MELBOURNE

Picks (at the start of the draft): 7, 8, 37, 63, 65

Selections: Xavier Taylor (11), Latrelle Pickett (12), Thomas Matthews (30)

The Demons would have been stoked to see Xavier Taylor fall to their no.11 slot, with the mid-sized Eastern Ranges interceptor filling an immediate need after Judd McVee departed during the trade period and Steven May and Jake Lever inch towards the end. Taylor’s one-on-one ability and defensive positioning are particularly eye-catching, while his offensive game is also potent. The backman’s reliability as a stopper has seen him compared to Richmond triple premiership champ Nathan Broad, while his counterattacking exploits have seen him likened to electrifying Hawk Josh Weddle. One pick later, Melbourne made the heartwarming call of the draft, pairing Kozzie Pickett with cousin Latrelle — a mature-age bolter — to bolster its forward half. The 20-year-old strut his stuff for Glenelg’s reserves this year, booting 32 goals from 18 games to turn heads, no doubt set to add a dynamic element to Steven King’s attacking unit. The Demons made only one selection on night two, scooping up Thomas Matthews in a second small-forward addition following Charlie Spargo’s departure and Kozzie Pickett’s likely increased midfield time.

Grade: B-

ADELAIDE CROWS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 16, 48, 55, 61

Selections: Mitchell Marsh (22), Archie Ludowyke (50)

The Crows’ first bold play of the national draft actually came before their first pick, as they attempted to nab Essendon’s pick No. 13 in a bid to swoop on homegrown talent Dyson Sharp. Adelaide remarkably offered both this year’s and next year’s first-round picks for the selection, with a fair bit coming back in exchange for the enticing offer. But alas, the club’s first selection ended up being Mitchell Marsh — a medium-sized forward who also hails from South Australia. Fox Footy draft expert Ben Waterworth correctly predicted Marsh’s landing at West Lakes, who is touted as the club’s Taylor Walker replacement with the veteran’s impending retirement. Remarkably, the Crows were tossing up whether they’d take Marsh or Archie Ludowyke with their first pick — and despite a 28-pick gap between selections — and they still managed to get their hands on the latter after a failed bid on Sydney Academy player Max King. Could they have mixed it up a bit, though? Two highly touted forwards added to their list is obviously a win, but the club may still feel like it missed out on a world where it could’ve jagged a top-end midfielder.

Grade: B

BRISBANE LIONS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 17, 23, 44, 51, 57

Selections: Daniel Annable (6, Academy), Koby Evans (38), Cody Curtin (43), Tai Hayes (44)

The reigning back-to-back premiers continue to get stronger and top up with elite young talent. Academy prospect Dan Annable arrived at the Lions with the No. 6 pick to bolster their young nucleus. Suddenly Brisbane, the favourite to win a third-straight flag in 2026, also has its future midfield set with the likes of Annable, the Ashcroft brothers, Jaspa Fletcher and Sam Marshall — all of whom arrived as Academy or father-son picks. Scary times for the rest of the competition. Followed that up with two West Australian prospects – midfielder-forward Koby Evans, who had NGA links to West Coast, and key forward Cody Curtin, younger brother of Dan. They also took Southport midfielder Tai Hayes, the nephew of Saints great Lenny. That trio are speculative picks but Brisbane has a great track record under list bosses Dom Ambrogio and Stephen Conole. In terms of their other Academy-linked prospects, they let Tyan Prindable go to Collingwood and but now have an opportunity to take Harrison Bridge and Isaac Waller as rookies if they want.

Grade: B

CARLTON

Picks (at the start of the draft): 9, 11, 43, 54

Selections: Harry Dean (3, father-son), Talor Byrne (45), Jack Ison (47)

Getting Harry Dean through the door as a father-son pick was priority one, two and three for the Blues. Unfortunately for them, though, a bid came nice and early from West Coast at Pick 3, forcing Carlton to play a hefty price for the young gun defender. It also made the Blues complete a series of pre-draft pick swaps to increase their overall points total and effectively cost them another first-round player. But they’ve come away with the best key defender in the draft, so a big tick for that. And a player who can help anchor their defence long-term and form a potent pairing with Jacob Weitering in the next few years. Jack Ison slipping out to no.47 was a big win, and the Blues traded back three times in the process and gained three future picks to help set them up for a Cody Walker matched bid. They were thought to be eyeing a small forward in addition to Dean and Ison, and they came away with what they were looking for in Talor Byrne — a classic small forward type. Byrne kicked five goals in a game for Vic Country against Metro that hugely boosted his stocks. Carlton did the business it set out to.

Grade: A-

COLLINGWOOD

Picks (at the start of the draft): 39, 45, 56, 58, 67

Selections: Tyan Prindable (32), Samuel Swadling (37), Zac McCarthy (55, NGA), Angus Anderson (59)

They were never going to be big players, with a bunch of later picks, but still took four players. Hopefully for the sake of Pies fans, they’ve plucked some diamonds in the rough. It was very midfield focused as they look to replenish around Nick Daicos in that area of the ground. Began their draft on night two with Pick 32 bolter and Brisbane Academy prospect Tyan Prindable after the Lions opted not to match the bid. They followed that up with West Perth midfielder Sam Swadling five picks later. He’s a ball magnet who represented WA in the National Championships and can kick on both sides. Swadling racked up 47, 34 and 28 disposals respectively over a three-week stretch of Swans Districts Colts. The Pies would also be happy to come away with Academy tall Zac McCarthy, who could be anything but is extremely raw and the definition of a long-term investment, with one of the last picks of the draft.

Grade: C-

ESSENDON

Picks (at the start of the draft): 5, 6, 21, 27, 30

Selections: Sullivan Robey (9), Jacob Farrow (10), Dyson Sharp (13), Max Kondogiannis (36), Hussien El Achkar (53, NGA)

Essendon was one of the bigger draft winners, benefitting hugely from Richmond taking Sam Grlj at no.8 and passing on Sullivan Robey, whom the Bombers took along with Jacob Farrow before pouncing on South Australian ball-getter Dyson Sharp. The biggest bolter since Clayton Oliver was drafted by the Demons, Robey has all the attributes required to be a difference-maker at the top level. The Rowville product is super competitive with a clear willingness to hunt the ball. He spreads well from congestion and uses the ball well. Farrow’s best attribute is his kicking, adding much-needed quality to Essendon’s half-backline, while Sharp gives the Bombers a larger presence at the contest that they arguably haven’t had since Jobe Watson. “The Bombers have been screaming for a big-bodied midfielder for a number of years, now ... they’ve got their man — huge night tonight for the Bombers,” Ablett said on the Fox Footy broadcast of the Sharp selection. “We spoke about that. Rob Forster-Knight (Essendon recruiting manager) has just gone bang, bang, bang and got some absolute class in a number of different roles for the Bombers.” Montagna added of the haul: “I think they’ve done an excellent job. They’ve just got three players that can all play through the midfield, but are all different types, with some poise and some power ... so, I think they’ve done a great job.” The Bombers were effectively forced to let Adam Sweid walk to Fremantle after the Dockers lobbed a bid at the NGA talent at no.25, with the club not blessed with options given it would’ve had to go into 2026 draft deficit to match — and Matt Rosa conceding the bid-matching discount change from 20 per cent to 10 this year made a crucial difference. Instead, his club nabbed defender Max Kondogiannis at the end of the second round and matched Richmond’s bid on its other NGA prospect, Hussien El Achkar, late in the third.

Grade: A

FREMANTLE

Picks (at the start of the draft): 20, 47, 64

Selections: Adam Sweid (25), Tobyn Murray (40)

The Dockers were expected to be late first-round bidders. Not only did they launch on Adam Sweid, they officially landed him after the Bombers opted not to match for their NGA graduate. The Dockers had Sweid a lot higher on their draft board due to his natural ball-winning ability, cleanliness, class and composure at stoppages, but scouts also love his willingness to apply pressure at all levels. On night two, Freo pounced on mature-age small forward Tobyn Murray – a speedy, powerful player out of Geelong VFL who’s tough in the contest and covers the ground well with good endurance. The Dockers wanted speed and energy forward of centre, which seems an appropriate strategy considering their list position.

Grade: B-

GEELONG CATS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 19

Selections: Harley Barker (24), Hunter Holmes (33)

More run at the Cats! The likes of Bailey Smith, Ollie Dempsey and Max Holmes have transformed Geelong in recent seasons. And across the 2025 national draft, the Cats have pounced on a couple of talented wingers. Barker has a lot of tools and top-10 talent, proving across multiple levels this year why he’s arguably the best natural winger in the class with his breakaway speed, ability to gain territory and keep his width. Unfortunately for Barker, he ruptured his ACL midway through 2025, but the Cats have the luxury of easing the SA gun into his AFL career. On night two, the Cats united the Holmes brothers at the top level, drafting Hunter Holmes. And he’s very similar to his brother with his elite running power. Two players that will suit the Cats’ style.

Grade: C+

GOLD COAST SUNS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52

Selections: Zeke Uwland (2, Academy), Dylan Patterson (5, Academy), Jai Murray (17, Academy), Beau Addinsall (18, Academy), Avery Thomas (28), Koby Coulson (46, Academy)

The Suns were one of the big winners of the draft, and they’ve got their Academy program to thank. The Suns began by matching a bid on Errol Gulden-clone Zeke Uwland, who could step straight into Damien Hardwick’s Opening Round side next year on a wing or at half-back. Dylan Patterson was added with pick 5, a dashing defender who breaks games open with his pace, dare and precise kicking. The Suns matched two more bids from rival clubs in the first round, adding talented midfielder Jai Murray and tough onballer Beau Addinsall to their ranks. That’s now seven first-round Academy draftees for the Suns in three years after bringing in Leo Lombard, Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers and Will Graham over the previous two drafts. For a side that made it all the way to a semi-final in 2025 and added Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan during the trade period, Gold Coast’s off-season has been arguably the best of any AFL club. Beyond the opening round, the Suns on Thursday night got their hands on Tasmanian prodigy Avery Thomas earlier than other rivals expected. Fittingly, they finished their night with the matching of a bid on Academy product Koby Coulson in a selection they didn’t make to overpay for. It’s impossible to spin their national draft any other way — they have once again, absolutely knocked it out of the park.

Grade: A+

GWS GIANTS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 12, 35

Selections: Oskar Taylor (15), Finnegan Davis (51), Jake Stringer (65)

The Giants got busy on Wednesday night, trading up to nab Oskar Taylor after first launching an early bid on Sydney-tied academy talent Harry Kyle. It was shrewd business, and Taylor — whom they’d been linked to pre-draft — projects as another low-key boom pick for the expansion club. Taylor is thought of as the quintessential modern-day attacking half-backer with speed, kicking ability, one-on-one strength and a defence-first mindset. Taylor just looks like a Giants player. After trading out of the second round to help the Suns match academy players, the Giants weren’t expected to pick again on Thursday night. Instead, they traded back in late in the night and pounced on Finnegan Davis – another speedy medium defender. Both Davis and Taylor have the attributes to enhance the Giant tsunami.

Grade: C+

HAWTHORN

Picks (at the start of the draft): 10, 22, 59, 66

Selections: Cameron Nairn (20), Aidan Schubert (23), Jack Dalton (34), Matthew LeRay (58)

The Hawks were as agile as any on night one of the draft, trading selections multiple times inside the first round before landing slight slider Cameron Nairn from South Australia with their first pick. Nairn shapes as an asset who could step into Jack Gunston’s role once he eventually retires, while Schubert profiles as a slightly taller option. Although the duo are undoubtedly promising, it is somewhat perplexing that the club drafted both players given their already strong forward-half depth. The Hawks are well stocked for tall forwards, so don’t be surprised to see Nairn ply his trade further up the ground — potentially on a wing — to begin his AFL career. Sam Mitchell’s side also managed to bring in two future second-round picks during the process of sliding down the order, giving them more assets to play with next year as they pursue a big-name recruit. On night two of the event, the Hawks traded up the draft board with West Coast to secure Jack Dalton at pick No. 34 — a prolific ball-winner at junior level who could well break into the senior side inside his first 12 months. It’s admittedly harder to give them a grade than most other clubs, but ultimately it didn’t feel like they addressed their most glaring need: a breakout midfielder. The talent they acquired with each of their picks is certainly promising, but if they get through another trade period without landing a marquee on-baller, this draft may be scrutinised a little more harshly in a year’s time.

Grade: B

NORTH MELBOURNE

Picks (at the start of the draft): 25, 26, 46

Selections: Lachy Dovaston (16), Blake Thredgold (26), Hugo Mikunda (48)

A ripping result for the Kangaroos with their first two picks. They might’ve gotten their hands on the next Nick Watson in Eastern Ranges dynamo Lachy Dovaston — a 177cm small forward with serious nous around the big sticks, kicking 38 majors in the Ranges’ premiership campaign to earn team of the year honours. He adds to a North Melbourne attack in need of some smaller-sized firepower alongside Paul Curtis, having also added Charlie Spargo during free agency. And the Roos got him at Pick 16, which was a few spots lower than some initially anticipated he might’ve gone. The Roos then ticked the key defender box at Pick 26, taking SA backman Blake Thredgold, who had fans in the first round. A strong, competitive and well-balanced defender, Thredgold soared up draft boards in the back-half of the season. The Roos had a chance to draft a key forward with their last pick but opted to overlooked Archie Ludowyke and instead pounce on Hugo Mikunda — a competitive, energetic half-forward with serious running power and confidence to take aggressive kicks. Only time will tell, but the Roos had a late golden opportunity to take a tall goalkicker who’d slid down the board to support Nick Larkey and Jack Darling.

Grade: A-

PORT ADELAIDE

Picks (at the start of the draft): 49

Selections: N/A

A weird old draft for the Power — or lack thereof! For Port took, checks notes, no players in the draft! It was never going to be a busy night for the Power, who went in with just Pick 49 after pushing a bunch of selections into next year. There’s talk the Power were interested in some of the mature aged players in the draft, but clearly there was no one there they liked at Pick 61, passing on their only selection. It’s part of the club’s plan dating back 12 months ago, targeting the 2025 draft where it had three picks Joe Berry (15), Jack Whitlock (33) and Christian Moraes (38) — inside the first two rounds. The Power are also prioritising the 2026 and 2027 drafts, with academy and father-son ties to Dougie Cochrane (2026), Louis Salopek, Tevita Rodan and Zemes Pilot (all 2027). They’re reasonably well placed for 2026 and matching an early bid on Cochrane, who could be the No. 1 pick, for Port has the third-most total draft points total value of any club next year. But no incoming youngsters for now ahead of Josh Carr’s first season as coach.

Grade: N/A

RICHMOND

Picks (at the start of the draft): 3, 4, 38

Selections: Sam Cumming (7), Samuel Grlj (8), Zane Peucker (31), Noah Roberts-Thomson (54)

It was hard for Richmond to go wrong with its opening pair of selections, having the choice of the open pool after Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler were the first two non-club-tied players off the board. In a telling pre-draft move, the Tigers — who’d been strongly linked to Sam Cumming, Sullivan Robey, Xavier Taylor and Sam Grlj with their first two picks — visited Cumming and his family in the days prior to the draft in a clear indication of the club’s interest. And the Tigers got a good one in the North Adelaide product, who’s highly regarded for his class, power, speed, agility and competitiveness. Cumming has drawn Isaac Heeney comparisons due to his ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard. Then Richmond swung a surprise, opting to take Eastern Ranges line-breaker Grlj with the eighth overall pick after it seemed he was destined to fall out of the top 10. Could they have traded down from no.8 and still gotten Grlj? That’s a question worth asking. “Was surprised, we thought maybe Sullivan Robey might get taken, but they have gone for maybe more of the need,” dual All-Australian Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy. “They have loaded up through the midfield and forward half of the ground, now they get the explosive half back that can set the game off on counter-attack.” Passing on Robey and Taylor in particular was notable, but it’s hard to pick a fault in the two top talents the Tigers came away with. Gieschen and company then took bolter Zane Peucker in the second round. The forward-midfielder averaged 25 disposals, 1.5 goals, and 5.5 score involvements this year for the Woodville West-Torrens under-18s. They capped their work by pouncing on Noah Roberts-Thomson — cousin of former Sydney Swans dual premiership player Lewis — in the late third round, but Louis Kellaway went undrafted, suggesting he’ll be a rookie pick come Friday.

Grade: B-

ST KILDA

Picks (at the start of the draft): 50, 62

Selections: Charlie Banfield (41), Kye Fincher (52), Ryan Byrnes (62)

It took until Pick 41 for the Saints to enter the draft, but they made an immediate splash, bidding on Eagles father-son prospect Charlie Banfield – the son of dual premiership Eagle Drew Banfield – and landing him after West Coast opted not to match. The Saints have targeted strong runners in past drafts – think Tobie Travaglia and Hugh Boxshall last year and Darcy Wilson in 2023 – and didn’t hesitate to take Banfield, who ran the WA state combine 2km trial in 6:08. Kevin Sheehan said: “A versatile tall midfielder who can also go forward and have an impact, Banfield is strong and courageous overhead and can be damaging by foot.” But the big win for the Saints was the late bid on their NGA prospect Kye Fincher. Sources suggested pre-draft St Kilda would be less likely to match for Fincher if his name was called before Pick 35. Well, the bid came at Pick 52 for the 184cm Fincher, who has the appealing combination of strength and speed, as well as good kicking and marking ability, to break games open. After going so hard during the trade period, to add another two draftees in this manner is a solid result.

Grade: B-

SYDNEY SWANS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 31, 32, 42, 60

Selections: Harry Kyle (16, Academy), Jevan Phillipou (35), Billy Cootee (42), Max King (49, Academy)

So much of the night revolved around managing bids on their Academy prospects. The Swans matched crosstown Giants’ bid on Kyle — which came earlier than they would have liked, at 14th overall — but chose to let Lachie Carmichael head to the Bulldogs in a decision they’ll hope doesn’t come back to haunt them. Kyle, a 188-centimetre defender-midfielder, has the potential to play in the midfield down the track, with his run and dash a big feature of his game — drawing comparisons to Giants star Finn Callaghan. But Sydney wasn’t going to let Max King walk, especially with a bid coming much later than expected at Pick 49 as one of the big steals of the draft at Pick 49. Also brought in Jevan Phillipou, younger brother of Saint Mattaes, and mature-aged SANFL bolter Billy Cootee, who was unranked on the Fox Sports Lab list.

Grade: B

WEST COAST EAGLES

Picks (at the start of the draft): 1, 2, 13, 34, 41

Selections: Willem Duursma (1), Cooper Duff-Tytler (4), Josh Lindsay (19), Sam Allen (29), Tylah Williams (39, NGA)

West Coast’s moves at the top of the draft were widely expected, but it still had to make them. Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler is a tantalising tandem to add to Andrew McQualter’s young brigade. Duursma was widely considered the draft’s number-one player, having this year exhibited his elite kick, great lateral movement and versatility to play in multiple positions on the field. He’ll join forces with Duff-Tytler — an athletic 200-centimetre ruck in the Luke Jackson mould — and Harley Reid in an Eagles midfield with delicious long-term potential. They then nabbed Josh Lindsay at Pick 19 after trading up a spot, with the Geelong Falcons product arguably the best pure kicker in this year’s class. But you sense their higher priority at that point of the draft was a pure midfielder, hence their bids on Suns academy prospects Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall. While the Murray match was expected, there was a good chance Addinsall got to them, only for the Suns to find the points to retain their midfielder. Addinsall would’ve been a great get for the Suns. The Eagles were able to get another open-pool player in (Sam Allen) before a Tylah Williams bid came. The small forward was clearly ranked the top-ranked Eagles-tied player for the club, so to get him at Pick 39 was a huge tick. They were hopeful Koby Evans (NGA) and Charlie Banfield (father-son) would fall to the rookie draft, but they both attracted bids close to where Williams was taken, so they let the duo slide to the Lions and Saints respectively. Fox Footy draft expert Mick Ablett said of the Eagles’ haul during Wednesday night’s broadcast: “This is a huge draft for them. This could really be defining for the next 10 years. They’ve started the rebuild in earnest now … We know they just need to get the best talent on the board and play them early. Let them play.”

Grade: A-

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Picks (at the start of the draft): 14, 33, 53

Selections: Lachlan Carmichael (21), Louis Emmett (27), Will Darcy (67, father-son)

They clearly wanted a halfback and got one with Lachlan Carmichael after Sydney decided against matching a bid on its Academy-linked player. But you sense Josh Lindsay and Oskar Taylor might’ve been higher on their draft boards. Their second pick, Louis Emmett, is an exciting ruck-forward with great athleticism and running ability. But most clubs think Emmett can be a key defender at AFL level. Could he be the answer to their void in that position over the coming years? Capped off their draft - and the final pick of the draft - with Will Darcy, younger brother of Sam. It’s as much of a romantic pick as anything. Will, 198cm, isn’t quite as tall as Sam, 208cm, and clearly isn’t as highly touted. But the raw youngster is very much a long-term, high upside play as a potential unicorn. And fair to say the Dogs have had a good track record with Darcy’s.

Grade: C+

MELBOURNE

11. XAVIER TAYLOR 192cm, Def Eastern Ranges/East Ringwood

12. LATRELLE PICKETT 182cm, Fwd Glenelg/Mallee Park

30. THOMAS MATTHEWS 171cm Fwd Gippsland Power/Moe

DAN BATTEN’S VERDICT: After losing a pair of midfield stars in the trade period, the Demons started shored up both ends of the ground at the top and reunited two cousins. The injured-hit Tom Matthews was plucked from nowhere, and interestingly he is great mates with Bailey Humphrey. Could it help them land Humphrey? 

ADELAIDE

22. MITCH MARSH 192cm, Key Fwd, West Adelaide/Kangarilla

50. ARCHIE LUDOWYKE 197cm, Key Fwd, Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham

MATTHEW FORREST’S VERDICT: Life after Taylor Walker has become clearer, with the Crows taking two players – both key forwards. But Marsh and Ludowyke are very different, with Marsh a more mobile, between-the-arcs tall while Ludowyke can start in the goal square

BRISBANE

6. DANIEL ANNABLE 183cm, Mid Lions Academy/Redland-Victoria Point Sharks

38. KOBY EVANS 187cm, Mid-Fwd Perth/Kenwick Football Club

43. CODY CURTIN 200cm, Key Pos. Claremont/West Coast Junior Football Club

44. TAI HAYES 190cm, Mid Southport VFL/Palm Beach Currumbin Lions

CALLUM DICK’S VERDICT: Brisbane decided you can never have enough depth in midfield by stacking a trio of on-ballers at the draft, headlined by Annable who could be in contention for Opening Round. Curtin will add to the premier’s key position stocks as a nice long-term prospect.

CARLTON

3. HARRY DEAN 194cm, Key Def, Murray Bushrangers/Lavington

45. TALOR BYRNE 174cm, Fwd, GWV Rebels/Koroit

47. JACK ISON 192cm, Mid-Fwd, Oakleigh Chargers/Parkside

MATTHEW FORREST’S VERDICT: The Blues were over the moon to land both Dean and Ison as father-son and academy bids, with Dean a real chance to play in the first game of the season. Carlton also traded out of a night-two pick to bank points but still managed to draft Byrne, a creative small goal-kicker that will add to a new-look Blues forward 50.

COLLINGWOOD

32. TYAN PRINDABLE 182cm Mid Brisbane Lions Academy/Coorparoo Junior FC

37. SAMUEL SWADLING 189cm Mid West Perth/Whitford Junior FC

55. ZAC McCARTHY 199cm Ruck Oakleigh Chargers/Kew Comets Junior FC

57. ANGUS ANDERSON 193cm Mid Sturt/Sawtell Toormina Saints Juniors

JOSH BARNES’ VERDICT: Nick Daicos needs midfield help and the Pies have provided with three ready-made ball magnets, while McCarthy is a raw prospect but could add athletic juice. The Pies went hard to get new legs into their ageing midfield.

COLLINGWOOD

32. TYAN PRINDABLE 182cm Mid Brisbane Lions Academy/Coorparoo Junior FC

37. SAMUEL SWADLING 189cm Mid West Perth/Whitford Junior FC

55. ZAC McCARTHY 199cm Ruck Oakleigh Chargers/Kew Comets Junior FC

57. ANGUS ANDERSON 193cm Mid Sturt/Sawtell Toormina Saints Juniors

JOSH BARNES’ VERDICT: Nick Daicos needs midfield help and the Pies have provided with three ready-made ball magnets, while McCarthy is a raw prospect but could add athletic juice. The Pies went hard to get new legs into their ageing midfield.

ESSENDON

9. SULLIVAN ROBEY 192cm, Mid/fwd Eastern Ranges/Rowville

10. JACOB FARROW 187cm, Def/mid West Perth/Joondalup Kinross

13. DYSON SHARP 188cm, Mid Central District/Barossa District

36. MAX KONDOGIANNIS 190cm, Def Oakleigh Chargers/Kew Rovers

53. HUSSIEN EL ACHKAR 171cm, Fwd Calder Cannons/Pascoe Vale

ED BOURKE’S VERDICT: The Bombers’ move to snag a third early pick from Carlton got them Dyson Sharp, who is capable of playing immediately and could end up as the best midfielder from this draft. Robey and Farrow have sky-high ceilings – now it’s over to the coaches.

FREMANTLE

25. ADAM SWEID 176cm, Mid/Fwd, Calder Cannons/Pascoe Vale

40. TOBYN MURRAY 180cm, Fwd, Geelong VFL/Colac

MATTHEW FORREST’S VERDICT: The Dockers rated Essendon’s NGA product Sweid incredibly highly – certainly greater than the No.25 pick they used on him. Murray came as a bit of a surprise, but he is a quality small forward who has built an impressive local footy CV at Colac before getting his chance in Geelong’s VFL program.

GEELONG

24. HARLEY BARKER 188cm, Wing, Sturt/Mt Barker

33. HUNTER HOLMES 188cm, Mid Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris

DAN BATTEN’S VERDICT: Geelong suffered a shattering grand final defeat, but Stephen Wells always looks long term, one of the foundations of their perennial success. Harley Barker, recovering from an ACL injury, and Max Holmes’ brother Hunter will both add to their relentless running game in the future.

GOLD COAST

2. ZEKE UWLAND 180cm, Mid Suns Academy/Burleigh Bombers

5. DYLAN PATTERSON 183cm, Defender Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin Lions

17. JAI MURRAY 185cm, Mid Suns Academy/Burleigh Bombers

18. BEAU ADDINSALL 182cm, Mid Suns Academy/Burleigh Bombers

28. AVERY THOMAS 186CM, Def Tasmania Devils/Launceston Football Club

46. KOBY COULSON 180CM, Mid Suns Academy/Broadbeach Cats

CALLUM DICK’S VERDICT: They said it would be impossible but the Suns proved everyone wrong. All five of their highly touted academy prospects signed, sealed and delivered over a historic two days that will have to force the AFL’s hand in changing the bid matching rules. 

GWS

15. OSKAR TAYLOR 182cm, Def Eastern Ranges/Upwey Tecoma Junior FC

51. FINNEGAN DAVIS 188cm, Def, Western Jets/Williamstown Juniors FC

59. JAKE STRINGER 192cm, Fwd, GWS Giants/Glen Iris JFC

LACHLAN McKIRDY’S VERDICT: A fairly quiet draft for the Giants, but they get two players perfect for the orange tsunami mould. Taylor and Davis add speed and solid distribution in the backline, plus they re-selected Stringer after he was delisted last month.

HAWTHORN

20. CAMERON NAIRN 188cm, Fwd Central District/Willaston

23. AIDAN SCHUBERT 196cm, Fwd/ruck Central District/Gawler Central

34. JACK DALTON 177cm, Mid Sandringham Dragons/East Malvern

56. MATTHEW LERAY 188cm, Mid Central District/Golden Grove

ED BOURKE’S VERDICT: Tidy work from the Hawks arming themselves with three second-round picks next year and trading up on the second night to nab Jack Dalton. This quartet are likely to spend most of 2026 developing in the VFL.

NORTH MELBOURNE

16. LACHY DOVASTON, 178cm, Fwd, Eastern Ranges/Blackburn

26. BLAKE THREDGOLD, 195cm, Key Def, Sturt/Payneham Norwood Union

48. HUGO MIKUNDA, 180cm, Mid-Fwd, Geelong Falcons/Bell Park

MATTHEW FORREST’S VERDICT: North Melbourne needed a key defender and got arguably the best lockdown in this draft class in Blake Thredgold. Dovaston and Mikunda will add speed, pressure and class to a forward line that was missing quality small talent.

PORT ADELAIDE

Nil

Port Adelaide became the first team in AFL Draft history to leave the draft without taking a pick – the Power plan to upgrade three rookies onto the senior list.

RICHMOND

7. SAM CUMMING 184cm, Mid, North Adelaide/Wentworth District

8. SAM GRLJ 182cm Mid/Def, Oakleigh Chargers/Canterbury

31. ZANE PEUCKER 180cm, Fwd/Mid, Woodville-West Torrens/Port District

54. NOAH ROBERTS-THOMSON 181cm, Mid, Sturt/Unley Jets

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S VERDICT: After targeting some talls last year, the Tigers had a need for speed in 2025. Cumming and Grlj will add some speed and power to the midfield mix or halfback line, while Peucker is another speedster who can kick goals when forward and also have an impact up the ground. 

ST KILDA

41. CHARLIE BANFIELD 192cm Mid Claremont Junior club: Swanbourne Junior FC

52. KYE FINCHER 186cm Mid GWV Rebels Junior club: East Brighton Vampires Junior FC

58. RYAN BYRNES 182cm Def St Kilda Junior club: St Pauls McKinnon Junior FC

JOSH BARNES’ VERDICT: St Kilda nabbed a rare father-son, even if Banfield is the son of a West Coast gun. He and Fincher add some midfield potential to a list needing it, while Byrnes will be chuffed to get a two-year contract as part of his re-listing.

SYDNEY

14. HARRY KYLE 188cm, Def/Mid, Swans Academy/East Sydney JAFC & Willoughby JAFC

35. JEVAN PHILLIPOU 183cm, Mid, Woodville-West Torrens/Phos Camden

42. BILLY COOTEE 179cm, Mid/Fwd, Norwood/Essendon Doutta Stars

49. MAX KING 192cm, Fwd, Swans Academy/Cardiff Hawks

LACHLAN McKIRDY’s VERDICT: The Swans missed out on Lachie Carmichael, but they got their two Academy products in Kyle and King, who could play in year one. Phillipou is a massive bonus as a hard-bodied midfielder, while Cootee is a strong, mature addition.

WEST COAST

1. WILLEM DUURSMA 193cm, Mid/Fwd, Gippsland Power/Foster

4. COOPER DUFF-TYTLER 201cm, Ruck/Fwd, Calder Cannons/Woodend-Hesket

19. JOSH LINDSAY 183cm, Def, Geelong Falcons/Newtown & Chilwell

29. SAM ALLEN 184cm, Mid/Fwd, Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris

39. TYLAH WILLIAMS 176cm, Fwd, Swan Districts/Redcliff 

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S VERDICT: The Eagles needed another injection of talent and got that with four top-30 picks – who were all Victorians. Duursma and Duff-Tytler are versatile players with huge ceilings, while Lindsay and Allen bring outside run and class. Williams is an exciting forward from the club’s NGA program.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

21. LACHLAN CARMICHAEL 184cm, Def Sydney Swans Academy/North Shore

27. LOUIS EMMETT Ruck/Fwd Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris

60. WILL DARCY 196cm, Def/Fwd Oakleigh Chargers/Old Scotch

DAN BATTEN’S VERDICT: The Dogs stole Lachlan Carmichael from Sydney’s grasp and then snared a draft steal in Louis Emmett, a number one pick contender at the beginning of the year before an injury-affected season. Father-son Will Darcy, with huge upside, was the icing on the cake of a promising haul. 

Melbourne

Pre-draft hand: 7, 8, 37, 63, 65
Selections: Xavier Taylor (11), Latrelle Pickett (12), Tom Matthews (30)

The Demons waited patiently through the top 10 and were thrilled to see Xavier Taylor still on the board. As competitive and combative as they come, the Eastern Ranges premiership star can lock down on a variety of forwards and rebound out of the backline.

Taylor was paired with one of the great stories from the draft, as Latrelle Pickett was presented his Demons jumper by cousin Kysaiah. He's a similarly dynamic small forward, evading all-comers to kick remarkable goals from impossible positions on the ground.

Injuries didn't dissuade Melbourne from taking tough Gippsland forward/midfielder Tom Matthews in the second round, while ruck father-son Kalani White will wait for his opportunity in the rookie draft.

Grade: C+

Adelaide

Pre-draft hand: 16, 48, 55, 61
Selections: Mitch Marsh (22), Archie Ludowyke (50)

Adelaide's night started before they were on the clock. The Crows were keeping an eye on Dyson Sharp's slide, and offered up two first-rounders to snare the South Australian MVP at Essendon's pick 13.

Unable to get up the board they were happy to find Mitch Marsh available at 22, whose engine and size (at 190cm) makes him a matchup nightmare with a beautiful left foot set shot. Rounding out their selections was slider Archie Ludowyke, also a left-footed key forward. The Dragons spearhead has a brilliant vertical leap and creates separation on the lead but missed a chunk of the year with a PCL injury.

The Crows didn't add depth to their midfield as they enter their window of contention, but grabbed two quality talls for life after Taylor Walker.

Grade: B+

Brisbane

Pre-draft hand: 17, 23, 44, 51, 57
Selections: Dan Annable (6), Koby Evans (38), Cody Curtin (43), Tai Hayes (44)

The Lions stockpiled some points to match an early bid on Annable. The AFL Academy captain has put together a sensational two seasons, playing consistent football in the VFL that would have seen him push for AFL selection were he on the list in 2025. He's balanced as a midfielder, able to win the ball on the inside and create on the outside. They decided not to match a bid from Collingwood on midfielder Tyan Prindable.

After passing on Prindable they bid on Eagles NGA Koby Evans which wasn't matched. The Lions landed a strong-bodied utility who can play roles outside of the centre square. They gave up a future 3rd to move up with Carlton and nab Evans.

Fellow West Aussie Cody Curtin is the brother of Adelaide's Dan, but has an even bigger frame with strong hands in the air as a genuine key position player. Some clubs see Curtin as a defender at the next level.

Brisbane finished the draft off with the nephew of Saints legend Lenny Hayes, in Tai Hayes. Playing for Southport he's impressed as a taller midfielder who can float forward and stretch defences in the air at 193cm.

Grade: B

Carlton

Pre-draft hand: 9, 11, 43, 54
Selections: Harry Dean (3), Talor Byrne (45), Jack Ison (47)

The Blues set up trades with the Bombers and Roos for picks 9 and 11 respectively, and it helped them land father-son Harry Dean at pick 3. The earliest key defender taken in the draft since Jacob Weitering a decade ago, Dean is a masterful interceptor and reliable distributor down back set to form a starring combination with Weitering for the next decade.

They moved further back on night two, first getting the Suns' future 2nd round pick, then adding Brisbane's future 3rd to North's future 2nd in the Cody Walker (2026) draft. At 45 they snared Talor Byrne, a diminutive midfielder-turned-forward with strength through the hips and underrated contested craft. Jack Ison was then bid on at 47; he brings power at the coalface with a strong 190cm frame.

Grade: A-

Collingwood

Pre-draft hand: 39, 45, 56, 58, 67
Selections: Tyan Prindable (32), Sam Swadling (37), Zac McCarthy (55), Angus Anderson (57)

The Pies entered the draft on night two after moving their first round pick last year for Dan Houston. They immediately made a bid on the Lions' Tyan Prindable, landing the midfielder who impressed in the VFL late. Ball magnet Sam Swadling followed five picks later with the WA midfielder a candidate to debut next season.

Collingwood didn't wait around for a bid on NGA tall Zac McCarthy, grabbing the athletic ruck who may end up playing at either end with his coverage of the ground and leap a feature. Rounding out the night was former Swans Academy member Angus Anderson, who adds immediate midfield depth as a 22-year-old 193cm midfielder out of the SANFL.

The Pies are deciding between Tom McGuane and Jai Saxena for their final rookie spot.

Grade: B+

Essendon

Pre-draft hand: 5, 6, 21, 27, 30
Selections: Sullivan Robey (9), Jacob Farrow (10), Dyson Sharp (13), Max Kondogiannis (36), Hussien El Achkar (53)

It was a big first night for the Dons, taking three players after a trade with the Blues to land pick 9 (which ended up at 13). They snared the bolter of the draft in Sullivan Robey, whose overwhelming power and strength as a midfielder is a point of difference. He will start up forward where he kicks goals from open play with clean hands and smarts.

It was followed up by WA halfback Jacob Farrow, whose lethal left leg distributed the ball beautifully all season. Farrow has midfield ambitions but will start in defence. Dyson Sharp got through to 13 which was a coup for the Dons, with the Larke Medallist and SA MVP adding grunt to the midfield unit. He has been the best performed junior in the country across the past 24 months, and multiple clubs put forward offers for that pick with him in mind.

The Bombers couldn't find the points to match a Fremantle bid on Adam Sweid, but on night two they went with aggressive interceptor Mac Kondogiannis. The Charger will take some time to grow into his 190cm frame but offers great acceleration and dare.

Rounding out the draft was NGA graduate Hussien El Achkar who didn't sneak through to the rookie list. El Achkar is a prolific goal-kicking small forward, a position of need for Essendon.

Grade: A-

Fremantle

Pre-draft hand: 20, 47, 64
Selections: Adam Sweid (25), Tobyn Murray (40)

The Dockers clearly had their eye on fixing up their forward mix and did so with two selections. They had Sweid picked out from a long way back, rating his ability to roll up to stoppage as a forward and beat his opponent back to goal. Their bid on the Essendon NGA prospect was passed on by the Bombers with the final selection in the first round.

20-year-old Tobyn Murray has plied his trade for the Geelong VFL program as a small forward; he can work up and down the ground as that forward-half conduit and deliver the ball neatly inside 50. His selection came after a bid on cross-town rival West Coast's Tylah Williams.

NGA prospects Toby Whan and Ryda Luke made it through to the rookie draft.

Grade: B-

Geelong

Pre-draft hand: 19, 40
Selections: Harley Barker (24), Hunter Holmes (33)

Harley Barker would have gone higher in the draft were it not for his season-ending ACL, but the Cats are a club that can afford to wait on his level of talent. Barker is a fantastic wingman who offers speed off the line, overhead marking and kicking penetration into the forward 50.

In night two it was always going to be Hunter Holmes, the brother of star Cat Max. Holmes has a similarly spectacular athletic profile off a wing, but needs to round out his game to make it at the next level.

NGA forward Jesse Mellor is available to them in the rookie draft.

Grade: B

Gold Coast

Pre-draft hand: 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52
Selections: Zeke Uwland (2), Dylan Patterson (5), Jai Murray (17), Beau Addinsall (18), Avery Thomas (28), Koby Coulson (46)

What a draft for the Suns. They banked four first-round talents through their academy after making four trades on the night to accumulate points.

Zeke Uwland landed at 2 after a dominant bottom-age campaign where his running, accumulation and ball use were all highlights off halfback. Next came Dylan Patterson whose dare and bravado out of defence is a feature, able to tuck the ball under his arm and burn off opponents.

The Eagles launched an audacious bid on both Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall but came up short. Murray is a strong-running midfielder who missed a chunk of the year with a lis franc injury, while Addinsall is a ball-winner who can play a variety of roles and find the footy at will.

On night two they traded a future 2nd for pick 28 and snapped up Avery Thomas, who looms as a lockdown small defender at the next level with his competitiveness and closing speed. Finally, academy graduate Koby Coulson is a courageous midfielder earning his main list spot through an unsuccessful North Melbourne bid.

Grade: A

GWS

Pre-draft hand: 12, 35
Selections: Oskar Taylor (15), Finn Davis (51), Jake Stringer (59)

The Giants started their draft with a move up the order, paying up a future 2nd for a two-pick jump to the Hawks which resulted in an unsuccessful bid on Sydney's Harry Kyle. They fell back on Oskar Taylor, the quickest player in the draft who zigs and zags out of defence. He can also lock down on opponents and do a job.

They traded up again on night two with a future 4th to Collingwood for Finn Davis, who similarly loves to go on dashing runs from the backline to link up play. They then re-drafted Jake Stringer to fill out their list.

Grade: C-

Hawthorn

Pre-draft hand: 10, 22, 59, 66
Selections: Cam Nairn (20), Aidan Schubert (23), Jack Dalton (34), Matt LeRay (56)

The biggest wins out of the draft for Hawthorn may be their future stockpile of picks. Two trades on draft night netted them the Giants' and Saints' (via West Coast) second round picks in 2026 for a slide from 14 to 20. That was after a trade to move up their second pick with Brisbane.

Cam Nairn was still on the board at that point, with the hard-running forward/wing admired by a host of clubs in the teens. He kicks goals and sets them up routinely, and was stoked to see best mate Aidan Schubert joining him on night one whose ground coverage and hands in the air are elite assets as a key forward.

They moved 2026 and 2027 third round picks to select Jack Dalton at 34, who is the endurance king of the crop and offers a hard edge as a midfielder. Rounding out the Hawks' haul was Matt LeRay, a rangy wing/defender out of SA that can intercept in the air, win contests and get involved in transition.

Grade: B+

North Melbourne

Pre-draft hand: 25, 26, 46
Selections: Lachy Dovaston (16), Blake Thredgold (26), Hugo Mikunda (48)

Given the Roos infamously moved their first round pick for Matt Whitlock last year, they have done a magnificent job in 2025.

A trade of their second round selection and future second for Carlton's pick 11 (ending up at 16) landed them Lachy Dovaston, the best small forward in the draft and a position they desperately needed to address. Dovaston is a livewire with a healthy dose of arrogance who kicked 53 goals in all competitions this year.

To see one of the best key defenders available with the first pick in the second round was a godsend for North Melbourne, and they wasted no time in snapping up Blake Thredgold. The lockdown specialist plays above his 194cm with a strong vertical leap and has the body to play AFL football next year.

The Roos then settled on crafty half forward Hugo Mikunda with their last pick to round out a draft haul North supporters should be excited about.

Grade: A+

Port Adelaide

Pre-draft hand: 49
Selections: N/A

Port Adelaide chose to pass on the national draft, instead opting to elevate three rookies. Their draft plans now revolve around next-gen academy player Dougie Cochrane in 2026, and a group in 2027 headlined by NGA prospect Zemes Pilot and father-son Louis Salopek.

Grade: N/A

Richmond

Pre-draft hand: 3, 4, 38
Selections: Sam Cumming (7), Sam Grlj (8), Zane Puecker (31), Noah Roberts-Thomson (54)

The direction of the draft was always going to hinge on the Tigers, who had kept everything in-house despite making their minds up over a week ago. After bids on Dylan Patterson and Dan Annable, Richmond landed on Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj.

Cumming is the perfect modern midfielder, applying himself defensively with intent and getting forward to set up scoring opportunities with speed and aerial ability. Grlj is the best athlete in the pool, burning off opponents with ease and running all day either off halfback, a wing or through the middle.

On night two they injected some excitement to the front half with Zane Puecker who plays above his 179cm height with marking exploits, and paired him with fellow SA prospect Noah Roberts-Thomson. A tall midfielder who can go forward, NRT is the cousin of Swans cult hero Lewis.

Father-son Louis Kellaway got through to the rookie draft after a nervy wait.

Grade: A-

St Kilda

Pre-draft hand: 50, 62
Selections: Charlie Banfield (41), Kye Fincher (52), Ryan Byrnes (58)

The Saints were one of the last teams to enter the draft, and started with a bid on Eagles father-son Charlie Banfield that wasn't matched. An elite runner with a strong frame, Banfield was named best on ground in Claremont's Colts premiership and brings a hard edge to his contested work.

St Kilda matched a bid on their exciting NGA Kye Fincher who was named best on ground in his VFL debut. The midfielder can play down back but may be seen as a forward option under Ross Lyon. They rounded out the draft by re-listing Ryan Byrnes.

Grade: B

Sydney

Pre-draft hand: 31, 32, 42, 60
Selections: Harry Kyle (14), Jevan Phillipou (35), Billy Cootee (42), Max King (49)

The Swans were forced into tough decisions on night one. An early GWS bid on high-upside academy prospect Harry Kyle immediately forced a points squeeze on the club, but they matched with a view to what the utility could become as his skill catches up to his athletic traits.

It meant making the tough decision of passing on Allies MVP Lachie Carmichael, who landed with the Dogs at pick 21. The upside came on night two with an early selection that snared Jevan Phillipou. The younger brother of St Kilda's Mattaes isn't short on confidence or athleticism, able to win his own ball and run all day off a forward flank or through the midfield.

What followed was a brilliant story out of the draft with mature-ager Billy Cootee earning his opportunity. At 22 years of age the former Essendon VFL captain and Norwood best and fairest is a prolific goalkicking midfielder that will settle in the forward line.

The Swans rounded out their draft by matching a bid on Max King. The uber athletic forward was a top five candidate for some clubs at the start of the season, but earned his shot with the Swans late on night two.

Grade: C+

West Coast

Pre-draft hand: 1, 2, 13, 34, 41
Selections: Willem Duursma (1), Cooper Duff-Tytler (4), Josh Lindsay (19), Sam Allen (29), Tylah Williams (39)

There were distinct stages of emotions for Eagles fans at the draft. Between bids on Zeke Uwland and Harry Dean, West Coast selected the two best open pool prospects in the crop. Willem Duursma is a freakish athlete with sky high upside as a midfielder, while Cooper Duff-Tytler has earned the unicorn label as a skilful tall who can play through the ruck or up forward.

What followed was a bizarre combination of events. The Eagles traded St Kilda's future second rounder (via the Liam Ryan deal) to Hawthorn to move up a solitary spot late in the first round. They then bid twice on Gold Coast prospects Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall, but failed to land either as the Suns had traded in the points to match. It meant West Coast settled on Josh Lindsay who the Hawks were set to overlook and wasted a second round pick.

Lindsay is a good choice in isolation; he immediately becomes the Eagles' best kick and his distribution out of defence will be vital in their rebuild.

On night two West Coast only carried two picks in, relying on their club-tied talents to fall into the rookie draft. Before any bid came they took the opportunity to grab athletic wingman Sam Allen, who will take time to rehabilitate a torn ACL but looms as an exciting project to develop with his athletic traits and leadership.

Then came the bids. With just one list spot open, the Eagles chose to pass on Brisbane's Koby Evans bid, allowing the strong and physical utility to get to the premiers. At the following pick they matched on a bid for creative half forward Tylah Williams, but could do nothing but allow the bid on father-son Charlie Banfield to pass through to the Saints.

The AFL's draft assistance package to the Eagles involved additional rookie list spots for their club-tied talent. The only problem? Only one of them (Wes Walley) made it through the national draft to be of use to West Coast. It meant that the club not cutting deep enough into their list led to them missing out on the talents of Evans and Banfield.

Grade: C-

Western Bulldogs

Pre-draft hand: 14, 33, 53
Selections: Lachie Carmichael, Louis Emmett, Will Darcy

The Dogs had been eyeing off some class off halfback with their first selection, and with Oskar Taylor and Josh Lindsay off the board chose to bid on Sydney's Lachie Carmichael. The Swans' points crunch was of benefit to the Dogs, bringing in the Allies MVP who racks up the ball off halfback and uses it precisely.

Louis Emmett is a high-upside swing in the second round, drafted with the intention of moving into defence where his elite endurance and vertical leap will allow him to attack the ball in the air as he chases his opponent around the field.

And there's another Darcy on the list with Sam's brother Will finding his home at the Kennel. A stout defender at his best, Darcy will take time to add size to his frame but he can do some special things below his knees and reads the game well.

Grade: C+

Surprised they don't all read 'the dees are crying out for a key forward and didn't get one so they failed.' Also Fox footy tell us you use chapgpt to edit your writing — without telling us.

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by shakeandbake

2025 Draft

National recruiting manager Jason Taylor:“It was a waiting game [to see who would get through to us]. We weren’t entirely sure. We had a strategy in place to take the best available player, and then there was an element of need [Pickett] that was going to come into play for us as well with those selections, at a certain point. We were able to achieve both of those, which is a very good result for us.”

The Age Mark McGowan

Melbourne

Who they picked: Xavier Taylor (11), Latrelle Pickett (12), Tom Matthews (30)

The Demons were delighted that Eastern Ranges defender Taylor, who was best afield in the Talent League grand final, made it through to their first pick. Taylor takes the game on with his athleticism and agility, is an intercepting force, and has improved as a decision-maker. Pickett, a mercurial small forward, is the cousin of club star Kysaiah, but earned his own reputation with a breakout SANFL season after Melbourne tracked him for almost three years. They grabbed another small forward in the second round, selecting Gippsland Power’s Matthews despite a PCL injury wiping out the second half of his season.

B-, C+ Not exactly a glowing review of our draft hand.

this was a great draft, topped off with getting Onley in the rookie draft.. we got the small forward we wanted and our highest rated player in our range in taylor.. (also hopefully helps kozzy stay longer AND TM helps land humphrey)

JT executed very well as per