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AFL Mock Draft 2021: Our talent watchers play the role of recruiters and take every pick

Our draft gurus put their recruiting hats on and took every pick of the draft with live trades, bids and all. Find out how things played out.

Full AFL Mock Draft

Welcome to mock draft day.

Talent watchers Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten played the role of club recruiters in selecting the entire draft with live trades, bids and all.

Each took the reigns of nine clubs and the draft was a reflection of club need - and there were plenty of surprises

WATCH THE REPLAY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE AND SEE EVERY PICK BELOW.

WHO WE PICKED FOR

Jordan Pinto: Collingwood, GWS, Richmond, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Essendon, Brisbane, Sydney, Western Bulldogs

Dan Batten: North Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Fremantle, West Coast, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton

Note: The order has been adjusted along the way to reflect matched bids. In the actual event, teams with late-round picks, depending on list spots, may use them to upgrade rookie players or not use them at all, but for this exercise, players were picked until all clubs finished with the minimum of three.

FIRST ROUND

1. North Melbourne (Dan Batten)

Jason Horne-Francis (South Adelaide)

Midfielder/forward, 185cm, 81kg

Dan says: A bid on Nick Daicos was a consideration, but Horne-Francis is deserving of being the No.1 draftee in the land. Ready-made after two full seasons against men in the SANFL, the powerful and dominant South Australian will spark North Melbourne’s rebuild.

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Nick Daicos will become a Collingwood player on November 24. Picture: Michael Klein
Nick Daicos will become a Collingwood player on November 24. Picture: Michael Klein

2. Collingwood (Jordan Pinto)

Matching GWS’ bid

Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers)

Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 72kg

Jordan says: No hesitation in matching the bid for the sublimely-skilled midfielder, who has the best footy IQ in the draft pool. And could’ve played for the Pies this year.

Note: With the 20% father-son discount applied, the Magpies need 2013.6 draft value index points to match the bid. This means they lose picks 38, 38, 40, 46 and 48.

3. Western Bulldogs (JP)

Matching GWS’ bid

Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers)

Key forward/defender, 205cm, 93kg

Jordan says: The Bulldogs will be stoked to land the most-exciting key-position prospect in the draft the second year running. Darcy moves unbelievably well for a 204cm big man and is elite in the air - at either end.

Note: With the 20% father-son discount applied, the Bulldogs need 1787 draft value index points to match the bid. This means they lose picks 23, 43 and 44, and pick 45 slides back to 63.

4. GWS (JP)

Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers)

Forward/midfielder, 179cm, 81kg

Jordan says: Finn Callaghan is hard to pass up here, and GWS are also likely to consider Mac Andrew and Josh Gibcus with this pick on November 24. But in a team stacked with midfielders, the addition of, arguably, the most skilled player in the draft across half-forward will improve the Giants immediately. And this is my only chance as GWS.

5. Gold Coast (DB)

Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels)

Key defender, 196cm, 87kg

Dan says: Callaghan was the best available, but the Suns need an intercept star rather than another stunning midfielder. Gibcus is the leading key-defender in the pool and his enormous leap and fantastic reading of the play will be a great asset to the Suns.

POWER RANKINGS: THE TOP 40 PROSPECTS IN THE COUNTRY

Finn Callaghan in action at the Victoria training day this week. Picture: Michael Klein.
Finn Callaghan in action at the Victoria training day this week. Picture: Michael Klein.

6. Adelaide (DB)

Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons)

Midfielder, 191cm, 86kg

Dan says: And Marvel Stadium erupts! This is a dream scenario for the Crows, who are crying out for speed and height in the midfield. Callaghan has been compared to Marcus Bontempelli, and his attacking traits are as promising as any midfielder in the draft.

7. Hawthorn (JP)

Josh Ward (Northern Knights)

Midfielder, 183cm, 77kg

Jordan says: A great way to kick off an important draft for the rebuilding Hawks. Ward is a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever by hand at the contest. But he’s also very effective by foot away from it and just makes things happen - and that’s why I’ve picked him ahead of a few others here.

8. Fremantle (DB)

Jye Amiss (East Perth)

Key forward, 196cm, 83kg

Dan says: Hobbs came into my thinking here, but he is a similar type to the likes of Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, and a taller midfielder could be on the cards at 10. Instead, I opted to fill a major need for the Dockers by locking in the next-best tall forward after Sam Darcy, WA dead-eye Jye Amiss.

9. Richmond (JP)

Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels)

Midfielder, 183cm, 79kg

Jordan says: Couldn’t say Hobbs’ name quick enough after the Dockers passed him up. But will they on draft night? He’s a strong leader, competitive and elite on the inside, making him a great long-term replacement for Trent Cotchin.

MORE PROFILES: SEE THE TOP PROSPECTS IN EVERY POSITION

Will Fremantle or West Coast swoop on local star Neil Erasmus in the draft? Picture: Michael Klein
Will Fremantle or West Coast swoop on local star Neil Erasmus in the draft? Picture: Michael Klein

10. Fremantle (DB)

Neil Erasmus (Subiaco)

Midfielder, 190cm, 82kg

Dan says: This is that taller midfield I was talking about. Erasmus only just started playing as a midfielder this year but his contested ball-winning, overhead marking and forward craft give him the tools to be a damaging inside midfielder as superstar Nat Fyfe transitions into a forward.

11. St Kilda (JP)

Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays)

Ruckman, 201cm, 74kg

Jordan says: I couldn’t let Andrew slide any further. With a ceiling as high as any player in this year’s draft, the athletic big man, who takes the ball so cleanly at ground level, is too good to pass up. We’ll get the speed and midfield skill through the NGA prospects - I hope.

12. West Coast (DB)

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg/SA)

Wingman, 188cm, 71kg

Dan says: When you look at the Eagles midfield, there is a lack of quality ball users. Wanganeen-Milera provides that in spades with his laser-like footskills and it makes sense for the Eagles to nab the best pick in the draft with their earliest selection since 2014.

TRADE: Richmond sends picks 17 and 30 to Essendon for picks 13 and 53.

Josh Sinn was touted as a top-five pick heading into the year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
Josh Sinn was touted as a top-five pick heading into the year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

13. Richmond (JP)

Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons)

Defender/midfielder, 187cm, 78kg

Jordan says: With Sinn still available, I went to the Bombers to move up the board, given there’s a strong chance he isn’t there in four picks time. He offers the outside speed the Tigers need right away and, at 187cm with long arms and clean hands, he has the potential to develop into a game-breaking midfielder.

14. Port Adelaide (DB)

Matt Johnson (Subiaco/WA)

Midfielder, 192cm, 80kg

Jordan says: Weighed up a number of options, including Josh Goater and Tyler Sonsie, but I feel Johnson gives a different dimension to their midfield mix, which Connor Rozee and Zak Butters are tipped to be added to in the near future. The tall and creative midfielder is a great decision maker and provides a touch of class to the coalface.

15. GWS (JP)

Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont/WA)

Key defender/forward, 193cm, 91kg

Jordan says: With Rachele through the door, Van Rooyen addresses the need for key-position depth, especially in defence. The WA swingman is as strong as any key-position prospect in the air and he’s dominated at both ends of the ground. Importantly, for a side in the premiership window, he’s more advanced physically.

16. Brisbane (JP)

Josh Goater (Calder Cannons)

Midfielder/defender, 190cm, 80kg

Jordan says: There are a number of prospects who could address the Lions’ need for speed off half-back here, but, for me, Goater is too good to overlook. And he’s likely to start his career in defence, after impressing with his intercept work in the NAB League. But it’s his potential as an athletic 190cm midfielder, who’s brilliant in traffic and can explode out the other side, which is exciting.

17. Essendon (JP)

Campbell Chesser (Sandringham Dragons)

Defender/midfielder 186cm, 83kg

Jordan says: I was happy to trade back a few spots as the Bombers to gain another top 30 selection. And I’m even happier now. The explosive Chesser bounces just makes things happen and his speed and foot skills on the outside suit the Bombers perfectly. Unlikely to slide too much further on draft night, despite injury-interrupted year.

18. Sydney (JP)

Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights)

Defender, 183cm, 76kg

Jordan says: With Jordan Dawson moving to the Crows and Callum Mills now a permanent fixture in the midfield, Wilmot - and his line-breaking run - is a great fit here. The youngest player in the draft is clean and, defensively, as tough and competitive as they come.

Arlo Draper is one of South Australia’s top prospects. Picture: Tom Huntley
Arlo Draper is one of South Australia’s top prospects. Picture: Tom Huntley

19. Melbourne (DB)

Arlo Draper (South Adelaide)

Forward/midfielder, 186cm, 75kg

Dan says: Tyler Sonsie or Draper? It was a tough choice for either of these first-round sliders, but I settled for Draper as he is a unique talent with significant upside. Not having settled in a position shouldn’t necessarily be a hindrance, with his versatility allowing him to provide his trademark X-Factor anywhere on the ground for the Demons.

20. Brisbane (JP)

Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges)

Midfielder, 181cm, 73kg

Jordan says: With the classy Victorian sliding through, I had to overlook what a Tom Brown or Rhett Bazzo bring in terms of needs. A goalkicking midfielder with terrific skills, Sonsie keeps his feet and is rarely rushed.

SECOND ROUND

TRADE: Fremantle trade pick 21 for Geelong’s 32 and 34 (both picks pending bids)

21. Geelong (DB)

Tom Brown (Geelong Falcons)

Defender, 186cm, 77kg

Dan says: A calculated move from the Cats to nab a player who, with a little more luck, would have been a father-son prospect through 84-game Geelong player Paul Brown. The defender provides the speed Geelong needs off half-back and his intercept game will assist Tom Stewart.

22. GWS (JP)

Matching North bid

Josh Fahey (GWS Academy)

Defender, 186cm, 76kg

Jordan says: The Giants believe Fahey falls somewhere between 15 and 30 so a bid this high on November 24 won’t surprise them. Like I’m doing here, though, they should match and welcome the defensively-minded, long-kicking speedster.

Note: With the academy discount applied, the Giants need 845 draft value index points to match the bid. In this exercise, unless they trade, this means their remaining picks are wiped out and they go into deficit

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Leek Alleer starred as an intercept defender in the SANFL. Picture: Morgan Sette
Leek Alleer starred as an intercept defender in the SANFL. Picture: Morgan Sette

23. North Melbourne (DB)

Leek Alleer (Central District)

Key defender, 195cm, 81kg

Dan says: With a bevy of key forwards and midfielders, the next need to tick off is a key defender. The athletic Alleer is the best available at this stage and mature-ager’s upside is as high as record-breaking running vertical jump - 106cm to be precise.

24. Hawthorn (JP)

Sam Butler (GWV Rebels)

Forward/midfielder, 184cm, 76kg

Jordan says: Butler is clean at the contest and, with a terrific athletic profile, is able to explode away from it, too. I like him in the midfield in the future, but Butler, the younger brother of St Kilda’s Dan, has a great offensive-defensive balance as a forward. And there is a spot in Hawthorn’s side in that type of role right away.

25. Geelong (DB)

Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons)

Inside midfielder, 193cm, 81kg

Dan says: This local Geelong product will help improve the age profile of the Cats’ ageing midfield group. Knevitt isn’t just another Charlie Constable - he offers blistering speed and contested marking as an inside midfielder.

26. Hawthorn (JP)

Jack Williams (East Fremantle)

Key forward/ruckman, 195cm, 93kg

Jordan says: Very hard to pass up the ‘money kick’ of the draft in Zac Taylor here but the Hawks need to bolster their young key-position stocks and this is probably my last chance to get one of the top talents. The versatile WA big man can play in defence and as a mobile ruckman but it’s Williams’ marking as a forward that really stands out.

Jesse Motlop could suit Carlton’s needs with its first pick.
Jesse Motlop could suit Carlton’s needs with its first pick.

27. Carlton (DB)

Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle)
Small forward, 176cm, 74kg

Dan says: Blues list boss Nick Austin has been on record saying the club is looking for “someone who can go forward and have an impact in the forward half” and crafty small forward Jesse Motlop fits the bill. Motlop has half a season under his belt against senior bodies in the WAFL, proving to be a consistent goalkicker despite being undersized.

28. Richmond (JP)

Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons)

Midfielder, 177cm, 78kg

Jordan says: The inside grunt of Hobbs, the speed of Sinn and now they elite ball use of Taylor - I think Tigers fans would be pretty happy if it turned out similar to this on draft night.

29. Richmond (JP)

Rhett Bazzo (Swan Districts)

Key defender/forward 195cm, 81kg

Jordan says: And with back-to-back picks, I’ve been able to add to the club’s key-defensive stocks. Bazzo, too, can play at either end but it’s his intercept-marking behind the ball which stands out.

30. St Kilda (JP)

Matching Essendon’s bid

Marcus Windhager (Sandringham Dragons)

Midfielder, 184cm, 85kg

Jordan says: It could be a nervous wait for the Saints, given they will be unable to match a bid for Windhager in the top 20. But I will do so here right away. He’s a dynamic midfielder, with speed and power - just what the club needs.

Note: With the academy discount applied, the Saints need 503 draft value index points to match the bid. In this exercise, unless they trade, this means their remaining picks are wiped out and they go into deficit.

Blake Howes has plenty of appealing traits. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
Blake Howes has plenty of appealing traits. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

31. Essendon (JP)

Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons)

Forward/midfielder, 190cm, 79kg

Jordan says: The Bombers list is pretty well balanced across the board but a tall, athletic wingman - which Howes could develop into - adds to the club’s young talent nicely. He suits a small need, but the high-marking teenager is the best available at this point, anyway.

32. St Kilda (JP)

Matching West Coast’s bid

Michito Owens (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)

Midfielder, 191cm, 87kg

Jordan says: As West Coast, Dan really put the pressure on here. But I won’t let Owens get away to Perth. Standing at 190cm, after a huge late growth spurt, there’s a lot to like about the athletic, high-leaping teenager, who could continue to develop into an attacking weapon.

Note: Matching this bid forces St Kilda into further deficit.

33. West Coast (DB)

Matty Roberts (South Adelaide/SA)

Midfielder/forward, 184cm, 84kg

Dan says: He is a similar type to West Coast’s midfield mix but I had to go with the slider. Most of the Eagles’ top-flight on-ballers are on the wrong side of 25 and while there’s been knocks over his athleticism, he has the footy smarts and ball-winning to be a reliable inside midfielder.

34. Geelong (DB)

Judson Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)

Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 72kg

Dan says: First the intercept medium defender, then the hulking inside bull and now the X-Factor forward-midfielder for the Cats. Clarke is a good get here as one of the most damaging forward-half players in the pool.

35. Sydney (JP)

Cooper Murley (Norwood)

Midfielder/forward, 178cm, 70kg

Jordan says: He battled injury this year but I’ve seen what he’s done up close over the past few seasons. Murley is quick, clean, well-balanced, wins the ball on the move, uses it well on both feet and will add another layer to a young Swans team forward of centre. The SA clubs may swoop if I don’t pounce here, too.

Corey Warner impressed for WA at the under-19 carnival. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos
Corey Warner impressed for WA at the under-19 carnival. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos

36. Fremantle (DB)

Corey Warner (East Fremantle/WA)

Midfielder, 182cm, 72kg

Dan says: A good get for the Dockers, who are in need of a wingman, after splitting their second round pick in our live trade with the Cats. The brother of dynamic Swan Chad, Warner is a more balanced midfielder who offers run and all-round athletic gifts, which he showcased at the AFL Draft Combine with four top-eight finishes.

37. Port Adelaide (DB)

Matching Adelaide’s bid

Jase Burgoyne (WWT/SA)

Midfielder/defender, 186cm, 65kg

Dan says: Some funny-buggers here from the cross-town rival - this would be considered unlikely to occur on the night, but the run and dash of Burgoyne would fill a need for the Crows.

Note: With the 20% father-son discount applied, the Power need 483 draft value index points to match the bid. This means they go into draft deficit, but can select picks in the fourth round which are worth 0 points.

38. Adelaide (DB)

Sam Banks (Tasmania Devils/Allies)

Running defender/midfielder, 186cm, 71kg

Dan says: After the unsuccessful bid on Burgoyne, the elite ball-use, leadership qualities and size of defender-midfielder Banks is appealing.

39. Fremantle (DB)

Toby Conway (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)

Ruckman, 205cm, 97kg

Dan says: The Dockers have emerging star Sean Darcy and Lloyd Meek as ruckmen but no developing ruck under that, which is why slider Conway is worth snaring with an eye to the future.

40. West Coast (DB)

Noah Pegoraro (West Perth/WAFL)

Key defender, 194cm, 90kg

Dan says: A bit of a punt here for the Eagles plucking 24-year-old key defender Pegoraro, who has bolted into draft considerations after leading the WAFL in intercept marks and impressing with his vertical leap at the draft combine.

41. Melbourne (DB)

Angus Sheldrick (Claremont)

Midfielder, 179cm, 86kg

Dan says: Not too many needs to fill at the Dees, so Sheldrick gives them extra midfield depth as a ready-made inside bull.

Charlie Dean had a breakout year for Williamstown in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein.
Charlie Dean had a breakout year for Williamstown in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein.

ROUND THREE

42. Sydney (JP)

Charlie Dean (Williamstown/VFL)

Key defender, 195cm, 89kg

Jordan says: The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, as the best young player in the VFL, fills a need for the Swans, and is ready to step straight in. A few other clubs are in a similar boat in the next few picks, too. Dean is strong in the air and reads the play well, averaging 8.2 intercept possessions per game this year.

43. Brisbane (JP)

Alastair Lord (Norwood)

Defender/midfielder, 180cm, 76kg

Jordan says: After taking Sonsie as the best-available with Brisbane’s last pick, I’ve gone with the player who adds that further speed and skill in the back-half. Lord, who recorded the fastest agility time at the combine, offers game-breaking run and daring foot skills from defence.

44. North Melbourne (DB)

Corey Preston (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)

Small defender/forward, 182cm, 77kg

Dan says: Preston offers exciting traits either as a dynamic small forward or as an efficient rebounding defender.

45. North Melbourne (DB)

Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels)

Medium forward, 185cm, 77kg

Dan says: Speaking of exciting, Lohmann’s highlight reel is something to behold with his high-marking and speed, and if he puts the pieces together, he could be anything.

46. Melbourne (DB)

Lewis Rayson (Glenelg)

Defender, 183cm, 69kg

Dan says: A small rebounding defender to add to Melbourne’s current defensive mix, impressing with his efficient disposal at national championships level.

47. Geelong (DB)

Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays)

Midfielder, 185cm, 83kg

Dan says: Snapping up a midfielder of MacDonald’s calibre — proving to be a prolific ball-winner at NAB League level this year — completes a nice mock draft haul for the Cats.

Brady Hough lands at Richmond in our mock draft. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Brady Hough lands at Richmond in our mock draft. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Western Bulldogs have shown interest in Glenelg's Hugh Stagg. Picture: Cory Sutton/SANFL
Western Bulldogs have shown interest in Glenelg's Hugh Stagg. Picture: Cory Sutton/SANFL

48. Richmond (JP)

Brady Hough (Peel Thunder)

Utility, 189cm, 75kg

Jordan says: Rounding off Richmond’s haul with the impressive West Australian, who can play multiple positions. Hough is strong overhead and composed with the ball in hand, making great decisions going forward. Given his rapid rise, there appears to be plenty of improvement left, foo.

49. Western Bulldogs (JP)

Hugh Stagg (Glenelg)

Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 82kg

Jordan says: The Bulldogs have shown interest in the Glenelg under-18 captain, who won the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the competition’s best player. He’s strong and powerful through congestion in the midfield and can win the game off his own boot inside-50, and could fit in nicely alongside the club’s talented talls.

50. Essendon (JP)

Paul Curtis (Western Jets)

Small forward, 185cm, 75kg

Jordan says: The crafty small, who booted the second-most goals in the NAB League this season, is smart, clean at ground level and would add some serious x-factor to the Essendon forward line.

51. Melbourne (DB)

Josh Rentsch (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)

Key forward, 197cm, 100kg

Dan says: The Morrish medallist will need to throw his weight around more to make it at the top level but his size and contested marking makes him a promising addition to Melbourne’s key-forward stocks.

52. Fremantle (DB)

Matching Collingwood’s bid

Eric Benning (Claremont)

Key forward/ruckman, 196cm, 84kg

Dan says: Another boost to Fremantle’s key forward stocks with the athletic Benning, who is the brother of Adelaide high-flyer Shane McAdam.

53. Collingwood (JP)

Morgan Ferres (Sturt)

Forward, 190cm, 81kg

Jordan says: Ferres suits Collingwood’s need for another tall target in attack. He may be slightly undersized but the Sturt junior makes up for it. He has elite endurance, terrific hands, is often a step ahead of opposition defenders with his running patterns, marks well on the lead and can hold his own in contested situations.

ROUND FOUR

51. Hawthorn (JP)

Lachlan Rankin (Oakleigh Chargers)

Forward/defender, 184cm, 74kg

Jordan says: A nice get for the Hawks to start the fourth-round. Rankin his smart, versatile and can do things with the footy that others can’t.

2021 DOSSIER: FULL DRAFT ORDER PLUS ALL THE TOP PROSPECTS

Tyreece Leiu could find an AFL home late in the draft. Picture: Michael Klein.
Tyreece Leiu could find an AFL home late in the draft. Picture: Michael Klein.

52. Brisbane (JP)

Tyreece Leiu (Eastern Ranges)

Midfielder/defender, 193cm, 91kg

Jordan says: Leiu is a great size, who would offer the Lions a strong-marking, versatile option at either end of the ground. But the Eastern Ranges product, who featured at VFL level this year, can also play as an inside midfielder,

53. Carlton (DB)

Oscar Adams (Glenelg/SA)

Key defender, 198cm, 85kg

Dan says: The shock news of Liam Jones’s retirement means key-defensive reinforcements are needed. We were hoping Leiu would slip through, but I liked what Adams produced during the national championships as an intercepting defender.

54. Hawthorn (JP)

Hugh Jackson (North Adelaide)

Midfielder, 182cm, 72kg

Jordan says: Jackson was the early-season bolter after a blistering start to the SANFL under-18 season. Now a well-balanced midfielder, after a year of rapid development, Jackson wins the ball in traffic and uses it well on the outside.

55. West Coast (DB)

Joshua Cripps (East Perth/WA)

Ruckman/key forward, 198cm, 92kg

Dan says: A key-forward-ruck should be on West Coast’s shopping list and 19-year-old Cripps, the brother of Carlton skipper Patrick, shapes as a long-term option with upside, given his mobility and skills for a player his size.

Joshua Cripps is the brother of Carlton star, Patrick. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Joshua Cripps is the brother of Carlton star, Patrick. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

56. Fremantle (DB)

Jake Soligo (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)

Midfielder/forward, 180cm, 77kg

Dan says: Too low! The Dockers have themselves a bargain here, with Soligo resembling Sydney young gun Errol Gulden with his creative ball-use, endurance and clean hands.

57. Sydney (JP)

James Tunstill (East Perth)

Midfielder, 187cm, 76kg

Jordan says: A strong, well-rounded ball-winner to add to Sydney’s next-generation on-ball brigade, Tunstill makes good decisions with the footy and is comfortable in any midfield role.

58. Melbourne (DB)

Matching North Melbourne’s bid

Taj Woewodin (East Fremantle)

Midfielder, 182cm, 75kg

Dan says: Easy decision to match to secure the son of Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin at this late stage, after he impressed at the combine and at WAFL Colts level.

59. North Melbourne

Jai Serong (Gippsland Power)

Utility, 193cm, 82kg

Dan says: Hard to know Serong’s best position, but the brother of Caleb Serong has height and the athleticism to be a nice late pick-up for the Roos.

60. Port Adelaide (DB)

Arthur Jones (Claremont)

Wingman/forward, 179cm, 65kg

Dan says: Jones boosted his draft claims with an eye-catching national carnival, with the speedy and agile prospect offering considerable potential once he develops physically.

61. Adelaide (DB)

Eamon Wilkinson (South Adelaide/SANFL)

Small forward, 180cm, 76kg

Dan says: The mature-ager looked a mid-season draft lock before an injury in the lead-up, and with the Crows in need of a pressure small forward, the shoe fits.

Eamon Wilkinson was in the mid-season draft frame earlier in the year. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz
Eamon Wilkinson was in the mid-season draft frame earlier in the year. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

62. Brisbane (JP)

Greg Clark (Subiaco)

Midfielder, 193cm, 94 kg

Jordan says: They might not take this many players on draft night, but Clark, who has dominated the WAFL for a number of seasons, adds a tall, strong-bodied midfielder capable of filling a hole and having an immediate impact.

63. North Melbourne (DB)

Karl Worner (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)

Wingman, 188cm, 80kg

Dan says: The 19-year-old smooth mover is a good size and can add to North Melbourne’s outside midfield group with his skills by foot. North is unlikely to take this many players on the night, especially with Jackson Archer coming in. Let’s hope there is no late bid here!

64. Collingwood (JP)

James Willis (North Adelaide)

Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 76kg

Jordan says: Strong defensive attributes, combined with breakaway speed, power and a strong ability forward of centre, make Willis a nice selection late in the draft. Had some huge games at under-18 level before an ankle injury ended his year.

65. Adelaide (DB)

Ben De Bolfo (Northern Knights)

Defender, 190cm, 90kg

Dan says: A 19-year-old medium defender who can play on an array of talls and smalls, filling the void of departing defender Jake Kelly.

66. Hawthorn (JP)

Cooper Beecken (Glenelg)

Defender, 191cm, 75kg

Jordan says: As Hawthorn-like as it gets in the pool. The left-footer can control the game behind the ball in a similar a vein to Will Day and, despite an inconsistent year, the way he moves, kicks and reads the play for a 191cm teenager is eye-catching

67. Carlton (DB)

Blake Schlensog (South Fremantle)

Key defender/forward, 199cm, 99kg

Dan says: Did somebody say… menu Schlensog! The delisted Cat shapes as a promising ready-made replacement for Liam Jones after starring at both ends in the WAFL this year.

68. Western Bulldogs (JP)

Dante Visentini (Sandringham/Vic Metro)

Ruckman/forward, 202cm, 93kg

Jordan says: Strong, physical big man who has shown he can play as a key-position forward, Vistentini could develop into the ruckman the Bulldogs need long-term.

MORE PROFILES: SEE THE TOP PROSPECTS IN EVERY POSITION

Blake Schlensog is back in the draft frame after being delisted by the Cats. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Blake Schlensog is back in the draft frame after being delisted by the Cats. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Dante Visentini in action at the Victorian training day. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images
Dante Visentini in action at the Victorian training day. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

YOUR CLUB’S HAUL

Adelaide: Finn Callaghan, Sam Banks, Eamon Wilkinson, Ben De Bolfo

Brisbane: Josh Goater, Tyler Sonsie, Alastair Lord, Tyreece Leiu, Greg Clark

Carlton: Jesse Motlop, Oscar Adams, Blake Schlensog

Collingwood: Nick Daicos, Morgan Ferres, James Willis

Essendon: Campbell Chesser, Blake Howes, Paul Curtis

Fremantle: Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus, Corey Warner, Toby Conway, Eric Benning, Jake Soligo

Geelong: Tom Brown, Mitch Knevitt, Judson Clarke, Connor MacDonald

Gold Coast: Josh Gibcus

GWS: Josh Rachele, Jacob van Rooyen, Josh Fahey

Hawthorn: Josh Ward, Sam Butler, Jack Williams, Lachlan Rankin, Hugh Jackson, Cooper Beecken

Melbourne: Arlo Draper, Angus Sheldrick, Lewis Rayson, Josh Rentsch, Taj Woewodin

North Melbourne: Jason Horne-Francis, Leek Alleer, Corey Preston, Kai Lohmann, Karl Worner

Port Adelaide: Matt Johnson, Jase Burgoyne, Arthur Jones

Richmond: Ben Hobbs, Josh Sinn, Zac Taylor, Rhett Bazzo, Brady Hough

St Kilda: Mac Andrew, Marcus Windhager, Mitchito Owens

Sydney: Darcy Wilmot, Cooper Murley, Charlie Dean, James Tunstill

West Coast: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Matty Roberts, Noah Pegoraro, Joshua Cripps

Western Bulldogs: Sam Darcy, Hugh Stagg, Dante Visentini

Originally published as AFL Mock Draft 2021: Our talent watchers play the role of recruiters and take every pick

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/afl-mock-draft-2021-how-every-pick-from-every-round-could-fall/news-story/d0092b24244f7917011387d102f8a2db