We’ve heard plenty about potential number one draft pick Jason Horne-Francis and father-son prospect Nick Daicos.
What about the rest of those who are in draft contention next month?
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge joined SEN Breakfast to touch on a number of players whose names were sent in by listeners.
They also predicted the draft activity of a handful of clubs.
Judson Clark
“He had a great game mid-year for Vic Country, kicked five goals in a practice game against Vic Metro,” said Twomey.
“That was his big moment. Unfortunately on that day he was overshadowed because Sam Darcy kicked six.
“But it was a good performance from a half-forward. He’s somewhere in the 20-30 mark.”
Mitch Nevitt
“Taller midfielder from Geelong Falcons,” Twomey said.
“Geelong have a stack of picks in the 20s, so maybe they can have a look at him.”
Jake Soligo
“Smaller midfielder from Eastern Ranges. A little bit like Trent Bianco (from Collingwood),” Twomey said.
“I reckon he gets picked in the second round.”
Josh Ward
“I like him. Classy midfielder, inside and outside, a nice balance,” Beveridge said.
“I reckon he’s right in Hawthorn’s mix at pick five.”
Blake Howes
“Wingman from the Sandringham Dragons. 190cm and pretty athletic,” Twomey said.
“He’s somewhere around the 30 mark for me.”
Josh Rentsch
“He’s a big key forward, a strapping lad from the Ballarat region,” Twomey said.
“He kicks it a mile and reminds me of a little bit of Tim Membrey. He just gets the ball, clunks it and kicks goals.
“He won the Morrish Medal (tied with Flynn Lakey).
“He’s probably a second half of the draft prospect.”
Paul Curtis
“I’m a big fan of Paul Curtis. He’s a little bit of a wildcard for me,” Twomey said.
“We talk about the game that Judson Clark played mid-year, well that day Curtis kicked four as well and was outstanding.
“He’s a nifty small forward who just takes his opportunities. One to keep an eye on from the Western Jets.”
Arthur Jones
“He was part of the curtain raiser (on AFL Grand Final day) and he was outstanding as a small forward,” Twomey said.
“He’s shot onto the scene very late.”
Ben De Bolfo
“He’s a key back, pretty versatile and a hard-at-it player,” Twomey said.
Youseph Dib
“Collingwood academy player. He’s a smaller type, gets around the ground well,” Beveridge said.
“Still a bit of a question mark as to whether the Pies will commit to him. They’re still working through that I think.”
Who will Carlton take with their first pick at 25?
“Maybe it might be a Sam Butler or a Zac Taylor, one of these forward half players,” said Beveridge.
“They did have a look around at a couple during the trade period but didn’t really identify anyone.
“So I’d look at those two names if they’re still there. They are both smaller players who can apply pressure forward.
“Neither of them are that quick but they are smart, tough players in the forward line.”
What will Essendon do at the draft?
“They don’t come into it until 11 which becomes 13 once those two bids (for Daicos and Darcy) come in,” Twomey said.
“They’re in a good spot to take a good player. I think they should be looking hard at Neil Erasmus.
“He’s a taller midfielder, 188cm, from Western Australia. A competitor, he’s not the best kick of the group but he’s an absolute beast around the ball.
“It’s a midfield that has Darcy Parish, Andy McGrath and Zach Merrett, they need a bit of bigger body help. So he’s one they should look at.”
Jye Amiss
“The other WA kid they should be thinking about pretty hard is Jye Amiss who is a key forward. 196cm, he’s kicked 50-plus goals in the (WAFL) Colts competition this year,” Twomey added.
“It’s pretty hard to get a key forward so if he’s there on the board… he’s the guy you’ve got to take.
“The key forward space at the Bombers is still a work in progress so he’s one I’d be looking at.”
Which players will Melbourne target?
“They’re a bit of a wait and see at that point (pick 17),” Twomey said.
“The names that could be around that mark are Sam Butler (the younger brother of Dan) and Zac Taylor at that point.
“I like that position in the draft. It’s the eye of the beholder, the second part of the first round, there’s some real names that will pop up.”
If Sam Darcy wasn’t going father-son to the Western Bulldogs where would he end up?
“I think the Giants would probably take him at pick 2,” Twomey said.
“Given their list demographic and their key forwards, they don’t have that many now.
“He’s the best key forward in it. He’s the Max King of this year’s draft.”
The 2021 AFL National Draft takes place on November 24 and 25.