HIGH drama and selection shocks on night one of the 2024 AFL Draft see plenty of strongly credentialed prospects ripe for the picking when night two gets underway tonight. We highlight 10 players who we rate as either the most likely to be selected early, or the next best available talent.

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Claremont, Western AustraliaMidfielder

Hugh Boxshall

Height: 188cm

Weight: -

DOB: 11-07-2006

Boxshall was touted as a top 40 smokey heading into the draft and remains firmly in contention heading into night two. The midfielder had a terrific end to the season, proving himself at representative level and playing a key part in Claremont’s second straight Colts premiership. His size, clean hands and running ability are all considered desirable traits which have put him in the frame for one of the Western Bulldogs’ early picks, as well as both West Australian clubs and St Kilda. If he gets through, Sydney and Collingwood may also have a look.

Claremont, Western AustraliaForward-Midfielder

Hamish Davis

Height: 190cm

Weight: -

DOB: 02-05-2006

Davis suits the modern game and would have been pushing for top 30 contention for many clubs. His running patterns and ability to connect the ground are elite, complimented by significant upside with his 190cm frame and noted versatility. Collingwood has been heavily linked with the West Australian, who may also be in the frame to add running power to Hawthorn’s young list.

SturtRuck

Alex Dodson

Height: 203cm

Weight: -

DOB: 15-06-2006

Dodson is the leading ruck prospect this year and will likely be in high demand on night two. Clubs like Geelong are being linked to a trade up the order, while Richmond could also consider him with the first pick of round two. The latter move would complete the Tigers’ rebuild nicely up the spine. A basketball convert, Dodson still has so much potential given his limited exposure over the last two years. He made significant strides as a top-ager and is the type of ruck who can not only impact at the contest, but is mobile around the ground.

Oakleigh Chargers, Vic MetroMidfielder-Forward

Tom Gross

Height: 181cm

Weight: -

DOB: 15-09-2006

Touted as a potential top 10 prospect heading into the year, Gross still projects as a highly effective player at the elite level. His physicality and explosive streak are ideal traits for a crash-and-bash midfielder who hurts the opposition going forward. With two of the first four picks on night two, the Western Bulldogs are said to be a likely landing spot. Gross proved late in the year that he can win games off his own boot and has the flexibility to suit how the Bulldogs often thrown around their on-ballers – out to the wing, off half-forward, and in the guts.

Eastern Ranges, Vic MetroMidfielder

Christian Moraes

Height: 183cm

Weight: -

DOB: 08-11-2006

Moraes is another prospect who was highly touted coming into the year. His strength is his running ability, particularly going forward where he can carve up the opposition. The former basketballer has clean hands on the inside and is no stranger to racking up bulk possessions, but was squeezed out to the wing, defence, and forwardline in Vic Metro’s stacked side. Having linked with Hawthorn’s VFL side, expect that link to remain, while the Bulldogs are also said to be interested. If he gets through, Port Adelaide and Essendon are also likely destinations.

Dandenong Stingrays, Vic CountryKey Defender

Noah Mraz

Height: 198cm

Weight: -

DOB: 20-02-2006

Mraz will be highly sought after as clubs look to bolster their tall stocks in the second round. Despite missing nearly all of the season due to a navicular injury, the versatile key position talent returned in time to test at the draft combine and impressed with his running capacity. Capable of playing on all three lines, Mraz will likely have interest from Collingwood, though he could be snapped up earlier by the likes of West Coast, Hawthorn, GWS, or Sydney.

Bendigo PioneersKey Forward

Jobe Shanahan

Height: 195cm

Weight: -

DOB: 02-08-2006

Among the most surprising oversights on night one, Shanahan saw a bunch of other talls favoured ahead of him but should be in high demand as one of the top prospects left on the board. He could go as early as West Coast’s pick 30, while St Kilda and Port Adelaide are well poised to select a key forward after their night one moves. If not, the link to Essendon is there after Shanahan impressed with 11 goals in three VFL games with the Bombers. His aerial ability is his strength, but he also has upside in his ability to play at either end of the ground.

Northern Knights, Vic MetroRuck Forward

Thomas Sims

Height: 199cm

Weight: -

DOB: 12-05-2006

Another key position player in the frame to be taken early on night two, Sims shapes as ideal fold for Collingwood’s list. The ruck-forward is quite agile for his size and strong in the contest, while proving capable of kicking game-breaking bags of goals. Akin to Shanahan, he may appeal to clubs like St Kilda and Essendon but would be an ideal fit for the Pies a little further down the order.

GIANTS AcademyRuck

Logan Smith

Height: 204cm

Weight: -

DOB: 24-09-2006

Behind Dodson, Smith is arguably the leading ruck prospect likely to be available to clubs, though he is tied to Greater Western Sydney’s academy. The 204cm Giant still has plenty of development left as a relative newcomer to the talent pathway, but impressed with his ability to get first hand to the ball this year, as well as follow up his work at stoppages. Clubs expect a bid to come in the 30-40 range, though his club-tied status could push that range out.

Murray Bushrangers, Vic CountryKey Forward

Jack Whitlock

Height: 200cm

Weight: -

DOB: 16-05-2006

Along with Shanahan, Whitlock is arguably the most highly rated prospect left on the board after round one. Having seen twin brother Matt be taken with the final pick last night, Jack likely won’t have to wait long to hear his name called out. The 200cm key forward was linked to Richmond and Port Adelaide on night one, while St Kilda is another club likely to be in the mix for his services.