The 2024 AFL Draft is now less than a month away, so as it approaches we've begun to look at who each club could select in the first round of the count with our first Mock Draft of the year.
A total of 23 selections shared by a dozen different clubs currently make up this year's opening round of picks, while priority-tied prospects are likely to see the number of selections balloon out following matched bids.
Richmond currently hold seven first-round selections, including the prized Pick 1, while St Kilda, Melbourne, GWS and Sydney also have multiple spots in the queue early into the draft.
VIEW: CURRENT 2024 AFL DRAFT ORDER
We've looked at how each first-round selection might unfold and offer some insight into the top draft stars your club could recruit come November 20.
This exercise does not include predicted live trading, with the draft order to remain as it currently reads, with the exception being matched bids for father-son or Academy prospects.ย
Following Mock Drafts will be published closer to the AFL Draft, looking at alternative outcomes and will include live trades.ย
14. Pick 14 - Gold Coast: Leonardo Lombard (Matched Academy Bid)
Position:ย Midfielder
Height:ย 179cm
State:ย Queensland
Club:ย Broadbeach
The Suns are facing a more straightforward opening draft night compared to last year, with Lombard likely the club's sole Academy selection for the first few rounds at least.
The pacey midfielder shared the Larke Medal with Vic Country's Harvey Langford following a stellar carnival for the Allies, averaging 26.3 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 6.0 inside 50s, 5.0 score involvements, 4.5 tackles and 1.0 goals per game.
His 2023 campaign included premierships at the U18s National Championships and with Gold Coast's VFL side as a 16-year-old, while Lombard added a further eight games at the state league level this year.
His burst and hustle around midfield will be welcomed at Carrara this off-season, with Lombard a perfect successor for co-captain Touk Miller in the years to come.
