The AFL Draft starts Monday night and if there are 10 names to know about – both well-known and lesser-known – here they are.
It’s that time on the AFL calendar when the country’s best young AFL talent will realise their Draft dreams.
It hasn’t been classified by experts as an above-average crop. But nonetheless it’s an event that changes lives, rejuvenates clubs and generates newfound hope among fan bases. There really is nothing like the off season in sport.
GWS currently has the first pick, with North Melbourne also set to have a big influence on the top 10 with picks two and three.
Down below are ten of the most intriguing prospects to know before the night event kicks off next week.
WHEN IS THE AFL DRAFT?
The first round of the draft will take place this coming Monday (November 28) at 6.30pm AEDT, while the remaining rounds of the draft will play out the following day (Tuesday, November 29th). Here is the order, via the AFL site.
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Aaron Cadman (Greater Western Victoria Rebels / Vic Country)
Key Forward | 196cm, 88kg
Cadman is one of the names poised to be taken in the first round, with many draft experts believing he’ll be selected with the Giants’ pick one. The Victorian talent has become one of the leading key forward prospects in this draft pool due to his ability to significantly impact the scoreboard.
In a standout performance against the Western Jets, the GWV Rebels product proved his on-field capabilities, collecting 24 disposals, five goals, 18 contested possessions and seven inside 50s.
With his strength and mobility helping him become a threat on the field, it’s no surprise that the 18-year-old’s draft stock has seen a sharp rise during the year.
Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 182cm, 78kg
Ashcroft is the young gun who dominated the headlines all year, and for good reason too. The Sandringham Dragon has stood out through the sheer numbers he has put in games, including his insane 51-disposal performance against the Western Jets earlier this year.
The son of former Brisbane Lion Marcus Ashcroft, Will has delivered a 2022 campaign that has lived up to the hype he’s received.
He averaged 34 disposals in his NAB League season, and picked up just about every award available, including the Larke Medal as the best player in the national championships.
His consistency, endurance and on-field influence have put him in discussion to be a top draft pick.
Ashcroft will be a Lion next season following his decision to nominate for the club under the father-son rule.
Ed Allan (Claremont / Western Australia)
Midfielder/Defender | 194cm, 82kg
A stress fracture had derailed the beginning of his 2022, which saw some speculate early in the year that he was a second-round prospect at best. However, Allan has looked to make the most of his limited exposure with reports suggesting he’s being linked as high as the eighth pick.
At 193cm, the utility is attracting the attention of recruiters in October’s Draft Combine where he finished the 20m sprint with a time of 2.81 seconds – the fifth fastest time in combine history.
The son of former Hawthorn best-and-fairest Ben Allan, his speed has shone through the limited amount of games he’s made appearances in. His versatility and consistency have seen him draw comparisons to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs. Allan averaged just over 25 disposals per game, playing both across the wing and in the midfield.
Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 184cm, 77kg
Another name predicted to go in the top five, Sheezel’s football IQ and goalkicking can see him be dangerous if the ball is in his possession.
In the fourteen appearances he made for the Sandringham Dragons, Sheezel went goalless in just one game. Overall, he kicked 36 goals and starred with four goals in the Grand Final.
Averaging 19.3 disposals per game in his NAB League campaign this year, the young gun has proven himself to be an interesting prospect. One of his best performances include against the Northern Knights where Sheezel made 37 disposals and 19 contested possessions.
George Wardlaw (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 182cm, 82kg
The Oakleigh Chargers product has proven to be explosive on the field.
While a run of hamstring injuries saw the young gun’s season in the NAB League with Vic Metro, Wardlaw is still expected to go high in the draft.
The defensive side to his game is something that’s stood out in 2022, with a performance for the AFL Academy against Collingwood seeing him finish the game with 15 contested possessions and eight tackles.
Embed from Getty ImagesMattaes Phillipou (Woodville West Torrens / South Australia)
Forward/Midfielder | 192cm, 83kg
Regarded by some as the best South Australian prospect in the year’s draft pool, Phillipou gives plenty to get excited about.
At 190cm and with a previous background in basketball, he can be a threat on the field. Phillipou saw a surge in his predicted draft order following the conclusion of his SANFL campaign, averaging 34 disposals from his final four games.
His aerial ability, athleticism and scoreboard impact are just some of the traits that have caught the sudden attention of many recruiters in recent months. Essendon, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn are just a few of the clubs reported to have the midfielder in their sights.
Joe Richards (Wangaratta)
Midfielder | 175cm
The soon-to-be 23-year-old is predicted to be a major story of the night. The country football star has dominated this season in the Ovens and Murray Football League.
With a second premiership and third best and fairest medal with the Wangaratta Magpies, Richards has reportedly been speaking to a host of AFL clubs.
The midfielder was the only country footballer to be invited to this year’s draft combine and was said to have put up strong numbers. Across 19 games this season, Richards averaged 25 disposals, six tackles and five clearances with Wangaratta.
Despite never playing a minute of state football, the AFL has reported that at least seven clubs including Collingwood and the Sydney Swans have been in contact with the footballer.
Kobe Ryan (West Adelaide / South Australia)
Midfielder | 183cm, 73kg
Ryan is a prospect that hasn’t received the attention one might perhaps think, but he could be a bargain for one lucky club with some predicting him to be called late in the draft order.
A strong contested-ball winner and a ball-winning machine, the South Australian had a season to remember, averaging 30 disposals in the SANFL under 18s and 25.8 disposals in the SANFL reserves.
His decision-making and clean hands have seen Ryan contribute well in games throughout 2022.
Elijah Tsatas (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 187cm, 80kg
Tsatas has proven to be one of the top footballers of the year.
A highly touted draft pick, this young gun has put up some stellar numbers during his time in the NAB League.
While a foot injury saw him miss out on a chunk of under-18 championship games, Tsatas has shown that he can win the ball no matter what.
Averaging 33.8 disposals, 12.2 contested disposals and 8.2 inside 50s per game, Tsatas can be dangerous on the field. With speed and agility to his name, Tsatas can be a headache for opponents.
Embed from Getty ImagesJhye Clark (Geelong Falcons / Vic Country)
Midfielder | 181cm, 77kg
His leadership, consistency and clean skills have seen him draw comparisons to retiring Cats skipper Joel Selwood.
Clark’s proven to be an effective player on the field. During the under-18 championships, the young gun was a weapon as he averaged 22.5 disposals, 7.3 marks and five tackles.
The midfielder’s attack on the contest and eagerness to win will no doubt see him quickly become a fan favourite.
