AFL Draft 2024 - Live Blog
- Blair Burns
- Nov 20, 2024
- 6 min read
There is no doubt that the 2024 AFL Draft is one of the deepest drafts that recruiters have seen in recent times. Throughout this season, there has been six or seven genuine contenders for Pick No.1 but it appears as though GWV Rebels' Sam Lalor will be destined for Punt Road with the first pick of the night.
Scribe Sports journalist Blair Burns will be following tonight's AFL draft live, follow along for the latest news and insights into the players.
Follow the draft coverage on the live blog below.
DRAFT BLOG ...
LALOR EXPECTED TO BE NO.1
The race for the No.1 pick seems to have finally ended with GWV Rebels' powerful midfielder Sam Lalor the first to cross the finish line. Lalor grew up a Collingwood supporter but models his game on Dustin Martin. He has plenty of similar attributes with great strength and power, not to mention his impressive fend-off. It would be a special night if Martin is to present the jumper (potentially the coveted No.4) to the exciting prospect. Having watched Lalor on Gettable this morning, his relaxed, laid-back nature also draws similarities to Martin. Will Lalor create a great legacy at Tigerland like his idol did, only time will tell.
WHERE DOES LUKE TRAINOR GO?
The intercept defender was floated as a potential No.1 pick a couple of months ago but has since slid almost out of first round calculations. I initially thought Trainor would be a great fit at North Melbourne with Pick No.2 but after not being invited to the first night, it is expected he mightn't be picked up until tomorrow night. He has had a recent concussion which caused some issues and may have scared some clubs away from him but rest assured, the Sandringham Dragons product will be an absolute steal if he slips into the 20s or 30s.
KANGAS SET TO CHOOSE FOS OVER TAURU
After the flying viking Alix Tauru shot into top 10 calculations, there was not a club that wasn't interested in the utility. He has been likened to Hawthorn captain James Sicily with the way he defends and has exceptional athleticism. However, the Kangaroos now look set to add Finn O'Sullivan to their already-healthy midfield stocks. FOS had a frustrating year riddled with injury but is a special player who has strong aerial ability and an elite football IQ. O'Sullivan (potentially No.2 pick), the Kangaroos now have a plethora of young elite midfielders in McKercher (No.2), Sheezel (No.3), Wardlaw (No.4) and Duursma (No.4). Tauru could be selected anywhere between 6-15 and will be a great asset for whatever club secures his services.
SID DRAPER TO CROWS?
Sid Draper looks to be Adelaide's man for pick No.4. He's an exceptional leader and has been spoken about as a potential future club captain. He plays a mature brand of football, he's quick, clean and skilful. And he's a South Australian. While the Crows are highly considering Dandenong Stingrays captain Harvey Langford, you would expect them to lean towards their homegrown talent in Draper.
This pick has the potential to really change the rest of the first round and completely throw out Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft.
BLAIR'S RICHMOND MOCK DRAFT
Pick 1 - Sam Lalor (mid)
Pick 6 - Josh Smillie (mid)
Pick 10 - Murphy Reid (mid fwd)
Pick 11 - Jobe Shanahan (key fwd)
Pick 18 - Ollie Hannaford (small fwd)
Pick 20 - Cooper Hynes (mid fwd)
Pick 23 - Matt Whitlock (key def / fwd)
Pick 24 - Luke Trainor (key def)
These picks will change with FS and Academy bids. If Richmond ended up with a haul like this from their 8 picks, with 4 genuine gun midfielders, the best key forward of the draft in Shanahan and a talented small forward in Hannaford. As well as Whitlock and Trainor in defence, would you be happy with these selections Richmond fans?
CRIPPS VS SMILLIE COMPARISON
Josh Smillie is a highly rated prospect in tonight's draft and draws plenty of similarities to current dual Brownlow medallist, Patrick Cripps.
Look at the comparison between their numbers.
PATRICK CRIPPS | VS | JOSH SMILLIE |
2013 | COMBINE | 2024 |
192.2cm | HEIGHT | 195.4cm |
22.5cm | WING SPAN | 23.8cm |
72cm | RUNNING VERT JUMP | 78cm |
323cm | ABSOLUTE VERT | 350cm |
3:23 | 20M SPRINT | 3:09 |
8:57 | AGILITY | 8:39 |
11:50 (3km) | ENDURANCE | 6:38 (2km) |
TIGERS TO HONOUR TOCE
Richmond recruiting manager Chris Toce recently passed away after a battle with cancer. To honour his memory, his son Harry will hit the button for Richmond's first selection tonight.
Toce spent more than 20 years involved in AFL across a number of different clubs and will be sorely missed.
"He was widely respected by everyone in the football community ... he has helped lay the foundations for the Tigers' multitude of selections tonight," AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon said.
LALOR FIRST PICK TO TIGERS
GWV Rebels' star Sam Lalor will be a key part of Richmond's rebuild after his name was called with the first pick of the 2024 AFL Draft. Lalor is the Tigers' first No.1 pick since Brett Deledio in 2004 and will bring plenty of excitement for Richmond fans.
The 18 year old was presented his jumper by former Richmond captain, Trent Cotchin.
Lalor is a competitive beast and plays exactly like his idol Dustin Martin, or Collingwood's Jordan De Goey.
The night has only just begun Richmond fans.
"SPECIAL" MOMENT FOR LALOR
Sam Lalor said he found out that he was going to be a Tiger earlier in the week when the club paid him a visit.
"They came over to my house on Monday night so I found out then," he said.
"The other night when they (the family) found out, even Dad was in tears, it's a pretty special moment."
Lalor said he was looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and welcoming the other draft picks to Tigerland.
"There's obviously a lot of pressure, but with Richmond this year, they've got a lot of picks so not all of the pressure will be on me which I'm looking forward to."
"I'm excited to join a great club like Richmond."
FOS TO KANGAS
North Melbourne have added the most talented player in the draft in my opinion. Kevin Sheehan described O'Sullivan as a Rolls Royce and it couldn't be more accurate. FOS glides across the football field and despite a frustrating run with injuries, he will be a special player at the top level.
"I had no idea, it was a pretty surreal moment just then with my family," he said.
BLUES LIKE JAGGA
Carlton has selected Jagga Smith with Pick No.3 in the draft. Smith was by far the most prolific ball-winner in the pool and knows how to find the football.
"It's so good to have everyone here supporting me, it means the world to me," he said.
"I went for the Pies but I'm off them now."
DRAPER WITH PICK 4
As previously thought, Draper was selected by the Crows with Pick 4. I think he will be a great player and leader of the football club in the future. Unlike many of the other top midfielders, he has proven himself against men already. He works hard at both ends.
Draper has grown up supporting the Crows and said it was "so special" to be drafted by his childhood club.
✅ Consistency
✅ Speed
✅ Bottom-age form
ASHCROFT PICK 5 TO LIONS AFTER MELBOURNE BID
Levi Ashcroft is officially a Lion and will join his brother Will and his premiership teammates. The young gun is no stranger to success, he is a three-time premiership player for the Sandringham Dragons.
The way he prepares and recovers is at the elite level, that's why he's so consistent," Kevin Sheehan said.
Brisbane give up picks 40, 42, 43 and 46 - and in return, receive a ready-made star. Another gun Ashcroft.
6, 7 AND 8 IN
Harvey Langford - PICK 6
Josh Smillie - PICK 7
Tobie Travaglia - PICK 8
LOMBARD TO SUNS WITH 9 & TAURU TO SAINTS FOR 10
Leo Lombard is a ready-made star, part of a VFL premiership at the age of just 16, he will be an exciting prospect which will excite Damien Hardwick. He was dominant in the U18 champs claiming the Larke Medal alongside Harvey Langford. Averaging 26 disposals, he is a clean ball-winner.
✅ Speed
✅ Competitiveness
✅ VFL form
Alix Tauru is the biggest bolter of the draft class. He models his game on James Sicily and Tom Stewart. He recorded some impressive stats at the draft combine, including topping the charts for running vertical jump.
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