The abundance of academies and family ties among topdraft prospects has raised the chances that the player selected first overall might not stay with the team that drafts them, marking only the second such occurrence since the inception of the national draft.
Zeke Uwland from Gold Coast and Daniel Annable from the Brisbane Lions could be considered for top-10 selections, along with Sydney duo Max King and Noah Chamberlain. According to five anonymous AFL recruiters who were consulted by this publication during the initial phases of 2025 drafts, both Queensland players were highly regarded within the first quintet of choices.
Certainly, should these players decide to become members of the club where they've been training as part of the academy, those teams must meet any offers made by rival clubs following stricter regulations implemented before this year’s draft.
In the open draft pool and poised to potentially secure the top selection 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 selections four and six, whereas Essendon has secured pick five.
Great news for Essendon supporters: their NGA prospect Archie Sweid is performing well with the Calder Cannons.
Cody Curtin from Western Australia, who hails from Adelaide and has a sibling named Dan, is seen as someone capable of making an impact. He stood out in his first game this season but was less prominent in his following appearance.
The Oakleigh Chargers duo, with midfielder Sam Grlj and ruckman Louis Emmett, are seen as leading talents; 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, was the exception to that rule as the Demers selected him with pick number three in the 2019 national draft.
The Central District midfield player, Dyson Sharp, elicits mixed opinions, whereas Sandringham’s Archie Ludowyke stands out as one of the most consistent top picks in this year's draft prospects.
Good old Collingwood
Last Thursday evening, against the Blues, Collingwood put out their most senior squad ever in the annals of the AFL/VFL, still giving everything for a shot at the championship. Among the lineup, only three players—including top contender Nick Daicos—were below the age of 25.
The record exceeded Geelong’s 2022 premiership squad, previously known as the oldest team to have played. In contrast to Collingwood, this particular Cats lineup included seven players below the age of 25. Out of the original 23 premiership players, 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 during his time with the team, was let go when the season concluded in 2024.
Nevertheless, the uncommon list structure implies that numerous Collingwood players still have an unclear fate regarding what lies ahead after this season.
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 team has just two players committed beyond this year until 2026; these include Jack Crisp along with new addition Tim Membry, both above the age of 30.
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 roster, yet continues to be an essential player for the team due to his commitment to creating a strong challenge. Apart from a brief lapse during the match against the Blues, he has been consistently reliable in his kicking game.
He mentioned that his physique feels robust, and with the arrival of his newborn son, Arthur, he’s discovering fresh methods to recuperate as he sets out for yet another season playing the role of a workhorse batter.
I've been fortunate enough to secure two- or three-year deals, and right now my main focus is simply playing," Mihocek stated. "I'm not really thinking about next year. I adore the club and wish to continue.
This indicates that the Magpies possess the adaptability to modify their team composition based on how well the experienced players perform.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, just four players younger than 25 will be free agents once this season concludes. Among those older than 2026 contracts are Ed Allan, Jakob Ryan, along with three draftees from last year who are tied down until 2026; collectively they've participated in three games thus far. Meanwhile, Tew Jiath, Ned Long, Harvey Harrison, Harry DeMattia, Beau McCreery, and the sidelined Reef McInnes have deals extending through 2027. Nick Daicos has committed himself until 2029. The group set for expiry after this term includes Finlay Macrae, Oscar Steene, Wil Parker, Iliro Smit, and Charlie Dean.
Should the Magpies aim to acquire elite talents through the draft next year, they may need to consider trading one of their key players or someone with an expiring contract.
If free-agent Brayden Maynard chooses to depart or isn’t presented with a contract reflecting his talents, Collingwood might secure an end-of-first-round selection. The club is eager to keep their top-performing ruckman, Darcy Cameron, whose deal concludes in 2026; however, they must guarantee him adequate compensation since rival teams are keeping tabs on him.
Was it truly optional?
The Collingwood Football Club may seem like an appealing option for young Australians aspiring to become professional athletes, yet they can’t compete with the allure of the NBA.
That’s why it seems they won’t be able to secure basketball player Alex Condon, who was previously with the team. Florida Gators' U.S. national college basketball title winning team.
The Magpies had a deal with Condon stipulating that he would join their Category B rookie list should he choose to conclude his pursuit of a basketball career.
Nonetheless, his outstanding performance with the Gators, leading up to Tuesday’s victory, makes him nearly guaranteed to be selected for the NBA draft, likely this year or perhaps next.
Should that occur, we highly doubt that Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch would possess enough persuasive abilities to recruit him as a Magpie.
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