Time for Reinforcement….A Look at the AFL Mid Season Draft
As the bye rounds fast approach, the AFL Mid Season Draft takes centre stage on Wednesday night. Players who had their AFL careers ended by clubs, or who were simply passed over at the draft, will get an opportunity to hear their name. These chosen few, will either start, or continue, their AFL journey.
Brisbane have four picks to use, while Adelaide, (three), Richmond, (three), Collingwood, (two) and North Melbourne, (two) also have access to multiple selections. Carlton, Essendon, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Sydney, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs are all on the board in round one, as well, before their lists would be full.
This year, four clubs will not be selecting from the draft pool, with Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney to play no part.
Both Carlton and Port Adelaide were asked about their mid-season draft plans ahead of their game on Thursday Night at the Adelaide Oval.
“We’ve been chatting,” Port Coach, Ken Hinkley, began on Tuesday morning.
“We’re in the position right now where we can, if we want to, have a pick in the draft, whether we do or not is something we are still deciding.”
“Yes [It’s a last minute call], if you’re looking at a player, you’re not gonna be looking at lots of players.
Hinkley mentioned the player that had caused the opening in the Power’s list, Sam Powell-Pepper, and alluded to how the player could possibly be his replacement for the rest of season 2024;
“If there’s a player that we think can improve us, and help us through the back-half of the year, because we’ve lost a player like Pep [Sam Powell-Pepper], then we will certainly be looking at it.
“[That’s] not for me to answer, right here, right now [if that player is on the Magpies’ list].
“Jason Cripps, (Port Adelaide’s list manager) and his team are all over all the options. We can draft from all over the country, we will pick the best player available and the player that, we think, will help us.”
As he is in South Australia, Michael Voss was asked if he was taking an extra player back on the plane with him after Thursday’s game;
“Possibly, [We are looking at a South Australian],” Carlton coach Michael Voss began, although he didn’t elaborate on any names.
“[A] couple of names have certainly floated by, the strategy’s pretty simple, pick the best player available, and that’s what we will do.
“There’s a few names that we certainly feel like we can add to our list, if they’re still there then clearly we will have a pick. If they’re gone, then we will pass and move on for another time.
In terms of South Australian talent, six players have undergone medicals;
Luke Beecken - Woodville West Torrens, Defender
Beecken is a hard working defender who averages 22.7 disposals and 4.3 R50s a game. He’s coming off a 28 disposal game against Glenelg in round seven, and is certainly in career best form heading into the draft.
Noah Howes - South Adelaide, Forward
The U18’s overeager might be taken from them after just one game in the championships. Howes exploded in 2024, showing his class overhead, taking strong grabs, and kicking nine goals from six games.
Matthew Ling - Norwood, Defender
Another of the SANFL’s best rebounding defender may be taken from them tonight. Norwood’s Ling crossed from Geelong VFL at the end of last year, and is averaging 19.7 disposals. With silky skills, he has certainly been running hot as a Redleg.
Toby Murray - Adelaide, Key Forward/ Ruck
Brother of Nick Murray, Toby came across from the Murray Bushrangers to play SANFL footy in 2024. He could join his brother on an AFL list. It may even be Adelaide, with the Crows having him under their noses, they would be the club best placed to make a call on his ability. He’s a mobile player, and is very skillful in the SANFL competition.
Will Patton - West Adelaide, Defender
A booming kick that regularly cleared 60 metres, Patton looked likely to go in the Rookie Draft last year. Unfortunately for the 19-year-old, it wasn’t to be. In just seven league matches, he has reminded recruiters just how good he is, averaging 16.1 disposals and 5.6 marks in defence, it has been one of the best starts to a league career at SANFL level.
Leadership is also no issue to Patton, either. He was captain of the U18’s championship squad for SA in 2023. This would be seen as a massive plus by recruiters in the AFL.
Kelsey Rypstra - North Adelaide, Forward
Three goals in five games, Rypstra’s scoreboard impact is still ever present. However, his defensive pressure in the forward line is the biggest seller. He averages 3.4 tackles, including a season high six against Sturt. The Rooster’s ability to keep the pressure on the defence is something that all AFL clubs need.
Another name who didn’t undertake a medical but is gaining plenty of interest is Jez McLennan, who won two Fos Williams Medals in the space of a month with in his performances for South Australia this year.
A Bulldog at League level, the defender is good overhead and can shut down a forward, while also generating some forward movement of half back. Standing at 186cm, McLennan is one that can play on both talls and smalls.
The Draft kicks off at 6:30 PM on AFL.com.au.