ROOKIE Me Central’s 2024 Phantom AFL Draft has dropped on the eve of the real thing, with a team of six selectors placing names to clubs across the first two rounds of a hypothetical intake. Each pick was down to the judgement of the selectors with realistic links and draft ranges in mind.

>> SCROLL to see the club-by-club hauls

Note, no live trading was involved and the draft order is subject to change over both nights. Bidding was taken into account, meaning the likes of Brisbane, Essendon, and Gold Coast all had their hauls altered drastically to the current indicative order. Check out who your club picked!

>> CLICK on player names to view their full profiles

2024 PHANTOM AFL DRAFT

FIRST ROUND:

PICK 1: Sam Lalor (Richmond)

“The romance is there for Richmond to pick Lalor, being somewhat of a ‘Dusty’ clone. Others may be more bankable as high-end prospects but he has enormous upside if he can get a full preseason of fitness and development under his belt. He’s big, powerful, can impact going both ways and has the point of difference in being able to play forward.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 2: Finn O’Sullivan (North Melbourne)

“I’ve only got three players who I would genuinely take with a top three pick and O’Sullivan is one of them along with Jagga Smith. I feel like O’Sullivan is the more versatile of the two… some of the guys North previously picked can only really play one position, whereas O’Sullivan has played some good footy across all three lines.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 3: Jagga Smith (Carlton)

“The Blues need a point of difference in their midfield and Smith offers exactly that. He’s an agile, lightly framed type who accumulates possessions better and more consistently than all comers, making him arguably the most bankable prospect available. With O’Sullivan off the board, Sid Draper was the other consideration for his pace and senior experience. ” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 4: Sid Draper (Adelaide)

“I think the SA link makes it pretty easy but to be honest, I probably would have taken Smith if he was still available. But Draper has good speed and power through midfield, and I think the Crows just need a little bit more of that so he’ll be considered around that mark.” – Micah Hann

PICK 5: Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane, matched bid)

“A bid falling here for Ashcroft is absolutely ideal for Brisbane, making it easier to match down the line for Sam Marshall and having picks in hand. Touted by some as the top prospect this year, Ashcroft is a serial winner who has a picked up a raft of team and individual accolades across the journey. He’ll compete for a spot in the Lions’ engine room straight away alongside brother Will.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 6: Harvey Langford (Melbourne)

“A good compliment to what Melbourne already has in the engine room. He’ll add great depth to the midfield but can obviously go forward too. So, this’d be a good result for the Dees with guys like Alix Tauru also in the frame.” – Peter Williams

PICK 7: Josh Smillie (Richmond)

“This has been one of the most prominent links at the top-end of the draft, and on merit it makes sense. While Lalor brings the brute force and can go forward, Smillie offers poise and crisp ball use at 195cm. His size is complimented by considerable upside and he has enough versatility to go back or rest forward. He considers himself a coach’s dream prospect.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 8: Tobie Travaglia (St Kilda)

“He’s such a reliable player and I like what he brings from a leadership perspective. I think he’s one of the better blokes going around in this draft, too. He’s got the scope to turn into a midfielder with both his athleticism and the way he takes the game on, so I think it’s an exciting one. I can see him being a good fit for the Saints, a bit like Jack Sinclair has been lately.” – Hayden Narducci

PICK 9: Leo Lombard (Gold Coast, matched bid)

“It’ll be a quick call for Gold Coast to match the bid here. Lombard is yet another high-end Academy graduate which has shaped the Suns’ draft hand, and he looks primed to impact straight away. His VFL experience, including a flag in 2022, has produced plenty of promise. With great physical traits and competitiveness, Lombard may start his career up forward before moving to midfield.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 10: Harry Armstrong (St Kilda)

“There’s a lot of me that wants to take Jobe Shanahan and have two Bendigo boys but I’ll go with Armstrong. Getting a highly rated key forward could be good for St Kilda… what Harry’s shown he could partner with Max King or be someone who can take the mantle on his own. He pops up in big games which I think the Saints need more than anything.” – Hayden Narducci

>> FREE: 2024 AFL Draft Guide

PICK 11: Alix Tauru (Melbourne)

“This is probably the Tauru pick, based on the link and what we’ve heard… he’s a point of difference to the other players around that range – perhaps not as safe a bet but with considerable upside in his athleticism and ability to play a variety of roles.” – Peter Williams

PICK 12: Jobe Shanahan (Richmond)

“Plenty of clubs will be in for Shanahan around this range, so deciding to swoop on him relatively early was a tough choice. He has the ceiling to be the best key forward in the draft, but reads the play so well and has such prolific marking ability that he could also make it as a defender. Jack Whitlock was a consideration here, along with Xavier Lindsay.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 13: Isaac Kako (Essendon, matched bid)

“This is about where I expect a bid to come on draft night so I’ll happily match it… he offers a genuine small forward threat. He’s the most dangerous in the crop along with Joe Berry, he has incredible forward craft. Essendon doesn’t really have any genuine crumbing smalls and he’s definitely that, but he’s also good in the air and can go through midfield if needed – a bit like Shai Bolton.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 14: Bo Allan (Richmond)

“There is plenty of height in Richmond’s first few picks here, but Allan offers a point of difference. Like Lalor and Smillie, he has great scope to be a midfielder after likely starting his career down back. His explosiveness at 191cm is quite rare, and having won a WAFL League flag with Peel Thunder he has the senior exposure to impact relatively quickly.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 15: Murphy Reid (West Coast)

“I’m happy [Richmond] took Bo Allan because it would’ve made it difficult obviously with the WA link. There’s some very good Vic midfielders who are still there. I really like Xavier Lindsay who I had pinpointed at this selection but I’ll go with Reid. He’s best available at that point and I think West Coast’s bookends look alright, but the could add volume and class through midfield.” – Charlie McCormack

PICK 16: Jack Whitlock (Port Adelaide)

“I probably would’ve gone with Murphy Reid as well but he’s probably not the perfect fit for Port, I think they need to go big… between Whitlock and Jonty Faull, it’s probably a little bit early for the latter. Potentially he can chop out in the ruck long-term, but he’s a good athlete and size and can take a pack mark so I think he’s a good fit for Port.” – Micah Hann

PICK 17: Joe Berry (Fremantle)

“Freo’s list is pretty well stocked over the ground so I’m going to go on a needs basis for Berry. I know they just brought Shai Bolton in but they have a lot of decent foot soldiers as small forwards, so I think they can add to that position in the top-end and hopefully get someone who can contribute next year… they like (Vic) Country kids and have taken them in the past.” – Charlie McCormack

PICK 18: Xavier Lindsay (Greater Western Sydney)

“I’ll go with the player who I’m surprised is still available, Xavier Lindsay. I expect him to go to Richmond with one of their picks. I was hoping for one of those talls to be available but to no avail.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 19: Taj Hotton (Greater Western Sydney)

“There’s no other tall there that I’d take with the Giants’ second pick, so I’ll go with Hotton. Another best available kind of selection and another one where with GWS’ strong setup they can allow Hotton to recover from his ACL and as soon as he does he’ll kill it up there alongside a pretty similar player in Toby Greene.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 20: Jesse Dattoli (Western Bulldogs)

“I’ve gone with the selection based on what I’ve gathered from Dogs fans and what they’re after – a bit of pace and some excitement in the forward half. I think Dattoli matches that description for the Bulldogs and can play up front, in midfield or out on a wing.” – Peter Williams

PICK 21: Harrison Oliver (Richmond)

“Given Lindsay was overlooked up the order and could have been an effective half-back, Oliver was a natural choice here – especially with Dattoli off the board. His elite ball use is a standout trait, but his toughness and ability to intercept are also highly regarded. With three players over 188cm through the door, Oliver is a smaller talent linked to Richmond.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 22: Luke Trainor (Sydney)

“This probably the one you pull out for Trainor… it’s such a Sydney pick. I think he fits a need and provides some extra depth in that back half, but obviously has the traits to also turn into a forward. The Swans always work them out pretty quickly so can do that again with a slider in Trainor.” – Peter Williams

PICK 23: Sam Marshall (Brisbane, bid matched)

“Sydney has been linked to a bid for Marshall and he likely won’t last too long after the 20-mark. The Lions will be laughing if he and Ashcroft are taken at these points, which may well unfold, and they have more than enough flex to be able to take both players with draft capital to spare. Marshall’s consistency and running ability as an inside-outside midfielder are terrific.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 24: Matt Whitlock (Richmond)

“The opportunity is there for Richmond to take both Whitlocks, though they will be in highly sought after and Matt falls into a good range. His ability to play at both ends of the ground will appeal, but arguably looks best suited to being a long-term defensive option. While quite raw and rangy, Whitlock’s athleticism lends to enormous upside. Jonty Faull was also considered.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 25: Jonty Faull (Greater Western Sydney)

“Matt Whitlock would’ve been one I considered but I’ll go with my next best tall in Faull. He’s one I feel could definitely go around this range. Others I considered were Noah Mraz, James Barrat as another tall, and maybe Thomas Sims, but I feel Faull is the best value pick here.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 26: Cooper Hynes (Sydney)

“That’s the second time Ed has snuck in before me for a prospect… for Sydney again they lost Luke Parker so I’ll go with Hynes. He provides a hard-edge in midfield and up forward so can slot into that exact role and he seems like a very Sydney selection. They’ll get the best out of him.” – Peter Williams

PICK 27: Alex Dodson (Richmond)

“Richmond’s spread of selections presents a good opportunity to build out a spine, and the ruck spot remained vacant here. Dodson is the top prospect in said role and will be a target for other clubs to trade in for, but the Tigers could also do with a developing bigman. A national representative in basketball, Dodson’s decision to persue football is a big win.” – Michael Alvaro

SECOND ROUND

PICK 28: Oliver Hannaford (Richmond)

“Opening and closing night one, before again making the first call on night two, Richmond is well poised to assess its options with this pick. The Tigers’ hypothetical haul features three potential mids, a key forward and back, a small defender, and a ruck, so another small makes sense. Hannaford has distinct Tiger traits and is a big game player, which could be key for a rebuilding side.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 29: Tom Gross (Western Bulldogs)

“This was definitely going to be Hannaford if available but I’ll go with Gross, I think he’s the obvious choice otherwise. He suits a need with his explosive speed and ability to play a variety of roles. He showed he can win games as a forward late in the year.” – Peter Williams

PICK 30: Hugh Boxshall (West Coast)

“I was hoping one of Hynes or Hannaford snuck through… I said earlier West Coast needs to look at its midfield so I’m tempted to go with one of the local guys, even at a reach. Boxshall I feel plays to the level, there’s always a smokey and West Coast is generally conservative but I like what he offers. He just does a lot of things well.” – Charlie McCormack

PICK 31: Noah Mraz (Port Adelaide)

“Maybe a slight spanner in the works, I’m going with Mraz. I know it’s back-to-back bigs, one at each end, but I’m a big fan of Mraz. Genuine key position size, his skills are pretty decent, he’s mobile. He had an injury interrupted year but with more exposure I think he would’ve gone higher. So that’s one at each end for the Power and it starts to shape their list up quite nicely.” – Micah Hann

PICK 32: Angus Clarke (Fremantle)

“South Australia has been a prolific recruiting zone for Freo over the years… but I just think Clarke’s a pretty solid player. I know he’s pretty raw but he had a great season and he might not slot into the best 22, but is a likely type and one who I had pencilled in for that range. ” – Charlie McCormack

PICK 33: Jasper Alger (St Kilda)

“On a needs basis you’re probably looking at a small pressure forward and from what’s left there’s not necessarily any that stand far above the rest but I might go with Jasper Alger. He’s the small forward I’d rate the highest in terms of goalkicking ability and it seems what St Kilda needs at times is a bit of variety going forward so Alger can provide that for them.” – Hayden Narducci

PICK 34: Christian Moraes (Hawthorn)

“I feel like the obvious pick is Moraes and it’s the route I’m going down. Looking at everyone available, it’s pretty even in that range and Moraes probably has the highest ceiling. Hawthorn doesn’t really have a pressing need and Moraes’ versatility is key. Even his upside, at the start of the year he was in the top 10.” – Hayden Narducci

PICK 35: Hamish Davis (Western Bulldogs)

“I was tossing up between Moraes and Davis so Hawthorn’s pick probably made it a little easier for me. Davis will provide a fair bit of run can obviously play forward or up on a wing if needed. For the Bulldogs I’ve targeted players who can move and connect the lines so I’m pretty happy with Davis there.” – Peter Williams

PICK 36: Ned Bowman (Port Adelaide)

“Maybe also a little left-field, I’m going to go with Bowman. He’s a good athlete and Port typically likes athletes. Good vertical leap, he obviously burst onto the scene with that huge grab early in the SANFL season. I think he could potentially play at both ends long-term because he reads the ball well and spent time on the wing – there’s some versatility and developable traits there. ” – Micah Hann

PICK 37: Will Hayes (Greater Western Sydney)

“There’s quite a few players on the board that I would like to pick. I was debating on a bid for Lennox Hofmann… I feel GWS like high-upside athletic types so maybe a Sam Davidson would be somewhere up there, James Barrat too, but I’m going with Hayes. He’s got some real elite traits as a wingman or half-forward, I feel he could really flourish in GWS’ environment.” – Ed Pascoe

PICK 38: Lennox Hofmann (St Kilda, matched bid)

“There is talk of St Kilda considering a bid for Carlton father-son prospect Ben Camporeale in the second round, but the tables have turned here. Hofmann offers long-term depth in the key back department that the Blues will likely be after, and is firming to attract a bid in this range. His speed is high level for his size and he intercepts and rebounds quite well at 190cm.” – Michael Alvaro

PICK 39: Harry O’Farrell (Carlton)

“While Hofmann is more a third tall option, O’Farrell is a genuine key position player. He has mostly cut his teeth down back and should be developed there, but can also swing forward where he attacks the ball with vigour. Injury scuppered his season but links to Carlton have always been pertinent, with O’Farrell’s father representing the Blues in the appeal which cleared Patrick Cripps to win the 2022 Brownlow Medal.” – Michael Alvaro

YET TO PICK: Collingwood, Geelong

The two clubs left out of just about every Phantom Draft, Collingwood and Geelong are expected to be late arrivers to the draft. The Cats are a chance to trade up the order with eyes on leading ruck prospect Alex Dodson, with the South Australian unlikely to be available at pick 45.

There are varying types in the Cats’ sights. Perhaps a key forward like Floyd Burmeister is their man, especially given his rucking capabilities. Equal parts running power and aerial ability in the form of Ned Bowman or Lachie Jaques could also be considered to slot in off flanks or the wing.

Along similar lines, VFL mature-agers Riley Bice and Sam Davidson fall into a good range and age profile for the Cats. Outside of them, tall midfielders Jack Ough and Hugh Boxshall ended their campaigns well to garner interest, while Essendon VFL defender Will Hoare shapes as a classic Cats smokey.

Meanwhile, Collingwood is set to enter the draft further back than any other club. The Pies’ first pick (52) will come forward after Academy bids and they are expected to make three selections overall. As usual, talls are all the talk of Magpie fans and there should be plenty available.

Barring bids on Academy talents Riak Andrew (Melbourne), Joel Cochran (Sydney), and Adrian Cole (St Kilda), if the likes of Noah Mraz and Charlie Nicholls slipped through then Collingwood would be laughing. South Australian dark horses Jay Polkinghorne and Thomas McKay may also be considered.

Another Croweater in the mix is Charlie West, while All-Australian key defender Clancy Dennis looks like being the robust kind of lockdown defender Collingwood has missed in Nathan Murphy’s absence. The evenness and depth of the draft means both clubs can still extract high value.

CLUB-BY-CLUB SELECTIONS:
Adelaide: Sid Draper (4)
Brisbane: Levi Ashcroft (5), Sam Marshall (23)
Carlton: Jagga Smith (3), Harry O’Farrell (39)
Collingwood: Did not pick
Essendon: Isaac Kako (13)
Fremantle: Joe Berry (17), Angus Clarke (32)
Geelong: Did not pick
Gold Coast: Leo Lombard (8)
Greater Western Sydney: Xavier Lindsay (18), Taj Hotton (19), Jonty Faull (25), Will Hayes (37)
Hawthorn: Christian Moraes (34)
Melbourne: Harvey Langford (6), Alix Tauru (11)
North Melbourne: Finn O’Sullivan (2)
Port Adelaide: Jack Whitlock (15), Noah Mraz (29), Ned Bowman (34)
Richmond: Sam Lalor (1), Josh Smillie (7), Jobe Shanahan (12), Bo Allan (14), Harrison Oliver (21), Matt Whitlock (24), Alex Dodson (27), Oliver Hannaford (28)
St Kilda: Tobie Travaglia (9), Harry Armstrong (10), Jasper Alger (33), Lennox Hofmann (38)
Sydney: Luke Trainor (22), Cooper Hynes (26)
West Coast: Murphy Reid (15), Hugh Boxshall (30)
Western Bulldogs: Jesse Dattoli (20), Tom Gross (29), Hamish Davis (35)