The home and away season has come and gone, which means teams begin to cast an eye to the player movement space.

Clubs have begun their off-season changes as recruiting staff and list bosses take centre stage for the sport’s silly season.

foxfooty.com.au has taken a deep dive into every club’s list needs and which draft prospects could help fill those voids.

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ADELAIDE

Draft picks: 4, 25, 42, 60

List chasm: Despite featuring some big names on paper, Adelaide’s midfield brigade just couldn’t get the job done this year. The Crows were unable to get their clearance game going, ranked 13th in the competition for both points from clearance and points against from clearance. They were ranked 16th for clearance differential. Despite having the likes of Jordan Dawson, Rory Laird and Matt Crouch rolling through, they just couldn’t get it all to click around the contest. Izak Rankine’s injection into the midfield gave them a different look at Jake Soligo’s emergence was a success, but ultimately, Matthew Nicks’ on-ball brigade is too one-dimensional and one-paced. They’re a chance of landing Demon Alex Neal-Bullen who has asked for a trade home to South Australia for family reasons and Jack Lukosius, who is out of favour at the Gold Coast Suns. Neal-Bullen will add some more run on the outside, while Lukosius is a tall utility, but neither will fix their midfield woes.

Ideal draft prospects: South Australian star Sid Draper looms as a perfect selection for the Crows at this year’s draft. Draper is a likely top 10 prospect having dominated for the Croweaters in this year’s National Championships carnival. Draper averaged 21 disposals at 76% disposal efficiency throughout his campaign, showcasing his speed and poise around the coalface. He’s clean with his disposal and many experts believe he will one day be destined for leadership honours at an AFL club. Thankfully for the Crows, the top end of the 2024 draft crop is dominated by midfielders, so if they missed out on Draper, the likes of Murphy Reid, Jagga Smith and Josh Smilie should also be on the Crows’ radar. They also have father-son access to forward Tyler Welsh who has dominated headlines in his draft year by booting big bags of goals. Welsh, the son of Scott, was parachuted into the Crows’ SANFL side this year in order to fast-track his development in Adelaide’s system. He’s a strong forward who loves taking marks, but questions still hang over his ability to impact the game at ground level.

BRISBANE

Draft picks: 14, 52, 68

List chasm: It’s pretty tough to pick any holes in Brisbane’s list as it stands. Their key defensive depth has been tested this season, but co-captain Harris Andrews is classy, Jack Payne is developing nicely and Darragh Joyce and Tom Doedee (who will return from an ACL) are also there. If we’re casting an eye to the future, they might target a half-back at the draft. Daniel Rich retired last year and Dayne Zorko probably only has a year or two left, but they will get Keidean Coleman back next season. Don’t read too much into their draft hand this year, the Lions are set to cash in on two academy stars once again, so the points will be swallowed up.

Ideal draft prospects: There’s another Ashcroft about to make his mark on the big stage. Levi Ashcroft is set to join brother Will at the Lions next season, continuing on the legacy of their father Marcus. If you think Will has been an outstanding acquisition for the Lions, wait until you see Levi. Levi Ashcroft has had an incredibly consistent campaign this year, excelling for the Sandringham Dragons, Vic Metro and the AFL Academy. He’s a two-time All-Australian already, having averaged 25.5 disposals, 3.5 inside 50s and 3.2 clearances this season in the National Championships. The Dragons skipper is aiming to become the first player ever to win three consecutive Coates Talent League premierships when he leads Sandy in this season’s finals series. Ashcroft played a VFL match for the Lions recently, amassing 35 disposals, eight marks, five tackles and a goal. The Lions have access to Ashcroft’s Dragons teammate Sam Marshall as well, who is a member of their Academy. Marshall is a prolific ball magnet who is also a good decision-maker and user. He averaged 27 disposals, 5.5 marks, 4.0 clearances and 123.2 ranking points in the National Championships. As for half-back options in the latter part of the draft, Geelong Falcon Lachie Jaques was named half-back in the All-Australian team from the National Championships and has a great ability to read the play and use the footy. He averaged 16.2 disposals at 78.5% efficiency for Vic Country.

CARLTON

Draft picks: 11, 31, 62, 65, 69

List chasm: The Blues are well placed for a premiership tilt, perhaps not this year, but definitely in 2025. Injuries played a big role in limiting Carlton’s ability to make the top four this season, so their number one priority should be making sure the list is fit and firing for round one next year. However, one area of potential improvement for the Blues is their small forward stocks. Matthew Owies has booted 33 goals so far this season and has filled that role admirably, while Zac Williams was thrust forward late in the season and has returned 15 goals. Targeting a good small forward at the draft should be priority one for Michael Voss and his recruiting team.

Ideal draft prospects: One prospect the Blues could look at with their first selection is Vic Country livewire Joe Berry. Berry booted nine goals in an eye-catching display in the National Championships for Vic Country, where he asserted himself as one of the best smalls in the draft pool. He’s a creative genius around the big sticks and his high footy IQ makes him a handful for opposition defenders. The Blues will also land father-son duo Ben and Lucas Camporeale. Ben was awarded South Australia’s MVP at the National Champs having averaged 26.8 disposals and 4.5 clearances per game, while Lucas is a hard-running winger who was also a part of the AFL Academy.

COLLINGWOOD

Draft picks: 32, 48, 50

List chasm: The reigning premiers missed finals in 2024 after a horrific injury-plagued season for Craig McRae’s sides. Given the unavailability’s of a host of players this year, it’s tough to gauge where the Pies glaring list needs are. Given defender Nathan Murphy retired due to concussion earlier this year and Jeremy Howe isn’t getting younger, a tall defender would be a good option, while ‘Fly’ has been pretty open in stating that he’d like another tall forward to help out Dan McStay and Brody Mihocek. The Pies could also do with another strong ball user in the centre of the ground, with only veteran Scott Pendlebury and Patrick Lipinski featuring in the top 50 kicks in the competition.

Ideal draft prospects: The good news for Pies fans is that their first selection lies where there’s a bunch of tall prospects expected to go in the draft. Jonty Faull has booted 17 goals for the GWV Rebels this campaign, while South Australian Charlie Nicholls also has fans at AFL level. Vic Metro forward Thomas Sims is another who is likely to land around the pick 30 mark, as is Dandenong Stingrays tall Noah Mraz, who has hardly been on the park this year due to a navicular foot issue. Alixzander Tauru would be a like-for-like replacement in the mould of Murphy and Howe, the Gippsland Power product known for his intercepting ability and tough attitude. Tauru has averaged 5.6 marks in the Coates Talent League this campaign and was ranked third in the National Championships for intercept marks on average. In recent weeks he made the move forward and showed a real impact to provide a focal point in the forward half. The problem is, he’s likely to rise up draft boards as the CTL finals series progress. In terms of clean ball users, Vic Metro duo Harrison Oliver and Jesse Dattoli would certainly help, although they’re unlikely to slide.

ESSENDON

Draft picks: 8, 28

List chasm: It was another season of disappointment where Dons fans were left scratching their heads asking, ‘what could have been?’. Despite the recruitment of Ben McKay last year, their defence is in desperate need of some reinforcing. The Bombers ranked 16th for goals conceded to key forwards and 15th for goals conceded to small forwards, so there’s plenty of room for improvement. Brad Scott’s side are also crying out for a consistent performer in the small forward role at AFL level, something that haven’t had for quite some time. Jade Gresham was brought over in the off-season but is more of a high half-forward, while Matt Guelfi struggled with calf injuries throughout the year.

Ideal draft prospects: The Dons have their small forward solution right in front of them, with Calder Cannons livewire Isaac Kako set to make his way to Tullamarine as a part of the club’s Next Generation Academy system. Kako is a likely top 15 selection, but the AFL’s changed draft and trade rules this year means the Bombers will be able to match a bid on the star Vic Metro forward – and it’s likely to come after their first selection. In terms of reinforcing their tall defensive stocks, there’s not going to be much in the range of their first selection. Sandringham Dragons star Luke Trainor would certainly fit the bill, but he’s probably going to be taken before their pick 8 rolls around. They’re more likely to find some success at pick 28. Could they take a punt on AFL Academy member Noah Mraz, who teams could cool on given his injury concerns this year? The 198cm Stingray is still considered one of the best key backs in this year’s pool. Sandringham Dragons duo Adrian Cole and Lennox Hoffman are other tall defensive options who are likely to feature in the back half of the draft. The reality is however, that these talls do take lots of time to develop, so there certainly won’t be any immediate fix via the draft. South Australian Angus Clarke and Vic Metro defender Harry O’Farrell could also be in the mix.

FREMANTLE

Draft picks: 9, 10, 17, 27, 63

List chasm: The frustrating thing for Freo fans this year was that so much went right, before a nasty injury run in the final month of the home and away season ultimately was their undoing. It’s pretty difficult to identify too many major areas of list improvement for Justin Longmuir’s side, but the Dockers did struggle to cover the loss of Lachie Schultz inside forward 50. Fremantle ranked 15th in the competition for ground ball gets inside 50 in 2024. Michael Frederick and Sam Sturt combined for 44 goals, but with Michael Walters retiring in the near future, is it time to cast an eye towards a replacement?

Ideal draft prospects: It’s looking more and more likely that the Dockers attack the trade period, rather than the draft this season and you can see why. They’ve been heavily linked to Tigers stars Shai Bolton and Liam Baker and both would add plenty to Longmuir’s side, who are bound to challenge for the finals once more in 2024. If they do manage to keep one of those early draft picks, then local prospect Bo Allan could be a nice pickup. Allan was an All-Australian this year having averaged 20 disposals, 6.3 score involvements and six tackles per match in the National Championships. The West Australian captain is a great athlete with a strong footy IQ and could slot in both as a midfielder or defender. Vic Country small forward Joe Berry is an exciting prospect as well and could be considered early on.

GEELONG

Draft picks: 16, 36, 54, 72

List chasm: The Cats just keep defying the odds year after year. Whenever it looks like they might be set to slide down the ladder, they find a way to keep in touch with the finals race. The Cats are set to target midfielders over the off-season, potentially in the form of Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith. The Cats will have to give up their first pick if they are to poach Smith, which would leave them with a trio of later selections. The Cats have had a knack of unearthing gems in the latter stages of drafts before though, think Tom Stewart and Lawson Humphries, so that shouldn’t concern the Geelong faithful.

Ideal draft prospects: The Cats have a host of talented youngsters on their list who are yet to really kickstart their AFL careers including Jhye Clark and Mitch Knevitt. Do the Cats have faith that those players will be able to make an impact at AFL level? Either way, heading to the draft to top up on young talent would be a good idea. One player who is well and truly in the frame for the top 20 is Dandenong Stingrays gem Cooper Hynes. Hynes has been an imposing force for the Rays this year and his ability to impact the scoreboard is of great appeal to recruiters. Hynes has booted 19 goals from 12 games this season and has averaged 25.3 disposals and four marks, playing an integral role in the Stingrays’ top three finish in the Coates Talent League. Could they look for another key forward to help replace club champion Tom Hawkins? Shannon Neale will no doubt get that opportunity first up, but they could take another at the draft. Northern Knights star Thomas Sims is a mobile forward, while GWV Rebels spearhead Jonty Faull is another possibility. Bendigo Pioneers sharpshooter Jobe Shanahan is also an option given his contested marking and goalkicking traits.

GOLD COAST

Draft picks: 6, 13, 20, 26, 34, 46, 70

List chasm: The Suns are in desperate need of some quality ball users, having had a grand total of zero players inside the top 40 rated kicks based on kick rating in the competition. The trade talk of Tiger Daniel Rioli reuniting with Damien Hardwick won’t go away and he would certainly be a great acquisition for them. The problem with that is, he’s likely going to cost a fair bit of draft capital, although that shouldn’t be too much of a problem given their Academy is set to bear fruitful once more. Ben King played a lone hand forward for majority of the year, but the Suns will be hoping young gun Jed Walter kicks on next year, especially given there’s rumours of Jack Lukosius wanting out.

Ideal draft prospects: The Suns will secure Academy star Leo Lombard at the draft this year, it’s just a question of when. A likely top 10 selection, Lombard was the joint winner of the Larke Medal this year, awarded to the National Championships’ best performer. The Broadbeach product averaged 26.2 disposals, six inside 50s, five score involvements and 119.8 ranking points per game on the big stage. He was also a member of Gold Coast’s inaugural VFL premiership as a 16-year-old last year. Lombard is a competitive beast and has brilliant power and speed around the coalface. The Suns will be hoping that they get a pick in before the incoming Lombard bid and if so, a player such as Murphy Reid would really help to address their list needs. Reid is a quality ball user and was a Tigers fan growing up, so playing under Damien Hardwick is sure to appeal to the star Sandringham Dragons midfielder. Reid has flourished as a midfielder this campaign but did plenty of damage as a forward as an under-ager last year, so could help to reinforce that part of the ground as well. If you cast an eye to 2025, the Suns will have access to Zeke Uwland, brother of Bodhi, who is among the top handful of prospects for next year’s intake.

GWS GIANTS

Draft picks: 15, 35, 49, 53, 71

List chasm: The Giants are as well-placed as any side from a list perspective and will no doubt be challenging for silverware again in 2025. One area to target at the draft might be some fresh midfield talent. While the Giants are well-stocked as it stands, Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly will both be over 30 years of age when the 2025 season rolls around, so finding someone else to spearhead the on-ball brigade alongside Tom Green and Finn Callaghan could be handy for the future. Both Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming could depart the club in the off-season too, which means some added defensive depth wouldn’t go astray.

Ideal draft prospects: Two on-ball prospects that would suit the orange and charcoal are Xavier Lindsay and Tom Gross. Lindsay is a Gippsland Power star who was one of Vic Country’s best in the showdown against Vic Metro that ultimately decided the title winners. Lindsay had 30 disposals, 11 marks and eight score involvements that day. At the start of the year many recruiters viewed Lindsay as a half-back at AFL level, but there’s growing belief within the industry that he could play a role as a midfielder. Oakleigh Chargers star Tom Gross is another possible candidate for the Giants’ first pick. Gross has no troubles finding the footy given his elite endurance base and also has strong overhead marking capabilities, increasing his chances of making an immediate impact at AFL level. One defensive option is Tobie Travaglia. The Vic Country star was one of the standouts of the National Championships this year, excelling as a mid-sized intercept defender. Travaglia won the Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest as a bottom ager last year and has certainly carried that form into the 2024 season.

HAWTHORN

Draft picks: 12, 30, 67, 74

List chasm: The Hawks have been the surprise packet of the 2024 season, turning an 0-5 start around to finish in 7th spot and make finals for the first time since 2018. Their ‘small ball’ forward line is firing on all cylinders, their midfield has rediscovered their spark and their defence is stacking up amongst the competition’s best. The Hawks would love to bolster their key defensive stocks, however. Sam Frost has been superb this season but will be 31 next year, while there’s clouds hanging over James Blanck’s future given his knee concerns. James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle have been sensational, but ideally, they’re allowed to show off their natural offensive flair, rather than lock down opposition key forwards.

Ideal draft prospects: The problem for the Hawks is that there aren’t really any key defensive options likely to warrant selection at pick 12, which means they’re likely to attack the trade period first and foremost, in particular, Saint Josh Battle and Eagle Tom Barrass. That will mean they’re likely to be without that early pick, but if they somehow manage to hold onto it, they’ll be hoping Sandringham Dragons defender Luke Trainor slides. Trainor has shown an ability to lock down forwards and peel off and take an intercept mark, which would complement Hawthorn’s backline well. Another option could be Matt Whitlock from the Murray Bushrangers or Harry O’Farrell from the Calder Cannons. Whitlock has elite athleticism for a tall prospect and has plenty of upside, while O’Farrell also looks a likely type. Eastern Ranges midfielder Christian Moraes could also be right in the mix at pick 12. The Hawks got a glimpse of Moraes via the Box Hill program late in the season and his elite endurance and versatility certainly catches the eye.

MELBOURNE

Draft picks: 5, 38, 45, 51, 61

List chasm: The Dees are in a precarious position with their list as it stands, with star players aging and rumours of others wanting out. Their defence has been a trademark in recent years, but Steven May and Jake Lever aren’t getting any younger and they’ll need to start putting future plans in place sooner rather than later. They’re in desperate need of finding a support act for Jacob Van Rooyen – Matthew Jefferson is untried and had high praise as a junior, but is it time for the Dees to search for another contingency plan? Their ruck stocks were exposed when Max Gawn went down hurt, with Simon Goodwin forced to use a makeshift setup. Long story short, the Dees need reinforcements on every single line this off-season.

Ideal draft prospects: The top end of this draft is extremely midfield heavy, which means it will be extremely interesting to see what the Dees do at the draft, given their strengths in that area. In terms of some tall timber, Sandringham Dragons star Luke Trainor could be their man at pick 5. Trainor can do damage at either end of the ground and loves the big stage, having been swung forward to kick a match winning score for Vic Metro and his APS school side Brighton Grammar this season. If they do choose to go with a midfielder, Harvey Langford could be a superb option. Langford was awarded the Larke Medal for his scintillating National Championships campaign and has dominated for the Dandenong Stingrays throughout the Coates Talent League season. Langford averaged 25.5 disposals, six marks and six clearances for Vic Country in the Champs. It would probably be a long shot, but could the Dees take key forward Harry Armstrong at pick 5 to partner Van Rooyen and shock the draft world? They’re unlikely to find a ready to go ruck prospect in the draft, so they might be better off scouring the delisted free agent market or trying to poach an out of favour tall from another club there. If they did look to the draft however, Floyd Burmeister or Lucas Impey could be options later in the draft.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Draft picks: 2, 22, 40, 58, 64

List chasm: The Roos won just three games in 2024, so clearly there’s quite a few gaps to fill on this list. North Melbourne are in desperate need of some reinforcements to their tall defensive stocks, but the reality is there isn’t a quick and easy fix. With pick two, you take the best available player, but they’re already well stocked in the midfield (it’s a midfield heavy draft), so it’ll be intriguing to see what they do. Charlie Comben emerged as a key cog for the future this year, but likely as a defender, which means they’re still searching for a partner for star forward Nick Larkey, who continues to fight each and every week. The Roos had a suite of re-signings in the back end of 2024 which is pleasing for the future.

Ideal draft prospects: One man who could make an immediate impact down back for the Roos is Luke Trainor. The grandson of 1000-goalkicker Doug Wade has made his name in defence for the Sandringham Dragons throughout his junior career but has also shown his capabilities forward of centre at times. Possessing a penetrating kick, Trainor has the ability to lock down a star opposition forward or get roaming to generate play off the half-back line. Recruiters have likened him to Essendon’s Jordan Ridley and he was an avid North Melbourne fan growing up, idolising Jack Ziebell. As for midfielders, Oakleigh Chargers duo Jagga Smith and Finn O’Sullivan are likely to feature at the pointy end of the draft, while Larke Medallist Harvey Langford and Eastern Ranges star Josh Smillie are other players the Roos could look at. There’s a fair bit to play out here.

PORT ADELAIDE

Draft picks: 37, 55

List chasm: Port Adelaide’s list is in pretty good shape, which is a big reason why they secured a top two finish this season and will go a long way to pushing for a first premiership under Ken Hinkley. Given Port were incredibly active in the trade period last year, they have the weakest draft hand of any club as it stands. If Dan Houston departs, another quality ball user at half-back would be beneficial.

Ideal draft prospects: One young gun who could pique their interest is Geelong Falcon Lachie Jaques. Jaques was named half-back in the All-Australian team from the National Championships and has a great ability to read the play and use the footy. He averaged 16.2 disposals at 78.5% efficiency for Vic Country as one of the most damaging defenders for the carnival. A fellow All-Australian representative, Clancy Dennis, might also be of interest. The West Australian star is a tall defender with strong intercept and one-on-one abilities and is likely to be available in the latter part of the draft. South Australian Angus Clarke is another prospect who shot up draft boards after an eye-catching National Championships and could be looked at. While they’re well-stocked with Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher as their key pillars, adding some defensive depth might be a good idea.

RICHMOND

Draft picks: 1, 21, 29, 39, 41, 47, 57, 66, 73

List chasm: The Tigers are facing a mass player exodus which means they are looking at a bumper draft haul in 2024. Superstar Shai Bolton and the versatile Liam Baker have both been linked with moves back to Western Australia, while damaging half back Daniel Rioli could reunite with former coach Damien Hardwick up on the Gold Coast. Midfielder Jack Graham is also reportedly weighing up his options this off-season as well. Add that quartet to the players they’ve lost to retirement – Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett and Sam Naismith – and Punt Road will have a very different feel to it in 2025. After their recent successes, the Tigers, led by coach Adem Yze, look like they’re in for a few years of pain.

Ideal draft prospects: The Tigers need to restock on every line this off-season, thankfully this is one of the most even drafts in recent memory, so there’s plenty of talent up for grabs. What they do with the coveted pick 1 remains to be seen, but you’d imagine they select one of the star midfielders at that selection. The Tigers have been trialling players in their VFL side in recent months, with Vic Metro star Jagga Smith among the standout performers. Smith was an absolute ball magnet for their VFL side, averaging 25.5 disposals in his two outings at the level. Oakleigh Chargers star Finn O’Sullivan has also had exposure at the level, as has Dandenong Stingrays top 10 hopeful Harvey Langford. Slick Vic Metro on-baller Murphy Reid was a Tigers fan growing up, while Josh Smillie, Sid Draper and Sam Lalor are other pick 1 candidates.

ST KILDA

Draft picks: 7, 24, 43

List chasm: The Saints have been crying out for an elite A-grader to add to their side for a number of years now. They’re well stocked with talent on the outside, think Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Liam Henry and Darcy Wilson, but are in desperate need of finding some support for captain Jack Steele on the inside. They’ve chased players such as Jordan De Goey and Hugh McCluggage in recent years and reportedly have had interest in North Melbourne star Luke Davies-Uniacke and reborn Bomber Dylan Shiel. Dare we say it, could they make a play for a disgruntled Christian Petracca? They’ll also need to potentially take a look at some defensive reinforcements if Josh Battle exercises his free agency rights and heads to Hawthorn.

Ideal draft prospects: Good news, Saints fans! The top end of this draft is littered with midfield talent, some of which could have an impact straight away. The Saints should take a good look at GWV Rebels gamebreaker Sam Lalor, who coach David Loader has compared to recently retired Richmond legend Dustin Martin. Lalor is clean with ball in hand, powerful and can do plenty of damage both through the midfield or in the forward line. Another option could be Eastern Ranges midfielder Josh Smillie, who has elite stoppage craft and power. He was snubbed from the National Championships All-Australian side, which means he could fall to the Saints at pick 7, despite being a pick 1 candidate. The Saints have made a point of taking local Bayside talent as well in recent years, which puts the Sandringham Dragons trio of Murphy Reid, Harry Armstrong and Taj Hotton in the frame. Reid is a silky on-baller, Armstrong arguably the best key forward in the draft and Hotton is the wildcard this year, having had his campaign cut short by an ACL injury. Hotton’s older brother, Olli, is currently on St Kilda’s list as well.

SYDNEY

Draft picks: 18, 19, 56

List chasm: There’s no glaring list chasms for the minor premiers, which should come as a surprise to absolutely no one. Lewis Melican has stepped into the void left by Paddy McCartin extremely well, but with Dane Rampe getting on, is it time they invest in another key defender? Should one of Tom McCartin or Melican go down, they’d be playing with fire.

Ideal draft prospects: A player the Swans should look at is Dandenong Stingrays tall Noah Mraz. Mraz is somewhat of a wildcard this year given he’s missed a significant chunk of the year through a navicular injury, but when he has been on the park, he’s shown tremendous potential. The 198cm Stingray is strong both in the air and at ground level and recruiters love his competitive mindset. Elsewhere, Gippsland Power high-flyer Alixzander Tauru could be the heir to Rampe, while Murray Bushrangers star Matt Whitlock has shifted to defence in recent weeks and showed plenty of promise.

WEST COAST

Draft picks: 3, 23, 59

List chasm: There’s no beating around the bush, the Eagles just need an injection of good young talent. Their current draft hand leaves a little bit to be desired, with only two selections inside the top 55. Expect them to take a midfielder with pick 3, who can help Harley Reid drive the club towards a brighter future. With Tom Barrass’ likely departure, another key defender to support Jeremy McGovern and Harry Edwards could be on the cards, likewise a quality outside player.

Ideal draft prospects: In recent years they’ve targeted West Australian based talent, but that won’t be the case with that early pick this year. Expect their attention to turn towards the likes of Josh Smillie and Sid Draper. Smillie is an 194cm prospect who recruiters have likened to GWS Giants beast Tom Green. As for Draper, he is lightning quick and agile, drawing comparisons to Power jet Zak Butters. If the Eagles do want to target a tall at this pick, then Luke Trainor is their man. Trainor is the best tall prospect in this draft and only enhanced his reputation during the National Championships. The Vic Metro star averaged 19.8 disposals, 5.8 marks (1.8 intercepts) and 4.8 rebound 50s. West Australian captain Bo Allan is a chance to slide to their second pick, while Northern Knights jet Jesse Dattoli and Sandringham Dragons star Harrison Oliver could add that outside class they so desperately crave.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Draft picks: 33, 44

List chasm: For a long time, it looked as though the Bulldogs needed some key defensive depth, but Rory Lobb’s transformation from a maligned forward to a star intercept defender has been incredible. They’ve also got young Jedd Busslinger waiting in the wings for a debut, the club’s first selection of the 2022 draft. The Bulldogs are well stocked on every line and Luke Beveridge has this team absolutely humming ahead of an exciting 2024 finals campaign. If we’re being pedantic, could the Bulldogs do with some reinforcements across half-back?

Ideal draft prospects: One name the Bulldogs will hope slides to their selection is Sandringham Dragons tough nut Harrison Oliver. Oliver is as courageous as they come and is an elite ball user, averaging 16 disposals at 83% efficiency for Vic Metro in their title winning run. His ability to break the lines was a key driver in his selection as an All-Australian. South Australian Angus Clarke could be another option here, as could Northern Knights gem Zak Johnson.