Mid-season rookie draft review A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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The 2021 mid-season rookie draft has added a dimension of intrigue to the annual recruitment calendar, with 22 undrafted and mature aged players getting an unexpected AFL lifeline.
However, unlike the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP), where five of the 11 players taken were recycled past players, the mid-season draft yielded 21 previously undrafted players and only one delisted player who had previously been drafted as a mature aged player.
Several hopeful delisted players missed out on another chance, including (but not limited to) Nathan Freeman, Tyson Stengle, Riley Knight and Wylie Buzza, as most clubs opted to recruit for the future rather than for right now.
The deadline for lodgement of inactive lists has come and gone, with the mid-season rookie draft order now set in cement. However, it is wet cement and things can change by Wednesday night as clubs move into their final war room strategy period. Jacob Edwards has shot into favouritism to be picked with the first […]
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2021-05-12T10:15+10:00
AFL Media draft guru Cal Twomey says there is a clear top pick in this year’s mid-season draft, provided the player in question actually nominates.
Sandringham Dragons talent
Jacob Edwards is rated as the most likely candidate to go at no.1 in next month’s draft, but is also tipped to go in the first round of the National Draft if he opts for that path.
Twomey, who expects around 15 picks total to be made on June 2, says Edwards is yet to make a call on whether he will nominate for mid-season or wait for another opportunity later this year.
Trade and draft review: Bulldogs come out snarling A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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Western Bulldogs boffins spent a long time after the devastating finals exit contemplating their next roster moves to get up the ladder four seasons after winning the club’s first flag of the AFL era.
They were among the most cagey of all clubs, first announcing Tory Dickson’s retirement, then announcing delistings in increments as they searched for ways to carry out their recruitment ambitions while trying to work out how to use their draft capital without spending the points needed to match a bid on their prize next generation academy prospect.