Dr Tigris
Brownlow Medallist
2024 AFL Phantom Draft: Every pick in the first two rounds
Jasper Chellappah has released his latest two-round AFL Phantom Draft for 2024, with the first of a big two-night event now just two weeks away. Who is your club looking to pick with its early selections?www.espn.com.au
Round 1
1. Richmond -- Sam Lalor
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
MID/FWD, 188cm
The hype around Lalor has steadily risen to the point where rival clubs will be shocked if the Tigers don't make him the No. 1 pick. A genuine match-winner with power and strength, Lalor will start his career in the forward 50 before graduating on-ball for Richmond, where his defensive tenacity adds to the enticing package. Finn O'Sullivan and Jagga Smith are now distant runners in the race for pick 1.
7. Richmond -- Josh Smillie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 195cm
A tough decision looms for the Tigers if both Jagga Smith and Josh Smillie are available at this point. It would be a difficult choice to pass on Jagga who made the VFL look easy in the yellow and black. But clubs strongly link Smillie to the Tigers, where his immense size and physicality would be welcome through the midfield. Alix Tauru's availability would also make the Tigers think.
12. Richmond -- Harry Armstrong
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
FWD, 195cm
If the Tigers miss on Tauru, expect Armstrong to be one of the selections at this stage if the key forward is on the board. Blessed with a beautiful set shot routine and booming left leg, Armstrong already has quality AFL traits in his contested marking and athleticism.
13. Richmond -- Bo Allen
Peel Thunder/Western Australia
DEF/MID, 191cm
Richmond's hunt for quality leaders and the intangibles necessary to kickstart a rebuild could land them Allen, who is as likely as anyone in the pool to captain an AFL side. The WA bull can play inside midfield or off halfback where it's likely he'll start his career. Allen's defensive tenacity and physicality should give him a chance to play early at senior level. The Tigers are keen on Travaglia who may be available at this stage, and Taj Hotton is a name repeatedly raised at this point of the draft
21. Richmond -- Luke Trainor
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF, 194cm
Trainor possesses the talent to become an elite intercept defender in the AFL. He's slid down draft boards after inconsistent form and injury in the second half of the season, but Richmond is well placed to snap him up at this point. Other key position talent to be considered includes Jack and Matt Whitlock, and the forgotten man Noah Mraz.
24. Richmond -- Cooper Hynes
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
FWD/MID, 190cm
Hynes' power, explosiveness and damage out of the centre mirrors likely number one pick Sam Lalor. He's a bull at a red rag when the ball is up for grabs and loves the physical side of the contest. This is one of a number of picks that could be moved by Richmond on the night, but the quality of Hynes would be a welcome addition to Punt Road.
27. Richmond -- Alex Dodson
Sturt/South Australia
RUC, 203cm
Dodson has suitors in the first round, and the Tigers are yet to form succession for skipper Toby Nankervis. Dodson would be an astute choice with his clean hands and boundless athleticism. He will take some time to develop, but expect the former basketballer to become a quality ruckman in due course.
Round 2
28. Richmond -- James Barrat
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
DEF/FWD, 194cm
Expect clubs to come hard for this selection, with Richmond able to listen to all offers before the first pick on night two. If they stay put, the physicality and maturity of Barrat looms large. He showed significant ability forward of the ball, but it's down back where Barrat's best footy came, operating as a slightly undersized key defender with brilliant ball use.
interesting choices. Can't see Trainor. And Barrat isn't a priority when we have a lot of KPDs.
