AFL Draft 2024: A Night of Dreams and New Beginnings

The 39th edition of the AFL National Draft is here, marking a pivotal moment for dozens of young stars on the cusp of professional football careers. This year's draft promises excitement, with several top contenders vying for the coveted first pick. Last year, Harley Reid from West Coast Eagles secured the top spot, but this year's competition is far more dynamic and unpredictable, creating anticipation amongst fans.

The Top Contenders

Sam Lalor, Jagga Smith, and Finn O’Sullivan are amongst the strongest contenders for the number one pick. Sid Draper and Harvey Langford are also expected to feature within the top five picks. The anticipated father-son bid on Levi Ashcroft is another highlight expected early in the draft. While Sam Lalor has emerged as Richmond’s likely choice with the first pick, it’s widely acknowledged that this year's pool of talent is remarkably deep and evenly distributed, reminiscent of the exceptional 2018 draft class.

Draft Order and Key Considerations

The draft order, while typically determined by reverse ladder position, is subject to change, given the live trading nature of the draft. Understanding the current order is crucial to anticipating where your favorite players might land. Richmond holds the first pick, followed by North Melbourne, Carlton (via West Coast), Adelaide, and Melbourne.

The full draft order, inclusive of all rounds, is outlined below:

Round 1:

1. Richmond
2. North Melbourne
3. Carlton (via West Coast)
4. Adelaide
5. Melbourne
6. Richmond (via Gold Coast)
7. St Kilda
8. St Kilda (Josh Battle compensation)
9. Melbourne (via Essendon)
10. Richmond (via Fremantle)
11. Richmond (via Fremantle, received from Collingwood in 2023)
12. West Coast (via Carlton)
13. Port Adelaide (via Gold Coast, received from Western Bulldogs in 2023)
14. Fremantle (via Richmond, Carlton and Hawthorn)
15. GWS
16. GWS (compensation for Harry Perryman)
17. Western Bulldogs (via Geelong)
18. Richmond (via Fremantle, received from Port Adelaide in 2023)
19. Sydney
20. Richmond (via Brisbane)
21. GWS (Isaac Cumming compensation)
22. Sydney (via North Melbourne, received by AFL as compensation in 2023)
23. Richmond (via Gold Coast, received from North Melbourne, via the AFL as compensation in 2023)

Round 2 - 4 and beyond: The remaining rounds' order is also included in the initial text provided.

how to watch the AFL Draft 2024

For live television coverage, tune into Fox Footy (Channel 504 on Foxtel or Kayo Sports). Alternatively, follow live updates and detailed analysis on foxfooty.com.au and Fox Footy's social media channels. The draft begins at 7 pm AEDT on both Wednesday, November 20th (Round 1), and Thursday, November 21st (remaining rounds), with the rookie and pre-season draft on Friday, November 22nd at 12 pm AEDT.

Melbourne's strategic draft moves

Melbourne demonstrated a clear strategy, bolstering their midfield with two first-round picks: Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay. Langford, a Mornington Peninsula product, displays similar attributes to Christian Petracca, demonstrating his strength both as a forward and a midfielder, whilst Lindsay, from Inverloch, is a versatile utility player with significant leadership skills. Both Langford and Lindsay's drafting showcases the Demons' forward-thinking approach to securing midfield talent for the future.

The Demons' decision is a calculated move to future-proof their squad following the loss of Angus Brayshaw to retirement and the uncertainties surrounding the future of Oliver and Petracca. Recruiting manager Jason Taylor highlighted the club's intention to acquire the best talent available, emphasizing their strategic approach and confidence in the drafted players ability to complement their current midfield stars. The trade for Essendon's pick nine further demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their midfield.

St Kilda's Draft Strategy: Prioritizing Pace and Versatility

St Kilda adopted a contrasting strategy, opting for high-potential defenders Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru. The Saints' focus on speed and agility reflects their aim to improve their transition game, and overcome their weakness in clearance battles during 2024. Travaglia's athleticism and Tauru's marking capabilities are viewed as key assets that will boost the team's overall performance.

The Saints' draft choices reflect recruiter Simon Dalrymple's commitment to selecting the best available talent, irrespective of specific positional needs. Their decision to hold their top ten picks, rather than splitting them, underscores their belief in the exceptional talent of their drafted players and their potential to make a significant contribution to the team. The club's president and coach also played key roles in the decision making, highlighting the collaborative approach and the high level of confidence the team has in this year's draft choices.

The Road Ahead

The 2024 AFL Draft marks not just the beginning of a new chapter for the drafted players, but also a significant turning point for the clubs who have meticulously shaped their lists. Whether these strategies will lead to on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the excitement and anticipation surrounding this year's draft have been palpable.

The future of the AFL is in the hands of these young players, ready to carve their own paths to greatness. The AFL is now looking forward to next year with confidence. The future is bright, with many talented young players hoping to follow in the footsteps of many great players.