2024 AFL draft

[one-eyed]

Why sheer quantity is the best path for Richmond at the 2024 AFL Draft

By Nic Negrepontis
SEN
8 Nov 2024

Richmond holds eight of the top 25 picks in the upcoming National Draft, leaving them with many possible strategies for those selections.

It has been suggested that they are likely to trade either up the draft order or into the 2025 draft, in order to space out the picks – given draft contracts all come up at the same time and obviously to give themselves some ammunition for next year.

The Tigers hold picks 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 23 and 24, following the departures of Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Daniel Rioli to Fremantle, West Coast and Gold Coast respectively.

Former Geelong forward Daniel Menzel praised their job cashing in during the trade period.

“I think Richmond did a good job too. They got rid of all of those players and stacked as much draft capital as they could. They’re not winning the flag in the next couple of seasons,” Menzel told SEN SA’s Sportsday.

“They’ve got to stock up on kids before Tassie comes in and you don’t want to be down the bottom then. You might as well be down the bottom for the next couple of years and get yourself ready to go, rather than peter around 12th or 13th and then have to rebuild.”

Menzel however would not be trading out of their incredible draft hand, saying they’re giving themselves eight chances to land star players and increasing their odds at nailing five or six of the selections.

“I am not swapping anything. I’m keeping as many picks as possible,” he said.

“The reality is, number one draft picks don’t always hit and neither do picks 2, 3 and 4.

“So if they’ve got eight of the top 24, they’re probably going to hit on four or five of them. Play the percentages.

“If you get five quality players out of this draft, you’d absolutely take that.

“They could try and get a couple picks higher and then what happens if they miss a few and only end up with two good players?

“I quite like that plan and I think it’ll set them up to be able to reload and go again in a few years.”

A similar comparison would be GWS’ 2011 draft crop. The Giants held the top five picks in the draft, as well as 7, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14.

While they stumbled somewhat on selections like Dom Tyson at pick 3, Matt Buntine at pick 5 and Liam Sumner at 10, they landed Stephen Coniglio at 2, Nick Haynes at 7, Toby Greene at 11, Taylor Adams at 13 and Devon Smith at 14.

This offset middling picks as well like Jon Patton at 1, Will Hoskin-Elliott at 3 and Adam Tomlinson at 9.

Similarly in 2010, the Suns held picks 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 13 – selecting David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Sam Day, Josh Caddy, Dion Prestia, Daniel Gorringe, Tom Lynch and Seb Tape.

Could sheer quantity be the way for the Tigers in the 2024 National Draft?

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/11/06/why-sheer-quantity-is-the-best-path-for-richmond-at-the-2024-afl-draft/

[one-eyed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMPvA3jViiw

[one-eyed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cLfd7hDyyA

[one-eyed]

AFL Draft Analysis: Richmond Tigers

Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
November 9, 2024

Richmond's 2024 draft haul looks set to lay the foundations of their future, with the club diving into a list rebuild just four years on from a premiership campaign.

A two-win season followed by the departures of seven premiership players has seen the Tigers hold a significant draft hand that hasn't been seen in the AFL for some time.

Opening the night at Pick 1 - the first time in 20 years the Tigers have started the draft - Richmond will follow that selection with two more in the top 10 and a further five by Pick 24 to commence the second night of November's count.

With plenty of promising prospects set to land at Punt Road in the coming weeks, we assess how the Tigers could use their plethora of picks at the 2024 AFL Draft.

Draft Hand

Picks: 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24

A truly unprecedented suite of selections for a non-expansion club, with Richmond's poor 2024 campaign mixing with an off-season exodus that has given the club seven selections in the first round and the prized opening picks for the first and second rounds.

The Tigers won't be moving from Pick 1, however may assess how they could advance their place in the queue after their opening selection with their following picks. The Tigers may decide to trade out one of their later picks for 2025 selections instead, with Picks 18, 20, 23 and 24 giving them four spots in seven consecutive slots and a vice on the conclusion of the first round.

That last selection - which will open night two of the draft - often carries a great deal of value as rival clubs queue up with strong trade offers to move to the front of the queue for the second round and snatch a player who was overlooked on opening night. Set as a second-round pick this year, Pick 24 may earn an offer that includes a first-round pick for 2025, given the strength and depth of this year's crop.

List Needs

Key Position Depth: Whether it be in attack, defence or in the ruck, the Tigers will be keen to add some height to their current squad in the early stages of their rebuild. Long-term successors for veteran pair Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis could be found at this month's draft, with both players now past the age 30 barrier and transitioning into mentors for the club's emerging ranks. Richmond can rely on swingman Noah Balta at either end of the field and will look to have Josh Gibcus back early next year, with a handful of fringe options also on offer come selection. A ruckman who can develop his craft and contest with Samson Ryan, another key forward to press his case and perhaps a versatile tall could all be swooped on by the Tigers in the first round of the draft to fill their key position stocks.

Run and Spread: The Tigers have needed to add some speed to their current midfield mix for some time, while Daniel Rioli's departure has opened up a void to find a fresh line-breaking outlet in defence too. Shai Bolton's exit has left Richmond lacking the spark that can complement contested workhorses Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, while they've also lost wingman Marlion Pickett and may be without Kamdyn McIntosh after the 2025 season. The Tigers do have some formidable dashers coming through in Tom Brown, James Trezise, Sam Banks and Hugo Ralphsmith, but further ball carriers in the backline and through midfield are sure to be in the Tigers' sights.

Ready-Made Talent: Should the Tigers use all eight selections at the draft, then there's a good chance that half of those new recruits will have a live chance to play Round 1 next year. The 11 players that have left the club since the season ended tallied 120 games in the yellow and black this year, opening up several senior roles that need to be filled. This year's draft pool includes a wealth of teenagers who are primed to have an impact in 2025, and a few of those prospects could make their way to Punt Road in the opening round. The Tigers can use their strong draft hand to address many list needs, with additional midfield depth and flank options viable to grace the AFL stage early next year.

Potential Targets

Sam Lalor: A name viewed to be the leading chance to go Pick 1 and call Richmond home, Tigers fans will be excited by the prospect of acquiring Lalor given his likeness to departed champion Dustin Martin. The GWV Rebels midfielder is a big-bodied ball-winner who uses his size, physicality and explosiveness as a difference-maker at the coalface. While injury limited his draft campaign, Lalor's upside might be the best among the top draft picks. Oakleigh Chargers ace Finn O'Sullivan and teammate Jagga Smith would also be considered at Pick 1, and, like Lalor, could be ready for early season debuts. Eastern Ranges bull Josh Smillie is in a similar position and could be on offer at Pick 6, while later first-round pick chances in Murray Bushrangers small forward Joe Berry and Gippsland Power swingman Alix Tauru are others who may be viewed as ready-made assets.

Tobie Travaglia: A formidable half-back/wing hybrid whose maturity could find him lining up under the big lights come March next year. Travaglia enjoyed a stellar year across his commitments with the Bendigo Pioneers, Vic Country and the AFL Academy, earning Team of the Year selections for the Talent League and U18s National Championships. He looked comfortable across a pair of VFL appearances for Carlton, where he was able to flex his speed, line-breaking prowess, ball-winning nous and aerial game against senior opposition. WA captain Bo Allan will be one the Tigers will look at with Picks 10 and 11 also, with the Peel Thunder premiership player a damaging midfield-defender. Like Travaglia and Allan, Morrish Medal winner Xavier Lindsay could be a good option to slot into a half-back role while offering some midfield depth.

Alex Dodson: The best ruck prospect on offer, Dodson could call Punt Road home as a selection in the second half of the opening round of the draft. The South Australian is a mobile and hard-working 201cm talent who can cover the ground nicely to impact the game with his strong aerial presence. Given skipper Toby Nankervis has a bit of time before handing over the baton, a move for Dodson would give the Sturt junior time to develop his craft and work under a triple premiership tall before one day taking over the reins. Given Richmond's profile of picks, a pure ruckman outside of Dodson isn't exactly an option, however a player like Western Australia's Aiden Riddle or GWV Rebels talent Floyd Burmeister could be assessed as rookie picks. Sandringham Dragons forward Harry Armstrong is a key forward for the Tigers to consider at Pick 6 or hope for at Picks 10 and 11, while Vic Country twins Jack and Matt Whitlock, Vic Metro key defender Luke Trainor and Allies forward Jobe Shanahan are others in the mid-first-round mix.

https://www.zerohanger.com/afl-draft-analysis-richmond-tigers-156647/

[one-eyed]

Richmond are definitely not afraid to go tall in this years draft especially near the back end of their picks

With the amount of high upside key position players around the 20-35 range, Richmond could definitely exit the draft with 3 key position players.

Jobe Shanahan, Harry Armstrong, Jack Whitlock, Charlie Nicholls and Jonty Faull are all of heavy consideration

Richmond will draft midfielders with 1,6 and 10 at the minimum. 

https://x.com/CameronHicks__/status/1855128196183998612

[Andyy]

Sort of looking forward to this just being over already, end the speculation.

[MintOnLamb]

Sort of looking forward to this just being over already, end the speculation.

Ain’t that the truth

[one-eyed]

Luke Trainor has footy running through his blood.

Trainor, arguably the best key defensive prospect in this year’s draft pool, is the grandson of legendary goalkicker Doug Wade, who is fifth for most goals of all-time.



Full article: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/all-in-black-and-white-top-draft-prospect-reveals-advice-from-legendary-goalkicker-grandfather/news-story/1e0c66c25dbb57d645a01c7845f0d991

[one-eyed]

‘Be ruthless’: Inside AFL legend’s tutelage of draft bolter as rapid rise turns heads

Jack Jovanovski
Fox Sports
November 12th, 2024

The premier key forward of this year’s class, Harry Armstrong will have his name called early in the first round on November 20 — and there will be no shortage of suitors for the 18-year-old.

While he was a member of the Sandringham Dragons’ victorious Talent League side, Armstrong’s season wasn’t a spotless one as he fell victim to injury on more than one occasion.

Speaking to Foxfooty.com.au’s Dylan Bolch, the former Ormond junior reflected on his promising 2024 efforts, “unreal” junior experiences under the guidance of an legendary AFL forward, and the growing external expectations of him.

“Playing footy is always something I wanted to do, but it probably really kicked off around year 10,” Armstrong told Foxfooty.com.au of his footballing infancy.

In terms of AFL landing spots for the left-footer, Melbourne is considered a possibility with its Picks 5 and 9.

While the Demons will also survey midfield options with one of those selections — likely No. 5 — there is danger in passing and hoping he is still available at No. 9, with Richmond (No. 6) and St Kilda (Nos. 7 and a certainty to at least consider Armstrong.

In any case, a fall outside the top 10 seems unlikely — particularly given Armstrong is a key-position talent on a stark upward trajectory.

Full article: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2024-harry-armstrong-best-key-forward-in-class-sandringham-dragons-injuries-landing-spots-interview-latest-news/news-story/b7132a39eb13fc11df282be7333077ba

[one-eyed]

SEN's 2024 AFL full Phantom Draft

By Nathan Sepe
SEN
11 Nov 2024

Pick 1. (Richmond) – Jagga Smith
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro – MID, 182cm

Undeniably the most consistent talent throughout 2024, Jagga Smith is a lock for a long and productive career, which is what makes him a safer option at pick 1.

The smaller midfielder is a workhorse accumulator, with sharp ball skills, toughness, and evasiveness that makes him tough to defend and limit around the stoppage.


Pick 2. (North Melbourne) – Sam Lalor
Lalor’s question marks surround his injury troubles in the past two years which would deter Richmond from taking him at 1, however, his X-Factor propels him above most others on the ground with his scoreboard impact and cleanliness around the stoppage.

Pick 3. (Carlton) – Finn O’Sullivan
Pick 4. (Brisbane) – Levi Ashcroft
Pick 5. (Adelaide) – Sid Draper
Pick 6. (Melbourne) – Josh Smillie

Pick 7. (Richmond) – Harvey Langford
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country – MID/FWD, 191cm

If Richmond doesn’t take Sam Lalor with Pick 1, they’ll likely turn their attention to Langford, a strong midfielder with an elite contested ability above his head inside 50.

The beauty with Langford is his versatility, with the options to plant him into every stoppage with a knack for moving the ball inside 50 or to move him inside 50 with the potential to kick three or four goals a game.


Pick 8. (St Kilda) – Bo Allan
Pick 9. (St Kilda) – Harry Armstrong
Pick 10. (Gold Coast) – Leo Lombard
Pick 11. (Melbourne) – Jobe Shanahan

Pick 12. (Richmond) – Alixzander Tauru
Gippsland Power/Vic Country – DEF, 193cm

Tauru’s rise up the ranks has been well documented and it is thanks to his ability to crash packs and take incredible intercept marks.

Played across each third of the ground this year, Tauru has showcased strong versatility, opportunistic in every role, made effective by his athleticism and quick thinking, although there is scope for improvement in efficiency with his kicking.

Pick 13. (Richmond) – Tobie Travaglia
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country – DEF, 187cm

Dash and dare, Travaglia has established himself as the best offensive connector out of the defensive 50, with his speed and competitiveness around the contest.

Travaglia’s intercepting makes him a threat both in the air and at ground level, often used well in offensive chains by hand and feet, and a productive two-way runner.


Pick 14. (West Coast) – Xavier Lindsay
Pick 15. (Port Adelaide) – Murphy Reid
Pick 16. (Fremantle) – Joe Berry
Pick 17. (Essendon) – Isaac Kako
Pick 18. (GWS) – Luke Trainor
Pick 19. (GWS) – Taj Hotton
Pick 20. (Western Bulldogs) – Jesse Dattoli

Pick 21. (Richmond) – Christian Moraes
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro – MID/FWD, 183cm

Moraes enters this draft as one of the best outside players, explosive by nature and well-versed in his offensive running patterns.

A determined competitor with a consistent ability to hit the scoreboard, Moraes can be utilised as an inside midfielder also, with quick ball skills by hand and the ability to accumulate possessions across the ground.


Pick 22. (Sydney) – Matt Whitlock

Pick 23. (Richmond) – Jack Whitlock
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country – FWD/RUCK, 200cm

Jack possesses similar traits to his twin brother, playing predominantly as a key forward with regular shifts in the ruck.

Whitlock showcased a great contested marking ability and was often willing to push further up the ground and remain mobile at ground level to keep the ball moving forward, still very raw with a lot of upside for a tall.


Pick 24. (GWS) – Tom Gross
Pick 25. (Sydney) – Cooper Hynes


Pick 26. (Richmond) – Jonty Faull
GWV Rebels/Vic Country – FWD, 194cm

Faull has been a consistent hard worker this year, building his craft as a key forward to not only dominate inside 50 with his contested marking but also further up the ground where he’s become a valuable marking target in transition.

While he can have quiet periods, Faull is often proactive in his response to turn things around and get things back on his terms with direct matchups, capable of a big bag.

Pick 27. (Richmond) – Alex Dodson
Sturt/South Australia – RUCK, 201cm

The prized South Australian ruckman might push clubs to trade up ahead of the second night, with a well-versed ability to act as a tall midfielder with his follow-up work at stoppages.

Dodson’s basketball background makes him a mobile figure on the field, able to work up and down the field well and physically impose his direct opponent.


Pick 28. (Western Bulldogs) – Harrison Oliver
Pick 29. (West Coast) – Harry O’Farrell
Pick 30. (Brisbane) – Sam Marshall
Pick 31. (Port Adelaide) – Jasper Alger
Pick 32. (Fremantle) – Josh Dolan
Pick 33. (St Kilda) – Adrian Cole
Pick 34. (Hawthorn) – James Barrat
Pick 35. (Western Bulldogs) – Ollie Hannaford
Pick 36. (Port Adelaide) – Floyd Burmeister
Pick 37. (GWS) – Angus Clarke
Pick 38. (Carlton) – Noah Mraz
Pick 39. (Essendon) – Hamish Davis
Pick 40. (Sydney) – Lachie Jaques
Pick 41. (Carlton) – Ben Camporeale
Pick 42. (Geelong) – Xavier Ivisic
Pick 43. (Essendon) – Nathaniel Sulzberger
Pick 44. (St Kilda) – Lennox Hofmann
Pick 45. (Western Bulldogs) – Cody Anderson
Pick 46. (Port Adelaide) – Jack Ough
Pick 47. (Collingwood) – Thomas Sims
Pick 48. (Essendon) – Archer Day-Wicks
Pick 49. (Essendon) – Zak Johnson
Pick 50. (Collingwood) – Charlie Nicholls
Pick 51. (GWS) – Logan Smith
Pick 52. (Geelong) – Gabriel Stumpf
Pick 53. (Sydney) – Joel Cochran
Pick 54. (Collingwood) – Hugh Boxshall
Pick 55. (North Melbourne) – Rhys Unwin
Pick 56. (Adelaide) – Tyler Welsh
Pick 57. (Essendon) – Jayden Nguyen
Pick 58. (Collingwood) – Sam Toner
Pick 59. (Fremantle) – Luke Urquhart
Pick 60. (Hawthorn) – Kayle Gerreyn
Pick 61. (Carlton) – Lucas Camporeale
Pick 62. (West Coast) – Malakai Champion
Pick 63. (GWS) – Luke Kennedy
Pick 64. (Geelong) – Patrick Retschko
Pick 65. (Hawthorn) – Blake Leidler

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/11/11/sens-2024-afl-full-phantom-draft

[Damo]

Smith and Langford 

[Thrasher97]

I don't get RCD vibes from Smillie.

Smillie has been talked about anywhere from P1-5 most of the year for good reason.

RCD was taken at P20 in a shallower draft.

Plus RCD was taken as more of a project, not ready made, always a risk, but one we could afford at the time, being in the premiership window.

[camboon]

Our decision was to get a project player at our first pick, mmm

[Thrasher97]

Was a pretty crap draft, allegedly we wanted Stocker before Carlton traded up, but have also heard that wasn't the case so who really knows. I seem to remember he (RCD) was always a risk, could be great, could be a bust.

[Assange Tiger 😎]

I don't get RCD vibes from Smillie.

Smillie has been talked about anywhere from P1-5 most of the year for good reason.

RCD was taken at P20 in a shallower draft.

Plus RCD was taken as more of a project, not ready made, always a risk, but one we could afford at the time, being in the premiership window.

That's a fabrication. He was a decent junior that didn't come on whatsoever. Not a project at all