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...
2. Riley Bice
Position:ย Defender
Height:ย 186cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Werribee
Bice had no issue taking the leap to VFL action in 2024 after featuring at the local level last year, with the intelligent half-back ending his maiden year at Werribee with a premiership medallion.
A good user of the ball who boasts an attack-minded game out of defence, Bice averaged 21.8 disposals, 6.9 marks, 4.8 rebound 50s and 4.6 intercepts per game for the 'Bees last season.
The 24-year-old is among the players on this list who could have an immediate impact at AFL level as early as 2025.
Fellow Werribee stars Dom Brew and Jack Henderson would also be worth a look this the draft window.
