Why Dons were clearly one of the “big winners” of the AFL Draft

AFL draft guru Mick Ablett loved Essendon’s work with their first-round selections on Wednesday night.

After Academy and Father-son bids, the Dons used picks 9, 10 and 13 on three players that Ablett is a big fan of.

At pick 9, the Dons took Eastern Ranges midfielder Sullivan Robey, a player many felt was a top-five talent.

At 10, they went for a ball-winning half-back in Jacob Farrow, who could eventually become a midfielder.

And at 13, they collected Dyson Sharp, who many considered a steal with the South Australian gun looming as another top-five option.

After analysing all of the picks, Ablett felt that the Bombers finally nailed a draft where they had multiple first-round selections.

“I thought the Essendon Football Club (were a big winner),” Ablett told SEN The Captain’s Run.

“Being an Essendon supporter myself, we haven't had a great deal to cheer about for quite some time, but I thought this draft, they got it right. I really did.

“To pick up what was originally pick 9 from the Carlton Footy Club, who needed to acquire points for Harry Dean (was great business).

“That got them a guy at Dyson Sharp through at what turned out to be pick 13. That was exceptional.

“They also got Sullivan Robey in, who's going to be a really exciting player to watch.

“So, I thought the Bombers did well, I thought they were one of the big winners.”

Ablett also named West Coast and Gold Coast as his other clear winners from the 2025 AFL Draft.