Bendigo talent Tobie Travaglia is one of the more exciting defensive draft prospects from the class of 2024, with the rebounding flanker a chance to go as early as the top 10 selections.
Travaglia had a strong year across all levels he featured, with his form at the U18s National Championships seeing his best football on display as an intercepting half-back for Vic Country.
The Sandhurst native averaged 21.8 disposals, 6.3 marks, 8.3 intercept possessions and 4.8 score involvements across his four appearances at the carnival while using the ball at 85% efficiency to be one of Vic Country's best and most consistent.
His speed, ability to read the play and open up the game when in possession are among the leading traits of the 187cm backman, who took out the Bendigo Pioneers' best and fairest last year ahead of 2023 No.1 pick Harley Reid and followed that up with a runners-up finish this year.
Travaglia had no issue finding the ball in 2024, whether that be through winning it back from the opposition himself or being a line-breaking dasher out of defence, with the flashy flanker a true attacking threat from the back half.
He polled 13 votes from his 12 games in the Talent League this year to finish eighth overall in the count and also earn a spot in the Team of the Year at half-back, the same position he slotted into in the U18 All-Australian team.
He managed a pair of VFL appearances for Carlton's reserves this year and would record 22 disposals, seven score involvements and nine intercept possessions in his second game at the level in a narrow loss to Richmond.
Travaglia looks set to be selected in the first round and could go in the top 10, with his range likely falling in the teens. Richmond, West Coast, Fremantle and GWS are among the clubs that could have Travaglia in their sights with early selections.
With his speed, ball-winning ability and attacking play from the backline, Travaglia could earn comparisons to AFL stars like Lachie Whitfield and Trent Rivers.
Position:ย Defender-Midfielder
Height:ย 187cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Sandhurst
Strengths
Intercepting
Speed
Endurance
Line-Breaking
Disposal
Draft Range
Pick 10-20
Potential Landing Spots
Richmond (Picks 10, 11, 18 and 20)
West Coast (Pick 12)
Fremantle (Pick 14)
GWS (Pick 15s and 16)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"An athletic defender who had an outstanding year at club and representative levels. His ability to intercept using his closing speed aerial presence and competitiveness stood out across the season." - Kevin Sheehan
