The AFL is gearing up for its sixth mid-season draft scheduled for Wednesday evening, with approximately a dozen hopefuls poised to achieve their ambitions of joining professional lists.
Most participants are anticipated to be newcomers to the AFL, though a handful of delisted players may find themselves offered a second chance.
Clubs have until the end of Tuesday to officially assign players to their inactive lists for the remainder of the season and create openings for the draft.
Archer May and Dermott Brereton. Getty
On Tuesday, Collingwood made strategic moves by placing both Reef McInnes and Harvey Harrison on their inactive list, thereby securing two draft picks.
They are rumoured to be very interested in 20-year-old key forward Archer May, whose stepfather is renowned Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton.
“It’s certainly a journey filled with hard work and sacrifices. It’s about making those close to me proud,” May explained in an interview with 9News Melbourne on Monday.
“Dermott has played a significant role in my growth, particularly over the past few years as I began to take my football more seriously.”
According to Tom Morris, Nine’s chief AFL reporter, West Coast, who holds the coveted No.1 draft pick on Wednesday night, has set their sights on Richmond VFL star Tom McCarthy.
This marks a remarkable progression for McCarthy, who was competing in local football for Highett just two years prior.
The 24-year-old is known for being an aggressive half-back flanker and has had a stellar season with the Tigers thus far.
Tom McCarthy of the Tigers VFL side. via Getty Images
Not every club will be involved in the draft, as some lack available spots on their lists. Richmond, Melbourne, St Kilda, Hawthorn, and Sydney are not anticipated to participate. Additionally, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, and GWS have yet to create list openings.
This scenario means North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, and Carlton will follow the Eagles in selection order.
Despite having previously utilised two supplementary selection period picks on small forwards, the Blues are poised to dip into the mid-season draft once more, showing particular interest in Norwood’s Jacob Newton.
Essendon is another club to keep on your radar, as they may select up to four players due to the season-ending injuries to Sam Draper, Nick Bryan, Tom Edwards, and Lewis Hayes.
With their key position roster significantly weakened, coach Brad Scott hasn’t dismissed the possibility of a mid-season draft pick making their debut the following night at the Gabba against Brisbane.
The Western Bulldogs will also have several picks available after assigning small forward Cody Weightman to the inactive list on Tuesday.
Premiership Cat Brandon Parfitt has put his hat in the ring. Getty
Numerous former AFL players are vying for a new beginning, including premiership Geelong midfielder Brandon Parfitt.
Other notable names include Jack Bytel (Collingwood, St Kilda), Lachlan Gollant (Adelaide), Nathan Kreuger (Collingwood, Geelong), Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne), and Luke Parks (Carlton).
Projected outcomes for the first round of the draft:
1. West Coast: Tom McCarthy (Richmond, VFL)
2. North Melbourne: Archer May (Subiaco)
3. Port Adelaide: Harrison Ramm (Glenelg, SANFL)
4. Carlton: Jacob Newton (Norwood, SANFL)
5. Essendon: Lachlan Blakiston (East Fremantle, WAFL)
6. Bulldogs: Ewan Mackinlay (North Adelaide, SANFL)
7. Gold Coast: Caleb Lewis (Casey, VFL)
8. Collingwood: Joshua Browne (Collingwood, VFL)
Teams projected to have multiple picks (at this stage): Essendon, North Melbourne, Gold Coast, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs
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