Every AFL club’s clear list chasm — and the perfect draft targets who could fill them
The trade period is done, lists are being finalised and the draft now looms large for each and every AFL club.
Foxfooty.com.au, with the help of Champion Data, assesses every club’s biggest list need and the 2023 draftees that could assist plugging those holes.
Note: Clubs can trade selections up until November 10 and then again on the first night of the draft on November 20.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Draft picks: 10, 14, 20, 89
List chasm: The Crows need another key defender and that’s why they went so hard at Harrison Petty before he was eventually held to his contract by Melbourne. No defender at the club has rated elite for intercept marks this season, while their No. 1 interceptor for several seasons, Tom Doedee, has now moved to Brisbane on a longer term deal than what the Crows were willing to offer. They’ve only got one defender remaining who rates above average or better for intercept marks. They picked up father-son gun Max Michalanney in last year’s draft, but the Norwood product’s biggest strength when he was drafted was his one-on-one defending. With Nick Murray to miss a lot of next season too, the Crows could target an interceptor. They kept Elliott Himmelberg at the club after missing out on Mabior Chol as another key forward prospect.
Ideal draft prospects: Daniel Curtin would be a great fit given the Crows’ needs, but it will be a big surprise if he’s still on the board by the time the Crows have their first pick. Murray Bushrangers star Connor O’Sullivan started the year playing as a forward but then made the switch to defence and was named the Allies’ MVP after averaging 18 disposals and a competition-high eight marks during the champs. Sandringham product Ollie Murphy is one to keep an eye on given his rapid development after moving into defence this year. Swan Districts’ Riley Hardeman has always been a strong rebounder, but scouts have been pleased to see his growth in confidence to come forward and intercept mark — which was the attribute needed to round off his game. The cheeky option would be Hawthorn father-son prospect Will McCabe, who represented South Australia in the recent carnival. The Hawks will nominate McCabe as a father-son prospect — who’s considered a late first-round prospect at this stage — but no doubt the Crows will be keeping close tabs on him if he’s available after their first couple of picks, forcing the Hawks to pay up draft-wise.
BRISBANE LIONS
Draft picks: 30, 39, 51, 54, 67, 97
List chasm: Forward pressure could be ramped up for the Lions, who at times are overly reliant on the likes of Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood to hit the scoreboard. Charlie Cameron and Lincoln McCarthy both do their bit, but some more pressure in the front third could improve the side’s already imposing list. Their forward half pressure this year was ranked 13th. Club legend Alastair Lynch put this on the agenda before 2023, telling foxfooty.com.au: “I feel the forward line just needs a bit of grit that, on their down day, they’ve still got to compete, scratch out that average game after looking like it’s going to be a poor game. It’s just an individual thing to have a nil-all draw than go down four-zip.” He wasn’t a pressure player, but the Jack Gunston experiment is over after one year, with Brandon Ryan coming in, but neither are those pressure players the side could do with.
Ideal draft prospects: The Lions are still hoping to be somewhat active in the draft despite having a focus on bringing in father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft next season. There aren’t a heap of high pressure forwards at the pointy end of this year’s draft, which is good for the Lions given their first pick isn’t until later in the draft. Versatile 184cm Stingrays product Harry DeMattia would be a great option but it’s unlikely he’s still in the mix by the time the Lions pick, barring a trade up the order. The other option could South Adelaide’s Jack Delean is another smaller ‘tall’ forward who can hit the scoreboard and generate spark once the ball hits the deck. It would be a work in progress for the Lions, but they have the luxury of time given how well set their side is at the moment.
CARLTON
Draft picks: 22, 28, 70, 78, 96
List chasm: It’s a good sign for the Blues that they don’t have any glaring list holes in need to addressing. They’ve once again bolstered their depth this off-season, bringing in Elijah Hollands from Gold Coast. It’s more about depth again at the draft and perhaps that is most needed in the forward half, where they have Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay but perhaps need bolstering a bit further up the ground. It’s why they were interested in Jade Gresham before ultimately cooling on him as Essendon pounced. They could also use a bit more outside polish, currently ranked 11th for ball movement and 12th for kick ratings.
Ideal draft prospects: Players like Zane Duursma or Nick Watson would be a dream for Carlton, but the interest in both means they won’t be around by the time the Blues pick first. Murray Bushrangers’ Darcy Wilson could be in the mix. A 185cm prospect, Wilson can not only run all day at high speed, but he‘s an excellent mark and has great goal sense. Others with traits the Blues might be after include Subiaco’s Koltyn Tholstrup, who has plenty of energy and can hit the logos. Clarence’s Jack Callinan is another option for later in the draft. Someone who could add some more dare to their forward half is Phoenix Gothard, with the Allies small forward able to have scoreboard impact as well as get up the ground as needed.
COLLINGWOOD
Draft picks: 19, 33, 80, 98
List chasm: Collingwood is well set and has improved on its best 23 with the addition of Lachie Schultz via the trade period. It is a settled list and they’ve re-signed a host of depth players including Aiden Begg and Nathan Kreuger. If they don’t have a huge amount of faith in their next wave of ruck talent then that is potentially an area to target. Also an option is groundball mids, with the Pies ranked 13th in groundball differential this season.
Ideal draft prospects: If the Pies do indeed target rucks, they’re in luck, for this is one of the best ruck classes in several years. Peel Thunder’s Mitch Edwards, who’s been likened to Bulldogs star Tim English, is regarded as the best pure ruck in this year’s draft class. There’s a chance he could still be available at the Magpies’ first pick. If not, Northern Knights big man Will Green — a 204cm prospect with running power, mobility, competitiveness and improving ruck craft — and Gippsland Power prospect Archer Reid — a tantalising 203cm forward-ruck who’s exceptional overhead yet great below his knees with mobility and good goal sense — would be other options. There’s also Taylor Goad, who like most rucks will take time to develop but the former basketballer is oozing with potential as shown by his combine testing.
ESSENDON
Draft picks: 9, 31, 35, 61, 88
List chasm: While there have been some improvements in this area under Brad Scott, the Bombers still have some defensive flaws. It explains why they targeted Ben McKay as much as they did and ultimately they got their man. They targeted a lot of talent via free agency and succeeded, losing only Brandon Zerk-Thatcher from their starting lineup. Keeping their top pick while doing that is another benefit and means they can target a top-end talent. Jade Gresham will help with the mid-forward x-factor, but they could still look to fill out the list. They were ranked 16th for inside 50 differential, time in forward half and forward half intercepts this season.
Ideal draft prospects: Murray Bushrangers star Connor O’Sullivan could still be on the board when the Bombers pick. The Allies’ MVP from their national championships triumph, O’Sullivan knows when to stay on his man and when to peel off and intercept – and he’s equally adept at both arts. He’d be a great player to develop while McKay is the more ready-made inclusion. Nate Caddy has the attributes of someone who could add more bite to the Bombers’ forward line and be a dynamic presence. Caleb Windsor may be further down the draft order but will be an elite winger. First-round bolter Ollie Murphy — a 200cm key defender — could also be in the Bombers’ sights. Murphy, who took out Vic Metro’s MVP award, is lightly built and framed for now, but when he’s ready to go at AFL level, watch out – he’s got great size and athletic ability, as well as a pinpoint left-foot kick.
FREMANTLE
Draft picks: 34, 46, 60, 64, 85
List chasm: The Dockers are going to have to find a diamond in the rough given their relatively meagre draft hand. Scoring is clearly the biggest issue for them and the loss of Lachie Schultz to Collingwood only accentuates that need. Michael Walters is nearing the end of his career, Nat Fyfe is injury prone and their other forwards have been sporadic in output. No remaining small forward rates above average or better for forward 50 groundballs.
Ideal draft prospects: Should be lots of options here for the Dockers when they enter the draft. Local product Koen Sanchez — a 176cm forward-midfielder with a powerful kick, goal sense, speed and agility — pushed up a few draft boards during the carnival, booting 6.8 and averaging 18 disposals and nine contested possessions for WA. Tassie star Jack Callinan — the son of former Crow Ian Callinan — knows where the goals are and is dangerous both in the air and at ground level, while Western Jets medium forward Logan Morris has kicked 52 goals in the past 18 months in the Talent League. The cheeky option would be Subiaco small forward Lance Collard, who’s tied to the Eagles via their Next Generation Academy, yet West Coast can only match a bid on Collard if it lands outside the top 40 picks. Phoenix Gothard would be one to keep an eye on with the departure of Schultz, with Gothard maximising his disposals in the forward half and showing plenty with Murray Bushrangers.
GEELONG CATS
Draft picks: 8, 25, 76, 87, 94
List chasm: The Cats need to get some more midfield talent through the gates after a lacklustre season in the engine room and the fact a lot of their veterans are nearing the end of their careers or being unavailable for large parts of 2023 due to injury. They do have prospects working their way into better form like Jhye Clark, Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn, but more help in that department wouldn’t hurt. The Cats finished the season ranked 13th for clearance differential.
Ideal draft prospects:Ryley Sanders would be a shrewd selection for the Cats and it helps North Melbourne was denied exclusive access to the Tasmanian. Nate Caddy has a Geelong flavour with his uncle being ex-Cat Josh Caddy, but is more of a mid-forward than a pure midfielder the Cats may be targeting. Caleb Windsor is an elite winger and the Cats have just lost Isaac Smith to retirement, so worth keeping an eye on. Murray Bushrangers’ Darcy Wilson should still be on the board at Geelong’s pick. He’s classy yet exciting, quick yet can run all day, efficient with his disposals yet a good mark — and has an improving contested ball game. Do they need another key defender now they’ve lost Esava Ratugolea? There’s no shortage of options, with Daniel Curtin tantalising if he slides beyond the first few picks. James Leake is an interceptor who could play a similar role with time.
GOLD COAST SUNS
Draft picks: 24, 26, 27, 32, 36, 38, 66, 71, 74, 84
List chasm: Some outside class in any third of the field might be on the agenda for the Suns, with the team this season ranked 17th for kick rating. The reality for the Suns is they’ll be more worried about getting enough points to match inevitably early bids on their star academy prospects – rather than addressing needs – at this year’s draft. They’re in a great spot to do it. The Suns have the second-worse kick rating in the competition this year.
Ideal draft prospects: The Suns have traded heavily into this year’s draft due to the calibre of their academy talent, who could all attract top-10 bids. Their crop is headlined by Jed Walter — a powerful 195cm key forward who chases and tackles opponents like his life depends on it — who’s widely regarded as the second-best prospect in this year’s draft class behind Harley Reid. But Walter could also be joined in the top five by athletic 200cm ruck Ethan Read – who’s flown up draft boards after a standout national championships campaign for the Allies – while dynamic 172cm midfielder Jake Rogers is also in the top-10 mix following an outstanding 2023 campaign. Read, in particular, could provide the Suns with that class, for he has insane skills, clean hands and elite aerobic capacity for a player of his size. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au Read was “a bit of a freak” on the field.
GWS GIANTS
Draft picks: 7, 16, 43, 59, 77, 79, 95
List chasm: The Giants have done a great job in putting together and retaining a forward line. Jesse Hogan has found a groove, while Harry Himmelberg and Jake Riccardi have both re-signed with the club, with Himmelberg in particular a big win for the Giants given rival interest. Their emphasis on forward talent is clear, having traded up to select Aaron Cadman with Pick 1 last year then used the first pick of the second round to take exciting utility Max Gruzewski. Well set across the field, perhaps some help could come in more key position depth up forward as well as down back. Midfield depth is also a focus, with the club ranked 10th for contested possession differential and 13th for clearance differential this year.
Ideal draft prospects:Nate Caddy is a mid/forward who could add an even more dynamic element to the Giants. He loves a contest and could add to the pressure applied by the forward 50 while also giving them some more bite out of the middle. It’s that sort of dynamic player that would fit the Giants perfectly. Connor O’Sullivan is another prospect who can play at either end of the ground. He has surged into the top order of the draft after an impressive 2023 campaign. If they want to bolster their developing backline, James Leake could be a shrewd selection. If they go for best available talent with their second pick, Caleb Windsor could be there for the taking.
HAWTHORN
Draft picks: 4, 44, 47, 49, 62, 63, 83
List chasm: The departure of Tyler Brockman and injury to Chad Wingard left them with a small forward problem, but they addressed it in bringing in Jack Ginnivan. Hawthorn needs more key defensive depth to assist James Sicily. It’s why they offered plenty to Ben McKay and chased him hard before he ultimately settled on Essendon. At present, a lot of the responsibility has fallen on mid-season draftee James Blanck and 29-year-old Sam Frost. The Hawks opted for Denver Grainger-Barras with Pick 6 in the 2020 draft, but it just hasn’t clicked for the WA product. Jacob Koschitzke was being tried as a forward but has left the club via the trade period, while Mabior Chol will serve as a forward rather than defender. The Hawke have conceded the second-most goals to key forwards this season.
Ideal draft prospects: The good news for the Hawks is they’re linked to a father-son prospect who’s a key defender and in the first-round mix, although he’ll likely attract a bid well after Hawthorn’s first pick. A speedy tall defender who has great endurance and loves going for his marks, Will McCabe is father-son eligible to Hawthorn as his father, Luke, played 138 games for the club from 1995 to 2004. Pick 4 won’t get used up for McCabe, which gives them the capacity to take another high-end talent. It could be a case of best available talent. Daniel Curtin would be a great option for them in defence, but it’s hard to imagine West Coast trading out the number one pick unless they can ensure they stay ahead of the Hawks and are able to nab the West Australian. Elsewhere, midfielder Colby McKercher, forward duo Nick Watson or Zane Duursma could be in the mix.
MELBOURNE
Draft picks: 6, 11, 42, 93
List chasm: Forward connection has been an issue for the Demons and they’ve addressed it somewhat via trading in Shane McAdam. It’s clearly a team problem to an extent, but could also be helped by personnel via the draft. The good news for the Dees is they have no shortage of draft capital to address their needs with, to the extent that a play for pick one isn’t entirely out of the question, even though North Melbourne is comfortably the frontrunner for it if the Eagles do decide to trade. The Dees rank 14th for kick inside 50 retention rate and scores per inside 50 this season.
Ideal draft prospects: In an ideal world, either Launceston star Colby McKercher — a Zach Merrett-like midfielder with great inside-outside balance, composure, burst from stoppage, terrific workrate, agility and an excellent left-foot kick — slips to their pick, or fellow Tassie ball magnet Ryley Sanders — an ultra-consistent midfielder who’s clean by hand and foot and explosive out of stoppage. Zane Duursma played for Casey in the VFL this year and the Dees took a liking to him. Another option could be Eastern Ranges’ Nick Watson, who’s a superstar goalsneak yet an astute and clean ball user up the field that could appeal to the Demons. Other options with their second pick could be Eastern Ranges’ Caleb Windsor, Nate Caddy and James Leake if any are still on the table. Tasmania’s Arie Schoenmaker, GWV Rebels’ Joel Freijah and Sandringham Dragons’ Archie Roberts. Again, the good news for them is their fate is in their hands given their high-end picks. Now they’re without Brodie Grundy, they may be the first club to take a punt on Ethan Read.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft picks: 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 57, 82
List chasm: Clearly there’s several issues the Roos need to address. Ben McKay wasn’t setting the world on fire this season but his departure only adds to the need for stability in defence. At the other end, however, they need to try find more support for star Nick Larkey, with Cam Zurhaar not cementing himself just yet as a reliable foil. The middle of the ground looks pretty good, but the key position ends are in need of addressing.
Ideal draft prospects: Even though their midfield is in good shape, there’s certainly no harm in adding Harley Reid if they’re able to trade up for the number one pick or if, somehow, the Eagles pass on him. If they don’t have pick one, Colby McKercher is a jet but also the midfield is not their area of greatest need. Daniel Curtin looms as an option for the defensive end, but Zane Duursma is another who will feature high in the order and would give them more bite in the attacking half. It’s hard to see the Roos passing him up given his profile. They wanted exclusive access to Ryley Sanders but were denied.
PORT ADELAIDE
Draft picks: 73
List chasm: Port Adelaide’s defensive depth has been an issue, but they’ve addressed it via targeting Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. They’ve sacrificed virtually their entire draft hand in order to get their four recruits across, with the aforementioned two joined by Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet. They have ample rebounders off half-back – Dylan Williams, Kane Farrell, Miles Bergman and Dan Houston – but perhaps could do with another strong one-on-one small defender. The issue, however, is their draft hand. They’re ranked 12th for uncontested possession differential and 10th for kick rating.
Ideal draft prospects: There really aren’t any, given there won’t be 73 picks in this year’s draft. It was a conscious decision to recruit via the trade period as opposed to the draft. The good news is they got their targets, the bad news is it has come at a cost in this year’s draft. There are players out there that could’ve been a good fit: Luamon Lual,Harry DeMattia and James Leake among them.
RICHMOND
Draft picks: 29, 41, 65, 68, 86
List chasm: The Tigers need some more forward support for Tom Lynch when he returns from injury, with that need only increased by the retirement of Jack Riewoldt. They’ve already addressed that somewhat in trading in Jacob Koschitzke. They’ve also got Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton as mid-forwards who can hit the scoreboard. We haven’t seen much of Josh Gibcus due to injury and some key defensive depth may be needed if he doesn’t come on as hoped. They’re ranked 15th for forward 50 groundball differential and 16th for forward half pressure.
Ideal draft prospects: They’ll have to get creative given their first pick will come in the second round. Logan Morris can play at both ends, as shown in his stint with Vic Metro, and booted 31 goals from 14 games as a bottom-ager for the Jets. Archer Reid looks to be a key position prospect for the future but is still growing into his big frame. WA prospects Koen Sanchez and Koltyn Tholstrup — if the latter slides that far — would also be in the mix. The Tigers haven’t been afraid to draft talent from Western Australia in recent years. The wildcard could be Glenelg forward Ashton Moir, who’s immensely talented but looming as one of this year’s big sliders. This time last year, Moir was being talked about as a top-five prospect, but it hasn’t clicked for the exciting and prodigiously talented forward at any level this year.
ST KILDA
Draft picks: 13, 21, 40, 92
List chasm: Another team that’ll be looking to add some spark and class to its attacking half, with the departure of Jade Gresham in the trade period only adding to that need. The young talent there showed plenty this year to suggest they’ll be forces in the future, but adding to that suite of prospects can’t hurt. Picks 13 and 21 give them a good window into this year’s draft. They’re ranked 18th for scores per inside 50 and 16th for converting any chain into a score.
Ideal draft prospects: Murray Bushrangers midfielder-forward Darcy Wilson would be perfect as a mid-forward option who has shown a lot at every level and has the hard-working traits that would endear him to Ross Lyon. The Saints would be hopeful there’s a slide out of Nate Caddy, Nick Watson or Zane Duursma, but it would be foolish to hang their hopes on that. They should be in the mix for Subiaco’s Koltyn Tholstrup — an exciting ‘impact’ player, in that a high percentage of his disposals lead to scores for his team. Tholstrup, 184cm, has drawn comparisons to North star Cam Zurhaar for his toughness, power and competitiveness, yet he also has great polish and composure. Lance Collard is one to keep an eye on as well, having been around the goalface in his time with the Colts and a hardworking runner.
SYDNEY SWANS
Draft picks: 12, 45, 55, 91
List chasm: The Swans didn’t mess around at the trade period in a bid to rectify their midfield issues, bringing in Brodie Grundy as a first-choice ruck and Taylor Adams to add more grunt to the middle of the ground and improve the contested game that dropped off this season for John Longmire’s side. Joel Hamling and James Jordon also arrived at the club, while keeping pick No.12 will help them bring in another talent. Hamling fits a need, but a key defensive option for life after Dane Rampe is still a need. They’re ranked 17th for defensive half intercept marks.
Ideal draft prospects: Ollie Murphy has been a bolter following great performances for Vic Metro, winning the MVP award for his output in the championships. Sydney’s first pick may potentially be too high for some if they pick Murphy, but he would be filling a need the club will have in the not-too-distant future. Connor O’Sullivan is another key defensive prospect who the Swans will be hoping slides a bit, given he’ll come into the mix at around the pick No.8 mark. Daniel Curtin would be perfect if he somehow slides that far. Ryley Sanders is also another good choice and now in play given North Melbourne don’t get exclusive access to him. Emerging academy talent Caiden Cleary — a hard-nosed midfielder who made the Under 18 All-Australian team after averaging 29.2 disposals, 11.2 contested possessions and 6.8 tackles for the Allies — is also an option.
WEST COAST EAGLES
Draft picks: 1, 23, 37, 58, 81
List chasm: Where do you start? The reality is the Eagles need mass talent to help accelerate their rebuild. It’s why some want them to part with pick one and bring in a suite of selections. More veteran departures this off-season have only accelerated the need for fresh talent and it’s in all areas of the ground.
Ideal draft prospects: If the Eagles hold Pick 1, they’ll surely back themselves and take Harley Reid. A versatile 185cm star, Reid is considered a generational talent – one experienced recruiter told foxfooty.com.au earlier this year Reid was the best prospect they’d ever seen – and would be hard to pass up if there was a genuine chance you could get him. The Eagles have been rejecting offers so far for the top pick and look set to make teams come hard on or right before draft night. Reid has drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin and plays with an infectious attitude, yet he can play across any line — and win games from any line — with his power at stoppages, overhead marking ability, penetrating kick and knack for hitting the scoreboard consistently. Multiple clubs have suggested to foxfooty.com.au this year the Eagles would be prepared to slide down the order if they could ‘guarantee’ they could still draft Daniel Curtin – WA’s top prospect who West Coast has strong interest in, according to rival clubs. The fact there’s a decent WA-based crop in this year’s draft pool makes splitting Pick 1 a more enticing option for the Eagles, although they would back themselves in to be able to retain interstate talent.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft picks: 5, 48, 50, 52, 53, 56, 69, 72, 75, 90
List chasm: The Dogs made a big play in trading up to pick five. It suggests they have a player in mind. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to either bolster their key defensive stocks or to target a bit more ground level flair in the forward half. It looks like they’re leaning towards the latter, despite ranking 18th for defensive one-on-one win rate and 11th for defensive half intercept marks.
Ideal draft prospects: If it’s a small forward they’re after, Nick Watson would be the perfect fit. He finished as the leading goalkicker of the national carnival and had stints up the ground that were also impressive. The Dogs just need to hope he sneaks past Hawthorn before them. Then there’s Ryley Sanders, who would also be a very sound option and the next best midfielder. The Dogs should also be asked to match a first-round bid on athletic 200cm father-son prospect Jordan Croft, whose dad Matthew played 186 games for the club. Croft is speedy and agile, yet also an accurate kick in front of goal. Ideally for the Dogs, they pick up either a smaller/hybrid type or key defender with one natural pick and then match a bid for Croft after.