Gary Buckenara’s top prospects at the AFL mid-season draft

AFL clubs have the chance to grab ready-made talent in tonight’s mid-season draft, and expert recruiter Gary Buckenara says a number of players delisted by AFL clubs are worth a second chance. See his top prospects.

Aaron Black in action for Geelong’s VFL side. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The mid-season draft will be intriguing.

As it is the first draft of its kind, I’m expecting there to be different approaches by clubs depending on how they’re placed for season 2019.

Clubs in finals contention such as Collingwood, Richmond and Essendon will likely aim to fill gaps in their list caused by injury, while lower clubs including Carlton and North Melbourne could look to the future and get early access to a player they believe would be drafted at the end of the season.

So while many may expect clubs to recruit for the present, I think we could see younger players recruited so clubs can get an extra six months of development into them.

Clubs with older lists such as Hawthorn should be looking to invest in youth too, in players who missed out on being drafted either last year or the year before.

With 13 clubs holding mid-season draft selections, I expect there to be a wide range of players given an opportunity.

It’s a fantastic initiative by the AFL that encourages players who have previously missed out on being drafted — even if they’ve been overlooked time and time again — to keep working hard on their craft and searching for ways to improve their game.

It adds another pathway for players to realise their dream and some fantastic stories of hard work and commitment will be discovered.

Here are the players I believe will be of interest to clubs.

GARY BUCKENARA’S MID-SEASON DRAFT TOP PROSPECTS

KEY DEFENDERS

Aaron Black — Geelong (VFL)

192cm, 92kg, 28 years old

Aaron still has something to offer at AFL level but given he’s just returned from a ruptured ACL, he’d be a risky selection. He’s a smoky pick who would offer experienced back-up to a club needing to bolster its key-position stocks both back and forward. His VFL-AFL form for Geelong was good before his injury last year.

Clubs suited: Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon

Will Aaron Black add to his 57 AFL games. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Sam McLarty — Williamstown (VFL)

198cm, 96kg, 21 years old

Definitely a back-up option after being delisted by Collingwood after two seasons. McLarty trained with Sydney over the pre-season but wasn’t picked up. He’s already had a couple of years of AFL pre-season development in him and could be used both as a depth player and developing key defender for the future.

Clubs suited: Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon

Harry Nolan — Coburg (VFL)

195cm, 93kg, 19 years old

An athletic key defender who’s done the job on some AFL-listed players in the VFL, Nolan is strong and has good endurance. His VFL performances against quality opponents have shown he’s capable of playing as a lockdown defender at AFL level.

Clubs suited: Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Essendon

GENERAL DEFENDERS

Ryan Hebron — Werribee (VFL)

186cm, 82kg, 22 years old

The former Sydney Swans Academy member is a versatile and quick left-footer who uses the ball well and is a good reader of the play. He’s really impressed Since joining Werribee from NEAFL side Sydney Uni. As a back-up defender he could definitely do a job and provide some rebound as well.

Clubs suited: Port Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Richmond

Harry Marsh — Subiaco (WAFL)

189cm, 85kg, 25 years old

A famous surname in WA, Marsh generated some interest ahead of last year’s draft after being delisted by Sydney but ultimately wasn’t given another opportunity. Now playing with Subiaco, he has the body type, experience and form to be able to step straight into a defensive role at AFL level.

Clubs suited: Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Richmond

Former Swan Harry Marsh has starred for Subiaco in the WAFL this year.

Bailey Rogers — Claremont (WAFL)

185cm, 82kg, 22 years old

Rogers is a really nice defender who reads the play really well and that allows him to be a very effective third-man in, where he can showcase his marking ability. Intercept-marking defenders are important in the current game and Rogers is exactly that, which should see him generate plenty of interest from clubs.

Clubs suited: Port Adelaide, Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Hawthorn

MIDFIELDERS

Frank Anderson — Northern Blues (VFL)

185cm, 83kg, 21 years old

There has been interest in Anderson from a few clubs after his impressive start to the VFL season with the Northern Blues, where he’s been a regular in the best. He didn’t play in the TAC Cup due to a hip issue but attended the state combine last year. He can play as both an inside and outside midfielder.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Josh Clayton — Werribee (VFL)

191cm, 87kg, 23 years old

Clayton is a tall and strong midfielder who played a few games for Brisbane before being delisted at the end of 2017. He was a star for Southport in the NEAFL last year before moving to Victoria to play with Werribee this season where his form has been solid. He has the body to be a midfield depth player at AFL level.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Jye Bolton — Claremont (WAFL)

187cm, 84kg, 27 years old

I have pushed Bolton’s case for a while now and I believe that if given an opportunity at the AFL level, the former Magpie would be great value. He has no trouble finding the ball and he can provide some valuable speed through the midfield. He’s a two-time Sandover medallist who’s averaged 36 disposals per game to start the 2019 season.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Josh Deluca — Subiaco (WAFL)

179cm, 80kg, 23 years old

The former Docker had 29 disposals in Subiaco’s premiership win last year and he’s continued that impressive form to start this season. Deluca is a big-bodied midfielder who can provide some real grunt in the middle for a club looking for some in-and-under depth.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Sam Fisher — Northern Blues (VFL)

181cm, 78kg, 21 years old

Fisher is a former Sydney rookie who has good speed, which is important for a player of his size. He trained with Carlton over the pre-season and ahead of last year’s rookie draft. He would definitely add outside pace.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Nathan Freeman wins a contested possession for Frankston. Picture: Rob Leeson

Nathan Freeman — Frankston (VFL)

183cm, 85kg, 23 years old

Delisted by St Kilda at the end of last year, Freeman had interest from Gold Coast before signing with Frankston. He’s been in great form so far this season, aside from one game against Coburg where he was tagged out of it. He’s had so much trouble with his hamstrings and various other injuries but he’s still got loads of talent — he’s a former top 10 pick — which has been there for all to see so far this season. It would be a smart move by a club to lock him away now.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Cody Hirst — Eastern Ranges (TAC Cup)

180cm, 67kg, 19 years old

Given a chance as an over-age player at the Ranges, Hirst has great speed and has been able to use that to influence games from the wing this season. He was talked about as a possible rookie pick last year but missed out. He’s still developing and probably isn’t ready to play at AFL level yet, but a club that rates him highly could lock him away early to start developing him in their system rather than waiting until the national draft.

Clubs suited: All clubs

Tristan Hobley — Subiaco (WAFL)

182cm, 74kg, 18 years old

Hobley was probably a bit unlucky not to be drafted last year but it’s been great to see him continuing to work hard to push for an opportunity this year. Like Cody, Hirst he does offer some future promise and a club might look to grab him now.

Clubs suited: All clubs

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Will Fordham — Frankston (VFL)

189cm, 88kg, 23 years old

Fordham is a genuine big-bodied midfielder who wins his share of contested ball, while his ability to fight through tackles and break away from contests are his biggest strengths. His kicking has let him down before but he’s worked hard to improve that area of his game. At 189cm and 88kg, he’s the perfect size for an AFL midfielder.

Clubs suited: Carlton, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Sydney, Melbourne

Campbell Hustwaite — Collingwood (VFL)

184cm, 78kg, 18 years old

Hustwaite was really disappointed not to get selected in last year’s drafts after being a major player in Dandenong’s under-18 side. He’s joined Collingwood’s VFL team this season and has started the season well and has won praise from coach Jared Rivers. He has leadership potential after serving as Dandenong co-captain last year.

Clubs suited: All clubs

Marcus Lentini — Coburg (VFL)

184cm, 79kg, 19 years old

Accumulates the ball at will in the VFL and given VFL form has always stood up at the AFL level, I’d be surprised if a club doesn’t pick him. Lentini can step straight into an AFL side and fill a role.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Mitch Maguire of the Allies celebrates a goal in last year’s under-18 championships.

Mitch Maguire — Canberra (NEAFL)

176cm, 80kg, 20 years old

A bit of a smoky but the word is this little dynamo of the NEAFL and last year’s rising star winner is ready to make the step into the AFL if given the chance. He may be small but he’s such a good in-and-under ball winner. Maguire trained with Sydney before last year’s drafts and the Swans could revisit him given their midfield issues and need for speed.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Michael Manteit — Southport (NEAFL)

189cm, 85kg, 22 years old

The former Sandringham Dragon and Collingwood rookie claimed Southport’s best-and-fairest in their premiership-winning team last year and was also named in the NEAFL team of the year. He’s a big-bodied midfielder who could fill a need in this draft.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Damian Mascitti — Box Hill (VFL)

190cm, 86kg, 26 years old

Mascitti has been a very good VFL player for many years and his finals game against Box Hill last year, where he kicked four goals from 26 disposals convinced Box Hill to recruit him. He’s a versatile player who can play up forward and down back and use his great skills to create. I have no doubt he would acquit himself very well at AFL level if given a chance. He’s definitely ready and would be a great selection.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne

Luke Meadows — Box Hill (VFL)

186cm, 85kg, 24 years old

A quality midfielder who has moved to Victoria to play with Box Hill after spending a few years developing in the WAFL, Meadows has proven he can mix it with AFL players. He’s got a really powerful right-foot kick on him and can also play across half-back. He’s ready to step up and play now.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne

Marlion Pickett (right) has turned his life around after spending time in jail eight years ago.

Marlion Pickett — South Fremantle (WAFL)

184cm, 84kg, 27 years old

Pickett could be one of the big surprise packets to come out of this draft if he gets an opportunity. He’s got some serious athleticism and won South Fremantle’s best-and-fairest last year, filling the void left by Tim Kelly. He had some good interest from Gold Coast last year. Will a club be willing to take a punt on him? If they do, look out.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, GWS

PLEASE NOTE: Pickett has since suffered an injury that will see him miss 8-10 weeks.

Mitch Riordan — Dandenong (TAC Cup)

187cm, 82kg, 19 years old

Riordan has been played as an over-ager with the Stingrays after missing out on being drafted last year. He’s still developing but a club could look to lock him away early and get some development into him in their system rather than waiting until the end of the year. His 2018 season was interrupted by injury but he was still invited to the combine testing, such is his talent.

Clubs suited: All clubs

Jimmy Toumpas — Woodville West Torrens (SANFL)

183cm, 83kg, 25 years old

Toumpas was a seriously talented under-18 player who seemed to lose his way at Melbourne and Port Adelaide. Could a third opportunity at AFL level as a depth player finally bring the best out in him? He can and could play at the AFL level but his consistency of effort is the knock.

Clubs suited: Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs

Haiden Schloithe — South Fremantle (WAFL)

182cm, 86kg, 25 years old

Schloithe was a rookie-listed player at Fremantle for a couple of years before being delisted but to his credit he’s gone back to South Fremantle and worked really hard to develop and improve his game to the point where he’s become a very competent player. He’s previously won the Sandover Medal and most of the other WA awards, so I believe he deserves another opportunity at AFL level. He can step into a side and play straight away as a big-bodied midfielder who wins his own footy. I’m hopeful he gets his second opportunity as these stories always encourage others to never give up on their dreams.

Clubs suited: Hawthorn, Sydney, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs

RUCKMEN

Corey Gault — Swan Districts (WAFL)

200cm, 100kg, 26 years old

The former Collingwood player looms as a forward-ruck option and at 26 years of age, he should be reaching the peak of his career. He would be a good back-up option as a tall forward who can have a run in the ruck.

Clubs suited: Essendon, Richmond, Adelaide, Sydney

Jack Blair — North Adelaide (SANFL)

206cm, 108kg, 24 years old

A huge lump of a lad, Blair is a player who has decided to give himself the best chance at an AFL opportunity by moving to Adelaide to play in the SANFL. The rugby convert, who trained with the Swans leading up to last year’s drafts, could be of some value given the lack of back-up ruckmen.

Clubs suited: Adelaide, Sydney, North Melbourne, Essendon, Richmond

Corey Gault played six games for Collingwood from 2014-16.

Michael Knoll was named SANFL’s best player in its state game against WA two weeks ago.

Michael Knoll — South Adelaide (SANFL)

205cm, 103kg, 26 years old

Knoll is a former basketballer who took up football just three years ago but has come on in leaps and bounds. He spent time on Box Hill’s list before joining South Adelaide in the SANFL, where he’s really impressed with his tap work and ability to win the ball around the ground. At 26, he’s about to hit his peak for a ruckman and would be a great fit at a club that has had an injury to its ruck stocks or is in need of more depth.

Clubs suited: Essendon, Richmond, Adelaide, Sydney

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Riley Bowman — (Sandringham Dragons)

199cm, 86kg, 19 years old

I was surprised to see Bowman overlooked in the last year’s drafts given I had him rated in my top 50 prospects. He’s a long-term project player who’s playing as an over-ager for Sandringham this season. At 199cm he’s not a true ruckman size, but I believe he can develop into a genuine forward-ruck option in the future — a role every club needs to fill. A club might look to lock him away now if they rate him highly enough, rather than wait until the drafts at the end of the season.

Clubs suited: All clubs

KEY FORWARDS

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh — Box Hill (VFL)

196cm, 88kg, 22 years old

Mullenger-McHugh could be very good value pick as a back-up key position player. He was recruited by Box Hill, where he’s part of the leadership group, after being delisted by the Bulldogs, which tells me a lot about his character. He’s still young and needs to put on a bit more size but he’s ready and can play at either end of the ground.

Clubs suited: Collingwood, Essendon, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne

Hugo Munn — Sturt (SANFL)

197cm, 91kg, 19 years old

Munn attracted a lot of attention from clubs last year and has the potential to develop into a nice key-position forward at AFL level in time. He would be a pick for the future, rather than to have an immediate impact, as he’s not quite ready to play. Will an Adelaide club lock him away?

Clubs suited: Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Sydney, Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast

GENERAL FORWARDS

Cory Gregson — Glenelg (SANFL)

175cm, 79kg, 22 years old

Finally over the foot woes that hampered his four years at Geelong, Gregson has returned to the SANFL and really showed the clever traits that saw him drafted, and persisted with, by the Cats. He’s a really clever small forward who can apply pressure and is obviously ready to step straight into a role at senior level. Gregson can also have a run in the midfield.

Clubs suited: Melbourne, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Sydney, Port Adelaide

Cory Gregson in action for Geelong last year. Picture: Michael Klein

Sam Lowson — Coburg (VFL)

182cm, 84kg, 23 years old

Lowson has some AFL recruiters very interested thanks to his goalkicking nous and defensive pressure. As we’ve seen on a number of occasions before, VFL form stacks up at AFL level, so expect Lowson will have a lot of admirers. He currently leads the VFL goalkicking, which is seriously impressive for a player standing at just 182cm.

Clubs suited: Carlton, North Melbourne, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn

Corey Rich — Frankston (VFL)

183cm, 83kg, 22 years old

Rich is a wonderful young man both on and off the field. He’s a smart footballer with a big engine, is clever one-on-one and he’s a goalkicker. At AFL level he can play as a high half forward and given the type of person he is, I’m sure he’d make a good fist of an AFL opportunity if given one.

Clubs suited: Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn

GARY BUCKENARA’S TOP 5

1. Corey Gault

2. Sam Lowson

3. Nathan Mullenger-McHugh

4. Marlion Pickett

5. Campbell Hustwaite