Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

Who do you want for our first pick at the AFL Draft?

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    104
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Cant see us with any late picks this year…..thats without matching for Lual.

Did these calculations the other day based on dogs picks (have all slid back one since so could be slightly less although by the time we have to match gold coast would have likely matched atleast 2 players so all picks used could slide us up slightly).

Basically, before Coffield and Sweet deals have been done we can only match Croft bids from pick 12/13 onwards.
 

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Bonti 5416 said:
Cant see us with any late picks this year…..thats without matching for Lual.

Did these calculations the other day based on dogs picks (have all slid back one since so could be slightly less although by the time we have to match gold coast would have likely matched atleast 2 players so all picks used could slide us up slightly).

Basically, before Coffield and Sweet deals have been done we can only match Croft bids from pick 12/13 onwards.
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Can still use a late (no points) pick though can't you?

And yeah should definitely factor in multiple picks being used to match the GC kids.
 

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While the depth of this year’s draft is not considered to be particularly strong, clubs are always searching to find a late gem. Here are 16 players who are flying under the radar that could fit the bill.

LUKE LLOYD​

A 193cm forward, Lloyd emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the year. He was unsighted at the under-18 national championships, after missing selection for Vic Metro following an early-season quad injury. However, Lloyd kicked 19 goals in a game for school side De La Salle in May to put his potential on show. His marking is a feature of his game and he booted eight goals across his final three games of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League, including two majors in a winning grand final.

CALSHER DEAR​

A 195cm forward, Dear had a solid second half of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League to attract some late AFL attention. He played as a forward and back-up ruck for the Dragons and particularly caught the eye in the grand final as he logged 13 disposals, 14 hit-outs, three marks and kicked two goals. Dear’s mobility for a big man and ability to win the footy in the air and at ground level are his big strengths. He is eligible to join Hawthorn as a father-son, being the son of the late Paul Dear who played 123 games and won a premiership with the club in 1991.

COOPER SIMPSON​

Somewhat of a forgotten man, Simpson has slid down draft boards through little fault of his own, with an injury during the championships sidelining him for a critical part of the season. But his finish to year for the Dandenong Stingrays was a reminder of his x-factor as a midfielder, booting 2 goals from 20 disposals in his final outing. Simpson has a great sidestep in traffic and can break a game open with his penetrating kick, burst and ability to hit the scoreboard, averaging 21.5 disposals and just under a goal per game at Coates Talent League level. Had impressive results across the board at the combine and also received a VFL opportunity for Casey earlier in the year.

WILL GRAHAM ​


The 186cm midfielder has been the forgotten fourth Gold Coast Suns Academy member in this year’s draft pool. Three first-round draft locks from the Suns’ Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers – have been heavily talked about. However, Graham is a solid prospect in his own right. A potential top-40 pick, he can play as an inside midfielder or on a wing and has strong athletic traits which shone through at the recent national draft combine. Graham finished second in the 20m sprint, equal-second in the vertical jump and equal-third in the running vertical jump.

CAIDEN CLEARY​

Cleary was the fourth ranked player at the national championships, finishing second for tackles, fourth most disposals and equal fourth for contested possessions. Yet the hard-nosed Swans Academy prospect may not attract a bid inside the first two rounds of the draft. Cleary isn’t overly quick and there are knocks over his kicking, but he is one of the best inside ball-winners in the pool. The 182cm midfielder tackles like his life depends on it and his performances have stacked up against men, playing six games for Sydney at VFL level, with his five centre-clearances, 22 disposals and 102 ranking points against GWS Giants’ VFL side the highlight. He also can run all day, clocking the fifth best 2km trial time result at the draft combine. Cleary is expected to be matched by the Swans, but after their three acquisitions during the trade and free agency period, they may only take two or three picks in the national draft.

WIL DAWSON​

A versatile tall, Dawson measured 200.3cm at the national draft combine and is still growing. Gippsland Power required him in defence this year and he impressed in that position. However, Dawson is seen as a natural forward and back-up ruck, which is where he featured in his bottom-age season in 2022. While not a finished product just yet, there is plenty of excitement about what Dawson could become given his size, competitive nature, one-on-one contest wins and ability to be clean below his knees. He has met with just about every club, suggesting he will likely land somewhere.

SHAUN MANNAGH ​

Clubs after a plug and play mature-ager who can find the footy with ease and consistently hit the scoreboard, look no further. Mannagh put an exclamation point on his dominant VFL season with an incredible grand final performance, booting six goals and racking up 28 disposals to win the best-on-ground medal in Werribee’s loss to Gold Coast. You have to have make a significant impact to get drafted at 26, but Mannagh did just that at VFL level this season as a midfielder-forward, averaging 25 disposals, 7.8 score involvements, 5.6 tackles 4.7 clearances, 1.9 goals and 117 ranking points per game. Players who can break games open in the forward half while winning 20 disposals are hard to find, and Mannagh is well worth the punt.

COOPER TREMBATH ​

A 193cm tall, Trembath took to his first season in defence like a duck to water this year. He was overlooked for Vic Metro’s under-18 national championships squad, but starred in the middle and later part of the year for the Eastern Ranges as a strong-marking and intercepting backman. In a round 7 match in the Coates Talent League, Trembath racked up 17 disposals and 14 marks including eight intercept marks. He has quickly learnt when to go for his marks and when to spoil and how to position his body. Trembath can play on mid-sized forwards but also a little bit bigger and has drawn comparisons to Greater Western Sydney’s Connor Idun.

MICHAEL RUDD​

Rudd was equal fifth for goals per game at the national championships after an eye-catching carnival for Vic Country, but he was left off the national combine invite list. Club concerns centre on the medium forward’s speed, but what Rudd does have is a huge engine and strong hands overhead. Rudd showcased this at the state combine where he came equal-fifth in the 2km time trial (6:17). At 192cm, Rudd plays in a similar vein to Collingwood premiership forward Brody Mihocek and could prove to be a hidden gem for a club after a marking forward with relentless workrate.

TAYLOR GOAD​

The equal-tallest player at the national draft combine, Goad measured in at a towering 206.2cm. However, despite his size he is incredibly athletic and finished eighth in both the 20m sprint and vertical jump tests. Goad featured as a ruckman for South Australia in all four games of the under-18 national championships and continued his good form in the second half of the season for South Adelaide in the SANFL under-18s. He is agile, has good skills and is super competitive. Goad only began to focus on football again last year, having previously prioritised basketball.

KANE MCAULIFFE ​

A 187cm utility from North Adelaide, McAuliffe has some fans and showcased his incredible athletic abilities at the national draft combine. He finished third in the running vertical jump and fifth in both the vertical jump and the 20m sprint tests. He was also the first South Australian across the line in the 2km time trial, finishing in a time of 6min 26sec. A member of the AFL Academy this year, McAuliffe was restricted at times by a groin injury. However, the penetrating left-footer led the way in the midfield for South Australia at the national championships and impressed across seven SANFL reserves matches in the second half of the year.

LOGAN EVANS​

A strong start to the season saw Evans crack into the Norwood’s senior side from the get-go, tallying 18 disposals in a promising league debut. The rangy defender has spent time at all three levels this season but has played most of his footy in Norwood’s reserves, where he has averaged 15.2 disposals, 5.8 intercepts and 91 ranking points across 10 matches. His national championships could have been better, but as his national combine snub proves, Evans’ season has flown under the radar. The 189cm prospect reads the play well, has tidy skills and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty defensively

REECE TORRENT​

A 184cm midfielder or rebounding halfback, Torrent had a solid national championships with Western Australia and made an even better finish to the season. He made his senior WAFL debut for Peel Thunder in the final round of the regular season, showing good composure and kicking a goal. He runs hard and can break the lines, can win his own ball when playing inside and hits targets when on the outside with his nice left foot. Torrent placed seventh in the agility test at the national draft combine, while also performing well in the 2km time trial with a time of 6min 24sec.

KOEN SANCHEZ​

May not have eye-catching traits of WA bolter Lance Collard, but Sanchez is a hardworking half-forward who is always keeping himself busy. Sanchez had a consistent national carnival where he averaged 17.8 disposals, 6.0 score involvments, 1.5 goals and 102 ranking points, with his three goals against Vic Metro the highlight. The East Fremantle prospect is very clean below his knees, has deft footskills and is a great decision maker. Sanchez has racked up large possession tallies as a midfielder at WAFL Colts level, suggesting he can pinch hit in the midfield at the next level. Sanchez has also made the step up to WAFL Reserves level and didn’t look out of place.

BAILEY VAN DE HEUVEL​

The dearth of key defenders in the AFL saw the 25-year-old burst onto the draft radar, with his invite to the state combine evidence of club interest. After crossing from Footscray to Geelong’s VFL side, Van De Heuvel went to anothett level at the back end of the season, averaging 18.2 disposals, 8.3 marks, 7.8 intercept possessions and 4.8 marks in his last five games. This was all while working as an electrician during the week. At 200cm, Van De Heuvel can win the ball back off the opposition with his reading of the play and overhead marking, and he is ultra competitive defensively. Geelong VFL coach Mark Corrigan views him as a mature-ager with significant upside given he has never been in a full-time program. Could he be the latest Cats VFL graduate to be promoted to Geelong list?

SAM CLOHESY​

The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal has been a golden ticket into the AFL for mature-age talents, with Ethan Phillips (2022) the first recipient in the last 16 years who didn’t go on to get drafted. Clohesy, the older brother of 2022 Geelong draftee Ted, was recognised with the award after coming on in leaps and bounds this year alongside Mannagh for Werribee, averaging 16.8 disposalss and 5.6 marks. The rebounding defender uses the ball well by foot, is a good size at 189cm and is strong overhead. Clohesy has played local footy all over the country and this year was his first full season playing VFL football, giving him promising upside for a club after a defender. Several clubs have shown interest, with his 26-disposal preliminary final in particular attracting attention.

 
Nat Fyfe said:
Trembath, Sanchez, Goad and McAuliffe would all be great for us.

Can almost guarantee we end up picking someone like Evans - drafting a sub-190cm skinny rebounding defender with a good kick is almost an annual tradition for us now, and we never end up playing them
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Haha true. Sounds like we are going more mature this year for our 190cm defenders. Rumoured to be keen on Clohesy and El Nour.

I think Cooper Simpson could suit us if we miss out Sanders also, was a bit unlucky with injury this year. Seems to go up a gear during finals, caught my eye in last year's finals series as well as this years.
 
Nat Fyfe said:
Trembath, Sanchez, Goad and McAuliffe would all be great for us.

Can almost guarantee we end up picking someone like Evans - drafting a sub-190cm skinny rebounding defender with a good kick is almost an annual tradition for us now, and we never end up playing them
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McAuliffe showed off a bit of sidestep earlier in the u18 season too.
Could be the type that thrives with an injury-free run at it.

I wouldn't consider Dear an 'under the radar' type considering plenty of draft watchers have him in the late first round. Seemed to finish the year off really well.
 
Curtin (with his ability to play mid) and Sanders both growing on me. I’m now fully comfortable with any of those two, Watson or McKercher. Only one I just can’t come around too is Duursma. I don’t know what it is but just something about him screams flop…

My favourites at this point though are McKercher and then Watson.
 
TommyD13 said:
Curtin (with his ability to play mid) and Sanders both growing on me. I’m now fully comfortable with any of those two, Watson or McKercher. Only one I just can’t come around too is Duursma. I don’t know what it is but just something about him screams flop…

My favourites at this point though are McKercher and then Watson.
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Late trade Bailey smith to hawks
We get the best true on baller and Watson win win
TommyD13 said:
Curtin (with his ability to play mid) and Sanders both growing on me. I’m now fully comfortable with any of those two, Watson or McKercher. Only one I just can’t come around too is Duursma. I don’t know what it is but just something about him screams flop…

My favourites at this point though are McKercher and then Watson.
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sanders is 6.2 kicks well marks overhead it’s like a really good josh Dunkley please pic him
 
TommyD13 said:
Curtin (with his ability to play mid) and Sanders both growing on me. I’m now fully comfortable with any of those two, Watson or McKercher. Only one I just can’t come around too is Duursma. I don’t know what it is but just something about him screams flop…

My favourites at this point though are McKercher and then Watson.
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It's funny how we go through a process to get comfortable 😆. But I've done it too with the top 7, including Duursma - the kid has dominated.

McKercher my favourite too.
 

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goodcop badcop said:
While the depth of this year’s draft is not considered to be particularly strong, clubs are always searching to find a late gem. Here are 16 players who are flying under the radar that could fit the bill.

LUKE LLOYD​

A 193cm forward, Lloyd emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the year. He was unsighted at the under-18 national championships, after missing selection for Vic Metro following an early-season quad injury. However, Lloyd kicked 19 goals in a game for school side De La Salle in May to put his potential on show. His marking is a feature of his game and he booted eight goals across his final three games of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League, including two majors in a winning grand final.

CALSHER DEAR​

A 195cm forward, Dear had a solid second half of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League to attract some late AFL attention. He played as a forward and back-up ruck for the Dragons and particularly caught the eye in the grand final as he logged 13 disposals, 14 hit-outs, three marks and kicked two goals. Dear’s mobility for a big man and ability to win the footy in the air and at ground level are his big strengths. He is eligible to join Hawthorn as a father-son, being the son of the late Paul Dear who played 123 games and won a premiership with the club in 1991.

COOPER SIMPSON​

Somewhat of a forgotten man, Simpson has slid down draft boards through little fault of his own, with an injury during the championships sidelining him for a critical part of the season. But his finish to year for the Dandenong Stingrays was a reminder of his x-factor as a midfielder, booting 2 goals from 20 disposals in his final outing. Simpson has a great sidestep in traffic and can break a game open with his penetrating kick, burst and ability to hit the scoreboard, averaging 21.5 disposals and just under a goal per game at Coates Talent League level. Had impressive results across the board at the combine and also received a VFL opportunity for Casey earlier in the year.

WILL GRAHAM ​


The 186cm midfielder has been the forgotten fourth Gold Coast Suns Academy member in this year’s draft pool. Three first-round draft locks from the Suns’ Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers – have been heavily talked about. However, Graham is a solid prospect in his own right. A potential top-40 pick, he can play as an inside midfielder or on a wing and has strong athletic traits which shone through at the recent national draft combine. Graham finished second in the 20m sprint, equal-second in the vertical jump and equal-third in the running vertical jump.

CAIDEN CLEARY​

Cleary was the fourth ranked player at the national championships, finishing second for tackles, fourth most disposals and equal fourth for contested possessions. Yet the hard-nosed Swans Academy prospect may not attract a bid inside the first two rounds of the draft. Cleary isn’t overly quick and there are knocks over his kicking, but he is one of the best inside ball-winners in the pool. The 182cm midfielder tackles like his life depends on it and his performances have stacked up against men, playing six games for Sydney at VFL level, with his five centre-clearances, 22 disposals and 102 ranking points against GWS Giants’ VFL side the highlight. He also can run all day, clocking the fifth best 2km trial time result at the draft combine. Cleary is expected to be matched by the Swans, but after their three acquisitions during the trade and free agency period, they may only take two or three picks in the national draft.

WIL DAWSON​

A versatile tall, Dawson measured 200.3cm at the national draft combine and is still growing. Gippsland Power required him in defence this year and he impressed in that position. However, Dawson is seen as a natural forward and back-up ruck, which is where he featured in his bottom-age season in 2022. While not a finished product just yet, there is plenty of excitement about what Dawson could become given his size, competitive nature, one-on-one contest wins and ability to be clean below his knees. He has met with just about every club, suggesting he will likely land somewhere.

SHAUN MANNAGH ​

Clubs after a plug and play mature-ager who can find the footy with ease and consistently hit the scoreboard, look no further. Mannagh put an exclamation point on his dominant VFL season with an incredible grand final performance, booting six goals and racking up 28 disposals to win the best-on-ground medal in Werribee’s loss to Gold Coast. You have to have make a significant impact to get drafted at 26, but Mannagh did just that at VFL level this season as a midfielder-forward, averaging 25 disposals, 7.8 score involvements, 5.6 tackles 4.7 clearances, 1.9 goals and 117 ranking points per game. Players who can break games open in the forward half while winning 20 disposals are hard to find, and Mannagh is well worth the punt.

COOPER TREMBATH ​

A 193cm tall, Trembath took to his first season in defence like a duck to water this year. He was overlooked for Vic Metro’s under-18 national championships squad, but starred in the middle and later part of the year for the Eastern Ranges as a strong-marking and intercepting backman. In a round 7 match in the Coates Talent League, Trembath racked up 17 disposals and 14 marks including eight intercept marks. He has quickly learnt when to go for his marks and when to spoil and how to position his body. Trembath can play on mid-sized forwards but also a little bit bigger and has drawn comparisons to Greater Western Sydney’s Connor Idun.

MICHAEL RUDD​

Rudd was equal fifth for goals per game at the national championships after an eye-catching carnival for Vic Country, but he was left off the national combine invite list. Club concerns centre on the medium forward’s speed, but what Rudd does have is a huge engine and strong hands overhead. Rudd showcased this at the state combine where he came equal-fifth in the 2km time trial (6:17). At 192cm, Rudd plays in a similar vein to Collingwood premiership forward Brody Mihocek and could prove to be a hidden gem for a club after a marking forward with relentless workrate.

TAYLOR GOAD​

The equal-tallest player at the national draft combine, Goad measured in at a towering 206.2cm. However, despite his size he is incredibly athletic and finished eighth in both the 20m sprint and vertical jump tests. Goad featured as a ruckman for South Australia in all four games of the under-18 national championships and continued his good form in the second half of the season for South Adelaide in the SANFL under-18s. He is agile, has good skills and is super competitive. Goad only began to focus on football again last year, having previously prioritised basketball.

KANE MCAULIFFE ​

A 187cm utility from North Adelaide, McAuliffe has some fans and showcased his incredible athletic abilities at the national draft combine. He finished third in the running vertical jump and fifth in both the vertical jump and the 20m sprint tests. He was also the first South Australian across the line in the 2km time trial, finishing in a time of 6min 26sec. A member of the AFL Academy this year, McAuliffe was restricted at times by a groin injury. However, the penetrating left-footer led the way in the midfield for South Australia at the national championships and impressed across seven SANFL reserves matches in the second half of the year.

LOGAN EVANS​

A strong start to the season saw Evans crack into the Norwood’s senior side from the get-go, tallying 18 disposals in a promising league debut. The rangy defender has spent time at all three levels this season but has played most of his footy in Norwood’s reserves, where he has averaged 15.2 disposals, 5.8 intercepts and 91 ranking points across 10 matches. His national championships could have been better, but as his national combine snub proves, Evans’ season has flown under the radar. The 189cm prospect reads the play well, has tidy skills and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty defensively

REECE TORRENT​

A 184cm midfielder or rebounding halfback, Torrent had a solid national championships with Western Australia and made an even better finish to the season. He made his senior WAFL debut for Peel Thunder in the final round of the regular season, showing good composure and kicking a goal. He runs hard and can break the lines, can win his own ball when playing inside and hits targets when on the outside with his nice left foot. Torrent placed seventh in the agility test at the national draft combine, while also performing well in the 2km time trial with a time of 6min 24sec.

KOEN SANCHEZ​

May not have eye-catching traits of WA bolter Lance Collard, but Sanchez is a hardworking half-forward who is always keeping himself busy. Sanchez had a consistent national carnival where he averaged 17.8 disposals, 6.0 score involvments, 1.5 goals and 102 ranking points, with his three goals against Vic Metro the highlight. The East Fremantle prospect is very clean below his knees, has deft footskills and is a great decision maker. Sanchez has racked up large possession tallies as a midfielder at WAFL Colts level, suggesting he can pinch hit in the midfield at the next level. Sanchez has also made the step up to WAFL Reserves level and didn’t look out of place.

BAILEY VAN DE HEUVEL​

The dearth of key defenders in the AFL saw the 25-year-old burst onto the draft radar, with his invite to the state combine evidence of club interest. After crossing from Footscray to Geelong’s VFL side, Van De Heuvel went to anothett level at the back end of the season, averaging 18.2 disposals, 8.3 marks, 7.8 intercept possessions and 4.8 marks in his last five games. This was all while working as an electrician during the week. At 200cm, Van De Heuvel can win the ball back off the opposition with his reading of the play and overhead marking, and he is ultra competitive defensively. Geelong VFL coach Mark Corrigan views him as a mature-ager with significant upside given he has never been in a full-time program. Could he be the latest Cats VFL graduate to be promoted to Geelong list?

SAM CLOHESY​

The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal has been a golden ticket into the AFL for mature-age talents, with Ethan Phillips (2022) the first recipient in the last 16 years who didn’t go on to get drafted. Clohesy, the older brother of 2022 Geelong draftee Ted, was recognised with the award after coming on in leaps and bounds this year alongside Mannagh for Werribee, averaging 16.8 disposalss and 5.6 marks. The rebounding defender uses the ball well by foot, is a good size at 189cm and is strong overhead. Clohesy has played local footy all over the country and this year was his first full season playing VFL football, giving him promising upside for a club after a defender. Several clubs have shown interest, with his 26-disposal preliminary final in particular attracting attention.

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Simpson, Goad and McAulfie all sound worthy of a ‘punt’ at their respective draft predictions.
 
House_of_Dahl said:
It's funny how we go through a process to get comfortable 😆. But I've done it too with the top 7, including Duursma - the kid has dominated.

McKercher my favourite too.
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Comfortable with any of them but conscious of the price we paid. Think I still want Watson as a potential game changer for 3 first rounders.
 
Northernsoul74 said:
Comfortable with any of them but conscious of the price we paid. Think I still want Watson as a potential game changer for 3 first rounders.
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I still don’t see it as three first rounders
Because we’ll have two first round picks this year when Croft gets a bid
Northernsoul74 said:
Simpson, Goad and McAulfie all sound worthy of a ‘punt’ at their respective draft predictions.
Click to expand...
Simpson would have likely been a high pick this season if not for injuries so there is a good chance he’s going somewhere around the second round
 
TommyD13 said:
Curtin (with his ability to play mid) and Sanders both growing on me. I’m now fully comfortable with any of those two, Watson or McKercher. Only one I just can’t come around too is Duursma. I don’t know what it is but just something about him screams flop…

My favourites at this point though are McKercher and then Watson.
Click to expand...
I can't get behind Duursma either. He just feels like he has big bust potential. He reminds me too much of Ollie Henry who whilst a good player, is just a good player.
 
Golden_6 said:
I can't get behind Duursma either. He just feels like he has big bust potential. He reminds me too much of Ollie Henry who whilst a good player, is just a good player.
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I can't back this up off the top of my head, but I feel like highly rated medium forwards at underage level often bust at senior level unless they are also strong midfielders. There's probably examples that prove me wrong, but I don't like the idea of taking a medium forward that high in the draft.
 
goodcop badcop said:
While the depth of this year’s draft is not considered to be particularly strong, clubs are always searching to find a late gem. Here are 16 players who are flying under the radar that could fit the bill.

LUKE LLOYD​

A 193cm forward, Lloyd emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the year. He was unsighted at the under-18 national championships, after missing selection for Vic Metro following an early-season quad injury. However, Lloyd kicked 19 goals in a game for school side De La Salle in May to put his potential on show. His marking is a feature of his game and he booted eight goals across his final three games of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League, including two majors in a winning grand final.

CALSHER DEAR​

A 195cm forward, Dear had a solid second half of the season for Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League to attract some late AFL attention. He played as a forward and back-up ruck for the Dragons and particularly caught the eye in the grand final as he logged 13 disposals, 14 hit-outs, three marks and kicked two goals. Dear’s mobility for a big man and ability to win the footy in the air and at ground level are his big strengths. He is eligible to join Hawthorn as a father-son, being the son of the late Paul Dear who played 123 games and won a premiership with the club in 1991.

COOPER SIMPSON​

Somewhat of a forgotten man, Simpson has slid down draft boards through little fault of his own, with an injury during the championships sidelining him for a critical part of the season. But his finish to year for the Dandenong Stingrays was a reminder of his x-factor as a midfielder, booting 2 goals from 20 disposals in his final outing. Simpson has a great sidestep in traffic and can break a game open with his penetrating kick, burst and ability to hit the scoreboard, averaging 21.5 disposals and just under a goal per game at Coates Talent League level. Had impressive results across the board at the combine and also received a VFL opportunity for Casey earlier in the year.

WILL GRAHAM ​


The 186cm midfielder has been the forgotten fourth Gold Coast Suns Academy member in this year’s draft pool. Three first-round draft locks from the Suns’ Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers – have been heavily talked about. However, Graham is a solid prospect in his own right. A potential top-40 pick, he can play as an inside midfielder or on a wing and has strong athletic traits which shone through at the recent national draft combine. Graham finished second in the 20m sprint, equal-second in the vertical jump and equal-third in the running vertical jump.

CAIDEN CLEARY​

Cleary was the fourth ranked player at the national championships, finishing second for tackles, fourth most disposals and equal fourth for contested possessions. Yet the hard-nosed Swans Academy prospect may not attract a bid inside the first two rounds of the draft. Cleary isn’t overly quick and there are knocks over his kicking, but he is one of the best inside ball-winners in the pool. The 182cm midfielder tackles like his life depends on it and his performances have stacked up against men, playing six games for Sydney at VFL level, with his five centre-clearances, 22 disposals and 102 ranking points against GWS Giants’ VFL side the highlight. He also can run all day, clocking the fifth best 2km trial time result at the draft combine. Cleary is expected to be matched by the Swans, but after their three acquisitions during the trade and free agency period, they may only take two or three picks in the national draft.

WIL DAWSON​

A versatile tall, Dawson measured 200.3cm at the national draft combine and is still growing. Gippsland Power required him in defence this year and he impressed in that position. However, Dawson is seen as a natural forward and back-up ruck, which is where he featured in his bottom-age season in 2022. While not a finished product just yet, there is plenty of excitement about what Dawson could become given his size, competitive nature, one-on-one contest wins and ability to be clean below his knees. He has met with just about every club, suggesting he will likely land somewhere.

SHAUN MANNAGH ​

Clubs after a plug and play mature-ager who can find the footy with ease and consistently hit the scoreboard, look no further. Mannagh put an exclamation point on his dominant VFL season with an incredible grand final performance, booting six goals and racking up 28 disposals to win the best-on-ground medal in Werribee’s loss to Gold Coast. You have to have make a significant impact to get drafted at 26, but Mannagh did just that at VFL level this season as a midfielder-forward, averaging 25 disposals, 7.8 score involvements, 5.6 tackles 4.7 clearances, 1.9 goals and 117 ranking points per game. Players who can break games open in the forward half while winning 20 disposals are hard to find, and Mannagh is well worth the punt.

COOPER TREMBATH ​

A 193cm tall, Trembath took to his first season in defence like a duck to water this year. He was overlooked for Vic Metro’s under-18 national championships squad, but starred in the middle and later part of the year for the Eastern Ranges as a strong-marking and intercepting backman. In a round 7 match in the Coates Talent League, Trembath racked up 17 disposals and 14 marks including eight intercept marks. He has quickly learnt when to go for his marks and when to spoil and how to position his body. Trembath can play on mid-sized forwards but also a little bit bigger and has drawn comparisons to Greater Western Sydney’s Connor Idun.

MICHAEL RUDD​

Rudd was equal fifth for goals per game at the national championships after an eye-catching carnival for Vic Country, but he was left off the national combine invite list. Club concerns centre on the medium forward’s speed, but what Rudd does have is a huge engine and strong hands overhead. Rudd showcased this at the state combine where he came equal-fifth in the 2km time trial (6:17). At 192cm, Rudd plays in a similar vein to Collingwood premiership forward Brody Mihocek and could prove to be a hidden gem for a club after a marking forward with relentless workrate.

TAYLOR GOAD​

The equal-tallest player at the national draft combine, Goad measured in at a towering 206.2cm. However, despite his size he is incredibly athletic and finished eighth in both the 20m sprint and vertical jump tests. Goad featured as a ruckman for South Australia in all four games of the under-18 national championships and continued his good form in the second half of the season for South Adelaide in the SANFL under-18s. He is agile, has good skills and is super competitive. Goad only began to focus on football again last year, having previously prioritised basketball.

KANE MCAULIFFE ​

A 187cm utility from North Adelaide, McAuliffe has some fans and showcased his incredible athletic abilities at the national draft combine. He finished third in the running vertical jump and fifth in both the vertical jump and the 20m sprint tests. He was also the first South Australian across the line in the 2km time trial, finishing in a time of 6min 26sec. A member of the AFL Academy this year, McAuliffe was restricted at times by a groin injury. However, the penetrating left-footer led the way in the midfield for South Australia at the national championships and impressed across seven SANFL reserves matches in the second half of the year.

LOGAN EVANS​

A strong start to the season saw Evans crack into the Norwood’s senior side from the get-go, tallying 18 disposals in a promising league debut. The rangy defender has spent time at all three levels this season but has played most of his footy in Norwood’s reserves, where he has averaged 15.2 disposals, 5.8 intercepts and 91 ranking points across 10 matches. His national championships could have been better, but as his national combine snub proves, Evans’ season has flown under the radar. The 189cm prospect reads the play well, has tidy skills and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty defensively

REECE TORRENT​

A 184cm midfielder or rebounding halfback, Torrent had a solid national championships with Western Australia and made an even better finish to the season. He made his senior WAFL debut for Peel Thunder in the final round of the regular season, showing good composure and kicking a goal. He runs hard and can break the lines, can win his own ball when playing inside and hits targets when on the outside with his nice left foot. Torrent placed seventh in the agility test at the national draft combine, while also performing well in the 2km time trial with a time of 6min 24sec.

KOEN SANCHEZ​

May not have eye-catching traits of WA bolter Lance Collard, but Sanchez is a hardworking half-forward who is always keeping himself busy. Sanchez had a consistent national carnival where he averaged 17.8 disposals, 6.0 score involvments, 1.5 goals and 102 ranking points, with his three goals against Vic Metro the highlight. The East Fremantle prospect is very clean below his knees, has deft footskills and is a great decision maker. Sanchez has racked up large possession tallies as a midfielder at WAFL Colts level, suggesting he can pinch hit in the midfield at the next level. Sanchez has also made the step up to WAFL Reserves level and didn’t look out of place.

BAILEY VAN DE HEUVEL​

The dearth of key defenders in the AFL saw the 25-year-old burst onto the draft radar, with his invite to the state combine evidence of club interest. After crossing from Footscray to Geelong’s VFL side, Van De Heuvel went to anothett level at the back end of the season, averaging 18.2 disposals, 8.3 marks, 7.8 intercept possessions and 4.8 marks in his last five games. This was all while working as an electrician during the week. At 200cm, Van De Heuvel can win the ball back off the opposition with his reading of the play and overhead marking, and he is ultra competitive defensively. Geelong VFL coach Mark Corrigan views him as a mature-ager with significant upside given he has never been in a full-time program. Could he be the latest Cats VFL graduate to be promoted to Geelong list?

SAM CLOHESY​

The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal has been a golden ticket into the AFL for mature-age talents, with Ethan Phillips (2022) the first recipient in the last 16 years who didn’t go on to get drafted. Clohesy, the older brother of 2022 Geelong draftee Ted, was recognised with the award after coming on in leaps and bounds this year alongside Mannagh for Werribee, averaging 16.8 disposalss and 5.6 marks. The rebounding defender uses the ball well by foot, is a good size at 189cm and is strong overhead. Clohesy has played local footy all over the country and this year was his first full season playing VFL football, giving him promising upside for a club after a defender. Several clubs have shown interest, with his 26-disposal preliminary final in particular attracting attention.

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Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

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