AFL Draft 2022 Day 1: All the late mail, news, and every pick from the first round
Just as it was going to script, Sydney turned the AFL Draft on its head. Then the Hawks swooped. Full analysis, every pick and all the reaction from night one.
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Hawthorn landed the bonus top-20 pick that Sam Mitchell missed out on in the trade period – and last night the coach gave his next midfield star a cheeky spray to start his AFL career.
The Hawks struck the only live trade of the night to secure two of Victoria’s best talents, pairing lifelong supporter Cameron Mackenzie (No.7) with athletic defender Josh Weddle (No.18).
Last month they made the bold decision to offload star midfielders Jaeger O’Meara and Tom Mitchell after already farewelling Jack Gunston (Brisbane), captain Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels.
The Hawks desperately needed more top-end talent to fast-track a rebuild that could’ve played out in slow motion without access to early picks.
The double-play accelerated Hawthorn’s rebuild after locking in Josh Ward, Sam Butler, Connor Macdonald and Jai Serong last year.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THE ACTION AND EVERY PICK AS IT HAPPENED
.@SamLandsberger: Josh Weddle - he's a Hawk as well
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Cam Mackenzie: Oh really?!
He had no idea! 😆
Recap the first round of the #AFLDraft: https://t.co/FV5A3qwyMdpic.twitter.com/b8UfvwXDjy
But Weddle has come at a significant cost, highlighting just how highly the Hawks rated him.
Sydney handed the Hawks No.18 in exchange for No.27 plus second and third-selections in the 2023 draft.
Those future selections are both tied to Hawthorn, meaning if the Hawks finish 13th again in 2023 it will be picks 27 (this year) and picks 24 and 42 (next year) for Weddle.
That would be the equivalent of Sydney gaining No.21 for free under the AFL’s points system.
Next year’s draft is rated extremely highly, with some experts rating the talent likely to be available in the 20s and 30s similarly to this year’s late first-rounders.
The Hawks were able to secure a future third-round selection, tied to Western Bulldogs, in a pick swap before the draft.
Mackenzie, who played in three premierships this year, was stunned to learn his Vic Metro teammate would join him at Waverley.
“Oh really? That’s awesome! I had no idea. He can run, jump and do everything,” Mackenzie said.
Mitchell then wandered past Mackenzie’s press conference and asked: “Any chance you could answer my calls?”
A flushed Mackenzie suspected Mitchell was mistaken, before the coach affectionately said: “Just come down here when you’re finished”.
Mackenzie, who was in St Kilda’s talent academy, is a 187cm midfielder who fired with 26 disposals and two goals in the NAB League grand final. He said he was “very grateful” for the Saints helping him develop over the past three years.
The draft went to script for more than an hour until Sydney spiced things up significantly.
The Swans bidded on Greater Western Sydney academy product Harry Rowston at pick No.16, Adelaide father-son Max Michalanney at No.17 and then traded away pick No.18 to the Hawks.
GWS recruiter Adrian Caruso and list boss Jason McCartney appeared devastated when they had to match Sydney’s bid for Rowston.
The Giants had held the next pick (No.17) – which was received last month for losing Tanner Bruhn to Geelong.
But that prized first-round selection was swallowed up when they secured Rowston, who has been likened to departed Giant Tim Taranto.
“I don’t think the Swans owe us anything, it is what it is.â€
— Dan Batten (@danbatten_) November 28, 2022
Giants recruiting boss Adrian Caruso on their arch-rivals bidding on academy prospect Harry Rowston in the first round. #AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/DAERl6Y4ir
The Swans’ trade with the Hawks was shrewd because they ranked players in that part of the draft evenly, with the talent dropping after the first seven or eight selections in their eyes.
Sydney drafted Jacob Konstanty at No.20 and expect to secure a player in the same talent bracket at Hawthorn’s No.27 selection on Tuesday night, as well as banking two future picks.
News Corp revealed on Monday night that Essendon had rejected multiple “compelling offers” to draft Elijah Tsatas at No.4.
Melbourne and Western Bulldogs were among four clubs to propose trades and the Bombers were offered as many as three first-round picks as part of a deal.
But list boss Adrian Dodoro said the future selections were likely to fall too late in next year’s draft to accept the deal.
Dodoro, who once drafted Tsatas’ father, said his boy was the perfect fit for Tullamarine.
“We think he’s a fabulous player. We’re rapt to have him. He’s exactly what we wanted in our midfield, he’s 188cm, he’s got great speed, great balance and he’s high-end,” Dodoro said.
“He won (Oakleigh Chargers’) best-and-fairest off six games this year, so we’re chuffed to get him.”
Tsatas is the first player Essendon has drafted who was born after the club’s last finals victory in 2004.
Dodoro texted Tsatas before the draft saying: “Good luck. Whatever happens we’ve loved getting to know you”.
Tsatas ‘liked’ the message and remained unsure where he would land. He said he was ready for pre-season under new coach Brad Scott despite missing three months with a fractured foot mid-season.
“(I bring) speed, excitement, power from contests, my ability to win the ball on the inside and the outside,” the Burwood boy said.
Tsatas hoped a “recency bias” would help his draft position.
He returned from that foot fracture to collect 38 disposals, four centre clearances and 161 SuperCoach points and then 34 disposals, five clearances and 186 SuperCoach in two games.
The Demons planned for life after 30-year-olds Ben Brown and Tom McDonald by drafting key forward Matthew Jefferson at No.15, a year after taking Jacob van Rooyen with their first pick at No.19.
Western Bulldogs placed a bid on Brisbane Lions father-son Jaspa Fletcher only weeks after the clubs were at loggerheads over the Josh Dunkley trade.
The Dogs then shored up their key defensive stocks after Liam Jones and Alex Keath by securing 196cm defender Jedd Buslinger.
North Melbourne secured who it believed were the best two players in the open draft in Victorians Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw.
Powerful midfielder Wardlaw effectively replaced Jason Horne-Francis on the list while the Roos also have a bonus first-round pick tied to Port Adelaide up their sleeves next season.
New North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson presented Sheezel — who slotted 49 goals this year — his jumper on stage at Marvel Stadium before Ben Cunnington handed Wardlaw his guernsey.
Sheezel, a mercurial goalkicker in Steve Johnson’s mould, won the premiership playing for Sandringham Dragons and classily responded to antisemitic comments posted about him on social media.
“They’re just ignorant and uneducated and they’re probably not sure about the impact that stuff can have, but to be honest, I don’t let that stuff affect me,” the Mount Scopus and Ajax junior footballer said.
Ranked: Which schools have the most players in 2022 AFL Draft?
Phillipou gets his chance to walk the walk
- Matt Turner
Mattaes Phillipou reckons he is made to play in Melbourne – now he gets the chance to prove it.
The big-bodied Woodville-West Torrens midfielder became the first South Australian taken in the AFL’s national draft on Monday night, joining St Kilda with pick 10.
Phillipou, 17, had been tipped to be taken as early as Essendon’s No. 5 and wanted to go as high as possible, but he slipped to the Saints.
Last week the 190cm, 89kg prospect said he’d told some clubs he was made to play in the Victorian capital because “I’ve always wanted to be in the spotlight, play in front of big crowds, be in all the big games, and Melbourne teams get that”.
Although he described Essendon as a great fit, the Bombers took the other player they were heavily linked with, Oakleigh Chargers’ on-baller Elijah Tsatas.
Phillipou was made to wait even longer, also getting overlooked by Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Geelong and West Coast, before the Saints swooped.
Former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna was full of praise for the left-footer.
“He could almost have the most upside of any of the top 10,” Montagna said on Fox Footy of Phillipou, who oozed self-confidence in his interviews in the lead-up to the draft.
“He was three days off being eligible to play in the under-18 competition next year so he’s still quite young, still quite raw, but some of his attributes are enormous.
“He can mark the ball overhead, kick long goals, so I think (new St Kilda coach) Ross Lyon has got plenty to work with.”
Fox Footy colleague Mick Ablett added: “He’s a really classy, clean, creative type of player.”
The Phillipou surname is well known in SA football.
His dad, Sam, played three games for Footscray in 1995 and 150 SANFL matches for Woodville-West Torrens and Port Adelaide from 1992-2005.
Phillipou’s grandfather, Peter, lined up in 272 SANFL clashes for West Torrens from 1967-84, captaining the club in 1982-83.
Athletic and capable of lining up as a forward, Phillipou played four national under-18 games for SA this year, averaging 16.5 possessions, 4.8 inside 50s, 2.3 clearances and one goal.
The Henley High student averaged 28 disposals and 1.5 majors from eight junior games for Woodville-West Torrens this year, as well as 14 touches in three reserves matches.
Phillipou models his football on a mix of two modern-day champions – Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and Fremantle Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe.
Every pick, all the reaction: How first round unfolded
- Jordan Pinto and Chris Cavanagh
The first round of the national draft is complete, with 21 junior footballers realising their dreams and landing on an AFL list.
There was a bit of everything on the opening night at Marvel Stadium, with Sydney ruffling some feathers after back-to-back bids, the Hawks trading their way up to nab a local gun and, of course, emotional, out-of-control reactions from family and friends.
Recap every pick and all the action below.
Pick 21 GWS - Darcy Jones
Swan Districts/WA
With the final pick of the first-round, the Swans have overlooked height concerns to take WA small Jones. The 175cm, helmet-headed utility (Caleb Daniel, anyone?) kicked four goals in his first two WAFL senior games, smashed the agility test and won the standing vertical test at the combine. Runs rings around opponents of all sizes. Has impressed with his clean hands in tight and burst from stoppages.
Pick 20 Sydney - Jacob Konstanty
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Sydney has finally made a selection of their own, taking one of the most creative players in this year's draft club. In 2022, Konstanty showed his versatility to be more than just a small forward as he has pushed into more of a midfield role with the Power in the NAB League this year. He has been able to have a significant impact further up the ground, finding plenty of the footy and using it well to set up teammates in good positions going forward. Konstanty has great pace and evasiveness and his pressure and tackling game is a real weapon.
Pick 19 Collingwood - Ed Allan
Claremont/WA
Collingwood has swooped on the slider of the first night with Allan in the top-10 mix. The son of former Hawthorn and Fremantle star Ben Allan, Ed is a tall midfielder who has speed to burn and great footy smarts. He was the quickest player over 20m at the draft combine, after recovering from a back injury which restricted his year.
Pick 18 Hawthorn - Josh Weddle
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
After trading up the order, the Hawks have swooped on athletic key defender, Weddle. He is rock solid one-on-one as well as being a strong interceptor who likes to provide run and dash off half-back when he wins the ball back. He can play on talls or smalls, is quick and boasts impressive endurance.
Absolute scenes in the Weddle household as the Hawks trade up take him at Pick 18!
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) November 28, 2022
📺 WATCH #AFLDraft LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/rHp0FlLpQx
âœï¸ BLOG https://t.co/PkTZCq96s8
🔢 LIVE TRACKER https://t.co/7ItThqhOpupic.twitter.com/X1bfKmoTep
.@SamLandsberger: Josh Weddle - he's a Hawk as well
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Cam Mackenzie: Oh really?!
He had no idea! 😆
Recap the first round of the #AFLDraft: https://t.co/FV5A3qwyMdpic.twitter.com/b8UfvwXDjy
Live trade: Hawks move up
After making two bids, Sydney has traded pick 18 to Hawthorn for pick 27, a future second and future third-round selection.
Pick 17 Adelaide - Max Michalanney
Norwood/SA/Glenunga
Although not unexpected, Sydney has gone again, bidding on Crows father-son Michalanney.
The versatile, mid-sized defender, with a nice turn of speed, reads the play well and is very composed. Michalanney, who boasts excellent leadership skills, can play taller than his height suggests and is composed with the ball in hand. His dad, Norwood great Jim, played 211 SANFL games for the Redlegs between 1974 and 1986.
Max Michalanney reminds me of Ben Hart.
— Matt Turner (@mattturner1986) November 28, 2022
Understated, versatile, can play as an attacking defender or as a lockdown and just gets the job done.
Should become a very good player for the Crows.#AFLDraft
Pick 16 GWS - Harry Rowston
Giants Academy/Allies/Calder Cannons
The Battle of the Bridge just went up a notch, with the Swans making a surprise early bid on Giants academy prospect Rowston, which Adrian Caruso and the GWS recruiting team eventually matched. Rowston was the standout performer for the Allies across the national carnival, finishing as their MVP, earning All-Australian selection on a half-forward flank. He’s a midfielder who is dangerous up forward, and tough and uncompromising at stoppages.
“I think the comment is obviously disrespectful and wrong and I try to focus on what I can control" - Harry Sheezel on the anti-Semetic abuse directed at him.
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Follow the #AFLDraft LIVE: https://t.co/FV5A3qwyMdpic.twitter.com/LfOi5ugCpF
Pick 15 Melbourne - Matt Jefferson
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Melbourne has the young, developing key forward its well-balanced list needs. Jefferson shot to prominence after kicking seven goals for Vic Metro in a national championships game against Western Australia earlier this year. His marking on the lead and in contested situations is a strength and his goal kicking has improved.
Pick 14 West Coast - Elijah Hewett
Swan Districts/WA
Ed Allan was a chance, but the Eagles have gone with fellow West Australian in Hewett. A powerful midfielder with strong athletic traits, Hewett played nine senior WAFL games this year and looks ready to step up to the big time. He is primarily an inside bull but can also go forward and hit the scoreboard.
Elijah Hewett is PUMPED to join the Eagles!
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) November 28, 2022
📺 WATCH #AFLDraft LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/rHp0FlLpQx
âœï¸ BLOG https://t.co/PkTZCq96s8
🔢 LIVE TRACKER https://t.co/7ItThqhOpupic.twitter.com/qYIMj1uE43
Pick 13 Western Bulldogs - Jedd Busslinger
East Perth/WA
Luke Beveridge and the Bulldogs get the draft’s best key defender. Likened to Collingwood’s Darcy Moore, Busslinger is a strong intercept mark who reads the play well and loves to take the game on when he does win the ball back. He has previously played as a key forward during his juniors.
Pick 12 Brisbane - Jaspa Fletcher
Lions Academy/Allies
It has cost them, but the Lions have matched the early bid from the Bulldogs for the son of former AFL journeyman Adrian Fletcher. The classy prospect primarily played as an outside wingman this year but is also capable of going inside. He is agile and composed and looks up to current Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage.
Pick 11 Carlton - Oliver Hollands
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Carlton needs some more outside run and they will certainly get that with the best two-way runner in this year’s draft pool. Hollands finished equal-first in the 2km time trial at the draft combine and wins plenty of ball on a wing and generally uses it well. His older brother Elijah plays for the Gold Coast Suns.
Pick 10 St Kilda - Mattaes Phillipou
Woodville-West Torrens/SA
The Saints couldn’t let the SA gun slide any further. Phillipou is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft but also one of the most talented. The 190cm prospect is a penetrating left-foot kick, boasts a powerful burst from stoppage and is a strong overhead mark which makes him dangerous when playing forward.
Pick 9 West Coast - Reuben Ginbey
East Perth/WA
He was a Fremantle fan growing up, but the Eagles have taken local product Ginbey, a big-bodied onballer who can also play across half-back. The West Australian possesses quick burst speed and is a neat left-foot kick. He played four senior WAFL games this year and did not look out of place.
Pick 8 Geelong - Jhye Clark
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
No surprises with the Cats taking the player who just makes perfect sense. A tough-as-nails onballer, recruiters have been referring to Clark as ‘Jhye Selwood’ given his similarities to Geelong champion Joel Selwood. He attacks the ball aggressively in the contest, distributes it well and has impressive leadership qualities.
Pick 7 Hawthorn - Cam Mackenzie
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
The Hawks have got their man in Mackenzie after showing significant recent interest. A midfielder with a good balance between his inside and outside game, Mackenzie not only racks up the footy but also uses it well by hand and foot and has great speed and composure. He was part of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy.
Fair to say Mum and Dad are pretty thrilled 😠pic.twitter.com/cKKXuOCTgp
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) November 28, 2022
Pick 6 Gold Coast - Bailey Humphrey
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
As expected, the Suns wasted no time in selecting the Gippsland Power prospect. A powerful midfielder who can also go forward, Humphrey uses his speed and agility to exit from stoppages and is a good kick with both feet. Likened to Sydney’s Isaac Heeney, he has great goal sense when playing in attack
Pick 5 Essendon - Elijah Tsatas
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
The Bombers have held onto their prized selection and answered one of the big pre-draft questions in selecting Tsatas over SA prospect Mattaes Phillipou. Boasting blistering line-breaking speed, Tsatas has a high-level athletics background. He has a neat step through traffic which allows him to break clear of the contest and regularly finds plenty of the ball.
Your newest Bomber Elijah Tsatas! â¤ðŸ–¤
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Follow the #AFLDraft LIVE: https://t.co/FV5A3qwyMdpic.twitter.com/VMqnJeDxw7
Pick 4 North Melbourne – George Wardlaw
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Joining Sheezel at North Melbourne is the competitive beast Wardlaw, who attacks the footy with everything he has got at ground level or in the air. He wins plenty of the ball himself but is also defensively minded and loves to hunt and tackle his opponent.
George Wardlaw draft reaction pic.twitter.com/6eom855yJe
— Billy Branagan (@WaterCarrier11) November 28, 2022
Pick 3 North Melbourne – Harry Sheezel
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
The Kangaroos have used the first of their two early selections on Sandringham gun Sheezel. Recruiters believed he had the most X-Factor of any player in this year’s draft pool. A creative medium forward, he regularly makes something out of nothing using his great footy smarts and mercurial skills.
Pick 2 Brisbane – Will Ashcroft
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Brisbane has matched North Melbourne’s bid for Ashcroft. A prolific ball-winning midfielder, Ashcroft has been a standout underage player this year. The son of three-time Brisbane premiership player Marcus, Ashcroft wins his own footy and bursts away at speed from stoppages.
First words from Will Ashcroft as a ðŸ¦
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Follow the #AFLDraft LIVE: https://t.co/HJzQNmdkgOpic.twitter.com/C2f24S6ZG0
Live trade: Hawks help out Lions
Hawthorn has traded picks 41, 50, 52, 63 for to Brisbane for 36 and future-third, which helps the Lions match bids for Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher
Pick 1 GWS – Aaron Cadman
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
The Giants have opted against bidding on Brisbane father-son prospect Will Ashcroft, crowning Cadman this year’s No. 1 pick. A lead-up key forward with a sizeable tank, Cadman’s star has continually been on the rise this year. He is a strong mark and good kick on goal who has drawn comparisons to Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron.
No.1 pick Aaron Cadman on his relationship with the player he has been compared to, Jeremy Cameron 🎯
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) November 28, 2022
Follow the #AFLDraft LIVE: https://t.co/HJzQNmdkgOpic.twitter.com/aC7bonTKc7
7.15pm: Dons deal off
- Sam Landsberger
Essendon will not trade the No. 4 draft pick after a trade with Melbourne fell through.
News Corp can reveal the Bombers are set to pick a player - most likely Elijah Tsatas or Matt Phillipou - at the coveted selection.
The Demons were among four clubs who attempted to broker a trade for No.4. The Bombers could’ve scooped three first-round selections across the 2022 and 2023 drafts as part of a deal.
Western Bulldogs also showed interest while Gold Coast acquired late. The Suns considered moving from No. 5 to No. 4 to ensure they secured Bailey Humphrey, given rivals who were in the hunt for No. 4 and also rated Humphrey highly.
6.30pm: Clubs arrive – with some special guests
The clubs have arrived at Marvel Stadium for the first round of the AFL Draft – and the Giants have brought a special guest.
GWS star Toby Greene has joined the recruiting team for the opening night of the draft, eventually presented No. 1 pick Aaron Cadman with his jumper.
St Kilda skipper Jack Steele was also there to welcome the new teammate the Saints will select at pick 9.
We’re here and with a special guest 👀 #AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/AeCHB8x8ar
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) November 28, 2022
Our 2022 #AFLDraft team is set and ready.
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) November 28, 2022
Go well! pic.twitter.com/vdDc8JjtSZ
Ready to welcome our newest Sainters! 😠#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/U1zorEKCP0
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) November 28, 2022
Originally published as AFL Draft 2022 Day 1: All the late mail, news, and every pick from the first round
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