Nick Daicos? No player this century has had a better second season, almost winning the Brownlow and the Copeland, and being an integral member of Collingwood’s 16th VFL-AFL premiership side. The scary thing is he is likely to get even better.
X-FACTOR
Beau McCreery is a tough, bullocking pressure forward who is one of the Pies’ barometers. But he can be even more damaging if he can hit the scoreboard more often. If Reef McInnes’ body holds up, he can be a wildcard option in Dan McStay’s absence. He plays taller than his 194cm, has some freakish talents and can have a few cameos in the middle.
QUESTION MARK
Defender Charlie Dean looked on track to make his AFL debut in the lead-up to the 2022 season before a foot injury cruelly interrupted. He’s only played three VFL games in two seasons with several foot setbacks. Deserves a change of luck.
KEEP IT UP
Halfway through 2023, it seemed certain that Finlay Macrae might end up at a rival club through a lack of opportunities. But he stayed true to Collingwood, even though he only added one game last season, and will now get better opportunities with Taylor Adam’s exit.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Harry DeMattia is going to have to be patient. The Magpies’ pick 25 is already showing good signs at training, but as a midfielder, he will have to bide his time given Collingwood’s on-ball stocks. The athletic intercept defender Tew Jiath, taken with pick 37, could win his chance a little earlier, given the opportunities that could arise down back.
ESSENDON
HEADLINE MAKER
Does Nic Martin ever play a bad game? His level of consistency for a player so young is admirable, especially in a team where the overall fluctuation of performance was wide apart. Sixth in the best-and-fairest, fourth for the Bombers in terms of disposals and sixth in goalkicking. Star.
X-FACTOR
Sam Durham’s Dreamtime heroics were just the tip of the iceberg for a player whom skipper Zach Merrett can’t stop waxing lyrical about. Durham can morph into the damaging mid-forward who can hit the scoreboard and the packs in equal measure.
QUESTION MARK
It feels like the perennial question — will Zach Reid’s body hold up long enough for him to justify the faith the Bombers have in him. The high-end draft pick has played just eight games in three seasons — none in 2023 — with back and hamstring issues ruining his season. Contracted until the end of 2025, the club is hopeful he will finally get a clear run at it.
KEEP IT UP
Ben Hobbs stepped up at stages in 2023 when injuries left the Essendon midfield vulnerable. He averaged almost 20 disposals from his 18 games last year. He can get better with more exposure and put pressure on for more midfield minutes.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Get excited Bombers fans. There is a double treat in store in 2024 with Elijah Tsatas and Nate Caddy. Tsatas had to be patient in his debut season, overcoming a knee injury to play the last four AFL games after seven VFL appearance. Expect a big second season, with some forward and midfield time. The Bombers traded up a spot to be able to secure powerful forward Caddy in the 2023 draft and he looks ready to grab a position in attack early.
FREMANTLE
HEADLINE MAKER
It’s hard to believe Luke Jackson doesn’t turn 23 until the day after the grand final. Had to deal with some ridiculous ‘value for money’ criticism after one game with the Dockers last year but finished as one of Fremantle’s most influential players with his ruck-forward role. He kicked 22 goals and averaged 15 disposals (elite for a ruckman). Could he kick 40 goals this year?
X-FACTOR
Jye Amiss could be a star and Hayden Young is already well on the way to becoming one. If the Dockers are going to take that step up the ladder, it could come down to the performance of these two young guns. Amiss kicked 41.17 from 22 games last year and should be aiming for 50 goals in 2024. Young’s move into the midfield from halfback can add some class and depth to Freo’s engine room. He has great leadership skills.
QUESTION MARK
Neil Erasmus played 14 games last season, but while he is contracted until 2025, this looms as a big season for the wing/midfielder. West Coast wanted him in the 2021 national draft, but the Dockers swooped in first and took him at pick 10. Has he justified that faith? Not yet. We’ve seen glimpses (26 disposals v Collingwood), but he needs to get more of the ball.
KEEP IT UP
Happy to buy some shares in Matthew Johnson in 2024 off the back of his 18 games in his second season. Love it when he gets the ball in his hand (73% kicking efficiency). Heath Chapman had no luck with his body last year and can hopefully get back to his best, while Brandon Walker is on track to become the intercept defender the Dockers crave.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The Dockers are quietly confident they have a bargain in pick 35 Cooper Simpson. The Dandenong Stingrays captain had a tough under-18 season, but he has great promise, which is why the Dockers traded up for the inside mid-half forward.
GEELONG
HEADLINE MAKER
No lesser judge than Patrick Dangerfield maintains Max Holmes can one day become the Cats’ best player. He has played 51 games and is ready to go to the next level. He rates elite in contested possessions, clearances and pressure, but can clean up some of his offence.
X-FACTOR
Ollie Henry gave up the chance to be a part of what turned out to be Collingwood’s 2023 premiership side. But he will be focused on how he can help lead the Cats’ fightback to the finals. He kicked 41 goals from 22 games last year, rating elite in goals and forward 50m marks.
QUESTION MARK
Shannon Neale and James Willis were taken a pick apart (33 and 32) and one draft apart (2020 and 2021), but need to start making some inroads. Neale is a 203cm project forward/ruck back-up who played three games in the last three rounds due to injury issues (adding to two the previous year). He has the security of an extra year in 2025. Midfielder Willis is yet to play a senior game, and is entering the last year of his current deal.
KEEP IT UP
Tanner Bruhn had a tough initiation to the Geelong midfield. The one-time first-round draft pick was dropped after his first three games with the Cats, but won his spot back. Had the second most tackles for the Cats behind Tom Atkins, but needs to win more of the footy.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The 2022 No. 8 draft pick Jhye Clark made his debut as the sub in Round 9 last season, having six disposals and an impressive five tackles. But foot soreness out of the game turned out to be a navicular injury, ending his season. Clark and young ruck hope Toby Conway, who also played one game last year, loom as two key players for the Cats deep into the future.
GOLD COAST
HEADLINE MAKER
Noah Anderson misses our eligibility clause by 12 days, but his great mate Matt Rowell is a more than worthy alternative. Rowell is a competitive beast who rated elite last year in pressure, contested possession and clearances. After an injury-interrupted first two seasons, he hasn’t missed a game since the early part of 2021. Serious player.
X FACTOR
It hasn’t come easy for Mac Andrew, but he has shown he can be the intercept defensive X-factor the Suns need. His 17 games last season saw him have 4.8 intercept possessions and 2.4 intercept marks per game. More please. Add Joel Jeffrey to this category. Some scoffed when the Suns gave him a four-year deal, but they seriously rate his versatility.
QUESTION MARK
Bodhi Uwland and Hewago Oea will have to capitalise on their chances in the last year of their contracts. Uwland played three AFL games and ended up as a member of the VFL premiership team. Now the defender needs to take his chance, as does small forward Oea, who has played 13 games in his first two seasons.
KEEP IT UP
Malcolm Rosas relished the freedom afforded him in the wake of Izak Rankine’s departure, cementing a spot with 19 games in 2023 at a goal per game. We hope Connor Budarick can finally cut a break with his body. The small defender is coming off two knee reconstructions, but his first two AFL games in more than 400 days late last season gave the Suns some hope.
Bailey Humphrey reeled off plenty of highlights in his 19 games for 11 goals in his debut season and can build on that. Fingers crossed.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Was it any wonder Damien Hardwick wanted to sign on for six seasons!? Four first-round Academy draft picks will put immediate pressure on for spots. We are especially keen to see big power forward Jed Walter start to work in tandem with Ben King. That duo could be ready to haunt opposition defenders for years to come.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
HEADLINE MAKER
Finn Callaghan looks ready to deliver on the potential that saw him selected as pick three in the 2021 national draft. He played 21 games last year, was immediately recalled for the finals after an Achilles injury. Averaged almost 21 disposals in his various roles.
X-FACTOR
Just six goals from 12 games last season for No.1 pick Aaron Cadman showed a hint of his talent, but there seems to be a lot more left under the hood. Expect greater opportunities in 2024. Has thankfully signed a new two-year deal.
QUESTION MARK
Is Leek Aleer (four games, all in 2022) going to get a clear run to launch himself into the Giants’ team on a consistent basis? This year isn’t make or break — he still has another year to run on his contract — but quad and toe issues ruined his chances in 2023. The club has faith in him.
KEEP IT UP
Go back and look at Lachie Ash’s rebound masterclass — 598 metres gained and 10 rebound 50s — in the elimination final. It provided an indication of how important he is to the Giants off half back, highlighted by his top-10 finish in the best and fairest.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The Giants weren’t prepared to entertain a West Coast offer of a future first-round pick at the draft; they wanted one-touch small forward Phoenix Gothard. He can become a 200-game player with the Giants and form a great partnership with the club’s other small forwards.
HAWTHORN
HEADLINE MAKER
Will Day’s move to the Hawthorn midfield paid dividends and saw him rewarded with his maiden Peter Crimmins Medal, narrowly beating Jai Newcombe, who will turn 23 before the start of the year. Day only once went under 20 disposals, was rated elite in kicking and showed a maturity and leadership that can’t be measured on the stats sheet.
X-FACTOR
It wasn’t a surprise the Hawks handed one of their most exciting young talents, Josh Weddle, one of the most revered jumper numbers (23) in 2024. Weddle reeled off the last 17 AFL games straight, mostly down back where he can play on talls and smalls. Jack Ginnivan will give the Hawks some X-factor, too. The former Magpie has an uncanny goal sense — he did kick 40 goals in 2022 — and will fast become a fan favourite.
QUESTION MARK
Not sure where Denver Grainger-Barras is at with his footy right now as he enters the final year of his current deal. Hasn’t found his true spot in defence — playing 28 games in three seasons — and was tried forward late in 2023. Could he be a trade option to West Coast?
KEEP IT UP
Connor Macdonald’s 28-disposal, two-goal game in the round 13 upset over the Lions showed his enormous potential. The high half-forward/midfielder uses the ball well and is willing to take risks —which is what coach Sam Mitchell wants. Reckon we will see Cam Mackenzie take his game to a new level. He was the sub in four of his 14 games in his debut year.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Wizard by nickname, wizard with the ball by nature. The Hawks’ pick five, Nick Watson, has a footy IQ off the charts and could make an immediate impact. Imagine a Hawks attack that can have Luke Breust, Jack Ginnivan, Dylan Moore and Watson causing havoc. Could the Roos rue the day they overlooked the ‘Wizard’ with their pick four?
MELBOURNE
HEADLINE MAKER
Kozzie Pickett was a little bit like Melbourne in 2023. Excellent in stages; modest in others. It was a good year from the small forward, who kicked 37 goals from 23 games (a small dip on his previous two seasons). But he should be aiming for more. He should be pushing for an All-Australian blazer by season’s end.
X-FACTOR
In a forward line that has almost become a Bermuda Triangle (where players go missing), Jacob van Rooyen looms as the man who can change the Melbourne forward narrative. We had long heard the hype from Demons fans, but thankfully we finally got to see him unleashed in 2023. Twenty games and 28 goals was a good debut season return. His accuracy is elite.
QUESTION MARK
Will Melbourne fans get to see 2022 pick 15 Matt Jefferson for the first time at AFL level this year? There’s no guarantee. The Demons think so much of this forward that he already has a deal until the end of 2026. But after a goal a game (with two lots of four goals and two lots of three) in 20 appearances at Casey, they won’t be rushing the talented 195cm Jefferson. He could be worth the wait, as Van Rooyen looks like being.
KEEP IT UP
Trent Rivers just keeps getting better, highlighted by a career-best season averages of 19.9 disposals, 4.8 marks, 6.6 intercept possessions and a top-10 finish in the best and fairest. Judd McVee also deserves a special mention for his 25 games in 2023, which also saw him finish in the top 10 of the B&F. Both are mainstays for years ahead.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
This was the draft year the Demons were going to stockpile some talent. Pick 7 Caleb Windsor looks a perfect fit as an agile wingman with speed and decision-making as key attributes. Pick 13 Koltyn Tholstrup is a half-forward with a ready-made frame for AFL football who might just prove a ‘Kolt’ hero in time.
NORTH MELBOURNE
HEADLINE MAKER
Harry Sheezel disposed of the ball more times (622) in a debut season than any other first-year draftee since stats were recorded. Better still, he won the Kangaroos best and fairest, took home the Rising Star and showed a versatility to dominate at halfback, go forward on occasions and find a spot in the midfield. Can he do a Nick Daicos in year two?
X-FACTOR
George Wardlaw’s 17-disposal game against Essendon in round 12 — his third AFL match — did more than just give a glimpse of how good he can be. It convinced Alastair Clarkson he needed to get back behind the magnet board. The Wardlaw-Sheezel double act looks like being a Kangaroos staple for the next decade and a half.
QUESTION MARK
Can the Kangaroos high draft picks Will Phillips (pick three) and Tom Powell (pick 13) justify their high ratings out of the 2020 Covid draft? It’s not too late, but both will have to get a wriggle on, given the squeeze is on for midfield spots at Arden St. They played 16 and 14 games respectively last season. Let’s hope both of them get a crack at it in season four or a fresh start elsewhere might be an option for one or both of them.
KEEP IT UP
Paul Curtis is building a highlights reel that could have him in the X-factor bracket. The medium-sized forward — who can take a grab and finish in front of goal — is giving the Kangaroos plenty of excitement in attack. He played 21 games in his second season for 17 goals, including four against West Coast. Sit back and enjoy the show.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Just pencil in Colby McKercher (pick two) and Zane Duursma (pick four) to make an immediate impact this year —and for the decade or more ahead. McKercher is yet another North midfielder, who might need to start elsewhere (potentially in Sheezel’s old halfback role) as he finds his feet. Duursma brings a point of difference in attack. Exciting times.
PORT ADELAIDE
HEADLINE MAKER
Jason Horne-Francis forms part of the midfield troika including new skipper Connor Rozee (who is 24) and Zak Butters (23). A powerful player, he featured in 24 games at almost 18 disposals per match last season, with half of them contested. His best is outstanding, but as good as he is, he can still narrow the gap between his elite games and his modest ones.
X-FACTOR
Let’s hope we get to see the best of Mitch Georgiades as he returns from the ACL that wrecked his 2023. He played the first two games before being sent back to the SANFL where he suffered his knee injury. Has great talent as a key forward at his best. Might take some time to find his feet on his return but has recommitted to the Power until 2027.
QUESTION MARK
Just 18 games since his 2019 selection puts midfielder Jackson Mead in need of a big season in the last year of his current deal. He managed only seven AFL games last year but made the SANFL Team of the Year. Port Adelaie is a tough midfield to break into.
KEEP IT UP
Port Adelaide scored a big win when Miles Bergman rejected offers to return home to Victoria to recommit for the next two seasons. His progression as an athletic defender last season was impressive, with his intercept qualities and pressure being above average. Finished eighth in the best and fairest and can rate even higher in 2024.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The Power have gone for more speculative mid-range picks in recent drafts, honing their attention on the trade and free agency acquisitions. It is worth keeping an eye on 21-year-old ruck project Dante Visentini to see if he can add to his three games in 2023. He has some competition for ruck spots but the club thinks he is building nicely.
RICHMOND
HEADLINE MAKER
If young defender Josh Gibcus can overcome his troublesome hamstring issues, he could help release Noah Balta into attack. He missed the entire 2023 season after his strong debut the year before. But a trip to Qatar for assessment changed his on-field gait and a solid pre-season has given the Tigers hope. Remember that Dylan Grimes had hamstring concerns early in his career, too.
X-FACTOR
Tigers fans didn’t have a lot to get excited about in 2023, but one moment in Sam Banks’ round 17 debut would have brought a smile to their faces. He stopped Buddy Franklin from kicking a certain goal. Banks’ six games off halfback to end the season — and his projected improvement in 2024 — should see him find an intercept, rebound role in the back half.
QUESTION MARK
Maurice Rioli is an undoubted talent, but needs to work on his game and his fitness. Entering the last year of his contract, he will be under pressure to keep his spot as others chase it. His two goals from his 10 games in 2023 wasn’t a good enough return. Noah Cumberland needs to get back to his 2022 form after getting some tough love from the club.
KEEP IT UP
Judson Clarke doesn’t get a lot of the ball but makes it count when he gets it. He kicked 11.3 in his 13 games last season but has had a contact-free pre-season as he recovers from a cracked scapula in the VFL finals. Thomson Dow has never played more than six games in a season, but his 27 disposals in the final round was a good sign. Tyler Sonsie has a bit to prove after his controversial off-the-ball VFL suspension. He has talent but must build on his three AFL games in 2023.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The Tigers have had to wait awhile to see Tom Brown in action, but liked his 16-disposal, 83% efficiency debut game in the last round. A wrist injury ruined the first half of 2023 for him, but he showed enough in 10 VFL games and his AFL debut. Richmond will be patient with its 2023 draftees – strong-bodied mid Kane McAuliffe (pick 40) and key forward Liam Fawcett (pick 43).
ST KILDA
HEADLINE MAKER
There were some good AFL judges who felt Mitch Owens was every bit as impressive as Harry Sheezel in 2023, considering the role he played in attack. He finished fourth in the club B&F, kicking 26 goals from his 23 games last year and ranking elite in disposals for a key forward. Can he back it up?
X-FACTOR
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera looks set to play a massive part in St Kilda’s push for back-to-back finals appearance for the first time in 12 years. Fifth in the best and fairest in his second season, he rated elite in disposals per game (23.5), and above average in metres gained, intercept possessions and pressure. New Saint Liam Henry could also feature in the X-factor files.
QUESTION MARK
Matthew Allison is yet to play an AFL game as he prepares to enter his fourth AFL season. The No. 26 pick from the 2020 draft would likely have got a chance at senior level given the injuries to key forwards, but a navicular injury intervened. He did at least return for the last four games in the VFL, though he needs a clear run in the final year of his contract.
KEEP IT UP
Loved the way Mattaes Phillipou attacked his debut season with the Saints, even if he did look a little tired at the back end. It provides the platform for an even bigger second season. Marcus Windhager is thought of so highly that the Saints have given him Danny Frawley’s revered No.2. He was solid in 2023, but has the potential to take his game to a new level.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Ross Lyon couldn’t have been more pleased with what he has seen from speedy draftee Darcy Wilson, who won the 3km time trial against his new teammates in December. He has speed to burn and is a run-and-carry player who can suit the Saints’ game style. Don’t be surprised if the draft pick 18 gets a taste of it early.
SYDNEY
HEADLINE MAKER
At 21, Errol Gulden is already Sydney’s best player. By the end of 2024, he could be challenging to be the AFL’s best. Rated elite in almost every statistical measurement, Gulden averaged 26.8 disposals, 6.1 inside 50s and almost four clearances in his 24 games last season. Best and fairest winner and equal-fourth in the Brownlow. Legitimate star who can get better.
X-FACTOR
Yet another consistent season from Chad Warner whose stats were only marginally down on the previous year, partly due to missing three games in the second half of the year with a calf injury. Can burst from packs like few players and create something out of nothing from a stoppage. He and Gulden can tear teams apart.
QUESTION MARK
Can Matt Roberts make his mark in 2024 in his third season after injury curbed his chances last season? He still has a year to run on his deal, but the pick 34 in the 2021 draft will be wanting to make a bigger imprint if his body allows it.
KEEP IT UP
Logan McDonald’s 32 goals from 20 games was a huge step forward in the right direction for the one-time pick four. He is a superb kick — goal and field kicking (32.15) — and can flourish as the key forward target post Buddy Franklin. Now the Swans need to lock him into a long-term deal, as the Dockers or Eagles could come calling for the West Australian.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
The Swans will be exceptionally patient with ruck young gun Will Green — who was pick 16 — given they have recruited Brodie Grundy and also have Lachlan McAndrew to call on. But they have a high opinion of the 204cm big man, who can learn from Grundy and assistant coach Dean Cox.
WEST COAST
HEADLINE MAKER
Harley Reid has had more back page stories in the West Australian newspaper — without playing a game — than some West Coast premiership players had in their entire career. It might be a suffocating experience for the No. 1 draft pick, but he’s not showing that. Reid will make an instant impact for the wooden spooners.
X-FACTOR
The Hawks desperately wanted to keep Tyler Brockman but the lure of heading home was too much for the talented small forward. He can provide the Eagles with the forward craft and evasive skills in attack that Adam Simpson has been missing. A good pick-up.
QUESTION MARK
Hard to assess the Eagles’ young players as so many of them have been thrown into roles before their time. Academy players Tyrell Dewar and Jordyn Baker have shown glimpses of talent, but are yet to play a senior game. They are entering the final year of their deals, so they need to start making an impression.
KEEP IT UP
Loved the way Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett — picks nine and 14 from 2022 — performed in their first seasons. Ginbey’s defensive work was outstanding, highlighted by his 101 tackles from 17 games (three fewer than Tim Kelly, who played five more games). He is eager to get more midfield time this year. Hewett won a late-season Rising Star nomination in his 14 games. He has been battling a foot issue in the summer but looks like a future star.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
See Headline Maker (above). Harley Reid is going to be a star. He showed in cameos for the Blues and Bombers’ VFL sides that he played against men. He is not a Rising Star certainty, but he is going to be hard to beat.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
HEADLINE MAKER
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan elevated his game in his third season. He kicked 35.35 from 23 games and has scope to push beyond 50 goals in a season if he can clean up his accuracy in front of goal. Rated above average for a key forward in a range of measurements including forward 50 marks, forward 50 ground ball gets and one on ones. Ready to go to the next level.
X-FACTOR
Not much has gone right for Sam Darcy so far in his AFL career, but we’re hoping that can change in 2024. Has endured a litany of injuries including a broken jaw, lung issue and severe corked leg last year alone. Is training as part of the forwards and can play that forward/ruck backup role. Has massive upside entering his third year if he can dodge injury issues.
QUESTION MARK
Defender Jedd Busslinger, who was a pick 13 in 2022, played 19 games in the VFL last season but didn’t get close to senior selection. He is not yet 21, but needs to start making some inroads on senior selection in the last year of his current deal.
KEEP IT UP
The Bulldogs believe James O’Donnell has the athleticism and defensive traits to become a backman of the future. He showed some good signs in a variety of roles in 12 games in the second half of the season to earn a new two-year deal.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
Even before Bailey Smith’s unfortunate ACL, the Bulldogs were spruiking pick six Ryley Sanders as a chance to make an early season impression off the back of his first few weeks at the Whitten Oval. A strong-bodied midfielder who is a ball accumulator, he will likely start forward but could secure some cameo midfield minutes as the season progresses.
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Originally published as Ultimate guide to every AFL club’s under 23s heading into the 2024 season
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