Former AFL recruiter Matt Rendell believes there could be a record low number of draft picks taken in this year’s National Draft, leading to multiple delisted free agents finding new clubs.
This current draft crop is seen to be lacking depth compared to previous years and Rendell has put out a figure that might not be beaten in the National Draft.
“I’m hearing from numerous sources that 45 could be the limit of picks in the draft this year, which would be a record low by a fair bit,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I’m hearing it could be really low this year, which means to fill up their list, clubs are going to have to take a lot of these players who have been delisted.”
59 players were selected in the 2020 National Draft when recruiters had a limited view of draftees due to the pandemic, the fewest selections ever made.
It’s left Rendell predicting that up to 13 delisted free agents could find their way onto an AFL list during the numerous windows they can be signed ahead of the 2023 season.
See his players that should be selected below.
James Rowe
“The Bulldogs were really keen on him in the draft and they’ve relied on Cody Weightman a lot,” he began.
“You need two small forwards at least, maybe three on your list… Rowe is ready to go, I think the Bulldogs would be interested in him.”
Liam Stocker
“Stocker is an interesting one. If he didn’t start training at the end of the season he’s kidding himself.
“Obviously everyone out there knows his running was an issue for Carlton. He’s got some ability so he’s worth taking, but if I’m taking Stocker I’m putting him through the wringer on fitness tests before I take him.
“He’s going to have some clubs interested… he better be up to speed if he wants to be picked.”
Jake Aarts
“I reckon he should have a lot of suitors here.
“North Melbourne would be great for him, they haven’t really got a decent small forward. He’s tough, he kicks goals and he’s come out of a great system.
“Essendon should be (interested) too… certainly Aarts and (possibly) Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in the forward line, that puts some speed and defence into their forward line.
“West Coast should be looking as well, Bulldogs if they don’t get Rowe, and certainly the Hawks.
“People say they’ve got Dylan Moore, but I think they’ll want to play Dylan Moore more in the midfield, so they’d be looking for a small forward.
Quinton Narkle
“West Coast should be chasing him. He’s a running machine, he can get from the back pocket to the forward pocket in a period of play.
“He’s a local, they need run, they need to play quicker, they’ve got an ageing midfield, he’s perfect for them.
“I would have thought it’s a no-brainer for West Coats to pluck him and put him in the middle.
Oleg Markov
“Delisted by Gold Coast Suns. They’ve got a lot of players around his ilk but I would have thought if Ross Lyon’s saying the Saints want to play faster - he was very adamant on that - he's a perfect player for them.
“West Coast again, I know they have Jayden Hunt and Jack Petruccelle and he doesn’t kick it that great, Markov… but he’d give them some surprise, that’s three players they could have in there with real speed.
“Brisbane Lions might use him too because they’ve got Daniel Rich, he doesn’t run, he kicks the ball a mile and so does Keidean Coleman, he’s much like Rich.
“They might need a runner out of defence but they haven’t really got one, that’s why they played Dayne Zorko back there.
Sydney Stack
“He could be on anyone’s list. He’s a really good player at his best, for him to get delisted by Richmond worries me because their culture is great.
“Is he just too loose? That’s up to him.”
Zac Langdon
“I think he’s another perfect fit for Essendon. Small forward, tough, tackles.
“Hawthorn as well (would be a suitor).
Callum and Tyler Brown
“I really like them both as players. Tyler just hasn’t got the continuity, he keeps getting injured… I reckon they’re perfect for the Hawks.
“Callum is 24 and Tyler is 22, they’ll play for minimum chips, they’ve been well paid, well overs at Collingwood for two or three years, I don’t know how they did those contracts as well, another stuff up with their salary cap.
“They need someone like Tyler in the midfield, he’s a big-bodied mid, a good clearance man, and Callum can roam the whole forward line…
“They’re right in the wheelhouse with what Hawthorn wants to do in their age profile… obviously I think Essendon is a really good fit for them both too.”
Rendell also suggested Jack Madgen, Dan Hannebery, Jack Newnes and Mitch Wallis could be useful as development coaches that also sit on the rookie list of an AFL club.
“I would be doing that with all four blokes, they’re good people and they’ve been in good systems… I think those four players should be in demand as the last player on your list, I think they’d be invaluable to the clubs they go to,” Rendell added.