AFL Draft

Listing the ideal Mid-Season Draft prospect for each AFL team

14 clubs look set to be active at this year’s Mid-Season Draft, and these are the names they could consider.

Published by
Mitch Keating

With the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Draft near, fans are beginning to get an idea of who their club could select at Wednesday night's count.

The draft order has been finalised, with 14 of the 18 clubs filing for spots in the queue following Round 11.

VIEW: CURRENT 2024 MID-SEASON DRAFT ORDER

While there could be up to 23 selections made at this year's Mid-Season Draft, we're likely to see no more than 20 picks selected on the night.

Ahead of the Mid-Season Draft, we've married up one prospect with one AFL club who is in line to add to their list this week.

*Geelong, GWS, Fremantle and Gold Coast have not been used in this exercise as they do not have a spot for the Mid-Season Draft.

Adelaide

Noah Howes

Potentially in the market for more key position prospects, local option Howes looms as a potential pickup for the Crows with their opening selection - approximately Pick 7.

The South Adelaide teenager has been a standout for the Panthers despite their struggles in the SANFL this year, with the U18s 2023 premiership player looking more than comfortable at the senior level to start this year.

Howes has kicked nine goals in six games for South Adelaide and booted a further two majors over the weekend when representing South Australia in the U18s National Championships as an over-age prospect.

With the Crows perhaps needing some further forward depth and someone who can potentially assist as a pinch-hit ruckman, Howes is one name to consider at West Lakes.

Picks: 7, 18, 22
Other prospects to consider: Jack Hutchinson, Toby Murray, Jed Hagan, Jez McLennan, Luke Beecken, Ben Hopkins, Kobe Ryan, Brynn Teakle

Brisbane

Jez McLennan

The Lions could go down the more experienced path on Wednesday night as they look to fill up to four list spots at the Mid-Season Draft.

After losing Keidean Coleman, they may also consider finding some run and dash to aid their defence, and McLennan might be the best option available for the Queensland club.

The former Gold Coast-listed backman has been one of the leading players at the state league level over the past two seasons, and took out both Fos Williams Medals for South Australia in their two state games wins in 2024.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Jez McLennan of South Australia in possession during the 2024 AAMI State Game between SANFL West End State Team and Smithy's VFL State Team at Glenelg Oval, on April 06, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Maya Thompson/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The rebounding defender is also astute in the air and could slot straight into the Lions' senior side alongside the likes of Conor McKenna and Darcy Wilmot.

Picks:6, 17, 21, 23
Other prospects to consider:
Luke Beecken, Ben Hopkins, Geordie Payne, James Rowe

Carlton

Toby Murray

The Blues are one of several clubs who could be looking at key position options, and with their first pick at ninth overall, they might not get access to the top crop of tall forwards on offer.

Murray very well could be up for grabs with one of their two selections, however the Blues have confirmed they'll only be filling one on Wednesday night.

The Adelaide SANFL prospect is a formidable forward-ruck option and stands at two metres tall, with his build and abilities potentially a good fit for Carlton as he could help move Tom De Koning to a starting ruck role while holding down a third target role in attack while alleviating some of the ruck workload.

Adelaide Crows SANFL additions Toby Murray (Left) and Tyler Welsh (Right) (Image via Adelaide FC)

The Blues may also consider some of the small forward options and could look at a similar name in Geelong Falcons talent Tobyn Murray.

Picks: 9
Other prospects to consider:
Jack Hutchinson, Noah Howes, Patrick Weckert, Oskar Smartt, Tobyn Murray 

Collingwood

Brynn Teakle

A familiar name to Magpies and Port Adelaide fans, with the former Power tall having trained at Olympic Park over the summer in a bid to secure a list spot under Craig McRae.

Teakle is one of the best ruck-forward prospects available at the Mid-Season Draft and looms as a perfect fit for Collingwood at their opening selection.

Already familiar with the playing group, Teakle would come in as the second-string ruckman behind Darcy Cameron given Mason Cox, Aiden Begg and Oscar Steene are all sidelined.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Brynn Teakle and Darcy Cameron of the Magpies compete in a ruck contest during a Collingwood Magpies training session at AIA Centre on February 14, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He's also able to hold down a role forward and would be of great interest to the Magpies given how close he came to securing a list spot during the Supplemental Selection Period.

Picks: 10, 19
Other prospects to consider: Patrick Weckert, Will Patton, Joe Pike, Will Elliott

Essendon

Tobyn Murray

There's a good chance the Bombers look toward the pool of small forwards on offer at the Mid-Season Draft, with Murray likely to be joined by Essendon's own VFL prospect Oskar Smartt in being of interest to the Tullamarine club.

Murray is an exciting half-forward prospect with a great goal sense and forward craft, with his ability at ground level and pace standout traits for the Geelong VFL-listed talent.

He showed plenty of upside in his handful of appearances for the Cats' reserves earlier this year as well as his pair of appearances for the Young Guns.

BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Tobyn Murray of the Geelong Falcons in action during the round four Coates Talent League Boys match between Murray Bushrangers and Geelong Falcons at Queen Elizabeth Oval on April 16, 2023 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Geelong Falcons teammate Will McLachlan is another name the Bombers are likely to consider.

Picks: 13
Other prospects to consider: Oskar Smartt, Matt Ling, Will McLachlan

Hawthorn

Jack Hutchinson

The Hawks' strong form has seen them fall to fifth in the queue for the Mid-Season Draft, but that shouldn't impact them from coming away from Wednesday's intake with a promising key position talent - should they seek one.

You can expect Hawthorn to be keen on calling either a tall forward or key defender, and with Pick 5 there will be a few up for grabs.

WA's Jasper Scaife and South Adelaide's Noah Howes could fill a role in attack under Sam Mitchell, while Peel Thunder's Jacob Blight is the leading key defender and would be of great interest to the Hawks.

Collingwood VFL player Jack Hutchinson flys for a mark against Coburg, 2024 (Image via Collingwood VFL, Twitter)

But it's Collingwood VFL-listed high-flyer Jack Hutchinson who might be the best fit for the Hawks given his athletic prowess and goal-kicking nous. Hutchinson seems like a good match to work alongside strong spearhead Mitch Lewis and part-time ruckman Mabior Chol as part of a steady three-piece while Calsher Dear continues to develop.

Picks: 5
Other prospects to consider:
Jasper Scaife, Noah Howes, Jacob Blight, Max Hall 

Melbourne

Joe Pike

There's a chance the Demons don't use their sole selection at all. With up to 10 picks coming ahead of them, the names on their hitlist very easily could be off the table.

But if they're seeking some further ruck depth behind Max Gawn, then there are likely to be several formidable prospects on offer who could fill a spot in the pecking order.

Geelong Falcons tall Joe Pike has been one of the leading ruckmen in the Talent League and did his prospects no harm for the Young Guns, with the teenager to be afforded the time to develop as Gawn continues his dominance at the top level.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Joe Pike of the Geelong Falcons takes a mark during the Coates Talent League Boys Preliminary Final match between Sandringham Dragons and Geelong Falcons at Queen Elizabeth Oval on September 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Northern Bullants ruck-forward Will Elliott is a strong hybrid option to consider, while other emerging talls include Western Jets big man Lucas Impey and Eastern Ranges prospect Iliro Smit.

Picks: 11
Other prospects to consider: Jed Hagan, Will Elliott, Lucas Impey, Ilirio Smit

North Melbourne

Jasper Scaife

With Pick 1 at their disposal, all eyes are on North Melbourne as they look to bolster their young list through the Mid-Season Draft.

There might be an internal battle between selecting the best available talent or looking to fill list needs, with the latter potentially sorted with their second selection.

But with West Perth's Jasper Scaife unlikely to reach Pick 15, the Roos must consider finding some help for spearhead Nick Larkey and draft the WA teenager.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Jasper Scaife of Western Australia celebrates a goal during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Vic Country and Western Australia at GMHBA Stadium on July 17, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Scaife very well could be the best talent available at the Mid-Season Draft also, while Tasmania's Geordie Payne and Peel Thunder's Jacob Blight also have cause to claim that title.

Picks: 1, 15
Other prospects to consider: Noah Howes, Jacob Blight, Geordie Payne

Port Adelaide

Liam Kershaw

Some outside run might be on the radar of Port Adelaide at this year's Mid-Season Draft given their settled stocks around the ground.

Arguably the leading pure wingman up for grabs, Geelong Falcons talent Liam Kershaw could be of great interest to the Power following a promising year in the Talent League and with the Young Guns.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Liam Kershaw of the Geelong Falcons in action during the Coates Talent League Boys Preliminary Final match between Sandringham Dragons and Geelong Falcons at Queen Elizabeth Oval on September 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

SANFL star Jez McLennan may also be considered given his dominance in South Australia's top league, while former Saint Dan McKenzie might be worth the gamble if he can stay fit.

Picks: 12
Other prospects to consider: Jez McLennan, Dan McKenzie

Richmond

Jacob Blight

There's a good chance the Tigers look at the best talent available with their opening selection before moving to list needs with any of their following two picks.

A key defender who can come straight into Adem Yze's side might be the avenue they take with Pick 2, as Peel Thunder and WA defender Jacob Blight sit among the best names up for grabs on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old has been a dominant force in the WAFL since the start of last year and was one of the Sandgropers' best in their recent State Game loss to South Australia.

Peel Thunder player Jacob Blight during pre-season training with Fremantle, 2024 (Image via Fremantle FC)

Currently without Josh Gibcus for the remainder of the season and wanting to utilise Noah Balta forward of the ball, Blight could be the best match for Richmond at Pick 2.

Picks: 2, 16, 20
Other prospects to consider: Jack Hutchinson, Jasper Scaife, Noah Howes, Jed Hagan, Jez McLennan, Ben Hopkins, Geordie Payne, Joe Pike, Brynn Teakle, Will Elliott

St Kilda

Patrick Weckert

Some further support around Max King and someone who could potentially aid Rowan Marshall as a second ruck option is sure to be of interest to the Saints' list team.

They secured the services of Jack Hayes from Woodville-West Torrens in 2022 and could again lure an Eagles gun to Moorabbin with a move for Weckert.

Hayes could easily be the man to be the backup ruck option under Ross Lyon and would give Weckert a role as the third tall forward in the Saints' attack.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 14: Patrick Weckert from Woodville -West Torrens SA competes in the AFL agility test during the 2023 AFL AFLW Draft Combine at Nazareth College on October 14, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Weckert himself can also pinch-hit in the ruck and could be the forward the Saints call on come Wednesday night.

Picks: 4
Other prospects to consider: Jack Hutchinson, Jasper Scaife, Noah Howes, Toby Murray, Jed Hagan, Jacob Blight, Geordie Payne, Max Hall

Sydney

Will McLachlan

A name that is sure to attract interest from several clubs and would be a dream recruit to slip to the Swans, who have the last pick in the opening round.

The over-age Geelong Falcons prospect currently leads the Talent League's goalkicking with 26 goals - seven more than any other player - from six games following a haul of 6.3 against the GWV Rebels over the weekend.

Geelong Falcons talent Will McLachlan during the Talent League (Image via Coates Talent League /AFL Photos)

The medium-sized forward has given clubs a big warning after being overlooked last year and looms as the next top Talent League star to secure an early selection at the Mid-Season Draft.

Picks: 14
Other prospects to consider: Tobyn Murray, Oskar Smartt

West Coast

Geordie Payne

The Eagles are likely to dive into the 'best available' market once they come on the clock at Pick 3, with Tasmanian over-age prospect Geordie Payne potentially falling in their lap.

The Eagles could use an exciting young prospect who can fill a role on any line in Simpsons' side, with Payne proving this year he is a formidable midfielder with attacking flair after previously plying his trade at half-back.

Much like former Pick 1 selections in Jai Culley and Ryan Maric, Payne could be the next Talent League star to make the move west and show why he's been so highly rated

Tasmania's Geordie Payne during the Talent League against Gippsland Power (Image via Coates Talent League /AFL Photos)

Should Payne be taken within the first two picks, then local options Jacob Blight and Jasper Scaife are sure to be considered.

Picks: 3
Other prospects to consider: Jacob Blight, Jasper Scaife, Jez McLennan, Geordie Payne, Kobe Ryan, Trey Ruscoe

Western Bulldogs

Will Elliott

The likely loss of Rory Lobb at the end of this year will leave the Western Bulldogs with just two ruckmen - All-Australian Tim English and first-year tall Lachie Smith - proving a need to add to their depth in the middle of the field.

Eighth in the selection queue for the Mid-Season Draft, the Dogs should get access to some of the leading ruckmen on offer on Wednesday night, with Elliott a prime candidate given his ability to hold down a role forward while being able to serve in the ruck role.

The young Northern Bullants prospect has impressed since leaping the VFL after being a top-rated ruckman during his time with the Oakleigh Chargers.

Will Elliott of the Northern Bullants in the VFL, 2024 (Image via the Northern Bullants)

Former Port Adelaide tall Brynn Teakle is another for the Bulldogs to weigh up.

Picks: 8
Other prospects to consider: Oskar Smartt, Tobyn Murray, Will Patton, Joe Pike, Brynn Teakle, Trent Bianco, Will McLachlan

Published by
Mitch Keating