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.Â
Following Mock Drafts will be published closer to the AFL Draft, looking at alternative outcomes and will include live trades.Â
Position: Midfielder
Height: 182cm
State: Victoria
Club: Koroit
A fascinating call atop the draft board awaits the Tigers, who we see selecting Oakleigh Chargers gun O'Sullivan.
The teenager entered 2024 as arguably the leading prospect in his class before battling a series of setbacks related to hand injuries - managing just four Talent League games and a pair of appearances for Vic Country at the National Championships. With enough runs on the board before his ailments, coupled with a handful of starring performances, there's little doubting O'Sullivan's pedigree.
His numbers (17.3 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.3 inside 50s, 3.0 clearances, 3.5 tackles and 1.3 goals) won't match many others toward the top of the draft, but it's O'Sullivan's impact and damage that separates him from the pack.
Position: Midfielder
Height:Â 179cm
State: Victoria
Club:Â Old Brighton Grammarians
Perhaps the best player this year's talent-rich pool of prospects has to offer, but a bid for Ashcroft is less likely to come at Pick 1.
Just like the Kangaroos did two years ago with Ashcroft's older brother Will, North Melbourne could be the club to bid on Levi at Pick 2 and force the Lions' hand early.
The father-son talent had arguably the best campaign of any teenager, averaging 30.8 disposals, 5.4 marks, 5.3 clearances, 6.7 inside 50s, 9.3 score involvements and 1.3 goals per game on his way to leading the Sandringham Dragons to their third straight premiership - a three-peat he is the sole member of.
Ashcroft was a key piece for Vic Metro in their successful carnival and was also one of the AFL Academy's best performers in their two matches, but a 35-disposal, 11-clearance and one-goal VFL debut was a standout.
Position:Â Midfielder-Forward
Height:Â 188m
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â 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.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 182cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Richmond
After trading their way up to the top handful of spots in the queue, it'll be intriguing to see who the Blues bring to Princes Park on November 20. The already-taken O'Sullivan is sure to be a player of interest, but Oakleigh Chargers teammate Smith is an equally tantalising talent to consider.
The cunning and intelligent inside-outside midfield threat had a stellar year across every level and effortlessly found possession each weekend, averaging 33.8, 29.3 and 27.3 disposals in the Talent League, National Championships and VFL respectively.
His crafty work by hand and damaging agility at the contest saw the smaller-framed onballer slide his way out of tight spots on numerous occasions in 2024. Smith also earned plenty of praise for his leadership, getting the nod as captain of the U18 All-Australian team and the Talent League Team of the Year.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 182cm
State:Â South Australia
Club:Â Willunga
A local pickup for the Crows, who will have their sights firmly set on this South Adelaide speedster.
While injuries bookended Draper's draft campaign, the teenager's six games at the senior SANFL level for the Panthers proved to be one of the best purple patches AFL recruiters would've come by in 2024.
The agile midfielder averaged 22.2 disposals, 4.7 clearances and 6.2 tackles at the level to be arguably South Adelaide's best performer across his time in the state league.
Factor in his two-year run with South Australia, which includes MVP honours last year as a bottom-ager and a dominant single SANFL U18s outing, and the Crows could have the pick of the bunch with the selection of Draper.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 191cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Mount Martha
A big-bodied midfielder who likens his game to that of Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, Langford will have the Demons licking their lips should he be available at their first selection.
The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain rose with the expectations when he represented Vic Country in his four U18s National Championships matches, averaging 25.5 disposals, 6.3 marks, 6.3 clearances, 6.3 inside 50s and 7.5 score involvements to share the Larke Medal as the carnival's best performer.
Langford's height sees him tower over most opponents in the middle of the field and also places him as a ripe forward threat, both in the air and as a natural ball winner who has an eye for goal and can bring his teammates into the game.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 181cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â South Melbourne Districts
Richmond's second selection of the night might see them add one of this year's big risers in Reid, whose traits would fittingly complement the strengths that O'Sullivan would bring to Adem Yze's midfield ensemble.
Much like how O'Sullivan was able to wax with Chargers teammate Jagga Smith for large parts of the past two years, Reid can bring a similar style with his clean hands at the contest and high footy IQ, while the Sandringham star can be an even bigger threat in the front half.
Reid was a shining light in Vic Metro's undefeated carnival, averaging 24.5 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions, 3.2 clearances and 3.2 tackles to take out the MVP award for the title-winning side.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 195cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Park Orchards
There seems to be a near-clear top eight names atop this year's draft pool, meaning the Saints could be left to wait and see who of the octet is left for them to select. That in no way takes away from Smillie, who remains as good of a chance to go close to Pick 1.
The key-position-sized midfielder started the year like no other at the Talent League level for the Eastern Ranges and soon found a rich vein of form - including a run where he managed three games of 30+ disposals and multiple goals in three of four games.
His size and power in the middle of the ground are almost unmatched, drawing comparisons to Brownlow Medal winner Patrick Cripps, while Smillie has proven to be a versatile asset over the past 18 months to hold roles at either end of the field.
Position:Â Key Forward
Height:Â 195cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Ormond
The Saints' second selection looks set to open up the rest of the draft, with the next tier of teenagers queuing up.
Having confirmed a desire to recruit local talent as part of their list planning under Ross Lyon, the selection of Sandringham gun Harry Armstrong could be a good match.
Arguably the best key forward in this year's draft class, Armstrong stops the tape at 195cm tall and has an elite leap to be a truly damaging threat in the air.
He booted 27 goals in the Talent League to finish equal third in the competition and would boot a further three goals per game across his trio of performances for Vic Metro to earn Team of the Year honours at both levels.
Position:Â Small Forward
Height:Â 176cm
State:Â Victoria
Club: Northern Saints
Essendon fans will be curiously awaiting a rival bid on Next Generation Academy talent Kako, which is anticipated to fall between Picks 5-20.
St Kilda are a strong chance to pull the trigger and force the Bombers into a bid at Pick 8 or 9 in this exercise, while Melbourne are said to have some interest in selecting Kako and could do so at either Pick 6 or 10.
Nevertheless, the ground-level threat will be at Essendon come the end of November and is sure to be a player who will excite the Dons faithful for the next decade at least. The crafty front-half livewire booted 20 goals for the Calder Cannons and a further eight from four games for Vic Metro.
Position:Â Key Defender
Height:Â 194cm
State:Â Victoria
Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
A talent who could go at Melbourne's opening selection and could have suitors in North Melbourne and St Kilda before Pick 11.
Trainor had a sensational draft campaign, flourishing across his pair of appearances for the AFL Academy against VFL sides and playing a consistent brand of football at both the Talent League and National Championships - averaging close to 20 disposals, six marks and five intercept possessions for the year.
The grandson of AFL legend Doug Wade, Trainor is a versatile key defender who is elite in the air and equally damaging by foot, while he has shown an ability to play in the middle and up forward as he relies on his tall and athletic frame.
The Demons are sure to have their sights on a key position talent with one of their first-round picks, and Trainor could be the perfect addition for the future.
Position:Â Defender-Midfielder
Height:Â 187cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Sandhurst
Speed and outside hustle are the leading traits for Travaglia, who was among Vic Country's best in their strong U18s carnival this year.
The Bendigo talent took out best and fairest honours at the Pioneers last year while playing alongside Harley Reid, with his stocks only soaring higher across the course of 2024 as he managed to find plenty of the ball and use it wisely.
Travaglia averaged 23.6 disposals, 4.3 marks, 6.0 intercept possessions, 3.2 clearances, 5.2 score involvements and 6.4 tackles from his dozen appearances in the Talent League to be named at half-back in the competition's Team of the Year - the same spot he claimed in the U18 All-Australian side.
Able to play in defence, on the wing or through the middle, the pacey teenager would be a fitting addition to the Tigers' earlier selections.
Position:Â Defender-Forward
Height:Â 193cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Warragul Industrials
At this point in the draft the Tigers will likely be looking toward the key position talent pool, with the second half of the first round set to offer an abundance of 190cm+ players who can fill a role at either end.
Tauru, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise with Gippsland and Vic Country this year, is capable of playing as both an intercepting defender and as a forward target - potentially giving Richmond some flexibility as they also rely on the versatility of swingman Noah Balta.
The athletic youngster has a stunning leap and has shown little fear when flying for the ball - traits that have boded well in every position he has played.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 179cm
State:Â Queensland
Club:Â 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.
Position:Â Midfielder-Defender
Height:Â 191cm
State:Â Western Australia
Club:Â Halls Head
Western Australia's leading prospect for 2024, Allan will be right in the sights of the Eagles after they moved back from Pick 3 during the trade period.
There's a good chance the WA captain is off the board by the time West Coast are on the clock, but in this exercise he finds his way to Lathlain Park at Pick 15.
Allan couldn't have done much more in 2024, playing a leading role for his state in a difficult carnival - averaging 20 disposals, 3.7 clearances, 6.3 score involvements and 6.0 tackles from his trio of appearances.
He capped off his campaign with a WAFL flag, having played 11 games for Peel Thunder on their way to the premiership, with the youngster proving to be a viable option through midfield and in defence as a medium-sized option.
Position:Â Midfielder-Forward
Height:Â 190cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Bonbeach
A purely damaging player when in possession, with Hynes kicking a team-high 23 goals for the year with Dandenong while averaging 23.7 disposals for the season. He also managed a mean of 4.7 clearances, 4.5 inside 50s, 7.4 score involvements and 3.1 tackles per game in 2024 to finish second in the Morrish Medal count.
Hynes, who commonly paired with fellow Stingrays co-captain Harvey Langford in the front half of the field, could follow Zak Butters' path as an impactful midfield-forward asset to start his career.
He also managed to have a strong U18s carnival as the cream of the competition rose, with the energetic goalsneak doing his stocks no harm across his four games for Vic Country.
Position:Â Midfielder-Forward
Height:Â 182cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Hampton Rovers
The Dockers could be in line for a bargain pickup if Hotton is the name they pull the trigger on, with the Sandringham Dragons prospect among this year's top performers prior to a season-ending ACL injury.
Hotton managed three games before his setback, with a leading performance coming in Round 2 against the Oakleigh Chargers when he amassed 32 disposals, four goals, five tackles and 10 marks to make his case known quickly.
A promising front-half threat, Hotton would be afforded the time to continue his recovery early into his time at the Dockers before eventually stepping up to the top level, likely complementing new recruit Shai Bolton as a dual-position threat in the front half.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 183cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Leongatha
The first of the Giants' trio of first-round picks for November's intake sees them swoop on Morrish Medal winner Lindsay, who has every right to fall in the top 10 selections also.
A contested ball winner and damaging left-footer, the Gippsland Power star proved to be a leading asset in the Talent League, at the National Championships and with the AFL Academy.
He averaged 22.7 disposals, 6.7 marks, 5.0 inside 50s, 4.3 clearances, 6.3 score involvements and 5.0 tackles from his three games for Vic Country, with his best coming in a narrow loss to Vic Metro that decided the carnival.
While proving to be a strong inside midfielder, Lindsay can also slot into a half-back role - having proven to seamlessly do so for the AFL Academy and in last year's Future Stars game.
Position:Â Key Forward
Height:Â 195cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Moama
The second successive pick for GWS, who again add to their strong regional Victoria ties after already taking Lindsay a pick earlier.
Shanahan was a notable name to watch after earning an AFL Academy selection this year, with his form in the National Championships for the Allies and in the Talent League showing further promise for the 195cm forward.
The Bendigo Pioneers talent earned a VFL gig with Essendon, where his best run of form for the year came to light. Across his three games, Shanahan kicked 11 goals at the state league level from 9.7 disposals, 5.0 marks and 6.0 score involvements each match.
While he might not need time to develop his craft before an AFL debut, Shanahan would be afforded the luxury to hone his skills and wait in the wings at the Giants while learning from Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan at GWS.
Position:Â Ruck
Height:Â 201cm
State:Â South Australia
Club:Â Payneham
The Bulldogs are an interesting club to assess ahead of the draft, but with lacking ruck stocks they could call on the first ruckman of the count in Dodson.
The South Australian basketball prodigy is the leading ruck for 2024, having managed 17.3 disposals, 19.7 hitouts, 6.7 hitouts to advantage and 3.7 clearances in his three games for SA at the National Championships.
Athletically gifted and standing at 201cm, Dodson was named in the U18 All-Australian side and was a dominant force for Sturt's U18s side this year also.
With Tim English leading the way for the Dogs' ruck unit, Dodson could be a formidable selection at Pick 20 who can one day take the mantle at the Kennel.
Position:Â Small Forward
Height:Â 181cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Wangaratta
The Tigers are back on the clock at Pick 21, which will be their third last selection of the first round and their fifth so far in this count.
Their next selection sees them acquire one of the best ground-level guns this year's draft class has to offer in Berry, who quickly rose to the elite crop thanks to strong numbers for the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country.
Berry booted 27 goals in the Talent League to finish equal third in the competition, with 16 of those goals coming in four of his first five games. He went on to kick nine goals in his four games for Vic Country before showing off his abilities as a midfielder in his return to the Bushrangers.
The crafty small forward would nicely sharpen Adem Yze's attacking tandem and Berry might be considered a bargain at Pick 21.
Position:Â Midfielder
Height:Â 185cm
State:Â Queensland
Club:Â St Bedes/Mentone
The second bid of the night the Lions are preparing to match, with Academy talent Marshall having a great year with the Allies and Sandringham Dragons.
A hard-working midfielder who relies on his endurance and IQ to find plenty of the ball, the Queenslander capped off his campaign with best-afield honours in the Dragons' grand final win over the GWV Rebels last month when he collected 28 disposals and two goals.
A strong finish to the year following a vocal run at the national level, with Marshall amassing 27 disposals, 5.5 marks, 3.3 inside 50s, 4.0 clearances, 5.0 score involvements and 3.8 tackles across his four games for the Allies.
Marshall also managed to average 15.5 disposals and 4.0 marks across a pair of appearances in the VFL for the Lions too.
Position:Â Forward-Ruck
Height:Â 199cm
State:Â Western Australia
Club:Â Joondalup Kinross
A monster against opposition of his age this year out west, the strong-marking dual-position threat is one of WA's best for 2024.
Capable of playing as a forward force or as a ruck who can have a large impact at the contest, Gerreyn played all four games for the Sandgropers in 2024 and was consistent throughout in a hard carnival for Western Australia.
Gerreyn averaged 21.5 disposals, 6.2 marks, 22.0 hitouts, 3.7 clearances, 7.8 score involvements and 1.6 goals at the Colts level for West Perth and managed a pair of appearances for the Falcons' senior side this year too.
The selection of Gerreyn would see the Swans strengthen their WA ties and also add some forward and ruck depth simultaneously.
Position:Â Key Forward
Height: 195cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Redan
The Tigers are certainly in need of some key forward depth, and they won't be left wanting with the selection of Faull, who is one of several astute options still up for grabs at this junction of the draft.
A tall forward who is equally damaging in the air as he is at ground level in the attacking arc, Faull's 2024 season rose nicely after a delayed start through injury.
Faull kicked a team-high 27 goals in the Talent League for the GWV Rebels to sit third in the competition for the metric, including 16 in his first five games after returning in Round 10.
He flexed his ability as a big game player in the finals too, kicking nine goals across the qualifying and preliminary finals to help book his side a spot in the decider.
Position:Â Key Forward
Height:Â 200cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Shepparton
The third tall forward in as many selections, Whitlock could be the pick of the bunch.
The Murray Bushrangers spearhead kicked 25 goals in the Talent League this year from 12 games, registering multiple majors in eight of those appearances.
His height and frame place Whitlock as a commanding aerial force in attack, with the Vic Country talent averaging 1.5 contested marks at the U18s carnival in 2024 to go with 14.8 disposals, 5.8 score involvements and a goal per game.
Whitlock managed to strengthen his ruck craft throughout the year through more reps, making him a promising selection for a club like GWS to consider.
Position:Â Forward-Midfielder
Height:Â 179cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Heidelberg
A player that oozes X-factor, the Northern Knights attack-minded midfielder knows how to find the goals from almost anywhere.
He went at 23.1 disposals, 3.9 clearances, 6.1 score involvements, 3.1 tackles and 1.7 goals per game from his seven Talent League appearances and would feature in all four games for Vic Metro, where he managed to find some time further up the field as a wider option.
His forward craft and ability to leap despite his smaller frame are among the traits that are sure to excite fans, and Sydney could be one of the Dattoli's biggest.
Position:Â Defender-Forward
Height:Â 194cm
State:Â Victoria
Club:Â Leitchville Gunbower
A pure swingman option, Barrat's marking ability on either side of possession is almost unmatched.
Much like Tasmanian breakout James Leake last year, Barrat proved to be a formidable versatile asset with roles at either end of the field in the both halves of the season.
He started the season with 18 goals in his first six games for the Bendigo Pioneers before being thrown into defence to flex his intercepting ability - averaging 6.2 intercept marks in a seven-game patch.
He would end the year with 16.5 disposals, 7.2 marks, 6.5 intercepts, 5.0 score involvements, 3.5 intercept marks and 1.7 goals per game to his name in the Talent League and would also show promise in a VFL debut for Essendon down back.
Statistics: News Corp, Talent League