How the game has changed - a 195cm mid! He moves well - has genuine pace, comfortable in congestion, is prepared to kick both feet and is a threat in the air.

We're not the only team doing this, but having the likes of Langford, Culley and now Onley adds a different dimension to our game. IN the future when we can't rely on Gawn down the line, the extra height will be handy!

20 minutes ago, rjay said:

Do you know why he dropped to the rookie draft 'dazz'? what are the knocks on him?

"Onley sustained a hamstring injury in the final game of the national championships which caused him to miss combine testing and put his physical gifts on full display"

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1933093/rookie-draft-pick-3-riley-onley


Maybe just that? Matthews seemed to have dropped off the radar of other clubs for similar reasons

4 minutes ago, Demon_JB said:

Been following Riley for a few years now through APS and Vic Country, and this is a ripping rookie pickup by Melbourne. He’s one of those rare 195cm mids who actually plays like a midfielder, not a key position guy shoved on ball. Always had clean hands, but this season he finally added that burst speed and confidence in his kicking that pushed him into genuine draftable territory.

He’s been on a steady upward curve for a while. People who only saw him late probably don’t realise how much he’s improved year-on-year. Coaches around him always talk about how coachable he is and how well he prepares for big games, and it shows. He’s had plenty of reps at APS, National Academy and senior level, and he tends to rise to the moment rather than go missing.

Give him a couple of preseasons in Melbourne’s system and he could easily turn into that big-bodied, unique-profile mid they’ve been trying to find. Massive upside if his development keeps trending the same way.

It is unusual for a tall to actually play as a running mid.

Highlights are just that but I did notice he doesn't hesitate to kick.on his non-preferred when it needs .

I seemed to remember we had another on our books as a prototype of a tall mid.... he went ok.

As some suggest possibly a very inspired pick up

Time as always will tell. Good luck Riley..

Thing about him is that he is already physically imposing for an 18 year old up close.

Scary to think how he will look in a few years time when hes been in an elite environment.

At 195cm and named Onley... and here's me in a strange mood lately of being obsessed with nicknames.

Welcome to Demonland, 'Big If.'

A month ago, Fox Sports/Ben Waterworth had him ranked 43rd in the draft and compared him to Joel Freijah who was mighty impressive as a tall goal kicking mid.

43. RILEY ONLEY

Position: Midfielder

Size: 194cm

Clubs: Shepparton United/Scotch/Murray Bushrangers

AFL player comparison: Joel Freijah

Fair to say Onley has divided opinion among recruiters this year, but the back-end of his championships campaign was undeniably impressive. While he had a consistent four-game carnival for Vic Country — he averaged 23.0 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements, 4.8 marks and 4.0 clearances — Onley’s last two matches were particularly eye-catching. Against the Allies, he finished with a team-high 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 13 score involvements, seven clearances, six marks and six inside 50s. Then he looked powerful and confident against Vic Metro with 22 touches and six inside 50s. It was a strong statement from the big-bodied midfielder after a quiet start to his draft year. Fans of Onley reckon he has all the traits of a modern-day midfielder: Size, speed and endurance. Others point out he needs to work on his outside game and defensive pressure. Some would have him outside the top 30, while others reckon he deserves to be in the teens now. It’s just one of those drafts.

Never heard of him but one thing that sticks out aside from his size and athleticism is his inconsistent ball drop. In time and space it’s not too bad but he places his right in a slightly odd position.

In saying that, he’s tall, will get bigger stronger and faster in an AFL program and can clearly find the footy. And positioning of hands on a footy is a relatively easy adjustment.

That’s a pretty good pick in my books.

Movement, especially through traffic, looks stunningly good. The kicking... not so much.

Wow, looks like he has the potential to be a great get!

Stoppage work looks strong here.

49 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

Older readers will remember the wonderful "Onley The Lonely", which was deservedly a big hit.

In the immortal words of Martha and the Motels:

‘It's like I told you…
Onley the lonely can play’

Gives off Crippa vibes ... could be a good pickup on the cheap 👍

Safe to Say we have won the draft.

Good size, looks pretty quick. But yes, kicking looks average and he doesn't seem to give a handball unless he's being tackled. That's a good trait when you can use the ball, and a bad one when you can't. Hopefully they can work on his disposal

U/18 AA

ESPN phantom draft had him going to pies with their first pick.

Well worth a punt. His highlights package looks awesome.

As with all draftees its fingers crossed and hope they work hard.

46 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

How the game has changed - a 195cm mid! He moves well - has genuine pace, comfortable in congestion, is prepared to kick both feet and is a threat in the air.

We're not the only team doing this, but having the likes of Langford, Culley and now Onley adds a different dimension to our game. IN the future when we can't rely on Gawn down the line, the extra height will be handy!

Riley Onley - 195cm
Jai Culley - 194cm
Harvey Langford - 190cm

Definitely got some big boy rotation for the guts in the future.

Clean hands, takes the game on, uses his reach, comfortable going on both sides kicking and handball. I like it. Hope they don't rush him.

49 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

At 195cm and named Onley... and here's me in a strange mood lately of being obsessed with nicknames.

Welcome to Demonland, 'Big If.'

How about ‘wunna’ - as in one and only

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

To be honest I havent spoken to anyone from the Bushies since the draft concluded.

I will admit that I was genuinely shocked he went through undrafted. The general feel was that he would be taken early to mid 2nd round in the draft so to get him this late is a steal. My only thought is perhaps for an inside mid he needs some work on his competitive work and contest so I would be say that would be one? Other then that, i am not entirely sure.

Onley, Ryder Corrigan and Heatherton were the 3 Bushies i was aware the club had spoken too from uo thos area.

Endurance and defensive running were the criticisms that seemed to go around, but are very much things a player can improve in an AFL environment.

Loved his game against the Allies this year and there is more than enough to work with. An exciting get!

Very happy with this pick. He's run a 2.884 20m sprint in the past despite not testing at the combine. Hope he develops nicely.

Edited November 21, 2025Nov 21 by TheoX
Sp

Jack Watts mk 2 - tall, fast and athletic but needs to work on competitiveness and endurance. I’ll admit Riley has been taken slightly lower than the former number one pick but give him the number 4, burden him with unrealistic expectations and be done with it. Now all this thread needs is another 998 pages and our work here will be complete.

44 minutes ago, No. 31 said:

Gives off Crippa vibes ... could be a good pickup on the cheap 👍

Thought that too No.31. Cruises around the contests, makes good position - doesn't look super quick but has leg power?

Anyone got his speed?

He seems quite slow but maybe because he’s so big, his pace isn’t as easy to see.