Discussion 2025: Cash Cows
- Thread starter freowho
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I'm not going to go into the 'why's and wherefors' and I'm certainly not going to advocate the choice from a 'tribal' perspective.
Chris Toce (RIP), as part of his application for national recruiting manager, touted Lalor from very early on to be the No.1 pick, part of his resume if you will.
Pretty much based around how he was being projected, given that he never had a preseason and was focusing on cricket (a huge talent there too)
What I will say is that he has a very well rounded game, strong in the contest with a burst of speed that sees him exit the front of stoppages, inside the contest he has excellent hands that releases players, sort of asks for contact then opening up players for a receive. His kicking is elite, regularly spotting up players with bullet like 40m passes. His defensive game is a standout (note the tackle numbers) where he tackles with intent, can stick them and make them hurt. He's also strong aerially and can take big contested grabs leading to a very strong forward game where he can hit the scoreboard.
I think that the Dusty comparisons are unfair, this kid however has a chance to be one of the elite players in the comp. How that translates to a SC stud is yet to be seen.
*Edit.......As a rookie starting pick his price negates big cash gen. He'll, more than likely, debut in round 1. I'd expect to see him play mainly forward but with stints around stoppages where his contested possessions and tackling should provide a good base. Might hit the scoreboard and project around a 70's. If it was last year, then he would have been part of our first rotation mids, with injuries to Prestia, Hopper, Taranto, Graham and McAulliffe.
McAulliffe is one to keep an eye on, had a couple of niggles but will get CBA's if fit. $244k is not much of a stretch from $203k
Chris Toce (RIP), as part of his application for national recruiting manager, touted Lalor from very early on to be the No.1 pick, part of his resume if you will.
Pretty much based around how he was being projected, given that he never had a preseason and was focusing on cricket (a huge talent there too)
What I will say is that he has a very well rounded game, strong in the contest with a burst of speed that sees him exit the front of stoppages, inside the contest he has excellent hands that releases players, sort of asks for contact then opening up players for a receive. His kicking is elite, regularly spotting up players with bullet like 40m passes. His defensive game is a standout (note the tackle numbers) where he tackles with intent, can stick them and make them hurt. He's also strong aerially and can take big contested grabs leading to a very strong forward game where he can hit the scoreboard.
I think that the Dusty comparisons are unfair, this kid however has a chance to be one of the elite players in the comp. How that translates to a SC stud is yet to be seen.
*Edit.......As a rookie starting pick his price negates big cash gen. He'll, more than likely, debut in round 1. I'd expect to see him play mainly forward but with stints around stoppages where his contested possessions and tackling should provide a good base. Might hit the scoreboard and project around a 70's. If it was last year, then he would have been part of our first rotation mids, with injuries to Prestia, Hopper, Taranto, Graham and McAulliffe.
McAulliffe is one to keep an eye on, had a couple of niggles but will get CBA's if fit. $244k is not much of a stretch from $203k
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Definitely a good thing Brisbane missed there, if they'd nailed it with an Allen (who'd stay fit with them) or LDU it could be scary for the league!
Another illustrious first round performance by Sydney there. It's bloody lucky that we draft well in later rounds because our first round picks that aren't academy guys is a truly tragic list. Konstanty, Stephens, Ling, Jones, Towers, Lamb, Rohan, Jetta, Johnston, Veszpremi, Daniel O'Keefe and Willoughby get you back to McVeigh in 2002 who remains the last genuinely good player that we drafted in the first round that wasn't an academy or F/S pick. To be fair, Jetta had one very good season. The next 3 best are Florent, who is rank average, Hayward who is even more rank average and McDonald, who shows promise but is getting dangerously close to the bust time frame if he doesn't deliver it in the next season or two. Florent and Hayward sound a lot better until you realise they were taken over the likes of English, Simpkin, Cumming, Ridley, Bolton or Tom Stewart. Probably should be more grateful with our history, at least they weren't Galluci and Cedric Cox
On the flipside, we're amazing in the 2nd round, especially late. Gulden (admittedly academy), Roberts, Warner, Rowbottom (not a fan but...), McCartin, Hewett, Nankervis (was a great pick, Horse just hated him), Parker and Hannebery, I'd be surprised if any side has a better 2nd round record over the last 15 odd years than that group.
Another illustrious first round performance by Sydney there. It's bloody lucky that we draft well in later rounds because our first round picks that aren't academy guys is a truly tragic list. Konstanty, Stephens, Ling, Jones, Towers, Lamb, Rohan, Jetta, Johnston, Veszpremi, Daniel O'Keefe and Willoughby get you back to McVeigh in 2002 who remains the last genuinely good player that we drafted in the first round that wasn't an academy or F/S pick. To be fair, Jetta had one very good season. The next 3 best are Florent, who is rank average, Hayward who is even more rank average and McDonald, who shows promise but is getting dangerously close to the bust time frame if he doesn't deliver it in the next season or two. Florent and Hayward sound a lot better until you realise they were taken over the likes of English, Simpkin, Cumming, Ridley, Bolton or Tom Stewart. Probably should be more grateful with our history, at least they weren't Galluci and Cedric Cox
On the flipside, we're amazing in the 2nd round, especially late. Gulden (admittedly academy), Roberts, Warner, Rowbottom (not a fan but...), McCartin, Hewett, Nankervis (was a great pick, Horse just hated him), Parker and Hannebery, I'd be surprised if any side has a better 2nd round record over the last 15 odd years than that group.
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Definitely a good thing Brisbane missed there, if they'd nailed it with an Allen (who'd stay fit with them) or LDU it could be scary for the league!
Another illustrious first round performance by Sydney there. It's bloody lucky that we draft well in later rounds because our first round picks that aren't academy guys is a truly tragic list. Konstanty, Stephens, Ling, Jones, Towers, Lamb, Rohan, Jetta, Johnston, Veszpremi, Daniel O'Keefe and Willoughby get you back to McVeigh in 2002 who remains the last genuinely good player that we drafted in the first round that wasn't an academy or F/S pick. To be fair, Jetta had one very good season. The next 3 best are Florent, who is rank average, Hayward who is even more rank average and McDonald, who shows promise but is getting dangerously close to the bust time frame if he doesn't deliver it in the next season or two. Florent and Hayward sound a lot better until you realise they were taken over the likes of English, Simpkin, Cumming, Ridley, Bolton or Tom Stewart. Probably should be more grateful with our history, at least they weren't Galluci and Cedric Cox
On the flipside, we're amazing in the 2nd round, especially late. Gulden (admittedly academy), Roberts, Warner, Rowbottom (not a fan but...), McCartin, Hewett, Nankervis (was a great pick, Horse just hated him), Parker and Hannebery, I'd be surprised if any side has a better 2nd round record over the last 15 odd years than that group.
Another illustrious first round performance by Sydney there. It's bloody lucky that we draft well in later rounds because our first round picks that aren't academy guys is a truly tragic list. Konstanty, Stephens, Ling, Jones, Towers, Lamb, Rohan, Jetta, Johnston, Veszpremi, Daniel O'Keefe and Willoughby get you back to McVeigh in 2002 who remains the last genuinely good player that we drafted in the first round that wasn't an academy or F/S pick. To be fair, Jetta had one very good season. The next 3 best are Florent, who is rank average, Hayward who is even more rank average and McDonald, who shows promise but is getting dangerously close to the bust time frame if he doesn't deliver it in the next season or two. Florent and Hayward sound a lot better until you realise they were taken over the likes of English, Simpkin, Cumming, Ridley, Bolton or Tom Stewart. Probably should be more grateful with our history, at least they weren't Galluci and Cedric Cox
On the flipside, we're amazing in the 2nd round, especially late. Gulden (admittedly academy), Roberts, Warner, Rowbottom (not a fan but...), McCartin, Hewett, Nankervis (was a great pick, Horse just hated him), Parker and Hannebery, I'd be surprised if any side has a better 2nd round record over the last 15 odd years than that group.
You definitely made up for it in the later rounds though because if teams had a re-draft today, I dare say all the aforementioned players that were selected in the later rounds would be first round selections now!
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Lalor over 30% picked, has played some mid mins in preseason trial games so far for Richmond, then last one was mostly forward.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
Lalor over 30% picked, has played some mid mins in preseason trial games so far for Richmond, then last one was mostly forward.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
The ones I'm not sold on are Lalor, Smillie, Draper, Lombard, O'Sullivan and Allan. I also can't find anything to suggest Elijah Hewett will be a decent supercoach scorer.
Sometimes we get a surprise. Liberatore didn't have great junior numbers but was a good rookie. But mostly I'd like to see the ability to have some big scores, especially if it's in a state league.
Probably around 70/30, will have good tackle numbers, but like the rest, can't see high production, sub risk too given he has never had a football based pre season.
Lalor over 30% picked, has played some mid mins in preseason trial games so far for Richmond, then last one was mostly forward.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
Not sure how he isn't a mid/fwd as he played a lot forward in juniors, any thoughts what Richmond does. Feels like 80% forward, 20% mid, will match the no.1 pick for skill set, role and his scoring the question.
@freowho posted this. Although this is fantasy so you probably could add 20 points to the scoring.
Levi Ashcroft is similar it feels.
anyone seen the preseason draw and minutes played etc, looks a joke and not going to be a great indicator.
Lombard has played nearly 2 years in the VFL, he's a strong lad and could hit the ground running, although with a lot of time forward. Draper also has had good exposure in the SANFL, again will spend time forward of the ball. Allan (Bo) played as a defensive mid in a couple of WAFL finals, expect him to spend time in the back half. Smillie could see a 70/30 HB role. Lindsay was one of the best kicks in the draft, could have a role on the wing/HB, Berry wasn't far behind him along with Oliver.
Yeah, production v's price is the concern along with the sub vest. At this stage I only have 3 out of 14 rookies that are first year, that'll change, but I'm leaning towards a majority of 2nd and 3rd year players.
Yeah, production v's price is the concern along with the sub vest. At this stage I only have 3 out of 14 rookies that are first year, that'll change, but I'm leaning towards a majority of 2nd and 3rd year players.
Big factor with Lalor for me is to look at the midfield group ahead of him.
Prestia is a good player but his soft tissue history is well known, at this point it seems more likely that he misses half the first 10 games than plays them all.
Taranto also has a terrible durability record, albeit he's actually amazing in odd years and misses all his games in the even ones in one of the weirder coincidences. He's a complete butcher who generally is more valuable as a forward though where his horrible kicking skills don't do nearly as much damage to his own team.
Hopper is another who has a terrible injury history. His best effort in the last 3 years is 7 missed games, he averages 8 missed games a season in the last 5 years.
Everyone else is a low profile rookie type, some will most likely earn a spot but you'd think a #1 pick level talent will get his chances.
Given that, the first couple of rounds may not be ideal but there's a pretty good chance the midfield minutes open up. There's also the factor that if they're as bad as they seem on paper (not always a given, see Hawks the last couple of years for example) then they'll likely move to prioritise the development of their best talent.
I don't think he's likely to be in the 5 best cash generators but he's got the potential to be around that mark and should get the chances to make cash.
The bigger question at this time on cash cows is how many of the guys coming back from injury are going to make it to round 1.
It definitely to me right now looks a pretty strong group of non-rooke rookie priced cash cows if they do. The likes of Jack Martin, Lynch, SPP, Spargo, Coleman, Williams, Bews, Paton, K. Smith, Fonti, Goater, Daniel, Garcia, McAuliffe, Sheed, Angwin, Taylor, O'Driscoll, Tsatas, Sharp, Moir, Sheldrick, Knevitt, Scott, Hall, Robertson, Hustwaite, Erasmus, Hastie, Hobbs, McInnes, Maric, Duursma, Motlop, Green, Read, Curtin, Pedlar, Warner, CCJ, Hewett, Cleary, Simpson and Stone, among others all look like they could be options as starting picks to make the 150k+ if things fell right. No chance all of them are but it feels to me like the group is a lot stronger this year than normal right now. I'd say that a solid half of that group have genuine best 22 claims, some with very decent roles.
Actually finding it a very weird preseason where I'm picking midpricers because I genuinely want them rather than because there aren't enough rookies which is normally when I drift that direction. Also a lack of premiums I really like, especially back and forward, and very difficult bye balance. Even weirder because it's the midfield area that feels weakest to me for both midprice and rookie options.
Prestia is a good player but his soft tissue history is well known, at this point it seems more likely that he misses half the first 10 games than plays them all.
Taranto also has a terrible durability record, albeit he's actually amazing in odd years and misses all his games in the even ones in one of the weirder coincidences. He's a complete butcher who generally is more valuable as a forward though where his horrible kicking skills don't do nearly as much damage to his own team.
Hopper is another who has a terrible injury history. His best effort in the last 3 years is 7 missed games, he averages 8 missed games a season in the last 5 years.
Everyone else is a low profile rookie type, some will most likely earn a spot but you'd think a #1 pick level talent will get his chances.
Given that, the first couple of rounds may not be ideal but there's a pretty good chance the midfield minutes open up. There's also the factor that if they're as bad as they seem on paper (not always a given, see Hawks the last couple of years for example) then they'll likely move to prioritise the development of their best talent.
I don't think he's likely to be in the 5 best cash generators but he's got the potential to be around that mark and should get the chances to make cash.
The bigger question at this time on cash cows is how many of the guys coming back from injury are going to make it to round 1.
It definitely to me right now looks a pretty strong group of non-rooke rookie priced cash cows if they do. The likes of Jack Martin, Lynch, SPP, Spargo, Coleman, Williams, Bews, Paton, K. Smith, Fonti, Goater, Daniel, Garcia, McAuliffe, Sheed, Angwin, Taylor, O'Driscoll, Tsatas, Sharp, Moir, Sheldrick, Knevitt, Scott, Hall, Robertson, Hustwaite, Erasmus, Hastie, Hobbs, McInnes, Maric, Duursma, Motlop, Green, Read, Curtin, Pedlar, Warner, CCJ, Hewett, Cleary, Simpson and Stone, among others all look like they could be options as starting picks to make the 150k+ if things fell right. No chance all of them are but it feels to me like the group is a lot stronger this year than normal right now. I'd say that a solid half of that group have genuine best 22 claims, some with very decent roles.
Actually finding it a very weird preseason where I'm picking midpricers because I genuinely want them rather than because there aren't enough rookies which is normally when I drift that direction. Also a lack of premiums I really like, especially back and forward, and very difficult bye balance. Even weirder because it's the midfield area that feels weakest to me for both midprice and rookie options.
Fantasy Freako's rookie notes: 14 cash cows to keep tabs on
Fantasy Freako's rookie notes: 14 cash cows to keep tabs on
Get intel on the best draftees to consider for your Fantasy team
By Fantasy Freako 2 days ago
Champion Data's Fantasy expert, Fantasy Freako, has crunched the numbers of the new kids on the block and their Fantasy game.
Levi Ashcroft
PICK: 5
CLUB: Brisbane
POSITION: MID
Josh Smillie
PICK: 7
CLUB: Richmond
POSITION: MID
Jagga Smith
PICK: 3
CLUB: Carlton
POSITION: MID
Sam Lalor
PICK: 1
CLUB: Richmond
POSITION: MID
Harvey Langford
PICK: 6
CLUB: Melbourne
POSITION: MID
Finn O'Sullivan
PICK: 2
CLUB: North Melbourne
POSITION: MID
Murphy Reid
PICK: 17
CLUB: Fremantle
POSITION: MID
Fantasy Freako's rookie notes: 14 cash cows to keep tabs on
Get intel on the best draftees to consider for your Fantasy team
By Fantasy Freako 2 days ago
Champion Data's Fantasy expert, Fantasy Freako, has crunched the numbers of the new kids on the block and their Fantasy game.
Levi Ashcroft
PICK: 5
CLUB: Brisbane
POSITION: MID
- Another Ashcroft to add to the Lions midfield brigade.
- Dominated in his only VFL match with 35 disposals, five tackles, 11 clearances and 145 points.
- Averaged 96 points in the 2023 Coates Talent League and bumped that number up to 107 last season.
- A prolific ball-winner, he racked up 40 and 46 disposals in two of nine games for Sandringham last season.
- A midfielder that hits the scoreboard – he has booted 45 goals in the 42 matches Champion Data has covered across his junior career.
- Ashcroft will more than likely be eased into the system playing in a role across half-forward before being unleashed into the midfield.
Josh Smillie
PICK: 7
CLUB: Richmond
POSITION: MID
- At 194cm, Smillie is a goalkicking midfielder in the mould of Tom Green.
- He kicked 16 goals from 12 games for Eastern Ranges last season – averaging 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, four tackles, and five clearances.
- He wasn't as prolific for Vic Metro at the Championships – averaging 19 disposals and four tackles.
- A couple of quiet games affected his numbers – but he was rampant at times with two 34-disposal games for the Ranges.
- Smillie gives the Tigers a big body at stoppage, and he will have an impact in his debut season.
Jagga Smith
PICK: 3
CLUB: Carlton
POSITION: MID
- Smith hunts the ball with the same vigour as Caleb Serong.
- A ball-magnet, he averaged 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, and six score involvements for Vic Metro at the Championships.
- He was just as dominant for Oakleigh – having a season-high 50 disposals against Western Jets in round nine.
- He averaged 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances and one goal in the Coates Talent League.
- Smith should play the season-opener and could be the pick of all draftees in Fantasy.
Sam Lalor
PICK: 1
CLUB: Richmond
POSITION: MID
- A leader, Lalor's season was ravaged by injuries, and he managed just eight games in 2024.
- A tough midfielder who is good in the air, he excelled in his three full games for GWV Rebels before getting injured.
- He averaged 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, and seven score involvements in these outings.
- His numbers weren't great for Vic Country at the Championships, averaging just 11 disposals and 68 points, but he was stationed in attack for much of those games.
- He booted three goals and had 16 disposals and six score involvements against the Allies.
- Richmond will be wary of Lalor's injuries as a junior, so a cautious approach could be taken.
Harvey Langford
PICK: 6
CLUB: Melbourne
POSITION: MID
- Langford, a tall midfielder, kicked 20 goals in 15 games for Dandenong in the Coates Talent League.
- He was a consistent ball-winner and dropped below 20 disposals only once – averaging 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances, and five tackles.
- He had 33 disposals and kicked four goals in a best-afield display against Gippsland in round 19.
- He played four games for Vic Country at the Championships – averaging 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, two score assists, and 1.5 goals.
- Much has been left to Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca to do the grunt work for the Demons – so Langford will fit right in with his work in the contest a strength.
Finn O'Sullivan
PICK: 2
CLUB: North Melbourne
POSITION: MID
- O'Sullivan endured a difficult year in which injuries were a theme – restricted to just four games for Oakleigh.
- His numbers were modest – averaging 17 disposals, five inside 50s, four tackles, and 75 points.
- He was more prominent as a bottom-ager in 2023 where he averaged 23 disposals and 88 points.
- O'Sullivan stepped up to play one match at VFL level where he won 12 disposals and kicked two goals
- Likely to play as a wingman as he adjusts to AFL. An impact player, the Kangaroos will look after him with his injury history.
Murphy Reid
PICK: 17
CLUB: Fremantle
POSITION: MID
- A classy midfielder, Reid was one of four players in the Coates Talent League to average 25+ disposals and one goal.
- He also averaged more than one score assist, racking up 25+ disposals in all but one of his full games.
- Reid's best game for Vic Metro at the Championships came against South Australia – finishing with 31 disposals, 21 uncontested possessions, three goals, and 11 score involvements.
- He kicked 14 goals from 10 games for Sandringham as a bottom-ager in 2023 – also averaging 20 disposals and five tackles.
- Reid oozes class and gives the Dockers something different. Currently, the midfield is stacked so he could play elsewhere early on.
Sid Draper
PICK: 4
CLUB: Adelaide
POSITION: MID
Bo Allan
PICK: 16
CLUB: West Coast
POSITION: DEF/MID
Tobie Travaglia
PICK: 8
CLUB: St Kilda
POSITION: DEF/MID
Isaac Kako
PICK: 13
CLUB: Essendon
POSITION: MID/FWD
Riley Bice
PICK: 41
CLUB: Sydney
POSITION: DEF
Sam Davidson
PICK: 51
CLUB: Western Bulldogs
POSITION: FWD
Aidan Johnson
PICK: 68
CLUB: Melbourne
POSITION: FWD
PICK: 4
CLUB: Adelaide
POSITION: MID
- Ashcroft aside, Draper is the most equipped draftee to play in round one after managing six games at SANFL level – averaging 22 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six tackles, and 86 points.
- His defensive play is a strength – laying 21 tackles across his first two games for South Adelaide.
- Draper played four games for South Australia at the Championships – averaging 21 disposals, three inside 50s, and four clearances.
- He was a class above everyone else in his only match at SANFL U18 level – collecting 31 disposals and 121 points.
- Draper is a ready-made midfielder after his stint in the SANFL last year. Close to a must-have from the outset – but he has had back issues over the summer.
Bo Allan
PICK: 16
CLUB: West Coast
POSITION: DEF/MID
- A versatile player, Allan is ready to go after playing 11 games in the WAFL last season.
- He played three games for Western Australia at the Championships – averaging 20 disposals, 13 uncontested possessions, six tackles, and 80 points.
- He also played two games at Colts level before earning promotion to the seniors.
- Allan isn't a renowned ball-winner, averaging just 12 disposals across the 37 games Champion Data has covered.
- The Eagles already have elite young talent, and they have added Allan to that. Expect to see him early.
Tobie Travaglia
PICK: 8
CLUB: St Kilda
POSITION: DEF/MID
- A running machine, Travaglia takes the game on and can play across half-back and wing. A move into the midfield, like Will Day, a player he has similar attributes to, is not out of the question either.
- He played as a midfielder in the Coates Talent League but was a defender for Vic Country at the Championships.
- He averaged 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, three clearances, six tackles, and 100 points for Bendigo.
- He didn't look out of place at VFL level with Carlton in two games – collecting 15 and 22 disposals, respectively.
- Travaglia is likely to cut his teeth in defence.
Isaac Kako
PICK: 13
CLUB: Essendon
POSITION: MID/FWD
- Kako is hard to miss with his eye-catching dreadlocks. An excitement machine, he kicked 20.24 for Calder and averaged 1.3 score assists.
- A forward who moved up the ground later in the year – he averaged 19 disposals, two goals, three tackles, and 85 points.
- He was goalless just three times in 12 games – booting three majors on four occasions.
- He averaged the equal-most score involvements (8.0) of any player at the Championships.
- Kako will add X-factor to Essendon's forward line and could impact games from his first match.
Riley Bice
PICK: 41
CLUB: Sydney
POSITION: DEF
- A left-footer, Bice is a link-up defender who loves finding space – averaging 22 disposals, seven marks, three tackles, and 90 points in the VFL with Werribee.
- He had a strong end to the season – averaging 26 disposals, 16 uncontested possessions, and 110 points in his last six appearances.
- He was prolific at times – racking up 31 and 35 disposals at the tail end of the year.
- Bice previously played three games for Greater Western Sydney in the VFL in 2023.
- The Swans have a history of playing mature-age talent – with Nic Newman making a name for himself in Fantasy in 2017 where he averaged 20 disposals and 84 points. Bice will get his chance.
Sam Davidson
PICK: 51
CLUB: Western Bulldogs
POSITION: FWD
- After playing country football, Davidson rose to prominence in the VFL last year with Richmond where he kicked 26 goals in 17 games.
- He booted a couple of bags of six and four goals in the second half of the season – posting an impressive accuracy of 59.1 per cent. That figure would have ranked eighth in the AFL among the top 50 for shots.
- Davidson reached double-figure disposals in all but two games – reaching 20 twice.
- Defensively, he imposed himself and laid a season-high nine tackles in round eight.
- Luke Beveridge loves playing VFL talent and you would expect Davidson to get his chance at some stage in 2025.
Aidan Johnson
PICK: 68
CLUB: Melbourne
POSITION: FWD
- Johnson played a key role in Werribee's premiership win with 17 goals in 20 games.
- A strong key forward, he kicked multiple goals in four games – but his conversion let him down with an accuracy of just 38.6 per cent.
- He averaged just a touch under one contested mark and grabbed three in two games.
- Despite his size, he showed a strong defensive game averaging close to four tackles a match.
- Johnson looms as a bolter for the Demons who are crying out for more forward 50 targets. One to watch to see when he gets his chance.
