GWV Rebels midfield-forward Sam Lalor has emerged as a potential Pick 1 selection for November's AFL Draft after a stellar 2024 campaign for several teams.

The goalkicking onballer hails from Bacchus Marsh in regional Victoria, with his explosiveness, grunt and cleanliness among the traits that define his game.

The Vic Country talent battled several injuries across his draft campaign, which was delayed due to a hip injury before leg and foot setbacks also plagued his plans. But Lalor's stocks were hardly hampered, with his efforts when on the field with the Rebels, Vic Country and Geelong Grammar boosting his prospects through dominant displays.

In his three full games for GWV, Lalor averaged 27.0 disposals, 7.3 inside 50s and 7.0 marks per game while often underdone and between injuries.

He would play a more forward role at the U18s National Championships to show off his aerial capabilities and forward pressure, amassing 4.0 tackles per game as a two-way threat in the front half.

Lalor booted three goals from 16 disposals against the Allies in a standout carnival performance in July, to strengthen his case as a potential top-five selection.

The 188cm jet has looked to craft his game on the traits best represented by the AFL's most renowned match-winners in Dustin Martin and Jordan De Goey, with Lalor's power and burst in midfield and ability to play forward drawing warranted comparisons.

Lalor is viewed as a likely top-five draft selection, with Richmond - who hold Pick 1 - reportedly a club interested in the Rebels gun.

The Tigers also hold Pick 6 and, while unlikely,ย  could manage to see Lalor's name available then, with North Melbourne (Pick 2) and Melbourne (Pick 5) other clubs that could consider selecting Lalor.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: Sam Lalor of Vic Country in action during the 2022 AFL U16 Championship match between Vic Country and Western Australia at Metricon Stadium on July 05, 2022 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos)

Position:ย Midfielder-Forward
Height:ย 188m
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Bacchus Marsh

Strengths

Explosiveness
Scoreboard Impact
Contested Work
Clean Hands

Draft Range

Pick 1-6

Potential Landing Spots

Richmond (Picks 1 and 6)
North Melbourne (Pick 2)
Melbourne (Pick 5)

AFL Comparison

Christian Petracca
Jordan De Goey

Expert comments

"A powerful midfielder or forward, Lalor excels around stoppages and with contested ball, using his clean hands and anticipation to great effect." - Kevin Sheehanย