List Mgmt. 2025 AFL Draft

[Tiger_Of_Old]

2025 AFL Draft: The top 25 prospects to watch this year​

A massive year is only just beginning for the draft class of 2025 and here are the names to watch, with several No.1 pick contenders firmly in the mix. These are the names to watch.
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@chriscavanagh1

AFL​

It might not be quite as stacked as the 2024 AFL Draft pool, but there is still some exciting talent on the horizon in 2025.
Plenty of players possess stacks of potential and will be keen to shine during their top-age campaigns this year.
Here are 25 of the top prospects to watch in 2025, including some father-sons and Academy aces.

BEAU ADDINSALL​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD
Height: 180cm
Position: Midfielder/Forward
An athletic midfielder who is tough in the contest and spreads well from stoppage, Addinsall has done it all over the past two years. The Suns Academy member won the Pool B best and fairest at the under-16 national championships in 2023, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances, 7.7 tackles and 2.7 goals across three matches. Last year, he logged 27 disposals, nine clearances and one goal in a QAFL debut for Broadbeach, while also featuring in eight VFL games for Gold Coast. Addinsall finished his bottom-age campaign by winning the best-on-ground medal for Team Sloane in the under-17 Futures game in September, recording a game-high 34 disposals.

Beau Addinsall was named best-on-ground on grand final day. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

DANIEL ANNABLE​

Club: Brisbane Lions Academy/QLD
Height: 183cm
Position: Midfielder
A well-rounded onballer who is combative in the contest, works hard and uses the footy well on the outside, this ball-magnet is tipped to be a top-10 pick. Annable shone brightly at the under-16 national championships in 2023 and again impressed as a bottom-age player in the under-18 national championships last year. He featured in all four games for the Allies and averaged 19.5 disposals (10.3 contested), 4.3 clearances and 0.8 goals. Annable was also strong for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game in September, logging 27 disposals, five marks and five inside-50s as he spent time through the midfield and across half-forward.

THOMAS BURTON​

Club: Western Jets/VIC M
Height: 178cm
Position: Defender/Midfielder
A tough halfback who can also have a run through the midfield, Burton is a consistent performer who has some X-Factor about him. He made a senior debut for Point Cook in a Western Region Football League Grand Final as a 16-year-old in 2023. Last year, Burton particularly impressed with his form in the back half of the season for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League. He played seven games in total, averaging 23.7 disposals, 2.6 rebound 50s, 2.4 clearances and 5.6 tackles. Burton was also named among the best players for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures Game in September, providing some run and using the footy well on his way to 26 disposals and four rebound 50s.

Lachlan Carmichael fires a handball. Picture: Keith McInnes

LACHLAN CARMICHAEL​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 183cm
Position: Defender
A composed interceptor, Carmichael is strong overhead and is a good decision maker and creative distributor when he wins the ball back in defence. The Swans Academy member also possesses leadership qualities and was an All-Australian and team MVP at under-16 level in 2023. Last year, Carmichael featured in all four games for the Allies as a bottom-age player at the under-18 national championships, averaging 18.8 disposals, 5.8 rebound 50s and four intercept possessions. He went on to shine for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game in September, logging 18 disposals, eight marks and five rebound 50s.

NOAH CHAMBERLAIN​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
Height: 192cm
Position: Forward
A dangerous presence inside-50, this athletic left-footed key forward has plenty of potential. He works hard, presents well and is a strong mark in the air. An All-Australian at under-16 level in 2023, Chamberlain further developed last year with the Swans Academy. He played four Coates Talent League games before featuring in two matches for the Allies at the under-18 national championships where he averaged 14.5 disposals, four marks and 3.5 score involvements. Chamberlain showed some good signs in the under-17 Futures game in September with 12 disposals and seven marks, but he managed just one behind for the day for Team Heppell.

Noah Chamberlain kicks back at the SCG. Picture: Supplied

SAMUEL CUMMING​

Club: North Adelaide/SA
Height: 184cm
Position: Midfielder
Originally from Wentworth in NSW, Cumming now calls Adelaide home and took the SANFL under-18s by storm last season. The consistent onballer won the league’s MVP award after averaging 27 disposals, 4.5 clearances and 1.1 goals across 10 games for North Adelaide. Cumming also featured in two matches for South Australia at the under-18 national championships, with state coach Tony Bamford likening him to former Crows champion Rory Sloane as a strong and tough onballer who is also a defensively-minded competitor. Cumming finished last year with a lively performance in the under-17 Futures game, logging 24 disposals, 11 marks and a goal across half-forward.

CODY CURTIN​

Club: Claremont/WA
Height: 197cm
Position: Defender
The younger brother of Adelaide young-gun Daniel, this West Australian is another emerging key position prospect. Curtin featured mostly in defence throughout his bottom-age year, which included four games for his state at the under-18 national championships. He reads the play well behind the ball, has good intercepting ability and was given roles on key forwards Jack Whitlock (Vic Country) and Charlie Nicholls (South Australia) as a bottom-age player during the championships. However, Curtin was also swung forward to great effect late in the year in the WAFL Colts, booting six goals in consecutive games for Claremont. He also kicked one goal in the Tigers’ Grand Final win over Swan Districts, before returning to the backline for Team Heppell and collecting 18 disposals in the under-17 Futures game in September.

Cooper Duff-Tytler has a big frame. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos

COOPER DUFF-TYTLER​

Club: Calder Cannons/VIC M
Height: 199cm
Position: Ruck/Key Forward
Described by some as a ‘Unicorn’, Duff-Tytler might be the most exciting tall in the 2025 draft pool. A talented junior basketball star who was part of Australia’s under-16 team which claimed gold at the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup, the athletic tall has chosen to pursue football over basketball and has all the markings of a future AFL star. Duff-Tytler moves incredibly well for his size and plays like a midfielder post-ruck contest with his follow-up work at ground level. In one late-season game for the Cannons in the Coates Talent League last year, he logged 30 disposals, 17 hit-outs and two goals. Duff-Tytler also showed off his leap and athleticism in the under-17 Futures game in September, recording 13 disposals, 10 hit-outs and three marks for Team Sloane.

WILLEM DUURSMA​

Club: Gippsland Power/VIC C
Height: 191cm
Position: Utility
A genuine utility, Duursma can have an impact across all areas of the ground. The youngest brother of Xavier (Essendon), Zane (North Melbourne) and Yasmin (Carlton AFLW) has long been considered as perhaps the most talented footballer in his family and is a good size, athletically gifted and supremely skilled. He debuted in the Coates Talent League as a 16-year-old in 2023 and went on to have some big moments for the Power last season, albeit with a few speed humps along the way. Duursma also featured in three matches of the under-18 national championships as a bottom-age player and racked up 20 disposals and eight marks for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game in September, spending time across halfback before being injected into the midfield to great effect. Duursma also received the AFL Life Members Education Assistance Award last September, which has previously been awarded to the likes of Harley Reid, Sam Walsh, Joel Selwood and Luke Hodge.

Willem Duursma has strong pedigree. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos

LOUIS EMMETT​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/VIC M
Height: 198cm
Position: Ruck/Forward
An incredibly athletic mobile tall, Emmett has the workrate and endurance to get around the ground. He is also a strong mark overhead, has a nice left-foot kick for his size and can hit the scoreboard when pushed forward. An All-Australian at under-16 level in 2023, Emmett went on to play nine games for the Chargers as a bottom-age player last year, averaging 16.7 disposals, 13.2 hit-outs, 3.7 clearances and 1.2 goals. Additionally, he featured in two matches for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships, including a 14-disposal, 25-hitout display against South Australia. In the under-17 Futures game in September, Emmett gathered 11 disposals, 8 hit-outs and three clearances for Team Heppell.

OLIVER GREEVES​

Club: Eastern Ranges/VIC M
Height: 194cm
Position: Midfielder
A big-bodied onballer, Greeves has drawn comparisons to 2024 Eastern Ranges graduate and No. 7 draft pick Josh Smillie. An All-Australian at under-16 level, Greeves featured in every game he was available for as a bottom-age player in the Coates Talent League last year and averaged 19.1 disposals (7.1 contested), 3.7 marks and three clearances. He is strong in the contest, creative by hand and foot and is capable of pushing forward and hitting the scoreboard. Greeves finished last year by being the leading disposal winner for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game, working hard to get himself involved in play around the MCG and racking up 31 disposals and seven marks.

Oliver Greeves celebrates a goal in 2023. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos

JASPER HAY​

Club: Tasmania Devils/TAS
Height: 198cm
Position: Ruck/Forward
A ruckman with an exciting vertical leap which he uses to great effect at stoppages and in marking contests, Hay has outstanding work rate and strong hands overhead. He was named Tasmania’s MVP and earned All-Australian honours at the under-16 national championships in 2023, before taking further steps forward with his development last year. Hay played 11 games for the Devils in the Coates Talent League, averaging 9.1 disposals and 17.3 hit-outs. Hay is also a talented junior basketball star who was picked in an under-15 Australian squad in 2022.

Tasmanian Jasper Hay handballs. Picture: Linda Higginson

NOAH HIBBINS-HARGREAVES​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/VIC C
Height: 185cm
Position: Wing/Forward
A creative and dangerous forward-half player, Hibbins-Hargreaves is a classy ball user who has strong aerial presence and kicks goals. He booted 23 majors across 16 games for the Stingrays last season, along with averaging 14.9 disposals and 4.4 marks. Hibbins-Hargreaves enjoyed a taste of the under-18 national championships with Vic Country last year, showing promise in one game against Western Australia. He was also lively in the under-17 Futures match in September, gathering 21 disposals and seven marks playing primarily across half-forward.

MAX KING​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
Height: 191cm
Position: Midfielder
A second Max King looks headed for the AFL ranks, with this Swans Academy member attracting plenty of attention. Injury meant the midfielder missed the under-17 Futures game in September and he was also left out of the 2025 AFL Academy squad. However, King is a great size for a modern-day midfielder and is a genuine athlete with speed, agility and endurance. He played 12 games of senior football for Cardiff in the AFL Hunter Central Coast competition last year and also showed an ability to push forward, take big overhead marks and hit the scoreboard, kicking 30 goals for the season.

MATTHEW LERAY​

Club: Central District/SA
Height: 189cm
Position: Midfielder
A good-sized onballer who knows how to find the footy, LeRay was a consistent performer throughout 2024. He averaged 22 disposals, 1.2 goals and 126 ranking points across 11 games for Central District in the SANFL under-18s. That included a 22-disposal, four-clearance and one-goal performance in a four-point Grand Final loss. A powerful player who works hard and possesses strong endurance, LeRay also served as captain of Prince Alfred College and gathered 14 disposals in the under-17 Futures game at the MCG in September. LeRay is a dual-sport athlete who is also a talented leg-spinner and lined up for South Australia in the Cricket Australia U17 Male National Championships last year.

Josh Lindsay is dangerous on the left foot. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

JOSH LINDSAY​

Club: Geelong Falcons/VIC C
Height: 182cm
Position: Defender/Wing
A rebounding defender or wingman with a lethal left-foot boot, Lindsay is ultra-professional and super consistent. He averaged 17 disposals and 5.3 intercept possessions across seven games for the Falcons in the Coates Talent League last year, before starring on the big stage in the under-17 Futures game in September. Playing primarily on a wing at the MCG that day, Lindsay logged 20 disposals and seven marks to be named best on ground for Team Heppell. Of his 20 touches, 18 were kicks. The Geelong Grammar student is also a handy cricketer who has been part of back-to-back APS cricket premierships the past two seasons.

ARCHIE LUDOWYKE​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/VIC M
Height: 195cm
Position: Forward
A left-footed tall forward, Ludowyke is spectacular overhead, has a nice natural leap and clean hands. An All-Australian at under-16 level in 2023, he continued his development as a bottom-age player in the under-18s last year. Ludowyke kicked 13 goals across nine games for Sandringham in the Coates Talent League, along with juggling school football duties for the title-winning Brighton Grammar in the APS competition. He featured in one game for Vic Metro at the national championships – kicking 1.2 from eight disposals against South Australia – and kicked the winning goal for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game in September. Not set to turn 18 until November birthday, Ludowyke is one of the younger players in this year’s draft pool.

Thomas McGuane gets a kick away. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

THOMAS MCGUANE​

Club: Western Jets/VIC M
Height: 177cm
Position: Midfielder
A father-son prospect for Collingwood as the son of 1990 premiership player Mick, this ball magnet is certainly a player to watch this year. The left-footer has great footy smarts, uses the ball well and is a consistent performer. McGuane debuted for the Western Jets as a 16-year-old in 2023 and went on to play 16 games last season, averaging 25.7 disposals and 5.2 score involvements through the midfield. He also featured in six senior games for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League – including a Grand Final win – under the coaching of his dad. McGuane played in the under-17 Futures match in September but was quiet and had limited game time after coming down with an illness on match day.

RILEY ONLEY​

Club: Murray Bushrangers/VIC C
Height: 194cm
Position: Midfielder
This onballer isn’t just big and powerful body around the contest. He is also a strong runner who moves incredibly well and boasts an impressive skill set. Onley is clean in stoppages but is also a creative user on the outside and can take a nice mark around the ground. He played senior football for Shepparton United in the Goulburn Valley Football League in 2023, before featuring in three games for Vic Country as a bottom-age player at the under-18 national championships last year. In his second game of the championships against the Allies he particularly caught the eye with 20 disposals and seven clearances. Onley was also among the best players for Team Sloane in the under-17 Futures game in September, logging 20 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Ben Rongdit training with Geelong. Picture: Alison Wynd

BEN RONGDIT​

Club: Geelong Falcons/VIC C
Height: 183cm
Position: Defender
An athletic defender who is part of Geelong’s Next Generation Academy given his Sudanese heritage, Rongdit has a good leap and has proven to be a strong interceptor over recent years. He impressed for Vic Country at the under-16 national championships in 2023, with his contested ball-winning ability another highlight of his game. Rongdit managed just one match for the Falcons in the Coates Talent League last year as he juggled school football duties with Geelong Grammar, before suffering an ankle injury mid-season which resulted in a lengthy stint on the sidelines. However, the Colac local returned to the field for Team Sloane in the under-17 Futures game in September.

DYLAN PATTERSON​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD
Height: 183cm
Position: Midfielder/Forward
A speedy wingman or half-forward who creates opportunities for his team, Patterson is another Gold Coast Suns Academy member who shapes as a top draft prospect this year. An All-Australian at under-16 level, Patterson went on to play four games in the Coates Talent League last season and impressed with his power away from stoppages and one-on-one contest work. He then played eight VFL games for the Suns in the second half of the year – averaging 10.1 disposals – before lining up for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game in September and proving lively in defence with 20 disposals.

FRED RODRIGUEZ​

Club: South Fremantle/WA
Height: 185cm
Position: Midfielder
An emerging onballer, Rodriguez missed the under-16 national championships due to injury in 2023 but quickly made an impression at under-18 level last year. He started the season in fine form for South Fremantle in the WAFL Colts before featuring in all four games for Western Australia at the national championships as a bottom-age player. Across those four matches, Rodriguez averaged 18.8 disposals and 4.8 score involvements, displaying his composure and power around clearances along with speed and an impressive work rate. Rodriguez was also a solid performer for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures match in September, gathering 17 disposals and two clearances.

Dyson Sharp tries to get clear. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

DYSON SHARP​

Club: Central District/SA
Height: 188cm
Position: Midfielder
Long touted as a potential No. 1 draft pick, Sharp won the Kevin Sheehan Medal at the under-16 national championships in 2023 and continued to dominate underage football last season. A big and strong inside midfielder, he works hard contest-to-contest and has an elite ability to extract the footy from clearances as well as boasting a sound defensive mindset. Sharp featured in all four games for South Australia at the under-18 national championships last year, including racking up 25 disposals (14 contested) and nine clearances in his side’s match against the Allies. He also played five games of senior SANFL with Central District, averaging 16.4 disposals, 8.2 tackles and four clearances. In the under-17 Futures game in September, Sharp showed more good signs and recorded 10 contested possessions – more than anyone else on the ground.

Zeke Uwland gets plenty of the ball. Picture: Jenny Evans/AFL Photos

ZEKE UWLAND​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD
Height: 178cm
Position: Midfielder
The younger brother of current Suns star Bodhi, Zeke shapes as one of the leading draft prospects for 2025. The Suns Academy member is versatile, has a booming left-foot kick, reads the play well and can win the footy inside or outside the contest. The only bottom-age player named in last year’s All-Australian side, Uwland had an outstanding under-18 national championships for the Allies. He averaged 23 disposals and six rebound-50s playing in defence and on a wing. Additionally, Uwland played five games of VFL football for the Suns in the second half of the season, averaging 15.4 disposals down back. He also kicked six goals from 25 disposals in a Coates Talent League match against Oakleigh early in the year and again lined up as a forward in the under-17 Futures match in September. Playing for Team Sloane, Uwland gathered 22 disposals, seven marks and kicked two goals – including one long-bomb from 60m in the opening quarter.

KALANI WHITE​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD
Height: 198cm
Position: Defender
A promising tall, White has a big decision ahead of him as he ponders whether to nominate as a father-son to Melbourne or stay on the Gold Coast with the Suns. His father, Jeff, is a former Demons ruckman who played 236 games for the club, but White has spent more of his life growing up on the Gold Coast and has been tied to the Suns Academy since under-16s. While capable of playing at both ends of the ground, he looks up to Suns star Mac Andrew and featured mostly as a key defender last year. White is mobile, has a natural leap and can take a big mark overhead. He had a taste of the under-18 national championships as a bottom-age player with the Allies and showed some good signs during the under-17 Futures game in September.

Kalani White faces a big call. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

ALSO ON THE RADAR …​

There are five members of the AFL Academy who were unlucky to make this list, with those being South Australian wingman Harley Barker, West Australian forwards Koby Evans and Wes Walley, Northern Territory ruckman Taj Murray and Murray Bushrangers forward Liam Hetherton.
Sandringham Dragons midfielder Jack Dalton is another player to keep an eye on, while West Australian forward Charlie Banfield is a father-son prospect for West Coast as the son of two-time Eagles premiership player Drew.

 

[Charlie Pannam]

Youd think Rodriguez and Duursma , will play more midfield time this year, adding to their cv.

Greeves and Onley , 194cm mids. Crazy how big these guys are getting. Interesting decision for us if they are rated top 5-6 at seasons end, particularly if Smillie ends up being a player.

Northern Academies just keep producing. GC and Brisbane are going to be powerhouses over the next decade. AFL will get what they want - Premierships in non AFL states.

 

[Nostradumbass]

That fraud hicksy called us all dumb campaigners

 

[tiger_tough]

Dud, delist.

 

[noobermensch]

Another example of Dyson Sharp's mature and effective inside game as he racked up an impressive eight clearances as a bottom ager against Vic Country. His spatial awareness in traffic is outstanding, allowing him to find creative angles to release teammates into space. He does a lot of subtle work at stoppage that can go unnoticed such as using his body to block or shepherd, creating space for his teammates.

 

[SMILLIE]

The other thing we need to factor in, is we will have Lynch's huge contract gone after this season, which will have us with so much extra cap room with the majority of our list being very young. We will be able to buy some very good picks over the next 2-3 seasons before Tassie come in, why other teams try & retain their star players to keep out of the clutches of The new Tassie team & other teams looking at trading in big names from other teams.. So I like where we will be positioned if we can seriously take advantage of the next few years of keeping our salary cap as low as possible, before the young guns start pushing for larger contracts & it also gives us the advantage of not overpaying to keep us in the AFL's salary minimum cap for players that aren't quite at the star status yet.

I doubt we will be buying picks and taking on hefty salaries. We’ll be using the cap flexibility to be clever with our own contracts, there’ll be some big extensions early on glimpses from our draftees, we’ve got a challenge with the amount of these guys all coming out of contract at the same time, and the looming Tasmania.

We also are gonna back ourselves in F/A as we always do, we’re a big club, with cash, that’ll be more valuable than late first rounders for taking mediocre players on more than they’re worth, and longer than they’re worth.

The strategy is not black and white, and I’m sure we’d love to do a Bowes-esque deal, but I don’t see that sort of thing repeating as much. That was the perfect scenario, the Gold Coast suns don’t value picks nearly the same as the rest of the comp

 

[Coach_Required]

Hmm apart from being able to get the pill anyone happy with that clip on Dyson Sharp? Needs to work on his disposal, maybe because he was underage last year? Will be an interesting watch in 2025

 

[noobermensch]

Hmm apart from being able to get the pill anyone happy with that clip on Dyson Sharp? Needs to work on his disposal, maybe because he was underage last year? Will be an interesting watch in 2025

I posted this on a different forum, which is where I'm at with Sharp right now:

Its an interesting situation. He’s been the standout prospect from this class through the junior levels, but he doesn’t have a flashy game that will make more casual draft watchers gush and definitely has some deficiencies that need work… his kicking as you mention can be variable. As this draft cohort gains more widespread attention it wouldn’t surprise me if people start pushing for others to be pick 1 favourite instead of him.

 

[SleepingGiant]

Youd think Rodriguez and Duursma , will play more midfield time this year, adding to their cv.

Greeves and Onley , 194cm mids. Crazy how big these guys are getting. Interesting decision for us if they are rated top 5-6 at seasons end, particularly if Smillie ends up being a player.

Northern Academies just keep producing. GC and Brisbane are going to be powerhouses over the next decade. AFL will get what they want - Premierships in non AFL states.

Disagree. Academy players can stand out more by generally playing in weaker teams so more ball goes through them. I will take elite Vic (earlier in rebuild so they stay) and WA talent (more overlooked) any day of the week.

 

[SleepingGiant]

I doubt we will be buying picks and taking on hefty salaries. We’ll be using the cap flexibility to be clever with our own contracts, there’ll be some big extensions early on glimpses from our draftees, we’ve got a challenge with the amount of these guys all coming out of contract at the same time, and the looming Tasmania.

We also are gonna back ourselves in F/A as we always do, we’re a big club, with cash, that’ll be more valuable than late first rounders for taking mediocre players on more than they’re worth, and longer than they’re worth.

The strategy is not black and white, and I’m sure we’d love to do a Bowes-esque deal, but I don’t see that sort of thing repeating as much. That was the perfect scenario, the Gold Coast suns don’t value picks nearly the same as the rest of the comp

Rules are coming in to buy picks. If I am Carlton, Brisbane, GC, GWS, etc I am selling them to keep the contending door open to buy my missing pieces. If I am Richmond (and I know connections at the club and my sources prove strong anyway), the last thing I want to do right now, is buy A grade talent in the next 2-3 years, and pump my list up to 9th, and end up in the middle road to hell. I would rather accumulate a young core (great start last year but a long way to go), have that young core prove themselves with a minimum 12th place finish off their own effort, then start topping up.

This is what the club is doing anyway, and we already have been clever with our own cap. Nobody has the cap space we do in the next two years, and we will buy buying so many draft picks you will fantasy blow on your laptop.

 

[Maurice Mitchell]

Looks like Sharp is doing some training with the Crows this preseason.

The observer ( bigman ) said he looks like a man already.

 

[Drunken Wookie]

I posted this on a different forum, which is where I'm at with Sharp right now:

Its an interesting situation. He’s been the standout prospect from this class through the junior levels, but he doesn’t have a flashy game that will make more casual draft watchers gush and definitely has some deficiencies that need work… his kicking as you mention can be variable. As this draft cohort gains more widespread attention it wouldn’t surprise me if people start pushing for others to be pick 1 favourite instead of him.

It looks like when he's got time and space his kicking is quite good, in the contest tends to just throw it on the boot as he lacks that separation speed. Hope it's something he works hard on because if he could give himself an extra yard to steady and find a target he'd be a machine.

 

[Drunken Wookie]

I doubt we will be buying picks and taking on hefty salaries. We’ll be using the cap flexibility to be clever with our own contracts, there’ll be some big extensions early on glimpses from our draftees, we’ve got a challenge with the amount of these guys all coming out of contract at the same time, and the looming Tasmania.

We also are gonna back ourselves in F/A as we always do, we’re a big club, with cash, that’ll be more valuable than late first rounders for taking mediocre players on more than they’re worth, and longer than they’re worth.

The strategy is not black and white, and I’m sure we’d love to do a Bowes-esque deal, but I don’t see that sort of thing repeating as much. That was the perfect scenario, the Gold Coast suns don’t value picks nearly the same as the rest of the comp

What kid are we taking in 2034?

 

[Charlie Pannam]

Disagree. Academy players can stand out more by generally playing in weaker teams so more ball goes through them. I will take elite Vic (earlier in rebuild so they stay) and WA talent (more overlooked) any day of the week.

I think more kids are playing Aussie rules in QLD and NSW, than 5+ years ago, and in the next 5 years it’ll likely become even more popular.
Yes VIC, WA, SA is still the heartland for young talent (Vic in particular),but the Northern states are producing plenty of top 10 , 20 talent each year. And regardless of ladder position they have first crack at the kids. So it’s a massive advantage to be able to continue to build while in the Premiership window.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

Rules are coming in to buy picks. If I am Carlton, Brisbane, GC, GWS, etc I am selling them to keep the contending door open to buy my missing pieces. If I am Richmond (and I know connections at the club and my sources prove strong anyway), the last thing I want to do right now, is buy A grade talent in the next 2-3 years, and pump my list up to 9th, and end up in the middle road to hell. I would rather accumulate a young core (great start last year but a long way to go), have that young core prove themselves with a minimum 12th place finish off their own effort, then start topping up.

This is what the club is doing anyway, and we already have been clever with our own cap. Nobody has the cap space we do in the next two years, and we will buy buying so many draft picks you will fantasy blow on your laptop.

Can see why we're in an excellent position too chase Reid.
Give our 1st & Norths(1 & 2) for Reid.
Then sell some cap space to the best buyer.
We still end up with 2 1st rnd picks(Reid & 10ish)
26 starting Mids -Reid/Taranto/Smillie
Backed up by Lalor/Hopper/Hotton

 

[Dr Tigris]

I posted this on a different forum, which is where I'm at with Sharp right now:

Its an interesting situation. He’s been the standout prospect from this class through the junior levels, but he doesn’t have a flashy game that will make more casual draft watchers gush and definitely has some deficiencies that need work… his kicking as you mention can be variable. As this draft cohort gains more widespread attention it wouldn’t surprise me if people start pushing for others to be pick 1 favourite instead of him.

Had the same thoughts, but without your depth of knowledge.

Sharp looks great for footy smarts, physicality and the little things, but dodgy in his kicking. i would guess he would retain that above average physicality, and his footy smarts won't go away. So he starts as a well above average mid - low risk. If he can learn to hit targets regulalry he is an obvious #1 pick. An interesting year to see whther he steps up a level, or stagnates.

 

[sregit]

Can see why we're in an excellent position too chase Reid.
Give our 1st & Norths(1 & 2) for Reid.
Then sell some cap space to the best buyer.
We still end up with 2 1st rnd picks(Reid & 10ish)
26 starting Mids -Reid/Taranto/Smillie
Backed up by Lalor/Hopper/Hotton

After acquiring Reid you’d have no cap space. They’re talking 2M.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

After acquiring Reid you’d have no cap space. They’re talking 2M.

2.7mil freed up by Dusty & Lynch.

 

[richoatthedisco]

 

[Danog]

Another example of Dyson Sharp's mature and effective inside game as he racked up an impressive eight clearances as a bottom ager against Vic Country. His spatial awareness in traffic is outstanding, allowing him to find creative angles to release teammates into space. He does a lot of subtle work at stoppage that can go unnoticed such as using his body to block or shepherd, creating space for his teammates.

He's good at getting the ball in the contest, and evading being tackled to ground, but his disposal under pressure is shit. Just throws it on the boot/fist and hopes for the best.

 

[sregit]

2.7mil freed up by Dusty & Lynch.

Yes 2.7. But I don’t think a player in the AFL warrants that pay check. Especially one that has 1 season in the game. 2 by years end. I’d rather use that sum of money elsewhere and look at a couple of quality players. Plus they want a 10 year contract.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

Yes 2.7. But I don’t think a player in the AFL warrants that pay check. Especially one that has 1 season in the game. 2 by years end. I’d rather use that sum of money elsewhere and look at a couple of quality players. Plus they want a 10 year contract.

It is alot for a "3rd" year player but he's no ordinary player.
Lynchs contract was backended too suit our cap situation.
We would more than likely do the reverse with Reid.So over a 10yr contract he may get 18mil or something like that with it being heavily frontloaded.
Remember we have Blair.

 

[_RT_]

IMO more chance of us playing finals in 2025, than Harley Reid playing for us in 2026

 

[sabso]

Cats are going to buy picks using cotton on deals

 

[THE_GUN]

I dont believe trading cap space will come in this year but more like 2026

We should take our 2 picks to the draft and get another 2 x top 5 kids and hopefully the Kellaway kid has a great year and develops well enough to draft with a later selection.

I would also be in the ear of Andrew Walker for his son not to elect to be a father son and we can draft him as an academy selection , Use the cash as bait and tell them the moment he walks through the door he gets an extension of 3 years at $700k a year to take him to 5 years.

We will have so much cap space due to our list that has never been seen , But we must extend all 8 of the players drafted last draft and give them all 3 year extensions