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AFL Draft 2025: Every club’s targets and potential pick swaps ahead of first round

The 2025 AFL Draft is only hours away, and we’ve got the latest intel on what every club is thinking as we head towards the start of the draft.

The countdown is on to the 2025 AFL Draft as clubs work to finalise their plans.

Here’s the latest on where your club sits — and who they are being linked to.

See how the first round of the draft could pan out in the late mail edition of the Phantom Draft.

Plus, join the live Q&A below from 11am eastern time.

ADELAIDE

PICKS: 16, 48, 55, 61

LATE MAIL: There have been repeat visits to Mitch Marsh, with rival clubs believing they have caught up close to a handful of times. Central District forward-wingman Cam Nairn shapes as another option for the Crows if he is overlooked by Melbourne.

EARLIER MAIL: The Crows had explored their options to add a second first-round pick or shuffle up the board a touch. But they are staying put now, having decided they didn’t want to trade a future first-round pick into this year given the strength of the 2026 draft. There are plenty of names in the mix for Adelaide but it will be a wait and see who gets through. What life after Taylor Walker looks like is front of mind for the Crows, who have been linked to key forwards Mitch Marsh, Archie Ludowyke and Aidan Schubert. But small forward Lachy Dovaston, rebounding defender Oskar Taylor and key defender Blake Thredgold are among other players set to come into consideration. What Adelaide targets later in the order will depend on what they do with their first pick and who is still available. However, Cody Curtin – a 200cm key forward who is the younger brother of current Crows star Dan – has been linked.

Is Mitchell Marsh Adelaide’s Taylor Walker replacement long term? Picture: David Mariuz/AFL Photos
Is Mitchell Marsh Adelaide’s Taylor Walker replacement long term? Picture: David Mariuz/AFL Photos

BRISBANE

PICKS:17, 23, 44, 51, 57

LATE MAIL: The Lions will only have one pick on night one, which will be matching an early bid on Academy ace Dan Annable. But they’ll be an interesting watch on night two, with a number of other Academy prospects and other players in the mix.

EARLIER MAIL: The Lions’ main target this year is midfielder Dan Annable, who has come through the club’s Academy program. Richmond looks most likely to place a bid on Annable. If that comes at pick 6, Brisbane would require 1493 points to match it, effectively chewing up picks 17 and 23. Brisbane has put pick 17 on the trade table for any clubs looking to move up the order, but there has been little interest in those selections late in the teens. Brisbane has access to three other Academy prospects in 182cm defender Harrison Bridge, 204cm ruckman Isaac Waller, and 181cm mid-forward Tyan Prindable. Waller has rival interest in the rookie draft, while Geelong and Collingwood have interest in Prindable in the national draft. The Lions will also search for another quality player or two out the back of the order, depending on who is still available, with powerful Western Jets prospect Oskar Ainsworth, and SA hyphened duo Noah Roberts-Thomson and Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier among those in contention.

CARLTON

PICKS: 9, 11, 43, 54

LATE MAIL: Father-son prospect Harry Dean will have his Carlton jumper presented to him tonight by father and two-time premiership Blue, Peter. The Blues appear to be in the market for small forwards later in the piece. Geelong VFL’s Tobyn Murray shapes as a late draft or rookie chance, having toured Ikon Park and interviewed with the Blues. They have also shown interest in WA bolter Leon Kickett, Geelong Falcons duo Hugo Mikunda and Jesse Mellor, Oskar Ainsworth, Jack Miller and Sandringham Dragon Willis Reidy, who wasn’t invited to the state combine.

When will the bid come for Harry Dean? Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
When will the bid come for Harry Dean? Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

EARLIER MAIL: The Blues’ hand is set to change dramatically on draft night, with picks 9 and 11 being placed on the trade table. Carlton has spoken to Essendon about trading pick 9 for picks 21, 27 and 30. Pick 11 could also be moved to North Melbourne in a swap for pick 25 and a future second-round selection. The reason for the trades is that an early bid on father-son prospect Harry Dean now looks certain, with the 194cm key defender in the sights of West Coast. If the Eagles bid on Dean at pick 3 – after placing a bid on Zeke Uwland at pick 2 – Carlton would have to cough up 1960 points to match it. A trade with the Bombers would bank a few extra points to match such a bid, while the trade with the Kangaroos would also help bank some more points to match an early bid on father-son prospect Cody Walker next year. The Blues are likely to have another bid to match in the late teens or early 20s on Jack Ison this year. Ison is a 191cm midfielder-forward with a deft left boot.

COLLINGWOOD

PICKS: 39, 45, 56, 58, 67

LATE MAIL: Hawthorn is a potential bid threat for Zac McCarthy later in the first round. Defenders Max Kondogiannis and Avery Thomas, Geelong Falcons forwards Hugo Mikunda and Jesse Mellor are potential options when they enter the draft. The Pies could also place bids on Lions Academy mid-forward and Dockers NGA ball-magnet Toby Whan. Dandenong Stingray Callum Smith is another the Pies have looked at. Don’t be surprised to see them take Cats VFL small Tobyn Murray either later in the draft, given recruiting manager Shane O’Bree crossed from Geelong ahead of the season.

EARLIER MAIL: The Magpies’ first pick will wind in a few spots, but a bid on Next Generation Academy prospect Zac McCarthy could come before that point and swallow it up if Collingwood decides to match on the exciting 199cm forward-ruck. If that’s the case, the Magpies will be searching for some hidden gems at the tail end of the draft. They won’t pick father-son prospect Tom McGuane, but are considering another NGA prospect in small forward Jai Saxena as a possible late or rookie pick. Big-bodied Murray Bushrangers midfielder Riley Onley is one name who has been linked to Collingwood later in the order.

ESSENDON

PICKS: 5, 6, 21, 27, 30

LATE MAIL: Whispers remain around whether the Bombers could swing a late surprise and package up some picks to grab one of West Coast’s top-two picks. If they did, Cooper Duff-Tytler would be the target. It looks unlikely, but this year little can be ruled out. Coburg VFL midfielder Flynn Gentile has also generated significant late interest from the Bombers, having also tracked Geelong VFL best-and-fairest Marcus Herbert.

The Bombers seem unlikely to nab Cooper Duff-Tytler. Picture: Michael Klein
The Bombers seem unlikely to nab Cooper Duff-Tytler. Picture: Michael Klein

EARLIER MAIL: The Bombers look set to hold three top-10 picks when the draft kicks off on Wednesday night, having held productive talks with Carlton. They are leading contenders to secure pick 9 from the Blues, in exchange for picks 21, 27 and 30. While there has been talk about Essendon moving up further to grab pick 2 from West Coast, that now looks highly unlikely. Sullivan Robey, Xavier Taylor and Lachy Dovaston all watched Bombers training last week and are players of interest. But Robey and Taylor are also firmly in Richmond’s mix and the Tigers have the two picks before Essendon. South Australian duo Dyson Sharp and Sam Cumming and West Australian Jacob Farrow are also in the Bombers’ mix. Essendon has two Next Generation Academy members available to it as well in Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar. The Bombers have not made any firm commitments to either player and could let another club have Sweid if a bid comes for him in the early 20s. The mooted trade with Carlton looks set to complicate that even more, though, with Essendon to be left with no second-round picks to match a bid. El Achkar looms as a late or rookie selection.

WATCH EPISODE 1 OF AFL DRAFT DOCUSERIES CHASING THE DREAM NOW

FREMANTLE

PICKS: 20, 47, 64, 72

LATE MAIL: The Dockers have shown a keen interest in Sandringham Dragons small forward Willis Reidy. Oakleigh Chargers speedster Hunter Holmes is another under consideration later on, along with SA prospects Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier and Noah Roberts-Thomson, and forward Oskar Ainsworth.

EARLIER MAIL: The Dockers could become known as ‘Bidmantle’ after the first night of the draft, having been linked to a raft of players tied to other clubs. Adam Sweid (Essendon), Jack Ison (Carlton), Harry Kyle (Sydney), Lachie Carmichael (Sydney), Beau Addinsall (Gold Coast) and Tylah Williams (West Coast) have been just some of the club-tied prospects in the Dockers’ sights. Fremantle could quite easily land one of those players if it wants them at pick 20, given the clubs they are tied to are no certainty to match an early bid. Other names linked to the Dockers include small forward Lachy Dovaston, medium forward Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves and defender Blake Thredgold. The Dockers also have access two NGA prospects of their own in Toby Whan and Ryda Luke. The pair could be late or rookie picks, or be added as category B rookies if no rival bids are made on them, with Collingwood and St Kilda potential bid threats for Whan.

Could the Dockers poach Adam Sweid from Essendon? Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.
Could the Dockers poach Adam Sweid from Essendon? Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

GEELONG

PICKS:19, 40

LATE MAIL: Elite-kicking halfback Jeff Dahlitz shapes as a rookie chance at the Cats.

EARLIER MAIL: Geelong will take just two selections in the national draft, but there are plenty of players linked to them given the uncertainty in the 20-40 range. Sandringham Dragons tall Archie Ludowyke has been consistently linked to Geelong, a selection that would make sense given the lack of 195cm+ key forwards on their list. As has Eastern Ranges inside bull Ollie Greeves, who tested his tank last week with a last-minute 2km time trial. Local Falcons product Josh Lindsay, sparkplug small forward Latrelle Pickett and speedy defender Oskar Taylor may be gone by the time the Cats are on the clock but would be right in their thinking, along with x-factor forward Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, athletic key defender Blake Thredgold, and his South Australian teammate Harley Barker. Geelong bidded on Brisbane premiership player Ty Gallop earlier than most expected, and the Cats could place bids on Suns Academy duo Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall or Carlton NGA prospect Jack Ison. The Cats have also taken a liking to St Kilda NGA prospect Kye Fincher, and a bid at their second choice – which would move in after club bids – would leave the Saints with a difficult decision. Running machine ruck Louis Emmett’s range starts at Geelong’s first pick, but he may be available at their second selection. They are also big fans of Emmett’s Oakleigh Chargers teammate Max Kondogiannis, an underrated intercept defender, and are among Murray Bushrangers key forward Liam Hetherton and lively forward WA forward Leon Kickett’s suitors. Don’t be surprised to see the Cats take Hunter Holmes, the younger brother of dual Carji Greeves medallist Max, who is a late draft or rookie option with upside.

Geelong Falcons speedster Hugo Mikunda is a local contender at pick 40, but it appears unlikely the Cats will select NGA forward Jesse Mellor at that point, opening the door for several clubs at the back-end of the draft. If he doesn’t attract a bid, Geelong will likely slot him as their final Category B rookie. The Mellor situation has a domino effect for NGA prospect and AFL Academy graduate Ben Rongdit, whose best chance of joining the Cats is as a Category B rookie after an ACL blow in May. Geelong will take one regular rookie selection along with re-adding delisted duo George Stevens and Keighton Matofai-Forbes. The Cats have also shown interest in a trio of mature-agers in Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist Tom Blamires, a ready-made halfback, and had Cats VFL players Tobyn Murray and Marcus Herbert in for medicals after their season finished up. They have also tracked WA all-Australian Fred Rodriguez, SA forward-mid Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier, Brisbane academy mid-forward Tyan Prindable, and Western Jets quartet Finn Davis, Oskar Ainsworth, Tom Burton and Tom McGuane, a Collingwood father-son who the Pies won’t take in the national draft.

Archie Ludowyke has long been linked to the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein
Archie Ludowyke has long been linked to the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein

GOLD COAST

PICKS: 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52 (3773 draft points)

LATE MAIL: Clubs believe West Coast is set to bid on both Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall. If they did that, signs are pointing to the Suns not matching and Addinsall becoming an Eagle

EARLIER MAIL: Expect some wheeling and dealing from Gold Coast and draft night as it hopes to secure a handful of academy talents. But can the Suns get them all under the new bidding system and draft value index? You would back them in considering their recent track record, with the Suns’ pick 15 and 18 on the table to bank more points. However, they haven’t got a great deal of interest from clubs. Suns Academy gun Zeke Uwland is poised to receive a bid from West Coast at pick two, which would cost the club 2232 draft points – more than half of their current total. Blistering halfback Dylan Patterson, who some recruiters view as the No.1 talent in the country, also appears likely to receive a bid inside the top-five from Richmond. Uwland and Patterson are clearly the priority for recruiting manager Kall Burns, but those early bids could have ramifications for smooth-mover Jai Murray, and U18 All Australians Beau Addinsall and Koby Coulson. Murray could be the first to attract a bid as early as late in the first round despite missing most of the season with an ACL rupture. Addinsall range is also poised to begin there, with Geelong, Fremantle and North Melbourne potential threats in the 20s, while underrated 180cm midfielder Coulson shapes as the slider of the five. They have looked at Ted Clohesy, brother of Suns wingman Sam, and 2021 first-round pick Ben Hobbs as ready-made options, who they could add via the rookie draft or the supplemental selection period.

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GWS

PICKS: 12, 35, 73

LATE MAIL: The Giants are poised to trade their second-round pick at 35 (pre-bids) to Gold Coast for a future second-rounder.

EARLIER MAIL: Usually active players at the draft, GWS is set for a quieter period with the possibility of using just one national draft selection. The Giants have committed to redrafting Jake Stringer and Conor Stone, delisting them in order to have three senior list vacancies, after St Kilda’s late backflip on Leek Aleer. GWS don’t mind thinking outside the square, and while it would seem early, and the Giants have done their homework work on Latrelle Pickett after a breakout season with Glenelg’s reserves side. The Giants have taken small forwards Phoenix Gothard and Ollie Hannaford with first-round picks in recent years, but 19-year-old Pickett could impact right away with Darcy Jones with for most of the 2025 with an ACL injury. Oskar Taylor, a first-round bolter in more ways than one, has been strongly linked to GWS and would be a trademark Giants selection with his late season rise, light frame and upside. South Australian wingman Harley Barker’s range likely begins at the Giants, while key forward Archie Ludowyke, who models his game on Aaron Cadman, and exciting SA forward Mitch Marsh are others in the mix. The Giants may consider using a second selection if a player they like slides down the board. GWS has filled its two Category B rookie spots, but Giants Academy utility Riley Hamilton shapes as a potential rookie option after impressing as a 19-year-old at the national championships, . GWS were big fans of Geelong College draft smokey Forbes Gilmour, a national high-jumper, earlier in the year and have also shown interest in Sandringham Dragons halfback Rory Wright. The Giants confirmed in September they will add delisted Don Jayden Laverde post-draft.

HAWTHORN

PICKS: 10, 22, 59, 66

LATE MAIL: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell told Lachy Dovaston last week that he was one of three players the Hawks were looking at with their first choice. Unfortunately, he may be snapped up by their arch-rivals Essendon before they go on the clock.

Lachy Dovaston is firmly in Hawthorn’s sights. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
Lachy Dovaston is firmly in Hawthorn’s sights. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

EARLIER MAIL: Hawthorn loves a smooth-mover, and the Hawks have linked to four in the first-round range that can complement Sam Mitchell’s running game. At the top of the list is West Perth rebounder Jacob Farrow if he remains on the board, but that’s a big if. Speedster Sam Grlj may slide all the way through to the Hawks if he is passed up by the Tigers early on. The Hawks are among a group of clubs in the 10-20 range considering Josh Lindsay, whose piercing left boot would suit them nicely. The Hawks had 20m sprint winner Oskar Taylor in at the club last week and his range starts at their selection, while SA key defender Blake Thredgold and lively small forward Latrelle Pickett are others they have shown interest in. All three may be off the board between their first two selections. Hawthorn unsuccessfully tried to add Ollie Greeves to its Next Generation Academy at the beginning of the year, and he should be right in the Hawk’ hitting zone at their second selection. SA runner Harley Barker shapes as a long-term option at their second pick after rupturing his ACL after the national champs. Later on, the Hawks are among the clubs that could successfully bid on Jesse Mellor, an NGA forward from arch-rivals Geelong.

MELBOURNE

PICKS:7, 8, 37, 63, 65

LATE MAIL: A lot depends on what Richmond and Essendon do before Melbourne enters the frame. Melbourne is clearly into Cam Nairn as one of its picks, but the other is likely to be whichever of Sullivan Robey, Sam Cumming, Xavier Taylor or Jacob Farrow slip through.

SA bolter Cameron Nairn is in Melbourne’s sights. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos
SA bolter Cameron Nairn is in Melbourne’s sights. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos

EARLIER MAIL: Melbourne has two picks at the top of the order and late Cam Nairn is firmly in the Demons’ sights, receiving a late invite to night one of the draft. The SA medium forward or winger is highly rated by clubs, offers versatility and is well-rounded with his elite endurance and clean hands overhead. WA defender-midfielder Jacob Farrow is also right in contention, with his range set to start at Melbourne’s two picks, and Sam Cumming would be difficult to pass up if Essendon doesn’t pounce first. Eastern Ranges goalsneak Lachy Dovaston will enter draft calculations from Melbourne’s selections onwards, while SA tall Aidan Schubert fills a need as an athletic forward-ruck. The Demons have shown interest in Schubert, but there is a view he slides further. There were also early murmurs Melbourne will partner Kysaiah Pickett with his cousin, Glenelg goalsneak Latrelle Pickett. Melbourne is among the clubs in the 30s who could put bidding pressure on St Kilda for NGA prospect Kye Fincher. Melbourne committed mid-year to taking 201cm developing tall Kalani White, son of Melbourne great Jeff, as a father-son prospect, and he appears unlikely to receive a national draft bid. In that scenario, the Demons could either add him as a rookie or take with their last national draft pick. The Demons have filled their Category B rookie allotments after selecting college basketballer Oscar Berry, but NGA graduate Toby Sinnema is expected to be a train-on player with the Dees if he isn’t picked as a rookie.

NORTH MELBOURNE

PICKS: 25, 26, 46 (before mooted trade for Carlton’s pick 11)

LATE MAIL: There’s still intrigue around what the Kangaroos will do with Carlton’s pick 11 as they prepare to move up the board. There have been links to a range of players including Latrelle Pickett, Josh Lindsay, Aidan Schubert, Blake Thredgold and Jevan Phillipou. They visited with Schubert last week and Lindsay on Monday. It looks set to be a pivot point in the draft which will affect a few other picks after that. They have been linked to a bid on Koby Coulson on night two.

Could Schubert help fill a big man void at North Melbourne? Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.
Could Schubert help fill a big man void at North Melbourne? Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

EARLIER MAIL: North Melbourne currently has consecutive second round picks, but the Roos are in the box seat to secure Carlton’s pick 11 in exchange for pick 25 and a future second-rounder. If the Roos secure pick 11, Geelong Falcons distributor Josh Lindsay would come into their thinking. Athletic big man Aidan Schubert and Eastern Ranges goalsneak Lachy Dovaston would both be firmly in the mix, with Dovaston receiving a late invite to the draft. The Roos have done plenty of homework on rising Sturt key defender Blake Thredgold, but would 11 be too early – even after matched bids? He will likely be off the board by their next selection. North Melbourne is expected to snap up wingman Harley Barker if he is still on the board at their second round pick, and could bid on Suns Academy midfielder Beau Addinsall if he slides. The Roos are among the contenders for Oakleigh Chargers ruck Louis Emmett, who has a wide range, while SA forward-mid Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier is a later option.

PORT ADELAIDE

PICKS: 49, 69, 74

LATE MAIL: The Power’s first pick at 49 is set to be traded to Gold Coast for a future third-round selection as the Suns look to bank some more points to match bids. However, Port will still have the option to make a pick late in the order, with SA trio Zane Peucker, Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier and Noah Roberts-Thomson, and ruckman Marcus Krasnadamskis among names being linked.

EARLIER MAIL: The Power will only be bit players in this year’s draft. They have left the door open to potentially pick one player out the back of the order if there is still someone on the board that they like. That selection may be Geelong VFL small forward Tobyn Murray, who the Power are right into, or Western Jets rebounder Finn Davis. The Power have never loved this year’s draft and have been instead busy trying to bank points to match a bid on potential No. 1 pick Dougie Cochrane next year. The AFL officially ticked off Cochrane as a NGA prospect for Port Adelaide last week, given his Indigenous heritage. The son of former Port Adelaide player Stuart and brother of current Power rookie Tom, Dougie is a 196cm tall who has shown an ability to play in all three areas of the ground. He featured in five games at senior level for Central District in the SANFL this year, kicking four goals on debut.

RICHMOND

PICKS: 3, 4, 38, 68

LATE MAIL: Blair Hartley and the Tigers are keeping their cards close to their chests, with rival clubs still without a read on exactly what the Tigers will do with their first two selections. The late interest in West Australian Jacob Farrow is real, but it still looks more likely that he hands at Essendon or Melbourne. A bid on father-son prospect remains unlikely before the Tigers’ third pick, which they will hope to use on another target before potentially nabbing Kellaway late.

Farrow could be a steal from Richmond. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos.
Farrow could be a steal from Richmond. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos.

EARLIER MAIL: Richmond has back-to-back selections after picks three and four, but their actual draftees will likely be later after academy bids. ‘Bidmond’ is set to return, with the Tigers known to be fans of Dylan Patterson – who fits their need for speed – and key defender Harry Dean. A bid on Lions Academy midfielder Dan Annable is also a possibility. Rival clubs expect Eastern Ranges defender and Richmond fan Xavier Taylor to become a Tiger, but are less certain about their second pick. Lightning quick defender-mid Sam Grlj has been thrown around as a possibility, having impressed with their VFL program, but the Tigers have said publicly they will go best available rather than reach for a need. Ranges bolter Sullivan Robey and Wenworth turned SA mid-forward Sam Cumming appear to be more likely options. It will be a fascinating watch to see if the Tigers match a bid for Louis Kellaway, the son of former defender Duncan Kellaway, which could come in the back-half of the draft. The Tigers would consider exciting Dandenong Stingrays forward Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves if he slides to their third pick, and are among clubs in the 30s in the mix for St Kilda NGA prospect Kye Fincher, athletic Tasmanian defender Avery Thomas and Oakleigh Chargers interceptor Max Kondogiannis. Geelong Falcons small forward Hugo Mikunda, WA midfielder Fred Rodriguez, versatile and quick utility Tom Burton, and agile South Australian Noah Roberts-Thomson are other options the Tigers have tracked in the back-half of the draft.

Xavier Taylor, Lachy Dovaston and Oliver Greeves celebrate the Coates League grand final win. Picture: Lachie Chugg/AFL Photos
Xavier Taylor, Lachy Dovaston and Oliver Greeves celebrate the Coates League grand final win. Picture: Lachie Chugg/AFL Photos

ST KILDA

PICKS: 50, 62, 70

LATE MAIL: Expectations are that NGA prospect Kye Fincher will not receive a rival bid until at least early in the second night, which will make it a borderline call on whether the Saints. Geelong, Richmond and Melbourne have all shown interest in Fincher, currently holding late 30s picks that will move in after bids are matched. The Saints didn’t match Geelong’s bid on their NGA graduate Lenny Hofmann last year, and they among the clubs that could plae a bid on Cats NGA forward Jesse Mellor.

EARLIER MAIL: The Saints had been linked to a potential trade back into the first round of the draft, but it would be a shock if that happened now. They have Kye Fincher available as a Next Generation Academy member, but whether or not they match a bid on him will be determined by where one comes. Should a bid come on Fincher earlier than the mid-30s, St Kilda is every chance to let the midfielder go. Matching a bid too early would put the Saints into a points deficit and could affect the club’s first-round draft pick next year. Pick 50 is expected to come in a few spots after other bids are matched, with St Kilda set to search for one or two gems at the tail end of the draft. Which players slide through to that late point of the draft is anyone’s guess.

SYDNEY

PICKS: 31, 32, 42, 60, 71 (1036 draft points)

LATE MAIL: GWS is poised to cause a stir for its arch-rivals Sydney, strongly linked to a bid on Swans academy prospect Harry Kyle. The Swans are among ruckman Marcus Krasnadamskis’ suitors.

EARLIER MAIL: Sydney has four academy prospects to choose from, and three of them – Harry Kyle, Lachlan Carmichael and Max King – could attract first-round bids. Can they secure the talented trio with the revised draft value index and limited draft capital? If the Swans do, they will likely go into draft points deficit next year. Bids in the teens and early 20s will put pressure on the Swans and also wipe selections from the draft board. Kyle is the favourite to have his name called first, a versatile and athletic prospect with plenty of scope.

Sydney Academy prospect Harry Kyle. Picture: Michael Klein
Sydney Academy prospect Harry Kyle. Picture: Michael Klein

Carmichael is a reliable defender who earned MVP status at both U16 and U18 level, with his range set to begin at the Western Bulldogs in the first round. Geelong, Fremantle and North Melbourne could place bids on King, a high upside 191cm forward, in the late first-early second round range. AFL Academy graduate Noah Chamberlain may slide through to the rookie draft, where he can be added as a Category B rookie. Depending how bids impact their draft hand, Oakleigh Chargers defender Max Kondogannis, his teammate Hunter Holmes (brother of Max), Tasmanian small forward Jack Miller, Sturt midfielder-forward Noah Roberts-Thomson, St Kilda NGA playmaker Kye Fincher are options in the back-half of the draft. Sydney are fans of Dandenong Stingrays duo Tairon Ah-Mu, a key forward, and Callum Smith, the grandson of Kevin Bartlett. The Swans have committed to re-adding delisted veterans Jake Lloyd and Dane Rampe in the rookie draft.

WEST COAST

PICKS: 1, 2, 13, 34, 41

LATE MAIL: Former No.1 draft pick Harley Reid is set to present an Eagles jumper to this year’s No.1 pick Willem Duursma tonight. The Eagles have not officially told Duursma or Cooper Duff-Tytler that they will be selecting them, but that remains the most likely scenario pending any crazy eleventh-hour pick swap. They are poised to put points pressure on Gold Coast in an attempt to secure Beau Addinsall, who may be surplus to requirements for the Suns. Bids for their own players will be a fascinating watch, with Tylah Williams tipped to attract a bid from Fremantle on night one. It is suspected father-son Charlie Banfield and NGA prospect Koby Evans are ahead of Wes Walley. Later on, West Coast has shown interest in Sandringham Dragons halfback Rory Wright, Cats NGA forward Jesse Mellor, VFL best young player Tom Blamires and Cats VFL forward Tobyn Murray. Dandenong Stingray Jack Lawrence is a potential draft smokey who the Eagles are fans of, while former Crow Harry Schoenberg is set to sign a one-year deal with the through the SSP.

Tylah Williams could attact an early bid. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos.
Tylah Williams could attact an early bid. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos.

EARLIER MAIL: The Eagles are expected to grab midfielder-forward Willem Duursma at No. 1 on Wednesday night before beginning the bidding wars. Gold Coast is bracing for a potential bid at pick 2 on Academy prospect Zeke Uwland, while West Coast also has Carlton father-son Harry Dean in its sights and is every chance to place a bid on him too. Ruckman-forward Cooper Duff-Tytler is widely favoured to join West Coast with its second selection, but the Eagles are also big fans of Sullivan Robey and Dyson Sharp and haven’t completely ruled out trading that second selection and sliding back. Essendon has spoken to West Coast about moving up the board, but an impressive eleventh-hour offer would need to be put forward for that to be considered. The Eagles are also open to either moving up or moving back their third selection, depending on how the early picks shake out. West Australian rebounding defender Jacob Farrow is unlikely to still be on the board, but South Australian key forward Aidan Schubert is another player who has been linked there. West Coast has NGA prospects Tylah Williams and Koby Evans available to it later in the order or as rookies, along with father-son prospect Charlie Banfield. Rivals suspect a bid could come for Williams as early as night one.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

PICKS:14, 33, 53

LATE MAIL: Keep a close eye on Oskar Taylor if he gets through to the Dogs pick, which looks to be some chance now. The Dogs are particularly keen on a half-back and have done a lot of work on the Eastern Ranges dashing defender.

EALIER MAIL: The Bulldogs are in a promising position to snare a first-round slider. Geelong Falcons defender Josh Lindsay is one of those as a top-five contender earlier in the year, and has been strongly linked to the Dogs. Eastern Ranges small forward Lachy Dovaston is another who they have put a lot of time into him, but does he offer the speed they need in the front half? Mature-age livewire Latrelle Pickett could offer them that dash. Speaking of speed, Oakleigh Chargers halfback or defender Sam Grlj would have to be considered if he fell that far, with the . The Bulldogs are also open to live trades, especially if it helps them get future picks in the door. Swan Districts goalsneak Leon Kickett is a small forward that could come into their thinking at their second pick, while they have shown plenty of interest in rising Eastern Ranges ruck Marcus Krasnadamskis. Father-son prospect Will Darcy is expected to be taken in the national draft with the Dogs’ last pick, with a rival bid unlikely before then. A late developer like his brother Sam, Will was off-Broadway with Scotch College before being added to the Oakleigh Chargers program during the season.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2025: Every club’s targets and potential pick swaps ahead of first round

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2025-every-clubs-targets-and-potential-pick-swaps-ahead-of-first-round/news-story/2c66e769921dbbc67207a7cea53a7820