Sydney Swans recruit Hugo Hall-Kahan kicks five goals in VFL to be latest mid-season draftee to impress

The AFL’s mid-season draft continues to deliver for clubs, with the Sydney Swans looking like one of the next ones to benefit.

Mid-season draftee Hugo Hall-Kahan made a big impression for the Swans’ VFL team on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Another player from this year’s mid-season rookie draft could be on the verge of an AFL debut after kicking five goals in his second VFL match.

Medium-sized forward Hugo Hall-Kahan, who joined Sydney via the Sandringham Dragons with the No.11 pick, racked up 23 disposals and kicked 5.2 in the Swans reserves’ big win over Williamstown on Sunday.

The mid-season draft continues to deliver ready-made reinforcements for clubs, with Port Adelaide recruit Brynn Teakle, Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio and Carlton’s Sam Durdin all playing at AFL level at the weekend.

Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe, the No.2 selection in last year’s equivalent draft, is the favourite to win this year’s Rising Star award.

Massimo D'Ambrosio leads the Bombers into the rooms post-match after his AFL debut. Picture: Getty Images

Eleven other mid-season draftees from the 2021 crop have played at least one game this year: Aiden Begg, Jordan Boyd, Jackson Callow, Sam Durham, Jed McEntee, Matt Parker, Patrick Parnell, James Peatling, Cooper Sharman, Daniel Turner and Connor West.

Will Snelling, Marlion Pickett and John Noble are success stories from the 2019 edition who have become regular senior players at their respective clubs.

Sydney coach John Longmire said Hall-Kahan’s weekend performance was “terrific”.

Former Kangaroo Sam Durdin spoils Noah Balta during his first game for Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

“He played his first game (three weeks ago) after meeting the boys the day before, then played on the MCG,” Longmire said.

“That was a bit of a daunting experience, saying g’day to everyone, then going in the next day and playing on the MCG.

“He’s had a week or two to get to know the players a little bit better and he’s a great kid. We saw (on Sunday) it looks like he’s got some talent and he looked very comfortable at that level, so hopefully that continues.

“It’s interesting, the pre-season draft and the mid-season draft. There have been a few players around who have done quite well early, which is a good sign for the competition.”