Magpies, Tigers linked with former Port ruck, ex-Sun a mature-age standout, VFL mid on St Kilda’s radar, the smokey & more
Brynn Teakle is firming to be selected in the AFL’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft for the second time.
The former Port Adelaide ruckman, who was picked up by the Power in the 2022 mid-season draft, is expected to be taken on Wednesday night after showing good form in the WAFL with East Fremantle.
Teakle, 24, is again attracting interest from Collingwood, where he trained in the pre-season, as the Magpies deal with injuries to Mason Cox, Aiden Begg and Oscar Steene.
Richmond could also be in the mix for Teakle after losing back-up ruckman Sam Naismith to an ACL injury. The Tigers hold Pick 2 in the mid-season draft.
AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich is expecting the six-game former Power big man to be picked up again.
“I think we might see him get another chance,” Gabelich said on SEN SA’s The Run Home.
“He might become a two-time mid-season draft recruit. He trained at Collingwood over the pre-season, they gave him the full summer and they went with other options in the end.
“They’ve maintained a level of interest and they actually need a ruckman right now because Aiden Begg is done for the year, Oscar Steene is most likely done for the year, and Mason Cox is now out for at least six weeks.
“Their ruck depth is a little bit under the pump, and so is Richmond’s so don’t rule out the Tigers. The Tigers also have some issues with Sam Naismith doing his ACL.
“He’s been really good back in the WAFL since he returned to Perth. I think we should see him get an opportunity because there aren’t too many ready-made ruckmen around.”
Another player formerly on an AFL list is also likely to be handed a lifeline.
Jez McLennan, who spent four years on Gold Coast’s list, has been in strong form for Central District in the SANFL and is on the radar of the Adelaide Crows, along with some clubs in Victoria.
Gabelich describes McLennan, 23, as a “standout” when it comes to mature-age players.
“I have heard the Crows are linked to Jez,” Gabelich added.
“A couple of clubs in Victoria are also looking at him.
“He spent four years at the Suns and never played a game, but he’s playing better footy now. That’s the view from recruiters who were really impressed in that SANFL state game against the VFL earlier in the season. That put his name back on the radar of AFL clubs.
“He might be one as well. I think he definitely deserves a chance. If we’re looking at the mature-age options, he looks to be one of the standouts.”
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey also provided a rundown of the prospective draftees on SEN Breakfast ahead of Wednesday night.
Max Hall (Box Hill)
“He’s pretty close to a certainty from the VFL. There’s a fair bit of interest in Max Hall and for good reason because he’s had a pretty good season with Box Hill.
“He’s a 183cm midfielder, he’s been kicking some goals as well. Has had a couple of really good games in the VFL.
“St Kilda has been linked to him pretty strongly at Pick 4.”
Geordie Payne (North Launceston/Tasmania Devils)
“Everyone believes he is the favourite to go at No.1 to North Melbourne.
“He could have played for the Allies in the Under-18 Championships over the weekend as an over-ager but sat that one out.
“He’s a lock to get taken. North Melbourne has shown strong interest in him. 184cm versatile player with a bit of grunt.”
Riley Collier-Dawkins (Williamstown)
“A first-round pick from Richmond back in 2018. He’s had a really good season with Williamstown.
“He’s got some interest from Carlton. Some other clubs as well, but they’re among the most interested there.”
Liam McMahon (Carlton VFL)
“He has been on the radar of the Blues. He’s a chance.”
Daniel McKenzie (Port Melbourne)
“Former Saint who may be a chance after he was delisted last year.
“Tom Highmore from Port Melbourne as well.”
Matt Ling (Norwood)
“The former Swan. Fremantle did have a look at him, but don’t have a pick now.
“Essendon had had a look at him late.”
Jack Peris (Essendon VFL)
“He’s playing as a small forward and could be a shot potentially.”
Saad El-Hawli (Northern Bullants)
“He’s a good story and I think he’s a shot to be taken. 23 years old, 184cm, he’s quick, he’s classy, he couldn’t have done heaps more this season to push his name.
“He’s played eight games and averaged about 26 disposals for the Bullants.
“Essendon have shown some late interest in him, amongst other clubs.”
Jacob Blight (Peel Thunder)
“A 23-year-old key defender. If Richmond want him, they probably take him with Pick 2.”
Joe Pike (Geelong Falcons)
“Joe Pike is one of the younger boys (in the draft) out of the Geelong Falcons.
“We’ve seen mid-season drafts stocked with rucks in the past, so he’s probably a chance later on.”
Will Elliott (Northern Bullants)
“He’s a possibility. A couple of clubs looked at him this time last year.
“He has had some injuries at different stages in his Under-18 pathway. He’s had some reasonable VFL form as a key forward. Clubs have been interested previously.”
Corey Ellison (Williamstown)
“He’s a 23-year-old, a bit of a journeyman of the VFL. Carlton are having a bit of a look at him.
“A versatile tall at both ends who might be a chance.”
Snapshot
North Melbourne has Pick 1 while Richmond, West Coast, St Kilda and Hawthorn round out the top five.
Brisbane has the most openings with four spots available, the Tigers have three, Adelaide three, North Melbourne two and Collingwood two.
The Eagles, Saints, Hawks, Carlton, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Sydney and Essendon all have one pick each.
Fremantle, Gold Coast, GWS and Geelong will take no part in the mid-season draft.
It kicks off on Wednesday night from 7pm AEST.