AFL draft 2020: Gary Buckenara’s top 50 draft prospects
Meet the top 10 draft prospect who, at 202cm, will become the defender all clubs wish they had. See Bucky’s Top 50 prospects.
Draft news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Draft news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Key position players are set to dominate this year’s draft with several quality tall forwards and defenders expected to be taken in the top 10.
There are also a number of quality big-bodied midfielders around the 185cm-190cm mark likely to be taken reasonably early as AFL clubs look for the next Patrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin type.
This year’s draft will be very difficult for clubs to navigate but despite cancelled seasons there’s enough exposed form for clubs to be excited about the talent available.
AFL recruiters watch and closely follow players from as early as under-15s, so clubs have had up to three years of watching these players to base their judgments on those who didn’t get the opportunity to play in 2020.
A lot can change in 12 months, however, especially in the under-18s so recruiting staff will be tested like never before on how good they are at identifying talent.
Those who have relied on videos and stats over watching players live could be exposed, while clubs that have invested in sending staff to watch games live over a long period will be far better placed to make assessments on players and will be able to produce better talent flow lists.
With no under-18s footy played in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania and limited footy played in the Northern Territory, we could see more talent drafted out of South Australia and Western Australia compared to previous years, purely because players were able to showcase their skills.
Watch the 2020 AFL Draft Live on Fox Footy on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
An intriguing aspect of this draft surrounds mature-aged players. There are a number of recent AFL success stories in players drafted from state leagues – look no further than Tim Kelly and Rowan Marshall as examples – but with list sizes cut and little state league footy played this season, I believe mature-aged players will be the ones who suffer.
For that reason I haven’t included many state league players in my top 50 this year as opposed to previous years, with clubs likely to target delisted players for any required depth.
While it’s been difficult to make judgments, I’ve been able to put together my top 50 prospects again this year based on where I rank every player – this is not a phantom draft and doesn’t take into account which clubs have which picks.
My rankings are based purely on talent and who I rate as the best players in this draft.
In the last three drafts, approximately 45 players from my top 50 have either been drafted or rookie-listed each year, which is a pretty good strike rate, but this year is much tougher.
Good luck to all the players who have nominated, I’m excited to see who gets to live their dream.
GARY BUCKENARA’S TOP 50 DRAFT PROSPECTS
1. JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN
194cm, 84kg, Oakleigh Chargers/South Warrnambool, key forward
Ugle-Hagan has all the strengths to be a brilliant key forward. What makes him such an exciting prospect is that he’s very quick and agile for a player of his size and he possesses a big leap, which makes him even harder to defend in the air. These attributes are very hard to find in players over 190cm, so he’s an extremely exciting prospect and it’s why the consensus is that, at this stage of development, he’s the most talented player in the draft. What a gift this is for the Bulldogs as a Next Generation Academy product.
2. RILEY THILTHORPE
201cm, 100kg, West Adelaide/Goodwood Saints, key forward
A tall, versatile and athletic key position player, Thilthorpe is clearly among the best players in this draft. He played senior football in the SANFL this year, which has provided very good grounding for him as he prepares to enter the elite level. He’s had some groin issues but they appear to be under control. I expect Adelaide will pick him after placing a bid with pick No. 1 on Ugle-Hagan, which the Bulldogs will match. Lock this South Australian away, Crows.
3. DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS
195cm, 78kg, Swan Districts/Kalamunda, key defender
Grainger-Barras has the traits AFL recruiters are looking for in key defenders – he’s competitive, very good in the air, reads the play well and has that burst of speed all good defenders have. He’s got the attributes to develop into a quality key defender at AFL level. An exciting prospect.
4. LOGAN McDONALD
196cm, 86kg, Perth/Aquinas College, key forward
The top end of this draft features a number of quality key position players and McDonald is another one. His biggest assets are his marking ability and his willingness to compete. I like his potential as he’s a very good all-round player who reads the flight of the ball extremely well and while he needs to add some muscle to his frame, he’s one of the best key forwards in this draft even though I’ve rated two others ahead of him.
5. OLIVER HENRY
188cm, 76kg, Geelong Falcons/St Marys/St Joseph’s College, forward/utility
Brother of Geelong defender Jack Henry, Oliver can play in multiple positions including in defence and through the midfield but he’s best suited as a medium forward. He’s a dangerous player at ground level, can take a good mark, is a clean ball handler and makes good decisions. He’s the type of player you want in attacking positions.
6. ELIJAH HOLLANDS
189cm, 85kg, Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga, midfielder
Hollands is a real talent. At one stage he was considered the potential No. 1 pick before he unfortunately tore his ACL last year, which puts a little question mark on him. I still see him as the best midfielder in this draft – his penetrating kick is a great weapon and he’s got the footy smarts to match, so he can use it to really hurt the opposition by creating opportunities for his teammates. He’s an outstanding prospect.
7. ZACH REID
202cm, 82kg, Gippsland Power/Leongatha, key defender
Reid was used at both ends of the ground and in the ruck for Gippsland Power in 2019 but he seems most comfortable behind the ball as a defender. He’s a competitive tall who uses his height and strength well and has a good pair of hands. At 202cm, his height makes him an interesting and exciting prospect and it will be intriguing to see where he ends up from a positional point of view at AFL level. He could be a valuable defender if he can adapt his skillset to the elite level and become the defender all clubs wish they had to play on the really tall forwards like Tom Lynch, Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood.
8. ARCHIE PERKINS
186cm, 77kg, Sandringham Dragons/Brighton Grammar, midfielder/forward
Perkins has really good traits. Whether it be his speed, competitiveness or kicking ability, he brings a lot to the table as a dangerous midfielder or clever forward. I have no doubt he’ll be taken early in this draft, I like him a lot.
9. BRAEDEN CAMPBELL
180cm, 73kg, Sydney Swans Academy, midfielder
Once again the Swans have a very exciting prospect coming through their Academy and ready to join Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills as graduates taken in the top 10. Campbell has great kicking skills, speed, endurance and is exactly the type of player Sydney really need in their list model. His traits are exciting and he’ll be a nice addition to the midfield alongside Heeney, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and James Rowbottom.
10. TANNER BRUHN
183cm, 74kg, Geelong Falcons/Newtown/Geelong Grammar, midfielder
Bruhn is a classy player with great footy nous – a trait that can be underrated in today’s footy due to an over-reliance on stats. He had a few problems with his knee in 2019 but the cancellation of the NAB League season would have done him no harm as it’s provided him with plenty of time to get that right. While it’s always a worry for clubs when a young player injures his knee, his class will see many overlook that. A lock to be taken in the first round.
11. ALEX DAVIES
191cm, 85kg, Gold Coast Suns Academy, midfielder
Davies is a tall inside midfielder with good hands and a large frame, so looks an ideal type to play as a big-bodied midfielder. He has a basketball background and is very agile – two aspects we know are really handy in the AFL. He looks to be a nice prospect and the Suns won’t let him slip, they’ll match the bid placed.
12. LACHLAN JONES
185cm, 88kg, Woodville-West Torrens/Bute Paskville, defender/midfielder
A defender/midfielder, Jones has been playing and seemed comfortable in the SANFL as a defender. He has a strong body, is a good kick and makes good decisions with the ball, which is what you want from a player in your back half. Port Adelaide has first option to draft him as a Next Generation Academy prospect.
13. WILL PHILLIPS
180cm, 79kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Caulfield Grammar, midfielder
Phillips is a quality midfielder who uses the ball well and makes good decisions. He played well in last year’s NAB League Grand Final and there’s no doubt recruiters will look favourably on that performance as clubs are always looking for players who can perform in big games. He’s had a niggling knee injury but overall the rest this year won’t hurt him – he’s got some good form on the board from previous years. Recruiters will like what he brings to the table.
14. REEF McINNES
192cm, 84kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Scotch College, midfielder
McInnes is a tall, agile and big-bodied midfielder who can also play as a forward. That versatility combined with his size at 192cm, means there’s a lot to like and be excited about as a player I can see developing into a strong AFL player in the future. Collingwood has first option on him as a member of their Next Generation Academy and I’m sure they’ll match the bid that comes.
15. FINLAY MACRAE
184cm, 75kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Xavier College, midfielder
The younger brother of Bulldogs star Jack Macrae, Finlay possesses a lot of similar traits. He uses the ball very well and generally makes good decisions in traffic without panicking. I like the look of him and I’m sure he’ll have plenty of admirers.
16. ERROL GULDEN
175cm, 75kg, Sydney Swans Academy/Maroubra Saints, midfielder/forward
Gulden is very small but he makes up for his lack of size with footy smarts similar to Bulldog Caleb Daniel. He’s already played senior NEAFL football and was very good for the Allies and Sydney Academy. The Swans will obviously take a very close look at him as he has a lot to offer with his footy nous and is a very nice user of the ball.
17. JOEL JEFFREY
192cm, 80kg, Wanderers/Gold Coast Suns Academy, forward/defender
Jeffrey is a talent and will be eligible to join Gold Coast as an Academy player after the Suns gained access to Darwin through list concessions from the AFL. He’s a very nice size at 192cm, while he’s quick, agile and has reasonable skills. There is an x-factor about him and while he’ll take some time to develop and mature, I expect the Suns will snap him up.
18. NIK COX
199cm, 82kg, Northern Knights/Montmorency, key forward/defender
An athletic tall with big upside, in time I think Cox will be the perfect forward/ruck prospect every club is desperate to find. He’s a project player because he has a very light frame and needs to put on some size but these types of players are extremely hard to find and a club will be keen to lock him away early due to his potential. Patience will be the key here but the upside looks really good.
19. HEATH CHAPMAN
193cm, 81kg, West Perth/Joondalup-Kinross, key defender
Chapman is a nice third tall defender for the future. He reads the play well and uses that to get into good positions to take intercept marks, which is one of his biggest strengths. He has a good degree of footy intelligence and looks a nice prospect.
20. BRAYDEN COOK
188cm, 80kg, South Adelaide/Happy Valley FC, utility
Cook has certainly made the most of the opportunity to show off his credentials this year when many others have had their seasons cancelled. He was a standout at under-18 level for the Panthers and has a bit of x-factor. Cook has shown a lot of traits that will appeal to clubs, particularly his running ability, strong marking and good skills. He looks as though he’ll fill out and be a really nice size for an AFL player.
21. NATHAN O’DRISCOLL
187cm, 76kg, Perth/Northern Saints, midfielder/defender
O’Driscoll is a tough, strong-bodied midfielder who is good at stoppages but can also be used as a rebound defender because he’s a clever player who generally makes smart decisions with ball in hand. He’s a really competitive type and clubs will like that about him.
22. ZANE TREW
185cm, 80kg, Swan Districts/Hill Rangers, midfielder
A strong-bodied inside midfielder who is very competitive and has great repeat efforts, Trew knows how to find the footy and rack up big numbers. He’s one of a strong group of midfielders available this year.
23. CALEB POULTER
191cm, 77kg, Woodville-West Torrens/Ardrossan, midfielder/defender
Poulter has been very good this year and to me looks an ideal rebound defender. He’s an elite kick, reads the play well and is a real playmaker as things tend to happen when he has the ball in his hands. I’m sure he’ll have many admirers come draft night.
24. TOM POWELL
180cm, 73kg, Sturt, midfielder
Powell is one of the best midfield prospects coming out of South Australia and reminds me of a young Lachie Neale. He finds the ball well and is a playmaker who plays just as well as an inside midfielder as he does as an outside runner. He still has a few flaws in his game and can tend to overuse the footy by hand but he’s a natural footballer who had a very good 2020 season.
25. JACK CARROLL
188cm, 79kg, East Fremantle/Geraldton, midfielder/defender
Carroll is a bit of a bolter and is one who greatly benefited from being able to play this year. At 188cm he looks a nice prospect who should end up being a good size for an AFL player. I think he’ll play as a rebound defender or an outside midfielder as he uses the ball well, a trait clubs are obviously looking for in today’s footy.
26. KAINE BALDWIN
193cm, 92kg, Glenelg/Henley, key forward
Baldwin is a real talent but after two serious knee injuries there’s a big question mark on him. He’s shown so much ability when he’s played in previous years and without those injuries, he’d be a monty as a first-round selection. He’s a tough contested player with great hands, reads the play very well, is athletic and has good skills that make him a very nice potential key forward or even high half forward. I’m sure he’ll be drafted but the club that picks him will need to be patient and give him time to get his knee right.
27. BRANDON WALKER
184cm, 75kg, East Fremantle/Kardinya Cats, defender
Walker is a Fremantle Next Generation Academy player. The Dockers will try to downplay his potential to discourage an early bid but with speed, agility, good vertical leap, clean hands and nice skills, it’s hard not to see an early bid coming. Fremantle would be mad not to match.
28. CODY BRAND
195cm, 85kg, Calder Cannons/PEGS, key defender
A developing tall defender who brings competitiveness, a good pair of hands and nice skills, Brand also reads the play well. As an Essendon Next Generation Academy player, he’s exactly what the Bombers need for their future list model. I can see him developing nicely and becoming a good key position defender.
29. LUKE EDWARDS
187cm, 83kg, Glenelg/Henley, midfielder/defender
The son of dual Adelaide premiership player Tyson Edwards, Luke was eligible as a father-son selection for the Crows but the club didn’t nominate him. He had a very good NAB carnival as a bottom age player in 2019 and this year has played some senior footy in the SANFL. He’s a good decision maker with nice skills and overall looks to be a promising player.
30. ZACH DUMESNY
187cm, 79kg, South Adelaide/Sacred Heard College, utility
Dumesny played at senior level for South Adelaide this year where he showed just how versatile he is by playing in all three areas of the ground. He’s a genuine utility, which provides him with a leg up when recruiters are assessing players and weighing up who to pick – clubs love players who provide flexibility. What also makes him an attractive prospect is that he reads the play well and uses the ball to good effect.
31. SEAMUS MITCHELL
181cm, 74kg, Bendigo/Robinvale Euson FC, midfielder
Mitchell will have plenty of admirers in this draft and it won’t surprise me if he goes earlier than this. He’s been likened to Zac Williams as he has lots of exciting traits with his speed, evasive skills, ball use and his love of taking the game on. He’s a bit of a wildcard but I’m sure he’ll find a spot on an AFL list for 2021.
32. NICK STEVENS
191cm, 82kg, Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Geelong Grammar, midfielder/defender
Stevens is a really nice player who combined playing for Geelong Grammar with NAB League last year. He looks to be a very nice prospect as he reads the flight of the ball well, is disciplined, competitive, makes good decisions and from all reports is a good lad who’s very professional in preparing to get the best out of himself. He’ll be a nice rebound defender or midfielder.
33. CHARLIE HAM
181cm, 74kg, Geelong Falcons/St Marys, defender/midfielder
Brother of Essendon midfielder Brayden Ham, Charlie is a potential midfielder or wingman. He has some exciting attributes that will be attractive to clubs – he likes to take the game on when he wins the ball, is a nice left foot kick and has genuine speed.
34. ZAVIER MAHER
184cm, 82kg, Murray Bushrangers/Caulfield Grammar, midfielder
Maher played at the Bushrangers last year and also won the best and fairest for Caulfield Grammar. An inside midfielder with speed and strength, a slight knee injury limited his start to pre-season but the cancelled season would have given him the opportunity to get himself right. There’s a fair bit of interest in him from clubs.
35. JACK GINNIVAN
182cm, 76kg, Bendigo Pioneers, forward/midfielder
Ginnivan has been likened to Toby Greene with his football nous and uncanny traits. He’s still very raw and will need time but he does look a nice prospect who’s already received a lot of interest from clubs. He might need to put on some size but there’s an x-factor about him and he has big upside as a forward or midfielder.
36. COREY DURDIN
173cm, 72kg, Central District, forward/midfielder
Durdin has been playing senior SANFL footy since midway through 2019 and while he’s very small at just 173cm, he has displayed some quality football, particularly with his decision making and footy smarts. He’s not unlike Caleb Daniel in size and the way he plays – he’s quick, has good skills on both sides and is dangerous around goal. There is a need for this type of player on all lists and I’m sure clubs will give him a lot of consideration.
37. MANI LIDDY
183cm, 77kg, Sturt, midfielder/forward
Liddy will be on the radar of several clubs after playing well in the under-18 competition in South Australia this year. He’s a smart player and as a goalkicking midfielder, he’ll have plenty of admirers as we know how valuable it is to have midfielders in your team who kick goals. He should develop a nice frame in time and from all reports is a very professional young man that leaves no stone unturned in his preparation to get the best out of himself and his teammates.
38. OLIVER DAVIS
182cm, 75kg, Tasmania Devils/Clarence, midfielder
A strong and hard at it midfielder, Davis won the best and fairest for Tasmania in the NAB League last year and has impressed this season playing senior football for Clarence. He’s very competitive, has good skills and makes good decisions. He’s one of Tasmania’s best chances of getting an AFL opportunity this year.
39. JAMES ROWE
173cm, 73kg, Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia, forward
Rowe is one of those clever small players who has missed out on being drafted for the past three years and his story is another one of persistence. He hasn’t given up on his dream despite being overlooked. He played very well this year and any club in the market for a young but mature small forward with great goalkicking ability – he’s a beautiful kick and accurate set shot – should take a good look at him.
40. HENRY WALSH
202cm, 86kg, Geelong Falcons/St Joseph’s College/St Marys, ruckman
Walsh is the brother of Carlton’s Sam Walsh and at 202cm they’re obviously completely different players. Henry has developed well over the last year or so and was a member of the under-17 AFL Academy. Given his size and potential, clubs will definitely look at him closely as a developing young ruckman but he’ll take a bit of time as most young developing talls/rucks do. He has pretty good skills for a big lad, so I’m sure he’ll find a home.
41. JOSH TREACY
193cm, 95kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Cohuna FC, key forward
Treacy is a real competitor who played as a key forward for Bendigo in the NAB League last year but I think he’ll be more of a third tall forward option at AFL level. A member of the under-17 AFL Academy, he brings real competitiveness to his game, is a nice kick and has very strong hands. He’s a likely type that will be on the radar of clubs looking for a competitive high half forward.
42. ZAC PHILLIPS
200cm, 80kg, Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia, ruckman
Phillips is a project ruckman who might have a very big upside but will take a while to develop as he’s very raw at present. For his size he’s an incredible athlete and clubs looking for a developing ruckman will definitely be looking at him. He’s most likely going to go a lot earlier than my ranking as he did very well in the testing.
43. SAM BERRY
180cm, 82kg, Gippsland Power/Melbourne Grammar, midfielder/forward
Berry is a good inside midfielder who distributes best by hand. He was very impressive as an under-age player last year for Gippsland in the NAB League but the area of concern is his kicking ability – if he wants to become an AFL player that’s the area he must improve. He’s similar to Ed Curnow, while hard at it his disposal in his early days let him down but he worked on it and has become a satisfactory kick. This is what Berry needs to work on.
44. BLAKE COLEMAN
180cm, 78kg, Morningside/Brisbane Lions Academy, forward
Coleman is a very exciting prospect. He’s a really classy finisher and just looks like a natural footballer much like his brother, Lion Keidean Coleman. He’ll take some time to develop but as a Brisbane Academy player, the Lions will be excited by his talent and I’m sure will match a bid to have him join his brother at the club.
45. BAILEY LAURIE
180cm, 75kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Beverley Hills/Caulfield Grammar, utility
Laurie could go much earlier than this. He developed into a very good utility for the Oakleigh Chargers last year and players who can play in a variety of positions are always highly sought after because having these types on your list provides so much flexibility. He needs to grow a bit and put on some size but as a mid-sized utility who’s very competitive and uses the ball well, clubs will be interested.
46. MAURICE RIOLI (JUNIOR)
179cm, 75kg, St Marys/Scotch College, forward
Rioli is a small forward who has a bit of that Rioli magic but still has a lot of areas to improve on in his game. He has potential upside – speed, smarts, skill and x-factor – and as the son of Richmond and South Fremantle great Maurice Rioli, he was eligible at both the Tigers and Dockers under father-son rules. He’s chosen Richmond and I’m sure the Tigers will snap him up but it will be interesting to see where a bid comes.
47. CONOR STONE
188cm, 82kg, Oakleigh Chargers/St Kevin’s, forward
Stone is a player that has really good athleticism and football ability that could be worth looking at as a developing project player who could eventually play as a third tall forward or defender. At 188cm and 82kg he has a nice frame that will get really strong once in an AFL environment, while his speed and leap are there for clubs to crystal ball on how he might look in 3-4 years. A smokey but there could be big upside.
48. DOMINIC BEDENDO
188cm, 74kg, Murray Bushrangers/Myrtleford, midfielder
Bedendo is a wingman who has real x-factor with his athleticism. He had a good bottom age year with the Murray Bushrangers last year and was impressive at the Victorian National Combine where he showed his athletic ability. A project player who will need time to put weight on his frame but he’s got some class.
49. SAXON CROZIER
190cm, 80kg, Morningside/Brisbane Lions Academy, midfielder
Another Brisbane Academy player, Crozier is a tall midfielder who shows good dash and likes to take on his opponents with his run and long kicking. He showed some nice athletic traits at the combine testing and I’m sure Brisbane will be looking closely at him.
50. CLAYTON GAY
184cm, 78kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Hastings, midfielder/forward
Gay has a lovely penetrating kick and a very good pair of hands for his size. He has a bit of class and with his footy smarts, can be very dangerous as a forward. He’s a player I see as having genuine upside in a full-time football environment.
OTHER PLAYERS IN THE MIX TO BE DRAFTED OR ROOKIE LISTED (Listed in no particular order)
ISIAH WINDER
179cm, 79kg, Peel Thunder/Eaton Boomers, forward/midfielder
Winder has raw ability and exciting traits, particularly in the defensive side of his game with his speed to apply pressure and leap. He definitely has x-factor and if he gets himself fit, he might just be the real smokey of this draft. Played some WAFL footy this year.
BRODIE LAKE
185cm, 79kg, Southern Districts/Central District, midfielder
Lake has done everything right in 2020. He played some good SANFL footy for Central Districts and was one of the best players in a trial game late in the year. He’s super quick with great agility, traits that will excite clubs. I expect some strong interest in him.
TARIEK NEWCHURCH
185cm, 72kg, North Adelaide/Port Augusta, midfielder/forward
Newchurch is a very talented and exciting prospect who is eligible to be picked by Adelaide as part of their Next Generation Academy. He’s very raw at the moment but if he can dedicate himself to his football, the sky is the limit for him. His highlight package is very impressive but of course they’re “highlights” and it takes far more than a good highlights package to be successful in the AFL. If the Crows can nurture and develop him, they could have a star in the making.
CARTER MICHAEL
188cm, 74kg, Maroochydore/Brisbane Lions Academy, midfielder
Michael is a nice left foot kick, has good pace, footy smarts and generally makes good decisions. He’s eligible to join Brisbane as an Academy player and I’d be surprised if the Lions passed on him. He’s the prototype midfielder with a body that should develop nicely in time.
SAM COLLINS
187cm, 79kg, Tasmania Devils/North Hobart, defender
Collins is a potential third tall defender with really good kicking skills. His ability to read the ball in flight is one of his biggest strengths, so I believe he could be a good intercepting defender similar to Geelong’s Tom Stewart. He’d be a nice project player to have on your list as intercept defenders are worth their weight in gold.
JACKSON CALLOW
194cm, 101kg, Tasmania/North Launceston, key forward
Callow played well for Tasmania during the under-18 Academy Series. He’s one of the stronger key forwards in this draft and is also clean at ground level. The question mark is on his repeat efforts and fitness to be able to play as a high half forward and cope with the stronger bodies at AFL level. While he was able to monster players of his own age due to his strength, it will be harder to do that at AFL level but he has some nice attributes to work with and it would be no surprise to see a club give him an opportunity.
JAKE BOWEY
175cm, 66kg, Sandringham Dragons/Highett, forward/midfield
Bowey is an elite kick who has great awareness and even though he has a very light frame at present, I think he’s a nice longer-term project. He’s the son of former Saint Brett Bowey but does not qualify as a father-son selection. He’s a smart forward and a playmaker when in the midfield.
SHANNON NEALE
202cm, 91kg, South Fremantle/Leeming SHS, ruck/forward
Neale is one of the ruck/forward options in this year’s draft. He’s a mobile type who’ll definitely be a project player but given the need for developing ruckman around the competition, I’m sure many clubs in the market for a developing ruckman with a long-term view will have him on their list as a potential recruit.
JOEL WESTERN
171cm, 64kg, Claremont/Western Tigers, midfielder
Western is a potential Academy player for Fremantle who had a solid season this year playing at Claremont in the Colts competition and was one of the best afield in a losing team in the grand final. He’s a neat player but lightly framed, so I think he’s a rookie chance as it’ll take a while for him to put on size.
NOAH GRIBBLE
180cm, 75kg, Geelong Falcons, midfielder/forward
Gribble is a small midfielder/forward who reads the game well and uses his running power and footy smarts to set up the play. He’s a ball magnet who unfortunately did his ACL during the pre-season but should be right to go by the start of the 2021 season. It will be interesting to see whether a club will take him or wait to see a full year of football from him.
EWAN MACHPERSON
179cm, 82kg, Northern Knights/Diamond Creek, defender/midfielder
Macpherson is a small defender/midfielder who reads the flight of the ball very well and has the ability to intercept, defend his man and provide good rebound as I like his kicking skills. The son of former Western Bulldogs star Steve Macpherson and brother of Gold Coast’s Darcy, he’s eligible under father-son rules at the Bulldogs.
COREY PRESTON
182cm, 77kg, Eastern Ranges/Ferntree Gully, forward/midfielder
Preston is a medium-sized forward/midfielder who is a smokey in this draft. He really showed some good traits in the trial matches for the Eastern Ranges this year before the COVID shutdown. He takes a strong mark and has very good kicking ability and goal sense.
MAX HOLMES
189cm, 74kg, Sandringham Dragons/Melbourne Grammar, defender/midfielder
Holmes is the son of dual Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Lee Naylor. He’s an elite athlete, which was his path early on before deciding to have a crack at footy where he’s shown enough talent to become a player who, given his athletic traits, could have big upside.
TAJ SCHOFIELD
178cm, 72kg, Woodville-West Torrens/Henley, midfielder/forward
Schofield is a midfielder/forward who’s a clever player but will take some time to develop a body ready for AFL footy. The son of former West Coast and Port Adelaide player Jarrad Schofield, he’s eligible under father-son rules at the Power.
PHOENIX SPICER
173cm, 64kg, South Adelaide/Morphettville Park, midfielder/forward
A small midfielder/forward who has elite pace and agility, Spicer has traits that could excite clubs. He’s a project player as he’s very slight at just 64kg, so will need time to adjust to playing against bigger bodies. He showed some nice traits in 2019 and is a smokey in this draft.
THOMAS GRAHAM
192cm, 85kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Central Districts, utility
The son of former Hawthorn and Richmond player Mark Graham, Thomas is a very late developer who has flown under the radar as he’s only been playing footy seriously for a couple of years. He played a few games for Oakleigh last year and after the NAB League season was cancelled this year, he went over to Adelaide to play with John Platten’s Central Districts in the reserves. He has great athleticism and can play just about anywhere – he even played in the ruck as he has a great leap. Given he’s a late developer, he’s a project player at 20 years of age who’d definitely be a good rookie option. He’s gone up to Darwin to play NTFL with the Waratahs to get more game experience before Christmas.
Join the conversation
Draft Intel: 10 players to watch in Coates Talent League decider
Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft is vying for a historic feat as he prepares to lead the Sandringham Dragons to another Grand Final. But he’s not the only top draft prospect who will be in action.
Read more
AFL Draft 2024: Full order, latest intel and the top prospects
The off-season is in full swing for most clubs and that means the 2024 AFL Draft is just around the corner. Get the latest intel on who your club could pick plus full indicative draft order.
Read more