2. Will Ashcroft,Brisbane Lions
(Matched North Melbourne’s bid)
What Ashcroft said: “Just relieved,it’s a surreal moment,” said Ashcroft on Fox. “I’m looking forward to getting into it. There’s a lot of work to be done,it all resets now. It’s time to get the respect from everyone[at the Brisbane Lions].”
He later spoke to the media,describing the feeling of being selected by the Lions as “awesome”,made even more special now that he’ll be moving away. “I’ve known for a little while,it’s a surreal moment to be in this position,” he said.
He’ll be heading up to Brisbane sometime next week,and said that he’s already assessed the Brisbane Lions’ list and where he might fit in next year on the field.
“I’m pretty meticulous,” he said. “I like to plan”
What the Lions said: “We are enormously excited to officially welcome Will into the Lions’ den,” recruiting manager Stephen Conole said. “After an outstanding junior career though the pathway system,Will completed this in 2022 with an exceptional under-18 season,leading the Dragons to the NAB League flag and Vic Metro to victory in the national championships.
“Will is not only a very talented,super competitive player,but a young man who plays with a really strong team ethos and will be a fantastic addition to our squad in 2023 and beyond.
“Prolific across all levels he has competed in this year,I am sure everyone in and around the club is looking forward to seeing Will pull on the Lions jumper next season.”
3. Harry Sheezel,North Melbourne
What Sheezel said: “I am so grateful. The club is in really good hands. They have really good staff and a young and exciting list,” he told Fox Footy.
Sheezel later spoke to media and said it was “exciting” to be the first Jewish player to be drafted this century. “I’m just trying to be a role model,” he said. “Hopefully I can be an example for these kids[in the community].”
The No.3 draft pick was subjected to online antisemitic abuse over the weekend. He said he did not tolerate the abuse,and the right action should be taken against those who perpetrate it.
“I don’t really let that stuff get to me,” he said. “I try to focus on what I can control.”
4. George Wardlaw,North Melbourne
What Wardlaw said: “I’m feeling good,” the Oakleigh Chargers product told Fox Footy. Of his constant hamstring injuries this season,he said:“I was scared at some points”. Wardlaw said he was thankful for his family and his teammates who supported him throughout the year.
Wardlaw later told reporters it was “absolutely” a rewarding feeling to get drafted as the No.4 pick after coming back from injury. As to what his pre-season would look like,he said it was a wait-and-see sort of situation.
“We’ll have to discuss in terms of training,but at the moment I’m feeling really good,so we’ll see down have a chat and see where we are.”
5. Elijah Tsatas,Essendon
What Tsatas said: “I’m super excited for what I can bring and I think everyone at Essendon is excited.” Of the foot fracture he suffered in May,the 18-year-old told Fox:“It was a whirlwind”. “Doing my rehab to the full extent gave me some confidence.”
Tstatas later told reporters he had a “gut feeling” he’d end up at Essendon,a reality he couldn’t be happier about. “I got a little text[from Essendon],but it was a little cryptic,” he said.
The text wished him luck,and told him that “whatever happens,happens”,and the club was looking forward to getting to know him. Tsatas opted to reply to the message with a thumbs up reaction. The No.5 pick said he spoke to two or three other clubs in the lead up to the draft.
What the Bombers said: List manager Adrian Dodoro told Fox Footy that discussions around trading pick four were “pretty intense”. But the Dons elected to keep the pick to take Tsatas.
“It[the offers for pick four] just weren’t compelling.” said Dodoro. “At the end of the day we really rated Elijah. He’s a beautiful size and he moves really well.”
6. Bailey Humphrey,Gold Coast
What Humphrey said: “I can’t wait to learn off the leaders at the Gold Coast Suns.” He told Fox Footy he was looking forward to training with the midfield group. “I will try and earn respect from them,” he said.
What the Suns said: “It’s really exciting for our football club to bring in a dynamic player like Bailey who can really complement our current midfield group,but can play forward too and hit the scoreboard,” recruiting manager Kall Burns said. “We’re confident Bailey will be able to establish himself within our group and be a Gold Coast Suns player for a long time.”
7. Cameron Mackenzie,Hawthorn
What Mackenzie said: “It’s an amazing feeling heading to the Hawks,” said the excited youngster,who grew up a Hawthorn supporter. Mackenzie won a premiership with Victoria Metro and Sandringham Dragons,telling Fox Footy:“I’m grateful to have played in those big games”. “It’s been a very enjoyable year,” he said.
8. Jhye Clark,Geelong
What Clark said: He has already spent time with the Geelong senior side. “That was an unreal experience,I got to see how professional they are inside the four walls,” he told Fox Footy. Clark was the captain of Victoria Metro. “I was very privileged and lucky enough to do that.”
What the Cats said: “We’re really excited to add a player of Jhye’s calibre to our Club,” recruiting manager Stephen Wells said. “We love his competitive nature,and his leadership traits as an 18-year-old are really encouraging. We think Jhye will be a terrific addition to the Geelong Football Club and has the potential to be a very good player for a long time.”
9. Reuben Ginbey,West Coast
What Ginbey said: He told Fox Footy it was “awesome” he was able to stay in his home state. “But I was happy to go anywhere.” Ginbey said he would have to convince his Fremantle-supporting family to switch allegiance to West Coast.
10. Mattaes Phillipou,St Kilda
What Phillipou said: Phillipou told Fox Footy he could not wait to be coached by Ross Lyon at St Kilda. “I’m going to learn a lot.”
Phillipou is following in the footsteps of his father Sam,who played in the SANFL and AFL.
“Dad was pretty emotional yesterday. It means a lot for the family.”
What the Saints said: “He is a tall,powerful midfielder who also has the ability to push forward and take a mark,and is a great athlete who performed outstandingly for both the Eagles and South Australia this year,” head of list management James Gallagher said. “We look forward to seeing Mattaes grow as a player and person at St Kilda and we’re excited to see what his future holds.”
11. Oliver Hollands,Carlton
What Hollands said: He told Fox Footy he had modelled a lot of his game on Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh. “Walshy is someone who I have watched closely.” He said he would “try and stick by him” in pre-season training.
What the Blues said: “He’s one of the best two-way runners in his draft class,as we saw in testing both pre- and post-season. He knows how to find the football and he can play a number of positions,” list boss Nick Austin said. “But first and foremost,Ollie is a competitor. He does whatever he can for his team and he leaves nothing to chance:he’s a strong character both on and off the field.
“It’s always a nice story when a young player gets the chance to pull on the jumper of the team he supported as a kid. This is only the start of Ollie’s journey and we’re looking forward to him linking up with Michael Voss,Patrick Cripps and everyone involved in our program.”
12. Jaspa Fletcher,Brisbane Lions
(Matched Western Bulldogs’ bid)
What Fletcher said: “I’m shaking and struggling to hold the microphone to be honest,” he told Fox Footy. Fletcher said he and his family were “absolutely stoked” about him being drafted. “Mum shed a few tears. Dad was hard on me and that’s made me a better player.”
What the Lions said: “Jaspa has the skill set to develop into a genuine hybrid mid,he possesses a strong inside and outside game and continues to add to the list of talented young players on our list,” Conole said. “We are very excited to see Jaspa become a Brisbane Lions player and I am sure he will flourish as he progresses through his Lions career.”
13. Jedd Busslinger,Western Bulldogs
What Busslinger said: The 196-centimetre Western Australian said that intercept defence was his “best position”. He said he could not wait to join pre-season at the Bulldogs with fellow talls such as Aaron Naughton and Liam Jones. “I’m so looking forward to learning from them,” said Busslinger.
14. Elijah Hewett,West Coast
What Hewett said: “It’s an amazing club and an amazing history,” he said. Hewett said it would be an honour to play for West Coast but he “didn’t have much clue” that the Eagles were drafting him.
15. Matthew Jefferson,Melbourne
What Jefferson said: It was a “bit of a nervous wait” until he was drafted by Melbourne,he told Fox Footy. “I’m really excited to get underway in the pre-season.” The key forward said he was excited to work with some of the best strength and conditioning coaches and some of the best players in the AFL.
16. Harry Rowston,GWS
(Matched Sydney’s bid)
What the Giants said: “We are always keen to add in Giants Academy talent and with Harry we believe we have brought in someone with some flexibility to play multiple roles in areas of need,” recruiting manager Caruso said. “He has shown capability to impact through the midfield and forward,and his strong footy brain mixed with competitive edge gives him a chance to develop into a key member of our team in years to come.”
17. Max Michalanney,Adelaide
(Matched Sydney’s bid)
18. Joshua Weddle,Hawthorn
What Weddle said: “I’m speechless to be honest.” Weddle said he had “no idea” that the Hawks were thinking of drafting him. “I wasn’t really expecting it. But I’m super happy.”
19. Edward Allan,Collingwood
20. Jacob Konstanty,Sydney
What Konstanty said: He told Fox Footy he was “so honoured” and “absolutely speechless” to be drafted by the Swans. Konstanty is looking forward to playing with Tom Papley and Lance “Buddy” Franklin. “I’ve been watching him[Buddy] since I was so young”.
21. Darcy Jones,GWS
What the Giants said: “Darcy is a player we believe can turn into a dangerous small forward who combines some elite athletic traits with a strong footy brain. Darcy’s two-way speed suits the way we want to play,yet he also is a strong competitor who we are confident can develop into a player that gives us a spark in the front half,” Caruso.
22. Max Gruzewski,GWS
23. Harry Barnett,West Coast
What Barnett said: “I’m lost for words,” Barnett told Fox Footy. “Yesterday I was more nervous,today I was just hoping to hear my name.” Barnett said he looks up to AFL ruckmen like Brodie Grundy,Tim English and Max Gawn. He described Nic Naitanui as “a massive role model” and wanted the opportunity to learn from him.
24. Charlie Clarke,Western Bulldogs
25. Lewis Hayes,Essendon
What Hayes said:”I’m pretty stoked. It’s a dream come true,” Hayes told Fox Footy. Hayes said he had been in discussions with Essendon before being drafted but he “wasn’t really expecting it.” Hayes said his brother Sam Hayes,a Port Adelaide ruckman,told him to “enjoy every moment” in his AFL career.
26. Brayden George,North Melbourne
27. Cooper Vickery,Sydney
28. Jakob Ryan,Collingwood
29. Coby Burgiel,West Coast
30. Lachlan Cowan,Carlton
31. James Van Es,St Kilda
A 197-centimetre,99-kilogram defender with intercepting skills who also knows how to lock down his direct opponent. Van Es featured for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Victoria Country.
32. Jaxon Binns,Carlton
33. Hugh Davies,Fremantle
34. Toby McMullin,GWS
35. Olli Hotton,St Kilda
36. Tom McCallum,Port Adelaide
37. Henry Hustwaite,Hawthorn
38. Jed Adams,Melbourne
THIRD ROUND:
39. Harvey Gallagher,Western Bulldogs
Height:179cm
Weight:77kg
Team:Victoria Country/Bendigo Pioneers
State:Victoria
DOB:26/09/2003
A medium-sized player who can play in the forward line or in defence. He averaged 24 disposals and kicked 13 goals playing for Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League.
40. Caleb Mitchell,Sydney Swans
Height:186cm
Weight:80kg
Team:Victoria Country/Murray Bushrangers
State:Victoria
DOB:10/08/2004
A dashing left-footed wingman who was a key contributor to the Murray Bushrangers. Mitchell impressed recruiters at the Draft Combine with a 2km run at 6:37 seconds.
41. Tom Emmett,Fremantle
Height:187cm
Weight:88kg
Team:Sturt
State:South Australia
DOB:30/11/2001
Emmett is known by recruiters for his power when moving across the ground. He played an impressive 14 matches for Sturt in the SANFL.
42. Max Knobel,Fremantle
Height:206cm
Weight:91kg
Team:Victoria Country/Gippsland Power
State:Victoria
DOB:27/06/2004
A young ruckman with plenty of upside in his game. Knobel moves around the ground well for a big man and is the son of former AFL player Trent Knobel.
43. Billy Dowling,Adelaide
Height:187cm
Weight:80kg
Team:South Australia/North Adelaide
State:South Australia
DOB:01/07/2004
Dowling is a medium-sized midfielder who is a consistent possession-winner in and around the contest. He has quick hands in the contest and had a strong national championships for South Australia.
44. Isaac Keeler,St Kilda
Height:198cm
Weight:89kg
Team:South Australia/North Adelaide
State:South Australia
DOB:23/04/2004
A raw ruckman and tall forward who moves well for his size. He uses his impressive vertical leap in ruck contests and when competing for marks.
45. Alwyn Davey jnr,Essendon
Height:181cm
Weight:77kg
Team:Victoria Metro/Oakleigh Chargers,NAB League
State:Victoria
DOB:26/02/04
46. Jack O’Sullivan,Hawthorn
Height:177cm
Weight:71kg
Team:Oakleigh Chargers
State:Victoria
DOB:22/10/2004
A small midfielder-forward who evades opponents easily and has good forward craft. O’Sullivan had an injury-interrupted year but impressed at the Draft Combine to raise the eyebrows of recruiters.
47. Harry Lemmey,Carlton
Height:200cm
Weight:95kg
Team:South Australia/West Adelaide
State:South Australia
DOB:30/01/2004
A tall forward with a developing frame moves well for his size. He represented South Australia in the national championships.
48. Joe Richards,Collingwood
Height:176cm
Weight:71kg
Team:Wangaratta Magpies
State:Victoria
DOB:23/11/1999
A 23-year-old recruit who has dominated senior football because of his speed and agility. He tested at the state draft combine in Victoria and showed off his raw pace with a 3.03 second 20-metre sprint.
49. Kaleb Smith,Richmond
Height:180cm
Weight:77kg
Team:East Fremantle
State:Western Australia
DOB:20/11/2004
A half-back with notable pace and agility. His struggles with injury meant he did not feature in the national championships.
50. Hugh Bond,Adelaide
Height:185cm
Weight:82kg
Team:Greater Western Victoria Rebels
State:Victoria
DOB:25/09/2004
A strong 185-centimetre midfielder who does his best work in stoppages. He can use his power to get first possession and find space in congested areas.
51. Bailey Macdonald,Hawthorn
Height:182cm
Weight:74kg
Team:Victoria Metro/Oakleigh Chargers
State:Victoria
DOB:04/08/2004
52. Phoenix Foster,Geelong
Height:197cm
Weight:88kg
Team:South Australia/Norwood
State:South Australia
DOB:12/09/2004
FOURTH ROUND
53.Thomas Scully,Port Adelaide
54. Jayden Davey,Essendon
55. Steely Green,Richmond
56. Cooper Harvey,North Melbourne
57. Corey Wagner,Fremantle
58. Noah Long,West Coast
59. Kyle Marshall,Port Adelaide
(The national draft has concluded)
Images are courtesy of AFL Photos
News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.