Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Who is your club likely to pick in the mid-season draft?

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The Tigers just lost Sam Naismith to a fourth ACL rupture after trading Ivan Soldo to Port Adelaide last year, with Samson Ryan backing up captain Toby Nankervis in the ruck at the weekend.

They are also keeping an eye on Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy big man Iliro Smit, who has interest from St Kilda as well. West Perth key forward Jasper Scaife is the other player linked to the Roos, but is more likely to slide down the order, with Richmond tipped to pick Collingwood VFL forward Jack Hutchinson or Peel Thunder intercept defender Jacob Blight.

Potential AFL mid-season rookie draft order

  1. North Melbourne
  2. Richmond
  3. West Coast
  4. St Kilda
  5. Hawthorn
  6. Brisbane Lions
  7. Adelaide
  8. Western Bulldogs
  9. Gold Coast
  10. Fremantle
  11. Carlton
  12. Collingwood
  13. Melbourne
  14. Port Adelaide
  15. Essendon

Woodville-West Torrens rebounding defender Luke Beecken is in West Coast’s sights, although they are a potential landing spot for Hutchinson, if he makes it past the Tigers.

Hall looks bound for the Saints, who opted not to pick Old Brighton defender Max Benier for Sandringham at the weekend, meaning he is ineligible to be selected in the mid-season draft after playing only two VFL games.

Ex-Giant Daniel Lloyd is in the same situation as Benier despite the Brisbane Lions, where he is a development coach, being keen to draft him. An AFL spokesperson said there would not be any exemptions to the three-match state league qualification.

Scaife, Blight, Beecken, 196-centimetre Eastern Ranges forward Remy Maclean – who is also on the Box Hill list – Smit and Geelong Falcons forward Will McLachlan are among the possibilities at Hawthorn’s No.5 pick.

Maclean has kicked 12 goals in seven matches this year, and is another who nominated for an 18-month contract.

Key forward Noah Howes (right) is on the mid-season draft radar.Credit: AFL Photos

The Lions, who are set to make at least three picks, have interviewed 181-centimetre McLachlan, who leads the Talent League goalkicking with 26 in six games, as they survey their options to replace ACL victim Linc McCarthy.

Could Matt Ling receive an AFL lifeline?

Could Matt Ling receive an AFL lifeline?Credit: Getty Images

Toby Murray, a 200-centimetre ruck-forward, is poised to join his brother Nick at Adelaide. Geelong Falcons ruckman Joe Pike is one possibility if the Crows make multiple selections. Former Magpie Trent Bianco has been linked to the Western Bulldogs’ selection, but there is mystery surrounding their pick, while rival recruiters believe Coburg key forward Caleb Ernst is among the players Fremantle are weighing up.

Ex-Swan Matt Ling, who is averaging 20 disposals and two intercept marks as a defender for Norwood in the SANFL, could also be an option for the Dockers.

Former AFL players Riley Collier-Dawkins, Liam McMahon and Jack Peris have all been raised as chances at Carlton’s pick, along with Williamstown key forward Corey Ellison.

Collingwood or Melbourne is expected to take a punt on Northern Bullants dasher Saad El-Hawli, with the Demons’ link the strongest, although they select after the Magpies.

Collingwood could give ex-Saint Daniel McKenzie or Teakle a career lifeline, while Melbourne have also done work on South Adelaide key forward Noah Howes, who kicked two goals in South Australia’s win over the Allies at the under-18 championships on Sunday. Adelaide have spoken to Howes, too. Lachie Voss, a 200-centimetre defender for Sandringham, is another player the Dees have monitored.

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Logan Evans is in the mix to be Port Adelaide’s choice after spending this season playing for the club’s SANFL team, including amassing 26 disposals and nine rebound 50s in his most-recent appearance. Essendon may consider bringing in one of their VFL players, Cam Nyko, who would add to their outside runners.

Geelong, Greater Western Sydney and Sydney do not have any list vacancies, meaning they will not take part in the mid-season draft, while Gold Coast could make one pick if they wanted to.

Brisbane and Richmond (potentially four picks) and Adelaide (up to three) have the most openings, while Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne and the Bulldogs can make two selections if they choose. Essendon, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Melbourne, St Kilda and West Coast all have one vacancy.

Clubs have until Tuesday to create list spots, which can occur by placing players on the long-term injury list or a retirement.

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