One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on November 24, 2024, 07:18:06 PM
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I know this is 12 months away, but we will likely have two early picks so it's relevant to us.
Stars of the future: 10 draft prospects to watch in 2025
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
23 Nov 2024
ATTENTION has already shifted onto the draft pool for 2025.
The completion of this week's Telstra AFL Draft means clubs will quickly move ahead with planning for next year's crop.
The early look for next year is a draft class with many players tied to clubs as Northern Academy, Next Generation Academy or as father-sons, and here is our annual list of 10 names to track for next year.
Cooper Duff-Tytler
Ruck/key forward
199cm
22/8/07
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
What an exciting talent Duff-Tytler is shaping to be. Having concentrated on his promising basketball career, Duff-Tytler is now putting all his energy into making it in the AFL and the end of his bottom-age season suggests he is well on the way. His breakout game came in just his third appearance for the Cannons, when he kicked two goals from 30 disposals and 17 hit-outs in a best-afield display as a roaming ruckman. Across six games at the level he averaged 17 disposals and 15 hitouts and he shapes as one of the leading talls for 2025.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/ba9d0c22-63fe-4b42-b0fb-fd56b9bb78d3/U16VMWA23CH040562231.jpg?width=1064&height=600)
Willem Duursma
Utility
191cm
21/6/07
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
With his three older siblings already playing at the top level, Duursma is set to make his own mark having been ready for his draft-age year for some time. Having played for Gippsland's under-18 team as an under-16s player, Duursma spent his 2024 moving around the ground in different spots – the wing, forward and back. He can also play as a midfielder around the ball. He is a very good overhead mark and has the versatility to play just about anywhere on the ground. Duursma will produce some eye-catching highlights in 2025 and is an early contender for the No.1 pick.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/e19e2a14-1793-4865-a56d-d5c8046b858b/CTLBGPMB24JC1057.jpg?width=1064&height=600)
Louis Emmett
Ruckman
198cm
23/3/07
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Emmett's end to 2024 certainly caught the attention of clubs. He had some big games playing for Oakleigh, including a four-goal effort in one game, 28 disposals and two goals the next week and then 22 disposals and a goal the week after that. The mobile big man finished the year averaging 17 disposals, 13 hitouts and more than a goal a game at Coates Talent League level and his capacity to get around the ground and use his skills really stood out.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/85ac72e7-303c-41eb-baaa-f5ee49c67c9b/MNCU18BSAVM24SR01183-COPY.jpg?width=1064&height=600)
Matt LeRay
Midfielder
189cm
22/2/07
Central District/South Australia
It was a consistent season for LeRay with Central District's under-18 side, where he averaged 22 disposals and five inside-50s, as well as booting 13 goals from 11 games. A taller midfield option, LeRay also showed he can find the footy with a solid performance on Grand Final day in the under-17s clash. A week earlier he had led the Bulldogs' disposal tally with 22 touches and 1.1 in its four-point Grand Final loss to Woodville-West Torrens.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/18/9f83c7ff-71eb-45d2-9d56-eca7be6c96f6/Matt-Leray-Rd-3-U18-2024-Argent.png?width=1064&height=600)
Archie Ludowyke
Key forward
195cm
19/11/07
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Ludowyke missed the Sandringham Dragons' Grand Final win over Greater Western Victoria due to injury but had an otherwise promising bottom-age campaign as a developing tall forward. The left-footer came back the next week to kick the match-winning goal for his side in the national futures game ahead of the AFL Grand Final. He competes in the air, flies for high marks and has plenty of the attributes you want in a key forward prospect. He kicked 13 goals from nine games with Sandringham's under-18 side.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/15ab72af-24fd-4c3a-b732-f7268fb22353/U16VMWA23CH040562230.jpg?width=708&height=1062)
Riley Onley
Midfielder
194cm
30/3/07
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
There is a point of difference with Onley, given his stature as a 194cm midfield prospect. Onley played seven games this season for the Bushrangers and averaged 17 disposals and next year he'll have more responsibilities thrown his way. His taste of things this season also extended to Onley playing three games for Vic Country at the national carnival, including having 20 disposals and seven clearances against the Allies.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/956735d5-6093-4655-b756-a05be4ef686b/MNCU18BVCSA24RL1065.jpg?width=1064&height=600)
Dyson Sharp
Midfielder
188cm
23/5/07
Central District/South Australia
Sharp plays with a hard edge that you don't often see for a prospect his age. It is why late in the year he wasn't daunted by stepping up to play at SANFL league level with Central District, where he performed well in their three finals. The bigger-bodied midfielder averaged 27 disposals, eight tackles and seven clearances at under-18 level for Centrals this season and will be pushing to continue his trajectory and be an early pick next year.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/11/17/a471c5d9-64bb-4626-afb4-6d15d4ce33d6/FuTHTS24DP054376863.jpg?width=1064&height=600)
Academy
Daniel Annable
Midfielder
183cm
5/4/07
Brisbane Academy/QLD
One of the gun midfielders in the crop for next year, Annable already has already proven his qualities. He dominated as a ball-getter for the Lions' Academy in the Coates Talent League this year, averaging 28 disposals and six tackles whilst also averaging 20 disposals playing for the Allies at the national carnival. He uses the ball well, has great game craft and is able to ferry the ball out of contested situations with his hands. Brisbane has another talented Academy product on the horizon.
Max King
Midfielder
191cm
9/1/07
Sydney Academy/NSW-ACT
Another Max King looks headed for the AFL and this version is a bit different to the St Kilda key forward. King, who is tied to Sydney's Academy, has plenty of upside. He can move through the midfield, which given his height is a weapon, but he can also be a marking target in attack and he likes to fly for his grabs. Injury meant he didn't feature in the AFL under-17s futures game on Grand Final day but King is a watch to be a player recruiters have their eyes on next season.
Zeke Uwland
Midfielder
178cm
24/4/07
Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
It was a super season for 'Zeke The Freak' this year, with the younger brother of Suns defender Bodhi showing all of his traits as a running, skillful and penetrating midfielder. Uwland plays in the Errol Gulden mould – a smaller sized ball magnet who uses his left-foot kicking to pierce gaps and set up the play. The Suns Academy talent won the Hunter Harrison Medal as the best player of the Academy series and also won selection in the under-18 All-Australian team.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1256448
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They were talking up the latest Duursma as potential no.1 on the radio.
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They were talking up the latest Duursma as potential no.1 on the radio.
Would be surprised if sharp isn't one. Although the 'rookieme website, has Duursma at one.
Maybe we get them both. Some sources claiming Rodriguez
Is decent too.
Do we offer wce one, two and future first for Harley Reid? If he doesn't get too fat :shh
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I wouldn’t be offering 3 x top5-10 picks for Harley Reid regardless of how much of a gun he is.
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I wouldn’t be offering 3 x top5-10 picks for Harley Reid regardless of how much of a gun he is.
I would consider it.
Lalor. Smillie. Hotton. Reid. McAuliffe looks fairly mouth watering. The norf pick is a bit of a bonus too... The spine is already sorted.
If the 26' draft is the tasmanian expansion. That pick might not be too valuable?
All that said there is speculation sharp is as good as Reid. Playing well in the sanfl at 16... However it pans out the list should be quite promising by this stage next year.
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ESPN rankings excluding academy:
1. Dyson Sharp (Central District/South Australia)
MID, 188cm
3. Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
DEF/MID, 191cm
5. Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
RUCK/FWD, 199cm
6. Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
MID, 184cm
8. Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
RUCK/FWD, 198cm
9. Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
MID, 194cm
10. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
FWD, 185cm
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Duursma. Sharp. Lalor. Smillie. Hotton. McAuliffe. :shh
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how much creedence should one give the 'go home factor'?
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how much creedence should one give the 'go home factor'?
If we get his best 6 season, a flag and good compensation like Judd/wce would be a solid result.
A JHF to port scenario would be less fun
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Don't want another spoon but geez it'd be funny if we took #1-2 haha
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Don't want another spoon but geez it'd be funny if we took #1-2 haha
As long as we dont do a Melbourne and totally stuff it up
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Don't want another spoon but geez it'd be funny if we took #1-2 haha
As long as we dont do a Melbourne and totally stuff it up
Kangas win the spoon and we finish 17th. Pick 1 & 2 in the bag haha
Although that will likely see LDU leave in free agency which north would surely get pick 2 as compo for. Still pick 1 & 3 would be great!
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Don't want another spoon but geez it'd be funny if we took #1-2 haha
As long as we dont do a Melbourne and totally stuff it up
Kangas win the spoon and we finish 17th. Pick 1 & 2 in the bag haha
Although that will likely see LDU leave in free agency which north would surely get pick 2 as compo for. Still pick 1 & 3 would be great!
Our list should be junior enough to offer LDU a contract lmao.
Pick 1 + LDU for Pick 27, 28 (or whatever) and pick 2. Disastrous.
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
The compo is tied to their ladder position. Regardless of whether they have traded their pick or not the position of the compo will be based on the pick they had prior to trading.
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
The compo is tied to their ladder position. Regardless of whether they have traded their pick or not the position of the compo will be based on the pick they had prior to trading.
Just another example of the farcical compo system.
Should be binned and to make it a proper and fair FA system give Clubs the right to trade players to whichever club they choose.. players have too much of the control.. the compo system IMHO is there to appease the Club's but it fails because no one but the AFL knows how the calculate the compo
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
The compo is tied to their ladder position. Regardless of whether they have traded their pick or not the position of the compo will be based on the pick they had prior to trading.
Just another example of the farcical compo system.
Should be binned and to make it a proper and fair FA system give Clubs the right to trade players to whichever club they choose.. players have too much of the control.. the compo system IMHO is there to appease the Club's but it fails because no one but the AFL knows how the calculate the compo
My understanding is that there's a formula as a guide but the AFL literally has a discretionary criteria, so they basically use their formula and then decide if the compo is appropriate or change it, probably for equalisation.
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Sturt
#14
Louis Kellaway
height: 182cm
weight:
D.O.B: 16-03-2007
Named in the 2025 SANFL U18 State Academy
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
The compo is tied to their ladder position. Regardless of whether they have traded their pick or not the position of the compo will be based on the pick they had prior to trading.
Just another example of the farcical compo system.
Should be binned and to make it a proper and fair FA system give Clubs the right to trade players to whichever club they choose.. players have too much of the control.. the compo system IMHO is there to appease the Club's but it fails because no one but the AFL knows how the calculate the compo
My understanding is that there's a formula as a guide but the AFL literally has a discretionary criteria, so they basically use their formula and then decide if the compo is appropriate or change it, probably for equalisation.
Are there any prominent sports leagues other than the American ones whereby players can be traded to other teams/cities/states without prior agreement?
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Hmm if LDU leaves North can't get a compo after their first round pick as they don't have one. Be fascinating how that would pan out.
The compo is tied to their ladder position. Regardless of whether they have traded their pick or not the position of the compo will be based on the pick they had prior to trading.
Just another example of the farcical compo system.
Should be binned and to make it a proper and fair FA system give Clubs the right to trade players to whichever club they choose.. players have too much of the control.. the compo system IMHO is there to appease the Club's but it fails because no one but the AFL knows how the calculate the compo
My understanding is that there's a formula as a guide but the AFL literally has a discretionary criteria, so they basically use their formula and then decide if the compo is appropriate or change it, probably for equalisation.
Are there any prominent sports leagues other than the American ones whereby players can be traded to other teams/cities/states without prior agreement?
Soccer players get moved all the tine during their trade window's don't they
The AFLPA wanted the AFL FA model based on US sports just without the ability for clubs to trade players for the best available deal or without a players request
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Soccer players can most definitely not be sold to a club if they do not permit to it. If you think footy players have too much power then you will be gobsmacked with how players hold clubs to ransom in soccer.
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Yeah soccer is insane player power. Players refuse to play unless they are traded.
I actually have non-issue with current system but I'd get rid of compo. Clubs have had an entire generation of FA to know the importance of signing up players before they come out of contract.
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I can't think of many big name association football player refusing to play.
They fake injury sometimes if they don't get a move they want.
They don't want to play for the national team sometimes like Ben white but a bit different
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Are you talking about European soccer, because if so it happens allllll the time.
To be fair clubs are known to freeze players out as well to force them to seek a transfer elsewhere.
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Are you talking about European soccer, because if so it happens allllll the time.
To be fair clubs are known to freeze players out as well to force them to seek a transfer elsewhere.
Which player? Perhaps I'm just having a brain freeze.
I recall Winston Bogarde doing the opposite
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There have been so so many where a player didn’t train or go on preseason tour to try and force their way out. I don’t even know where to start. Few examples off the top of my head:
- Harry Kane when trying to join man city.
- Berbatov when moving from spurs to United.
- Coutinho when moving from Liverpool to Barca.
And there are countless countless more.
Like I said it works the other way too. Just this past off-season, Chelsea froze out what seemed to be half their squad to try and push them to leave lol
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Not training or arriving late is a bit different from refusing to play the games.
Tbf to the clubs they don't have to give the players guarantee of games after buying them.
Berbatov is going back a bit too
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I don't mind the AFL making it up to help crap clubs. I remember the dark old days of st Kilda forever wooden spooners and winning one game all year in the mud when plugger would kick 7. It was poo to watch and predictable as hell and must have shat st Kilda supporters off like nothing else. I much rather a biased draft to even it up.
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Richmond's Exciting Plans For The 2025 AFL Draft!
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wwKhB1mKjkk/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLDDzgJG8OT01E4RluE9ecWpHW1wMA) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwKhB1mKjkk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwKhB1mKjkk
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The top 2025 draft prospects training at your club this summer
Brisbane: Daniel Annable
Collingwood: Riley Onley
Fremantle: Cody Curtin, Fred Rodriguez
Geelong: Josh Lindsay, Ben Rongdit
Gold Coast: Beau Addinsall, Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson
Hawthorn: Oliver Greeves
Melbourne: Kalani White
North Melbourne: Jasper Hay
Richmond: Louis Emmett (ruckman)
West Coast: Koby Evans, Wesley Walley
Western Bulldogs: Thomas Burton
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1262417/afl-academy-the-top-2025-draft-prospects-training-at-your-club-this-summer
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25 AFL Draft prospects to keep under close watch in 2025
Dylan Bolch
Fox Sports
December 31st, 2024
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GgAOvsLbgAAgz35?format=jpg&name=900x900)
DYSON SHARP
Position: Midfielder
Size: 188cm
Clubs: Central District/South Australia
Sharp is a tough midfielder from South Australia who is one of the leading candidates to be the number one pick in 2025. The big-bodied on-baller is a beast at the coalface, clean with ball in hand and is also a good user. Sharp stepped up well to SANFL level late in the year for Central District’s and he has been a dominant junior throughout the years, winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the MVP of the Under 16 National Championships.
ZEKE UWLAND
Position: Midfielder
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
The brother of Gold Coast’s Bodhi, Zeke is another top prospect in next year’s pool. Uwland is a hard-running and skilful player, who can play through the midfield or off half-back. The Academy prospect is deadly by foot, can break the lines and can provide plenty of run and carry. Uwland averaged 23 touches and six rebound 50s in the National Championships this year and was the only bottom-ager selected in the All-Australian side.
WILLEM DUURSMA
Position: Utility
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country
The Duursma name will be very familiar to footy fans. Willem is the youngest sibling of the Duursma family, with Xavier, Yasmin and Zane all currently featuring at the top level. But Willem could well and truly be the best of the lot. The youngest Duursma is a genuine utility having shown promise in all thirds of the ground. He is a quality ball user, is strong overhead and is clean around the ground. Also a very talented basketballer, Duursma has all the tools to become a genuine star of the competition in due course.
DANIEL ANNABLE
Position: Midfielder
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Queensland
There’s something in the water in Queensland at the moment with the Lions set to cash in on yet another Academy star. Brisbane have landed a trio of father-sons in recent years in Will and Levi Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, but they’ve also had significant success on the Academy front with Sam Marshall and Ty Gallop. Annable is a well-rounded midfielder who loves to extract the ball from contest and feed it out to his teammates on the outside. A hard worker who is an absolute ball magnet and nice user, Annable averaged 28 disposals and six tackles in the Coates Talent League this year.
BEAU ADDINSALL
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Size: 180cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
The Lions are cashing in on Academy stars, the Suns are a level above. Addinsall is a smooth-moving, powerful midfielder who won best on ground honours during the Under 17s Futures match at the MCG on AFL Grand Final Day. The on-baller had a game-high 34 disposals that day in an eye-catching display. Addinsall was an unlucky omission from the Allies side this year, but looms as a potential top 10 pick in 2025. Alongside Uwland and Addinsall, the Suns also have access to midfielder/forward Dylan Patterson and tall Kalani White.
COOPER DUFF-TYTLER
Position: Ruck/Forward
Size: 199cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
A promising basketballer growing up, Duff-Tytler has well and truly turned his attention to the Sherrin. Duff-Tytler is an athletic ruck/forward who is almost another midfielder, such is his athleticism and ball-winning ability. His 30-disposal, 10-mark and two-goal performance for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League was just a glimpse into what he could become. Strong in the air and at ground level, Duff-Tytler looms as one of, if not the best tall prospect in 2025.
LOUIS EMMETT
Position: Ruck/Forward
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Another leading tall prospect in the 2025 pool, Emmett caught the eye during the Oakleigh Chargers’ 2024 campaign. A mobile big man with good skills, Emmett is a damaging forward as well. The Vic Metro tall has strong hands and loves to take a big grab but his endurance and work rate means he gets to plenty of ruck contests around the ground, too.
RILEY ONLEY
Position: Midfielder
Size: 194cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Big-bodied midfielders are all the rage at the moment and Onley is one of the best in the 2025 crop. Onley is strong at the contest, clean with ball in hand and has plenty of power when bursting out of stoppage. Featured three times for Vic Country as a bottom-ager, the highlight being a 20-disposal, seven clearance effort against the Allies.
ARCHIE LUDOWYKE
Position: Key Forward
Size: 195cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
One of very few to feature in a stacked Vic Metro side as a bottom-ager this year, Ludowyke has plenty of upside to excite AFL recruiters. Ludowyke is one of the most entertaining prospects in the 2025 pool, he loves flying for marks and is crafty around the big sticks. Ludowyke booted 13 goals in nine matches as a bottom-ager for the Sandringham Dragons this year and will be a key focal point for Rob Harding’s side in 2025.
OLIVER GREEVES
Position: Midfielder
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Another strong midfielder, Greeves is a workhorse around stoppage but has also shown an ability to drift forward and hit the scoreboard. The Caulfield Grammar jet is an Under 16s All-Australian representative and is clean at ground level. A strong performance in the Under 17s Futures match (31 touches, seven marks) will lay the platform for what will hopefully be a fruitful 2025 season.
FRED RODRIGUEZ
Position: Midfielder
Size: 184cm
Clubs: South Fremantle/Western Australia
Rodriguez is a silky midfielder who impressed at National Championships level with Western Australia in 2024, averaging 18.8 disposals. Rodriguez is super quick and is a quality ball user by hand and foot. It’s that skillset, plus his run and carry, that will make him an attractive prospect for AFL clubs.
MAX KING
Position: Midfielder
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
A Sydney Academy prospect who is definitely one to watch next year. King is another one of these big-bodied midfielders who can also impact the game inside the forward 50 arc. Strong overhead and clean at ground level, the Swans could have another beauty on their hands here.
NOAH HIBBINS-HARGREAVES
Position: Forward
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
A crafty half-forward with strong aerial presence, Hibbins-Hargreaves had a strong season for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2024. The lively Mornington product booted 23 goals from 16 games and regularly stood up late in games. Hibbins-Hargreaves is slick in transition and often finds a way to create some space and hit the scoreboard. Had a strong first half in the Under 17s Futures match before fading a little bit late.
THOMAS BURTON
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro
A dashing rebounder off half-back, Burton loves to utilise his run and carry to generate offensive plays. The Western Jets youngster averaged 23.7 disposals and 5.6 tackles in the Coates Talent League this season and was a strong performer in the Under 17s Futures match where he amassed 26 touches. Loves to find and use the footy.
JACK DALTON
Position: Midfielder
Size: 176cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
A natural ball-winner who is clean with ball in hand, there’s plenty to like about the Sandringham Dragons on-baller. Dalton won the Vic Metro MVP at the Under 16s National Championships and is also a good leader, having captained the side to the title that same year. A classy operator who can play both on the inside and outside, expect Dalton to put his best foot forward for the Dragons and for Metro in 2025.
KALANI WHITE
Position: Key Defender
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Queensland
The battle for one of the most promising key backs in next year’s pool will well and truly be on in 2025. White is the son of former Melbourne player Jeff White, who played 236 games for the Dees, but is also a member of the Gold Coast Academy. White is strong in the air and can play in all thirds of the ground but likens himself to Suns star Mac Andrew. Whether he nominates the Suns or Dees remain to be seen, but he is a genuine first round contender nonetheless.
THOMAS MCGUANE
Position: Midfielder
Size: 177cm
Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro
Here’s one for you, Collingwood fans. Thomas McGuane is the son of 152-game Pie Mick McGuane and is certainly one to keep an eye on next year. The consistent midfielder is an absolute ball magnet, having averaged 25.7 disposals a match for the Western Jets in 2024. The left-footer is clean with the footy and has shown he can thrive at the contest and on the outside.
SAM LEWIS
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Size: 186cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
A big-bodied powerful midfielder who started the 2024 season with the Dandenong Stingrays on fire, before a persistent foot injury curtailed the rest of his campaign. The Red Hill product averaged almost 20 disposals in a star-studded on-ball brigade featuring the likes of Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes. A tough, hard worker who also finds a way to drift forward and hit the scoreboard, keep an eye on this young gun in 2025.
CODY CURTIN
Position: Key Defender
Size: 197cm
Clubs: Claremont/Western Australia
Cody Curtin, the brother of current Adelaide player Dan, is a promising key defender out of Western Australia. Curtin is an excellent mark and possesses a penetrating kick, which has definitely caught the eye of talent scouts during his bottom-age year. Curtin has thrived mainly as a defender throughout his juniors but spent some time in the forward half late in the WAFL Colts season, where he booted two bags of six goals.
JOSH LINDSAY
Position: Defender/Wing
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Named best on ground for Team Heppell in the Under 17s Futures match at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day, there’s plenty to like about Josh Lindsay. A strong decision-maker who rarely wastes a disposal, Lindsay amassed 20 touches and seven marks in that match. The Geelong Falcons youngster can play off half-back or on a wing given he loves to use his run and carry to generate plays out of defence.
MATT LERAY
Position: Midfielder
Size: 189cm
Clubs: Central District/South Australia
A member of the 2025 National Academy, LeRay is another highly touted on-baller. The South Australian youngster put together a solid campaign with Central District’s in the SANFL Under 18s, averaging 22 touches and five inside 50s. LeRay is powerful out of stoppage but can also do damage on the outside given his endurance base and ability to cover the ground. Has linked up nicely with pick 1 contender Dyson Sharp in recent times.
LACHLAN CARMICHAEL
Position: Defender
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
The Swans have produced some gems out of their Academy in recent years and defender Lachie Carmichael could be the next one in line. Carmichael is a well-rounded player who can take an intercept mark but is also a quality distributor out of defence. He put together a solid National Championships where he averaged 18.8 disposals and 5.8 rebound 50s for the Allies. Works hard and positions himself well.
NOAH CHAMBERLAIN
Position: Forward/Wing
Size: 192cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
An athletic half-forward, Chamberlain is another prospect tied to Sydney’s Academy program. A mobile and dynamic front-half player, Chamberlain has also shown that he can be used on a wing if needed. Had an inconsistent day in the Under 17s Futures match but proved he can be that vital link-up player between the midfield and forward groups. Also featured for Sydney’s Under 18s side as a 16-year-old.
JASPER HAY
Position: Ruck/Forward
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Tasmania
Tasmania’s leading prospect this season is key position player Jasper Hay. Hay primarily plies his trade in the ruck but could look to develop his forward and defensive craft more in 2025. The Devils didn’t have anyone drafted in this year’s crop but had nine players selected in 2022/23. A National Academy member, it will be interesting to see how Hay progresses next year.
TAIRON AH-MU
Position: Ruck/Forward
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
A powerful tall who is ready to take his game to the next level, Ah-Mu was a crucial player for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2024 as a bottom-ager. Ah-Mu booted 22 goals from 11 games playing primarily as a key forward, but he is more than capable of playing in the ruck as well, which he did at times for Haileybury under Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd. The Berwick junior kicked four goals against the Lions but also kicked a bag of three on four different occasions, including one in the Qualifying Final against the Gippsland Power. It won’t be long until he really breaks a game apart.
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South Australian Under 18s MVP Samuel Cumming was incredibly stiff to miss this list, having put together a consistent and prolific bottom-age campaign. Vic Country defender Ben Rongdit is tied to Geelong as a Next Generation Academy prospect, while Wes Walley and Koby Evans are National Academy members linked to West Coast.
Northern Territory prospect Taj Murray is a promising ruck who is still pretty raw, while Murray Bushrangers tall Liam Hetherton and speedy Sturt winger Harley Barker are others who feature in the National Academy.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/academy-guns-and-family-ties-25-afl-draft-prospects-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2025/news-story/d139d967a824292ca2cce2cdc5de7f62
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how much creedence should one give the 'go home factor'?
I reckon it's on the individual, check if they are an introvert/extrovert outgoing/inward kind of person. I think go home would be larger for inward/introverts, Broadway would appeal to extroverts, we are on Broadway whether we like it or not.
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No 2025 draft prospects training with us.
The 2025 draft prospects training at your club this week
Adelaide: Matt Leray, Dyson Sharp
Essendon: Cooper Duff-Tytler
Hawthorn: Willem Duursma
Greater Western Sydney: Liam Hetherton
Melbourne: Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Port Adelaide: Harley Barker, Sam Cumming, Taj Murray
St Kilda: Archie Ludowyke
Sydney: Lachlan Carmichael, Noah Chamberlain
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1264095/the-2025-draft-prospects-training-at-your-club
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We had 2, 2025 draft prospects training with us pre-Christmas in Louie Emmet and Louis Kellaway.
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Picks 1+2+F/S Kellaway sounds good to me haha
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Picks 1+2+F/S Kellaway sounds good to me haha
Aslong as that pick 1 comes courtesy of north lol
Don’t want another spoon.
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Race to #1: Dyson Sharp Player Highlights | 2025 AFL Draft
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bgB8tQ0hSLk/maxresdefault.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgB8tQ0hSLk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgB8tQ0hSLk
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Looks almost identical to Reid lol
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Fred Rodriguez, invest all your stocks into him now.
This kid will come into first pick conversations i’ve got no doubt at all.
Can be that fast line breaking midfielder we’ve been dying for and could be the last piece to our midfield.
Invest now!
#GoTiges
https://x.com/CameronHicks__/status/1899648014253486343
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WA PROSPECT READY FOR LEAGUE TEST
WA midfielder Fred Rodriguez is in the frame to start the WAFL season at League level with South Fremantle after a terrific pre-season that has showcased his improvement as a skilful and big-bodied onballer.
Rodriguez is arguably the leading midfield prospect in a talented pool of WA players who will be watched closely this season by a West Coast team needing to add onball class and depth.
A dual-sided midfielder who grew in prominence through his underage year in 2024, Rodriguez was a standout in the Bulldogs’ pre-season WAFL game last weekend, winning plenty of the ball and using it with poise and skill.
With the Bulldogs set to play their final practice game against East Perth on Sunday, WA talent manager Adam Jones said the young gun was in the frame to make his League debut in two weeks.
"He’s a really hard-working midfielder who works offensively and defensively, he has really good skills on both sides of his body, and he’s had a great pre-season and set himself up for a strong year," Jones told AFL.com.au.
"He has the potential to play League football early and based on what he did on the weekend, he'd be in the frame (for a round-one debut). He hasn't looked out of place, so it's a good sign."
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2024/12/04/e9eeeeb8-df4e-455f-8689-26cfdaef7879/x8VRpdIX.JPG?width=1064&height=600)
Fred Rodriguez in action during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys training session at The Hanger on December 4, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1282022/inside-trading-dee-tipped-to-stay-blue-closes-on-trigger-hawks-major-boot-deal
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I really hope allan doesnt leave the eagles or we may end up with our first pick at 3 onwards.
we really need eagles to start winning, and north to keep losing.
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Doesn’t look like Norths pick will be top4. :shh
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INDICATIVE FIRST ROUND
1. West Coast
2. Essendon (tied to Melbourne)
3. Hawthorn (tied to Carlton)
4. Richmond
5. Essendon
6. Fremantle
7. Gold Coast (tied to Port Adelaide)
8. Sydney
9. Richmond (tied to North Melbourne)
10. Geelong
11. Western Bulldogs
12. St Kilda
13. Gold Coast (tied to Collingwood)
14. Greater Western Sydney
15. Gold Coast
16. Brisbane
17. Adelaide
18. West Coast (tied to Hawthorn)
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1291137/inside-trading-lion-to-land-extension-injured-don-set-for-talks-crow-to-wait
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Meet potential Richmond prospects!
What are your thoughts—what do Richmond need with their first two picks?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GnfkGI5akAAyM44?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GnfkGI3bMAACOLW?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/Dylfollowsdraft/status/1907243770393088152
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Reckon we still need to try and get another high pick somehow, regardless of whether we trade for Reid or not. :shh
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AFL confirms dates for 2025 trade and draft periods
Wed May 28: 2025 Mid-Season Rookie Draft
Fri Oct 3 - Fri Oct 10: 2025 Free Agency Period
Mon Oct 6 - Wed Oct 15: 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period
Wed Nov 19 - Thu Nov 20: 2025 Telstra AFL Draft
Thu Dec 4 - Wed Dec 10: AFLW Trade Period
Mon Dec 15: The Telstra AFLW Draft
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1291626/dates-for-2025-trade-period-free-agency-mid-season-rookie-draft-national-draft-for-both-afl-and-aflw-revealed
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Who will Richmond take with PICK 1 in the 2025 AFL Draft?
Richmond bottomed out in the 2024 AFL season and went straight to the draft! I breakdown their strategy and look at some players they might be targeting in 2025.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Best Current Players
07:36 - 2024 Draft
14:15 - What Picks?
15:10 - 2025 Options
22:49 - How they would look
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mRswpe8fQ38/maxresdefault.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRswpe8fQ38)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRswpe8fQ38
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‘EXTRAORDINARY’ PICK 1 STATEMENT WHILE YOUNGEST DUURSMA FIRES
Foxsports
4 April 2025
It’s the Round 1 statement – and potentially Pick 1 statement – that’s left AFL scouts gushing.
After a draft year where the No. 1 AFL draftee was unclear for most of the season, Calder Cannons star Cooper Duff-Tytler on the weekend set a high early benchmark for his peers with an “extraordinary” display – according to one scout spoken to by foxfooty.com.au – against the Oakleigh Chargers.
(https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/724f3d560a11e30b0f8c96ad8eebc50f?width=768)
Cooper Duff-Tytler of Calder Cannons. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
The 200cm prospect booted 2.0 from 26 disposals, eight clearances, four marks and 14 hit-outs playing as the Cannons’ No. 1 ruck in an intriguing battle against Oakleigh’s Louis Emmett, who also shapes as a potential top-10 pick.
Duff-Tytler kicked the first goal of the game within the opening 10 seconds. After competing in the opening centre bounce against Emmett, Duft-Tytler glided forward, got on the end of a handball chain and nailed a graceful on the run from 50m out.
“I haven’t seen a start to a season like that from a top-end pick,” a second AFL club recruiter told foxfooty.com.au of Duff-Tytler’s opening major.
While Emmett had the advantage at ruck contests, Duff-Tytler’s exceptional mobility, strong ball-handling skills at ground level and ability to play as an extra midfielder around the ground was on full show. Recruiters have likened that ability to Bulldogs All-Australian ruck Tim English, while also possessing speed and strong overhead marking skills.
It was an impressive reminder of Duff-Tytler’s tantalising talent and potential to the Coates Talent League fraternity.
A likely Pick 1 competitor with Duff-Tytler this year is another star to have emerged from the famous family from Foster.
Willem Duursma, the younger brother of Xavier, Yasmin and Zane Duursma, kicked off his 2025 Coates Talent League campaign with an eye-catching performance. Playing for Gippsland Power, Duursma looked every bit a top-five draft talent, booting 1.3 from 36 disposals, 10 marks, five tackles and five inside 50s against the Murray Bushrangers.
At 192cm, the silky Duursma has an elite kick, great lateral movement and the versatility to play in multiple positions on the field. But he did all his damage on Sunday playing predominantly as a midfielder – which is where the Power intend to play him for most of its season.
One scout likened Duursma’s ability to explode from congestion after receiving handballs on Sunday to Giants star Finn Callaghan. And the scary thing is scouts believe Duursma can go to another level if he can improve his contested game throughout the year.
(https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/53c321ebad2b9188fb10203e9f2f7cf8?width=768)
Willem Duursma playing for Victoria Country in 2024 in Perth. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
Another top prospect that featured in the Bushrangers-Power game was Murray’s Riley Onley, who booted one goal from 28 disposals and seven marks. While some scouts would like a greater sample size, Onley (195cm) fans reckon he has all the traits of a modern-day midfielder: Size, good speed and endurance.
In South Australia, scouts were pleased with Dyson Sharp’s start to 2025, lining up for Central District’s SANFL league side and booting 1.2 from 10 disposals. Sharp played predominantly forward against Woodville-West Torrens but is expected to get more midfield exposure as the season progresses.
Sharp is renowned for being a big-bodied on-baller who’s a beast at the coalface, clean with ball in hand and is also a good user.
Sharp stepped up to SANFL level superbly late last year for Central District, playing five games – including three finals – to averaged 16.4 disposals, 8.2 tackles and 4.0 clearances – as a 17-year-old. He’s been a dominant junior throughout the years, winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the MVP of the Under 16 National Championships.
In the Stingrays-Falcons match, Geelong’s Josh Lindsay – the best player in last year’s Under 17s futures match on AFL Grand Final day – played a terrific inside midfielder’s game, finishing with 27 disposals, seven tackles and five inside 50s. Recruiters love Lindsay’s inside-outside balance and decision-making skills, with most believing he’s in the first-round mix at this stage.
Eastern Ranges big-bodied midfielder Ollie Greeves was solid in his first Talent League match of the year, warming into his game against the Northern Knights to finish with 23 disposals and five tackles. Clubs like his footy smarts, kicking skills and toughness at the contest.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2025-date-announced-top-prospects-cooper-dufftytler-willem-duursma-and-dyson-sharp-shine-order-predictions-hussien-el-ackhar-essendon-tom-mcguane-collingwood/news-story/f27bfd0152ff0025b1805ff6d1bfd907
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Dursma looked okay but his disposal was poor. It was a windy day though.
I’m not sure who we target. Need vs talent… duff Tytler is looking most talented atm but might be a hard one to take at pick 1.
I think we need a silky, quick footed mid like Jagga smith to compliment our big boys in Lalor and Smillie.
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I’m never taking a ruck at pick1 personally. Take the best mid available.
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Even the argument of best mid is difficult. Was Lalor the best mid ? Definitely not but he’s a player that comes around every so often, like Dusty, de goey, petracca. Best fit for us now is pace.
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Only reason to get Duursma is if it helps us get his sister's boyfriend. :shh
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Eagles putting up some stiff competition for pick 1
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Eagles putting up some stiff competition for pick 1
Hopefully the backlash from this week pressures Allen into staying at the eagles.
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Current draft order after Round 4:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn_UelabwAI6gzv?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Our VFL side is playing the national U18s side on Sunday arvo at Moorabbin Oval.
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Australia Under 18 squad to face Richmond VFL
1. Thomas Burton (Western Jets/Point Cook)
2. Beau Addinsall (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh)
3. Lachlan Carmichael (Sydney Swans Academy/Mosman)
4. Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Foster)
5. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Mornington)
6. Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons/Newtown & Chilwell)
7. Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin)
8. Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons/Colac)
9. Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh)
10. Wesley Walley (Subiaco/Warwick Greenwood)
20. Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions Academy/Redland-Victoria Point)
21. Harley Barker (Sturt/Mt Barker)
22. Noah Chamberlain (Sydney Swans Academy/East Sydney)
23. Samuel Cumming (North Adelaide/Wentworth District)
24. Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris)
25. Koby Evans (Perth/Federals)
26. Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges/Vermont)
27. Taj Murray (Northern Territory Academy/Nightcliff/North Adelaide)
28. Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United)
29. Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Fremantle City Dockers)
30. Dyson Sharp (Central District/Barossa District)
31. Cody Curtin (Claremont/West Coast)
34. Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Woodend-Hesket)
35. Jasper Hay (Tasmania Devils/Clarence)
36. Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers/North Albury)
37. Matthew LeRay (Central District/Golden Grove)
38. Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham)
39. Kalani White (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach)
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The AFL this week released the Australian Under 18 squad to take on Richmond’s VFL team at RSEA Park on Sunday afternoon.
Pick 1 contenders Cooper Duff-Tytler, Willem Duursma and Dyson Sharp – who’ve all had strong starts to their draft year – have all been named in a strong 29-player squad, which also includes an array of top talent from northern academies.
Top Lions academy prospect Daniel Annable – a strong 183cm on-baller with excellent stoppage craft – will feature after his eye-catching academy series campaign, as will Suns academy midfielder Beau Addinsall.
Recruiters will also get a good look at the best players from the Sydney Swans’ best academy group in years.
Max King – an athletic 191cm prospect who’s strong overhead and clean at ground level – is a potential top-five pick. He produced a six-goal haul in a Summer Series game for the Swans’ academy against the Giants’ academy recently, while he had some standout moments against the Suns in his most recent outing.
Athletic and dynamic 192cm half-forward Noah Chamberlain and smooth-moving 183cm defender Lachlan Carmichael are also in the first-round mix. Carmichael was particularly impressive in his side’s most recent clash against the Suns’ academy.
Two players named in the Australian squad who won’t face the Tigers, though, will be Gold Coast’s top academy prospect Zeke Uwland and Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves.
Uwland is a brilliant, left-footed winger with great game sense who’s been likened to dual All-Australian Errol Gulden, with some recruiters suggesting he’s the No. 1 player in the 2025 pool. But he’s been managing a back injury in recent months and won’t face the Tigers on Sunday.
The Suns confirmed to foxfooty.com.au they and the AFL Academy medical staff continue to work towards a return to play for Uwland later in 2025, but stressed no timeline was in place at this stage and that he wouldn’t be rushed back if he’s not right.
Uwland, the brother of emerging Gold Coast defender Bodhi Uwland, already has plenty of runs on the board, as he was the only bottom-age player selected in last year’s Under 18 All-Australian team.
Hibbins-Hargreaves, meanwhile, won’t feature for the Aussie Under 18s on Sunday after hurting his left shoulder during a marking contest early in the first quarter of the Stingrays’ clash with Gippsland Power on Sunday. He kicked a set-shot goal after the mark, but immediately came to the bench for assessment and didn’t return for the rest of the game.
While Hibbins-Hargreaves won’t play this week, foxfooty.com.au understands the setback isn’t as bad as first thought and that he’s avoided significant structural damage.
Scouts are looking forward to seeing how this year’s top prospects fare against AFL-listed players from the Tigers, whose VFL side could feature an array of 2024 draftees like Josh Smillie, Jasper Alger, Jonty Faull and Tom Sims. Other Tigers who could also feature include Samson Ryan, Jacob Koschitzke, Hugo Ralphsmith and Maurice Rioli Jnr.
And recruiters are also awaiting Richmond’s call on Noah Balta and whether he lines up for the club’s VFL team this weekend. If he does play on Sunday, he could get the match-up on one of WA’s top prospects Cody Curtin – a 200cm key forward who’s the brother of Adelaide top-10 pick Daniel Curtin.
Following an induction camp held in Victoria last December, the academy squad will come together on Thursday ahead of the weekend’s game.
“Wearing the Australia jumper and representing the Australia U18 team is a huge honour for our young stars and always the highlight of the Marsh AFL National Academy program,” AFL national academy manager Tarkyn Lockyer said.
“We look forward to having the squad together this weekend and providing them new experiences and learnings which they can equip themselves with on and off the field throughout their football journey.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2025-australia-under-18s-v-richmond-vfl-zeke-uwland-injury-top-prospects-order-after-essendon-trades-hussien-el-achkar-adam-sweid/news-story/1cae1b0bb70e38529b7e90a9a6f6ebf7
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For those keeping track of this years draft, Rory Wright looks to be someone to keep an eye on.
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Gotta lol at Carlton.
No first rounder haha.
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Gotta lol at Carlton.
No first rounder haha.
Could be wrong but I think Andrew walkers kid as a f/s for them is in this upcoming draft and he is rated highly so they wanted to trade out their 1st round pick anyway.
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Gotta lol at Carlton.
No first rounder haha.
Could be wrong but I think Andrew walkers kid as a f/s for them is in this upcoming draft and he is rated highly so they wanted to trade out their 1st round pick anyway.
True, could have had both though!
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I believe Andrew Walker’s son is eligible for the draft in 2026, not this year. So you can lol at Carlton for this years draft.
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Is Walker in our academy? Why have we got a F/S in our academy? Seems a silly waste of resources. I can't see him choosing us over Carlton. Regardless how much of a basketcase they are. Even weirder he chose to be part of our academy over theirs.
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LDU re-signed with north so that’s 1 less free agency compo pick we have to worry about impacting our picks.
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Australia 18s today: (according to the commentators)
Beau Addinsall 28 disposals (Suns academy)
Oliver Greeves 26 disposals and 4 behinds - Eastern Ranges
Archie Ludowyke 3 goals - Sandy Dragons
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Top 10 draftees for 2025, April Edition
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nqAf2PABzGI/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLBSHayuQOO_K2qn8kBp6MLGySp_qw) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAf2PABzGI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAf2PABzGI
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AFL Draft Board
By Harrison Reid
7news
15 April 2025
Welcome to 7NEWS.com.au’s new monthly AFL draft series The Draft Board.
In the lead-up to November’s draft, we will hand-pick players each month who are impressing around the country.
The Draft Board will not try to be perfect and does not intend to publish an entire ranking system of every top prospect around the country — it will simply highlight some good performances which catch the eye from month to month.
Throughout the opening few weeks of the season, Eastern Ranges midfielder Oliver Greeves has solidified his credentials as a top-20 contender, and maybe higher.
Oliver Greeves
VIC Metro, Eastern Ranges, midfielder, 191cm
What a start to the year for the midfield bull. Averaging 27 touches from his two Coates Talent League games for the Eastern Ranges, including a best-on-ground performance against Sandringham in Round 2. Was one of the AFL Academy’s best in their exhibition match against Richmond VFL on Sunday, pushing his claims strongly as a top-20 selection. Hawthorn will be bleeding after having their late submission to list the 191cm ball-winner, who has an Indigenous background, as an NGA product rejected by the AFL in March.
(https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-18315666/f0ac846dd24251c154f8f76f2897030e33b81353.jpg?imwidth=1024&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Oliver Greeves is rising up draft boards around the country. Credit: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Dyson Sharp
SA, Central Districts, midfielder, 188cm
Sharp is yet to find his absolute best in 2025, but is a victim of his own extremely lofty standards, to be fair. Among the draft crop’s best contested ball-winners and showed glimpses of that ability for the Academy against the Tigers. Right in the frame as a potential top-five pick.
Cooper Duff-Tytler
VIC Metro, Calder Cannons, ruck, 200cm
The potential No.1 pick made a statement in the first 20 seconds of the Coates Talent League season, kicking one of the more extraordinary goals you’re ever likely to see from a big man. But don’t think of Duff-Tytler as a typical lanky ruck whose instructions are to mark and handball; he’s more like a midfielder stuck in a ruck’s body, and is averaging 25 touches from his first two games with the Cannons. Was below his absolute best against Richmond VFL but still had his moments, including a carbon copy of his Round 1 goal out of the centre square when the going was tough for the Academy early in the contest.
(https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-18315666/848cc79ed56ca65446e3930507dcf494d9b8e1d3.jpg?imwidth=1024&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Cooper Duff-Tytler is among the contenders for the No.1 pick. Credit: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Willem Duursma
VIC Country, Gippsland Power, midfielder/forward, 191cm
Another red-hot chance for the No.1 pick in the draft who didn’t quite reach top gear for the Academy on Sunday, but has still shown plenty in the opening month of the season. In a wide-open race for the mantle of the No.1 pick, the youngest brother of Xavier (Essendon), Zane (North Melbourne) and Yasmin (Carlton) made the early running to have his name read out first with a statement 36-disposal game for Gippsland in Round 1. Recruiters will be watching closely when the Academy plays next against VFL outfit Coburg later this month.
Archie Ludowyke
VIC Metro, Sandringham Dragons, key forward, 197cm
That Ludowyke wasn’t quite at his best for the Academy against Richmond but still managed to kick three goals is an ominous sign for the raw and lanky key forward. Watching Ludowyke so far this season, he has always looked so close to tearing a game apart, without ever quite doing it. Even when he kicked 5.1 in the Dragons’ thrilling Round 2 victory over the Ranges, it felt like he left a few more out there. Nowhere near the finished product, but has all the tools to get there. It will be interesting to see how much he can progress throughout the year, and how early a club is willing to take him in the draft.
(https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-18315666/4228b306aea8c69570999b21b4118dab23944b4a.jpg?imwidth=1024&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Archie Ludowyke is one of the best key forwards in the 2025 draft class. Credit: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Other notable mentions
Sandringham Dragons star Rory Wright went toe-to-toe with Greeves in an epic midfield battle in Round 2, which will do his draft stocks no harm at all. Over-ager Zac Walker didn’t even make his Coates Talent League debut for the Gippsland Power until Round 1 this year, but is already proving a draft smokey as an impressive medium-sized interceptor at half-back.
Murray Bushrangers big man Liam Hetherton is among the best key forwards in the draft class, while Central District winger Matt LeRay offers something different as an outside midfielder at 189cm. Claremont forward Cody Curtin has made a great start to the WAFL Colts season and had some good moments in defence for the Academy on Sunday.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-board-hawthorns-rejected-bid-to-get-nga-status-for-oliver-greeves-could-hurt-c-18315666
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Would be considering Tom Evans in the MSD. Small rebounding defender, we have no small defenders coming through at all.
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Would be considering Tom Evans in the MSD. Small rebounding defender, we have no small defenders coming through at all.
We currently don't have a spot available to take anyone in the MSD
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Would be considering Tom Evans in the MSD. Small rebounding defender, we have no small defenders coming through at all.
We currently don't have a spot available to take anyone in the MSD
We will make a spot if there is a standout option surely?
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Yeah, Prestia could very well retire too
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FUTURE PICK FLOODGATES OPEN
Clubs will be able to trade away all of their 2026 picks with the extension of future trading to two years in advance.
Under the new rules, clubs will be allowed to trade a full suite of their future picks one year ahead as the AFL this year introduces two years' worth of future picks being up for grabs in deals.
Under the previous future trading rules, clubs would need to retain a 'full suite' of second and third-round selections in their future draft hand to be permitted to trade their future first-round pick. That caused some challenges among clubs as deals were left hanging by the need to retain picks to meet the criteria.
But with the advancement of future trading to two years, that rule now applies to the second year of future trading and no longer to the first.
For example this season, clubs will be able to trade their 2025 picks and all of their 2026 picks, but then have to carry their 2027 second and third-round selections to trade that year's first-round pick, or to trade out their 2027 second and third-round picks, they need to retain that year's first-round pick.
The AFL has kept its 'two-in-four' condition to future trading, meaning clubs must use at least two first-round picks over a rolling four-year period to be able to trade out their future first-round selections.
The extra hand of picks, plus no limits on the number of selections a club can trade one year in advance, means clubs will have far more assets to play with at the trade table this year. It is why many list bosses believe big deals can be arranged later than ever with more chips to play with and why clubs believed the AFL's call not to introduce the move last year stopped any chance of Christian Petracca being able to land anywhere as no clubs had enough assets to satisfy a deal. – Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1300399/inside-trading-young-gun-set-for-talks-blues-duo-wait-swan-keen-to-play-on
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AFL Draft: Race to be pick 1 wide open; lots of academy-linked players
Jasper Chellappah
ESPN
Apr 16, 2025
Willem Duursma lands at the top spot on ESPN's big board in a wide-open pool. The dynamic utility has dominated in periods on-ball for Gippsland, proving his credentials as a ball-winner who excels in transition. There were a number of highly-touted open pool prospects to raise their stock in the AFL Academy hitout against Richmond VFL, including Dragons high-flyer Archie Ludowyke and WA midfielder Fred Rodriguez.
2025 is the year of the Academies. Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney are preparing to match potential top-10 bids on club-tied talent, while Victorian NGAs are producing first-round footballers. It means we could see the first round of the 2025 AFL Draft extending out past 30 selections.
With a month of top-age football under their belts, this is ESPN's top 20 Power Rankings for April.
1. Willem Duursma
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
DEF/MID, 191cm
AFL Academy: 14 disposals, 2 marks
Duursma has had an inconsistent campaign to date, but there's no questioning his AFL-level traits on display. At 191cm, the boundless athleticism and competitiveness give him a high floor, but it's the capacity to play across all three areas of the ground and impact that makes him such an in-demand prospect. Duursma was quiet on the weekend against Richmond VFL without access to the ball through the midfield in a scrappy match. He played a lockdown role in defence with the midfield riches at hand, holding his own against AFL-listed talls.
2. Daniel Annable - Lions Academy
Lions Academy/Allies
MID, 183cm
AFL Academy: 22 disposals, 2 goals
3. Zeke Uwland - Suns Academy
Suns Academy/Allies
MID/DEF, 178cm
4. Cooper Duff-Tytler
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
RUC, 200cm
AFL Academy: 10 disposals, 1 goal
'CDT' has been immense to begin 2025, pushing his name into pick one calculations. He would be the first ruckman to be taken at the top spot since Matthew Kreuzer in 2007. Duff-Tytler is a roaming tall, clean with his hands in the contest and a good ball user by foot on the outside. His athleticism when the ball hits the deck is his biggest strength, buttering up from ruck contests to boot running goals from the 50m arc. Questions about his placing in this pool come mostly via the role of modern-day rucks - at 200cm he's slightly undersized and needs to build his body to compete at the next level. If he proves his contested marking around the ground there's no reason, he can't be the top choice.
5. Fred Rodriguez
South Fremantle/Western Australia
MID, 184cm
AFL Academy: 14 disposals, 3 marks
There were moments on the weekend when Rodriguez's class shone through on a blustery afternoon. The midfielder is equally adept off both feet and it proved vital in a contested, high-pressure game against bigger bodies. His work rate is strong and the burst of speed to clear congestion allows him to use those lovely skills. Rodriguez is an exciting prospect in the open pool for clubs to consider in the top 10.
6. Dyson Sharp
Central Districts/South Australia
MID, 188cm
AFL Academy: 11 disposals, 3 marks
It's been a shaky start to 2025 for Sharp, who has begun the season in the SANFL as a half forward. He hasn't been able to stake his claim as the contested beast he's been known as through juniors and lacks the outside polish of others to elevate his stock in the forward 50. Sharp is physically imposing and has the contested tools to become an excellent inside midfielder but may lack positional versatility at the next level.
7. Max King - Swans Academy
Swans Academy/Allies
FWD/MID, 191cm
8. Archie Ludowyke
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
FWD, 197cm
AFL Academy: 12 disposals, 3 goals
Ludowyke is a big winner from the first AFL academy hitout, booting three goals and looking dangerous on the move in forward 50. He proved to be the talisman of a talented group of talls, with his springy leap and proactive movement causing headaches all day. The Dragons high-flyer has started the season strongly and looks more controlled in his set shot routine off his left boot.
9. Beau Addinsall - Suns Academy
Suns Academy/Allies
MID/FWD, 180cm
AFL Academy: 28 disposals
10. Noah Hibbins-Hargeaves
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
FWD/MID, 185cm
Hibbins-Hargreaves missed on the weekend after sustaining a shoulder injury for Dandenong, but it shouldn't rule him out for too long. The AFL Academy was lacking a forward-half conduit which the Stingrays maestro does so well, finding the ball in pockets of space to set up teammates or finish off opportunities. He's a big game player and will be hoping to make it back for the second outing against Coburg.
11. Josh Lindsay
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
DEF/MID, 183cm
AFL Academy: 16 disposals, 6 marks
Lindsay is a smooth-moving halfback who racks up the ball and uses it gloriously off a carving left boot. It's difficult to see how his game doesn't translate to the next level, though he's had his battles graduating into an on-ball role and winning his own footy. Lindsay is at his best when he can cut up the opposition with kicks in the forward half.
12. Ollie Greeves
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 191cm
AFL Academy: 26 disposals, 5 marks
Greeves is a remarkably similar player to his former Ranges teammate Josh Smillie in physique and ball-winning capability. The inside midfielder is clean and strong over the ball and didn't have any trouble finding the footy down back in the second half on the weekend. He will go as high as his kicking allows him, which is the one big detractor - he finished with four behinds on the day.
13. Wes Walley - West Coast NGA
Subiaco/Western Australia
FWD, 181cm
AFL Academy: 9 disposals, 2 marks
14. Cody Curtin
Claremont/Western Australia
FWD/DEF, 197cm
AFL Academy: 5 disposals, 3 marks
Curtin has filled out his frame over the off-season and has become a strong marking target up forward for Claremont. It was down back that he rose to prominence last season and again for the AFL Academy he played an important role on talls in the first half. He's a stronger aerial presence than brother Dan but lacks the skill and mobility of his older brother.
15. Riley Onley
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
MID, 194cm
AFL Academy: 15 disposals, 3 marks
Onley is a hulking presence in the midfield but has found most of his success on the outside of congestion to date. That was true again on the weekend with extended periods on the wing where he was good in transition. Onley's ability in the air and penetration in his kick set him apart from other midfielders.
16. Louis Emmett
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
RUC/FWD, 199cm
AFL Academy: 5 disposals, 1 goal
Where Emmett settles at the next level will be of keen interest to recruiters. The ruck-forward has played extended football in both positions and likely finds himself as a roaming tall with his athletic qualities and skill. Emmett is slightly undersized to impact in ruck contests and doesn't have the physicality yet.
17. Tom McGuane - Collingwood father-son
Western Jets/Vic Metro
MID, 178cm
18. Dylan Patterson - Suns Academy
Suns Academy/Allies
DEF, 183cm
AFL Academy: 15 disposals, 2 tackles
19. Adam Sweid - Essendon NGA
Calder Cannons
MID/FWD, 175cm
20. Sam Cumming
North Adelaide/South Australia
MID, 185cm
AFL Academy: 13 disposals
A balanced midfielder out of SA, Cummins has been excellent in the U18s but found the step up for the AFL Academy a big task. He plied his trade on-ball for long stretches and had moments of class where he exited stoppages with safe hands but struggled to find the ball on the outside where he can become a metres-gained player. Cumming's defensive work is a highlight of his game.
In the mix:
A Swans Academy duo in utility Noah Chamberlain and midfielder Lachie Carmichael had quiet outings but are considered first-round options, while McGuane's Jets teammate Tom Burton is a dashing defender that accumulates like few others.
Essendon NGA small forward Hussien El Achkar leads all comers for goals in the Talent League to highlight his extraordinary form and left some on the table kicking 3.5 on the weekend.
WA midfielder Toby Whan could rise into this crop with continued dominance in the Colts, power forward Liam Hetherton should get exposure to the VFL level this year and Collingwood NGA pair Jai Saxena and Zac McCarthy are rising up boards.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/44676369/afl-draft-2025-april-power-rankings-duursma-ludowyke-annable-uwland
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Callum Smith, the grandson of Richmond legend Kevin Barlett also had a strong outing in Werribee.
“He’s more than that. I actually think this kid is going to jump really high… we’ve started to see some of the stuff he can do,” Cox said of Smith.
Smith runs a sub three second 20m sprint and is also an elite endurance runner who runs both ways.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2025-who-will-be-taken-in-afl-midseason-draft-floyd-burmeister-sam-lewis-tairon-ahmu-cody-walker-dougie-cochrane-port-adelaide-draft-rankings-whispers-latest-news/news-story/e22ba5f7da76a4f3a1ca0f6046c25722
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Call me crazy but I wish the father son rule extended to another generation. Think it's a huge shame Ed Richards isn't at Collingwood. Not a huge amount of sympathy for Pies.
Be disappointing if Smith is draftable talent and he goes elsewhere.
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Cooper Duff-Tytler is going to be seriously hard to pass up as the number 1 pick…
#afl #aflacademy #afldraft
https://x.com/Dylfollowsdraft/status/1916316245466714134
AFL Academy took down Coburg VFL today, here are some of the guys that impressed me.
Josh Lindsay
Dylan Patterson
Oliver Greeves
Cooper Duff-Tytler
#AFL #AFLDraft #AFLAcademy
https://x.com/Dylfollowsdraft/status/1916362849485787219
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An early mock draft.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GpnHdLrbsAA3Rer?format=jpg&name=900x900) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v414-u9Ds0o)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v414-u9Ds0o
He has us taking Willem Duursma at #2, bidding at #3, and then taking Sam Grlj at #4.
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How far has Sharp fallen?
Was being talked about as clear no.1 pick last year wasn’t he?
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How far has Sharp fallen?
Was being talked about as clear no.1 pick last year wasn’t he?
People are starting to notice how bad his kicking is. :shh
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AFL draft ‘unicorn’ in Pick 1 race turning heads at clubland as top prospects begin to form
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2025-calder-cannons-star-cooper-dufftytler-headlines-kevin-sheehan-top-prospects-profile-analysis-latest-news/news-story/7cc547d52d493b3b334b2dae2186cfb2
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No Duursmas near Punt Road please :pray
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A bit of draft talk from Callum Twomey from the 7 min mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX2CcJ3rsb0
Josh Lindsay
Ollie Greeves (called him Smillie 2.0)
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Let’s wait to see how Smillie 1.0 goes before we pickup Smillie 2.0 I rekn lol
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How does the 2025 AFL Draft crop compare to the 2024 Super Draft?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZSf74YEPA0