AFL Mock Draft 2022: See how your club fared
Oakleigh Chargers defender Josh Weddle has some big fans in the first round. But who jumps first – and how early? See how it could all play out in our experts’ mock draft.
The AFL Draft is just two weeks away.
Is your club’s next star about to arrive?
To shine a light on this year’s pool and give you an insight into how the national draft might play out, Chris Cavanagh, Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto played the role of club recruiters in a mock draft of the first two rounds.
The mock is a reflection of club needs and their own opinions, and factor in father-son and academy bids.
It is a different exercise to our phantom draft, which predicts who your club might pick in the draft from inside intel.
Who did your club land in the mock draft? Find out below.
WHO WE’RE PICKING FOR
Chris: Brisbane, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, West Coast
Dan: Fremantle, Gold Coast, GWS, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs
Jordan: Adelaide, Carlton, Geelong, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Sydney
1. Brisbane - Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Matching GWS’ father-son bid
Midfielder, 181cm, 78kg
Chris Cavanagh says: If I’m the Lions, I’m not too worried whether I am coughing up 2400 draft points at pick 1 (after 20 per cent discount for first-round father-son bid) or 2014 draft points at pick 2 for the best player in the land. Ashcroft is as professional a young player as you’ll see come out of underage football and looks as ready as anyone to step up and play AFL football straight away next year. He’s a prolific and classy ball-winning midfielder who could well captain the club down the track. Brisbane will also get access to his younger brother Levi in a couple of years’ time, who is similarly shaping as a top prospect.
2. GWS – Aaron Cadman (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Forward, 195cm, 91kg
Dan Batten says: A bid for Ashcroft had to come at No.1 as he is the clear standout in the pool in my view. But that doesn’t mean Cadman is the clear No.2. The Giants have said publicly that other top five options are a flight risk, and that is part of the reason why I’ve gone with the Vic Country key forward here. However, this should take nothing away from what Cadman can offer the Giants as a high-possession, roaming tall who has shades of Jeremy Cameron.
3. North Melbourne – Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward, 185cm, 80kg
Jordan Pinto says: Two crucial selections for North – in relation to both this draft and really setting up its list for the future. The Roos need another matchwinner and there is none bigger in the 2023 pool than Sheezel. Sublimely skilled, freakish around goal and so assured with the ball in hand, even when dancing in and out of traffic.
4. North Melbourne – George Wardlaw (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 182cm, 80kg
Jordan says: I’ve paired Sheezel with Wardlaw – something we expect North to actually do on November 28. It just makes sense. Elijah Tsatas would provide some more speed on the outside, but Wardlaw’s uncompromising attack on the ball and body make him the right pick here. Clean and powerful on the ground and in the air. I would’ve taken Cadman if GWS passed here.
5. Essendon – Mattaes Phillipou (Woodville-West Torrens/SA)
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 89kg
Chris says: The safe bet for Essendon would be Victorian Elijah Tsatas, who recruiters across the country have had pegged as a top-three pick all year. But the Dons aren’t afraid to do things differently and a player like Phillipou looks a better fit. He’s a bigger-bodied midfielder than what Essendon currently has and can then go forward and do some damage with his marking and goalkicking. The Bombers need more match-winners and Phillipou has the potential to be exactly that.
6. Gold Coast - Bailey Humphrey (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 185cm, 86kg
Dan says: Gold Coast is among the clubs linked to Humphrey and it makes sense, given they are well stocked for Rolls Royce midfielders and lack genuine match-winners. Humphrey has plenty of power and can turn a game in an instant at the coalface or up forward. A tremendous character who has endured so much off the field, Humphrey would link up with friend and former Gippsland Power teammate Sam Flanders at the Suns.
7. Hawthorn Elijah Tsatas (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 186cm, 79kg
Chris says: You would think that the Hawks would consider themselves to be pretty lucky if Tsatas slips this far, given he has been discussed in recruiting circles as a top-three prospect all year. He’s an elite ball-winner with line-breaking speed. He’s more outside than inside – think Josh Kelly from GWS – and there is a slight knock on the defensive side of his game. But there would be plenty to work with for Hawks coach Sam Mitchell.
8. Geelong – Jhye Clark (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 181cm, 76kg
Jordan says: It has to be Clark for the Cats, in a selection that would cap off a remarkable off-season following a flag. He’s the tough local product, who gets it done in most facets of the game. The hard-working, competitive midfielder stands up in big moments and looms as the ideal long-term replacement for Joel Selwood.
9. West Coast – Reuben Ginbey (East Perth/WA)
Midfielder/defender, 189cm, 82kg
Chris says: This would be a dream situation for the Eagles, who traded back in the draft thinking they would still be able to secure a player like homegrown West Australian Ginbey. A big-bodied midfielder who can also impact across half-back, Ginbey was Western Australia’s MVP in the national championships and is a player who looks like he could have an immediate impact for the Eagles next year. West Coast’s midfield could do with a boost.
10. St Kilda – Cam Mackenzie (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 188cm, 83kg
Dan says: Busslinger was also in consideration here, but why not take the talent you’ve spent years developing in your academy program? Mackenzie has the poise in traffic, speed and height that the Saints need in their midfield group.
11. Carlton – Jedd Busslinger (East Perth/WA)
Defender, 196cm, 82kg
Jordan says: The Blues need some run, so I thought about Hollands or Ed Allan, but they also need to boost their key-defender stocks. And they probably can’t do that at the next pick – well not with a top-end talent anyway. That’s exactly what Busslinger, the best key-position prospect behind Cadman, is. The West Australian just gets in great spots to win the ball back off the opposition and his ball-use for an 196cm big man is just as impressive.
12. Western Bulldogs – Ollie Hollands (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 184cm, 71kg
Dan says: The Bulldogs are stacked with inside midfielders and with Busslinger off the board, we will welcome one of the most versatile players in the first round mix. Hollands is a different kettle of fish to his brother Elijah, with his enormous tank meaning he should be able to play a role in 2023 on the outside.
13. West Coast – Ed Allan (Claremont/WA)
Midfielder, 194cm, 83kg
Chris says: It is fair to say it would be Christmas come early for the Eagles if they can snare Allan at pick 13 after getting Ginbey at pick 9. A tall and athletic midfielder who can play inside or outside, Allan has been one of the biggest draft bolters this year. Along with his size, Allan possesses good speed and endurance and he has caught the attention of recruiters across the country despite missing most of the year with a stress fracture in his back. Allan would be another welcome addition to a West Coast midfield that needs to add some more classy young players.
14. Melbourne – Matthew Jefferson (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Forward, 195cm, 84kg
Jordan says: Not quite the next best available in my order but a young, talented key-forward is exactly what Melbourne’s list needs. Jefferson, who booted seven goals against WA at the national carnival, presents well as a spearhead, boasts terrific hands and has plenty of scope for development.
15. Sydney – Josh Weddle (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender, 192cm, 91kg
Jordan says: The Giants or Collingwood could jump, if I don’t pounce on Weddle now – and I don’t want to miss out. Weddle is an outstanding athlete, as he proved at the draft combine, and versatile as defender, equally effective playing on talls, smalls or as an attacking weapon from the back-half. The Swans have a number of young defenders, but the thought of Weddle – who has plenty of upside – slotting into Dane Rampe’s spot long term should get fans excited.
16. GWS – Brayden George (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Forward, 185cm, 87kg
Dan says: With three picks to come in the next five, it’s time to take a punt. George could have stamped himself as a top-10 talent if not for a season-ending ACL injury, which will sideline him for the entirety of next year. But the powerful forward, who is super dangerous in the air and at ground level, is the kind of player that can make a massive difference to the drab Giants’ forward half in time.
17. Brisbane – Jaspa Fletcher (Lions Academy/Allies)
Matching Collingwood’s father-son bid
Midfielder, 183cm, 76kg
Chris says: Another father-son for the Lions and another first-round draft pick who looks capable of playing some senior football next year. Fletcher is the son of Adrian, who played 231 games for four clubs including the Brisbane Bears and Lions. He’s a strong-running wingman or midfielder who makes good decisions and uses the ball well. The Lions wouldn’t be too worried about taking a points deficit into next year’s draft to match a pair of first-round bids on Ashcroft and Fletcher.
18. Collingwood – Henry Hustwaite (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Midfielder/defender, 195cm, 82kg
Chris says: The Magpies know plenty about this young midfielder, who can also be deployed across half-back. Hustwaite’s brother Campbell is a co-captain of the Magpies’ VFL team. The younger brother possesses clean hands, one of a few some similar traits he has to Scott Pendlebury. Another quality midfielder would be a good fit for Collingwood.
19. Sydney – Lachie Cowan (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender, 187cm, 81kg
Jordan says: Dream scenario for me as Sydney here, with Cowan the other player I was thinking about at pick 15. The line-breaking speed and long-kicking of the Morrish Medallist out of defence addresses a small need for a talented Swans list. At 187cm, he’s a great size, too.
20. GWS – Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts/WA)
Midfielder, 185cm, 85kg
Dan says: I can’t let Hewett slide any longer, who I had ranked as a top-10 prospect at stages this year. Hewett has a full season of WAFL footy under his belt - where he got better as the year went on – and finished third in the agility test at the draft combine, an attribute he uses to great effect at stoppages. With Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto gone, he will fill a midfield spot in time and likely start as a high half-forward, where he played at WAFL level
21. GWS – Charlie Clarke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward, 182cm, 80kg
Dan says: Clarke, Jacob Konstanty or Darcy Jones: all promising small forwards who add something a bit different. In the end we settled for the forward spark and defensive pressure of Clarke, who models his game on Toby Greene – including his in-your-face attitude.
22. West Coast – Lewis Hayes (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender, 199cm, 82kg
Chris says: I’m a big fan of Hayes and the Eagles could do with another key defender to add to their list if they don’t get their hands on Jedd Busslinger earlier in the order. Jeremy McGovern will be 31 next year and Tom Barrass is 27. The brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam, Hayes is more than capable one-on-one but is also a strong interceptor who reads the play well. He might still have some growing to do, too, given his older brother hit 205cm.
23. Essendon - Alwyn Davey (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Matching Western Bulldogs’ father-son bid
Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 77kg
Chris says: This would be the worst-case scenario for the Bombers if they can’t trade pick 22. Essendon has committed to take Davey, but would be hoping he slips into the mid-to-late 20s instead after their second pick. Regardless, Davey is considered a top-20 talent by many clubs and the Bombers could very much do with a livewire small forward who boasts blistering speed and can also have a run through the midfield.
24. Adelaide – Max Michalanney (Norwood/SA)
Matching Western Bulldogs’ father-son bid
Defender, 190cm, 78kg
Jordan says: A bid here looks about right for Michalanney and, given his talent, I’m more than happy to match. As often happens with father-son prospects, 24 is further back than some clubs have the versatile defender in their talent order. The Crows will love his competitiveness and he has plenty of class, too.
25. Western Bulldogs – Jacob Konstanty (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 177cm, 73kg
Dan says: A bit of foxing here - father-sons Alwyn Davey Jr and Max Michalanney would both fill needs at the Dogs, but bids on them help us with our next selections at 39 and 69 set to come in with the picks that are matched by the Bombers and Crows. Small forward Konstanty offers relentless defensive pressure – what the Bulldogs lack – and is clever around goal.
26. North Melbourne – Max Gruzewski (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender/forward, 193cm, 84kg
Jordan says: With two midfielders at the top-end, it’s a tall here, with the high-marking Gruzewski filling a need for North Melbourne – at either end of the ground. Impressed in the final game of the national carnival as a forward, but he’s also caught the eye playing a Tom Stewart-style intercepting role in defence before injury interrupted his season. Isaac Keeler was close.
27. Hawthorn – Olli Hotton (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/forward, 182cm, 80kg
Chris says: Lightning quick and boasting great footy smarts, Hotton is a top-20 pick in the eyes of many and is too good not to take if he’s still on the board here. He has traditionally played through the midfield, but excelled in a new role in attack for the Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro this year. The Hawks do have a few small forwards on their list, but Luke Bruest is 32 and Chad Wingard will turn 30 next year so Hotton could be a good fit for the future.
28. Collingwood – Coby Burgiel (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 80kg
Chris says: Firmly in the frame to be a second-round selection, Burgiel’s versatility is one of his key strengths. He can play half-back, half-forward or on a wing and have an impact. He is super quick which allows him to break the lines and has sound skills by hand and foot - traits which would suit the Magpies.
29. West Coast – Darcy Jones (Swan Districts/WA)
Midfielder, 174cm, 63kg
Chris says: If Jones is still available here, you would think the Eagles just pick him. The small forward or midfielder starred in testing at the AFL draft combine to put a stamp on what had already been an impressive year in which he also played some senior WAFL football. The Eagles appear keen to take some locals in this draft and Jones is one of the top prospects out of WA.
30. Collingwood – Harry Barnett (West Adelaide/SA)
Ruck, 202cm, 97kg
Chris says: The Magpies have indicated some interest in selecting a young ruckman in this year’s draft and Barnett is the best available. While he has been a little inconsistent at stages this year, his best has been eye-catching to say the least. Collingwood lost Brodie Grundy during the trade period this year, after Max Lynch departed last year. Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox will have the ruck duties covered next year, but the club’s big man stocks for the future are thin.
31. St Kilda – Isaac Keeler (North Adelaide/SA)
Forward/ruck, 198cm, 89kg
Dan says: With Paddy Ryder retiring, we will take an athletic tall who has been compared to the former Bomber, Power and Saints star. Keeler will need to work hard to improve his running capacity but he oozes talent with his leap and ground level traits for a prospect standing 198cm.
32. Carlton – Kaleb Smith (East Fremantle)
Defender/forward, 181cm, 77kg
Jordan says: A surprise for the Blues here, but the WA bolter’s speed and explosiveness could be just what Carlton is after. The skilful Smith, who dominated the recent state combine, breaks lines from half-back but has been used as a goalkicking weapon further up the ground for Wesley College.
33. Fremantle – Jason Gilbee (Bendigo Pioneers/Allies)
Midfielder/defender, 191cm, 76kg
Dan says: We would have taken Keeler in a heartbeat here with talls at both ends of the ground on the menu. But with some WA key position prospect that the Dockers can snare later, I have gone with running machine Jason Gillbee, a versatile 191cm prospect who could shore up the vacant wing spot left by Blake Acres.
34. GWS – Harry Rowston (Giants Academy/Allies)
Midfielder, 182cm, 81kg
Dan says: This is a good result in the end for the Giants, with an end-of-first-round bid in the equation for Rowston. But if he slides this far on the night, expect the Giants to trade this selection out and use their later picks to match. The Giants Academy prospect won the Allies MVP at the national championships with his forward impact and tough approach at the coalface standing out.
35. St Kilda – Harvey Gallagher (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Defender, 179cm, 77kg
Dan says: Fitting to finish this mock draft with one of my personal favourites in 19-year-old Gallagher. The Pioneers product finished the year with a bang in a Nick Daicos-like halfback role where his vision, footy IQ and elite workrate saw him average ridiculous numbers. The Saints need quality ball-users and he brings that in spades.
36. Port Adelaide – Harry Lemmey (West Adelaide/SA)
Forward, 202cm, 95kg
Jordan says: If you said Port Adelaide would finish the calendar year with Jason Horne-Francis and Harry Lemmey at the start of 2021, you would’ve been laughed out of the room. The West Adelaide forward wasn’t able to maintain the standard he set in a standout bottom-age season but, despite the concerns around his competitiveness, there’s too much talent to let the homegrown product slip any further.
37. Melbourne – Sam Gilbey (Claremont/WA)
Defender, 187cm, 73kg
Jordan says: The Demons got their young forward earlier and now, given the star power and balance of its list, they can afford to take a slight risk. A risk because he is recovering from a broken leg, not because of his talent. Battled injury and Covid earlier in the year, too, but Gilbey has more class and composure than plenty of others in the draft. Reads the play so well in defence but, given the time he gives himself with ball in hand, has shown glimpses of the tall midfielder he could become.
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