The countdown to the 2025 AFL Draft has reached the final week, so as we near this year's exciting intake, we've covered how the first round of picks might play out - for the second time!
This exercise follows our first edition Mock Draft from last month, with our second edition assessing alternative selections for a range of clubs and including live trades to showcase the ripple effect of those changes.
This draft includes a total of 27 first-round selections, with four matched bids expected to fall on night one of the AFL Draft, while we've also predicted one live trade to take place.
So, without further ado, here is Zero Hanger's second edition AFL Mock Draft for 2024.
Lalor's 1st Mock Draft Selection: North Melbourne (Pick 3)
Richmond 1st Mock Draft Selection: Finn O'Sullivan
Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 188cm
State: Victoria
Club: Bacchus Marsh
After taking Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Finn O'Sullivan in our first Mock Draft, the Tigers set their sights on GWV Rebels bull Sam Lalor at Pick 1 in this exercise, with the Vic Country livewire another name heavily tied to Richmond's opening selection.
Having earned a likeness to high-impact onballers Christian Petracca and Jordan De Goey, Lalor's ceiling could place him on a path to succeed retired Tigers champion Dustin Martin, given his strength and explosiveness at the contest.
Lalor endured an injury-hit draft year but might just have the best upside of any talent near the top of this year's crop.
O'Sullivan's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 1)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 182cm
State: Victoria
Club: Koroit
Talks of a trade between the Tigers and Kangaroos have been flirted with in recent weeks, with Richmond seemingly the only club capable of managing a deal for North Melbourne's opening pick, given their suite of selections.
A trade for Pick 2 would have to include Pick 6 heading to Arden Street, with another first-round pick also departing the Tigers. In this exercise, we see Pick 18 packaged with Pick 6 from Richmond for North Melbourne's Pick 2. The two clubs could dip into future selections and potentially upgrade 2025 selections to further satisfy the deal, but the three mentioned picks are the only ones that will impact this Mock Draft.
The move itself would see Richmond again add O'Sullivan early into the count, with the Tigers likely to be weighing up the Vic Country star and his teammate Lalor atop the draft board. Given the potential 50-50 call, they decide on moving for Pick 2 and going home with both young guns.
The two would complement each other nicely, with O'Sullivan a pure all-round midfielder who damages defences with his disposal.
Ashcroft's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Brisbane (Pick 2)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 179cm
State: Victoria
Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
If a bid for Ashcroft isn't coming at Pick 2, it'll be Pick 3 from the Blues. Carlton, who have their own, father-son plans to handle at the draft this year, would want as many of Brisbane's earlier picks absorbed to therefore advance their following selection - currently Pick 38 - in the queue, hoping it increases its place in the order enough to come before a rival's bid on club-tied teen Ben Camporeale.
Meanwhile, the Lions would pay 286 fewer draft points, with Ashcroft's bid coming a spot later here, giving them better flexibility to secure Academy prospect Sam Marshall later in the draft.
Ashcroft is viewed by many as the lead prospect in his draft class, however, Richmond may avoid bidding on the incoming Lions star in the early stages of the count.
Draper's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Adelaide (Pick 5)
Carlton's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Jagga Smith
Position: Midfielder
Height: 182cm
State: South Australia
Club: Willunga
For the second Mock Draft, the Blues again miss out on likely Pick 3 target Finn O'Sullivan, with South Australian captain Sid Draper likely another name high up on Carlton's list.
Draper could be a point of difference in Michael Voss' engine room, with his pace a nice trait to add to the current household names of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and George Hewett.
The South Adelaide ace is one of the more ready-made prospects from this year's pool but could be afforded time to hone his craft in the VFL next year after a year that saw Draper deal with multiple setbacks.
Langford's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Melbourne (Pick 6)
Adelaide's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Sid Draper
Position: Midfielder
Height: 191cm
State: Victoria
Club: Mount Martha
The Crows look to Larke Medal winner Harvey Langford in this Mock Draft given first edition selection Sid Draper is off the table in this exercise.
Langford can quite offer the pace that Draper might provide the Crows' engine room ensemble, but he can be the powerful and athletically gifted match-winner the club may be on the lookout for with their opening pick.
The Dandenong Stingrays star averaged close to 26 disposals and 1.3 goals per game in the Talent League while being viewed as the best player at the U18s National Championships.
Smith's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Carlton (Pick 4)
Melbourne's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Harvey Langford
Position: Midfielder
Height: 182cm
State: Victoria
Club: Richmond
Smith slides two spots in this draft to land with Melbourne, however the Richmond-based ball magnet would be a live chance to go any of the five earlier picks.
That's a big reason why Demons recruiters would be rubbing their hands together at the thought of having Smith join their current midfield stocks, with the cunning onballer having a sensational season that saw him find the ball with no use through his commitments in the Talent League, National Championships and VFL level.
His leadership traits and lively presence around the ball are sure to attract the Demons, who would love players wanting to lead from the front in the years to come.
Tauru's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 13)
Position: Defender-Forward
Height: 193cm
State: Victoria
Club: Warragul Industrials
The first of two opening-round selections the Kangaroos secured in our live trade with Richmond, with North Melbourne heavily reported to be keen on Gippsland defender Alix Tauru.
The Roos have looked to top up their midfield early into the draft time and time again across the past decade, with 2024 presenting a chance to add to their key position stocks for the future.
Tauru is a genuine bolter this year, coming from the clouds to have a prolific year as an intercepting defender before also flexing his nous as an attacking target - two areas the Roos will be keen to bolster.
Smillie's 1st Mock Draft Selection: St Kilda (Pick 8)
St Kilda's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Josh Smillie
Position: Midfielder
Height: 195cm
State: Victoria
Club: Park Orchards
The first selection mirrors our opening Mock Draft, with the Saints finding it hard to look past Smillie should he be available at their opening pick.
The big-bodied midfielder would be considered a steal by many if he were to slide to St Kilda, who have two successive picks and would weigh up how they can get the best mix from their double shot.
Smillie can nicely complement Ross Lyon's current mix of midfielders by adding some power and scoreboard impact as he looks to be a teenager with tremendous upside.
Lombard's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Gold Coast (Pick 14)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 179cm
State: Queensland
Club: Broadbeach
Sandwiched between St Kilda's two picks is the second expected bid of the first round, with the Saints forcing Gold Coast to package their assortment of selections and match a bid for Academy gun Leonardo Lombard.
This bid comes five spots earlier than our first Mock Draft, which is sure certainly a less satisfying outcome for the Queensland club.
The Suns gain their exciting new teenager, while the Saints force a rival to cough up early. Keep an eye on St Kilda to potentially look at a bid for Essendon's Isaac Kako, too.
Travaglia's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 12)
St Kilda's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Harry Armstrong
Position: Defender-Midfielder
Height: 187cm
State: Victoria
Club: Sandhurst
After taking Smillie's size and power with their other top-10 pick, the Saints find some run, speed and cleanliness in Travaglia.
The Bendigo Pioneers talent would quickly become one of Ross Lyon's favourites given his ability to break lines and hold his own behind the ball.
The selection is a contrasting pick to that of our first Mock Draft when the Saints took local key forward Harry Armstrong at this selection.
Armstrong's 1st Mock Draft Selection: St Kilda (Pick 9)
Melbourne's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Luke Trainor
Position: Key Forward
Height: 195cm
State: Victoria
Club: Ormond
A prospect the Demons will heavily consider with their first pick, and by passing on Armstrong earlier, will also be praying he slides past the Saints.
That is the case in this outcome, with St Kilda looking elsewhere in what could be a major win for Melbourne.
Armstrong would join a burgeoning key forward crop at the Demons - currently home to Jacob van Rooyen and uncapped first-round pick Matt Jefferson - giving them a trio of emerging talls to combine in the attacking 50.
Kako's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Essendon (Pick 10)
Position: Small Forward
Height: 176cm
State: Victoria
Club: Northern Saints
The Bombers will nervously wait on a bid for Kako midway through the first round, with the selection coming two spots later than the bid in our first Mock Draft.
This time, it's Richmond who forces their hand, while the Bombers would be coughing up 101 fewer draft points compared to a potential bid at Pick 10.
The Bombers get their man and would have the capital to secure fellow NGA talent Jayden Nguyen late into the draft if they wish to do so. A bid for Kako at Pick 12 also gives Essendon ample room to trade back into the first round of the draft if they seek to.
Reid's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 7)
Richmond's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Tobie Travaglia
Position: Midfielder
Height: 181cm
State: Victoria
Club: South Melbourne Districts
The first big slider when comparing our first two Mock Drafts, with Richmond still securing Reid but doing so six picks later.
It'd be a great steal for the Tigers, given they traded Pick 6 in this exercise and still managed to sign Reid, who would join the already-selected Lalor and O'Sullivan to help headline the new era of midfielders at Punt Road.
Reid packs a punch as a forward half-threat who is equally damaging at the coalface, complementing the attributes that are brought by Lalor and O'Sullivan.
Allan's 1st Mock Draft Selection: West Coast (Pick 15)
Richmond's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Alix Tauru
Position: Midfielder-Defender
Height: 191cm
State: Western Australia
Club: Halls Head
Again, selecting the best available prospect when on the clock, this selection sees Richmond add to their midfield options for a fourth time with the view of utilising Allan as a defensive asset rather than an onballer to start his career.
The Peel Thunder premiership player can slot into a third tall backman spot in Adem Yze's rearguard while offering some inside-outside versatility through the middle of the field if needed.
The Western Australian skipper would be of great desire to the Tigers, who secure one of the more ready-made teenagers from this year's crop.
Lindsay's 1st Mock Draft Selection: GWS (Pick 18)
West Coast's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Bo Allan
Position: Midfielder
Height: 183cm
State: Victoria
Club: Leongatha
Lindsay moves up three spots in this Mock Draft and finds himself heading west to the Eagles, where he can add to new coach Andrew McQualter's young squad.
Many may view Lindsay as a formidable defensive option to start his career, with his clean kicking and work rate fitting attributes that could have the Vic Country jet start his career on a tangent that has worked so well for the likes of Nick Daicos and Harry Sheezel.
Lindsay would be a good rotation through the backline, midfield and on the wing, potentially allowing young Eagle Reuben Ginbey more time in the engine room.
Trainor's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Melbourne (Pick 11)
Port Adelaide's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Cooper Hynes
Position: Key Defender
Height: 194cm
State: Victoria
Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
Another slider compared to our past Mock Draft, with Trainor having gone five spots earlier to Melbourne and, in this exercise, landing at Port Adelaide at Pick 16.
The Power could view Trainor as the best player available at this junction of the draft while also strengthening an area of weakness in their list.
The key defender still being up for grabs this late into the count might even spark the interest of clubs looking to trade into the first round and swoop on a player of Trainor's quality.
Berry's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 21)
Fremantle's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Taj Hotton
Position: Small Forward
Height: 181cm
State: Victoria
Club: Wangaratta
Some front-half spark will be among Fremantle's areas to assess and potentially add to at the draft, with Taj Hotton one avenue they will consider and Berry certainly another.
The Vic Country livewire is placed as arguably the best small forward available to all 18 clubs in this year's haul, having enjoyed a prolific campaign across his commitments in the Talent League with Murray and at the U18s National Championships.
The Dockers are home to an exciting crop of ground-level threats, but with Michael Walters nearing retirement and Michael Frederick potentially placed for more time further up the field, Berry is a nice point of difference who can slot into a pocket alongside the likes of Sam Switkowski, Bailey Banfield and Sam Sturt as well.
Shanahan's 1st Mock Draft Selection: GWS (Pick 19)
GWS' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Xavier Lindsay
Position: Key Forward
Height: 195cm
State: New South Wales
Club: Moama
This Mock Draft sees the Giants swoop on Shanahan a selection earlier than they did in our opening look at the first round, with the Allies prospect sure to be a name high on GWS' wish list.
The Moama product is a versatile key position threat but looks most damaging as a mobile forward, with Shanahan enjoying a strong three-game run with Essendon's VFL side, where he managed a return of 11 goals.
There's a chance Shanahan is off the board before the Giants are first on the clock, but the New South Wales side won't be short on suitable options at Pick 18 while they have the capital to trade their way up the draft order if desired.
Hotton's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Fremantle (Pick 17)
GWS' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Jobe Shanahan
Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 182cm
State: Victoria
Club: Hampton Rovers
With the Giants' list ready to contend again in the coming years, a move for Hotton would suit all parties as it gives the Sandringham Dragons ace time to recover from his ACL injury and develop his craft in the VFL for 2025 at least.
Hotton was among this year's best starters, having a three-game dominant run with and showing off his midfielder and forward attributes for the AFL Academy as a high-impact ball winner.
With the Giants always keen to add speed and forward spark, Hotton's potential arrival would be a nice addition to Adam Kingsley's pecking order.
Marshall's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Brisbane (Pick 22)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
State: Queensland
Club: St Bedes/Mentone
After having the bid for Levi Ashcroft come a pick later, the Lions aren't as fortunate in this Mock Draft with Marshall's placing, seeing his name called a pair of selections earlier than our opening exercise.
This time around, the Western Bulldogs pull the trigger and force Brisbane's hand, a manoeuvre they did two years ago for Jaspa Fletcher in the first round, too.
The Lions will still be happy with a bid for Marshall coming at Pick 20, with anything earlier likely to strain their bid unless they look into live trading on night one of this year's intake.
Hynes' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Port Adelaide (Pick 16)
Western Bulldogs' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Alex Dodson
Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 190cm
State: Victoria
Club: Bonbeach
The Dogs have shown an interest in adding a dual-position threat who can roam through the middle and in the front half to their list, and Hynes might be the best fit for them at this junction of the draft.
The electric Dandenong Stingrays co-captain was good for 1.5 goals per game in the Talent League this year while averaging 23.7 disposals and 7.4 score involvements across his 15 outings, flexing his power, pace and poise across multiple areas on the field.
He might not have a role to fill immediately in Luke Beveridge's side, but Hynes' competitive nature will have him knocking on the selection door quickly.
Faull's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Richmond (Pick 24)
Position: Key Forward
Height: 195cm
State: Victoria
Club: Redan
The second selection the Roos received in our projected trade deal with Richmond, with North Melbourne able to add to their key forward ranks after taking Gippsland defender Alix Tauru earlier in the count.
Faull is among several tall forwards likely available in this range of the first round, with the trade expected to give the Kangaroos access to at least one exciting target who can mix with Nick Larkey and Zane Duursma in the near future.
Faull managed to overcome a back injury in the first half of the year to be one of the more dominant forwards in the Talent League this season, showing off his marking abilities and strong hands for the GWV Rebels as well as Vic Country at the national carnival.
Davis' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Unselected
Sydney's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Kayle Gerreyn
Position: Forward-Midfielder
Height: 190cm
State: Western Australia
Club: Claremont
The first of three prospects picked up in this exercise, which went unselected in our first Mock Draft, with Davis a name who could fall in the Pick 20-40 range.
The Claremont teenager is a midfield-forward utility capable of playing as a taller ball winner in the middle or as a third tall target in attack, with Davis may be better suited to the latter role in his early years at a club like Sydney.
The Swans would view the strong-marking youngster as a player who could learn from someone like Will Hayward and develop his craft in the wings, however, Davis may have no issue playing at the elite level from 2025 after a purple patch with Claremont WAFL side this year.
Whitlock's 1st Mock Draft Selection: GWS (Pick 25)
Richmond's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Jonty Faull
Position: Key Forward
Height: 200cm
State: Victoria
Club: Shepparton
After trading their earlier selection, the Tigers will hope one of Whitlock or Jonty Faull - who was taken by the Kangaroos with the pick they acquired from Richmond in this exercise - will still be on the table.
The two-metre tall forward would fill a list need at Punt Road, with another key position attacker coming through the ranks sure to be a desire for Richmod's recruiters.
Whitlock is a mobile and high-leaping spearhead who would have plenty to learn from a player of Tom Lynch's stature, with the Tigers veteran also giving the draftee time to better his craft before earning a debut.
Oliver's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Unselected
GWS' 1st Mock Draft Selection: Jack Whitlock
Position: Defender
Height: 181cm
State: Victoria
Club: St Bedes/Mentone
Another unselected draftee who finds a first-round spot in our second Mock Draft, with the uber-competitive Oliver, the type of player who Adam Kingsley would quickly be fond of given his leadership traits and accountability.
Oliver is a damaging half-back with a balance of being a good distributor and a lockdown option for the opposition's best small forwards.
With Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash the more attacking outlets, Oliver could be a nice addition to the Giants' backline in the years ahead.
Whitlock's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Unselected
Sydney's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Jesse Dattoli
Position: Utility
Height: 198cm
State: Victoria
Club: Shepparton
The Swans recruited a key position player and front-half threat in our first Mock Draft, with this exercise seeing them do the same but in reverse order.
After taking Hamish Davis with Pick 23, the Swans look to Murray Bushrangers swingman Matt Whitlock three spots later as they again fill a need for taller options across the field.
Whitlock is a very suitable option for Sydney, with the near-200cm talent more than capable of playing at both ends of the field - made evident by his 27-goal season in the Talent League that also earned him a spot in the backline for the Team of the Year.
Dodson's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Western Bulldogs (Pick 20)
Richmond's 1st Mock Draft Selection: James Barrat
Position: Ruck
Height: 201cm
State: South Australia
Club: Payneham
Dodson - viewed by most as the best ruckman on offer at this year's intake - slides seven spots and lands in the Tigers' lap to end the first round of the draft.
The South Australian has a wide draft range that positions him as a prospect who could be taken midway through the first round or early into the second, with Richmond a potential buyer with one of their earlier picks.
Given Toby Nankervis' reign at Richmond, Dodson would be afforded the needed time to add size and develop his craft before taking over the mantle in Adem Yze's ruck ranks.