AFL Draft: Bendigo Pioneers’ 2023 season to date rated
Harley Reid might be the best Bendigo Pioneers draft chance in 2023 but plenty of others have put their hand up. We analyse every Pioneer’s year.
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The Bendigo Pioneers 2023 season Coates Talent League season is over.
They were eliminated in the wildcard round by the Geelong Falcons after finishing 10th on the ladder with a 5-8 record.
Across the season, the coaching staff has dipped right into the playing list giving plenty of players an opportunity.
Here’s a look at every player’s season.
Xavier Austin (Sandhurst)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (five games): 14.2 disposals, 62 SuperCoach points
Played three games earlier in the season before returning after a short lay off at club level in the Bendigo league.
Charlie Barnett (Kyabram)
Midfielder, 19-year-old
2023 stats (one game): 11 disposals
Played the first game of the season at Coates League level before returning to play in the Goulburn Valley League with Kyabram.
James Barrat (Leitchville Gunbower)
Key defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (three games): 6.3 disposals, 2 spoils, 59 SuperCoach points
Played the opening three games before returning for a further two at club level but hasn’t been sighted since. A prospect to watch next year.
Mitch Bell (Moama)
Forward, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (one game): 12 disposals, 39 SuperCoach points
Made his debut in the round 15 loss to Gippsland where he recorded 12 disposals playing as a midfielder.
Taj Bond (Maryborough)
Mid-forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 7.3 disposals, 48 SuperCoach points
Not on the original list to start the season, Bond shot into contention after strong form for his local club.
Elijah Brown (Mildura)
Small forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (five games): 6.2 disposals, four goals, 39 SuperCoach points
After playing more in the early stages of the season, Brown has returned to be a strong contributor for his local club.
Will Burke (Donald)
Defender, 19-year-old
2023 stats (nine games): 7.6 disposals, 0.9 intercept marks, 52 SuperCoach points
Had more opportunity earlier in the season where he proved to be a neat user of the footy.
Hugh Byrne (Echuca)
Forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (10 games): 12.2 disposals, 18 goals, 94 SuperCoach points
The 191cm prospect has thrived in Pioneers colours this year, showing his ability to find plenty of the footy and hit the scoreboard as well. Has started to take more contested marks in recent weeks.
Bailey Cain (Golden Square)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (10 games): 16.4 disposals, 5.8 intercept possessions, 74 SuperCoach points
The hard running defender enjoyed a consistent season, taking big steps in his development.
Xavier Carter (Golden Square)
Forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (seven games): Four goals, 38 SuperCoach points
Still developing his game but there have been plenty of good signs
Thomas Cox (Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers)
Midfielder-forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (three games): 10 disposals, 63 SuperCoach points
After going back to local level, Cox has been super impressive for the Tigers.
Jed Daniels (Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers)
Midfielder, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 8 disposals, 2.3 clearances, 41 SuperCoach points
The cousin of GWS small forward Brent has shown promising signs in his bottom age season.
Archer Day-Wicks (Sandhurst)
Midfielder, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (seven games): 17.6 disposals, 5.3 score involvements, 91 SuperCoach points
One to watch heading into next season. Played one game for Vic Country at the national champs.
Jed Denahy (Castlemaine)
Key defender, 19-year-old
2023 stats (three games): 7.7 disposals, 2.3 spoils, 42 SuperCoach points
The cousin of Richmond star Dustin Martin has spent most of his season with his local club.
Mitch Doddos (Kyabram)
Key forward, 19-year-old
2023 stats (10 games): 11.7 disposals, 73 SuperCoach points
Doddos found his best form of the season later in the year. He demonstrated an ability to hit the scoreboard at his peak.
Tom Evans (Echuca)
Midfielder, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (seven games): 18.6 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 107 SuperCoach points
A really classy mover in the midfield. Missed a large chunk of footy in the middle of the year but impressed when he returned for the final three rounds.
Lachlan Faulkhead (North Adelaide/Red Cliffs)
Utility, 2025 draft eligible
2023 stats (one game): Nine disposals, two goals
The 15-year-old made his debut against Calder in round 13. Has spent most of the year playing SANFL under-18s.
Logan Geddes (Donald)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (one game): Six disposals, three intercept possessions, 55 SuperCoach points
Played his only game of the season in round 15 against Gippsland and shower promising signs heading into next season.
Dusty Geister (Irymple)
Key forward, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 6.8 disposals, 5 goals, 54 SuperCoach points
Broke into the side late in the year and gave plenty of positive signs heading into next season.
Glen Gillbee (Balranald, East Point)
Utility, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats: N/A
The brother of GWS youngster Jason, Glen has elite foot skills.
Malik Gordon (Strathfieldsaye)
Forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (nine games): 14.1 disposals, 4.0 tackles, 89 SuperCoach points
The wonderfully talented young gun had a fine season and showed his attributes in different ways.
Joel Grace (Ouyen United)
2023 draft eligible
2023 stats: N/A
Has spent all season at local level with Ouyen United.
Zac Grieve (Strathfieldsaye)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (two games): 12 disposals, 4.0 intercept possessions, 57 SuperCoach points
Featured in two games where he showed some promising signs.
Charlie Hillier (Deniliquin, Eaglehawk)
Midfielder, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 14.5 disposals, 74 SuperCoach points
Finished the year strongly for the Pioneers, showing he could find plenty of the footy and hit the scoreboard. Hillier made a mid-season local switch from Deniliquin to Eaglehawk.
Lachlan Hogan (Moama)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (nine games): 16.9 disposals, 4.9 intercept possessions, 79 Supercoach points
An Allies representative in the under-16s last year, Hogan has shown he can find plenty of the footy. Reads the ball well in defence.
Alex Hollingworth (Irymple)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 4.2 disposals, 25 SuperCoach points
A developing defender who is expected to take big steps next year.
Lucas Hurse (Maryborough)
Midfielder, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 7.7 disposals, 46 SuperCoach points
Played most of the games early in the season but didn't feature since early June.
Nicholas Jephson (Kyabram)
Key defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 7.8 disposals, 53 SuperCoach points
The 190cm prospect broke into the side late in the season and gave glimpses of why he is an exciting talent.
Brodie Jones (Mildura)
Midfielder-defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (11 games): 9.9 disposals, 49 SuperCoach points
Has shown the ability to play in all different parts of the ground this season.
Harrison Kelly (Golden Square)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats: N/A
Only played six games at any level this season.
Caleb Kennedy (Strathfieldsaye)
2023 draft eligible
2023 stats: N/A
Has not played this season as he continues to recover from a serious leg injury suffered last year.
Michael Kiraly (Castlemaine)
Defender, 19-year-old
2023 stats (four games): 16.8 disposals, 5.8 intercept possessions, 102 SuperCoach points
Kiraly was involved with the Pioneers earlier in the season but earned a VFL shot with Essendon.
Pala Kuma (Robinvale-Euston)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (12 games): 13.7 disposals, 3.8 tackles, 67 SuperCoach points
Part of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy, the speedy defender impressed with his dash out of defence.
Zavier Littore (Wentworth)
Midfielder, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 9.3 disposals, 43 SuperCoach points
His form at local level in the Sunraysia didn’t go unnoticed as he broke into the Pioneers’ side.
Zaydyn Lockwood (South Bendigo)
Midfielder, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (one game): 4 disposals
Spent most of the season at local level where he has played some senior and under-18 footy.
Jack McMahon (Golden Square)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 12.2 disposals, 3.7 intercept possessions, 69 SuperCoach points
After debuting last season, McMahon was given more opportunity this year and has shown plenty of promise. One to look out for next year.
Taj McMillan (Swan Hill)
Midfielder, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 10.5 disposals, 63 SuperCoach points
Produced his best game against Geelong in round 7 where he recorded 15 disposals and a goal.
Billy Meade (Golden Square)
Forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (three games): 10 disposals, one goal, 61 SuperCoach
After playing the first two games, Meade returned in round 12 and produced an encouraging display.
Oliver Morris (Sandhurst)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (seven games): 9.7 disposals, 2.7 intercept possessions, 55 SuperCoach points
Spent time between club and Coates League level but looks a promising talent heading into next year.
Jacob Nihill (Sandhurst)
Ruck, 19-year-old
2023 stats (10 games): 10.7 disposals, 70 SuperCoach points
In the program for a third season and has continued to build. This is easily his best year.
Jack O’Shannessy (Eaglehawk)
Midfielder, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (three games): 29 SuperCoach points
Played three games after breaking into the side as a 16-year-old.
Sam O’Shannessy (Eaglehawk)
2023 draft eligible
2023 stats: N/A
Battled a long-term injury this season but returned at local level in early June.
Eli Pearce (White Hills)
Midfielder, 19-year-old
2023 stats (11 games): 13.5 disposals, 5.7 contested possessions, 73 SuperCoach points
Found plenty of the footy in his 11 games, impressive signs in his third year in the program.
Oliver Poole (Echuca United)
Mid-forward, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (11 games): 14.7 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 96 SuperCoach points
A consistent player for the Pioneers with his defensive pressure a big factor in his game.
Tait Poyser (South Bendigo)
Ruck, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 6.8 disposals, 13 hitouts, 53 SuperCoach points
Played the first month before becoming a senior regular at South Bendigo.
Harley Reid (Tongala)
Midfielder, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (six games): 19.9 disposals, 7 score involvements, 135 ranking points
The likely number one pick in this year’s draft has only made several appearances for the Pioneers but has proven why he is so highly rated in each of those.
Will Rohde (Echuca)
Forward, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 6.3 disposals, two goals, 38 SuperCoach points
His athletic profile means there is still plenty to work with.
Jobe Shanahan (Moama)
Key forward, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (13 games): 11.9 disposals, six goals, 1.5 contested marks, 74 SuperCoach points
Was quiet in the earlier parts of the season but was then has been a class above. Keep an eye on him next year.
Harrison Sheahan (Kyneton)
Defender, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (seven games): 5.3 disposals, 43 SuperCoach points
Was given opportunity after forcing his way onto the list. Loves the challenge down back.
Oskar Smartt (Leitchville Gunbower)
Forward, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (10 games): 12.6 disposals, 9 goals, 82 SuperCoach points
One of the younger members of this year’s potential draft class. Has a booming kick with games against Gippsland Power and Murray Bushrangers showing his full potential.
Angus Toll (Redan)
Midfielder, 2023 draft eligible
2023 stats (three games): 9 disposals, 51 SuperCoach points
Broke into the side for the last three games and showed some nice signs.
Tobie Travaglia (Sandhurst)
Defender, 2024 draft eligible
2023 stats (12 games): 17.8 disposals, 96 SuperCoach points
Watch this young bloke in the coming months. An elite runner who spent time in defence and in the middle.
Dayten Uerata (Sandhurst)
Forward, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (11 games): 10.6 disposals, 2.5 marks, 68 SuperCoach points
An excitement machine who can light up any game.
Ryan Watson (Mildura)
Midfielder, 2003 draft eligible
2023 stats (14 games) 13.5 disposals, 65 SuperCoach points
Has shown he can consistently find the footy in different ways. Super consistent.
Shaun Watson (Mildura)
Key defender, 2025 draft eligible
2023 stats (four games): 8.3 disposals, 1.8 spoils, 49 SuperCoach points
A prospect to watch in the next couple of years. Watson impressed enough to play the last several games. At local level, he impressed as a forward.
Third time lucky: Draft snubs, Cats’ crucial hand in ex-VFL ruck’s rise
Joe Pike missed out at the end of 2023 and then again six months later. But 12 months after his initial disappointment, he became a Geelong player. And the Cats were pivotal before drafting him.
Millions on offer for local footy clubs
Grassroots footy clubs in search of much-needed funds have a perfect opportunity coming next week. Find out how you can apply.