The AFL National Draft is only days away!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, November 24 and 25, draftees’ dreams will be realised as they begin their AFL careers.
The cost of making a selection at the draft is estimated to be around $200,000 when future expenses are factored in, and therefore it’s a big 48 hours for clubs as well.
The National Draft will be broadcast live on 1116 SEN, while Fox Footy and Kayo have the streaming rights.
The event will be a virtual one due to state border restrictions, with the AFL’s ARC to serve as the central hub.
However, satellite events will be set up at Marvel Stadium, Adelaide Oval and RAC arena for clubs to make their selections.
Only the first round will be taken on the first night, with selections to be made from 7 pm AEDT.
As it stands, 18 picks will be made on Tuesday. However, with bids likely to come on highly-rated father-son selections Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy, it’s likely at least 20 draftees will be selected.
North Melbourne is all but certain to read out Jason Horne-Francis’ name at number one, having been captured by the midfielders’ abilities on the inside and outside of the contest.
Daicos, Darcy, Sandringham Dragon Finn Callaghan and Dandenong Stingray Mac Andrew are among the draftees likely to be selected with the following picks.
Every club must make at least three selections at the draft, however those with later picks may ‘pass’ once they have made three selections.
A total of 91 picks are available, however only 60 (approximately) are expected to be used across the two nights.
Clubs can also live trade selections on the night, meaning the current draft order may well change during the event.
2021 AFL NATIONAL DRAFT – FIRST 30 SELECTIONS
North Melbourne
GWS Giants
Gold Coast
Adelaide
Hawthorn
Fremantle
Richmond
Fremantle
St Kilda
West Coast
Essendon
Port Adelaide
GWS Giants
Brisbane
Richmond
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Fremantle
North Melbourne
Hawthorn
Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Carlton
Richmond
Richmond
Richmond
West Coast
Geelong
The following day will see pre-season and rookie drafts completed, which will begin from 3 pm AEDT.
Final AFL club list lodgements are then due on November 29 at 4 pm.