The contenders, the future and how to fix the system: Everything you need to know ahead of the draft
Make me No.1: AFL draft prospects gun for the top, as full nominations released
The rising stars rated most highly want clubs to pick them first rather than placing a bid on Levi Ashcroft. Plus, every player who has nominated for the AFL draft.
- by Marc McGowan
Opinion
Why the AFL draft needs an overhaul to a two-tier system
There is time now to properly craft a new and better system that does not pluck unready kids out of their homes and send them across the country to an abnormal world of outsized expectations.
- by Michael Gleeson
The 504 players who have nominated for this year’s AFL draft
See the full list of players who have nominated so far for this year’s AFL draft, which will run across two days on November 20 and 21.
- by Marc McGowan
THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL
Insiders’ guide to player movement: How to fix free agency and the future of father-son bids
In the first of a two-part series on direction of player movement in the AFL, we look at free agency, academies, new future trading rules and whether a traditional rebuild is still possible as the draft becomes increasingly compromised.
- by Marc McGowan
THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL
Capped contracts, draft concessions and pick purchasing: How AFL player movement could change
In the second of a two-part series on the direction of player movement in the AFL, we look at how Tasmania’s entry into the AFL could play out, as well as the potential next wave of changes, including pick purchasing.
- by Marc McGowan
This kid turned down the NBL. He could be the answer for Richmond
Alex Dodson turned down the chance to play in the NBL for the Adelaide 36ers after emerging as the best ruck prospect in this year’s AFL draft class. Will the Tigers pounce?
- by Marc McGowan
The AFL draft is just weeks away. Here’s where the top-40 prospects could land
The draft is rapidly approaching and the 2024 class has recruiters salivating over its depth of talent and variety. We rank the top-40 players.
- by Marc McGowan
Moves like Jagga: Why hit song means something different to AFL recruiters
Jagga Smith has a rockstar name and an ability to win the Sherrin that no other player in this year’s AFL draft class can match. Could he go No.1?
- by Marc McGowan
Why top draft prospect went on a media ban after meeting Patrick Cripps
Top-10 draft contender Josh Smillie is considered the second coming of Carlton’s dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, but not everything has gone to plan in his final year of underage football.
- by Marc McGowan
Pick a winner: Who your team will target in the AFL draft
We now know the ins and outs, the draft picks and the list spots that are available, so what will your club’s strategy be at the national draft and what players do they have their eyes on?
- by Marc McGowan
The top draft chance who left hospital to watch his mates win a grand final without him
Leading AFL draft hopeful Harry Armstrong has Matthew Lloyd in his corner, a great set of hands, and bundles of goals. But he had to overcome a serious infection barely a year ago.
- by Marc McGowan