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
3. Pick 3 - North Melbourne: Sam Lalor
Position:ย Midfielder-Forward
Height:ย 188m
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Bacchus Marsh
If we were looking into live trades, the Roos' opening pick would likely be on the move in a deal that sees the club secure multiple picks in the first round, with Richmond, Melbourne and St Kilda among the potential suitors.
It would allow North Melbourne to add more young talent that also suits a list need, with the club perhaps better off looking away from the pack of midfielders that are likely to occupy the top several spots in their player rankings.
In this scenario however, Lalor looks to be a suitable match given his ability to leave his mark on games in the front third as well as the engine room. The GWV Rebels star averaged 23 disposals, 12.8 contested possessions, 6.3 clearances and 6.3 score involvements in the Talent League in 2024 and put up strong numbers at the national and school levels to strengthen his prospects.
