SEVERAL fresh faces have earned rookie opportunities via the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Draft, while a pair of players will take on second chances at the top level. Essendon loaded up with a high of four selections, while Port Adelaide brought in three local prospects out of the SANFL.

>> SCROLL to see the full draft order

The South Australian state league was a strong breeding ground for this year’s intake, with six players picked up overall including two from Glenelg. Werribee also produced two draftees among the seven VFL selections, while four players were taken out of the WAFL and one from the Coates Talent League.

Richmond VFL product Tom McCarthy was read out by West Coast with pick one, proving the strong pre-draft speculation correct. Leftover talent from last year’s deep draft pool was also swept up with three over-age (2006-born) players finding AFL homes at the second time of asking.

Stay tuned to Rookie Me Central, where we’ll profile the 16 selected players who earned their maiden AFL berth.

2025 AFL MID-SEASON DRAFT

ROUND 1

1. West Coast – Tom McCarthy (Richmond VFL)
2. North Melbourne – Zac Banch (Werribee)
3. Port Adelaide – Harrison Ramm (Glenelg)
4. Carlton – Flynn Young (Werribee)
5. Western Bulldogs – Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder)
6. Essendon – Archer May (Subiaco)
7. Gold Coast – Oscar Adams (Glenelg)
8. Collingwood – Roan Steele (West Perth)

ROUND 2

9. West Coast – Jacob Newton (Norwood)
10. North Melbourne – Cooper Trembath (North Melbourne VFL)
11. Port Adelaide – Ewan Mackinlay (North Adelaide)
12. Western Bulldogs – Zac Walker (Gippsland Power)
13. Essendon – Lachlan Blakiston (East Fremantle)
14. Gold Coast – Caleb Lewis (Casey Demons)
15. Collingwood – Noah Howes (South Adelaide)

ROUND 3

16. Port Adelaide – Mani Liddy (Central District)
17. Essendon – Oskar Smartt (Essendon VFL)

ROUND 4

18. Essendon – Liam McMahon (Carlton VFL)