Well like last year I thought I would put up a mock draft for the first two rounds of the National Draft which factors in both/all of our picks. Am also factoring in Father Son/Academy bids and what that means when it comes to points and where that will leave teams and how it effects the rest of their draft hand. Obviously there is trading of picks which could effect the order between now and then, however this is where things lie on October 21st 2022.
Again like last year, I'd like to acknowledge a lot of the bios being supplied by Cal Twomey and central.rookieme.com. So without further delay, lets get started!
AFL NATIONAL DRAFT
ROUND 1
Pick 1. Greater Western Sydney/Brisbane - GWS bid Pick 1 which is matched by Brisbane, trading Picks 34, 35, 36, 38, 55 & 56 to AFL = 2,432 points for Picks 1 & 71. (20% discount)
Will ASHCROFT
6/5/04
182cm/78kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder
Ashcroft finished his season in the same fashion he played throughout it, with a best-on-ground performance in Sandringham's NAB League Grand Final win with 39 disposals, six clearances and six inside-50s before then winning the Larke Medal as the best player across the national carnival in Vic Metro’s title win. It was a complete draft campaign for the driven youngster, who is sure to step into Brisbane's starting 18 next year and make an immediate impact. Would be the first ever father-son who attracts a bid at No.1 if it goes that way in November.
Pick 2. Greater Western Sydney
Aaron CADMAN
196cm/88kg
3/3/04
Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country
Key forward
It was a strong finish from Cadman the other week, with the Vic Country key target kicking three goals including the important late goal that put his side into a lead. His marking, athleticism, competitiveness and all-round forward craft make him a genuine top-five pick contender, and his production is terrific as well. He booted 34 goals in the NAB League season from 12 games and also averaged 17 disposals, showing the smart left-footer's work rate and ability to get into the game up the ground.
Pick 3. North Melbourne
George WARDLAW
18/7/04
182cm/82kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder
A line was put through Wardlaw's season after he injured his hamstring at school level in August and it was an extra cautious approach – he could have played in Vic Metro's final game against Vic Country but his medicos opted against it. Although it has been an injury-interrupted second half of the year, Wardlaw's performances before then will live in the minds of recruiters. He's tough, powerful and explosive, can go forward and hit the scoreboard and fly high for big grabs. Has some presence about him and dominated a couple of big games earlier in the year.
Pick 4. North Melbourne
Harry SHEEZEL
13/10/04
184cm/77kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Forward/midfielder
Sheezel's finals series underlined his game-changing ability. He kicked one goal in the Sandringham Dragons' wildcard win over the Bushrangers, then two goals against the Calder Cannons in the elimination final, then 3.3 against Gippsland in the preliminary final before having a standout Grand Final with four goals in his side's win. The premiership decider was clearly his best, with Sheezel electric in the forward half. No other players in the draft are as clinical and classy around goal as the half-forward, who finished his NAB League season with 36.24.
Pick 5. Essendon
Elijah TSATAS
18/10/04
187cm/80kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder
Tsatas missed Vic Metro's mid-year games with a foot fracture but came back towards the end of the season and collected 30 disposals and five clearances. The Oakleigh Chargers prospect had an excellent return to the field after his injury, putting in some commanding performances at NAB League level, including a best-afield display against Sandringham when he had 38 disposals and 13 inside-50s. He had 34 disposals and a goal in his side's wildcard round loss to Bendigo as well. An inside-outside midfielder with dash and quality.
Pick 6. Gold Coast
Matt JEFFERSON
195cm/78kg
8/3/04
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Key forward
The tall forward finished his NAB League season with four goals against Sandringham and then three goals against Bendigo, then scans showed he had been playing with a fracture in his leg. After a couple of weeks off his returned for Vic Metro to face Vic Country in the final game of the national carnival, with the right-footer kicking two goals, including a pivotal late one. It took his tally to 14 for the carnival and showed him to be one of the leading key position players in the group. A key forward in the mould of Essendon's Harrison Jones. This is my pick as the bolter of this draft.
Pick 7. Hawthorn
Bailey HUMPHREY
186cm/86kg
11/9/04
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder
The dynamic nature of Humphrey's game was on show early in Vic Country's loss to Vic Metro towards the end of the season, when he played deep in attack and controlled the game with some strong marks, clever leads and goalkicking opportunities. He finished with 1.3 for the game, but had an influence on it in his first appearance for Vic Country after missing the mid-year championships game with a knee injury. Humphrey finished second in the NAB League's Morrish Medal after playing just 11 games. Another exciting, powerful forward/midfielder with some traits like Sydney's Isaac Heeney. Expect to hear the nickname Humphrey the Hawk bandied about for the next decade.
Pick 8. Geelong
Jhye CLARK
23/7/04
181cm/77kg
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Midfielder
The consistent and strong-bodied midfielder finished off his NAB League campaign well with two goals from 27 disposals in the Falcons' wild card round loss to the Western Jets. Clark averaged 25 disposals in the competition this season and barely played a bad game, such is his intensity and work rate. Clark shapes as a pick-and-play prospect, someone who can come in and get the job done early. His leadership traits also appeal to clubs.
Pick 9. West Coast
Reuben GINBEY
188cm/81kg
10/9/04
East Perth/Western Australia
Midfielder/defender
Clubs are quite enamoured by Ginbey and it's easy to see why. The West Australian started his campaign as a third tall defensive option but developed across the year into a midfielder with strength and force who can get things going his team's way. His last game of the season came for East Perth's colts side when he had 19 disposals and kicked two goals, having also had a taste of senior experience through the year. Ginbey has been one of the season's big risers.
Pick 10. St Kilda
Cam MACKENZIE
187cm/80kg
21/4/04
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder
Mackenzie put on a clinic in the NAB League Grand Final, having 26 disposals, six clearances and booting two goals in an all-round very strong performance. It closed an extremely consistent NAB League season for the midfielder, who averaged 24 disposals and showed his tenacity at the stoppages, aerial ability and capacity to step up in big moments. Mackenzie is eligible to join St Kilda as a Next Generation Academy player but only outside the top-40 – which won't be the case, however I expect the Saints to get lucky and be able to swoop on Mackenzie at Pick 10.
Pick 11. Carlton
Jedd BUSSLINGER
196cm/82kg
11/3/04
East Perth/Western Australia
Key defender
The key defender has been off the radar since shoulder surgery in July after playing with the injury through the first part of the season. Busslinger is an intercepting key back who can mark well and drifts into the contest. In his last game of the year he picked up 26 disposals and six marks against the Allies for Western Australia.
Pick 12. Western Bulldogs
Mattaes PHILLIPOU
192cm/83kg
27/12/04
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Midfielder/forward
An ankle injury meant Phillipou spent most of the last chunk of the season on the sidelines. But that won't dim what scouts have seen from him at other stages this season. The 192cm talent is a dual-position player through the forward line and midfield, having averaged 28 disposals and 1.5 goals a game at under-18 level in the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens. He can mark above his head, slot long goals and is capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck. The son of former Bulldogs player Sam shapes as the first South Australian selected in the draft.
Pick 13. West Coast
Elijah HEWETT
185cm/84kg
27/5/04
Swan Districts/Western Australia
Midfielder
Hewett completed his season by impressing at senior WAFL level with Swan Districts. He played four straight games and averaged 16 disposals and a goal across that block of footy, showing he could match it with senior bodies and hold his own. Hewett is a confident player who can hustle and bustle through the midfield as well as hit the scoreboard. His best game of the year came against Vic Metro at the under-18 carnival when he was a physical force.
Pick 14. Melbourne/Essendon - Melbourne bid Pick 14 which is matched by Essendon trading picks 23 & 51 to AFL = 1,074 points for Picks 14 & 61. (20% discount)
Alwyn DAVEY JNR
180cm/74kg
26/2/04
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward
The Essendon father-son prospect delivered plenty of exciting moments throughout this year as an attacking half-forward who can also play through the midfield. It will be interesting where a bid comes for the son of former Bombers small forward Alwyn, given some of his best games were really exciting and showed his class. He also played for the Bombers' VFL side late in the year and, along with his twin brother Jayden, is keen to be at Tullamarine next year.
Pick 15. Melbourne
Oliver HOLLANDS
183cm/71kg
16/1/04
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Midfielder
Hollands capped a really strong finish to the season by gathering 23 disposals and seven marks as Vic Country's best midfielder against Vic Metro late in the season. His run of form had started in Vic Country's previous game, against Western Australia in July, and carried through, with the two-way running midfielder picking up 27 disposals in each of the Bushrangers' final two games. The brother of Gold Coast's Elijah and son of former Tiger Ben, Hollands could be a midfielder in the style of Melbourne runner Ed Langdon. He just gets to work.
Pick 16. Sydney
Henry HUSTWAITE
194cm/84kg
20/7/04
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder
Hustwaite will be an interesting player for clubs given his skillset and size. A growth spurt saw Hustwaite shoot up in height and become a tall midfield option, and he averaged 23 disposals for the Stingrays this season. His kicking for a player his height is really good and Hustwaite can play in a number of positions as well, including a flank or wing.
Pick 17. Greater Western Sydney/Brisbane - GWS bid Pick 17 which is matched by Brisbane trading Picks 68 & 71 to AFL = 88 points (732 points in deficit) for Pick 17. (20% discount)
Jaspa FLETCHER
184cm/73kg
24/2/04
Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies
Midfielder
The Brisbane father-son prospect will add another dimension to the younger midfielders at the club with his ability to glide from end to end and use the ball in a classy way. Fletcher is the son of four-club player Adrian, but is only eligible to join the Lions, where he has been a member of their Academy over the years. Has precise foot skills and is trusted with the ball in his hands. Could slot onto the wing early in the AFL career. This selection will effectively wipe out Brisbane's 2023 draft hand. Having already traded out their future 1st Round Pick, going over 700 points into deficit will see Brisbane's 2nd Round Pick likely taken from a Pick in the mid 30's to a Pick in the mid 70's and their 3rd Round Pick may well be pushed back as well.
Pick 18. Greater Western Sydney
Olli HOTTON
181cm/77kg
6/9/04
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward
Hotton had an exciting season at NAB League level for the Sandringham Dragons, which he closed with a strong performance in the Grand Final, when he kicked a goal from 25 disposals. The midfielder is a presence around the ball, and has also pushed forward to be an option there too, kicking three goals from 24 disposals against South Australia for Vic Metro.
Pick 19. Collingwood
Lewis HAYES
197cm/81kg
17/12/04
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Key defender
Hayes is a key defender who will be one of the first of his type selected at the draft. He had some strong performances for Vic Metro at the under-18 carnival, and also took some of that form into the NAB League where he found more of the ball and had impressive displays in the air. Hayes is wiry but marks well overhead and can shut down opponents. His brother is Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes.
Pick 20. Sydney
Jacob KONSTANTY
176cm/70kg
9/11/04
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Small forward
Konstanty has appeal to clubs through his forward craft and ability to hit the scoreboard as well as his tackling pressure. He booted 17 goals this season for Gippsland Power but also averaged six tackles a game at under-18 level, showing he can provide in both ways for his side. Konstanty comes from an elite junior soccer background and focused on footy in 2020 during the COVID shutdown that year. One of his best games of the year came for Vic Country when he kicked three goals against the Allies in the national carnival.
Pick 21. Greater Western Sydney
Josh WEDDLE
192cm/89kg
25/5/04
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Key defender
Weddle is a key defender who can run and jump at his grabs as well as play on some medium type of goalkickers. He was impressive through the carnival for Vic Metro, gathering 20 disposals and seven marks against Western Australia, whilst also being a consistent player for the Oakleigh Chargers.
ROUND 2
Pick 22. Greater Western Sydney
Coby BURGIEL
183cm/76kg
9/9/04
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Midfielder/forward
Burgiel has done it in an unassuming way but has pushed into being a possible top-25 pick through his impact around goal and in the midfield. He has a versatility to be used in a range of different spots and was a regular goalkicker for Gippsland, where he kicked 12 goals for the season and averaged nearly 22 disposals. His speed is an asset – he ran 2.84 seconds in the 20-metre sprint in the NAB League testing earlier this year, ranking him second in the competition.
Pick 23. West Coast
Isaac KEELER
198cm/88kg
23/4/04
North Adelaide/South Australia
Key forward/ruck
Keeler's North Adelaide side made the under-18s SANFL Grand Final, with the key forward/ruckman having a strong semi-final with 21 disposals and seven clearances. He averaged 18 disposals this season and kicked 19 goals at that level, showing his exciting mix of forward craft as well as ability to play up the field. At his height and with his skillset there is plenty to work with for Keeler, who is tied to Adelaide via the Next Generation Academy. The Crows will only get priority access to him outside the top-40.
Pick 24. Western Bulldogs
Lachie COWAN
188cm/81kg
1/12/04
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Defender/midfielder
Cowan's excellent season for Tasmania in the NAB League saw him be a joint winner of the Morrish Medal as the competition's best and fairest winners. The rebounding defender, who also spent plenty of time in the midfield, averaged 27 disposals, three tackles and five marks a game, with his penetrating left-foot kicking breaking the lines. Some clubs have him ranked inside the first round of the draft.
Pick 25. Adelaide
Jakob RYAN
189cm/77kg
20/9/04
Glenelg/South Australia
Defender
The Glenelg product has been a ball magnet this year – he has averaged 28 disposals in the SANFL under-18s competition and also featured in some reserves footy. He was also solid throughout South Australia's championships, regularly breaking the lines from half-back and also getting plenty of the ball up the ground. Is a run and carry player whose versatility will appeal.
Pick 26. Hawthorn
Ed ALLAN
194cm/82kg
26/5/04
Claremont/Western Australia
Midfielder
A late riser who could feature around the top-20 on draft night. Allan missed the first half of the year with stress fractures in his back but returned for Western Australia's final game of the under-18 championships. He then went back to colts level with Claremont and played as an inside midfielder and wingman, averaging 25 disposals in his last five games. His athleticism and scope is exciting. He is the son of former Hawthorn and Fremantle player Ben Allan, but neither club has father-son rights on him, however I can see Hawthorn swooping with their pick in the 20's.
Pick 27. Collingwood
Brayden GEORGE
186cm/87kg
13/4/04
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Forward
A frustrating campaign for George ended abruptly in August when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and underwent a knee reconstruction. He's in the early stages of his rehabilitation process now and faces missing most of his first year on an AFL list recovering from the injury. George showed his talent early in the year with a five-goal haul to start the season and a six-goal game weeks later, and as a medium forward his penetrating kicking and powerful strength and leap sets him apart.
Pick 28. West Coast
Darcy JONES
175cm/63kg
3/4/04
Swan Districts/Western Australia
Midfielder
A smaller type whose size doesn't stop him from playing a range of roles – in the midfield, forward or back. After an impressive series of games for his state, Jones recently stepped up to make his senior WAFL debut, kicking two goals from 13 disposals in his first game and two the following week as well. He can read the tempo of games well, has speed and class by foot and plays with a tenacity that belies his height.
Pick 29. Collingwood
Mitch SYBKOWSKI
186cm/84kg
09/01/04
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder
Szybkowski missed the Stingrays' preliminary final under health and safety protocols but returned for their NAB League Grand Final defeat to Sandringham. He averaged 23 disposals across seven games at the level but was also productive for Vic Country. The midfielder is a bigger size and can fight for the ball at stoppages and get it going his team's way. He has a penetrating longer kick and can move forward to kick a goal.
Pick 30. St. Kilda
Harry BARNETT
202cm/93kg
22/1/04
West Adelaide/South Australia
Ruckman
One of the leading ruckmen in the draft class who is able to get around the ground. Barnett has played two senior games for West Adelaide but also been dominant in the under-18s competition, where he has been an athletic marking option. His best game of the season came in round seven when he gathered 29 disposals, kicked two goals and had 28 hitouts against Woodville-West Torrens.
Pick 31. Carlton
Charlie CLARKE
182cm/75kg
4/1/04
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Forward
There aren't many prospects in this year's draft who play with as much effort and intensity as Clarke. The half-forward had a really good season, too, kicking 29.21 in 15 games for the Dragons, including a seven-goal haul against Tasmania in round four. He also had a terrific finals series for the Dragons, kicking 10 goals across the four games, including some sharp snaps and fall-of-the-ball crumbs. Will work his way into games and loves pouncing on a goal.
Pick 32. Fremantle
Sam GILBEY
188cm/71kg
14/5/04
Claremont/Western Australia
Midfielder/defender
Gilbey has had a challenging year, missing some time at the start of the year through illness and then having an interrupted carnival for Western Australia with health and safety protocols. The athletic midfielder and half-back has strong running capacity and finished his championships with 18 disposals and eight marks against South Australia.
Pick 33. Greater Western Sydney
Noah LONG
178cm/74kg
23/08/04
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Midfielder/small forward
Coming into the year as a prospect to watch, Long has worked his way back into draft contention and his determination to do so only adds to the endearing nature of his character. He has added to his game in the way of forward craft, but hasn’t lost his touch in the midfield, allowing recruiters to see a couple of different ways he could fit in at the next level.
Pick 34. St Kilda
Max GRUZEWSKI
193cm/84kg
21/7/04
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Key defender/forward
Every player needs at least one weapon to be picked by an AFL club, and then to make it at the level. Gruzewski's is his marking, which has been on show throughout this year despite an injury absence mid-season. He showed it recently for Vic Metro, too, when the versatile key-position player flew high and took a massive hanger in the front half and slotted the goal. Gruzewski can read the play well, be used at both ends and grabs it when it comes his way.
Pick 35. Port Adelaide/Adelaide - Port Adelaide bid Pick 35 which Adelaide match trading Pick 44 to AFL = 362 points (56 points deficit) for Pick 35. (20% discount)
Max MICHALANNEY
192cm/78kg
26/2/04
Norwood/South Australia
Defender
He won't jump off the stats sheet but Michalanney's ability to shut down forwards of all shapes and sizes makes him a valuable commodity for clubs. Put simply, he can take players out of games via his defensive abilities. At his height Michalanney is able to take on a range of forwards as well. He looks headed to the Crows, where he is eligible as a father-son given his father Jim played more than 200 SANFL games at Norwood.
Pick 36. Port Adelaide
Luke TEAL
189cm/80kg
20/05/04
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Defender
It was not the perfect year for Luke Teal, with the early season delay and only managing the one game for Vic Metro and four games for Oakleigh, but he had showed enough to be right in the draft mix. Teal was a player to watch coming into the season so there was plenty of expectation and he did well to finish the year strong at least to remind clubs of his talent and he could be a real bargain mid-draft for a club wanting to add some quality to their defence.
Pick 37. Melbourne
Jaxon BINNS
182cm/73kg
29/10/04
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder
With specialist wingmen in vogue and elite endurance runners proving highly desirable, there certainly seems to be a spot for Binns at the next level. More than just an athlete, he has the football nous to rack up plenty of possessions and drive into dangerous areas, doubling as a capable half-forward whose best traits suit the way football is played currently. With some polish to add, he may fit into the crop outside the top 30.
…
And there you have it. That certainly helped with my sleepless night overnight. Interested in peoples thoughts if if they think there's anyone missed and what you think of my predictions to land at the Dees? Main player who was stiff to miss out on this Mock Draft is probably Anthony Munkara.