Ahead of the 2023 AFL Futures Game to be played at the MCG prior to the 2023 AFL Grand Final, Craft of the Draft’s Jonty Ralphsmith and Nathan Sepe have taken a look at the Top 50 2024 AFL Draft Prospects from Victoria and Tasmania.

The AFL Futures game will see 24 Victorians and one Tasmanian feature on the day with some of the Victorians already featuring in the most recent National Championships Carnival.

With the 2023 Coates Talent League concluding, below is a player-by-player analysis of the Top 50 to watch out for and the weapons they possess going into their draft year.

A player with an asterisk beside their name indicates they will feature in the 2023 AFL Futures Game.

GWV Rebels

Olli Hannaford: Hannaford possesses a willingness to attack the ball on the wing, known for his great two-way efforts and for providing some ease and composure in transition. Hannaford had an impressive bottom-age year for the Rebels, playing 14 games, predominantly off halfback with some time spent on the wing, allowing him to show his offensive capabilities along with his defensive capabilities. Where he’s down in disposal count, Hannaford brings the tackling pressure across the ground, averaging 4.7 a game.

Rhys Unwin: Provides a spark and point of difference inside forward 50, Unwin has produced some versatile moments, proving he can impact at ground level and also take a contested mark in a pack to impact the scoresheet. Unwin has spent time on the wing this season and utilised his pace and agility to create some drive out of the contest. A work in progress that should find his best suit next year.

Jonty Faull*: A tall forward who has continued to thrive as he’s built size throughout the year. Crafty and poised inside 50, Faull has the ability to take a contested grab with one hand and out-muscle his opponent to win front position. Faull knows how to hit the scoreboard and can often pile goals on an opposition in a single quarter. A player that thrives off confidence and form, Faull started slow for the Rebels but ended up kicking 16 goals in his last six games. 

Harry Charleson: A rebounding halfback that plays the opposite role to his older brother Lachie, who is in draft contention this year, Harry has put together a commendable year of football, including some time at representative level for Vic Country at Under-17 level. Charleson generates drive out of defensive 50, looking to impact at ground level and finding a quick exit strategy to rebound out of defensive 50. Loves to use the ball by foot and will continue to add polish to his game which could see him play some representative footy in 2024. 

Sam Lalor*: One of three bottom-age Vic Country boys in this article to feature in this year’s National Championships, Lalor gave us a good insight into how powerful he can be as an inside midfielder. Lalor possesses really clean hands around the stoppages and can assess the field well, able to release a runner or release a kick out of congestion to aid movement in transition. Lalor is an extremely tough player who isn’t afraid to take the game on and crunch an opponent or two, averaging 7.5 tackles per game. He can hit the scoreboard and damage you on turnover, a really exciting player who has a lot of upside. 

Flynn Penry*: The 200cm ruck got some valuable experience at Rebels level this year, including featuring in the Under 17 Future Stars Trial match. Penry provides good strength in the ruck contests and knows how to bring the ball to ground effectively. The next element to add to his game is his impact post-contest and making an effect in transition.

Geelong Falcons

Xavier Ivisic: The lean half-forward understands his role quite proficiently and has played it quite well in his bottom age year at the Falcons. Ivisic is able to present higher up the ground throughout matches and offer an outlet in transition to help clear the space out for the taller forwards. He’s quick and nifty inside forward 50 and has the capability of hitting the scoreboard. A player who will look to build his repertoire of strengths next year, but has established a good platform to start on. 

Zac McInnes: A terrific bottom age year that would’ve done him the world of good, McInnes slots right into the tall key forward prospects. Presents well, strong hands and an accurate kick, he already ticks most of the boxes to make you thrive inside forward 50. McInnes played eight games of Talent League this season, averaging two goals per game. McInnes has versatility, able to pinch-hit in the ruck inside forward 50 and create scoring opportunities in more ways than one. A naturally high football IQ that will hold him in good stead next year.

Sandringham Dragons

Levi Ashcroft*: If you like what you see from Will Ashcroft as a Lions supporter, Levi is another star who arguably has more versatility than Will. Levi has had another standout season at the Dragons and Vic Metro in the National Championships, his midfield craft is dynamic, pouncing on every loose ball around the stoppages, Ashcroft is clean by hands and can find the gap to maximise his run through the middle. The versatility comes in the form of his forward craft, with one of the most polished skillsets moving forward, able to kick some classy goals on the run. Top 10 for sure. 

Taj Hotton*: Brother to St Kilda listed, Olli Hotton, Taj is an excitement machine who bends and weaves, jumps, and kicks goals. A lively player who has shown what he can do in patches in 2023. In between his commitments at Haileybury College, will no doubt get more stints in the midfield where his evasiveness and athleticism will hold him in good stead.

Luke Trainor*: A key-positioned player who’s competent at either end, there has been hype around Sandringham about Trainor’s upside for several years. Got a run for Vic Metro as a bottom-aged player in 2023. He’s very good aerially and is a likely goalscorer when unleashed in attack, and is lively and irrepressible as an intercept defender, so it will be interesting to see his split in 2024.

Murphy Reid*: An ultra-impressive smooth mover for Sandringham, Caulfield Grammar and Vic Metro in 2023, Reid has given himself a huge launchpad for 2024. Looks all but certain to be an AFL academy member as a midfielder who moves through traffic well. Can also play forward, but has looked most impressive in the midfield, averaging 22 touches from seven games for the Dragons, highlighted by a 30-disposal, three-goal effort in dreadful conditions against Calder.

Harrison Oliver: A player that needs a big 2024 to maximise his potential, Oliver only saw five games at Talent League level this year, spending his time at half-forward, but should move into the midfield mix in his top-age year. Oliver is an agile mover, able to move the ball well by foot or hand, and helpful in congested transitions. Oliver can hit the scoreboard whilst also providing pressure around the ground. 

Sam Marshall*: The Brisbane Lions Academy player made his VFL debut as a 17-year-old this season, in between Talent League footy for the Academy and Sandy Dragons, and National Championships footy for the Allies. A midfielder who gets to plenty of contests, competes hard, attacks the footy in the clinches, and can run the wings, there is scope for development in 2024.

Sam Buck: A tall forward who didn’t see a lot of Dragons footy in 2024, Buck is a prototype key forward who specialises in his leading prowess, similar to Jordan Croft of the 2023 draft class. Was prominent in Sandringham’s pre-season hitouts and proved his clinical finishing and leading capabilities can stack up against the best defenders.

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Tasmania Devils

Oliver Depaoli-Kubank: After a solid home-and-away season for Tasmania, Depaoli-Kubank broke out in the quarterfinal win over Gippsland. Picked up 25 touches and a goal in his best performance at the level after winning Tasmania’s MVP at the under-16s national championships in 2022. Still has size to add, but plays with confidence, a dash of speed, and works through traffic well to use his good kick.

Northern Knights

Zak Johnson*: One of the most exciting potentials in this draft class, Johnson has been damaging inside Northern’s midfield throughout the year, often taking charge alongside big body Kristian Ferronato. Johnson has a strong spatial awareness around the contest and is generally a strong decision-maker on when to switch on his offensive or defensive traits. Johnson can move forward as a smaller dangerous target around the stoppages and was able to do so later in the season, hitting the scoreboard a few times. A solid two-way runner who provides quality disposal in transition, Johnson is one to watch. 

Jesse Dattoli*: Dattoli is a crafty midfielder/forward who can break open the game with his work rate and football smarts. Injury unfortunately saw limited football for Dattoli, who managed to break into the Vic Metro side in his bottom-age year. His football at the Knights was characterised by his ability to outwork his opponent and win the ball inside 50 under any type of pressure or ball movement. He kicked eight goals from his six games and proved deadly in the Vic Metro trial games earlier in the year where he took some impressive marks. Dattoli can rotate into the midfield as a tough, hard-working runner, which will most likely be where he spends his time next year.

Calder Cannons

Jayden Ngyuen: Executes his role on the wing to near perfection. Nguyen is a classy ball user that maximises his running and kicking capabilities to a tee in transition. Nguyen is a player who holds his width really well and finds himself repeatedly out the back to advantage, able to generate a lot of movement and run in transition. Nguyen’s breakout game came against Dandenong this year, where he tallied 35 disposals, 5 inside 50’s, and 4 rebound 50’s. He can get on the end of a great goal or two, but his impact is the highest when he balances his defensive and offensive output, he gets the reward for his efforts. 

Noah Scott: One of the more under-the-radar prospects in this draft crop, Scott still has a lot of development to go but has proven his capabilities given his size for an inside midfield. Scott reads the centre stoppages well and is able to drive his legs out of the contest to generate forward 50 entries which is the basis of his game. The next step for Scott is to apply more defensive presence in transition to add a point of difference to his game. 

Isaac Kako*: A small forward with all the weapons, Kako’s season was cut short by a Lateral Collateral Ligament injury, but had already showed plenty in 2023. Was perhaps the unluckiest bottom-ager in a young Vic Metro squad this season to miss. Has 24 goals from 11 games this season and also sneaked in five games last season as a good front and centre player with speed, goal sense, and a good shimmy. 

Nash King*: A smooth-moving midfielder whose elusiveness, pace, and pizzazz allows him to dart in and out of traffic and drive the ball forward. Was also clean and willing to release teammates, but was most damaged when he could get to the outside and dazzle. Averaged 22 disposals and four tackles from his nine games, many of which he was the most damaging Cannons midfielder. Will lead the draft-eligible Calder contingent in 2024.

Damon Hollow: Hollow had his ups and downs across 2023 as well as featuring in the Under 17 Future Stars Trial Games, but the sample size gave a great indication that his upside can add value to any midfield group he runs through. Hollow is an athletic prospect that is able to generate flare through the corridor and create repeat inside 50 entries, averaging 4.8 inside 50’s a game. With strong hands and a speedy offensive presence, Hollow can damage the scoreboard, adding the goal-scoring midfielder tag to his name. All the attributes to explode in 2024. 

Harry O’Farrell*: A key defender who put himself on the map early in the season by backing himself to fly against Jed Walter, O’Farrell started his Talent League career on the right foot. Is still extremely light so backs himself to read the ball and either close late or fly, rather than getting sucked into grappling physically. Also showed he could play forward at APS level, kicking the winning goal and taking a big mark late in the game for St Kevins against Xavier College. 

Patrick Said: Built a good resume of footy in 2023 and showed that he is capable of being a versatile utility player. Said is a high-impact per-possession player, who shows his craft in transition, which was defensively based in the first half of the year, moving to a forward-based transition game that can get his teammates involved as well as creating opportunities for himself that put him on the scoreboard. Two goals in Calder’s Wildcard exit was a good finish to build into 2024.

Eastern Ranges

Josh Smillie*: A bull in the contest who also possesses composure inside and outside of the contest well, Smillie has established himself as one of the top midfielders in this draft crop. Unfortunately, injury brought an early end to his 2023 season but tallied big numbers at Eastern and Vic Metro levels. Smillie brings aggressiveness and commits to both ends of the ground with his offensive and defensive efforts that were the backbone of Eastern’s transitional work throughout the year. Outmuscles his opponents and knows how to win his own football, Smillie is one you can’t miss. 

Iliro Smit: There was lots of excitement about Smit entering 2023, but he hasn’t managed to get out on the park for Eastern due to separate injury setbacks. Is one of two players included in the list who looks set to return as a 19-year-old and he fits the mould of players clubs look to take in the midseason rookie draft. Has grown beyond 200 centimetres and is a Hawthorn NGA prospect

Cody Anderson: A big-bodied mid who relishes the contest and has played senior footy at Healesville from the age of 16, Anderson tackles hard and feeds well. No-one doubts his grunt work and toughness and he’s sneakily quick off the mark but he’ll be looking to prove people wrong with his speed, kicking, and versatility. 

Christian Moraes*: A slightly built inside midfielder who is evasive and wins clearances easily, Moraes has the strength and courage to put his head over the ball, and looks potent when he gets into space. Averages 27 touches and four tackles in his 13 games in 2023, using his pace and quick hands to make him a dangerous asset.

Gippsland Power

Ricky Mentha*: X-Factor is the best way to describe Mentha. The boy from the Northern Territory loves a goal and doesn’t just rely on his forward craft to impact on the field. Mentha is an electric player who pounces on the loose ball inside 50 and can daze opponents on the fly. At 180cm, he’s also able to generate run and drive through the corridor and present as an agile midfielder at times. A lot of polish to be added, but it’s hard to miss him with his engaging style of footy. 

Xavier Lindsay*: Seen as an outside mid/running halfback in under-16s and moving into his bottom-aged year, Lindsay has flourished since being given an inside role. Quickly adapted to the physicality required at the level and his running capacity lends itself well to putting himself in dangerous positions to use his dangerous kicking, and has the smarts to release teammates. He’ll lead the Power engine room in 2023 but ‘versatile’ is a tag that will be attached to his name.

Dandenong Stingrays

Harry Doughton: A small forward who emerged this year and put himself on the map as a player to watch by showing lots of likeable traits. Averages more than five tackles per game which is only one element of his gritty competitiveness and doughtiness inside 50. Generates scoring opportunities and sets up teammates, while he’s also spent some time in the midfield at the level. 

Noah Mraz*: A lightly framed rangy key-position player who has athleticism, Mraz looks most settled playing in defence. Looks to be a player who will develop into an intercepting aerialist, while he has also rotated through the ruck for Dandenong and Vic Country, playing a national championships game as a bottom-ager.

Cooper Hynes: Was a late addition to the Vic Country squad in 2023, playing one-game as a bottom-aged player which was sandwiched between strong footy for the Stingrays. The big-bodied player split his time between the midfield and forward line, showing his power at stoppage as a clearance player, and nous inside 50 with 18 goals. 

Harvey Langford*: A player who attacks the footy with fearless intent, he wins the ball in the coalface and will lead the Stingrays contingent of AFL draft prospects in 2024. His clean hands release teammates and he understands how to pick his way through opposition teams’ contest structures. Also hits the scoreboard, kicking 10 goals from 14 games, to go with an average of 22 possessions and four tackles.

Bendigo Pioneers

Archer Day-Wicks*: Day-Wicks has a lot of upside, reflected in his upbeat and agile presence inside forward 50. One of the Vic Country bottom-agers in this year’s National Championships, Day-Wicks has one of the best left-foot kicks in the draft pool that elevates his game to another level when put in a dangerous position. Day-Wicks spent a bit of time in the midfield rotation as the season progressed, and will hope to add to that in 2024. Can kick quite a goal or two, with a highlight of Day-Wicks’ coming from the Vic Country trial games where he dribbled one in deep from the pocket. 

Tobie Travaglia: A half-back who loves to push forward and impact with his run and carry, Travaglia has the assets to become one of the dominant halfbacks in his draft class. Quite lean still for his size, Travaglia doesn’t lack the physical elements of his game, he applies pressure in defensive 50 and knows how to place himself on the outside of a contest to belt down the wing and release the kick to a lead further up the ground. Needs some extra polish on his kicking, but otherwise is a valuable asset down back, knows how to neutralise the contest and help with his run and carry. 

Jobe Shanahan*: There’s lots of excitement out of the Bendigo Pioneers program about this Allies-aligned key-position-player. Shanahan has played at both ends of the ground in 2023, impressing as a hit-up target who can hold his own in a pack, jump, and take contested marks in the under-17s showcase game. Averaged 4.5 marks per game for the Pioneers, looking assured inside 50, spending several games in the backline where his read of the ball holds him in good stead, and showing class when played in the midfield.

Oakleigh Chargers

Jagga Smith*: Without a doubt one of the top five in next year’s crop, Jagga has it all as an in-and-under midfielder that is characterised by his silky ball movement, swift spins out of congestion, and speed across the ground. He had some incredible numbers in his bottom-age year for Oakleigh, playing pre and post-APS season, averaging 29.8 disposals. Jagga is an impact-per-possession player even given his high numbers, with spatial awareness that guides his hands out of the stoppages and kicking that opens up the ground in transition. Such an important asset in transition, although adding a defensive element to his game would add an extra touch to what is already an elite footballer. 

Pat Retschko: Coming off a long-term injury, Retschko had a delayed start to 2023 and didn’t hit his straps until late in the season, but a 41-disposal game off halfback late in the season gives him a good platform for 2024. Drives the ball forward with authority and provided run-and-gun from the back half. A full preseason will have him stronger and fitter and he could play higher up the ground.

Charlie Richardson: Kicked two goals and took a series of marks in the under-17s showcase match in August. Fits the bill of what you want from a centre-half-forward: can kick it 50 metres effortlessly, outstretches high to take his grabs, and works high up the ground. He’s also an accurate set shot and has natural forward craft, knowing where to lead. 

Tadhg McCarthy: Reads the play well and always looks likely to take an intercept mark, having formed an important part of the Oakleigh backline throughout 2023. Competes well and was listed at 191cm but has presence and backs himself to fly. 

Luke Quaynor: A halfback who provides spark and uses it well off halfback, Quaynor is the younger brother of Collingwood dynamo Isaac, and has similar traits. Played 11 consecutive games from his Talent League debut, with his competitiveness and willingness to learn both features according to Oakleigh insiders. Like Isaac, he is tied to Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy.

Tom Gross*: A hidden gem in the draft crop who has played some scintillating football alongside his Oakleigh counterparts as well as featuring for Vic Metro against the Allies. Gross is a hybrid midfielder/forward type who can impact at ground level in the contest and also move forward and create a damaging small-forward presence that threatens to hit the scoreboard. He brings pressure around the football and keeps his head up in the contest, assessing his options to release an outlet handball. Loves to stride through the corridor and deliver the ball inside 50 by foot. A lot to love about Tom Gross. 

Finn O’Sullivan*: O’Sullivan is a game-changer, with a confident and explosive style of play that drives offensive movement. A player who’s presence is felt when he’s in and when he’s out, O’Sullivan knows when to present higher up the ground and provide a running option that’s not afraid to take the game on. A great overhead mark and committed to the contest, at Vic Country level, O’Sullivan was also able to showcase his forward craft at the stoppages, hitting the scoreboard twice across the Championships. Cousin to Sam Walsh, it’s a good bloodline. 

Lucas Tovey: A key defender who has Archer Reid as a scalp in 2023, Tovey is advanced on many of his contemporaries in that he will have a season of Talent League experience as a defender under his belt going into his top-age year. It was recognised early he had more to offer in the backline than as a ruck/forward with his read of the ball, composure, and speed all traits that will serve him well. Is one that could come on quickly.

Caleb Nancarrow: It will be interesting to see what becomes of Nancarrow, who will start the year playing for Gold Coast’s Academy. Boards in Melbourne which will allow him to link up with Oakleigh, as Harvey Thomas did in 2023, and has shown glimpses at schoolboy level this season, without yet transferring it to the Talent League. The athletic 193cm prospect will hope to get more exposure inside 50 than in the ruck where he played his under-17s showcase game.

Western Jets

Massimo Raso: Raso sets himself apart with his cleanliness at ground level, which makes him such a threat at the contest and gives him more time on the move at the stoppage. Looked at his best when he was running through the middle for Western, where he was also able to push forward and hit the scoreboard. Realistically, at senior level, his diminutive frame means he is more likely to settle into a small forward’s role. 

Keighton Matofai-Forbes: A key forward who kicks a long and straight footy, Matofai-Forbes has two three-goal games to his name at Talent League level in 2023. Also averages almost four marks, which speaks to his willingness to embrace physically with his direct opponents and win one-on-ones. His year was cut short by a hamstring injury, but he also looked comfortable playing senior footy at Keilor under Mick McGuane.

Lucca Grego*: Applied his trade well at Western and Metro levels, Grego set a good foundation of football in 2023 as a nifty halfback who loves to evade the contest and generate forward ball movement with a strong defensive mindset. Grego is able to apply pressure in defensive 50, able to restrict ball movement with his tackling. A season-high 14 tackles were recorded against Tasmania. Rebounds effectively by foot but doesn’t get too involved in congestion. A player that will be interesting to watch.

Murray Bushrangers

Darby Wilson – Wilson is a small backman who builds his game around defence, with his big tank, unselfish gritty attitude and excellent closing speed making him a difficult matchup. The next step for him is to get involved in counterattack with his dash; his best game in a 2023 season cut short by a hamstring injury was arguably when he curbed Tom Anastasopoulos’ influence, yet found only three touches himself.

Jack Whitlock: Capped a strong under-17s showcase game by kicking the winning goal for Vic Country after the siren. To that point, the forward/ruck provided presence forward of the ball all day and has shown throughout the season that he moves well, has good fundamentals, and can hold his ground to take a contested mark. Like all key position players his age, there remains plenty of scope for development.

Matt Whitlock: The twin brother of Jack, Matt has played his best footy at the other end of the ground but very similar things could be said about him. Is mobile, balanced, and looks comfortable with the footy in his hand, having played 10 games for Murray this season. 

Ollie Warburton*: Has put together a strong body of work as a slick midfielder at Caulfield Grammar and will be looking to replicate that at Talent League level in 2024. Was a key member of the engine room at Murray, playing eight Talent League games this season with confidence, footy IQ, and power from a stoppage a feature of his footy.