Kevin Sheehan’s 2024 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects: MidfieldersBo AllanState: Western Australia
State League: Peel Thunder
Community Club: Halls Head
Date of Birth: 16/02/2006
Height: 191cm
A left-foot midfielder and defender with a real competitive edge. Has shown he can play very tight and provide run from defence, as well as having the capability of playing inside or outside in the midfield. He used his contested ball-winning ability and speed to provide consistent drive for Western Australia at the Marsh AFL National Championships, averaging 20 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.7 clearances and six tackles. Was among his team’s better players against both Victoria Metro and Country and was rewarded with All Australian selection. He handled the step up to senior State League level impressively for Peel Thunder, capping off an excellent year as a WAFL premiership player. He played 11 senior matches, averaging 12 disposals and six tackles. Was very impressive at testing at the national Draft Combine, finishing second on the running vertical jump (92cm) and fourth for the agility test (7.94 seconds), while his speed (2.99 seconds on the 20m sprint) was also in the top bracket.
Cody AndersonState: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Healesville
Date of Birth: 30/01/2006
Height: 183cm
Medium-sized midfielder who is a real competitive beast with his contested ball-winning ability, particularly around stoppages. Has been a prolific ball winner for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League over the past two years. He averaged 23 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and six tackles in 11 matches this season. Earned his way into the Victoria Metro team for the match against South Australia but unfortunately suffered an ankle injury early in the match which ruled him out of the remainder of the National Championships. Returned for the final couple of matches for the Ranges, with his good form continuing to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award. Is a member of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy and showed a sharp turn of foot at the Draft Combine, producing a time of 3.02 seconds in the 20m sprint.
Cody AngoveState: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Scarborough
Date of Birth: 28/05/2006
Height: 182cm
A midfielder and high half forward with an exciting athletic profile. Has a combination of speed and endurance, which together with his footy smarts allows him to win the ball and impact games. Had an interrupted start to the year due to a leg injury but returned to play all four games for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 12 disposals and being amongst his team’s best in the narrow loss to Victoria Country. A neat distributor by hand and foot, he averaged 18.3 disposals and kicked 11 goals in 10 games at Colts level for Claremont. He was among the Tigers’ best in their Grand Final win which saw him become a back-to-back premiership player. Performed well on the agility test (8.21 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28) at the national Draft Combine.
Sid DraperState: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Willunga
Date of Birth: 05/07/2006
Height: 182cm
A powerful midfielder with line-breaking speed and elite agility which enable him to step out of congestion to open the game from stoppages. Showed resilience to overcome an injury-interrupted start to this season after battling stress fractures in his shins. Returned just before the National Championships and was able to perform well, averaging 21 disposals (eight contested) at 76.2 per cent efficiency, along with 3.8 clearances to become a back-to-back All Australian at under-18 level. Continued his good form at senior level, playing the final six matches of the year and averaging 22.2 disposals (12 contested), five clearances and six tackles to show his top end talent. Was the winner of the 2023 AFL Life Members Scholarship following the likes of recent winners Lachie Whitfield, Sam Walsh, Hayden Young and Harley Reid. Did not test at the Draft Combine while managing a back ailment.
Tom GrossState: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Kew Rovers
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm
A medium midfielder and forward with a sharp competitive edge and burst out of stoppage who can play on the outside as well as the inside. Impressed for the Australian U18 team against Coburg early in the year, recording 21 touches in a forward and midfield role which gave him a sound preparation for the National Championships. Was outstanding on the wing for Victoria Metro against South Australia and was one of the most consistent players throughout the Championships for the title winners, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three clearances to earn All Australian honours. Continued to show his potential in eight games for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 22.3 disposals (eight contested) as he shared his playing commitments between club and school football for Trinity Grammar.
Phoenix HargraveState: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Reynella
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm
A midfielder/forward who is extremely strong in the contest and wins plenty of contested ball. He won the MVP award in the SANFL U18 competition last year as a 16-year-old and played an important role in South Adelaide’s premiership campaign. Was a consistent ball winner for South Australia at this year’s National Championships, averaging 19 disposals across the four matches which included being his team’s best player against eventual title winners Victoria Metro. Made a strong start to his senior career, playing six matches at the back end of the year where he averaged 15 disposals. Showcased his strong work rate and endurance with a solid time of 6:39 in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine.
Will HayesState: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Subiaco
Date of Birth: 16/05/2006
Height: 180cm
A wingman or small forward who has pace and a neat step through traffic. Although lightly-framed, he is a beautifully balanced player with a touch of class and distributes the ball neatly and with penetration on both feet. He played all four matches for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 13 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and was among his team’s best against both South Australia and Victoria Metro. Finished the season in style by becoming a dual premiership player with Claremont at Colts level. Tested extremely well at the Draft Combine, ranking third on the agility test (7.85 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:16) and producing a sound 3.00 seconds on the 20m sprint.
Cooper HynesState: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Bonbeach
Date of Birth: 28/02/2006
Height: 190cm
Medium midfielder/forward who is a powerful contested ball winner around stoppages and dangerous when he goes forward with his innate goal sense and strong overhead mark. He had an exceptional year with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League, averaging 24 disposals (11 contested), 4.7 clearances and kicking 23 goals in 15 matches. Finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal and also for the Stingrays’ best and fairest award, as well as being selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Carried that form into the National Championships for Victoria Country, averaging 17 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency and averaging a goal a game against the best young players nationally. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to mid foot sprain.
Sam LalorPronunciation: Law-lah
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Bacchus Marsh
Date of Birth: 30/08/2006
Height: 188cm
A powerful midfielder/forward who explodes out of stoppages and is dangerous when forward with his elite aerial ability. Was an All Australian at under-16 level in 2022 and followed up with an extremely promising bottom-aged year at under-18 level before having to overcome a number of injury challenges this year. Missed the early part of the year with a back issue and then the latter part of the year with hamstring injuries but still demonstrated his enormous potential in four Coates Talent League matches with the GWV Rebels, averaging 23 disposals and 5.8 marks. His performance against the Murray Bushrangers in Round 12 when he picked up 34 disposals and eight marks gave a glimpse of his talent. Was able to play three matches for Victoria Country in the National Championships, featuring in the best players with three goals from 16 disposals against the Allies. Did not test at the Draft Combine as he continued his rehab from a hamstring injury.
Harvey LangfordState: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Mount Martha
Date of Birth: 15/03/2006
Height: 191cm
A left-footed tall midfielder who had an outstanding season at club and representative levels, displaying a remarkably high level of elite performance and resilience to propel him into early Draft conversations. Was the joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player of the National Championships, averaging 25.5 disposals (7.7 contested), 6.2 marks and 6.2 clearances for Victoria Country and was also rewarded with his team’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. He was also consistently excellent for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 26 disposals, five clearances and five tackles to win their best and fairest award and be named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. His 6:24 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine showcased his endurance and competitive edge.
Christian MoraesPronunciation: More-ay-es
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Knox
Date of Birth: 08/11/2006
Height: 183cm
A running machine who is prepared to work deep into defence as well as push forward to create options for his team. Also has clean hands and is composed with the ball. Had an impressive season for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23.8 disposals and kicking 18 goals in 12 matches to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award and earn Coates Talent League Team of the Year selection. Continued his high-level output by averaging 21 disposals for Victoria Metro in a star-studded midfield group, with his best performance coming against South Australia where he amassed 22 disposals and kicked two goals. His time of 6:25 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine ranked equal-ninth.
Finn O’SullivanState: Victoria Country
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Koroit
Date of Birth: 30/05/2006
Height: 182cm
A classy midfielder who was one of the dominant players of his age level over the past two years. His elite use of the ball, speed and lateral movement through the midfield are outstanding weapons. Claimed the best and fairest award at the 2022 AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys and followed it up with selection in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian side as a bottom-age player. Suffered a thumb injury in his first game of the 2024 Coates Talent League season which began a frustrating run of injuries that restricted his ability to consistently put games together. Was only able to play eight games at club and representative level this year, including two games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and one with Richmond’s VFL team. The last of his matches for the Oakleigh Chargers was his most productive, having 20 disposals and kicking two goals to be his team’s best player in its four-point preliminary final defeat to the GWV Rebels. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine, with his time of 8.14 seconds on the agility test ranked eighth, while he also produced eye-catching performances in the 20m sprint (2.99 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28).
Jack OughPronunciation: Our
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Wentworth District
Date of Birth: 15/12/2006
Height: 194cm
Tall midfielder who really blossomed this year. Uses his strong frame and power to excel in the contest, with his clean hands and crisp decision-making also features of his game. Showed versatility to play predominantly on the outside as a wingman for Victoria Country then as an inside midfielder with the GWV Rebels. He starred for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League final series, averaging 25 disposals which included having 33 disposals and seven inside 50s against the Geelong the Falcons in the quarter final. Played all four games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and was among the best players in the 11-point win over Western Australia. Tested soundly at the Draft Combine with his 6:39 on the 2km time trial a strong indication of his endurance and work rate.
Murphy ReidState: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: South Melbourne Districts
Date of Birth: 30/07/2006
Height: 181cm
A midfielder-forward who has speed to burn which allows him to burst away from congestion and use the ball with precision. Reads the game exceptionally well, is a prolific ball winner and creative and innovative when in congestion. Was outstanding at the National Championships, averaging 24.5 disposals (9.2 contested), 3.2 clearances and 3.2 tackles across the four matches which included dominant displays against South Australia and the Allies. Was rewarded by winning Victoria Metro’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. Was also a star at club level, averaging 21 disposals and kicking 14 goals in 10 matches for the Sandringham Dragons. Capped the year with his second Coates Talent League premiership and selection in the Team of the Year. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to knee injury.
Josh SmilliePronunciation: Smiley
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Park Orchards
Date of Birth: 17/05/2006
Height: 195cm
An athletic and versatile player who is capable of playing in the midfield, down back or as a hit-up marking forward. A one-touch player who reads the game exceptionally well wherever he plays, he averaged 26 disposals and kicked 16 goals in 12 matches with the Eastern Ranges this year which included logging 34 disposals and kicking three goals against the Brisbane Lions Academy. Won the Ranges’ best and fairest and earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he was given the honour of captaining the Australian U18 team in its matches against Coburg and Footscray and was among the better players in both games, averaging 23.5 disposals in a midfield and defensive role. Played a variety of roles for Victoria Metro in their National Championships title-winning team, averaging 18.8 disposals and 5.8 clearances. His 6:38 for the 2km time trial and 8.39 seconds on the agility test at the Draft Combine were both good results for a player of his type.
Jagga SmithPronunciation: Jagger
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Richmond
Date of Birth: 28/01/2006
Height: 182 cm
A lively and creative midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner on the inside with elite distribution by hand and foot. He showed the rare ability to step through congested situations and maintain his composure at all levels this year, including at VFL level for Richmond. He averaged 29.2 disposals (13.8 contested) at 82 per cent efficiency and 6.8 clearances for Victoria Metro at the National Championships to finish third in the Larke Medal voting. Was also rewarded with the honour of being named captain of the All Australian team. Played a total of 21 games for the year, which comprised two appearances for the Australia U18 team, three for Richmond’s VFL side, 12 for the Oakleigh Chargers as well as four for Victoria Metro. He picked up 650 disposals at an average of 31 per game, which highlighted his amazingly consistent elite performance. Was a runaway winner of the Chargers best and fairest and tested soundly at the Draft Combine, recording 3.04 seconds on the 20m sprint, 8.5 seconds on the agility test and 6:27 on the 2km time trial.
Luke UrquhartPronunciation: Irk-heart
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Melville
Date of Birth: 19/09/2006
Height: 184cm
A powerful midfielder who is a stoppage star with his ability to extract the ball from congestion and can also be effective when thrown forward. He has come on in leaps and bounds since missing a significant chunk of his bottom-age campaign in 2023 due to hip surgery. Was impressive in three games at WAFL Colts level for East Fremantle, averaging 23.3 disposals, five clearances, 9.5 tackles and two goals. At representative level he was among Western Australia’s better players against the Allies and Victoria Metro and averaged 21 disposals (11 contested) and 5.5 clearances. Excelled at the Draft Combine with his speed (2.98 seconds on the 20m sprint) and endurance (6:25 on the 2km time trial) great assets for a midfielder.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1690426/kevin-sheehans-2024-telstra-afl-draft-top-prospects-midfielders
