A total of 12 AFL clubs will have the first dibs on at least 19 draft prospects come November 20-22 through father-son, Next Generate Academy (NGA) and Northern Academy passages.
Following a league-wide competitive balance review, league powerbrokers made wholesale changes to the drafting and bidding systems, putting NGA prospects back in the hands of the clubs that developed them.
From 2024, clubs with Next Generation Academy prospects will have access to those players from Pick 1 onwards at the National Draft, with the league having previously restricted matched bids for NGA talent until after Pick 40.
Brisbane will welcome two high-end talents into their club, while Carlton has nominated a pair of sons to former player Scott Camporeale.
Gold Coast will once again lean on its Academy to secure local talent, as Essendon will benefit from the bidding change to land an NGA star.
Here, we preview the leading NGA, father-son and Northern Academy prospects for 2024 and when each prospect could be selected.
Father-Sons
A unique tradition of our game, the father-son has yielded many stars that have benefitted from the same last names (and genetics) of the generations before them. A total of seven prospects have watched their fathers from the stands (or via highlight reels) and will look to replicate their fortunes. For prospects to be linked to a club, their fathers must have played a minimum of 100 AFL games for one club.
Tyler Welsh (Adelaide): The son of three-club player Scott Welsh, Tyler could follow in his father's footsteps to Adelaide, where he played 129 games between 2000 and 2007. The Crows nominated Tyler for the National Draft and have the ability to match any bid on the youngster, but he is expected to go late in proceedings or potentially look at getting rookie-listed. Welsh is a powerful key forward, playing in a similar mould to his father and could benefit from time on an AFL list.
Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane): Arguably the best talent in the crop, Ashcroft is the son of Brisbane premiership player Marcus and younger brother of Norm Smith medallist Will. The potential Pick 1 selection has carved out his own reputation in the last few years, dominating for Talent League club the Sandringham Dragons and showing his immense talent for the AFL Academy. Ashcroft featured in one VFL game for the Lions, collecting 35 disposals and kicking a goal. He'd be a lock for the opening selection on November 20, but given his link with Brisbane, he may slide a bit. READ: FULL PROFILE
Ben Camporeale (Carlton):ย Coming through the ranks with twin brother Lucas, Ben has had the benefit of learning from Carlton great and his father Scott Camporeale. The Camporeale twins nominated the Blues as a club of choice, meaning it would be a shock if they didn't land at IKON Park. Ben is more of an inside midfielder, gathering possessions at a whim and providing a perfect link in the chain. He is tipped to go as early as the second round of the draft but could get pushed further back with his ties to Carlton.
Lucas Camporeale (Carlton):ย Like his brother Ben, he had the fortune of watching his dad play at the highest level for some time. But unlike Ben, Lucas is more of an outside player, utilising his impressive running ability and ball-finding skills to good use on the wing. The Blues could potentially snare Ben with one of their later picks, but he also could be picked up as a rookie.
River Stevens (North Melbourne):ย The son of two-time North Melbourne premiership player and former captain Anthony Stevens, River poses as a crafty small forward. Playing for Vic Country and the Geelong Falcons, River showcased his crumbing skills at the highest level, making the Kangaroos nominate him ahead of the National Draft. North Melbourne currently holds Picks 2 and 62. River is expected to go late in the draft or could be scooped up in the rookie intake.
Louie Montgomery (Port Adelaide):ย Louie's father, Brett Montgomery, began his career at the Western Bulldogs but made a name for himself at Port Adelaide, becoming an instrumental figure in the club's 2004 premiership. Louie's versatility makes him an exciting prospect for the Power, showcasing his burst and explosiveness for South Australia in the National Championships. In a stacked draft, Louie could slip late in the national crop or be snared as a rookie.
Rome Burgoyne (Port Adelaide):ย The son of premiership star Peter and younger brother of Jase, Rome is keen to carve out his own career at the elite level. Possessing the poise and skills that his father showed across his 240-game career, Rome is touted as having the most potential of his brothers. Rome can play across all lines and poses as a late or rookie selection in the upcoming draft.
Elwood Peckett (St Kilda):ย Connected to the Saints via his father Justin (252 games), Elwood looms as a midfield-forward with power to boot. Bursting onto the scene, Peckett showcases his talent for the Murray Bushrangers. He has a knack for finding the goals when most can't and has an appetite for the contest. Peckett still has areas of improvement but can be selected late in the draft or as a rookie.
Next Generation Academy (NGA)
With the change in NGA bidding, the Bombers and Eagles are set to benefit the most, as they'll be able to match any bid from Pick 1 onwards. St Kilda have a pair of youngsters coming through the ranks, while Hawthorn has also helped develop a potential star of the competition.
Isaac Kako (Essendon): Touted as the best small forward in this year's crop, Essendon fans are salivating at the prospect of Kako joining their club. Long linked with the Bombers through their NGA, the Vic Metro speedster has been likened to Tom Papley and Shai Bolton, given his X-factor ability and goal sense. Essendon should expect a bid between Picks 8 to 15 but will welcome a prospect they desperately need. READ: FULL PROFILE
Jayden Nguyen (Essendon): The second of Essendon's NGA prospects, Nguyen poses as a small utility, highlighted by his dominant state combine results, finishing in the top five of the 20m sprint, agility, standing and running vertical jumps. His competitiveness has oozed through to recruiters, which is something Bombers coach Brad Scott will enjoy. The Victorian club will likely take him late in the draft or as a rookie.
Cody Anderson (Hawthorn):ย A strong inside midfielder who prides himself on the defensive aspects of the game. Anderson is physically ready for the rigours of AFL football and will appeal to many clubs in the second round of the draft. Likened to Hawk gun Jai Newcombe, Anderson has blemishes in his game that can be rectified once entering an elite environment.
Adrian Cole (St Kilda):ย A key defender coming at the right time for St Kilda. Cole is a reliable commodity down back, matching it with both athletic and strong key forwards. He made his VFL debut for Sandringham and didn't look out of place. Cole is a natural leader and a selfless teammate, willing to put the team before his own performance. As a result, Cole could find himself bid on during the second round of the draft, with the Saints expected to match it.
Lennox Hofmann (St Kilda): Likely to be standing alongside Cole is fellow St Kilda NGA prospect Hofmann, who is also a key defender. Hofmann's strengths are his intercept marking and speed, combining the defensive and attacking aspects of playing in the backline. Expected to go a bit later than Cole, Hofmann could slip late in the second round.
Malakai Champion (West Coast):ย A very exciting small forward which Eagles fans can see a long future for. Champion was Western Australia's premier small forward, known for his x-factor ability, scoreboard impact and defensive intent - all characteristics of a promising young talent. Champion will only benefit from being in an elite environment, but given his ties to West Coast, he could slide late in the draft.
Northern Academy
Brisbane and Gold Coast are set to welcome potential first-round prospects who will graduate from their Academy programs. GWS have a trio of youngsters that they've moulded into potential AFL players, whilst the Swans have one also.
Sam Marshall (Brisbane):ย A midfielder capable of playing inside and out, coupled with a strong running capacity and elite kicking. Marshall looms as another steal for the Lions, given his link to the 2024 premiers. Represented Sandringham Dragons, Vic Country, AFL Academy and Brisbane's VFL side, Marshall is ready for the jump to the elite level. He spent time with soon-to-be teammate Hugh McCluggage and knows what it takes to make it. He is expected to go late in the first round, depending on what rivals force the Lions to pay.
Leo Lombard (Gold Coast): An explosive forward-midfielder, Lombard is ready to make an immediate impact at the Suns. The son of former UFC fighter and world-renowned grappler, Hector Lombard, is one of the most combative and driven draft prospects available this year. He has the mongrel and determination to meet the rigours of AFL but also the skillset to torture his opponents. Lombard was seen frequently in the Gold Coast VFL side and should expect a bid in the first 15 selections.
Cooper Bell (GWS): A tall swingman who has the potential to play at either end of the field. Bell stands at 198cm but has great speed and athleticism to match it with most. Bell is linked to the Giants, but it wouldn't shock most if he ended up elsewhere. He is likely to be selected later in the piece or as a rookie. He's a long-term prospect, meaning clubs will need to invest multiple years to get him up to speed for the elite level.
Josiah Delana (GWS): A forward-midfielder who thrives on defensive pressure, proving to be the perfect mould of what the Giants are building. Delana injects great energy, utilising his speed to get involved in the ball chains or hunt the opposition. He's an expert at ground level and usually makes things happen inside forward 50. However, it can be expected that he slips later in the draft or is snatched up as a rookie.
Logan Smith (GWS): A highly touted ruck who thrives on the contest and finding the football. Smith is one of few of his kind in this year's draft and rivals the number one spot for a ruckman. Smith is influential at the contest and has a happy knack for racking up hitouts. He showed improvement in his craft throughout the season, and his senior experience should hold him in good stead, especially at GWS. There's no guarantee he will join the AFL's youngest side, given their ruck depth, meaning clubs will do their due diligence. Expected to go between Picks 30 and 50.
Joel Cochran (Sydney): A mobile defender that has intercept marking abilities and can join in on the link chain. He spent time in the AFL's Academy as well as the Swans' VFL side to good effect, showcasing his raw talent. Cochran boasts versatility and athleticism, standing at 194cm, proving to be a modern-day prototype of a utility. He even spent time in the ruck. He dominated the 2km time trial at the National Combine, running the fastest (6:05) time. Tipped to go late in the second round or early in the third.
