The 2024 AFL National Draft delivered its signature blend of drama and excitement, as clubs made bold moves that defied expert predictions. Highly-touted prospects experienced surprising slides down the draft board, while lesser-known talents skyrocketed into early selections. This year’s draft was a thrilling spectacle of strategic gambles, bargain buys, and inspiring stories of persistence, setting the stage for a new generation of stars to make their mark on the league.
Clubs Roll the Dice on Draft Day Bolters
Several clubs chose to back their own judgment over public rankings, selecting players much earlier than anticipated. These surprise picks, often called “bolters,” became major talking points of the night.
Richmond raised eyebrows by selecting key forward Jonty Faull with pick 14, a player widely ranked outside the top 25. Despite an early-season back injury, Faull’s aggressive style and 27 goals in just 11 games convinced the Tigers he was their man. “His vice-like grip separates him,” said talent guru Kevin Sheehan, marking Faull as a potential cornerstone for Richmond’s rebuild.
The GWS Giants also made a stunning move, grabbing Cody Angove at pick 24, a player ranked 58th. GWS clearly valued his unique skill set. As draft expert Mick Ablett noted, “Goalkicking mids are rare and worth their weight in gold,” explaining the Giants’ decision to secure the talented midfielder early. Similarly, the Sydney Swans took a chance on Ned Bowman at pick 26, who was ranked 89th, betting on his “X-factor” and versatility.
Patient Teams Secure Bargains as Top Talent Slides
While some players rose, others experienced a draft day slide, falling much lower than their projected positions. This created incredible value for the patient clubs who were waiting to pounce.
Harry Armstrong, a powerful forward who kicked a massive 69 goals this year, was expected to be a top-20 pick but surprisingly fell to Richmond at pick 23. Port Adelaide also found a steal, landing the versatile ruck-forward Jack Whitlock at pick 33, a player ranked 18th pre-draft. “This pick feels like Christmas for Port,” said Mick Ablett, highlighting the perfect fit for the club’s needs.
| Player | Club | Pick Number | Pre-Draft Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Armstrong | Richmond | 23 | 23 |
| Jack Whitlock | Port Adelaide | 33 | 18 |
| Tom Gross | West Coast | 46 | 33 |
Perhaps the biggest slider was Tom Gross, an All-Australian midfielder who fell all the way to West Coast at pick 46. His talent for winning contested ball was highly rated, leaving many experts stunned. “You wonder how he was still there,” Sheehan remarked.
Finding Value with Late Picks and Hidden Gems
The later rounds of the draft are often where clubs unearth hidden gems, and this year was no exception. Several players selected late have the potential to become household names.
The GWS Giants may have secured the steal of the draft with Logan Smith at pick 71. The 204cm ruckman was not only an All-Australian but also the Academy Player of the Year. West Coast also found great value in Hamish Davis at pick 65, a versatile forward-midfielder who dominated his Colts grand final.
Melbourne looked for immediate impact by selecting Aidan Johnson at pick 68. As a mature-age VFL premiership player, Johnson offers ready-made depth for their forward and ruck departments. “He brings genuine presence to their forward line,” Ablett praised.
Mature-Age Stars Get Their AFL Chance
The draft also celebrated persistence, with several mature-age players finally realizing their AFL dream after standout seasons in state leagues. Their stories serve as an inspiration for players across the country.
Riley Bice, a 24-year-old from Werribee, was selected by the Sydney Swans at pick 41. His crucial role in a VFL premiership and outstanding Combine testing proved too good for recruiters to ignore.
- Sam Davidson (Pick 51, Western Bulldogs): Awarded the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s best young talent.
- Aidan Johnson (Pick 68, Melbourne): A VFL premiership player adding immediate depth.
Davidson, a medical student, balanced demanding studies with football to earn his spot, with Ablett calling him a “diamond in the rough.” These selections show that the path to an AFL career is not always a straight line.
