The 2024 AFL Draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with an abundance of talented young players set to join the competition. As teams continue to build for the future, the first round will be crucial in shaping the next generation of AFL stars. Here’s an updated mock draft for picks 1-27, taking into account current form, positional needs, and team strategies.
1. West Coast Eagles – Harley Reid (Midfield/Forward, Bendigo Pioneers)
Harley Reid is the consensus number one pick in 2024. A dynamic midfielder with elite speed, strong skills, and a high footy IQ, Reid can influence games from both the midfield and half-forward. The West Coast Eagles, who are in the midst of a rebuild, will see Reid as the perfect cornerstone for their future. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball and his leadership qualities make him a no-brainer for the Eagles.
2. North Melbourne – Aaron Cadman (Forward, GWV Rebels)
North Melbourne is in desperate need of a key forward, and Aaron Cadman is widely regarded as the best in this class. Standing at 197cm, Cadman has a strong aerial presence and a reliable set shot for goal. His mobility and ability to create space in one-on-one contests will give North Melbourne an immediate focal point in their forward line. The Kangaroos are likely to prioritize this key position need with their second pick.
3. Essendon – Nick Watson (Forward, Sandringham Dragons)
Essendon will be keen to add more firepower to their forward line, and Nick Watson, one of the most exciting small forwards in the draft, will fit the bill. Watson is a lightning-fast player with incredible goal sense and a knack for finding space. He is also a strong tackler and can bring defensive pressure, making him a versatile asset for the Bombers.
4. Melbourne – Riley Summerer (Midfield, Oakleigh Chargers)
Melbourne will continue to bolster their midfield depth, and Riley Summerer offers a complete package. A tall, strong-bodied midfielder, Summerer has the ability to win clearances, break tackles, and impact games with his foot skills and work rate. Melbourne is set up well in many areas but could use an infusion of youth and depth in the midfield.
5. Carlton – Jett McLachlan (Midfield, Calder Cannons)
Jett McLachlan is one of the most talented midfield prospects in the 2024 draft class. Known for his elite decision-making, quick footwork, and ability to read the play, McLachlan is capable of turning games on its head. Carlton, with their current midfield mix, will be looking to add a young talent who can provide a spark and develop into a future star alongside Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps.
6. Richmond – Cooper Harvey (Forward, Northern Knights)
Richmond will likely look to strengthen their forward line with their first-round pick. Cooper Harvey, the son of North Melbourne legend Wayne Harvey, has been impressing scouts with his contested marking ability and sharp goal sense. Standing at 193cm, Harvey has a strong presence in the forward 50 and can develop into the key forward that Richmond needs as they transition into a new era.
7. St Kilda – Hugo Hall-Kahan (Midfield, Eastern Ranges)
A highly skilled midfielder with exceptional vision, Hugo Hall-Kahan is a player who could make an immediate impact at the top level. He has a fantastic football IQ and is able to break lines with his speed and creativity. St Kilda, who have an exciting midfield base but lack depth, will be eager to add a player like Hall-Kahan to their ranks.
8. Sydney – Zac Montague (Midfield, South Adelaide)
Sydney has built a strong list around their midfield core, but Zac Montague’s mix of endurance, contested ball-winning ability, and class with the footy could make him a strong fit. He’s a well-rounded midfielder with leadership potential, and the Swans could see him as an important piece to continue their rise up the ladder.
9. Western Bulldogs – Xavier Jones (Defender, Glenelg)
The Bulldogs could target a key defender here, and Xavier Jones fits the bill perfectly. He’s a tall, athletic defender who excels in one-on-one contests and is excellent with his rebound from defense. With the Bulldogs’ defense needing reinforcements, Jones’ physicality and ability to read the play make him a prime target.
10. Collingwood – Sam Dunstan (Midfield, Perth)
Collingwood could use a midfielder to complement their established stars. Sam Dunstan, with his outstanding work rate and skill under pressure, provides that perfect balance. Dunstan’s ability to win clearances and his work rate on the defensive side of the ball will allow him to slot into the Magpies’ high-pressure game style.
11. Adelaide – Archie Perkis (Midfield, Western Jets)
A creative midfielder with fantastic disposal and poise under pressure, Archie Perkis would provide Adelaide with the outside run and ball use they need to complement their inside-focused players. Perkis is a classy operator with a great motor and would immediately add depth to the Crows’ engine room.
12. Port Adelaide – Ethan Phillips (Defender, Northern Knights)
With an eye toward their defensive future, Port Adelaide could look to bolster their backline with Ethan Phillips. A powerful and athletic defender, Phillips has shown an ability to not only shut down key forwards but also create rebound opportunities with his precise kicking and composure.
13. Gold Coast Suns – Luke Williams (Forward, Swan Districts)
The Gold Coast Suns will be looking for a tall forward, and Luke Williams, at 194cm, provides the kind of key forward who can take contested marks and provide a target inside 50. With Ben King still recovering from injury, Williams could be a valuable option in their forward line.
14. GWS Giants – Ollie Baker (Midfield, Gippsland Power)
GWS is likely to target a midfielder here, and Ollie Baker’s all-around game, which combines speed, endurance, and high football IQ, would be a perfect fit. Baker has the tools to thrive in a high-pressure midfield rotation and could develop into a core part of the Giants’ future.
15. Hawthorn – Will Sheldrick (Midfield, Swan Districts)
Hawthorn has a strong young midfield group, but adding a dynamic player like Will Sheldrick could take them to the next level. With his outstanding agility and burst from the contest, Sheldrick can provide the Hawks with a spark in transition.
16. Fremantle – Riley Bennett (Midfield, Gippsland Power)
A tough, inside midfielder with excellent vision and ball-handling skills, Riley Bennett would give Fremantle added depth and toughness in the engine room. The Dockers will likely be keen to strengthen their midfield and add another bull to their ranks.
17. Brisbane Lions – Ben McCormack (Forward, Eastern Ranges)
Ben McCormack’s strong marking and ability to play in various forward roles will be appealing to Brisbane. With their forward line already boasting stars, McCormack could provide a versatile option who can impact games through his sharp goal sense and physicality.
18. Geelong – Noah Kellen (Midfield, Western Jets)
Geelong will likely continue to focus on youth, and Noah Kellen’s poise and ability to use the ball efficiently will suit their system. A strong ball-user who can play multiple midfield roles, Kellen would complement Geelong’s existing players while providing a long-term option.
19. Richmond – Billy Thompson (Midfield, Sandringham Dragons)
Richmond’s second pick could address their midfield depth. Billy Thompson’s excellent tackling and contested ball-winning ability would be an asset to the Tigers’ game style.
20-27. Additional Picks
As the draft continues, clubs like the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, and Port Adelaide will continue to select talented players who will add depth and provide long-term benefits to their lists. Players like James Millar (Midfield), Tom Mitchell (Forward), and Lachlan Rayner (Defender) are names that could rise into the top 20 picks as the draft season progresses.
This 2024 AFL Mock Draft showcases the diverse range of talent coming through the system, with many clubs focused on either bolstering their midfield depth, adding key position players, or finding the next generation of exciting small forwards. It promises to be an intriguing and highly competitive draft class.
