Mature-aged draft selections have proven to be fruitful finds throughout the course of recruiting in the AFL, and 2024 could have more diamonds picked from the rough.
Last year alone saw Geelong pluck Werribee star Shaun Mannagh and Western Australian flanker Lawson Humphries at the National Draft, with both players going on to have key roles in the Cats' finals run to end their maiden season at AFL level.
This year's draft pool could offer further mature-aged options, whether that be state league stars, over-age prospects or former AFL-listed names.
Here we list nine of the best mature-aged draft prospects for the 2024 AFL Draft...
1. Sam Davidson
Position:ย Forward
Height:ย 190cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Richmond VFL
Davidson took home the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal this year after a stellar first season at Punt Road where he was able to show off his forward craft as a medium-sized forward.
The 22-year-old is a creative front-half player who is a solid aerial presence for his size and has the potential to hold down a role further up the field if required.
Davidson kicked 26 goals in his 17 games at VFL level this year in what was his first campaign in the competition, with the young attacker sharing best and fairest honours at Richmond.
Footscray youngster Cooper Craig-Peters is another VFL forward-midfield hybrid who could fetch interest at the draft.
