The 18 Tasmanians who have nominated for AFL Draft

Some are more stabs in the dark, like Devils skipper Connor Ling, and Tasmania’s expectations are much lower than last year’s ‘super draft’. But 18 young guns have officially put themselves up for grabs in this month’s AFL Draft.

The Jack Riewoldt Best and Fairest 2024 for the Coates Talent League Under 18 Boys, Connor Ling. Picture: Linda Higginson / Solstice Digital

He’s more hopeful than optimistic, but draft nominee Connor Ling feels Tasmania’s ‘super draft’ last year could help ensure more eyes are on the state’s young guns in coming years.

Ling is one of 18 Tasmanians to officially nominate for the draft thus far, with nominations to close this Wednesday before the first day of the draft on November 20.

Towering North Launceston ruck Oliver Dean and North Hobart product Nathaniel Sulzberger are considered the best Tasmanian hopes of being picked up after being invited to the recent State Draft Combine in Melbourne.

Tasmanian draft hopeful Oliver Dean. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Glenorchy product Ling won the Jack Riewoldt Medal as the Devils’ best and fairest this year, after captaining them to the finals.

He spent some time as an inside midfielder, and took on more responsibility after starts Colby McKercher, James Leake and Arie Schoenmaker stepped up to the AFL this year.

The last few years with the talent that’s come out of here, it’s shown the Tassie boys can keep up with the mainland,” Ling said.

“With those boys showing they can do it at AFL level - there’s nothing special about what club you come from it’s how you go about it.”

Oscar Van Dam is another who could be an overage bolter after the 19-year-old’s stellar TSL campaign with unbeaten premiers North Launceston.

“It’s probably unlikely but I thought I’d just nominate anyway,” Ling said.

“With how we (Devils) performed through the year with an eight game winning streak, that definitely helps.

“I need to go for my marks more definitely, and just being that vocal leader. I’m probably a bit quiet and hide away a little bit.

“Yeah definitely (the captaincy helped), just stepping up and you just can’t hide away in big moments.

North Launceston's Harry Elmer breaks a tackle. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“You try and bring your teammates into it and stand up as well, you’ve got that chip on your shoulder.”

Last year’s draft was arguably the best in Tasmania’s history, particularly for the Launceston region.

McKercher (pick two), Ryler Sanders (pick six), Leake (17) and Schoenmaker (62) were all snapped up, with all bar the injury-struck Leake making their AFL debuts this year.

The AFL draft is held over two nights on November 20-21, followed by the pre season and rookie drafts on November 22.

TASMANIAN DRAFT NOMINEES

Reiley Banks (Lauderdale)

Tommy Bennett (Kingborough)

Harry Brereton (Kingborough)

Marty Brereton (Kingborough)

Oliver Dean (North Launceston)

Oliver Depaoli-Kubank (North Launceston)

Jack Dolliver (Clarence)

Jack Dolliver takes a mark for Clarence Picture: Chris Kidd

Lenny Douglas (North Launceston)

Harry Elmer (North Launceston)

Max Geappen (Clarence)

Alexander Gill (Clarence)

Connor Ling (Glenorchy)

Liam Ling (Glenorchy)

Kobi Lyons (Wynyard)

Max Mapley (Clarence)

Luke Pirlot (Evandale)

Max Roney (North Launceston)

Oscar Van Dam (North Launceston)