Resource 2024 AFL Draft discussion thread (Wed Nov 20 to Fri Nov 22)

[Mutineer]

Cal Twomey is saying NM and WC are open to trading down.

Would we want to trade up from 2 or 3?
Are there any teams we wouldn't want to trade up to these picks?

With WC that would possibly suggest they rate Bo Allan higher than Twomey and others?

 

[Mutineer]

Bicks the recent rumours of top 3 being Lalor, FOS and Draper is close to a worse case scenario for us do you think? Are they your top 3?

Well Sam Lalor has been my clear Number 1 as far back as mid 2023 and they are currently my top 3 but there's others not that far off FOS and Draper.

 

[119others]

Smith does have that over Draper, but it's not like Sid is a bad kick or makes bad decisions. His games at SANFL level this year were ridiculous.

Having said that, if Smith was to fall into our laps it would be tough to say no.

Depends how much people still want that "big bodied mid" which Smith is not.

I think the big bodied mid thing is now getting overdone, lions best 2 in GF were Ashcroft and Neale. Hardly monsters.

We have Dawson already and hopefully Curtin so think we focus more on the Dangerfield like burst mid…which Draper appears to be. Desperately want at the club

 

[George Kramer]

Not as quick, not as damaging and IMO not as hard at the contest. Better kick no doubt but for metres gained Draper has him by plenty.


* Edited
You would also have to think Draper would almost certainly be a career Crow given he and his family are lifelong Crows supporters. Jagga Smith Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro history dictates you would be less certain of him being a career Crow.

Smith is as good in traffic as anyone in the draft, clean and skilful as you say, with a good athletic base. Not overly handball-happy either (though his kicks tend to be more short and well-placed)

Draper has more straight-line speed and is more penetrating by foot (though hitting targets is more hit-or-miss), at this point he is more strongly built too

I’d be happy with either, but I have Draper slightly ahead for what we need (though the speed in midfield issue has been helped somewhat by acquiring Peatling)

Thanks for the reply.

I suppose I wasn’t thinking more about us but the other 3 teams ahead of us choosing Draper over Smith.

If they were both available I can understand us choosing Draper a SA boy over a Vic Metro boy.

And again it’s only highlights but I was very impressed by Smiths ball use as compared to Drapers. He seemed much cleverer as opposed to just dishing it out. That might be unfair to Draper on a small sample size and I could have it wrong.

But players who are smart and use it cleanly I rate highly, I love Pendlebury as a player for example and if I was going to pick one, I’d choose him over Danger. It’s also why I’m a big fan of Soligo.

 

[Danger in Texas]

I think the big bodied mid thing is now getting overdone, lions best 2 in GF were Ashcroft and Neale. Hardly monsters.

We have Dawson already and hopefully Curtin so think we focus more on the Dangerfield like burst mid…which Draper appears to be. Desperately want at the club

Dawson and Peatling (even with his long neck) help in the ‘bigger built mid’ department, and yeah Curtin will take over from Daws eventually

Adding a 180-182 guy is fine

 

[George Kramer]

Dawson and Peatling (even with his long neck) help in the ‘bigger built mid’ department, and yeah Curtin will take over from Daws eventually

Adding a 180-182 guy is fine

Plus hopefully Edwards. Really we should expect Edwards to make it otherwise it’s another first round bust.

 

[119others]

Was that written by Josh Money ?

Haha, sounds like it. Lots of H Sun contributors

Ultimate trade guide: Every club’s AFL plans and how they will get the targets in the door​

Almost every AFL club is poised to get busy this trade period. See who your club is looking at, who they should be chasing and how they will get their deals done in our ultimate guide.

Josh Barnes, Lachlan McKirdy, Simeon Thomas-Wilson, Callum Dick, Eliza Reilly and Mark Duffield


The final ball has been bounced in the AFL season but now every club has to juggle their trade balls that are in the air.
All 18 teams have been jostling and talking their way to new trade and free agency targets, with some clubs already landing the free agent of their dreams.

With the trade period to kick off on Monday – and run until October 16 – here is where every club sits, who they want and most importantly, how they can get their targets.

Plus, who is the left field player your club should be calling about?

More Coverage​

Defiant Dees pledge to hold Oliver to contract

ULTIMATE TRADE GUIDE​

ADELAIDE​

2024 FINISH: 15TH (8-1-14)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 4, 28, 45, 63
RECRUITING TARGETS: Isaac Cumming (Unrestricted Free Agent), Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling
DEPARTING: Elliott Himmelberg (Gold Coast, UFA), Rory Sloane (retired), Lachie Gollant, Will Hamill, Ned McHenry, Patrick Parnell (delisted)
STILL WAITING ON A DEAL: Nil
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Alex Neal-Bullen is expected to pop straight into Adelaide in exchange for pick 28 but could the Crows instead give up a future second round pick for him? Issac Cumming has signed straight away as a free agent, as has Elliott Himmelberg, who will move to the Gold Coast. His teammate James Peatling has told the Giants he wants to join the Crows. With so many teams hunting Peatling, his value has surely only increased. Do the Crows have to put a future first rounder on the table, or will they have to split pick 4?
TEAM NEEDS: More midfield depth is a must for Matthew Nicks, especially quick and explosive midfielders which is really what the Crows are lacking in their engine room. Peatling is a win to start that process. The Crows have also been on the lookout for a younger ruckman also with that being a gap on its list.
WHY NOT GO AFTER: It may not happen this year but the Crows should be trying to set themselves to break the bank for Roo Luke Davies-Uniacke next year to get the big name onballer fans are craving.

BRISBANE​

2024 FINISH: 5TH (14-1-8) – WON GRAND FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 20, 59, 72
RECRUITING TARGETS: Matt Owies
DEPARTING: Joe Daniher, Jarryd Lyons (retired), Kalin Lane, James Maddin, Carter Michael (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Darcy Craven, Jaxon Prior, Luke Beecken
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Brisbane’s list strategy swings on Joe Daniher’s retirement: now the Lions will need to find a replacement. And they don’t have much to go shopping with. Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall will join through the draft as a father-son and academy selections, while Owies would add to a potent forward line and help an ageing Charlie Cameron. Deven Robertson has fallen out of favour at the Lions and will fall further down the pecking order, with other clubs to come chasing the Western Australian.
TEAM NEEDS: With Daniher is done, a ready-made key forward will be on top of the Lions’ shopping list. They have promised to scour the market for experienced talent up forward but clubs who have been hunting for weeks before the Lions haven’t come up with much.
WHY NOT GO AFTER: Tim Membrey is assessing his options as a free agent and would be the best option for a Daniher replacement, and would even be a strong third tall up forward if he stays on. With minimal draft capital to trade, the Lions will have to target free agents.

CARLTON​

2024 FINISH: 8TH (13-10) – LOST ELIMINATION FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 12, 34, 65, 68, 71
TARGETS: Dan Houston, Nick Haynes (UFA), Jayden Laverde
DEPARTING: Jack Martin, Alex Mirkov, Caleb Marchbank, David Cuningham, Dom Akuei (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Matt Owies, Sam Durdin, Jack Carroll, Matt Carroll
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The jostling around a Houston trade is poised to go the distance. The Blues don’t want to hand over pick 12 to get the two-time All-Australian but it is hard to see a deal being done without that choice. The Blues may try to prise pick 13 from Gold Coast instead, but several clubs want to take that one off the Suns. A future first rounder surely isn’t that tantalising for the Power. Does Owies get thrown into the mix to grease the wheels? The Blues risk losing Houston to North Melbourne if they don’t stump up enough. Lewis Young and Matt Kennedy are looking at their options elsewhere.
TEAM NEEDS: Nick Haynes has signed and fills a need down back helping out Jacob Weitering. The Blues need more leg speed around the midfield and with Owies in limbo, goalkicking small forwards are still needed.
WHY NOT: A tight salary cap makes player hunting tough for the Blues. But why wouldn’t they put an offer in front of Magpie goalsneak Joe Richards? He has offers elsewhere as he weighs up his future but could a plug-and-play small forward.

COLLINGWOOD​

2024 FINISH: 9TH (12-2-9)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 36, 51, 54
TARGETS: Harry Perryman (UFA), Dan Houston, Ben Hobbs
DEPARTING: Aiden Begg (delisted), Josh Carmichael, Nathan Murphy (retired)
STILL WAITING: Nathan Kreuger, Reef McInnes, Jack Bytel, Joe Richards, Lachie Sullivan, Charlie Dean, Ned Long, Josh Eyre
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The Pies have already likely had their biggest win of October, with Perryman walking in as a free agent. They have entered the race for another win by courting Houston but any trade there will be heavily reliant on securing Gold Coast’s pick 13 for wantaway backman John Noble, in a deal that would see Collingwood sent another pick back to Gold Coast. Even then, the Pies will have to stump up something else. Could that be unsigned forward Joe Richards? Collingwood has been sniffing around some others – including James Peatling – but missed on Mark Keane. The Suns have the Jack Lukosius deal to handle first and then could flip picks to the Pies.
TEAM NEEDS: For a team that won a flag in 2023 and almost kept the team together, there are a few holes here. Craig McRae declared he wanted a key forward but that market is small. A Nathan Murphy replacement is sorely needed. As is some young legs in the midfield.
WHY NOT: Would a future first open up a conversation with Port Adelaide about Ollie Lord? The young tall kicked four goals in a qualifying final in 2023 but he played just six times this year. You have to get creative to find a young key forward.

ESSENDON​

2024 FINISH: 11TH (11-1-11)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 9, 31
TARGETS: Finn Maginness, Josh Rotham, Tim Membrey (UFA)
DEPARTING: Dyson Heppell, Jake Kelly (retired), Kaine Baldwin, Nick Hind, Jaiden Hunter, Tex Wanganeen (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Sam Weideman, Will Setterfield, Jayden Davey
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The most interest is in those who may be leaving the Hangar than those potentially coming in. Jake Stringer is available but suitors are thin. Dylan Shiel is perennially courted, Jayden Laverde has interest from Carlton, Ben Hobbs may search for more game time. A pursuit of Finn Maginness may be tricky with the Hawk holding a contract for next season but a future second rounder seems enough if the Hawks let him go.
TEAM NEEDS: The Bombers need better runners through the midfield and a goalkicking small forward with academy prospect Isaac Kako set to fill that void.
WHY NOT: He is a similar type to Mason Redman but why can’t the Bombers get into the Dan Houston race? Every team needs more quality users from the backline.

FREMANTLE​

2024 FINISH: 10TH (12-10-1)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 10, 11, 18, 30, 66
RECRUITING TARGETS: Shai Bolton
DEPARTING: Josh Corbett (retired), Ethan Hughes (delisted), Sbit Kuek (delisted), Ethan Stanley (delisted), Matt Taberner (delisted), Conrad Williams (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Max Knobel, Odin Jones, Tom Emmett
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Richmond wants picks 10 and 11 for Bolton but the Dockers would rather retain one of their top two picks and part ways with 18 instead. The kicker is that Bolton still has four years left to run of a lucrative contract and the Tigers have publicly declared they are happy to keep him if they don’t get the deal they want. Watch this space on Kysaiah Pickett as well. The jungle drums are beating that he still may want out of the Demons.
TEAM NEEDS: It’s no coincidence that the Dockers are in the market for Bolton and Pickett given both are electric small forwards who can flip games in a flash. Fremantle lacked a touch of class this year after Lachie Schultz left and Michael Walters struggled to recapture his best. The Dockers would also love a line-breaking midfielder who oozes X-Factor. Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young are all immensely talented but they lack a bit of speed and flair.
WHY NOT GO AFTER: Chad Warner. The talk is that the star midfielder wants to come home when his contract expires at the end of next season. But the Dockers won’t have three first round picks unless they trade into the 2025 draft. If the Swans want maximum return for Warner, they’d have to consider a trade now while he’s still got a year to run and Fremantle has the assets.

GEELONG​

2024 FINISH: 3RD (15-8) – LOST PRELIMINARY FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 17, 38, 56, 74
TARGETS: Bailey Smith, Clayton Oliver, Jack Martin (Delisted free agent)
DEPARTING: Tom Hawkins, Zack Tuohy (retired), Gary Rohan, Brandan Parfitt, Phoenix Foster, Mitch Hardie, Emerson Jeka, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews, Jake Kolodjashnij, Ted Clohesy
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Martin is the easy one, he can sign with the Cats immediately. Smith appears tougher but pick 17 is a good starting point in negotiations. Oliver looks virtually impossible, and the Demons are holding firm. We have heard that from Melbourne before though. A future first is surely likely to be in the teens again given Geelong’s track record of success and would be selling low for the Dees. Each of those still waiting for contracts appear set to stay. The Cats will soon sign Irish talent Cillian Burke.
TEAM NEEDS: The Cats need more midfield depth and they are going after it. Smith is a perfect addition for team needs if he is back to his best, which is not an insignificant ‘if’. Ruck has always been a question at Geelong but they have managed to get by with Rhys Stanley and hopes are high about Toby Conway.
WHY NOT: Is it worth looking at a scrap-heap ruck like Braydon Preuss? The Cats don’t have much room to move in more trade targets.

GOLD COAST​

2024 FINISH: 13TH (11-12)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 6, 13, 23, 29, 41, 49, 77
RECRUITING TARGETS: Daniel Rioli, John Noble, Elliott Himmelberg (UFA)
DEPARTING: Brandon Ellis (retired), Darcy Macpherson, James Tsitas, Jack Mahony, Oskar Faulkhead, Will Rowlands, Hewago Oea, Sam Day, Sandy Brock (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Levi Casboult
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Gold Coast’s main focus will be on haggling over Dan Rioli, who is destined to reunite with Damien Hardwick. Pick 6 looks like it’ll be involved, with other selections swapping hands. John Noble is likely to be a second-round pick, while Elliott Himmelberg is already a Sun. Jack Lukosius will depart for Port Adelaide. The Suns again need draft points for academy prospect Leo Lombard and their pick 13 is being targeted heavily by other clubs.
TEAM NEEDS: The added class of Rioli and Noble off half back will add to Gold Coast’s defensive profile, which struggled in 2024. Some extra midfield grunt could ease the burden placed on Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.
WHY NOT GO AFTER: They’ll keep pushing after Dustin Martin, if only for his name and branding to help boost the Suns’ profile. But the Tigers legend says he’s “happily retired”.

GWS​

2024 FINISH: 4TH (15-8) – LOST SEMI-FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 15, 16, 21, 37, 52, 55, 73
TARGETS: Jake Stringer
DEPARTING: Isaac Cumming (UFA), Nick Haynes (UFA), Harry Perryman (UFA), Cooper Hamilton, Brayden Preuss (delisted), Adam Kennedy (retired)
STILL WAITING: Conor Stone, James Peatling, Josh Fahey
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The Giants are set to be very quiet in the acquisition market. They have been linked to Jake Stringer but don’t expect much movement until later in the trade period. However they will still be busy with several players eyeing the door. Isaac Cumming (Adelaide), Nick Haynes (Carlton) and Harry Perryman (Collingwood) have walked as free agents, netting the Giants compensation draft selections, while Xavier O’Halloran is testing the trade waters but has not lodged an official request and James Peatling wants to go to Adelaide. Untried swingman Wade Derksen has also requested a move to Melbourne. Conor Stone has had an offer in front of him to stay but has not yet signed that. The Giants don’t want to see a mass exodus so may dig their heels in on contracted O’Halloran and Derksen. GWS could try and drive a hard bargain for Peatling given his plethora of suitors. Thanks to their departing free agents, the Giants now have three picks in the top 21.
TEAM NEEDS: GWS may need to look at adding some depth to sure up its back six. Cumming, Haynes and Perryman all demanded pretty pay packets, with Haynes pushing $1 million last season, so there’s plenty of flexibility to target a big name recruit. There are depth options out there such as Kaine Baldwin, former Giant Adam Tomlinson and Tom Clurey. But they are back ups for a reason.
WHY NOT: With Toby Bedford moving into the midfield the Giants lacked a zippy small forward. Carlton’s Matt Owies has been told to look elsewhere and could be an option.

HAWTHORN​

2024 FINISH: 7TH (14-9) – LOST SEMI-FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 14, 33, 70, 76
TARGETS: Tom Barrass, Josh Battle (UFA)
DEPARTING: Chad Wingard (retired), Cooper Stephens, Clay Tucker (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Denver Grainger-Barras, Ethan Phillips, Josh Bennetts, Jack O’Sullivan
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Battle has already started putting stuff in his locker at Waverley. Good news for the Hawks is West Coast’s interest in getting a deal knocked over for Barrass, given they will probably want to flip that pick 14 to Richmond for Liam Baker. Helps the Hawthorn side of the negotiation. Whispers have pointed to Ned Reeves being hunted after he fell behind Lloyd Meek in the ruck pecking order, but Reeves has two years to run on a contract. Finn Maginness has also drawn interest and he has been largely a fringe player. The Swans have been linked to Sam Frost but it’s likely he stays. The Hawks were into Harry Perryman but he chose Collingwood.
TEAM NEEDS: The need that sits in defence will be filled with Barrass and Battle. Tick. Some more midfield class wouldn’t hurt the Hawks but they have promising players across most positions.
WHY NOT: He hasn’t indicated yet that he is looking for a new home but a flyer with Caleb Daniel could add some extra kicking power to the wings at Hawthorn.

MELBOURNE​

2024 FINISH: 14th (11-12)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 5, 40, 48, 53, 64
TARGETS: Wade Derksen, Tom Campbell (DFA), Dan Houston
DEPARTING: Angus Brayshaw, Ben Brown, Lachie Hunter (retired), Kyah Farris-White, Josh Schache (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Adam Tomlinson, Marty Hore, Joel Smith
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: For now Melbourne appears out of the Houston race but have the assets to get Port Adelaide interested, especially if pick 5 is split. Tom Campbell has been photoshopped into a new jumper for his fourth AFL club. The Giants have indicated they want to hold on to Derksen, having already lost a few players. But given he hasn’t played an AFL game and has family reasons for returning to Victoria, surely a deal can be struck. Hovering over all of this is the future of Clayton Oliver, with the Dees adamant he is not leaving. Alex Neal-Bullen should be traded early in the week to Adelaide for pick 28. Adam Tomlinson is expected to depart.
TEAM NEEDS: Melbourne has needed more scoring power for years and there is hope swingman Derksen can help somewhat. Tom McDonald was re-signed but extra height in defence would be useful, particularly with Tomlinson likely gone. The midfield is getting thinner – especially if Oliver gets out – so some more power in there would also be useful.
WHY NOT: He isn’t going to blow anyone away but Conor Stone is a talent and hasn’t signed a new deal at GWS yet. Could be a good buy around the edges.

NORTH MELBOURNE​

2024 FINISH: 17TH (3-20)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 2, 25, 43, 61, 67
TARGETS: Luke Parker, Jack Darling, Dan Houston, Caleb Daniel
DEPARTING: Hugh Greenwood, Liam Shiels (retired), Hamish Free, Bigoa Nyuon, Tyler Sellers, Curtis Taylor, Tarryn Thomas (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Charlie Lazzaro, Cooper Harvey, Blake Drury
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: North will have to dig into the draft picks to get any and all of their targets. Parker and Darling both carry big salaries so Sydney and West Coast will not drive a hard bargain to get the money off the books. Houston wants to get to Carlton but the Roos have much better picks to offer Port Adelaide and if a future first is on the table, the Power have to seriously consider it. Daniel hasn’t demanded a trade, and holds a couple years on his contract so a second rounder would have to be in play to get him. Rumblings have suggested North might split pick 2.
TEAM NEEDS: The Roos could use help almost everywhere but key back and key forward are two glaring needs. Darling fills the forward role, if he is up to standard after a lacklustre finish to his Eagles career.
WHY NOT: The scrap heap doesn’t always help rebuilding teams, but Magpie Nathan Kreuger remains unsigned and can fill roles back, forward and in the ruck. Worth a look.

PORT ADELAIDE​

2024 FINISH: 2ND (16-7) – LOST PRELIMINARY FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 39, 57
TARGETS: Jack Lukosius, Joe Richards
DEPARTING: Charlie Dixon (retired), Trent McKenzie (retired), Tom McCallum (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Travis Boak, Francis Evans, Kyle Marshall, Quinton Narkle, Tom Scully
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: Gold Coast are happy for Lukosius to leave after he was dropped at the end of the season but will still look to recoup something for the former No. 2 pick. The Suns might want a first-round pick but the Power could get a deal done for a second, although their first pick is all the way back at No.39 so a future choice may be needed. Port Adelaide ran second for Harry Perryman, who chose Collingwood. Richards is unsigned so if he does choose the Power a deal shouldn’t be too hard to pull off. Most of the Power’s time over the next week-and-a-half will be taken up by Dan Houston talks.
TEAM NEEDS: If Dan Houston gets his wish and gets a move to a Melbourne club then there will be a big hole in the Power’s defence at halfback. The Power’s forward line could also do with some bolstering after a carousel of experimental forwards failed to provide any consistency.
WHY NOT GO AFTER: Expect the Power to go after smooth St Kilda defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – who is out of contract at the end of next season – next year. But could a Houston departure speed this up in any way?

RICHMOND​

2024 FINISH: 18TH (2-21)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 1, 24, 32, 42, 44, 50, 60, 69, 75
TARGETS: Ben Hobbs
DEPARTING: Dylan Grimes, Dustin Martin, Marlion Pickett, Sam Naismith (retired)
STILL WAITING: Matthew Coulthard, Mate Colina, Thomson Dow, Kamdyn McIntosh, James Trezise
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: It’s a fire sale at Richmond. Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton want out. Does this work? Baker to West Coast for pick 14 (secured from Hawthorn in the Tom Barrass trade), Rioli and a sweetener to Gold Coast for pick 6 and Bolton to Fremantle for picks 10 and 18. That’s good business for the Tigers. Jack Graham looks set to depart for West Coast as a free agent. The Tigers have reportedly shown interest in Hobbs and need some ready-made players to avoid being horrendously bad in 2025.
TEAM NEEDS: Picks, picks and more picks. The Tigers know where they are and they need star-level teenagers. Some AFL standard players would help take the pressure off the kids, and they would need those players right across the field.
WHY NOT: Someone like Essendon’s Will Setterfield would help take the heat off the young midfielders and would be a solid citizen for young Tigers to learn off.

ST KILDA​

2024 FINISH: 12TH (11-12)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 7, 8, 27, 46
TARGETS: Jack Macrae, Ivan Soldo.
DEPARTING: Josh Battle (UFA), Matthew Allison, Riley Bonner, Tom Campbell, Seb Ross, James Van Es (all delisted).
STILL WAITING: Zak Jones, Tim Membrey, Ben Paton, Jack Hayes, Olli Hotton.
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: There will be some haggling over Macrae but pick 46 for a fringe player on big money seems fair. And a future second-rounder seems about right for Soldo. The Saints missed out on James Peatling.
TEAM NEEDS: The Saints were so keen for the Battle compensation pick to land at No.8 that Ross Lyon even called on the AFL to “do the right thing” and league HQ did the right thing by St Kilda. The Saints need young midfield talent and those draft picks should provide that.
WHY NOT: Who would say no if the Saints put both picks seven and eight on the table for Andrew Brayshaw? Brayshaw himself might knock it back but the Saints know they have to be aggressive to land a big midfield fish.

SYDNEY​

2024 FINISH: 1ST (17-6) – LOST GRAND FINAL​

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DRAFT PICKS: 19, 22, 58
TARGETS: Sam Frost
DEPARTING: Sam Reid (retired)
STILL WAITING: Aaron Francis, Caleb Mitchell, Cooper Vickery, Harry Arnold, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Lachlan McAndrew, Tom Hanily
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The Swans have some interest in Hawthorn defender Sam Frost, who looks like he may get squeezed out of the senior side in 2025. Former captain Luke Parker wants to get to North Melbourne after losing him prime midfield role in 2024, while Peter Ladhams is also a chance to move after losing his spot to Brodie Grundy. Parker would need to be traded but with a hefty salary, a later pick might suit the Swans. The Hawks don’t want to lose the contracted Frost and it seems remote that he will move a young family interstate. Jacob Konstanty is without a contract and has rival interest.
TEAM NEEDS: Sydney’s forward line fell down in the grand final, with limited impact from Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald, with the latter substituted out early in the game. But there aren’t many ready-made key forwards available, with ex-Swan Tim Membrey one that would cost nothing as an unrestricted free agent.
WHY NOT: He has struggled to get his body right the past two seasons, but a move to Sydney could be a fresh start for Richmond’s Tom Lynch as the exodus begins. The Swans have almost always had star power inside the forward 50, with Tony Lockett, Barry Hall and Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. If Lynch can get his body right, he’d be that big name target the Swans crave.

WEST COAST​

2024 FINISH: 16TH (5-18)​

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DRAFT PICKS: 3, 26, 62
RECRUITING TARGETS: Liam Baker, Jack Graham (UFA), Tom Clurey, Deven Robertson
DEPARTING: Andrew Gaff (retired), Jamaine Jones, Zane Trew, Jordyn Baker (delisted)
STILL WAITING: Alex Witherden, Coby Burgiel, Jai Culley, Josh Rotham, Luke Edwards
HOW THE DEALS GET DONE: The talk is that West Coast will get pick 14 from Hawthorn for Tom Barrass and that’ll be enough to secure Baker, even if fans reckon that’s overs for the Richmond vice-captain. The Eagles will get Jack Graham for free but West Coast can’t afford to overpay for depth players like Clurey and Robertson if those deals eventuate. Clurey has played one game in two years so would have to come cheap in a trade. The draft should still be the focus at this stage of the Eagles’ rebuild. There’s also a few rumblings about Tim Kelly given he’s out of contract next year and West Coast hasn’t moved to re-sign him. Hard to see anything but a late pick coming in Jack Darling’s move to North Melbourne.
TEAM NEEDS: Young talent. Everywhere. The Eagles are still in desperate need of top end talent to advance their rebuild so West Coast can’t afford to trade away pick three under any circumstances. There’s also a big hole in West Coast’s list in the mid-20s age bracket which Baker and Graham will help address. Key defensive depth now that Barrass is on the way out will also be important which is where Clurey comes in.
WHY NOT: Shai Bolton. The Dockers and Tigers are likely to haggle over which of Fremantle’s two first round picks form part of the deal so if talks break down, there’s an opportunity for West Coast to enter the picture. Bolton also obviously has a pre-existing relationship with new coach Andrew McQualter.

 

[Danger in Texas]

Thanks for the reply.

I suppose I wasn’t thinking more about us but the other 3 teams ahead of us choosing Draper over Smith.

If they were both available I can understand us choosing Draper a SA boy over a Vic Metro boy.

And again it’s only highlights but I was very impressed by Smiths ball use as compared to Drapers. He seemed much cleverer as opposed to just dishing it out. That might be unfair to Draper on a small sample size and I could have it wrong.

But players who are smart and use it cleanly I rate highly, I love Pendlebury as a player for example and if I was going to pick one, I’d choose him over Danger. It’s also why I’m a big fan of Soligo.

Yeah I’d be happy if Smith was our pick. You can’t have enough players who are elite readers of the tap. Good thing is, I can see him being the most ‘ready to go’ mid of the lot (i.e. averaging at least mid-20’s touches by year 2 with a bit of weight training)

Finally, a year where we aren’t just outside the ideal hitting range

 

[George Kramer]

Yeah I’d be happy if Smith was our pick. You can’t have enough players who are elite readers of the tap. Good thing is, I can see him being the most ‘ready to go’ mid of the lot (i.e. averaging at least mid-20’s touches by year 2 with a bit of weight training)

Finally, a year where we aren’t just outside the ideal hitting range

That is true to an extent, we had that with with McAsey pick.

Anyway, it does look like we are guaranteed a quality mid at 4. Don’t stuff it up Hamish!!

 

[Danger in Texas]

Plus hopefully Edwards. Really we should expect Edwards to make it otherwise it’s another first round bust.

Agreed. Hopefully he gets games this year

 

[Mutineer]

Thanks for the reply.

I suppose I wasn’t thinking more about us but the other 3 teams ahead of us choosing Draper over Smith.

If they were both available I can understand us choosing Draper a SA boy over a Vic Metro boy.

And again it’s only highlights but I was very impressed by Smiths ball use as compared to Drapers. He seemed much cleverer as opposed to just dishing it out. That might be unfair to Draper on a small sample size and I could have it wrong.

But players who are smart and use it cleanly I rate highly, I love Pendlebury as a player for example and if I was going to pick one, I’d choose him over Danger. It’s also why I’m a big fan of Soligo.

I want a game breaker type hence why I've been on the Lalor bandwagon for nearly 2 years having seen him play up close, IMO Sid Draper is the next cab off the rank in this draft with that potential.
FOS/Langford probably next in that regard though Langford's speed/agility doesn't match the others so I think recruiters will be queued up watching him today at the Combine to see if he has improved measurably on his preseason numbers.

 

[Cromulant]

Plus hopefully Edwards. Really we should expect Edwards to make it otherwise it’s another first round bust.

Based on what I saw of him toward the back end of this season, he looks ready to play AFL IMO

 

[George Kramer]

I want a game breaker type hence why I've been on the Lalor bandwagon for nearly 2 years having seen him play up close, IMO Sid Draper is the next cab of the rank in this draft with that potential.
FOS/Langford probably next in that regard though Langford's speed/agility doesn't match the others so I think recruiters will be queued up watching him today at the Combine to see if he has improved measurably on his preseason numbers.

Lalor looks like a bull and a gun but unfortunately his highlights are all forward play.

What’s he like in traffic with decision making and kicking?

 

[George Kramer]

Based on what I saw of him toward the back end of this season, he looks ready to play AFL IMO

Hopefully with another preseason he gets his chance. As stupid as this sounds for a bottom team with a struggling midfield, I don’t know how he will get an opportunity. Dawson, Rankine, Soligo, Crouch, Peatling would all be locks ahead of him.

Taylor and Berry as well, but I’d prefer to see him get a chance ahead of Berry who I don’t rate highly.

 

[rabidcrow]

If we are going to try and put an absolute monster offer at a player next year, it simply has to be an ooc Finn Callaghan. Would be a superb addition to our side.

Would offer him a similar deal to the one we supposedly offered Gulden. 10yrs @$1.2

Would finish our build after pick 4 this year


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[Mutineer]

Lalor looks like a bull and a gun but unfortunately his highlights are all forward play.

What’s he like in traffic with decision manning and kicking?

Very good, ask the lad himself or watch his interviews, he's midfielder, the only reason he played forward a lot this season was he did no preseason rehabbing a hip/groin issue.
Not that's he's ever done a real preseason with his cricket commitments, and lo and behold he lit it up as a forward where he previously hardly ever played.

The Dusty, DeGoey, Petracca comparisons as a player type are pretty close to the mark...IMO he's better overhead than all of them.

Outside of Langford he would be ahead of most others with his penetrating kick.

 

[rabidcrow]

Cal Twomey is saying NM and WC are open to trading down.

Would we want to trade up from 2 or 3?
Are there any teams we wouldn't want to trade up to these picks?

Provided teams pay up for the privilege I don’t think it matters. We will get a high class prospect at 4 regardless


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[Danger in Texas]

Hopefully with another preseason he gets his chance. As stupid as this sounds for a bottom team with a struggling midfield, I don’t know how he will get an opportunity. Dawson, Rankine, Soligo, Crouch, Peatling would all be locks ahead of him.

Taylor and Berry as well, but I’d prefer to see him get a chance ahead of Berry who I don’t rate highly.

Those five locks should be the starting mid rotation over him for next year, though I reckon Edwards could play wing if needed, too

We probably should encourage Crouch to look around once his contract’s up, opening up a spot for one of Taylor/Edwards/pick 4/Curtin in 2026. If two of those guys come good, you probably look to play Dawson more around the wings

 

[Cromulant]

Hopefully with another preseason he gets his chance. As stupid as this sounds for a bottom team with a struggling midfield, I don’t know how he will get an opportunity. Dawson, Rankine, Soligo, Crouch, Peatling would all be locks ahead of him.

Taylor and Berry as well, but I’d prefer to see him get a chance ahead of Berry who I don’t rate highly.

He's got decent forward craft, and better stoppage ability than a few of those blokes. Big lad too which a few of those guys aren't.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Crouch get passed by a couple by the end of next season

 

[rabidcrow]

I think the big bodied mid thing is now getting overdone, lions best 2 in GF were Ashcroft and Neale. Hardly monsters.

We have Dawson already and hopefully Curtin so think we focus more on the Dangerfield like burst mid…which Draper appears to be. Desperately want at the club

We need line breaking speed. Burst out of stoppage. They just need to be big enough to be in the congestion and compete


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[The Smith Revolution]

I respect everyone’s opinion in this space through watching these guys play live. Ball distribution from midfield and defence is what sets teams up, in all ball sports. Get the ball in the hands of those with skill and vision and good things happen.

So, less Ned and more Jake in essence. If Draper can’t do this, I don’t want him. And I weirdly live for a crows team stacked with SA and Broken Hill players. Joke intended. A grade forward distribution brings efficiency which brings shots on goal from good positions. Isn’t it coaching 101?

 

[Cromulant]

He's capable of that, he wouldn't be spoken about in the terms he is if he couldn't.

Smith though, I struggle to believe he's going to be available. Played Richmond VFL this year and was very impressive.... hard to believe they'd pass him up

 

[Danger in Texas]

He's capable of that, he wouldn't be spoken about in the terms he is if he couldn't.

Smith though, I struggle to believe he's going to be available. Played Richmond VFL this year and was very impressive.... hard to believe they'd pass him up

Apparently they want Lalor or FOS

 

[119others]

He's capable of that, he wouldn't be spoken about in the terms he is if he couldn't.

Smith though, I struggle to believe he's going to be available. Played Richmond VFL this year and was very impressive.... hard to believe they'd pass him up

So with Smith, FOS, Lalor and Draper we are fortunately in the “can’t lose” phase of the draft?

 

[Cromulant]

Apparently they want Lalor or FOS

And I wouldn't be against that as a Richmond fan either.

Just seems a bit strange to have a look at him and see him dominate VFL games and not pick him