The AFL season has come to a close with the Brisbane Lions clinching this year’s premiership, but the excitement continues with the upcoming national draft. This annual event in the AFL calendar is a crucial opportunity for all 18 clubs to strengthen their lists and secure top talent for the future. As the draft approaches, it’s essential to understand the key details and players involved to stay informed and engaged with the action. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the AFL draft:
When is the AFL draft?
The national draft will take place over two nights this year:
- The first round is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20.
- The remaining rounds will be held on Thursday, November 21.
What time is the AFL draft?
Both nights of the draft will commence at 7pm AEDT. Here are the corresponding start times for other regions of Australia:
- 6:30pm ACDT: South Australia
- 6pm AEST: Queensland
- 5:30pm ACST: Northern Territory
- 4pm AWST: Western Australia
How can fans follow this year’s draft?
Fans can stay updated on the draft action by following live blogs provided by ABC Sport on both draft nights. Additionally, the draft will be broadcasted on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports for fans eager to watch the event live.
For more detailed insights and rankings of the top 30 prospects, check out our full list here.
Who has the first pick in this year’s draft?
After finishing at the bottom of the ladder in the 2024 season, Richmond has secured the first pick in this year’s draft. This marks the first time since 2004 that the Tigers have held the coveted first overall selection.
Who are the players in line for the first pick?
Several standout players are in contention to be taken with the first pick in this year’s draft:
- Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions, father-son rule)
- Sam Lalor (Vic Country)
- Sid Draper (South Australia)
- Jagga Smith (Victoria)
- Finn O’Sullivan (Victoria)
What is the current order of picks in this year’s first round?
The draft order for the first round is as follows:
- Richmond
- North Melbourne
- Carlton
- Adelaide
- Melbourne
- Richmond
- St Kilda
- St Kilda
- Melbourne
- Richmond
- Richmond
- West Coast
- Port Adelaide
- Fremantle
- GWS Giants
- GWS Giants
- Western Bulldogs
- Richmond
- Sydney
- Richmond
- GWS Giants
- Sydney
- Richmond
How does the AFL determine how many first-round picks there are?
Typically, each round of the AFL draft consists of 18 selections, one per team. However, the number of picks can vary due to compensation picks awarded by the AFL. This year’s draft features 23 picks in the first round, with additional selections added to compensate for player movements.
How does the bidding system work in the AFL draft?
The AFL employs a points system to assign values to draft picks, with the first pick carrying the highest value. This system is designed to regulate bids on father-son or academy prospects and allows teams to match bids with a discount. Teams can choose whether to match bids or let players go to other clubs.
Can teams do trades during the draft?
Yes, teams have the ability to engage in trades during the draft, enabling them to swap picks with other clubs in the current draft or future drafts. This feature, introduced in 2018, adds complexity and strategic depth to the draft process.
What is the father-son rule?
The father-son rule in the AFL allows clubs to draft players who are sons of former players with a significant tenure at the same club. This rule enables family traditions to continue in the league and has led to some iconic player lineages in AFL history.
Which players have been taken with the first pick in the draft?
Over the years, several top talents have been selected with the first overall pick in the AFL draft. While only a few have gone on to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, each first pick represents a promising future for the chosen player and their club.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the AFL draft approaches, shaping the future of the league and its talented prospects.