NOMINATIONS for the VFL’s coveted Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal have been finalised this week, with 24 players put forward by clubs as potential AFL candidates. The award is given to the league’s most promising Under 23 prospect, with its past 17 winners going on to make the elite grade.

>> SCROLL to see the full list of nominees

Among the favourites for this year’s nod is Richmond VFL star Sam Davidson. The 191cm forward, who is currently studying medicine at Monash University, also earned a state draft combine invite alongside fellow nominee Riley Bice. The latter is a dashing half-back out of minor premier, Werribee.

Along with Bice, Werribee boasts two more nominees in recent Western Jets graduates Jaelen Pavlidis and Jake Smith. The former spent a year with GWS’ reserves side after coming out of the Coates Talent League, while the latter debuted for the Bees this year. Both have generational ties to the club.

Somewhat of a surprise name on the list is 2023 premiership player, Leonardo Lombard. The Gold Coast Suns Academy prospect is considered a chance to be taken in the top 10 of this year’s draft, and took out the Larke Medal as the Under 18 National Championships’ best and fairest player in July.

Queensland’s representation extends to Brisbane Lions Academy products Tahj Abberley and Jack Manly, who have been nominated for their work in the maroon, blue and gold. Lombard’s former Suns and Allies teammate Nick Williams also made the cut after his first season at Southport.

Keen cricket heads may recognise the name Will Elliott. The Northern Bullants high-flyer is the son of former Australian Test opener Matthew. Having captained Oakleigh Chargers in 2022, he returned to the program last year but after a spate of injuries, has only now put together a full season of football.

Elliott was considered for the last two mid-season drafts and continues to stake his claim having been overlooked. The same can be said for tall Richmond defender Mutaz El Nour, another prospect who has battled injuries over the last few seasons but remains at the forefront of recruiters’ minds.

Williamstown swingman Corey Ellison is another whose name was put up around the time of the mid-season intake, along with Frankston defender George Grey and Coburg midfielder Flynn Gentile. All three players have transformed their games since coming out of the Victorian talent pathway.

Speaking of, Essendon nominee Matthew Foley continues to show promise having developed through the Calder Cannons and Bombers Next Generation Academy (NGA). Teammate Will Hoare is also up for the award and is considered one of the league’s best intercepting key position defenders.

Fans of the women’s competition will note the inclusion of Sandringham’s Darby Hipwell, the brother of Hawthorn AFLW player, Bridie. He, and Port Melbourne ruck Felix Flockart were part of the Sandringham Dragons’ 2021 squad. Flockart’s sister, Daisy is part of the same program this year.

FOTHERGILL-ROUND-MITCHELL MEDAL NOMINEES

Brisbane Lions: Tahj Abberley, Jack Manly
Carlton: Will White
Coburg: Flynn Gentile
Essendon: Matthew Foley, Will Hoare
Footscray Bulldogs: Cooper Craig-Peters, Joshua Kellett
Frankston: George Grey
Gold Coast Suns: Leonardo Lombard
North Melbourne: Jack Watkins
Northern Bullants: Will Elliott
Port Melbourne: Felix Flockart, Josh Green
Richmond: Sam Davidson, Mutaz El Nour
Sandringham: Darby Hipwell, Anthony Seaton
Southport: Nick Williams
Werribee: Riley Bice, Jaelen Pavlidis, Jake Smith
Williamstown: Corey Ellison, Joel Fitzgerald