2022 AFL draft prospect Bailey Humphrey says there are three clubs in particular that he appears most likely to join.
Humphrey, a powerful midfielder/forward out of the Gippsland Power, shapes as a top-10 pick when the first round of the National Draft is completed next Monday.
The 18-year-old missed the National Championships throughout the middle of the year with a knee injury but captained Gippsland while averaging 20 disposals and a tick under two goals a game.
AFL Media’s draft guru Cal Twomey rates Bailey Humphrey as the sixth-best player in the draft. As it stands, Essendon has pick 4 and Gold Coast has pick 5 in the draft, while Hawthorn has the sixth selection.
Humphrey suggested those three clubs appear as the most likely destinations.
“During the year I had 17 out of the 18 clubs (talk to me), Richmond was the only club that didn’t talk to me,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“Clubs are now coming closer to the draft, they’re trying to keep it a little more quiet and not let anything get out.
“You can tell what clubs are more interested in you, Hawthorn I’ve had four interviews with, so I’m assuming I’d have to be on their list of players.
“Gold Coast as well and same with the Bombers, so it’s been pretty good.”
He said further: “If I’m lucky, obviously anything can happen, but hopefully I’m one of those three picks.”
Meanwhile, Humphrey – who grew up a Geelong supporter – said a number of clubs further down the order had also shown interest.
“I’ve just had two (chats with the Cats) I think, they’re keeping it pretty quiet,” he stated.
“There are three clubs that are extremely keen on me but they think they won’t get me, which I’m not too sure about, obviously anything can happen.
“Carlton are pretty interested in me, so are Sydney and so are Melbourne.”
The Blues have pick 10, while the Demons and Swans hold picks 13 and 14 respectively.
As for what fans can expect from Humphrey in 2023, the talented prospect highlighted several stars he aims to emulate.
He named Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps as the type of midfielder he wants to be while also stating Jordan De Goey and Christian Petracca as the players he likes ahead of the ball.
“I like to say I’m a midfielder, but I guess at the moment more people are calling me a medium size forward that goes into the midfield and is dangerous as well,” he explained.
“I think definitely my strengths are the burst and the speed and power and strength of being a contested player.
“I’ve got a couple of tricks under my belt.”
Humphrey also stated he was happy to be drafted anywhere in Australia for his AFL journey.
Humphrey’s AFL dream will almost certainly be realised next Monday when the first round of the National Draft is drawn, with the remaining picks to be selected the following day.