Blake Schlensog, Nathan Freeman and Jacob Edwards have all nominated for the mid-season draft.
With close to 150 players on injury lists around the league, the AFL mid-season draft at 7:30pm EST on Wednesday June 2nd has come at the perfect time.
A number of sides, including bottom of table North Melbourne, passed on a selection in the rookie draft in order to select a player in the mid-season draft. Clubs can additionally open up list spots by placing players with long term injuries on the inactive list. The AFL can be notified of this up until 5pm EST on Tuesday June 1st.
These are the prospects your club is looking at for the second half of 2021.
Read: The top 25 AFL mid-season draft prospects
AFL mid-season draft: North Melbourne
Current selections: Two
North Melbourne will be taking Sandringham product Jacob Edwards with the first pick. The forward/ruckman has made leaps and bounds in 2021 after a season cancelled by Covid-19. He is averaging 12 disposals and has kicked five goals in his three NAB League appearances.
Edwards’ season was put on hold after suffering a concussion, but the schoolboy is back on the track now. He will sign with North, and has the opportunity to extend his deal when he is officially chosen on June 2nd.
With the performances of Tristan Xerri at VFL-level and Tom Campbell in the forward line, North has found key position forwards who can ruck. Jackson Callow is the standout choice with the Kangaroos’ second selection. He has kicked 11 goals in his eight matches, and is a proper key-size build at 18 years old (195cm, 96kg).
They will also take a close look at Matt Hammelmann. The former Brisbane Lion has long been the form-forward of the NEAFL, but is doing the same in the revamped VFL in 2021. Hammelmann has kicked 20 goals in his five games for Aspley.
AFL mid-season draft: Hawthorn
Current selections: Two
Hawthorn is in desperate need of quality youngsters on its list, and will turn to the mid-season draft with the potential to take two players. Oakleigh Charger ruckman Ned Moyle will top the Hawks’ list of priorities after playing for Collingwood’s VFL side in recent weeks, averaging 11 disposals and 18 hit-outs per contest.
The Hawks are also looking to add Jai Newcombe to their list with the Box Hill midfielder dominating in the VFL. He is averaging 23 touches and seven tackles in his six games. With the likelihood being they take Moyle with their first pick, Newcombe has nominated to be taken under a four-year contract for any side that selects him – this opens the door for the Hawks to select him late in the draft and give him an extended contract that other clubs would be unwilling to do.
Jackson Callow would fill a key position role with the retirement of Jonathon Patton, while Sandringham Dragons ruckman Max Heath will also be high on the Hawks’ board after impressive performances in his three NAB League games, averaging 24 hit-outs.
AFL mid-season draft: Collingwood
Current selections: Two
The Pies’ forward line has been unable to kick a winning score this season, and Tyson Stengle – who has booted 11 goals from six SANFL appearances – would immediately remedy Collingwood’s small forward woes. They’ve recently interviewed the 21-year-old and he is firming to find a third AFL club after stints with Richmond and Adelaide.
In the air, Jackson Callow looms as a key forward prospect who could play games this season. The 18-year-old Tasmanian moved to Norwood in the SANFL for greater opportunity to showcase his talents. Callow dominated two weeks ago with 24 disposals and 11 marks, but kicked three goals, seven behinds in a sign that his goal kicking is still a work in progress.
The Pies will also consider young ruckman Ned Moyle if he is still available after training with the club in recent weeks, but are preparing for Hawthorn to take him with pick two.
AFL mid-season draft: Adelaide
Current selections: One
Adelaide has been looking at the SANFL to add to its side in the mid-season draft.
Tasmanian Oliver Davis has impressed since playing in round 7. The tough midfielder possesses leadership traits and is hard at the coal-face. Playing for the Adelaide Reserves, it hasn’t been an easy task for a side struggling to get a win. He is averaging 21.5 disposals and 5.5 clearances a game, and the Crows are heavily considering adding him to their list with a 2021 return for Matt Crouch becoming increasingly unlikely.
Sturt’s Ash Johnson will also be in the mix after huge performances in recent weeks. The 193cm forward has kicked nine goals in his past three games, with his side losing all three. His ability to take his chances, kick accurately and make something out of nothing entices clubs, but it remains to be seen if it’s enough for the Crows to select him.
AFL mid-season draft: Gold Coast
Current selections: Two
The Suns have been hit with the injury bug in a bad way this year and will be players in the draft.
If Gold Coast is committed to backing in Zac Smith for the remainder of the season, then Wylie Buzza will come under careful consideration. The former Geelong and Port Adelaide key forward has added a chop-out ruck role in the VFL with Werribee this season. He’s kicked 12 goals in his five matches, and could be set for a third AFL club.
Norwood’s Michael Knoll recently failed a medical, showing damage to his PCL. He has been the premier SANFL ruckman this year, and won the battle with Swan Districts’ Corey Gault in the WAFL v SANFL state game two weeks ago but won’t be going up to Queensland. Southport’s Fraser Thurlow is the next best ready-made ruckman.
Sturt’s Ash Johnson is an option as a third-tall forward, while Alex Mirkov has recently emerged as a potential option with the raw prospect on the radar of Carlton as well.
AFL mid-season draft: Carlton
Current selections: Three
By moving Sam Philp to the inactive list, a third selection presents for the Blues. Carlton has been linked to several prospects halfway through the season with the club in need of a key defender and small forward.
Alex Mirkov has also bolted into calculations for the Blues; the ruckman is listed with their VFL side but rumours have swirled that he has been hidden from other clubs after two early season matches. The 210cm volleyball-convert is averaging 24 hit-outs per game.
He was overlooked in the 2020 pool, but Zavier Maher dominated proceedings for the Murray Bushrangers last weekend, collecting 30 disposals and five inside 50s. Maher is another that Carlton has been linked to after training with the club in the pre-season. He is also on its VFL list for 2021.
Two small forward options are available to produce this season with Ben Crocker performing for the Blues’ VFL side with 18 goals in five matches, and Tyson Stengle producing 11 goals in his six matches in the SANFL. However, Zac Fisher is soon to return, so the Blues may be looking elsewhere in the draft.
AFL mid-season draft: St Kilda
Current selections: Four
St Kilda has opened up an additional three spots for the mid-season draft before the Tuesday deadline, taking its tally to four.
The Saints are lacking outside speed to complement the inside work of Jack Steele, Brad Crouch, and now Luke Dunstan. However, it remains to be seen if they want to improve their side now, or look to the future with their available selection.
WAFL star Haiden Schloithe would immediately slot into a role on the wing or through the middle. His genuine speed, and capacity to hit up leading targets sees him continually be one of the best midfielders outside of the AFL each season. The issue is he is 28 years old already. If St Kilda desperately want to contend now, Schloithe is the standout pick.
The next-best ready-made option is Riley Knight, who is averaging 27.5 disposals and 5.8 clearances as a midfielder for Woodville-West Torrens. He’s also going at nearly a goal-per-game and has over 50 games of AFL experience. The Saints are firming to select Knight with one of their picks.
In the search of a long-term replacement to Paddy Ryder, Max Heath has emerged for the Saints as a potential pick. The Sandringham Dragon is averaging 24 hit-outs per game at the age of 19. At 205cm he projects to become a quality ruckman with an appetite to lay tackles.
Running defenders Cody Raak and Angus Baker will also appeal here. Baker in particular can plug and play straight away, and possesses great speed out of the backline for Essendon’s VFL. The Saints nabbed Nick Hind from the Dons before, and could do it again with Baker.
AFL mid-season draft: Fremantle
Current selections: Zero
Fremantle won’t move Heath Chapman to its inactive list and will forego the AFL mid-season draft. Looking ahead to the national draft, there is an interesting prospect that has nominated for Wednesday.
Its WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder has an excitement machine on their hands in Tyrone Thorne. The Dockers have been keeping tabs on the Indigenous prospect, who possesses similar composure and evasiveness as a Michael Walters. He is only 169cm, but continues to light it up for Peel, averaging 23 disposals and 1.3 goals a match.
AFL mid-season draft: GWS
Current selections: One
The recent knee injury to Lachie Keeffe allows GWS to enter the draft by placing him on the inactive list.
With Phil Davis still out and Sam Taylor succumbing to a syndesmosis injury, GWS is scrambling for a key defender. South Fremantle’s Blake Schlensog has been the premier key defender in the WAFL this season. At 199cm and 99kg, he is a size big enough to take on resting ruckmen, and has added an intercepting ability to his elite athleticism. The 20-year-old offers insurance now, and could develop into the mould of a Noah Balta.
AFL mid-season draft: Essendon
Current selections: Two
The retirement of Ross McQuillan and now placing of Michael Hurley on the inactive list gives Essendon two picks in the draft, and it may be set to recruit from its VFL side. Angus Baker would add defensive depth behind Nick Hind and Mason Redman, with Adam Saad and Conor Mckenna departed in the off-season. Baker has been superb in his first season with Essendon after being a premier running defender in the NEAFL. He is averaging 26 disposals in his four matches.
Essendon will consider Patrick Parnell, who had 30 disposals and a goal off half-back for the Murray Bushrangers two weeks ago. Cody Raak will also come into calculations after the Western Bulldogs NGA product was overlooked in the draft. Raak has played two games for the Dogs’ VFL side and generates meaningful drive from defence at 192cm.
With Cale Hooker entering his twilight years, Jackson Callow has appealed as a tall forward prospect from Tasmania. In addition, youngster Cam McLeod (19 years old, 192cm) has shot up ranking boards for a number of clubs with eight goals in his four games for the Murray Bushrangers.
Despite having two selections, the Dons are unlikely to add more than one player to their list unless a prospect like Callow falls through.
More Mid-Season Draft News
Hello again: Who is vying for another chance in the AFL Mid Season draft?
How will the Saints use the upcoming Mid Season Draft?
Stephens setback leaves Scott open to mid-season draft selection
AFL mid-season draft: Richmond
Current selections: One
Ivan Soldo has been moved to the inactive list for 2021, so Richmond will enter the mid-season draft with a selection.
The Tigers have been keeping tabs on the performances of Will Bravo who was going to make his debut for the Richmond VFL side. He previously trained with the Casey Demons and Hawthorn in the pre-season after being overlooked in the 2020 draft.
After finding success with Rhyan Mansell in the SANFL, they may return to South Australia once again. Riley Knight struggled to find his feet with Adelaide in the AFL, but has dominated at the lower level. Knight is averaging almost 28 disposals and a goal. The likes of Cody Raak and Angus Baker would also be brilliant replacements in the future for veteran Bachar Houli.
AFL mid-season draft: West Coast
Current selections: Two
West Coast has opened up two selections at the deadline, with Jarrod Cameron and Daniel Venable placed on the inactive list for 2021.
Sandover Medallist Haiden Schloithe would provide immediate relief to a midfield brigade suffering a litany of injuries. He is averaging 29.7 disposals and 1.6 goals for South Fremantle in 2021. Ex-Sun Josh Schoenfeld would be a great addition to the midfield as well, while Tyrone Thorne could add spark to the forward half and join the brilliant mix of Indigenous talent at the Eagles.
A former AFL-listed player who the Eagles could play now is Blake Schlensog – previously on Geelong’s rookie list. He has been a rock for South Fremantle in the WAFL, and has beefed up to now tip the scale at 99kg. His disposal has dramatically improved, and he is flying for his marks, averaging nearly eight per game. Schlensog could cover the injury of Jeremy McGovern over the next six weeks.
Jack Avery hasn’t nominated for Wednesday, but looms as a potential pick-up in the National Draft out of the WAFL Colts. The 19-year-old intercepting defender has transitioned into a big-bodied contested midfield role this season and dominated the competition. He could settle into a third-tall defender, but could also make an Elliot Yeo-like transition into the midfield.
AFL mid-season draft: Sydney
Current selections: One
Sydney held a selection over from the rookie draft, and were firming to select Paddy McCartin in the AFL mid-season draft, but are now likely to steer clear after his long-term suspension playing for the Sydney Reserves. His brother, Tom, has become a rock for the Swans in defence.
With one of the shorter injury lists in the AFL, Sydney should be looking to the future with their selection. Should one of the young ruckmen fall through, they would come under heavy consideration. Max Heath is the most likely here. The 204cm Sandringham Dragons schoolboy has formed a formidable partnership with Jacob Edwards. He is the main ruckman in their tandem, and is averaging 24 hit-outs per contest at NAB League level. Heath’s development would benefit from the likes of Tom Hickey and Dean Cox at the club. Ned Moyle and Liam Podhajski are also around the mark.
AFL mid-season draft: Port Adelaide
Current selections: One
Port Adelaide carries a selection over from the rookie draft where it passed. However, there has been little noise coming out of the Power and they are firming to pass over prospects in the AFL mid-season draft. Despite this, there are impressive performers in the SANFL worthy of consideration.
A couple of SANFL products should still be firmly on their radar; could they pick up Riley Knight after his impressive form? It would turn heads after his extended period with the Crows.
The key position stocks are well-covered right now, but Jackson Callow and Ashley Johnson will be on radar at Alberton with their exploits at the lower level.
AFL mid-season draft: Geelong
Current selections: Zero
Geelong hasn’t suffered a season ending injury this season, and carries a full list currently. The Cats will still be keeping close tabs on the young prospects who are eligible for the National Draft.
With ageing ruck stocks, Stephen Wells would love to get his hands on a prospect like Liam Podhajski. The 18-year-old Calder product has an elite ground-level game for a ruck/forward. He is averaging 15 disposals and 28 hit-outs per contest. Podhajski has the capabilities to transform into a Mark Blicavs-type in the future.
AFL mid-season draft: Brisbane
Current selections: One
Cam Rayner’s ACL injury has given the Lions one available selection. It has been a settled, consistent side in recent weeks, but Brisbane has already dealt with ruck stock issues this season when Oscar McInerney went down.
The combination of Connor Ballenden and Tom Fullarton didn’t inspire during that period. Archie Smith has now returned to VFL level, but a ready-made prospect such as Norwood’s Michael Knoll would shore up the Lions’ ruck department. Knoll recently failed a medical with Gold Coast, with the next-best options presenting at Fraser Thurlow and Wylie Buzza.
AFL mid-season draft: Western Bulldogs
Current selections: Zero
The Dogs have a choice to make on Laitham Vandermeer, with the pressure forward’s timeline on his knee injury yet to be determined. The chances are that they don’t take a pick into the draft.
They will be desperate to keep ahold of Cody Raak, who is a Next Generation Academy product. Raak has nominated for the mid-season draft, however, which means any club can select him on his terms. The Dogs had the opportunity to select him in the 2020 National Draft, but chose not to. He has progressed in rapidly this season and would be a first round consideration in the 2021 draft.
AFL mid-season draft: Melbourne
Current selections: Two
The Demons carries two list selections into the draft, but have kept their cards close to their chest. There is a chance they don’t select anyone here, given the performances of their senior and reserves sides.
Nathan Freeman would be a very interesting look-in here, and would add immediate depth behind Angus Brayshaw and Ed Langdon on the wings. He is averaging 41 disposals in the VFL, but what has excited clubs the most is his power and speed has returned after a litany of soft tissue injuries.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
