The abundance of academies and family-linked players among the elite draftees has raised the chances that the player selected first overall might not stay with their initial picking club. This scenario would only be the second occurrence since the inception of the national draft.
Zeke Uwland from Gold Coast and Daniel Annable from the Brisbane Lions, along with Sydney duo Max King and Noah Chamberlain, could be selected within the first ten picks. According to five AFL recruiters who wished to remain anonymous when speaking with this publication during the initial phases of 2025, both players from Queensland were highly regarded, often being listed as top-five selections.
Certainly, should they decide to sign up with the club where they've been training as part of the academy, those clubs must meet stricter criteria by matching any offer submitted by rival teams before this year’s draft.
In the open selection pool and poised to potentially secure the top draft spot are Gippsland Power’s midfield talent Willem Duursma and Calder Cannons’ versatile player Cooper Duff-Tytler, who excels both as a ruckman and forward.
Duursma is the younger brother of Essendon wingman Xavier, North Melbourne forward Zane and Carlton AFLW player Jasmine. Duff-Tytler was an outstanding junior basketballer who decided to focus on football and has impressed recruiters with his skill.
Based on the current ladder standings, West Coast, Essendon, and Hawthorn occupy the top three draft picks. Notably, one of Essendon’s two first-round selections will go to Melbourne, while Hawthorn’s initial choice in the round will be transferred to Carlton in 2025.
If the Bombers manage to defeat the Demons in "Gather Round," they could add more pain for Melbourne. In this draft scenario, Richmond possesses picks four and six, whereas Essendon has secured pick five.
The positive update for Bombers' supporters is that their NGA prospect Archie Sweid is performing well with the Calder Cannons.
Cody Curtin from Western Australia, who hails from Adelaide like his sibling Dan, is seen as another player to watch. He had an impressive performance in the first game of the season but was less prominent in the following match.
The Oakleigh Chargers duo, with midfielder Sam Grlj and ruckman Louis Emmett being notable talents, are seen as strong picks; however, it’s uncommon for teams to select ruckmen so early in the national draft process.
Luke Jackson, a Melbourne premiership player who currently plays for Fremantle, stood out as an exception to that rule when the Demons selected him with pick number three in the 2019 national draft.
Dyson Sharp, Central Districts' midfield player, elicits mixed opinions, whereas Sandringham’s Archie Ludowyke stands out as one of the top contenders in the draft pool.
Good old Collingwood
Last Thursday night, against the Blues, Collingwood sent out their most senior squad ever recorded in the annals of the AFL/VFL, still fiercely chasing the championship title. Apart from star player Nick Daicos, only two more players on the roster were below the age of 25.
The record exceeded Geelong’s 2022 premiership squad, previously the oldest team to play. In contrast to Collingwood, that particular Cats lineup included seven players younger than 25 years old. Out of the original 23 premiers, eighteen remain with the Cats roster.
After three years, four members of that squad have hung up their boots: Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, Zach Tuohy, and Isaac Smith. Additionally, Brandan Parfitt, who stepped in for the injured Max Holmes, was released from the team at the conclusion of 2024.
Nevertheless, the unconventional list profile implies that numerous Collingwood players still lack clarity about what lies ahead for them after this season concludes.
At the conclusion of this season, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, Mason Cox, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott, Will Hoskin-Elliot, and Tom Mitchell will be without contracts. The Collingwood Magpies currently have just two players over 30 years old signed through until 2026: Jack Crisp and new addition Tim Membrey.
Pendlebury, Sidebottom, and Howe performed exceptionally well against the Blues, whereas Mihocek and Elliott made significant contributions within their team’s attacking zone. Pendlebury has taken part in 407 games, only 25 shy of matching Brent Harvey’s AFL record for most appearances.
For Mihocek, who signed his previous two extensions before entering the year out of contract, being out of contract at the end of this season is an unfamiliar position.
The valuable premiership forward, who has kicked 236 goals in 140 games for the Magpies since making his debut in 2018 as a 25-year-old rookie, wants to play on in 2025 but knows the club will be in no rush to lock down those premiership veterans early in the season.
At 32 years old, he ranks as the sixth oldest on the list, yet continues to be an essential player for their team due to his readiness to engage in tough contests. Apart from a slight dip in performance against the Blues, he has been consistent in kicking accurately.
He mentioned that his physique feels robust, and the arrival of his newborn son, Arthur, is inspiring him to explore fresh methods for recovery as he prepares for another season playing the role of a workhorse.
I've been fortunate enough to secure two- or three-year deals, and currently my main focus is simply playing," Mihocek stated. "Next year isn’t really on my mind at all. I adore this club and wish to continue being part of it.
This indicates that the Magpies possess the adaptability to modify their team composition based on how the experienced players perform.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, just four players younger than 25 do not have contracts extending beyond this season. Among those whose deals run through till 2026 are Ed Allan, Jakob Ryan, along with three others selected in last year’s national draft. Collectively, these individuals have taken part in three games thus far. Those who’ve committed themselves to stays lasting until 2027 include Tew Jiath, Ned Long, Harvey Harrison, Harry DeMattia, Beau McCreery, and the sidelined Reef McInnes. Meanwhile, Nick Daicos has agreed to remain tied down until 2029. The group set for expiry at seasons' close comprises Finlay Macrae, Oscar Steene, Wil Parker, Iliro Smit, and Charlie Dean.
If the Collingwood Football Club aims to acquire elite talents through the draft next year, they may need to consider trading one of their beloved key players or someone who is under contractual obligation.
If free-agent Brayden Maynard chooses to depart (or isn’t presented with a contract reflective of his skills), Collingwood might get an early-round draft selection. The club is eager to keep hold of their top-performing ruckman, Darcy Cameron, whose deal wraps up in 2026. However, they must convince him that he’ll be suitably rewarded for staying, considering rival teams are keeping tabs on him.
Was this truly a decision?
The Collingwood Football Club may seem like an appealing option for young Australians who aspire to become professional athletes, yet when compared to the NBA, they fall short.
That's why it seems they won't be able to secure basketball player Alex Condon, who was previously part of the team. Florida Gators' USA national college basketball title winning team.
The Magpies had a deal with Condon stating that he could join their category B rookie list should he choose to end his pursuit of a basketball career.
Nevertheless, his outstanding performance with the Gators, which peaked in Tuesday’s victory, makes him nearly guaranteed to be selected for the NBA draft either this year or next.
Should that occur, we seriously doubt that Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch would possess enough persuasive abilities to recruit him as a Magpie.
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