Latest AFL News

Two Victorian clubs considering move for draft slider

Fremantle’s highly-coveted selection is gaining great interest ahead of Thursday night’s count.

Published by
Mitch Keating

The Tigers and Hawks are understood to be keeping a close eye on Western Australian prospect Matthew Johnson ahead of the second round of the National Draft.

Johnson was touted as a chance to land in the opening half of last night's first-round count, however has since slid to see his name remain on the board after the opening 20 selections.

The Dockers were understood to be showing some interest in the Subiaco star's services with one of their two top 10 picks on Wednesday night, however opted for fellow local prospects in East Perth key forward Jye Amiss and Johnson's Eagles teammate Neil Erasmus at Picks 8 and 10 respectively.

Fremantle hold the powerful and highly-coveted opening selection of the draft's second night, with clubs likely looking to offer a handful of later selections in order to make their way to the front of the queue.

DRAFT PROFILE: Matthew Johnson 

While the Dockers are tipped to strongly consider Johnson with Pick 21, The Herald Sun reports both Richmond and Hawthorn are keen to open trade discussions with the WA club in order to acquire the highly-rated teenager.

The Hawks currently hold Picks 23, 26, 52, 57 and 72 for the remaining rounds of the National Draft, while the Tigers boast three second-round selections along with Pick 74.

The Dockers could rebuff the advances of both clubs in order to complete the trifecta of local recruits with their first three selections, in what would stamp this year's haul as an overall success for Justin Longmuir's team.

AFL DRAFT ORDER

Following their early second-round selection, Fremantle currently don't re-enter the draft until Pick 53, which is likely to increase its place in the pecking order following several father-son and Academy bids in next two rounds of the draft.

Johnson has gained comparisons to Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury for his agile abilities around the contest and firms as one of the most versatile midfielders in this year's class.

Published by
Mitch Keating