With the 2022 AFL National Draft on our doorstep, we present to you or third and final Mock Draft, predicting how the first round of the count might play out.
The opening round of the draft is likely to extend to 20 or more picks thanks to father-son bidding, with Brisbane heavily involved in needing to match bids for their talented and affiliated prospects.
This experiment follows ourย previous two 2022 AFL Mock Drafts from mid-October and mid-November, with our third edition looking at further options for clubs to consider in the first round and the ripple effect those changes lead to.
RELATED: MOCK DRAFT (FIRST EDITION)
RELATED: MOCK DRAFT (SECOND EDITION)
Pick 1 - GWS: Aaron Cadman
Position:ย Key Forward
State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club:ย GWV Rebels
Community Club:ย Darley
Date of Birth:ย 03/03/04
Height:ย 195cm
Weight:ย 91kg
Weighing up a bid for Brisbane-tied prospect Will Ashcroft or drafting their own recruit, the Giants opt for the latter in this exercise and select Cadman with Pick 1.
The decision sees the GWV Rebels forward land $10,000 for being picked first, with the Giants looking to keep their newest recruit satisfied instead of weakening their opponent's draft plans.
Cadman slips straight into Adam Kinglsey's plans as the Giants look to again build a premiership-contending list.
Other Options:ย Bid on Will Ashcroft.
FULL AARON CADMAN DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 2 - Brisbane:ย Will Ashcroft (matched F/S bid)
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Old Brighton Grammarians
Date of Birth:ย 06/05/04
Height:ย 181cm
Weight:ย 78kg
With the Giants passing on a bid for Ashcroft atop the draft board, there's a strong chance the Lions get their man with the second overall pick in the count in what would be a great outcome for Brisbane.
They'll bank 386 extra draft points, which can be used toward matching a bid for Jaspa Fletcher, who is also set to receive a first-round bid later in this mock draft.
Other Options:ย N/A
Pick 3ย - North Melbourne: George Wardlaw
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club:ย St Peter's
Date of Birth:ย 18/07/04
Height:ย 182cm
Weight:ย 80kg
Whether it be with their first or second early selection, the Roos are set to attain Oakleigh Chargers onballer George Wardlaw.
Wardlaw immediately fills the void left by the departed Jason Horne-Francis in North Melbourne's engine room and will complement the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jy Simpkin nicely.
Other Options:ย Could bid on Ashcroft should he be overlooked by GWS. Harry Sheezel the other in consideration for Roos' top pick
FULL GEORGE WARDLAW DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 4 -ย North Melbourne: Harry Sheezelย
Position:ย Forward/Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Ajax
Date of Birth:ย 13/10/04
Height:ย 185cm
Weight:ย 80kg
If Sheezel isn't taken with North's first pick, then it looks likely he'll land at Arden Street with their second.
The Sandringham star will ignite the Kangaroos' forward line, which is already home to Cam Zurhaar and Nick Larkey, giving Alastair Clarkson a promising attacking trio for the future.
Other Options:ย Elijah Tsatas looms as the next best option for North Melbourne, who could receive a number of trade offers for their second selection
FULL HARRY SHEEZEL DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 5 - Essendon: Elijah Tsatas
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club:ย Surrey Park
Date of Birth:ย 18/10/04
Height:ย 186cm
Weight:ย 79kg
The Bombers look to be the first big domino that will impact the next seven or so selections.
Like our previous two mock drafts, we have Brad Scott's squad adding Elijah Tsatas when they first come on the clock, adding an exciting and versatile midfield prospect.
Combining with other young stars in Archie Perkins and Jye Caldwell in midfield, the Bombers' engine room will be humming for the long haul.
Other Options:ย SA gun Mattaes Phillipou also strongly tied to the Bombers. Essendon could part ways with their opening pick should a tempting offer arise
FULL ELIJAH TSATAS DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 6 - Gold Coast: Bailey Humphrey
Position:ย Midfield/Forward
State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club:ย Gippsland Power
Community Club:ย Moe
Date of Birth:ย 11/09/04
Height:ย 185cm
Weight:ย 86kg
The Suns have a number of areas to improve on and look to Humprhey to help with their midfield and forward avenues.
The Gippsland Power star is an explosive ball-winner that can push forward and impact the scoreboard.
Adding to the likes of Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Touk Miller in the middle, Stuart Dew gains an exciting edge with the acquisition of Humphrey.
Other Options:ย The Suns have confirmed WA's Reuben Ginbey is a player of interest, while Jedd Busslinger could beย a target should they look to fill a void in their backline
Pick 7 - Hawthorn: Mattaes Phillipou
Position:ย Midfielder/Forward
State:ย South Australia
State League Club:ย Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club:ย PHOS Camden
Date of Birth:ย 27/12/04
Height:ย 190cm
Weight:ย 89kg
The Hawks have no clear outcome with their first pick, likely relying on who Essendon choose two spots earlier, while they could look toward an array of other options still available.
With the Bombers moving on Tsatas, Phillipou might be the man atop Hawthorn's list of prospects.
The South Australian livewire has expressed a desire to play for a big Melbourne club, and gets that wish with the Hawks.
Other Options:ย Elijah Tsatas will be a target for the Hawks should he still be on the table. Midfield pair Jhye Clark and Cameron Mackenzie also a chance to land at Waverley
FULL MATTAES PHILLIPOU DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 8 - Geelong: Jhye Clark
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club:ย Geelongย Falcons
Community Club:ย Queenscliff
Date of Birth:ย 23/07/04
Height:ย 181cm
Weight:ย 76kg
Clark landed with the Cats in our opening mock draft, while our second exercise saw the Geelong Falcons captain head to Hawthorn.
In this outcome, with Clark available to Geelong at Pick 7, the inside midfielder will remain local in heading to Kardinia Park.
His well-documented comparison to retired Cats champion Joel Selwood sees Clark as a fitting selection for Chris Cott's side.
Other Options:ย Will have their sights on Clark, but he could be taken a pick earlier. Humphrey, Ginbey, Mackenzie and Ed Allan all potentially considered by the Cats
Pick 9 - West Coast: Reuben Ginbey
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Western Australia
State League Club:ย East Perth
Community Club:ย Dunsborough
Date of Birth:ย 10/09/04
Height:ย 189cm
Weight:ย 82kg
Another prospect who lands at the same pick and club as our two previous mock drafts, Ginbey remains out west in heading to West Coast at Pick 9.
While the Suns, Hawks and Cats are likely to weigh up Ginbey with their first picks, the East Royals onballer slides to the Eagles in this scenario.
The big-bodied and competitive midfielder will get to work under several stars of the competition when he joins West Coast's midfield group.
Other Options:ย Have been linked to key forward Matthew Jefferson, while Ed Allan and Cameron Mackenzie may also be of interest.
FULL REUBEN GINBEY DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 10 - St Kilda: Cameron Mackenzie
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Beaumaris
Date of Birth:ย 21/01/04
Height:ย 188cm
Weight:ย 83kg
The Saints secure their own Next Generation Academy gun in Cameron Mackenzie, who is one of the most balanced prospects among the class of 2022.
Mackenzie could have an instant impact on the Saints' list and could be a favourite of Ross Lyon's.
The tall midfielder will gain a great mentor when he works alongside Jack Steele at Moorabbin.
Other Options:ย May look toward Phillpou or Clark should they be on offer
FULL CAMERON MACKENZIE DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 11 - Carlton: Oliver Hollands
Position:ย Outside Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club:ย Murray Bushrangers
Community Club:ย Wodonga
Date of Birth:ย 16/01/04
Height:ย 183cm
Weight:ย 71kg
The Blues will be weighing up the addition of a wide midfield prospect or a taller defender, and in this outcome move for the former.
Hollands is one of the best wing options in the draft and would be a welcome addition to Princes Park following the acquisition of Blake Acres through the trade period.
The pair can combine to work wonders on the outside of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and George Hewett as early as next year.
Other Options:ย Wishful thinking for the Blues if a Humprhey or Phillipou are still on offer, while Jedd Busslinger could be of interest
FULL OLIVER HOLLANDS DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 12 - Brisbane: Jaspa Fletcher (matched F/S bid)
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Queensland
State League Club:ย Brisbane Lionsย Academy
Community Club:ย Sherwood
Date of Birth:ย 24/02/04
Height:ย 183cm
Weight:ย 76kg
After losing Josh Dunkley to the Lions through the trade period there's no love lost between the Bulldogs and Brisbane in this exercise, with the Dogs forcing an early matched bid from the Lions for Jaspa Fletcher.
A bid at Pick 12 would see Brisbane needing to fork up over 1000 draft points in what will be a steep asking price for the father-son talent.
Like Ashcroft, Fletcher will strengthen the Lions' midfield depth and frames as another promising prospect to land at Springfield.
Other Options:ย N/A
Pick 13 - Western Bulldogs: Jedd Busslinger
Position:ย Tall Defender
State:ย Western Australia
State League Club:ย East Perth
Community Club:ย Coolbinia
Date of Birth:ย 11/03/04
Height:ย 196cm
Weight:ย 82kg
After joining Gold Coast and Carlton in our first and second mock drafts respectively, Busslinger slides further in this mock draft to find a home at Whitten Oval.
The Royals' key defender is the best tall backman in the draft and will be a formidable successor for the likes of senior defenders Alex Keath and Liam Jones.
Other Options:ย Oliver Hollands would be a target for the Dogs if he's still on the table, while Elijah Hewett and Ed Allan could be of interest
Pick 14 - West Coast: Ed Allan
Position:ย Utility
State:ย Western Australia
State League Club:ย Claremont
Community Club:ย Mosman Park
Date of Birth:ย 26/05/04
Height:ย 194cm
Weight:ย 83kg
Allan joined the Eagles with their second selection in our previous mock draft after initially going unpicked in our initial top 20.
The versatile WA talent again finds himself remaining out west and joining Reuben Ginbey in landing at the Eagles.
Allen could feature on the wing for Adam Simpson's side while also rotating as a forward target to work alongside Jack Darling and Oscar Allen.
Other Options:ย Matthew Jefferson could again be available for the Eagles, while Elijah Hewett is a local prospect for them to consider
Pick 15 - Melbourne: Matthew Jeffersonย
Position:ย Key Forward
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club:ย Ashburton
Date of Birth:ย 08/03/04
Height:ย 195cm
Weight:ย 84kg
Jefferson joined Hawthorn in our original mock draft before joining the Demons on our second edition and again finds himself remaining in Victoria at the draft.
The Oakleigh Chargers spearhead has been linked to the Eagles, but finds himself still on the table as the Demons come on the clock.
The combination of Jefferson and 2021 first-round pick Jacon van Rooyen gives Melbourne an exciting key forward pairing for the future.
Other Options:ย Ed Allan would be a nice addition for the Demons, who are also interested in trading up this year
FULL MATTHEW JEFFERSON DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 16 - Sydney: Elijah Hewett
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Western Australia
State League Club:ย Swan Districts
Community Club:ย Caversham
Date of Birth: 27/05/04
Height: 185cm
Weight: 85kg
As noted in previous mock drafts, the Swans loom likely to move on the best available talent when they enter the draft.
Swan Districts' Elijah Hewett could be atop their list should they enter at Pick 16, with the explosive midfield adding another layer to Sydney's promising midfield ensemble.
Other Options:ย Searching among the best available talent, Henry Hustwaite and Lachie Cowan may also be considered by the Swans
FULL ELIJAH HEWETT DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 17 - GWS: Henry Hustwaite
Position:ย Midfielder/Defender
State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club:ย Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club:ย Rosebud
Date of Birth:ย 20/07/04
Height:ย 195cm
Weight:ย 82kg
A prospect the Swans would have weighed up with the pick prior, Hustwaite heads to New South Wales but instead with the Giants in this outcome.
Huswaite landed with the Swans in our two previous mock drafts and instead finds himself plying his trade with their state rivals.
The Dandenong Stingrays utility would be a serviceable weapon for Adam Kinglsey's fresh start at the Giants.
Other Options:ย Could look at small forward options instead, with Charlie Clarke and Jacob Konstanty the leading names
FULL HENRY HUSTWAITE DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 18 - Collingwood: Lewis Hayes
Position:ย Tall Defender
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Eastern Ranges
Community Club:ย South Belgrave
Date of Birth:ย 17/12/04
Height:ย 199cm
Weight:ย 82kg
Like some earlier picks, Eastern Ranges defender Lewis Hayes doesn't move across any of our three mock drafts as he lands at Collingwood in the first round.
The Magpies would be attracted to Hayes' strong intercept ability and disposal efficiency, traits that will only be strengthened when working alongside Darcy Moore in defence.
Other Options:ย SA's Jakob Ryan and Sandringham forward Charlie Clarke have also been tied to the Pies
FULL LEWIS HAYES DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 19 - Sydney: Lachlan Cowan
Position:ย Medium Defender
State:ย Tasmania
State League Club:ย Tasmania Devils
Community Club:ย Devonport
Date of Birth:ย 01/12/04
Height:ย 187cm
Weight:ย 81kg
Again looking at prospects that would be leading Sydney's list of best available talent, Tasmanian defender Lachlan Cowan looks to be a name the Swans could have in their sights.
The strong and consistent Cowan would be a fitting successor for Swans veteran Dane Rampe once the baton is passed on.
Other Options:ย Josh Weddle fills a similar mould to Cowan, while key-position talent like Harry Barnett and Isaac Keeler could be considered
FULL LACHIE COWAN DRAFT PROFILE
Pick 20 - GWS: Charlie Clarke
Position: Small Forward
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Port Melbourne Colts
Date of Birth: 04/01/04
Height: 182cm
Weight: 80kg
The Giants might be a hard one to read with their pair of late first-round picks along with Pick 19, with the NSW side coming away with the likes of Lachie Cowan, Brayden George, Olli Hotton and Jacob Konstanty in our previous mock drafts.
In a selection that follows a similar path, the Giants call on Sandorngham small forward Charlie Clarke to round out the final pick of the first round.
Other Options:ย Jacob Konstanty is another small forward for the Giants to consider, while Olli Hotton and Brayden George could also be considered
