What your club must target in the 2021 National Draft

What does your club need at this year’s AFL National Draft?

We’ve taken a look at each of the 18 clubs and the type of player they may be seeking on November 24 and 25.

See our thoughts below:

The Crows hold pick 4, which will become pick 6 after earlier bids on father-son prospects Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy. That should still give them a strong look at a quality player to help boost a developing group.

Future key position players in Riley Thilthorpe and Fischer McAsey, along with budding midfielders (who can play in other positions) including Harry Schoenberg, Luke Pedlar, Sam Berry and Brayden Cook, have been added via the draft in the past two years.

As a result, the Crows might be looking for another to develop on the outside before eventually playing through the middle as they strive to bring a young on-ball group through together.

Fitting that bill is Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons) whose best attributes are his run and carry and long kicking from the periphery. He can be used on a wing or on the flanks and possesses plenty of class.

Inside midfielder Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels) could also present as an option as he is seen as a future leader and could be considered a long-term replacement for Rory Sloane.

The likes of Josh Ward (Northern Knights) and Neil Erasmus (Subiaco), as well as clever forward-mid Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers), could also be in the mix to land at the Crows in the range of their first pick.

Key defender Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels) may also be a viable option for Adelaide, given Daniel Talia is now departed, but will they use a top-10 pick on a backman?

It will just be a case of topping up from there with three later picks.

Adelaide’s picks: 4, 33, 75, 80.

Andrew Slevison

The Lions should consider selecting a half-back flanker with that looking like an immediate list need after young defender Alex Witherden was traded away last off-season and Grant Birchall hung up the boots.

While Daniel Rich is still dominant - as proved by his All-Australian selection in 2021 - at 31, he’s well and truly in the twilight of his career. Another elite ball user with top-level speed would help compliment the likes of Rich and Brandon Starcevich in the back six.

Although the Lions addressed a need for ruck depth through the addition of Darcy Fort, they could do worse than pick another tall to develop under he and Oscar McInerney for years to come.

While Kalin Lane (mid-season draft) and Henry Smith (pick No. 48, 2020) are on the list, they could look for a blue-chip option near the top of the draft to sit behind both Fort (28) and McInerney (27) who could be ready to hand over the ruck reigns in a few years’ time.

Brisbane’s picks: 14, 18, 41, 60, 76, 90.

Lachlan Geleit

The Blues will likely only use the one selection at the draft, given they plan on upgrading Matthew Kennedy and Josh Honey to their senior list. This means pick 25 will be their only active pick.

Depth in the midfield and a young key defender to develop were holes addressed in the trade period and the Blues have a project ruckman to work with in Alex Mirkov. Carlton could potentially look at a young key forward or small forward to develop or a ready-made lockdown defender.

If not, Carlton should simply take the best player available on their draft board given how quiet they will be in this draft period.

Carlton’s picks: 25, 64, 82.

Nic Negrepontis

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The Magpies are lucky enough to have first dibs on highly-rated father-son Nick Daicos and the classy midfielder helps address the club’s need for another elite outside ball-winner.

With Daicos secured, Collingwood should look to plug holes down back and around the stoppage.

While Jordan Roughead had perhaps a career-best year in 2021, he’s into his 30s now and the Pies could do worse than selecting his potential successor.

Having also lost Brayden Sier (delisted), Adam Treloar (trade) and Levi Greenwood (retired) in the last two seasons, Collingwood should look to pick up another inside clearance winner.

A young big body in the midfield would fit nicely alongside the likes of Finlay Macrae, the Daicos brothers, Reef McInnes and Patrick Lipinski as the club’s next batch of on-ballers.

Collingwood fans would also like the idea of the club selecting a young key tall, but with a Daicos bid chewing up the bulk of their picks, that need may have to be addressed early in future drafts.

Collingwood’s picks: 36, 38, 40, 46, 48, 55, 58, 78, 79.

Lachlan Geleit

After taking Archie Perkins, Nik Cox and Zach Reid inside the top 10 of last year’s draft, the Bombers are set for a quieter draft period this time around.

The club didn’t shy away from their intent to acquire another top pick during the trade period and could look to make a move on draft night, but as it stands they only have access to one pick in the first two rounds.

Pick 11 holds the key for the club this year and they should be looking to go one of two ways with it – either acquiring another midfielder to compliment the likes of Darcy Parish or Zach Merrett, or look to draft another project forward.

Western Australian key forward Jye Amiss and South Australian mid/forward Arlo Draper are two names that loom large for the Bombers.

Essendon’s picks: 11, 51, 56, 87.

Laurence Rosen

Fremantle holds two picks inside the top 10 as things stand and their focus should entirely be on the best midfielders available.

Adam Cerra was lined up to help replace the ageing David Mundy and Nathan Fyfe, but he has moved to Carlton and the Dockers must start the process from scratch.

Freo should keep it simple and take the best midfielders available at six, eight and 19 to continue building around Sean Darcy, Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.

They have key defenders and rucks aplenty. They could also consider West Australian key forward Jye Amiss, who is projected to be taken around the top 10.

Fremantle’s picks: 6, 8, 19, 61, 69, 84.

Nic Negrepontis

With the Cats still clinging to their premiership window, could they target another mature-age recruit in the draft?

We’ve seen Chris Scott refuse to play many youngsters in recent years, and any youth they pick up in 2021 will likely only be further depth.

With an ageing midfield and a lack of on-ballers in their mid 20s, master recruiter Stephen Wells might have his eyes set on another Tim Kelly to join the club.

The Cats don’t have a pick in the first round, and by the time their first pick at number 22 rolls around, the higher-rated midfielders will have been snapped up, furthering the possibility of Wells looking for a smoky in the draft.

If they choose to go young, local Geelong Falcons 193cm product Mitch Knevitt could be available and ticks the boxes of a bigger midfielder.

A replacement for Jordan Clark could also be on the cards, after Fremantle secured the talented youngster in the trade period.

The Cats reportedly loved Clark’s attacking flair off half-back but were more concerned with his lack of defensive traits, so a player who could fit both bills could push for a spot in Geelong’s best 22.

Geelong’s picks: 22, 30, 32, 34, 50, 91.

Seb Mottram

Gold Coast are in one of the more interesting draft positions of all clubs, having just one pick coming at selection number three.

With only one spot left on their list, the Suns are unlikely to bid on father-sons Nick Daicos or Sam Darcy (if they are still available) as they won’t use additional later picks gained by bidding.

They club displayed a consistently defensive game plan in 2021 to protect an undersized defence, and the drafting of 195cm ready-made defender Josh Gibcus could give Stuart Dew the confidence to speed up the team’s play.

Melbourne NGA utility Mac Andrew will also be in the frame for selection given his flexibility to play at either end of the ground and potentially serve as Jarrod Witts’ ruck successor in years to come.

However, he’s seen to be a long-term prospect, and with the Suns needing to show significant improvement in 2022, it’s yet to be seen if they can afford to draft a player that may not have an immediate impact.

Beyond that, some midfield depth could also be called for. Murray Bushranger Josh Rachele and Sandringham Dragon Finn Callaghan appear the best on-ballers likely to be available, while Northern Knight Josh Ward could also make an immediate impact for the Suns through the middle.

With just the one pick in 2021, there’s plenty on the line for the Suns to get it right.

Gold Coast’s pick: 3.

Seb Mottram

The Giants have two first-round picks which they will look to use smartly.

There is interest in Melbourne NGA product Mac Andrew, the athletic 200cm ruck-forward out of the Dandenong Stingrays. They could use pick 4 on him (after father-son bids for Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy) if they see him being the exciting talent many are forecasting.

GWS has a fairly well-stacked midfield so a key defender in Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels) may also be on their radar, while key forward Jye Amiss (East Perth) could also present as an early option, but is expected to fall somewhere between their first two picks.

In the early teens (pick 15), the Giants could look to the midfield if they fill a key position need earlier. In this range, according to most phantom drafts, will be players such as speedy Eastern Ranges mid Tyler Sonsie, Subiaco’s Matthew Johnson, South Adelaide’s Arlo Draper, or Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons), although with the latter they seem to have that half-back flank position stocked with Lachie Whitfield, Isaac Cumming and Lachlan Ash.

Their top two picks will be intriguing and could shape the first round of the draft.

GWS’ picks: 2, 13, 53, 54, 71, 89.

Andrew Slevison

Having had just eight top 30 selections in the last 10 years, Hawthorn is brimming with excitement heading into the 2021 national draft with three selections in the first 25 or so. The Hawks are late to the ‘rebuild through the draft’ party but have embraced it with gusto these last few years.

The most obvious place to start is the midfield. Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara have a bit left in the tank, but the lionhearted Liam Shiels will turn 31 shortly after the start of next season, so the Hawks should be able to identify a top-line midfielder with their first pick and if they keep their draft hand as it is, they will likely target another quality midfielder with one of their next two picks as well.

Their backline looks stacked, but another key defender, even one they can develop at Box Hill for a couple of years might be worth considering. They had four ruckmen on their list last year, but now have just three, so they may kick the tyres on some big men. The one wildcard is what happens if Mac Andrew is still available when the Hawks have their first pick. Could they resist?

Hawthorn’s picks: 5, 21, 24, 59, 65, 81.

Ash Browne

The reigning premiers have had plenty of wins at the draft lately and enter the 2021 window with two picks inside the top 40, which presents them with a few opportunities to add their already well-stocked list.

Melbourne has no obvious areas of particular concern to strengthen, putting them in a good position to look at the draft board and take the best available player, or even look to get creative trade picks 37 and 49 on draft night to move up the order.

There’s no shortage of midfielders in this year’s draft and that’s where the Dees should start with pick 17, where Eastern Rangers’ Tyler Sonsie, Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ Sam Butler (brother of St Kilda player Dan) or tall Calder Cannons midfielder Josh Goater could all be available.

They could also opt for small forward Jesse Motlop with their first pick. Motlop, who is the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne player Daniel, isn’t tied to either side as a father-son.

Melbourne’s picks: 17, 37, 49, 57, 94.

Laurence Rosen

North Melbourne is already on the clock for the 2021 National Draft, holding the top pick where they will inevitably read out Jason Horne-Francis’ name. The inside midfield bull will become the centrepiece of the Roos’ next generation.

The Kangaroos also hold pick 20 and a pair of selections in the 40s. They’re stocked for young key forwards and ruckmen, but could do with another young key defensive project. The depth in general will be important given the loss of Robbie Tarrant.

In the 40s, North Melbourne can probably afford to be creative given the amount of youngsters already on their list. Whether that’s targeting a mature-age player or a riskier high-upside prospect.

North Melbourne’s picks: 1, 20, 42, 47, 72, 77.

Nic Negrepontis

Port Adelaide’s midfield is thin and needs bolstering.

The Power are heavily reliant on Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines and star veteran Travis Boak, while Zak Butters and Connor Rozee are working towards becoming permanent midfielders down the track.

Three talented South Australian prospects loom as attractive options.

South Adelaide duo Arlo Draper and Matthew Roberts and Glenelg’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera have all been touted as potential top 20 picks and are likely to be on the market when Port use their first-round pick – currently pick No.12.

Wanganeen-Milera, a midfielder blessed with elite football skills, is the nephew of Port Adelaide champion and 2004 premiership player Gavin Wanganeen.

Port Adelaide’s picks: 12, 63, 73, 74, 92.

Alex Zaia

The Tigers need midfield quality and with a strong draft hand should be able to return to Punt Road from this year’s draft with a decent swag.

Northern Knights product Josh Ward, who according to AFL draft guru Cal Twomey possesses “good inside/outside balance”, appears nicely suited based on that assessment. He is a contested ball winner with good skills.

Ready-to-play on-baller Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels) will be wanted by plenty of clubs early and would be a solid fit for Richmond. Could they strategise to move further up the draft board to secure a Ward or Hobbs who could go top 5 or 6?

Neil Erasmus (Subiaco), a damaging mid who can hit the scoreboard, should also be available in the range of their first pick.

Crafty small forward Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers) could be an option if the Tigers are keen on bolstering in attack.

Despite the signing of Robbie Tarrant, a promising key defender for the future could also be on their radar, but will they look for one early or hold off until later?

With five picks in the top 30, this looms as a vital draft for the Tigers.

Richmond’s picks: 7, 15, 26, 27, 28, 83.

Andrew Slevison

The Saints should be targeting either a classy midfielder or a key defender with their first selection – currently pick No.9 – in this month’s draft.

With their second pick not until 62, it’s important the Saints nail their one and only first-round selection.

St Kilda can match bids for Next Generation Academy prospects Marcus Windhager and Mitchito Owens if they fall outside the top 20. The midfield pair are both rated top 30 prospects.

WA pair Neil Erasmus and Matt Johnson and SA talent Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera are other midfield options tipped to go around their first pick.

The departures of Jake Carlisle, Oscar Clavarino, James Frawley and Dylan Roberton have left the Saints looking undersized down back.

A young ready-made tall defender would be ideal. Greater Western Victoria Rebels backman Josh Gibcus looks an ideal fit if he is still available.

St Kilda’s picks: 9, 62, 66, 67, 85.

Alex Zaia

Entering this year’s draft with picks 16, 31, 39, 70 and 88, the Swans hold a very strong hand.

Having lost gun defender Jordan Dawson to the Crows, Sydney will be looking for a skilful type that can play across the backline and the wing, tough to find, but so important.

Former number 1 draft pick Paddy McCartin is being linked to the Swans following his impressive VFL season. If taken in the pre-season draft, he’ll play a big role in defence and could even give Lance Franklin a chop out up forward.

While Dane Rampe continues to play strong football in defence, he’s into his 30s and the Swans would definitely benefit from having even more depth in their backline alongside young gun Tom McCartin.

Moreover, after losing George Hewett to the Blues, a young inside midfielder would be perfect alongside veterans Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy.

Sydney’s picks: 16, 31, 39, 70, 88.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

West Coast will select a player in the first round for the first time since 2017, when they plucked Jarrod Brander from the Bendigo Pioneers.

Brander is now gone, while Daniel Venables, the Eagles’ first selection in 2016, was forced into an early retirement by a horrific concussion.

It is imperative West Coast get it right at pick 10, and with strong key defensive depth and a future spearhead in Oscar Allen having already established himself in the team, it must be a midfielder.

Luke Shuey, Jack Redden and Andrew Gaff have all played more than 200 games, while Dom Sheed, Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo are 26, 27 and 28 respectively.

The Eagles have tinkered with Brayden Ainsworth, Xavier O’Neill and Luke Edwards on the ball over the last two years; the former is gone, while the latter pair have shown glimpses.

Subiaco midfielder Neil Erasmus should be in the mix at West Coast’s pick; he’s tall, he kicks goals and he covers the ground.

Another local lad in Matthew Johnson offers height, fluid movement and incisive kicking, and he was Western Australia's best player on the ground in the Grand Final curtain raiser.

While the midfield desperately needs future-proofing, West Coast’s program for bringing through tall talent is second-to-none, and they will be tempted by East Perth key forward Jye Amiss.

Picks: 10, 29, 35, 68, 86

Nathan John

Just as it was last year when Jamarra Ugle-Hagan loomed as the top selection long before the draft, the Dogs’ draft destiny is sealed.

List boss Sam Power spent the trade period accumulating selections to be hoovered up when the Bulldogs match an early bid for Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro key position player Sam Darcy.

The son of Luke, who played 226 games and booted 183 goals as a ruck-forward for the Dogs from 1994 to 2007, Darcy’s potential maps neatly with his team’s needs and age profile.

If he is to play forward, he can garner early experience next to Aaron Naughton and eventually take over from Josh Bruce. If he goes back, he can settle while Alex Keath wrestles opponents.

With the residual draft points, the Dogs may take a flyer on a raw talent later in the draft.

Having parted with Lin Jong, Pat Lipinski and Will Hayes, a pacy midfielder could be a priority, while Luke Beveridge has access to just three rucks and three key defenders.

The Bulldogs’ list is fairly balanced across all lines and age groups, so Power and recruiting manager Dom Milesi should have the licence to follow their hearts.

Western Bulldogs’ picks: 23, 43, 44, 45, 52, 93.

Nathan John