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...
6. Sam Toner
Position:ย Forward
Height: 184cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Dandenong Stingrays
The 2005-born medium-sized forward has rapidly emerged on the radar of AFL clubs off the back of a dominant spell at the local level this year, which has combined nicely with good form for Dandenong's Talent League side as an over-age prospect.
Toner kicked 50 goals from 13 games for Narre Warren's seniors this year, going goalless on just one occasion to impress with his forward craft and goal sense.
The 19-year-old kicked another nine goals from his four games for the Stingrays - highlighted by a five-goal game against the Eastern Ranges - to prove his value as a young forward option for this year's draft.
