With excitement brewing across the Australian Football League (AFL) community, the 2024 AFL Draft looms large on the horizon. Clubs are fine-tuning their strategies, and fans are buzzing with anticipation over which young talents will adorn their favorite teams next season. Amid all the hype, one question stands out: who will claim the coveted first pick, and who are the standout prospects ready to make their mark?
Leading the charge is Oakleigh Chargers' midfielder Jagga Smith. Described by peers as the favorite among the pool of draftees, Smith’s performance on the field has made him impossible to overlook. Players from various teams couldn’t help but praise his ball-handling and composure, giving him significant props for his work ethic and skillset. “It’s pretty hard to overlook Jagga,” said Peel Thunder star Bo Allan, emphasizing Smith's impressive ability to read the game and consistently use the ball well.
Smith’s statistics speak volumes about his capabilities. Over the past season, he averaged 29.2 disposals per game, boasted 13.8 contested possessions, and delivered 6.8 clearances. He finished as the runner-up for the Larke Medal and had the honor of captaining the All-Australian team after showcasing his talent during the national carnival for Vic Metro. Remarkably, he delivered standout performances, racking up 33, 50, and 40 disposals over consecutive games, leaving his competitors and recruiters alike awestruck.
The buzz around Smith has even led to speculation about what the future holds for him. When asked who he would choose at Pick 1 if the roles were reversed, he confidently stated he’d pick fellow prospect Josh Smillie, who operates at 194 cm and possesses the versatility to shine anywhere on the field. “A 194cm midfielder who doesn’t rely on size – those types don’t grow on trees,” Smith noted, highlighting Smillie’s potential to excel at the AFL level, similar to his own ambitions.
The competition for Pick 1 does not solely rest on Smith's shoulders, though. Richmond, holding the prized first selection, is eyeing several other promising players. Among the alternatives are GWV Rebels forward-midfielder Sam Lalor and Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Finn O’Sullivan. Lalor has been noted for his strong hold on the ball, but interestingly, among the draft prospects surveyed, no one nominated him as their top pick.
Interestingly, O’Sullivan has been garnering significant attention for his remarkable potential as well. Fellow draftees have expressed admiration for his abilities, with some claiming he possesses the “most upside” among his peers. Describing him as having “the best step” they’ve seen, they painted him as not quite having the year he expected but emphasizing his talent. “You’re looking at Finn O’Sullivan as the next Marcus Bontempelli,” said one of his contemporaries, reinforcing optimism around his abilities.
Harvey Langford, also part of the conversation for the first pick, has made waves with his performances, displaying skills and attributes thought to translate well to the AFL level. Described by others as having “great moments” on the field, the expectations surrounding him are building. Players have noted his size and kicking ability, indicating he might be worth keeping on the radar for clubs scouting the draft.
Smith isn’t just the only name on everyone’s lips; Sid Draper has recently gained traction as another player likely to go early. His leadership and performance at the SANFL league level bolster his chances, alongside fellow South Australian prospect: Alex Dodson, praising Draper as hard-working with great leadership qualities. Such commendations from peers add weight to his prospects heading to the draft night.
So, who will emerge as the clear victor by the end of the draft? The narratives shaping the upcoming draft are as riveting as they come, with each candidate showcasing their unique qualities and capabilities. Three players seem to dominate the conversation, with them sharing their camaraderie, experience, and potential to shine at the next level. The question remains, who will Richmond choose at Pick 1 and how will their decision echo through the league?
Given the heavy scrutiny these young players are under, the upcoming draft is sure to provide some surprises, and possibly, some heart-wrenching moments. For fans of the AFL and aspiring players, the excitement is palpable as they await news of who will get the golden ticket to their professional careers.
