Power ranking the top 30 prospects in the 2024 AFL draft pool

As we enter the month of November, the focus for footy fans turns towards the draft.

2024’s class looks to be the deepest in recent memory with great talent throughout, and AFL clubs will be looking to acquire as many first and second round picks as possible. As a pick in the forties this year is looking to be equivalent to a pick in the twenties last year.

It is midfield heavy, with a limited number of key position players, as well as no real consensus number one pick. Unlike other years with the likes of Harley Reid in 2023, Matt Rowell in 2019, and Sam Walsh in 2018.

With all play over for the year between state league football, the Coates Talent League, school competitions, and the National Championships. Along with the draft combine, the sporting world has got a glimpse of the next generation of talent in all the states of Australia.

This article gives an in-depth analysis of the top prospects in the crop, ranking them from an overall standpoint - considering, accomplishments, form and projections into the future.

1. Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Midfielder)

Levi has just about the best junior resume you could attain, having already played in three flags with the Dragons, and claiming two U18 All-Australian honours. He has elite game smarts and rarely has on off-day, averaging 31 disposals per outing in the Talent League including a 46-disposal game against the Falcons. Ashcroft possesses an immense work rate and impacts the scoreboard too, having 12 majors in nine games as a Dragon. It doesn’t matter what level of football Levi is playing, he will make his presence known. Winning an APS Premiership with Brighton Grammar before collecting 35 touches in a best-on-ground performance for the Brisbane VFL side, he is readymade. The 179cm midfielder has already nominated the Lions as the team he would like to be selected by, as a father-son prospect. His father, Marcus, played 318 games there, while older brother, Will, is currently listed at the club. And no doubt his name will be read out early like the reigning Norm Smith Medallist was.

2. Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro, Midfielder)

The Oakleigh Chargers’ skipper is the most prolific ball-winner in the land, averaging over 33 disposals per game this year in the Talent League. With games of 40, 42, and a career-best of 50 against the Jets were his best tallies. Along with that, he took that form into the National Championships where he averaged high twenties as captain in his appearances for Vic Metro. Jagga is both quick in and out of contests and has a brilliant game sense. Often zipping through the middle or releasing his teammates into space to advance the ball with great vision. Smith has similar traits on the field as former Charger, Nick Daicos, but also moves around like Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters. The Scotch College attendee is as consistent as they come and has already got some experience at VFL level with Richmond. Racking up 31 touches against Williamstown in his first outing before having two more solid games. He has an extremely high floor and is just about the ‘safest’ pick in the draft, meaning he will most likely feature inside the top five.

3. Finn O’Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country, Midfielder)

After an interrupted 2024 season dealing with finger and hand injuries, Finn finally got some games under his belt in multiple formats towards the latter part of the year. While his championship carnival wasn’t out of this world, a three-goal, 18-disposal display against a full-strength Sandringham in round nineteen was one of his best and showcased why he is a top pick in this draft. He is the complete midfielder, good above his head, is damaging, and has great balance of inside-outside craft. And while he can accumulate, O’Sullivan doesn’t need a ton of touches to impact games. The 18-year-old has been known in the football world for a while now, having won the Kevin Sheehan Medal in 2022. Along with his Charger teammate, he also has got a run at it with Richmond’s VFL side and will be targeted early on draft night. Growing up in Koroit, FOS, is also the cousin of Carlton’s Sam Walsh and could end up playing alongside him given where the Blues first round pick lies.

4. Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels/ Vic Country, Midfielder)

It was a frustrating year for GWV Rebel Sam Lalor, who battled with injuries at both the start and end of his final junior season. Still, the powerful athlete is one of the most exciting prospects given his strength and explosiveness out of the contest. Unlike a lot of the other draftees, his frame is already well built, and he uses that to his advantage to spades. He is a big game player who is able to turn games off his own boot, whether that be in the midfield around stoppages or up forward when in front of the big sticks. While he only suited up for four Talent League games in 2024, he amassed a healthy 23 disposals per outing and showed out against the Bushrangers for 34 touches and eight marks. Lalor was an All-Australian at U16 level in 2022 and had a strong bottom-age campaign last season. Melbourne’s Christian Petracca has been a noteworthy comparison for the 18-year-old, but he also admires Dustin Martin, which makes sense. And as the draft edges closer, Lalor has been associated with the number one pick, which is held by Richmond.

5. Sid Draper (South Adelaide/South Australia, Midfielder)

Draper, along with Ashcroft is just about the most readymade prospect in the pool, having played for South Adelaide in the SANFL over the past two years as a teenager. He was another one that had to battle injuries at the start of the year, but eventually got some games under his belt at different levels. With the Panthers he averaged 22.2 disposals per game and 6.2 tackles. The South Australian is both agile and speedy out of contests, offers a dose of flair while boasting a healthy work rate all over the ground. Draper’s turn of speed is also one of his best traits given his fast feet, along with being a natural born leader on the field. He is already a two-time U18 All-Australian in addition to being a state captain, and will be an instant start in the engine room at whatever club he ends up at. There is a chance that he lands at his hometown club of Adelaide giving his projections and where the Crows pick sits.

6. Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country, Midfielder)

Dandenong’s captain has had one of the best campaigns from a draft perspective, having taken out a joint Larke Medal honour, and impressed in the Talent League. While he isn’t the quickest on the ground, the left-footer has a booming kick and is elite aerially around the ground. He also often gets forward to use his 190cm frame to his advantage in front of goals having kicked 20 goals in fifteen matches this season. It’s a tall comparison, but there are shades of Marcus Bontempelli in his game. Langford is powerful in all thirds of the field, but in particular, the coalface and in the front half, and has elite endurance. The Vic Country athlete has a consistent profile, putting up a 20-disposal, one goal floor in most outings. With a four-goal from 33-disposal match against the Power being the best of his Talent League campaign, while a 30-touch performance versus the Allies in the Championships caught recruiters’ eyes. He is another that comes out of the Mount Martha scene and looks set to land inside the top ten come draft night.

7. Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro, Midfielder)

Six months ago, Eastern’s Josh Smillie was headlined as this year’s number one pick given his unique build, distinctive look and on-field skills. But a slight drop of form and some question marks on other areas of his game has seen him sink. Still, Smillie has immense upside with a scope for the next generational talent of football, and depicts likenesses to two-time Brownlow Medallist, Patrick Cripps. Even standing at 194cm, he is quick and explosive out of stoppages and can get dangerous in the front half to hit the scoreboard. He bagged 16 goals in 12 games for the Ranges while averaging over 25 disposals. The Ranges’ skipper’s best performance was a best-on-ground outing against the Lions Academy where he registered 34 touches and three goals. And while Eastern’s season was cut short in the finals, Smillie ended the campaign on a high note. Tallying 26 disposals and two majors in the wildcard round to remain one of the top prospects.

8. Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Midfielder/Forward)

The Rolls Royce of the draft is Sandringham’s Murphy Reid, who is one of the smartest prospects in the draft. He can play both inside and outside midfield or push forward to impact games on the scoreboard. Not along does he possess great handballing and kicking skills, he has no problem finding the ball. That was highlighted by a 39-touch performance against the Falcons en route to a 25.1 disposal average in the Talent League this season. He is creative and elusive player around the ground that can make something happened out of nothing. Murphy was also named Vic Metro’s MVP during the National Championships after dominating procedures. He registered a three-goal, 30-disposal outing against South Australia, which was the best of the lot. Like most of these top prospects, Reid bases his game around Collingwood champions Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom which makes sense given his elite game sense and poise with ball in hand. Reid is one of a few that is a two-time premiership player at Talent League level.

9. Bo Allan (Peel Thunder/Western Australia, Midfielder/Defender)

Peel Thunder’s Bo Allan is the top Western Australia talent in this year’s draft. He stands at 191cm, and is a versatile athlete, having been utilised in both defence and in the middle. The left-footer is in the mould of Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson, as he is good aerially, tough in the contest and has an offensive game. Allan placed fourth in the agility test at the combine, while being in the top five of both the vertical jumps, highlighting his traits of elite athleticism. Intercepting is also another strength of his, and being able to read the play before most others. In the month of September, Bo got to be a part of Peel’s premiership team in the WAFL. He was a member of the AFL Academy squad this year while also earning U18 All-Australian honours after a stellar championship carnival with Western Australia. It shouldn’t take him too long to get comfortable at AFL level given his big-bodied frame and senior experience.

10. Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power/Vic Country, Midfielder)

Lindsay has a precise probing left foot, knows how to win the ball and plays the right way. The Leongatha talent averaged 23.4 disposals per game in 2024 usually behind the ball, on the wing or on some occasions, especially this year, in the engine room. His finest performance was on the biggest stage in the National Championships final where he was named best-on for Vic Country’s in the loss in the decider with 30 disposals, eleven marks and eight tackles. Along with that, he took out the Morrish Medal in the Coates League, polling in eight of his twelve games, demonstrating his consistent output week-in, week-out. The Gippsland skipper barely dipped below twenty disposals. There has been links to Essendon’s Zach Merrett in Lindsay’s game given his accuracy and evenness. Xavier is equipped to play at the next level right away, and would be one of few that could play north of 300 games at senior level given his reliability.

11. Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Academy/Allies, Midfielder)

Suns Academy talent, Leo Lombard is a fierce competitor that offers great ball-winning traits and forward half work. He was in the winning side for Gold Coast in the VFL just last year, doing so as a 16-year-old. Which is just one piece to his impressive junior catalogue, an U16 MVP award in 2022 before more recently taking out joint Larke Medal honours at the National Championships. Where he averaged over 25 touches, with his best outing a 32-disposal, two-goal game against Western Australia. The Broadbeach native is also speedy and explosive in the middle, while producing an elite work rate. He placed first in the agility test, and second in the 20-metre sprint at the combine, further showing his top-class athleticism. Lombard has been a part of the Gold Coast Academy since he was thirteen years old, and has been closely mirroring Suns’ captain, Touk Miller’s game. He will most likely start his football career at half-forward given their already midfield group.

12. Tobie Travaglia (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country, Defender)

The dashing Travaglia is an exciting prospect that can bounce between defence and midfield. Tobie has a competitive nature when he lines up to play, whether that be chasing and creating pressure without the ball or generating attack with the ball. Standing at 187cm, he has the ability to lockdown his opponents but also pick off the opposition through his elite intercepting. The Pioneer utility was prominent in the deciding game of the National Championships, recording 25 touches and nine marks as a defender. While a 28-disposal, three-goal performance against the Dragons in the Talent League showcased his full arsenal as a player. Not only does the Bendigo prospect possess similar traits to Hawthorn’s Will Day, but he moves the same way in the open field. He boasts elite endurance which was highlighting by finishing inside the top two of the 2km time trial at the combine. At the next level, Travaglia should start behind the ball before transitioning into the midfield.

13. Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Forward)

Armstrong has solidified himself as one of the first key position player to be selected in the draft after dominating the forward line across many levels. A five-goal haul in Vic Metro’s championship win over Vic Country in July put recruiters on notice, along with a mammoth ten-goal performance for Haileybury in the APS. He continued that good form in the Talent League, kicking an accurate 27.10 on the season for the Dragons, which included four in the premiership-deciding game at IKON Park. Even standing at nearly two metres, he is quick, athletic and loves a contested mark, which is one of his big strengths. Furthermore, he is extremely nimble on the field which was backed up with his seventh-placed agility run at the combine, an elite result for a player his size. And while he may have benefited from playing in an elite Sandringham program, the 195cm spearhead is a professional forward, and does all the right things.

14. Jobe Shanahan (Bendigo Pioneers/Allies, Forward)

The Bendigo powerhouse forward has pushed himself into first round calculations after performing across an array of formats this year, as a Pioneer, in the Murray Football League, the AFL Academy and the Allies. But it was his stint in the VFL with Essendon where he turned heads of recruiters. He booted eleven majors in just three games and demonstrated his elite forward craft against senior bodies. Shanahan’s biggest strength is his aerial ability, whether that be one on one, in a pack or on a lead. He also offers a versatility to play behind the ball, having been utilised as a defender this season and even trialled as a midfielder. Growing up in Moama, the NSW resident kicked 23 goals in eleven matches in the Talent League with bags of five against Dandenong and then six against the Bushrangers in the latter part of the season.

15. Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Defender)

Luke was touted as a top five prospect at the start of his 2024 campaign, but has struggled to stay on the park due to some injuries and concussions. Nevertheless, the versatile tall still should be in the first half of names read out on draft night given his elite skill set on both ends. Trainor’s kicking is one of his best traits, often looking to set up play aggressively from half-back. On the other end, he likes to zone off on his opponent to go third-man-up and intercept. This was on show in the opening couple rounds of Talent League and against Coburg’s VFL side as an AFL Academy player where he won best-on-ground honours. Along with that, he kicked the winning goal for Vic Metro in the final after being swung forward in the dying stages, highlighting his forward craft. The Sandringham tall Trainor has been likened to Essendon’s Jordan Ridley and Geelong’s Tom Stewart in terms of on-field play.

16. Alix Tauru (Gippsland Power/Vic Country, Defender)

The biggest bolter in this year’s draft is Gippsland’s Tauru, who is still relatively raw, but possesses unreal potential. After many frustrating years of injury-affected seasons, he finally got to show the football world what he is capable of. He is the ultimate swingman, standing at 193cm, having played behind the ball as a key defender, through the midfield and as a target in the forward line, all across many formats. Tauru’s versatility was on full display in the final games of Gippsland’s season when he would start games in the backline to lockdown before going forward in the second half and hitting the scoreboard. He also impressed at the combine, placing first in the running vertical jump while performing well in all the other tests, underlining his elite athleticism. Hailing from Warragul, there is talk that he could be taken as early as second on draft night with North Melbourne given his upside and scope for growth.

17. Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Midfielder/Forward)

Had he not unfortunately injured his ACL in May, Hotton would’ve been in top ten calculations. The 182cm dynamic athlete is predominantly used in the front half given his creative skills, but can also go inside to add a touch of flair with his clean possession as well. He obviously missed a ton of football this year but showed out in the very few games he did line up in. A dominant 32-disposal, four-goal outing against Oakleigh is sure to keep his name up the top of draft boards. Along with an impressive game against in the AFL Academy where he was an injury replacement, recording two majors from 16 disposals. He comes from a sure football family, being the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player, Trent, and brother of former Saint, Olli. The Haileybury attendee boasts elite agility, acceleration and athleticism, and has more X-factor than just about anyone else in the crop.

18. Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro, Forward)

Essendon’s top NGA prospect, Kako, is quite the package, having the speed and smarts to create something out of nothing. While additionally showing an ability to play on-ball, as he did when he returned to the Coates League. He is a livewire and highlight reel in the front half coming in at just 175cm. The Calder product’s best showing was a 29-disposal, three-goal game against the Suns Academy. Being involved in his team’s scoring chain is a big part of his game, where he can use his inventiveness. The excitement machine also accumulated forty-four different scoring shots this season across just twelve games with the Cannons, and while twenty-four of them were behinds, it emphasizes his lively nature around goals. He is expected to be bid on inside the top fifteen and land at The Hangar when the Bombers match. Given their lack of small forward options, he should find a home in the starting six and make his presence known straight away.

19. Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country, Forward)

Murray’s small forward, Berry is electric and just about the most complete small forward in the crop. The left-footer has great craft, works hard, and is clinical and selfless in front of goals. Even in tough circumstances, he just finds a way to hit the scoreboard. Berry opened the Talent League with a bag of four goals in four of his first five appearances en route to twenty-seven for the year. He also starred in National Championships with Vic Country, finishing as the equal lead goalkicker with nine, which included three from 14 disposals in the deciding game of the carnival. And while his form cooled down in the latter part of the season, he still earnt U18 All-Australian honours and was named in the Coates Talent League TOTY. Along with splitting Murray’s best-and-fairest in September. His ability to sneak goals and push up the ground draws comparison to Adelaide’s Izak Rankine.

20. Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country, Forward)

Jack is one of two Whitlock’s for the Bushrangers, with Matt also a top 30 consideration, along less developed. Even at 200cm, he moves well around the ground and can play in multiple positions, whether that be in the ruck, up forward or down back. But has found a home in front of goals, having kicked 25 goals for the Bushrangers in a stacked forward line. He also had a promising carnival, averaging close to 15 disposals and going at a goal per game for Vic Country, with two coming in the final. Whitlock’s mobility is an underrated trait of his, as he has no problem getting around the ground to impact contests. That, along with his aerial presence gives him a good scope of accumulating the ball in the future. Which was somewhat showed in the Talent League this year, hitting the twenty-disposal mark in three different outings. It may be obvious when it comes to an AFL resemblance, but it’s hard to look past the King twins when analysing both the Whitlock’s games.

21. Jesse Dattoli (Northern Knights/Vic Metro, Midfielder/Forward)

Northern’s Dattoli can do a little bit of everything on the field along with offering a competitive nature every week. He has a great sense of finesse, toughness and footy smarts. Naturally a forward given his crafty and creative traits, he has also been used as a midfielder for the Knights, particularly in the second half of the season. A three-goal from 26 disposals performance against Eastern in the Talent League backed up by a 35-touch outing in the wildcard was two of his best while also showcasing that he loves the big moments. He was also a part of Vic Metro’s side in their carnival championship season, linking up with teammates on the wing. The Carey Grammar alumni admires GWS’ Toby Greene but bases his game around a number of stars including Brisbane’s Lachie Neale, and Swans duo Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner. At the next level, Jesse’s drive and passion will sure hold him in good stead at whatever club he ends up at.

22. Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country, Midfielder/Forward)

Powerful is one word to describe Hynes’ game. He comes in at deceptive 190cm and has a strong frame to go with it that he uses to his advantage. The Dandenong co-captain offers a formidable one-two punch with good friend Harvey Langford at stoppages. He typically starts at centre bounces before drifting forward when resting to impact the scoreboard, where he usually has size and height edges over his opponent. The Bonbeach junior kicked 23 goals across fifteen outings in the Talent League while registering 23.7 disposals per game. With the best showing being a 23-touch, five-goal display against the Suns Academy. His consistent season was rewarded at years end after finishing runner-up in the Morrish Medal voting. Over the years, Hynes has gradually improved his endurance hoping to become more of a mainstay on-baller, after spending most of his teenage football career up forward. But that has seen him develop a great goal sense.

23. Jonty Faull (GWV Rebels/Vic Country, Forward)

Faull was one of the most recognised key forwards in this year’s pool despite coming into 2024 hampered, and only boosted his stock after some stunning performances in the latter stage of his campaign. The competitive forward averaged 2.5 goals per outing as a Rebel this season, but more importantly bagged nine goals across the quarterfinals and preliminary finals to help GWV reach the big dance. His work rate all over the ground is one of his biggest strengths, and it was highlighting in the Grand Final against the Dragons. Despite being goalless, Jonty was among the best for his side in a big defeat. The Redan native’s accuracy certainly helps him find majors easily, having kicked a healthy 27.16 in the Talent League. Along with a contested nature, whether that be in the air or at ground level. Sydney’s Logan McDonald comes to mind when referencing Faull’s game in terms of both performance and movement.

24. Sam Marshall (Sandringham Dragons/Allies, Midfielder)

Marshall, who is tied with Brisbane’s Academy caught many eyeballs after taking home best-on-ground honours in Sandringham’s win in the Grand Final of the Talent League. He registered 28 touches, two majors and set the tone early. The 185cm competitor has great inside-outside balance and boasts elite aerobic running which he uses to get to as many contests as possible to accumulate. As well as getting involved in chain play and repeat efforts. And while he isn’t the flashiest player in the draft, he is reliable and gets the job done most weeks. Originally from the state of Queensland, Marshall moved down to Victoria to complete his schooling at Melbourne Grammar and as a result found himself in the Dragons system. With the Allies this year, the all-around midfielder produced a stellar campaign. Games of 30, 27, 27, and 25 disposals demonstrated his consistent output as a player. Sam has got some senior experience, having played a singular game as a bottom-ager for Lions in the VFL last year and two more matches in 2024. At Brisbane, he will likely start on the outside on a wing or behind the ball given the names already featured their midfield.

25. Ollie Hannaford (GWV Rebels/Vic Country, Forward)

Another player who closed out the season on a strong note was GWV’s Hannaford, lighting it up in the front half but also having an impact in the middle. Initially being used in defence as a run-and-carry player, the Rebels opted to put him forward of the ball which proved a massive winner. Bursting onto the scene with a five-goal haul against the Chargers which got people intrigued. A couple weeks later in finals he bagged six goals against the Falcons before being among the best in the Talent League decider with 24 touches and a major. The 18-year-old was overlooked at the National Draft Combine, but was there for the State one where he took home first place in the agility test, showcasing his athletic qualities. He has a real competitive edge and high intensity style on both sides of the ball, which will be needed at the next level given he stands at just 180cm.

26. Alex Dodson (Sturt/South Australia, Ruck)

Dodson is one of the top ranked ruck prospects in this year’s draft, and while he is a highly touted basketballer, the South Australian ultimately chose football for his career path just a couple of months ago. The Basketball background is prevalent on the field, where his athleticism, clean hands and mobility stand a level above the other ruckmen. He lit up the stat sheet in the SANFL this season averaging over 20 disposals per game and close to twenty-five hit outs. With his best outing a mammoth 32 touches to along with thirty-four hit outs and ten clearances. The dual-sport athlete had a solid National Championships campaign which saw him earn the ruck spot in the U18 All-Australian team. His follow-up work is among his best traits and merits comparison talks to St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall. There is enormous upside in Dodson’s game given he comes in at a whopping 203cm and still fairly raw. With some years under his belt, he could end up one of the best rucks in the league.

27. Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro, Midfielder)

Eastern winger, Christian Moraes is a running machine, with an ability to get forward and impact the scoreboard. He is another prospect that has a basketball background which is noticeable on the field, by being extremely clean in the contest by hand and foot. Coming into the year he was labelled as a top ten prospect after a tremendous bottom-age campaign, averaging 26.4 disposals across sixteen games. His hype cooled off a touch in 2024 but still he has sparkled in the Talent League. Rarely dipping below 20 disposals, with his best being a 27-disposal, five-goal outing against the Jets in the last round of the home-and-away season. Where he showcased his athletic profile and hard-working characteristics. Perhaps Moraes most impressive showing was in Vic Metro’s win over South Australia where he amassed 22 touches, twelve marks and two majors. As mentioned before, he is an endurance weapon, and that was backed up at the National Combine where he finished top ten in the 2km time trial. In terms of an AFL similarity, he goes about his football in the same way Gold Coast’s Noah Anderson does.

28. Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro, Forward/Midfielder)

Gross is a tough, diligent individual who splits time between forward and midfield like most of the other prospects above. The Oakleigh utility’s competitive profile was on full display for the AFL Academy against Coburg’s VFL side. Even at 181cm, he put his body on the line with loose balls on the ground, went for gutsy marks aerially, and refused to be taken down in tackles by the bigger bodies. And while his crash-and-bash style leads to some rushed disposal, he makes up for it with consistency. He averaged 22.3 disposals a game as a Charger and had at least nineteen touches in every game while kicking no less than one major in six out of his eight appearances. That steady production is what every AFL club is looking for in a midfielder. He had a robust carnival with Vic Metro lining up in an outside midfield position and as a result, earned U18 All-Australian honours on a half-forward flank. Gross’ game looks eerily similar to North Melbourne’s George Wardlaw.

29. Harrison Oliver (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, Defender)

Brighton Grammar attendee Harrison Oliver is as tough as they come. Always playing above his height at just 181cm and putting his body on the line when defending. The premiership Dragon is also one of the best kicks in the draft pool, possessing a classy left foot that can pick apart opposition at any given time. He got recruiters on notice after a dominant display in Vic Metro’s first game of the carnival against the Allies where he recorded 25 disposals and six marks in tough conditions. In the Talent League, he got to be a part of Sandringham’s third consecutive flag, while being a consistent contributor in the home-and-away season. Along with a spot in the U18 All-Australian team. Oliver would fit in at most clubs given he plays his role to perfection every week, and will likely make an impact right away behind the ball. His game can be linked to Melbourne’s Christian Salem.

30. Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country, Defender)

Mraz has been one of the perennial key defenders of his age group since he was sixteen years old. Quality key position players are to come by, especially defenders that have offensive weapons. The Narre Warren product dealt with a number of injuries this year to where he was only able to step on the field a handful of times. He was a talented basketballer as a junior but in the end decided to commit to football. A 24-touch outing against the Power in round two was among his best, showcasing his athleticism, reading of the play and field skills as a part-time ruck. He was also a part of the AFL Academy game against Coburg in April. Overcoming his foot injury, the 198cm prospect was able to test at the National Combine where he posted an impressive 2km time trial. Mraz could end up being the steal of the draft given he has missed a lot of football over the last twelve months.

The others on the cusp of the top thirty include Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers, Defender/Forward), Harry O’Farrell (Calder Cannons, Defender), James Barrat (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country, Defender/Forward), Archer Day-Wicks (Bendigo Pioneers, Forward), Lachie Jaques (Geelong Falcons, Defender), Josh Dolan (Sandringham Dragons, Forward/Midfielder), Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers, Forward), Jack Ough (GWV Rebels, Midfielder), Gabriel Stumpf (Northern Knights, Forward), Xavier Ivisic (Geelong Falcons, Midfielder), Jayden Nguyen (Calder Cannons, Defender).

Like mentioned before, this year’s draft pool offers immense depth, and no doubt there will be some gems land at clubs in the late first round and even second. And the top-end talent could see 2024 be classified as one of the few “super drafts” in a decade's time.