Former Number One Draft Pick’s Brother Emerges as Surprising Contender in AFL Mid-Season Draft

Geelong VFL defender Charlie McCartin has caught the attention of Collingwood as they eye potential mid-season draft picks, joining several other teams monitoring the promising late bloomer.

Charlie is the younger sibling of Paddy McCartin, the 2014 number one draft pick, and the older brother of Tom McCartin, who currently plays for Sydney.

The Age revealed last year that the 26-year-old was being closely monitored by multiple clubs but ultimately went undrafted.

According to 9news Melbourne’s Tom Morris, St Kilda and Sydney have raised concerns about the adequacy of the Colac and District League’s competition level for securing an AFL list position.

Nevertheless, McCartin is currently making a mark with Geelong’s VFL team in 2025, delivering an average of 18 disposals and nine marks in his first two matches.

“Charlie McCartin is on the Pies’ radar for the mid-season draft,” Morris informed 9news Melbourne.

“He is the middle McCartin brother, positioned between Paddy and Tom, and his performances for Geelong’s VFL side this season are commendable.

“Last year’s question surrounded whether the standard of play at Lorne was sufficient for an AFL opportunity.

“Clubs like the Saints, Swans, and Cats were interested, and now the Pies have joined the mix.”

Morris further mentioned that Collingwood is also considering former Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson for a similar list position.

This pursuit comes after Reef McInnes suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the early stages of the season.

Charlie’s elder brother Paddy had his AFL career interrupted by persistent concussion issues, making a total of 63 appearances for the Saints and Swans, while younger brother Tom has played 135 matches for Sydney.