“I don’t agree that it is a super draft”: The key aspect of this year's National Draft that is being overlooked

2024 looms as one of the most hyped-up draft classes in recent memory, with the general consensus being that the top of the pool is incredibly strong and deep.

This has been backed up by the actions of clubs during the trade period, with teams doing everything they can to stock up on picks inside the top 20, leaving some to dub this year’s crop as a ‘super draft’.

However, State Talent Manager of the West Australian Football Commission, Adam Jones, believes many are overlooking a key aspect of the draft pool – something that holds it back from truly being a super draft.

Jones believes that the Victorian crop of talent is outstanding, but the rest of the country will feature scarcely in the first round and even beyond.

Rookie Me’s top 30 draft rankings for September agrees with this notion, with Victorian draft prospects holding 24 of the top 30 spots – WA only having one in Bo Allan.

ESPN’s September rankings featured seven non-Victorian prospects, while AFL Media’s version has 25 of 30 Victorians.

Jones believes this key factor holds the draft back from truly being amongst the elite of the elite.

“So what I’ve heard is that the last two years there’s been 62 players taken in the National Draft and this year it could be up in the 70s,” Jones told SEN WA’s The Run Home.

“It looks like some clubs are making allowances for additional spots, but they then could leave those spots open for some players to train-on over summer.

“I don’t agree that it is a super draft. I think perhaps from a Victorian sense the Victorian talent is exceptionally strong, and maybe as strong as it has been.

“It’s not going to be WA’s strongest year or SA or the Allies. I know all three teams are going to have solid results, but certainly not near their best results that would justify calling it a super draft.

“I know the Victorian clubs are excited with the talent, but I think the other states, it’s not the best crops that have come through.”

Last year, 12 of the top 30 draft picks made featured non-Victorian talent. In 2022, that number was 10.

The National Draft will take place across November 20th and 21st, with Richmond the key player holding picks 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 23 and 24.