THIS is where the recruiters earn their Christmas bonuses. Finding diamonds in the rough is arguably harder than nailing your first round pick, so let’s look at who your club might target with their later picks – academies and father-son tied prospects aside.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Current picks: 16, 48, 55, 61

Sam Ainsworth (Norwood/South Australia)
Ruck/Utility | 198cm | 12/08/2007

Reilly O’Brien is well entrenched as the Crows’ preferred ruckman, however that’s partially as a result of there not being much competition. Ainsworth would be a smart choice as an apprentice to O’Brien while offering some versatility as a key position option in both attack and defence. He was the Under 18 ruck this year having made an early-season move from Norwood’s defence.

Others to consider: Talor Byrne, Jack Cook, Noah Roberts-Thomson

BRISBANE LIONS

Current picks: 17, 23, 44, 51, 57

Talor Byrne (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Forward/Midfielder | 174cm | 14/11/2007

With Charlie Cameron and Lincoln McCarthy both the other side of 30, and Callum Ah Chee seemingly on his way to Adelaide, there is an opportunity for the Lions to pinch a livewire like Byrne to mould into their replacements. He averaged two goals a game in the National Championships this year and, alongside the developing Logan Morris and Ty Gallop, could turn the Lions forwardline into a scarily productive young unit.

Others to consider: Harrison Bridge, Jasper Hay, Bryce Sanders

CARLTON

Current picks: 9, 11, 43, 54

Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 02/05/2007

With Harry Dean able to sure up Carlton’s key defensive stocks, the Blues might be well suited to grab another tall at the other end to cover for the losses of Tom De Koning and Charlie Curnow, and Hetherton fits the bill. He has the size and goal nous to make an impact early and can pinch hit in the ruck to save Harry McKay from having to do so. Although, there has been talk of him attracting interest as early as the first round.

Others to consider: Zac Harding, Rory Wright, Fred Rodriguez

COLLINGWOOD

Current picks: 39, 45, 56, 58, 67

Bryce Sanders (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Key Defender/Forward | 197cm | 11/05/2007

Sanders has the skills at both ends of the ground, kicking bags of goals at SANFL Under 18 level as a forward, but also playing as a key back for national champion, South Australia. With that in mind, he could be of use to the Magpies in either post. As a developmental prospect that has the physical tools, this could be a very underrated pick.

Others to consider: Koby Coulson, Max Kondogiannis, Fred Rodriguez

ESSENDON

Current picks: 5, 6, 21, 27, 30

Harrison Bridge (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 04/09/2007

By the end of the season, the Bombers were very bare in this area of the field. Archie Roberts needs a running mate, and Bridge might be the one to fill the gap. His ball-carrying can be quite eye-catching when he’s up and running, which unfortunately he wasn’t able to do much of this season due to injury. But his ball use is just as good, and he might be able to help unlock the Bombers’ ball movement out of the back half.

Others to consider: Tom Burton, Jacob Marron, Jasper Hay

FREMANTLE

Current picks: 20, 47, 64, 72

Rory Wright (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 02/06/2007

If the Dockers want to utilise Hayden Young more in the forward half of the ground where his kicking weapons could do serious damage, Wright might be the man to allow him to do so. Whilst he isn’t the most fleet of foot, his attack on the ball is quite impressive and would be a nice fit in the Freo backline. He has versatility to play across the midfield and defensive lines which would further add to his appeal for the Dockers, who like to rotate in and out.

Others to consider: Brodie Atkins, Max Kondogiannis, Harry Scott

GEELONG

Current picks: 19, 40

Hunter Holmes (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Wing | 188cm | 19/02/2007

Too obvious? Probably, but when it works as nicely as it has for older brother Max, it’d be malpractice not to go back to the well. Although he’s not blessed with the same endurance level of Max at the same age, his speed is something to watch. And in the Cats’ system, he will have time to develop into a real prospect in a couple of years. The Cats will also have to consider their priorities regarding NGA prospect Jesse Mellor, who could attract interest from other clubs in the National Draft.

Others receiving votes: Zac Harding, Jesse Mellor, Talor Byrne

GOLD COAST SUNS

Current picks: 15, 18, 24, 28, 29, 36, 52

Max Kondogiannis (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 14/11/2007

While it’s hard to see the Suns being able to look at prospects outside of their Academy players, Kondogiannis could be one to fit the bill. A natural interceptor, he could develop very similarly to the way Charlie Ballard has and become a prolific interceptor. He may even be a slightly better kick than Ballard, which could see him force his way in before too long.

Others receiving votes: Jasper Hay, Matthew LeRay, Aaron Sharkie

GWS GIANTS

Current picks: 12, 35, 73

Aaron Sharkie (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender/Midfielder | 184cm | 20/01/2007

A very typical GWS pick here, with Sharkie’s line-breaking ability the deciding factor. Lachie Ash was often a one-man-band trying to bring the ball out of defence last season, and Sharkie has a similar flair for attacking from the back half. While the Giants have a number of prospects they could be tied to in the latter stages of the draft, Sharkie might be one they consider prioritising. Although, they may even bring in a similar type within the first round.

Others receiving votes: Koby Coulson, Zane Peucker, Bryce Sanders

HAWTHORN

Current picks: 10, 22, 59, 66

Koby Coulson (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 180cm | 31/07/2007

The Hawks could be one of the teams lucky enough to capitalise on the Suns glut of Academy prospects. With the departure of James Worpel, Coulson could be the type to provide some competition for taking his place. At the very least, he adds some depth to one of the most well-oiled engine rooms in the league. Hawthorn may even be in for an inside midfielder with its earlier picks.

Others receiving votes: Brodie Atkins, Matthew LeRay, Jacob Marron

MELBOURNE

Current picks: 7, 8, 37, 63, 65

Brodie Atkins (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 182cm | 25/01/2007

Atkins has a thirst for the contest that few in this class have. A fierce tackler and clearance winner, the Demons might look his way for some value in the later rounds. Melbourne has the luxury of securing father-son prospect Kalani White as a long term successor to Max Gawn, so recruiting the current Morrish Medal winner to grow alongside him might be a winning pairing.

Others to consider: Tom Burton, Jesse Mellor, Liam Hetherton

NORTH MELBOURNE

Current picks: 25, 26, 46

Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder | 181cm | 11/04/2007

The midfield with one hyphenator adds a second, and this could be a steal. Oudshoorn-Bennier won the SANFL Under 18 MVP as a bottom-ager in 2024, and while he didn’t quite reach those levels this year, he has a real chance to find it in the Kangaroos midfield unit. A good user of the ball who can link teammates with very good reflexes, Oudshoorn-Bennier could be a real asset to help the Kangaroos get the ball into attack with greater efficiency,

Others to consider: Wes Walley, Jasper Hay, Max Kondogiannis

PORT ADELAIDE

Current picks: 49, 69, 74

Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

A two-way runner that sticks his face to the fire again and again couldn’t be higher on the Power’s shopping list. Rodriguez fits the bill perfectly. Not only that, he kicks well on both feet which could really make him a highly desirable player if he develops the speed to breakaway from stoppage once he enters the AFL.

Others to consider: Jack Cook, Matthew LeRay, Talor Byrne

RICHMOND

Current picks: 3, 4, 38, 68

Zac Harding (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Ruck | 199cm | 01/01/2006

Toby Nankervis is starting to lose a step getting from contest to contest, so Harding could make sense here as a very close carbon copy. One of the stronger ruckman in this year’s crop, Harding has the capacity to develop into a bully just like the Tigers captain. And just like Nankervis, he likes to take the ball directly and clear the contest which would suggest he’s a good fit here for the yellow and black.

Others to consider: Cody Curtin, Marcus Krasnadamskis, Jesse Mellor

ST KILDA

Current picks: 50, 62, 70

Matthew LeRay (Central District/South Australia)
Wing | 188cm | 22/02/2007

LeRay has the capacity to fit into a number of roles, having played across just about every line throughout his junior career. His best fit at the Saints would be as a wingman, where he won All-Australian honours through the National Championships, although he can pinch-hit inside and use his good frame to extract the ball. He has work to do on his aerobic capacity but could be a good fit at Moorabbin.

SYDNEY SWANS

Current picks: 31, 32, 42, 60, 71

Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Forward/Midfielder | 186cm | 04/01/2007

This could be the best spot for Mellor to land on draft night, barring a matched bid from Geelong. While the Swans will have their hands full holding onto their academy talents, Mellor might be the best fit to step into the shoes left behind by Will Hayward. A medium forward who hit the two goal per game mark at the National Championships, Mellor could do worse than to work alongside new recruit Charlie Curnow and established forward stars Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney.

Others to consider: Jasper Hay, Sam Swadling, Avery Thomas

WEST COAST EAGLES

Current picks: 1, 2, 13, 34, 41

Sam Swadling (West Perth/Western Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 16/01/2007

This is a pick that Andrew McQualter would be dying to make. Swadling’s tank is enormous, and he doesn’t leave much left in the tank as he provides an option all over the field. He also provides an avenue as a goal-scorer when resting forward, something that the Eagles desperately need out of their midfield group, so this could cap off what could be a pivotal draft for the rebuilding side.

Others to consider: Bryce Sanders, Tom Burton, Koby Evans

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Current picks: 14, 33, 53

Thomas Burton (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Will Darcy will come in to the Kennel as a key position prospect, so I think the Dogs target a small at either end of the ground late in the draft, and Burton comes with big wraps. Burton could help replace the attacking run out of the back half that has departed with the delisting of 2016 Norm Smith Medal winner Jason Johannisen. On top of that, Burton possesses leadership qualities in spades, and is credited with lifting the levels of his teammates, which I’m sure will endear him to the coaching staff.

Others to consider: Talor Byrne, Bryce Sanders, Jasper Hay