Opinion Pick 9* 2024 – Who do you want? (profiles and consensus rankings included)
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While this pick will slide down to #12 (or even #13) on draft night due to bids, there's still likely to be a heap of good talent on the board.
Similarly to the Pick 5* thread, please vote for your TWO favourite options and let me know if you'd like any profiles/options added.
Thanks again to noobermensch for the video content.
P.S. use threadmarks to navigate to draftee profiles
Similarly to the Pick 5* thread, please vote for your TWO favourite options and let me know if you'd like any profiles/options added.
Thanks again to noobermensch for the video content.
P.S. use threadmarks to navigate to draftee profiles
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Murphy Reid
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Murphy Reid
- Height: 180cm
- Position: Midfielder/forward
- Twomey rank (October): #6 (down from #5 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: An ankle injury suffered midway through the Coates Talent League Grand Final meant Reid didn't test at the Draft Combine. There were fears he had also suffered a knee injury in the awkward tackle, but he was all clear on that front, apart from aggravating a muscle problem he had been managing in previous weeks. Reid had continued to show his midfield and half-forward talents through Sandringham's finals series, including a three-goal and 32-disposal game against the Jets in the wildcard round and three goals from 25 disposals against Calder in the qualifying final. Reid finished his season averaging 25 disposals a game and he makes them hurt – finding creative options, opening up space for teammates and directing the play with his ball use.
- September: Class, class, class. There's no quicker mind in this year's draft group than Reid, who makes things happen every time he has the ball. If there was a test at the Draft Combine for footy IQ, Reid would win it: he reads the game quicker than others, opens space with his clever, quick and sharp handballing, his kicking hits targets and he slips in and out of trouble at a different speed to other midfielders and half-forwards. Reid had back-to-back three-goal games from the midfield for Sandringham to start its finals series and has averaged 28 disposals at the level this year. There's a reason some clubs have him as the best in the draft and that's because of his impact per possession.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #3
- What Rookie Me say:
- Reid timed his top performance for Vic Metro exceptionally well, and went on to take out MVP honours to strengthen his top 10 credentials. The midfielder was arguably the most unlucky player to miss out on National Academy honours this year but wholly impressed at school, Coates Talent League, and representative levels. While not blessed with natural pace, Reid is fleet of thought with smarts, decision making and ball use being his main assets. He hardly wastes a touch and finds the ball in dangerous areas when not doing so at stoppages. Playing at such a high level alongside a host of the year’s top prospects has only boosted his standing, and he is one of the most creative handball exponents available.
- Fox rank (August): #7 (same as Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: If anyone has any doubts on Reid, go back and watch his national carnival game for Vic Metro against the Allies. In tough, wet conditions, Reid was the cleanest player on the field, finishing with 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six score involvements and five intercepts. He then kicked three goals from 31 touches and eight clearances against South Australia to show how damaging he can be close to goal. Reid would go on to claim Vic Metro’s MVP award and make the All-Australian team. While he’s not the tallest or quickest midfielder in the draft class, Reid is one of the shrewdest and most composed in traffic, while he’s also added forward craft to his trick bag. His ability to perform in big games was personified by his Coates Talent League grand final performance as a bottom-ager last year, booting two goals from 19 touches in Sandringham’s premiership triumph before two three-goal hauls in the Dragons’ 2024 finals campaign. Reid is likely to come into the draft mix from Richmond’s Pick 6 onwards, with St Kilda and Melbourne to consider him too. Some rival clubs, though, wouldn’t be surprised if he slipped into the teens.
- August: An on-baller now arguably pushing the top-five mix after excellent national carnival outings where he averaged 24.5 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions, 7.2 score involvements and 130.8 ranking points to claim Vic Metro’s MVP award and make the All-Australian team. While he’s not the tallest or quickest midfielder in the draft class, Reid is one of the cleanest, shrewdest and most composed in traffic, while he’s also added forward craft to his trick bag, highlighted by his three-goal haul against South Australia in the national champs. He was also the cleanest player on the field in Vic Metro’s win over the Allies amid tough, wet conditions. His ability to perform in big games was personified by his Coates Talent League grand final performance as a bottom-ager last year, booting two goals from 19 touches in Sandringham’s premiership triumph.
- ESPN rank (September): #16
- What ESPN say:
- Reid's season has been superb. For school, club and state his performances see him continue to ascend draft boards to the point of garnering top-10 consideration. He's a damaging midfielder that finds himself on the receiving end of play to finish chances in the forward 50, and his inside ball-winning ability is underrated. The question marks on Reid stem from his athletic profile -- he isn't one to exit congestion with speed or chase down opponents defensively. It's more likely Reid finds a role outside the centre square at the next level where his skills and creativity can shine.
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Harry Armstrong
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Harry Armstrong
- Height: 195cm
- Position: Key Forward
- Twomey rank (October): #10 (down from #9 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: Even when Armstrong isn't dominant, he manages to kick goals. The key forward showed that late in the Dragons' campaign, kicking four goals in each of the wildcard round final, the qualifying final and the Grand Final. The straight-kicking left-footer closed the year with 27.10 from 10 games and is still far from the finished product. The 195cm prospect has strong athleticism and finished seventh in the agility test at the Combine and is the best pure key forward in the draft crop.
- September: Armstrong is firming to be the first key position player picked at the draft in November due to a number of factors: he's athletic, tall, quick, fast and has runs on the board. Since injury ruled him out of the start of Vic Metro's carnival, the high-flying and long-kicking left-footer has been a consistent goalkicker, including booting three in Metro's title-deciding win over Vic Country. He is up to 23.9 in nine games for the Dragons and is destined to take a huge hanger one day and haul in a grab on his chest. Bookmark it.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #12
- What Rookie Me say:
- It is no stretch to say Armstrong has been one of the flavours of the month, having elevated his stocks to no end in recent times. The key forward dominated the APS competition, no less with a bag of 10 goals this year, but only debuted for Sandringham Dragons in Round 1 of 2024. After booting multiple goals in each of his first four outings, he was not held goalless this season for a total haul of 27 majors in 10 games. The clinical left-footer plays a relatively simple style, able to fly for strong marks and convert his chances, boasting good speed off the mark and pure fundamentals.
- What Fox say:
- October: Armstrong has come with a rush in 2024, with AFL clubs quickly falling in love with the gun goalkicker. Despite playing just three games for Vic Metro, Armstrong kicked an equal champs-high nine goals — including five in the final against Vic Country — as he showed off his penetrating left-foot kick, competitiveness in the air and mobility around the ground. Armstrong then took that form back to the Dragons, kicking five four-goal hauls in his final eight matches to finish with 27.10 fort the Coates Talent League season. He’s also been dominant at APS level under Matthew Lloyd for Haileybury College across the past two years, including kicking 10 of his side’s 22 goals in a game earlier in the year. Armstrong now loom as a top-10 selection. There’s an outside chance Melbourne (Pick 5) takes him with its first selection, although the sense is the Dees will more likely target a midfielder at that pick. It’s most likely Armstrong, at this stage, goes to Richmond (Pick 6), St Kilda (Picks 7 and 8) or Melbourne (Pick 9).
- August: Like fellow Vic Metro key forward Matt Jefferson two years ago, Armstrong is coming with a rush, with AFL clubs quickly falling in love with the gun goalkicker. Despite playing just three games, Armstrong kicked an equal champs-high nine goals — including five in the final against Vic Country — as he showed off his penetrating left-foot kick, competitiveness in the air and mobility around he ground. He’s also been dominant at APS level under Matthew Lloyd for Haileybury College across the past two years, including kicking 10 of his side’s 22 goals in a game earlier in the year. Armstrong now looms as a top-15 pick … but could go in the top 10 if there’s a club looking for a key forward and keen to pick on needs.
- ESPN rank (September): #11
- What ESPN say:
- Armstrong is close to the consensus key forward in the pool at this late stage. He's come with a rush, platforming himself at the champs where he led Vic Metro's goalkickers and showed off a clunking contested grab with routine. He's a dead-eye in front of goals too, kicking 9.3 in the champs and 23.9 in the CTL. Armstrong's school coach likens him to Jeremy Cameron with his freewheeling left boot, but Armstrong has shown limitations up the ground when ball hits the deck. His strongest trait is clearly his contested marking and it could see him taken inside the top five on draft night.
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Alix Tauru
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Alix Tauru
- Height: 193cm
- Position: Tall Defender
- Twomey rank (October): #9 (up from #10 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: Tauru had a busy Draft Combine. He had interviews with 17 clubs – everyone wanted a chat with the surging youngster – and he also impressed with his testing, winning the running vertical jump test (94cm), running 3.00 seconds in the 20-metre sprint and 6:36 minutes in the 2km time trial. It came after a strong end to his season with the Gippsland Power, including an exciting qualifying final performance against Dandenong when he swung forward and kicked 2.2 from 16 disposals. A back stress fracture, discovered post-Combine, means he will have a few weeks off before likely being eased into the start of his first pre-season.
- September: 'The Flying Viking' is flying up draft boards. He is the big mover of this Phantom Form Guide on the back of a starring finish to Gippsland Power's season. Tauru has done a bit of everything in the back half of the year – played as a bigger midfielder, as a courageous key defensive interceptor and an aggressive marking forward. It's all been exciting and the main thing with Tauru is not what he is now but what he could be – he's still raw but his talent is obvious. Tauru, who has a Swedish background, kicked 2.2 from 16 disposals in Gippsland's final game against Dandenong. Think James Sicily.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #18
- What Rookie Me say:
- A high flyer in every sense of the phrase, Tauru has firmly planted himself in the draft bolter category. Considered a top 15 candidate, the 194cm defender certainly catches the eye with his aerial ability. He showed glimpses in the early part of the Coates Talent League season, before earning a call up from outside the Vic Country squad on the back of exceptional form in his return from injury. He attacks the ball fearlessly and is capable of playing above his height thanks to a terrific vertical leap. He’s one with raw potential and plenty of upside, especially having played in all kinds of roles recently.
- Fox rank (October): #9 (up from #30 in August)
- What Fox say:
- October: The bolter from nowhere. Was just inside foxfooty.com.au’s top 30 power rankings in July. Next month, he could be taken as early as Pick 2 in the draft. A high-flying, intercept-marking machine, Tauru’s leap and ability to read the play in defence appeals to AFL clubs. He missed games in the early part of the season with a hip injury, but has soared into top-10 calculations over recent months following a strong finish to his Coates Talent League campaign, which saw him boot seven goals and average 15.4 disposals and 5.7 marks from his final nine games before recording the best running vertical jump result (94cm) at the draft combine. Tauru’s upside at AFL level is enormous and has clubs excited, hence nearly all 18 teams interviewed him at national draft combine. It was there rival clubs sensed the strong attachment North Melbourne (Pick 2) had to the exciting Gippsland Power utility. It’d be a bold, aggressive call by the Kangaroos to take Tauru that early in such a stacked draft pool when many of his peers have a stronger and more sustained body of work — hence the widely-held view the Roos would be prepared to slide down the order, perhaps to Richmond’s Pick 6. If the Roos keep Pick 2, there’s every chance they just select Tauru. If they pass on him, it’s hard to see him slipping past that second Richmond pick.
- August: A high-flying, intercept-marking machine, Tauru could be a lot higher on these rankings later in the year. He missed games in the early part of the season with a hip injury, but has loomed large for both the Gippsland Power and Vic Country upon return. He averaged two intercept marks across his three games for Country. Tauru also had 23 disposals and nine marks in his first Coates Talent League game back against Murray and has found some continuity in the weeks since. His leap and ability to read the play in defence appeals to AFL clubs.
- ESPN rank (September): #23
- What ESPN say:
- Tauru is an undeniable talent, placing top-three in the CTL with 2.4 contested marks per outing and doing it both up forward and down back. He's a superb aerialist on the lead and looks comfortable intercepting in defence. At the next level he'll need to become a more rounded talent at ground level and with the ball in hand. Those areas didn't stop him from becoming Gippy's focal point in their finals run and he continued to elevate his stock by beating talented opponents. Tauru's leap and competitiveness allows him to play above 191cm, but he still figures to be a third tall at either end of the ground.
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Josh Smillie
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Josh Smillie
- Height: 195cm
- Position: Midfielder
- Twomey rank (October): #8 (down from #7 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: A good set of testing results at the Combine completed Smillie's draft campaign. The tall midfielder finished in the top-10 for the standing vertical jump but also did well in the running, finishing the 2km time trial in 6:38 minutes and recording a 3.09 second 20m sprint. Smillie's point of difference – his height and size for a midfielder – has been watched closely by recruiters in the second half of his season. His kicking is good, he takes risks with the ball and has shown he can be a forward threat too.
- September: Smillie's season closed with a two-goal game from 26 disposals in the Ranges' wildcard round loss to the Northern Knights. Hitting the scoreboard is a part of the tall midfielder's game, having booted 16.5 this season for his under-18 team. Smillie is a unique prospect given his midfield qualities and his height and he likes to take on things with his right-foot kicking. He is the outlier in a pack of mostly smaller midfielders at the top of the draft. Unlike others in that basket, Smillie didn't play VFL late in the year.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #8
- What Rookie Me say:
- Top of the crop during the early stages of 2024, Smillie is the ultimate prospect. He draws comparisons to Patrick Cripps and Tom Green as a 194cm midfielder, but offers terrific versatility and athleticism to compliment his stoppage craft. He skippered the National Academy and Eastern Ranges, and is highly driven to earn his place as the number one draft pick. Smillie’s poise and ball use for a player his size are quite rare and make him a dynamic threat. While challenged throughout the National Championships among a stacked field of prospects, he is capable of utterly dominating his peers. There’s strong competition for top spot, which saw him usurped in August having led in June and July.
- Fox rank (August): #8 (down from #5 in August)
- What Fox say:
- October: Was higher than this spot earlier in the year. But in a midfield-heavy class, Smillie has the height and size advantage over other top 2024 on-ball prospects. He showed glimpses of his powerful best across a solid four-game campaign for Vic Metro, averaging 18.8 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements 5.8 clearances, although he missed out on All-Australian selection. But those who watched Smillie’s three-goal, 34-disposals Coates Talent League performance against the Lions academy earlier this year said it was worthy of a player in Pick 1 calculations, for not only did he show off his power and stoppage craft, but he also showcased explosive running and precise kicking when in space. Smillie still seems well placed to be taken at the top-end of this year’s draft, with Melbourne (Pick 5) the earliest link at this stage. It’s hard to see him sliding past St Kilda and Richmond’s top-10 picks.
- August: For some recruiters, Smillie is the best player in it. In a midfield-heavy class, Smillie has the height and size advantage over other top 2024 on-ball prospects, with recruiters likening him to Giants star Tom Green. He showed glimpses of his powerful best across a solid four-game campaign for Vic Metro, averaging 18.8 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements 5.8 clearances, but missed out on All-Australian selection. But those who watched Smillie’s three-goal, 34-disposals Coates Talent League performance against the Lions academy earlier this year believe they witnessed the No. 1 prospect, for not only did he show off his power and stoppage craft, but he also showcased explosive running and precise kicking when in space. Smillie still seems well placed to be taken at the pointy end of this year’s draft.
- ESPN rank (September): #10
- What ESPN say:
- Smillie fits the new-age midfield prototype, a 6'4 contested beast equipped to dominate stoppage and punch long kicks to gain meterage. He's had patches of commanding performances where he looks simply uncontainable bullocking through contact. But he hasn't shown enough around the ground, taking just one contested mark across his 16 champs and CTL games and only using the ball at 62%. There is so much upside in what Smillie can be at the next level, but the flags are there for clubs to consider.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Tobie Travaglia
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Tobie Travaglia
- Height: 187cm
- Position: Defender
- Twomey rank (October): #11 (same as Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: Travaglia came second in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine, completing the endurance test in 6:13 minutes. That marries up with his game – his running capacity is a real strength and will see him be able to slot into an AFL side next year. He probably starts as an attacking half-back, whose awareness in the air, closing speed and courage come through. But he could also progress further up the field in time, where his competitiveness and size can also be deployed. Travaglia takes the game on and finished fifth in the Larke Medal voting for the best players in the mid-year carnival.
- September: The Bendigo gun has plenty of fans for plenty of reasons. Travaglia's consistency makes him a very appealing player and he performs with a competitive streak that is always on show. Travaglia will likely start his AFL career as a running, dashing half-back but in time clubs think he will be able to be used as a midfielder too. He got a taste of the next level by playing for Carlton's VFL side late in the year and deserved selection in the under-18 All-Australian side after a strong carnival with Vic Country.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #14
- What Rookie Me say:
- Travaglia has all the makings of a promising draft prospect, and has pushed himself well into first round considerations this year. Having plied his trade on the wing as a bottom-ager, he has thrived with a move to defence this season but is capable of playing a variety of roles. Travaglia’s versatility is boundless, having also spent time in midfield with a rotation to the forwardline. He featured in down back for Vic Country, showcasing his gutsy intercept marking and aerial range to go with a high work rate and sharp turn of speed on the rebound. At 187cm with dynamism and team-first attributes, Travaglia is one to keep an eye on.
- Fox rank (October): #13 (same as Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: Clubs knew he was gun prospect pre-champs, Travaglia shot up draft boards after an awesome carnival campaign for Vic Country. Travaglia was named in the Under 18 All-Australian side after averaging 21.8 disposals and 6.2 marks — of which 3.5 were intercept marks – while going at an impressive 82.5 per cent efficiency by foot. Travaglia then finished off his 2024 campaign with a flurry of eye-catching displays at Coates Talent League level, kicking 8.2 and averaging 21.8 disposals and 4.4 inside 50s from his final five matches playing primarily as a midfielder with spurts in the forward arc. Travaglia got a small taste of what professional footballer life could look like earlier this year when he played two games for Carlton’s VFL side. His second match against Richmond was particularly eye-catching, finishing with 22 disposals, nine intercepts, seven score involvements and four marks. To cap it off, he finished second in the 2km time trial at the national draft combine with a time of 6:13. Travaglia is everything you need in a mid-sized intercept defender: Athletic and competitive in the air, pinpoint with his disposal from defence and smart with his offensive-defensive balance. But Travaglia – and AFL club recruiters – can see him following a similar trajectory to Hawthorn star Will Day, who was drafted as a defender before turning into a gun midfielder at the top level. He’s now a top 10 to 15 prospect, with Richmond (Picks 10 and 11) recently linked to the Pioneer.
- August: Clubs knew he was gun prospect pre-champs, but you sense Travaglia will be in high-demand come draft time after an awesome carnival campaign for Vic Country. The Pioneers star averaged 21.8 disposals and went at an impressive 82.5 per cent efficiency by foot. He also averaged 6.2 marks — of which 3.5 were intercept marks. It comes after he won the 2023 Pioneers best and fairest award as a bottom-ager then averaged 16 disposals across two AFL Academy games against VFL opposition. Compared to Cats star Tom Stewart, Travaglia is everything you need in a mid-sized intercept defender: Athletic and competitive in the air, pinpoint with his disposal from defence and smart with his offensive-defensive balance.
- ESPN rank (September): #8
- What ESPN say:
- Travaglia is an obsessive competitor, able to perform in all three areas of the ground with maniacal pressure and hard running. Despite his slender frame, he became an excellent inside midfielder late in the season where he laid 6.4 crunching tackles and swooped on 4.2 hardball gets per game. He also created goals out of open play up forward. He looks most accustomed down back, though, where he was the champs' leading intercept marker and loved to dash up the ground to link play. Travaglia is a neat kick without being an elite ball user -- it's the one area of his game that could improve.
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Bo Allan
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Bo Allan
- Height: 187cm
- Position: Defender/Midfielder
- Twomey rank (October): #12 (same as Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: The Peel Thunder premiership player is right in the frame around the top 10 for this year's draft. After managing some injury issues late in the season, he returned to League level for Peel's preliminary final against Swan Districts, having a run-with role. He kept his spot for the following week's Grand Final and had 11 disposals in the Thunder's win alongside a number of Fremantle-listed AFL players. He backed it up with very good Combine testing – finishing in the top five for the running vertical jump (92cm), standing vertical jump (72cm) and agility (7.94 seconds).
- September: Allan missed a chunk of games recently with a quad injury but returned to Peel's senior side last weekend as a late call-up for its preliminary final win over Swan Districts. Allan had 12 disposals in a run-with role to continue to get valuable experience at the level having played in the senior side since the end of the under-18 championships. Western Australia's best prospect is equal parts tall midfielder and rangey third defender. His carnival for his state was excellent and he added plenty of penetration and drive to WA's midfield.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #5
- What Rookie Me say:
- The sole West Australian to feature in our rankings all year, Allan also shouldered his state’s captaincy. He featured for the Black Ducks at last year’s National Championships and was a bright light in a dour campaign, going on to raise his stocks as a top-ager. Allan has spent most of his junior career as a defender but was trialled up forward late last year and is now developing as a midfielder. His size, explosive speed and willingness to take the game on make him an exciting player to watch in full flight. Down back, where he played two senior games to start the year, Allan is a capable interceptor and sound distributor on his favoured left foot. He missed game one of the National Championships through a back injury but excelled at the level before returning to help Peel take out the WAFL League flag.
- Fox rank (August): #18 (same as Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: Allan would be higher on others’ draft boards following a strong back-end to the season. After earning All-Australian honours — he averaged 20.0 disposals, 7.3 contested possessions, 6.3 score involvements, 6.0 tackles and 3.7 clearances for WA — Allan added another nine WAFL league games to take his season tally to 11 for Peel Thunder, averaging 11.5 disposals and 3.3 tackles on his way to becoming a premiership player. Allan is a great athlete — he recorded three top-four finishes at the national draft combine, in both vertical jumps and the agility test — and has strong footy nous. He has the range that allows him to play midfield minutes and win the ball around stoppages, yet is just as comfortable playing as a rebounding defender. Some clubs believe he can be a midfielder at AFL level due to his competitiveness, while others reckon he’d be more suited to a backline role. Either way, he looms as hot property on draft night. Both West Coast (Pick 12) and Fremantle (Pick 14) have been heavily linked to Allan, but he also has interest from Richmond with its mid-first round picks (Picks 10 and 11). Considering that Richmond interest and the fact the Dockers are now behind the Eagles in the draft order, scouts would be surprised if Allan was still on the board after West Coast’s pick.
- August: Remains WA’s top prospect after a strong Under 18 carnival campaign that earned him All-Australian honours. He averaged 20.0 disposals, 7.3 contested possessions, 6.3 score involvements, 6.0 tackles, 3.7 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s. A great athlete with good footy nous, Allan has the range that allows him to play midfield minutes and win the ball around stoppages, yet is just as comfortable playing as a rebounding defender. Some clubs believe he can be a midfielder at AFL level due to his competitiveness, while others reckon he’d be more suited to a backline role.
- ESPN rank (September): #17
- What ESPN say:
- Allan's season isn't over yet after Peel booked their spot in the WAFL grand final to take on East Perth. His physically developed frame and defensive tenacity makes him suited to the level, and on the weekend he showed off elite pressure and physicality on-ball. It was a striking performance for a prospect splitting his time between the midfield and halfback. Allan's top-end speed, strength and leadership potential make him WA's best prospect, and he's a ready-made player.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Taj Hotton
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Taj Hotton
- Height: 182cm
- Position: Midfielder/forward
- Twomey rank (October): #15 (same as Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: After undergoing his knee reconstruction earlier this year, Hotton had recent follow-up surgery ahead of his next recovery milestone, which is to return to running. Hotton was tracking towards being a top-10 pick before the injury ended his draft season, but he still might not be far off that point, given his talents as a midfielder/forward. He was best on ground in round two against Oakleigh when he gathered 32 disposals, 10 marks and kicked four goals and he showed he could spin out of trouble and create something from nothing
- September: Hotton sits alone as the only member of the top end of the draft crop to have missed the majority of the year through injury. While it could see him slip a few draft spots from where he was projecting to be taken, clubs in the teens are hoping they get a bonus if he's available following the knee reconstruction that ruled him out for the second half of the season. Hotton is exciting. He's agile, quick and able to flick between winning the ball in the midfield and having real craft inside 50.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #11
- What Rookie Me say:
- Hotton’s place in the rankings is largely out of his hands given he will take no further part in the season after suffering an ACL tear. The dynamic midfielder-forward made a magnificent start to the year, producing games like his 32-disposal, 10-mark and four-goal effort against Oakleigh in Round 2, along with a scintillating display for the National Academy as a top-up player. After injuring himself at training, those performances will be the measure of his talent. Hotton is ultra athletic, offering terrific agility and spring in his leap to compliment his ability to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard. He’ll be well guided off-field as the son of former Blue and Pie, Trent, and brother of St Kilda’s Olli.
- Fox rank (October): #17 (down from #10 in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- Clubs haven’t forgotten about the dangerous and creative Hotton, who was arguably the hottest player of the draft pool at the start of the season before rupturing his ACL at training in May. He had some monster Talent League games for the Dragons, most notably against the Chargers where he kicked 4.1 from 32 disposals, 10 marks, five inside 50s and five tackles. He also played a game for the AFL academy, booting two goals from 18 disposals against Coburg. Hotton had significantly improved his endurance, allowing him to spend more time on the ball. Hotton, the son of ex-Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton and brother of 2022 Saints draftee Oli Hotton, is still expected to be an early pick in November.
- ESPN rank (September): #18
- What ESPN say:
- Hotton dominated the opening month of the season before an ACL rupture at training drew the curtains on his top-age year. He remains a first-round fancy and should have no trouble finding his agile, dashing best at AFL level in time. Hotton is a stop-on-a-dime midfielder with forward-half damaging traits. With a full season at the level he offered glimpses of, Hotton could have become a top-five chance.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Xavier Lindsay
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Xavier Lindsay
- Height: 183cm
- Position: Midfielder/Defender
- Twomey rank (October): #16 (up from #18 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: That Lindsay can play a bit of everywhere is part of his appeal. But his best form this season was in being a midfielder for the Gippsland Power, where he averaged 23 disposals across 12 games to claim the Morrish Medal as the Coates Talent League's best player. The left-footer makes good decisions with the ball and has a turn of speed when in space. He missed Gippsland's finals series with a PCL knee injury, which also took him out of testing at the Combine.
- September: Lindsay missed the end of Gippsland's under-18 season with a PCL injury. Recruiters by then, however, were well aware of his spread of talents, with the sometimes-understated Lindsay having a big say on games in the second half of the season. The left-footer was best afield in Vic Country's final game of the carnival against Vic Metro before returning to the Power and having a string of excellent games. Lindsay is precise with his skills, versatile and consistent, and he could start his AFL career on a flank as well.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #15
- What Rookie Me say:
- Lindsay is criminally underrated at times, and perhaps even so here, but enjoyed exceptional form this year despite a couple of injury setbacks. After copping a corkie late in his Round 3 Coates Talent League appearance, he missed the first National Academy game and Vic Country’s third outing. The Gippsland Power captain is versatile enough to play through midfield or on the wing, with his booming left-foot kicking a real weapon on the attack. He has also proven capable of doing the tough stuff with high clearance and tackle numbers.
- Fox rank (October): #15 (up from #16 in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: Perhaps the classiest of the class. Recruiters coming into the year liked Lindsay as a half-back, but he showed throughout the year he has an improved inside game and is reliable across any third of the ground. But it’s decision-making, pinpoint ball use, agility and speed that really catch the eye. Lindsay’s ‘Pick Me’ game for Vic Country against Vic Metro, finishing with 30 disposals, 11 marks, 10 contested possessions, eight score involvements, eight tackles, six inside 50s, six intercepts, four clearances and 585m gained. Overall, he averaged 22.7 disposals, 4.3 clearances and 5.0 tackles in three matches for Country, having missed the Allies match due to injury. Lindsay then became the first Gippsland Power player in a decade to claim the Morrish Medal as the best and fairest player in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23.4 disposals, 5.4 clearances and 5.2 inside 50s across his 12 appearances this season. Lindsay is in the top-10 mix, with Melbourne (Pick 5) perhaps the club with the earliest pick that could take him. Yet there’s a world in which Lindsay slips to teams like the Dockers and Power in the teens, such is the nature of this year’s even draft class.
- September: On a day where a lot of the top prospects weren’t at their best in a big game, Lindsay was a standout for Vic Country against Vic Metro to assert himself as a genuine first-round selection. The Leongatha product finished with 30 disposals, 11 marks, 10 contested possessions, eight score involvements, eight tackles, six inside 50s, six intercepts, four clearances and 585m gained in a classy display where his decision-making, pinpoint ball use and agility stood out. Recruiters coming into the year liked him as a half-back, but Lindsay has shown throughout the year he has an improved inside game and is reliable across any third of the ground.
- ESPN rank (September): #7
- What ESPN say:
- Lindsay offers the speed, running power and kicking skills that clubs search far and wide for. He's a balanced midfielder that led from the front for Gippy all the way until a PCL injury to his knee ended his campaign prematurely. Clubs have seen enough to rate him accordingly, though. His deft touch and ball use at full tilt is a joy to watch, and he was becoming an increasingly damaging forward-half player. He may not crack the top 10 on draft night, but Lindsay is as likely as anyone in the pool to play 300 AFL games.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Joe Berry
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Joe Berry
- Height: 180cm
- Position: Forward
- Twomey rank (October): #18 (down from #17 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: A small forward who is built for the modern game. Berry can run, he gets up and down the ground, he sets up teammates and he has the killer instinct around goal. He kicked 27 from 14 games for the Bushrangers this season and also led Vic Country during the carnival with nine goals. The crafty left-footer is super smart and precise by foot and reads the game well. Clubs liken him to a Dylan Moore-type of small forward.
- September: It was a super season from Berry across all levels, with the extra clever small forward finishing his Bushrangers campaign with 27 goals from 14 games. He also led Vic Country's goalkicking with nine majors. Berry has a turn of pace, works hard up and down the ground, slots most of his opportunities and has the intangibles the best small forward prospects have around goal like knowing when to lead, when to crumb and when to assist.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #17
- What Rookie Me say:
- Death, taxes, and Berry booting multiple goals in every game he plays. The clinical small forward has risen steeply this year on the back of undeniable goalkicking form, topping the charts both in the Coates Talent League and Under 18 National Championships. He is an absolute menace inside 50 with his speed and smarts, and can also push up the ground to provide a spark when needed. While lively at ground level, Berry is strong overhead for his size and finds several avenues to goal – whether it be with snaps or set shot conversions. Only thrice was he kept goalless this year, such is his class.
- Fox rank (October): #14 (up from #16 in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: A crafty and hard-working half-forward that should thrive in the modern AFL era. Berry produced a brilliant, eye-catching carnival for Vic Country where he was a threat across all four games, finishing with nine goals and averaging 13.2 disposals and 5.5 score involvements. With sharp top-end speed that allows him to get up the ground, as well as excellent creativity close to goal, Berry is your typical high forward. He’s a natural crumber, getting to the right spots where he can show off his cleanliness at ground level and innate goal sense. He kicked 27 goals for the Bushrangers this season — the most of any active Coates Talent League player — while also averaging 14.4 disposals and 3.9 inside 50s to be a joint winner of the club’s best and fairest award and earn selection in the competition’s team of the year. Berry looms as a mid first-round pick, with Richmond, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and the Giants in the mix.
- September: Now in top-10 calculations after a brilliant, eye-catching carnival for Vic Country where he was one of the most dangerous players. He was a threat across all four games, finishing with nine goals and averaging 13.2 disposals and 5.5 score involvements. Berry is your typical high forward as he possesses top-end speed that allows him to get up the ground, as well as excellent creativity close to goal. Berry is a natural crumber, getting to the right spots to show off his cleanliness at ground level and innate goal sense. He’s kicked 25 goals for the Bushrangers this season — the most of any active Coates Talent League player — while also averaging 14.7 disposals and 4.1 inside 50s. He just looks like an AFL player.
- ESPN rank (September): #13
- What ESPN say:
- Berry is everything clubs are searching for in a half forward. He's a creative ball user, gets up and down the ground, roves packs, snaps goals and provides frenzied pressure. His left foot is a lethal weapon entering 50 and he changes games with stints on-ball. In the past clubs have been hesitant to take his type high up the draft -- expect Berry to buck that trend come November.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Luke Trainor
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Luke Trainor
- Height: 194cm
- Position: Defender
- Twomey rank (October): #17 (down from #16 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October:Trainor sat out testing at the Draft Combine with a hip injury, having missed Sandringham's Grand Final with concussion. The tall defender is always on the attack: he flies for his marks, takes on the game with his kicking and wants to be a penetrating player from defence. He has also shifted forward at times through his draft season.
- September: Trainor was ruled out of the Dragons' preliminary final, and this week's Grand Final, after having a mild concussion from their semi-final win over the Calder Cannons. The talented defender is a line-breaker with his kicking and he enjoys intercepting marks and going for his grabs. Until recently he had also been a forward as a junior, which he has shown on occasions this year.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #16
- What Rookie Me say:
- Setting himself apart as the best tall talent in this year’s draft, Trainor is surrounded by midfielders in the top-end of the rankings. He measures up at 195cm but doesn’t quite play like a genuine key defender, instead working most effectively as the main interceptor and distributor – think Tom Stewart. His aerial ability is terrific, able to leap at the ball with confidence or stand under high balls and pluck them at the top of his reach. Complimenting his defensive game is some of the best composure and kicking you’re likely to see from a tall. He also rates himself as a potential swingman. Trainor was best afield in the AFL Academy’s first game and helped Vic Metro clinch the Under 18s title with a goal after the siren.
- Fox rank (October): #16 (down from #4 in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: Slid a bit in the back-half of the year, but Trainor remains one of the best key-position prospects in the draft class. From his four games for Metro, Trainor averaged 19.8 disposals (76% kicking efficiency), 5.8 marks (1.8 intercept) and 4.8 rebound 50s as he showed off his strong offensive traits, including strong overhead marking and a penetrating right-foot kick. But what AFL clubs were more impressed by was competitiveness in the air and willingness to defend. This was particularly evident against South Australia, with Trainor taking the points against Tyler Welsh in an intriguing battle, while he also had big moments against Jonty Faull and Jack Whitlock in the Metro-Country game. His performances for the AFL Academy against VFL opposition were also impressive, named best on ground against Coburg (20 disposals, 4 marks) before another strong outing against Footscray (21 disposals, 1 goal). Trainor is the grandson of 1000-goalkicker Doug Wade and nephew of AFL Commissioner Gabrielle Trainor. The earliest he might be taken, at this stage, is Pick 7 (St Kilda), but clubs wouldn’t be surprised if he slipped towards the 20s. His landing spot could be determined by how early other key-position prospects go on the night.
- August: The best key-position player in this year’s draft class — and that reputation was only enhanced during the national carnival. From his four games for Metro, Trainor averaged 19.8 disposals (76% kicking efficiency), 5.8 marks (1.8 intercept) and 4.8 rebound 50s as he showed off his strong offensive traits, including that penetrating right-foot kick. But what AFL clubs were more impressed by was competitiveness in the air and willingness to defend. This was particularly evident against South Australia, with Trainor taking the points against fellow AFL Academy member Tyler Welsh in an intriguing battle, while he also had big moments against Jonty Faull and Jack Whitlock in the Metro-Country game. His performances against VFL opposition were also impressive, named best on ground against Coburg (20 disposals, 4 marks) before another strong outing against Footscray (21 disposals, 1 goal). The grandson of 1000-goalkicker Doug Wade and nephew of AFL Commissioner Gabrielle Trainor, the intercept defender looks up to AFL players Jeremy Howe and Tom Stewart, while recruiters have compared him to Jordan Ridley.
- ESPN rank (September): #12
- What ESPN say:
- The spring-heeled Trainor has been a delight to watch all season. He's a silky mover and lovely ball user, routinely chopping off attacking forays and kickstarting rebounds. He's also slightly pigeonholed at the next level with his skinny frame and lack of midfield game meaning he likely becomes an intercepting third tall. There's scope for Trainor to move forward -- he kicked the winning goal in the national championships against Vic Country and followed it up a week later with the winning point for Brighton Grammar in the APS.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Jesse Dattoli
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Jesse Dattoli
- Height: 179cm
- Position: Forward/Midfielder
- Twomey rank (October): #24 (same as Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: Dattoli plays with some swagger and confidence and has the necessary tools to take those traits into the AFL: as a midfielder/forward he takes his chances, has a natural goal sense, reads the play well and dominated in some big games this year. The best of those might have been his late-season run for the Knights, when he had two three-goal games then followed it with a 35-disposal performance against Eastern. Injury kept him from testing at the Combine.
- September: Commitments with his school Carey Grammar and Vic Metro meant Dattoli didn't feature much for the Knights, but his final four games of the season at under-18 level highlighted his talents and competitive streak. The hard and tough half-forward/midfielder kicked three goals from 17 touches against Gippsland, then backed it up with three goals from 26 touches against the Ranges. His next effort, again facing Eastern in the wildcard round, was superb as he gathered 35 disposals, six tackles and a goal. Dattoli likes the ball in his hands in the big moments and has high footy IQ.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #21
- What Rookie Me say:
- Dattoli’s national carnival and promising end to the Coates Talent League season has seen him accelerate into top 25 calculations. The lively small forward boasts terrific craft around goal and always tries to create something with ball in hand. He also holds his own at the stoppages and has been utilised in midfield outside of his representative duties with Vic Metro, where he proved to be an important link player on the wing or as a high forward. Dattoli produced a trio of three-goal games at Coates Talent League level this year and has racked up as many as 35 touches while turning out between his school football commitments.
- Fox rank (August): #24 (up from #26 in August)
- What Fox say:
- October: There’s been ample intrigue around this Northern Knights product all year, for he’s uber-talented and has match-winner traits written all over him. After an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign, Dattoli impressed both at Coates Talent League level and against the best in the national carnival. He kicked 12 goals and averaged 23.1 disposals, 6.1 score involvements and 3.9 clearances for the Knights, while he also had a promising carnival campaign for Vic Metro, booting three goals and averaging 15.2 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.0 score involvements. Dattoli works hard between the arcs and is creative with his ball use. He’s the kind of midfielder-forward with AFL traits that could easily sneak into the teens on draft night.
- August: There’s been ample intrigue around this Northern Knights product all year, for he’s uber-talented and has match-winner traits written all over him. After an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign, Dattoli has impressed both at Coates Talent League level and against the best in the national carnival. He kicked five goals and averaged 21 touches from three games for the Knights before a promising carnival campaign for Vic Metro, booting three goals and averaging 15.2 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.0 score involvements. He works hard between the arcs and is creative with his ball use.
- ESPN rank (September): #26
- What ESPN say:
- Dattoli may be the hardest prospect to place. His profile is so unique that it's difficult to project what he will become at the next level. He averages a contested mark per game despite standing at 5'11 and draws a lot of free kicks with footy smarts. He also has passages of play where he rips the ball out of the clinches and follows up moments later at the end of the attack he started. The best moments are balanced out with some shoddy ball use and decision making at times. If Dattoli's stats were mirrored at AFL level they'd closely resemble Toby Greene's. That's the upside he threatens to deliver, but there may be too many concerns for clubs to swing on that upside in the draft's teens.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Jobe Shanahan
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Jobe Shanahan
- Height: 194cm
- Position: Forward
- Twomey rank (October): #20 (down from #19 in Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: Shanahan knows where the goals are, there's no doubt about that. He kicked 11 goals from three games playing in Essendon's VFL side late in the year and 23.12 in 11 appearances for Bendigo. Included in that were hauls of six against the Bushrangers and five against the Stingrays, with Shanahan able to hit the scoreboard and convert his shots even when he isn't having a big day out. Is efficient and mobile and right among the pack of tall talents around this part of the draft.
- September: It was Shanahan's VFL performances which have solidified him as a top-20 player – and he could end up going higher than that. The tall forward played three games for the Bombers' VFL and booted 11 goals, including a five-goal game against Coburg. Shanahan is an efficient player: he can get away from his opponents on the lead, he slots his shots and some clubs even think he could be a good key defender in the future.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #20
- What Rookie Me say:
- There are few better than Shanahan in the aerial game, with the Moama native boasting a clean set of hands and wonderfully fluent leap. Such traits have seen the mobile 194cm talent find a home up forward having cut his teeth in defence and even as a tall midfielder last year. Offering clear upside, he has steadily grown into his his top-age campaign with goals in all bar two of his 11 games for Bendigo Pioneers, including a bag of six in Round 19. Shanahan built into form with the Allies too, presenting up the ground as a key connection piece and showing better signs with each passing game. Perhaps most impressively, he booted 11 majors in three VFL appearances for Essendon.
- Fox rank (October): #19 (not ranked in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: A riser across the back-half of the season after starring on the national Under 18 stage then thriving against state league opposition. Shanahan was named at centre half-forward in the All-Australian team after an excellent carnival for the Allies, which saw him take a comp-high eight contested marks. His standout game came against Vic Country, booting three goals from with 16 disposals and nine marks (four contested) and three goals. But it was his three-game stint for Essendon’s VFL side that boosted the external attention on him, kicking 4.0 against the Northern Bullants, 2.3 against Gold Coast then 5.0 against Coburg. Shanahan finished the season with a six-goal, 17-disposal display for the Pioneers before being named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Shanahan plays with grand presence in the air and has a superb pair of hands, but his mobility and ability to constantly present make him a threat around the ground as well. There’s a slight chance he sneaks in to the top 10 — should one of the Saints, Demons or Tigers want a key forward at that stage of the draft — otherwise he should be in that mid first-round mix featuring the Power, Dockers and Giants.
- August: N/A
- ESPN rank (September): #14
- What ESPN say:
- Shanahan has emerged from a glut of key forward talent after a blistering stint with Essendon VFL where he kicked 11 goals in three games, trumping the output of Peter Wright. He's a pack mark star, using his bounce to extend above opponents and showing off sticky hands to one-grab everything in his vicinity. He's also a kick kick of the ball and will fancy his chances within 55 metres of goal. Shanahan has spent short stints down back as well, but will be drafted as a key forward.
- Stats and Highlights:
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Cooper Hynes
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Cooper Hynes
- Height: 190cm
- Position: Midfielder/Forward
- Twomey rank (October): #21 (same as Sept)
- What Twomey says:
- October: An ankle injury ruled Hynes out of testing at the Draft Combine, with the Stingrays talent managing it towards the end of his season. As a forward/midfielder, Hynes has size on his side and plays in a style that uses it – he bustles through packs, breaks out of tackles and has the strength to mark overhead. He booted 23 goals for the Stingrays from 15 games whilst also averaging 24 disposals.
- September: Hynes is all strength and power but he has other parts of his game to complement those assets. There's poise and touch with the ball and genuine forward nous inside 50, where he kicked 23 goals this season for Dandenong. The 18-year-old kicked two goals in the qualifying final against Gippsland after two goals from 20 disposals against Bendigo before that. Clubs are looking for bigger, explosive midfielders who can go forward and Hynes fits the bill.
- Rookie Me rank (September): #23
- What Rookie Me say:
- Few can compete with the pure weight of numbers Hynes has produced at Coates Talent League level, forming a formidable one-two punch with fellow Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Harvey Langford. The midfielder-forward was blooded in the Vic Country Under 18s side last year and has backed up his promise with averages of 25.3 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.0 inside 50s, and nearly two goals per his 12 club appearances to date. He’s hard to tie down due to his size but has improved his running ability and has always had a good eye for goal, or teammates in better positions to score.
- Fox rank (October): #25 (up from #27 in Aug)
- What Fox say:
- October: Power, power, power. Hynes, the son of John Hynes who played four games for Carlton in the late ‘90s, was a standout for the Dandenong Stingrays this season, kicking 23.12 and averaging 23.7 disposals, 7.4 score involvements and 4.7 clearances to finish runner-up in the Morrish Medal count. Hynes has brilliant inside ball-winning ability, but has kicked big bags of goals this year — including five against Gold Coast academy — while showing off his strong hands close to goal. Hynes boosted his first-round chances during the carnival, booting four goals and averaging 16.8 disposals and 5.2 score involvements playing mainly across half-forward for Vic Country. While there’s improvement left, Hynes has worked hard on his conditioning across the past 12 months to compliment his brilliant natural football ability. He has a wide draft range, with some suggesting he could taken with a late-teens pick or midway through the second round.
- August: Hynes, the son of John Hynes who played four games for Carlton in the late ‘90s, has been a standout for the Dandenong Stingrays to date, kicking 16.9 and averaging 25.8 disposals thanks to his inside ball-winning ability. He’s had some monster games, including 5.1 from 23 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s against the Suns academy where he where he showed off his strong hands close to goal. Hynes boosted his first-round chances during the carnival, booting four goals and averaging 16.8 disposals and 5.2 score involvements playing mainly across half-forward. Hynes has worked hard on his conditioning across the past 12 months to compliment his brilliant natural football ability.
- ESPN rank (September): #24
- What ESPN say:
- Hynes is a bundle of overwhelming power and tenacity, attacking the ball and man with equal aggression. He regularly finds himself exiting the front of stoppage and bursting into the forward 50 where he's kicked bags of goals at times. He's an exciting prospect given those AFL-quality traits, but may not find a permanent midfield role at the next level in lieu of more skilful teammates.
- Stats and Highlights:
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wingersclub
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I just keep going back to Josh Smillie. Something about the kid
Bluelegs
Digging into the why
Going to need one more of these threads for pick 83.
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Not quite as big a leap but Tauru reminds me far more of Jeremy Howe than James Sicily
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The more I've watched of Bo Allan the more I've liked. But like Curtin last year, I'm a sucker for left footers
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Reckon we can shoehorn him in as a fourth key forward for a couple of years beside JVR, Petty and Turner, while Jefferson runs around at Casey.
We can be a bit creative with this pick, the top tier will be off the board so we can take a bit of risk at someone either coming off a major injury (Hotton), someone with elite traits but probably needing a bit of development like Tauru etc. Trainor sounds like a nice prospect but may take a few years to impact.
I'm not completely averse to Smillie and maybe IF Clarry struggles again next year it might make us more likely to move him on.. but that's not a great reason to draft someone alone
Reid sounds like he would fill a need with footy IQ, much needed mid-forward connection and skill and could fit in a high half forward role next year and beyond.
I'm slightly wary of someone who doesn't stand out athletically at u18 level and whether he may struggle to translate at AFL level. Even Bailey Laurie had supposedly elite agility in his draft year but he doesn't stand out at all at AFL level.
I struggle a bit to get excited about Armstrong, seems like he's projected high purely because he's rated the best key forward in the draft. Hopefully the Saints take him.
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Hotton is very hard to judge, there is nothing really that stands out when watching him but that doesnt mean hes shit, i just dont think hes the talent of Sheezel like some have compared him to. Paul Chapman had a similar skill set where nothing really stood and turned out to be a bloody good player, but thats a high end comparison, plenty like that who dont turn out. I think hes a better prospect than Tholstrup was.
This is really difficult and I suspect the likely options in this range will change quite a bit by the days before the draft.
There are a lot of options here - I just hope it’s a player who matches well with the first pick (would be disappointed if we took say, Lalor and Smilie).
If we could get Berry and another late first round pick I’d be open to splitting.
There are a lot of options here - I just hope it’s a player who matches well with the first pick (would be disappointed if we took say, Lalor and Smilie).
If we could get Berry and another late first round pick I’d be open to splitting.
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