Unlike the 2023 crop where there was a clear No. 1 prospect, many clubs believe the 2024 AFL draft class is the most even yet deep they’ve seen in years.
It’s a draft most clubs would be hesitant to trade out of, considering the depth of talent — which includes father-son and academy prospects — across the first 35 to 40 picks.
Foxfooty.com.au presents its top 30 2024 AFL Draft Power Rankings after the national championships.
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1. LEVI ASHCROFT
Position: Midfielder
Size: 179cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Old Brighton Grammarians
In a year where clubs are split over who the top prospect is, Ashcroft’s incredible consistency at an elite level over the past two years is inarguable. AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said it best during a Fox Footy broadcast: “He can do most things very well and his consistency of performance – everywhere he plays, quarter-by-quarter – is enormous.” Ashcroft earned All-Australian honours for the second consecutive season after averaging 25.5 disposals, 3.5 inside 50s and 3.2 clearances. He also booted four goals, with two of them coming in clutch moments: In the fourth quarter against the Allies to seal victory for Vic Metro then in the fourth term against Vic Country at Marvel Stadium. A skilful, elite ball-winner and smart decision-maker, Ashcroft averaged 31 disposals and six clearances in the AFL Academy’s two games against VFL opposition, while he’s also been part of the Dragons’ past two Coates Talent League premierships. He played in the 2022 flag alongside brother Will Ashcroft — and all signs point to Levi joining his brother at Brisbane via the draft later this year, with the Lions to be well placed to match a likely top-five bid on the 18-year-old.
2. FINN O’SULLIVAN
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Koroit
Came into the year as the No. 1 pick favourite after making the Under 18 All-Australian team as a bottom-ager last year and winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the Under 16 MVP the year before that. But a luckless run throughout 2024 has somewhat halted O’Sullivan’s momentum — although many recruiters believe his best form is better than any other player in the class. O’Sullivan fractured his thumb in his first Talent League game for the Oakleigh Chargers then hurt his finger playing for the AFL Academy, which saw him sidelined for several weeks as the issue required surgery. He came back for Vic Country’s last two matches of the national carnival, but wasn’t at his best by his own admission. The Oakleigh Chargers star – he’s from Koroit but is boarding at Xavier College – is an explosive, ball-winning 182cm midfielder. A strong finish to his 2024 campaign could see him usurp Ashcroft by year’s end.
3. JAGGA SMITH
Position: Midfielder
Size: 181cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Richmond
Like Ashcroft, Smith rarely plays a poor game, due to his footy smarts, cleanliness, inside-outside balance, sickeningly good work ethic and incredible ability to find the footy. He finished runner-up in the Larke Medal and was named captain of the All-Australian team after an outstanding national carnival for Vic Metro, averaging more disposals (29.2), contested possessions (13.8) and clearances (6.8) than any other player. That all came after some bonkers performances for the Chargers at Coates Talent League level, accumulating 33, 33, 50 (yes 50) and 40 disposals across four consecutive matches. If your club needs a ball magnet this draft, Jagga is your man.
4. LUKE TRAINOR
Position: Tall defender
Size: 195cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Old Brighton Grammarians
The best key-position player in this year’s draft class — and that reputation was only enhanced during the national carnival. From his four games for Metro, Trainor averaged 19.8 disposals (76% kicking efficiency), 5.8 marks (1.8 intercept) and 4.8 rebound 50s as he showed off his strong offensive traits, including that penetrating right-foot kick. But what AFL clubs were more impressed by was competitiveness in the air and willingness to defend. This was particularly evident against South Australia, with Trainor taking the points against fellow AFL Academy member Tyler Welsh in an intriguing battle, while he also had big moments against Jonty Faull and Jack Whitlock in the Metro-Country game. His performances against VFL opposition were also impressive, named best on ground against Coburg (20 disposals, 4 marks) before another strong outing against Footscray (21 disposals, 1 goal). The grandson of 1000-goalkicker Doug Wade and nephew of AFL Commissioner Gabrielle Trainor, the intercept defender looks up to AFL players Jeremy Howe and Tom Stewart, while recruiters have compared him to Jordan Ridley.
5. JOSH SMILLIE
Position: Midfielder
Size: 194cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Park Orchards
For some recruiters, Smillie is the best player in it. In a midfield-heavy class, Smillie has the height and size advantage over other top 2024 on-ball prospects, with recruiters likening him to Giants star Tom Green. He showed glimpses of his powerful best across a solid four-game campaign for Vic Metro, averaging 18.8 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements 5.8 clearances, but missed out on All-Australian selection. But those who watched Smillie’s three-goal, 34-disposals Coates Talent League performance against the Lions academy earlier this year believe they witnessed the No. 1 prospect, for not only did he show off his power and stoppage craft, but he also showcased explosive running and precise kicking when in space. Smillie still seems well placed to be taken at the pointy end of this year’s draft.
6. SID DRAPER
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: South Adelaide/Willunga
Could be a lot higher by season’s end, for you sense he’s about to hit scary good form — if he hasn’t already. Draper last year played with maturity beyond his years as a 16-year-old – he turned 17 after SA’s campaign had finished – taking out his state’s MVP award as he averaged 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven inside 50s and four clearances across four games. The start of his 2024 campaign was hindered by a shin stress fracture, meaning he only just returned to the field weeks before SA’s Under 18 carnival campaign began. Yet he still earned All-Australian honours again, averaging 21.0 disposals, 8.0 contested possessions, 3.7 clearances and a team-high 5.5 score involvements. Since returning to South Adelaide, he’s thrived at SANFL league level, averaging 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 5.5 clearances and 121 ranking points in the past month. While he’s a similar size to many of the other top midfield prospects in this year’s class, Draper possesses awesome speed and power from stoppages, which has seen him draw comparisons to Power star Zak Butters. Sheehan, though, sees a bit of Chad Warner about Draper in his change of direction. He’s the brother of ex-Collingwood player Arlo Draper, who was taken at Pick 45 back in the 2021 draft.
7. MURPHY REID
Position: Midfielder/medium forward
Size: 181cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/South Melbourne Districts
An on-baller now arguably pushing the top-five mix after excellent national carnival outings where he averaged 24.5 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions, 7.2 score involvements and 130.8 ranking points to claim Vic Metro’s MVP award and make the All-Australian team. While he’s not the tallest or quickest midfielder in the draft class, Reid is one of the cleanest, shrewdest and most composed in traffic, while he’s also added forward craft to his trick bag, highlighted by his three-goal haul against South Australia in the national champs. He was also the cleanest player on the field in Vic Metro’s win over the Allies amid tough, wet conditions. His ability to perform in big games was personified by his Coates Talent League grand final performance as a bottom-ager last year, booting two goals from 19 touches in Sandringham’s premiership triumph.
8. SAM LALOR
Position: Medium forward/midfielder
Size: 187cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/Bacchus Marsh
Another who could surge up these rankings over the next few months after an injury-interrupted start to his 2024 campaign. After being hampered by foot, quad and hip issues, Lalor returned to the field in the middle of the year — and booted a lazy 7.3 for Geelong Grammar in a school game. He then booted 3.1 from 16 touches and three clearances in an eye-catching display for Vic Country against the Allies, before clunking two telling marks against Vic Country in the carnival final. A clean, powerful and physical forward-midfielder with a penetrating kick and strong one-on-one ability, Lalor has been compared to triple Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin by his Rebels coach David Loader. Lalor, though, is a Collingwood fan who models his game on Jordan De Goey. Many clubs would have Lalor in the top five on their draft boards.
9. LEO LOMBARD
Position: Midfielder
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach
The Suns are set to pounce on another outstanding graduate from their academy. Lombard was a deserving co-winner of this year’s Larke Medal, averaging 26.2 disposals, 10.5 contested possessions, 6.0 inside 50s, 5.0 score involvements, 4.8 clearances, 4.5 tackles and 119.8 ranking points. Not only did he show off his power, competitiveness and speed at stoppages, he also proved he’s improved his disposal efficiency and now able to have more impact on the outcome of games. It comes after Lombard’s whirlwind 2023 campaign. Not only did Lombard play for the Allies in the Under 18 champs then grace the MCG for the Under 17s AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser match, he played in the Suns’ inaugural VFL premiership side — as a 16-year-old. An early bid looms for the Suns academy prospect — and it could come before the club’s first pick.
10. TAJ HOTTON
Position: Midfielder/medium forward
Size: 180cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Hampton Rovers
Clubs haven’t forgotten about the dangerous and creative Hotton, who was arguably the hottest player of the draft pool at the start of the season before rupturing his ACL at training in May. He had some monster Talent League games for the Dragons, most notably against the Chargers where he kicked 4.1 from 32 disposals, 10 marks, five inside 50s and five tackles. He also played a game for the AFL academy, booting two goals from 18 disposals against Coburg. Hotton had significantly improved his endurance, allowing him to spend more time on the ball. Hotton, the son of ex-Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton and brother of 2022 Saints draftee Oli Hotton, is still expected to be an early pick in November.
11. JOE BERRY
Position: Medium forward
Size: 181cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta
Now in top-10 calculations after a brilliant, eye-catching carnival for Vic Country where he was one of the most dangerous players. He was a threat across all four games, finishing with nine goals and averaging 13.2 disposals and 5.5 score involvements. Berry is your typical high forward as he possesses top-end speed that allows him to get up the ground, as well as excellent creativity close to goal. Berry is a natural crumber, getting to the right spots to show off his cleanliness at ground level and innate goal sense. He’s kicked 25 goals for the Bushrangers this season — the most of any active Coates Talent League player — while also averaging 14.7 disposals and 4.1 inside 50s. He just looks like an AFL player.
12. TOBIE TRAVAGLIA
Position: Medium defender
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Sandhurst
Clubs knew he was gun prospect pre-champs, but you sense Travaglia will be in high-demand come draft time after an awesome carnival campaign for Vic Country. The Pioneers star averaged 21.8 disposals and went at an impressive 82.5 per cent efficiency by foot. He also averaged 6.2 marks — of which 3.5 were intercept marks. It comes after he won the 2023 Pioneers best and fairest award as a bottom-ager then averaged 16 disposals across two AFL Academy games against VFL opposition. Compared to Cats star Tom Stewart, Travaglia is everything you need in a mid-sized intercept defender: Athletic and competitive in the air, pinpoint with his disposal from defence and smart with his offensive-defensive balance.
13. HARRY ARMSTRONG
Position: Tall forward
Size: 193cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Ormond
Like fellow Vic Metro key forward Matt Jefferson two years ago, Armstrong is coming with a rush, with AFL clubs quickly falling in love with the gun goalkicker. Despite playing just three games, Armstrong kicked an equal champs-high nine goals — including five in the final against Vic Country — as he showed off his penetrating left-foot kick, competitiveness in the air and mobility around he ground. He’s also been dominant at APS level under Matthew Lloyd for Haileybury College across the past two years, including kicking 10 of his side’s 22 goals in a game earlier in the year. Armstrong now looms as a top-15 pick … but could go in the top 10 if there’s a club looking for a key forward and keen to pick on needs.
14. HARVEY LANGFORD
Position: Midfielder
Size: 190cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Mount Martha
A gun big-bodied midfielder who’s elite consistency across all levels was rewarded last month when he was named co-Larke Medallist. Langford was mighty for Vic Country across four games, averaging 25.5 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 7.5 score involvements, 6.2 clearances, 6.2 marks, 6.2 inside 50s and 129.5 ranking points. Whether it was by hand or foot, inside or outside, on the ground or in the air, Langford was a dominant player. What impressed scouts most was Langford’s damage forward of centre during the carnival. Langford told AFL 360 last month he was keen to improve his speed from congestion. But the fact he’s taller than most of this year’s other top midfield prospects and shown an ability to hit the scoreboard at Talent League level — 13.11 from 10 games — makes him an attractive prospect for clubs with early picks.
15. ISAAC KAKO
Position: Small forward
Size: 175cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Northern Saints
Stock up on popcorn, folks. You’re going to need a lot of it next year when watching Kako at AFL level. Like Izak Rankine and Nick Watson before him, Kako has consistently delivered eye-catching small forward performances at junior level. Blessed with speed, agility and power, Kako has a terrific athletic profile. But above all he has incredible goal sense and footy smarts. He’s also a high-impact player, personified by the fact that 32 of his 58 disposals for Vic Metro ended up in scores — a strike rate of 55 per cent. He kicked eight goals and averaged a carnival-high 8.0 score involvements and 14.5 disposals. Clubs were pleased to see him perform at the top level after two consistent years at Coates Talent League level, where he’s booted 44 goals from 22 games. Kako is part of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy — and with bid restriction rules set to change for this year’s draft, it’s highly likely Kako will be a Bomber in 2025.
16. XAVIER LINDSAY
Position: Midfielder/medium defender
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Leongatha
On a day where a lot of the top prospects weren’t at their best in a big game, Lindsay was a standout for Vic Country against Vic Metro to assert himself as a genuine first-round selection. The Leongatha product finished with 30 disposals, 11 marks, 10 contested possessions, eight score involvements, eight tackles, six inside 50s, six intercepts, four clearances and 585m gained in a classy display where his decision-making, pinpoint ball use and agility stood out. Recruiters coming into the year liked him as a half-back, but Lindsay has shown throughout the year he has an improved inside game and is reliable across any third of the ground.
17. TOM GROSS
Position: Midfielder/medium forward
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Old Trinity Grammarians
There’s a bit of Rory Sloane about Gross, who’s had a consistent past 18 months. The Chargers product made the All-Australian team, booting two goals and averaging 20.0 disposals, 7.0 score involvements, 5.2 marks, 3.5 tackles and 3.0 clearances for Vic Metro. Gross was especially impressive against South Australia, picking up 27 disposals – 11 during a defining third quarter – nine score involvements and nine marks — as he showed off his powerful aerobic capacity. His power and strong overhead marking ability means he can impact games both close to goal and at stoppages. Could be higher up the board by season’s end if he can improve his kicking efficiency.
18. BO ALLAN
Position: Medium defender/midfielder
Size: 190cm
Clubs: Peel Thunder/Halls Head
Remains WA’s top prospect after a strong Under 18 carnival campaign that earned him All-Australian honours. He averaged 20.0 disposals, 7.3 contested possessions, 6.3 score involvements, 6.0 tackles, 3.7 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s. A great athlete with good footy nous, Allan has the range that allows him to play midfield minutes and win the ball around stoppages, yet is just as comfortable playing as a rebounding defender. Some clubs believe he can be a midfielder at AFL level due to his competitiveness, while others reckon he’d be more suited to a backline role.
19. SAM MARSHALL
Position: Midfielder
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Sandringham Dragons/Old Melburnians
Another top prospect linked to the Lions, but this time via their northern academy — and he looks every bit a first-round prospect. Marshall made the All-Australian team after a prolific national carnival for the Allies, averaging 27.0 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 5.5 marks, 4.0 clearances and 123.2 ranking points. While scouts had always admired his consistency, workrate and ball-winning ability — he averaged 23 disposals and eight marks for the AFL Academy across two games against VFL opposition earlier this year — they were impressed by his ball use, decision-making and courage to take the game on during the champs.
20. ALEX DODSON
Position: Ruck
Size: 203cm
Clubs: Sturt/Payneham
Most clubs now believe Dodson is the best ruck in this year’s draft class. Whether he’s drafted to a club later in the year, though, still remains unclear as he’s weighing up whether to pursue an AFL or basketball career. After missing SA’s first champs game due to basketball commitments, Dodson averaged 17.3 disposals, 9.7 contested possessions, 3.7 clearances, 19.7 hit-outs and 114.1 ranking points in his three outings to earn All-Australian honours. Against Vic Metro, he snuck forward to take a strong contested mark and kick a goal in an encouraging sign. Should he opt to pursue an AFL career – he’s also a star basketballer who has represented Australia at junior level – he’ll be in hot demand as a 203cm ruck who’ll compete for the hit-out then follow-up at ground level and around the field. If the AFL world gets its way, the South Australian looms as a tantalising prospect. He’s been invited to the national combine.
21. CHRISTIAN MORAES
Position: Utility
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Knox
Some clubs would have him a bit higher, due to his elite workrate and running power. Moraes emerged as a top prospect for the 2024 draft last year, starring for the Eastern Ranges as a bottom-ager to average 26 disposals from 16 games — including one goal from 24 touches in the grand final. Due to Vic Metro’s strong on-ball brigade, Moraes didn’t get a lot of centre square time during the national carnival, starting as a half-back before playing more forward of centre. He still averaged impressive numbers — three goals and an equal carnival-high 8.0 score involvements to go with 20.8 disposals, 5.8 marks and 4.5 inside 50s — but missed out on All-Australian selection. Recruiters know how dynamic he can be though, personified by his first three games of the 2024 Coates Talent League season where he booted 9.3 and averaging 23.7 disposals, 6.7 marks and 4.0 tackles.
22. JONTY FAULL
Position: Tall forward
Size: 195cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/Redan
There’s something special about this tall Rebel, who’s coming with a rush after a long lay-off to start the season with a back injury. In his four Coates Talent League games, Faull has kicked an impressive 13.4, to go with his five goals from three games for Vic Country at national champs level. Faull is a Blues fan who looks up to Charlie Curnow, — and like his Carlton hero, Faull is both strong overhead yet agile and clean below his knees for a player of his size.
23. JACK WHITLOCK
Position: Tall forward/ruck
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton
Amid a rollercoaster 2024 season so far, Whitlock’s glimpses have been promising. His four-goal game for the Bushrangers against Tasmania was eye-catching, while he had a massive second half for Vic Country against Vic Metro to finish with four goals 2.1 from 13 disposals and seven marks (three contested). Whitlock also thrived with more ruck time against Western Australia during the champs, finishing with 18 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight score involvements, seven hit-outs and five clearances. At 200cm and with great athleticism, Whitlock has all the traits to be an exciting key-position player at AFL level. His early draft prospects have been enhanced by an increase in size and strength, which has helped him become a more ominous presence close to goal.
24. NOAH MRAZ
Position: Tall defender
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Noble Park
A bit hard to place considering he hasn’t played much footy this season due to a navicular foot issue. He managed two Talent League games and played in both AFL Academy hit-outs against VFL opposition before his diagnosis. But the 198cm Stingray is still considered one of the best key defenders in the draft pool. He’s strong both in the air and at ground level for a player of his size, while defensive positioning and closing speed are also standout traits. Scouts, too, love his competitive mindset and workrate.
25. HARRISON OLIVER
Position: Medium defender
Size: 181cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/St Bedes-Mentone
There’s a lot to like about this composed defender, who could be in the first-round mix due to decision-making and pinpoint distribution by foot. Oliver made the All-Australian team after averaging 16.2 disposals and going at 82 per cent efficiency by foot for Vic Metro. He can break the lines with his run, carry and kicking, while he also goes hard at the ball.
26. JESSE DATTOLI
Position: Medium forward/wing
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Northern Knights/Heidelberg
There’s been ample intrigue around this Northern Knights product all year, for he’s uber-talented and has match-winner traits written all over him. After an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign, Dattoli has impressed both at Coates Talent League level and against the best in the national carnival. He kicked five goals and averaged 21 touches from three games for the Knights before a promising carnival campaign for Vic Metro, booting three goals and averaging 15.2 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.0 score involvements. He works hard between the arcs and is creative with his ball use.
27. COOPER HYNES
Position: Medium forward/midfielder
Size: 190cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Bonbeach
Hynes, the son of John Hynes who played four games for Carlton in the late ‘90s, has been a standout for the Dandenong Stingrays to date, kicking 16.9 and averaging 25.8 disposals thanks to his inside ball-winning ability. He’s had some monster games, including 5.1 from 23 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s against the Suns academy where he where he showed off his strong hands close to goal. Hynes boosted his first-round chances during the carnival, booting four goals and averaging 16.8 disposals and 5.2 score involvements playing mainly across half-forward. Hynes has worked hard on his conditioning across the past 12 months to compliment his brilliant natural football ability.
28. BEN CAMPOREALE
Position: Midfielder
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Glenelg/Brighton
Blues fans have loved following the progress of Camporeale, who’s been a prolific ball-winner across two years due to his strength on the inside and excellent running ability on the outside. He was the standout for his state during the national carnival, averaging 26.8 disposals, 10.0 contested possessions, 4.5 clearances and 3.8 tackles to win South Australia’s MVP award. Camporeale is a proven big-game performer, named best on ground in last year’s Under 17s Futures game (30 disposals, 8 marks) before a strong 24-disposal, six-tackle outing for the AFL Academy against Footscray earlier this year. Camporeale is father-son eligible to Carlton as his dad is Blues premiership player and All-Australian Scott Camporeale. The Blues last year were part of a complicated four-way trade that saw them lose Paddy Dow to St Kilda, but gain multiple late 2024 draft picks that should help them match a Camporeale bid come November.
29. CHARLIE NICHOLLS
Position: Tall forward
Size: 197cm
Clubs: Central District/Min-Man
This guy has lots of fans at AFL club level, mainly around his incredible pack marking ability, as well as his size and athleticism. Nicholls burst onto the scene at the start of the season, booting 13 goals from his first six SANFL Under 18s games. He then put on a breathtaking marking display against Vic Country, but was inaccurate in front of goal. After booting 2.5 from three games as a forward, Nicholls showed off his versatility by playing behind the ball and quickly adapted to the role, finishing with 10 disposals and six marks (four intercept) against Vic Metro. Post-champs, he’s had exposure at SANFL reserves level. One to watch.
30. ALIX TAURU
Position: Medium defender
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Warragul
A high-flying, intercept-marking machine, Tauru could be a lot higher on these rankings later in the year. He missed games in the early part of the season with a hip injury, but has loomed large for both the Gippsland Power and Vic Country upon return. He averaged two intercept marks across his three games for Country. Tauru also had 23 disposals and nine marks in his first Coates Talent League game back against Murray and has found some continuity in the weeks since. His leap and ability to read the play in defence appeals to AFL clubs.
Source Agencies
