u/L-J-Peters

Melbourne has tabled an offer for Zane Duursma. There are three options for North Melbourne to consider: pick No. 47 in 2026 or F2 in 2027 or F2 in 2028. Demons have offered the 21yo a two-year deal. Duursma still wants to leave Arden Street despite the coach change.

In a media conference yesterday, Tim Lamb has clarified that discussions with Jayden Short and his management have ceased and he will not be a target for the club in this trade period. Collingwood appear to be in the best position to land the Richmond defender at this stage with Adelaide also in the mix.

Will McLachlan met with both Melbourne and Essendon yesterday as he considers the option of leaving for either club or staying at Brisbane where he has a contract offer on the table. All three clubs are offering the young medium forward a 2 year deal. Brisbane have improved their initial contract after heavy interest from the Victorian rivals. Cal Twomey on Trade Radio still adamant Melbourne appears to be in the lead, with a final decision from McLachlan to come in the next few days.

Asked if Trent Rivers would be at the club next year, Tim Lamb said he's aware West Coast are interested in him but Rivers has not requested a trade and did not raise the possibility of a trade in his exit interview.

A Collingwood insider has suggested the 'Pies are interested in de-listed free agent Elijah Tsatas. Pick #5 in the 2022 national draft, the tall midfielder with leg speed appears one of the better low-risk punts on the market for clubs, with North Melbourne and Melbourne also engaged.

Essendon remain interested in trading out Ben McKay if they can find a suitor. McKay has 3 years to run on his contract but is no longer on big money as the deal he signed when joining Essendon was massively front-loaded. Clubs with interest in adding a key defender to their stable include Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and West Coast. The waiting game may be in the best interest for clubs as Essendon become more desperate towards the end of the trade period. Tom Morris has reported that de-listing McKay with 3 years to run on his contract is still a viable option for Essendon to consider.

Uncertainty around Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and his future continues, Gold Coast were keen to offer a new 1 year deal to the former pick 1 but that now seems uncertain as they look to bring in Aidan Schubert. Essendon, GWS and Geelong have discussed his potential whilst Collingwood and Melbourne do remain open to key forwards on the market but have ruled out any interest in this case.

St Kilda and Brisbane have so far been unable to come to an agreement on a trade for Sam Marshall, with Brisbane requiring a 2026 pick, not future picks, in any possible trade scenario. It leaves the door slightly ajar still for rival clubs interested in Marshall.

Essendon has confirmed they are very interested in the possibility of signing Bailey Banfield as a DFA amidst interest he's had as a train-on prospect at Melbourne.

Essendon has withdrawn from the race for Jack Viney, opening the door for the midfielder to join West Coast. "We've had some good discussions with Jack. We won't pursue that one at this stage," Essendon list manager Matt Rosa said. "It's obviously a hard call, given how good of a human he is. But we've just decided to prioritise our young mids and the mids on our list. It's a tough one, cause he's such an incredible person and leader. But yeah, we'll push forward with other things at this stage."

Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio spoke about Coleman on Trade Radio today, clarifying that they'd like to keep the defender despite him suffering a frustrating three-year period at the club, stating something "extremely compelling" would need to be offered to Brisbane for them to consider a trade. Caylen Murray is pushing higher up draft rankings and continues to be a bit of a complication for Brisbane as they have made his acquisition a key priority, which leaves a valued player like Coleman on the table still at this stage as they search for draft capital to match bids.

Will McLachlan has received a revised contract offer from Brisbane as he plans to meet with Melbourne and Essendon this week before deciding on his playing future.

Tim Lamb is confident the Zane Duursma trade will get done without the need for Melbourne to split Pick #10 into two later picks.

Which club will offer a lifeline to Elijah Tsatas? North Melbourne showed interest in the midfielder in 2025 as he struggled for opportunities but that interest seems to have cooled and George Stevens appears to be their preferred target from the list of eligible DFA targets. The other club who met with his management last year was Melbourne, who continue to be interested in adding speed through all areas of the ground. Tsatas' speed and ball-winning ability could partner well with the likes of Kysaiah Pickett - the impact player - Tom Sparrow - the defensive hard nut - and young gun Harvey Langford. Tsatas had 29 possessions and a goal in Essendon's best performance this year against the Demons during Gather Round.

Cooper Harvey is exploring his options after North Melbourne have told him and Toby Pink that a contract offer for next year may come for them but only at the conclusion of the trade and free agency periods. Harvey showed promising signs in the VFL after a move to defence as a rebounding defender and has also shown sporadic success as a small forward at AFL level. West Coast, Port Adelaide, Essendon and Melbourne are in the mix as potential targets.

Brisbane's disappointment with its free agency compensation for losing Lachie Neale extends to the tough task of matching an early bid for Academy talent Caylen Murray. And it brings into play whether a rival could tempt the Lions with a first-round pick to part with Keidean Coleman. The Lions were hoping for a band two selection for losing Neale to the Magpies, which would have meant an end-of-first round pick to go alongside their first pick (currently No.18). But the second-round compensation selection for Neale comes in at No.40 and doesn't help the Lions match a bid for Murray unless they use it to combine with another pick and shuffle up the board. Under the Lions' current draft hand, if a bid comes before or around the pick No.12 mark, the Lions would have to match using picks 18, 39 and almost their full points deficit for next year, pushing back their first-round pick in 2027. It brings into the conversation the interest from Coleman in his future, the Lions would be unlikely to open the door for a move for the contracted half-back unless an attractive draft pick came in return, which would help them match a Murray bid. Lions recruiting boss Steve Conole has said the top priority for Brisbane this off-season is having the required picks to secure Murray.

Jack Viney will have a medical with Essendon this weekend as he gets closer to a call on his future. Viney returned from Perth late in the week after spending several days in the city assessing West Coast as a possible new home, with the Eagles keen to lure him west to bolster their midfield and add leadership to the group. But the 32-year-old is yet to decide on his preferred destination, having been told several weeks ago by the Demons that he would not be in their best 23 next year and he was free to explore his trade options.

Brisbane forward Will McLachlan is getting closer to making a call on his future, with a decision likely later this week. McLachlan has an offer in front of him from the Lions, who want to keep the mid-season recruit, while he also has offers from Melbourne and Essendon. The 21-year-old made his debut in 2025, having been picked mid-year the previous season, and played six games before featuring only once this year in Brisbane's historic three-peat flag run. But he showed he was a level above the VFL, having booted 35 goals in 11 games for the Lions' VFL side, including a haul of eight against North Melbourne. Melbourne has long been linked to McLachlan, having been interested in him as a mid-season draftee after his breakout start to 2024 with the Geelong Falcons as an over-aged player.

Miers has undergone a medical with West Coast ahead of jetting out of the country for an overseas holiday amid the Eagles' interest in the Geelong playmaker.The medical assessment carries more significance if anything pushes forward for Miers given his unique ACL injury that saw him put off surgery earlier this year and finish the season playing with the partially torn ligament.

Lachie Whitfield looks likely to become a Blue in 2027 after completing a medical at the club on Tuesday. The 32-year-old is contracted for another year at the Giants but expected to head back to Victoria this off-season as the club attempts to accelerate its rebuild. Carlton have a 3 year deal on offer for the dual All Australian, exceeding the offers from rival clubs.

Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill has declared he wants to return to the AFL after a long hiatus from the sport. Hill parted ways with Collingwood in July having previously taken leave from the club in pre-season due to personal issues. The small forward played only three VFL matches and had frequent absences from training, which lead to a settlement being reached between Hill and the Magpies despite having four years to run on his deal. Hill admitted that he had fallen out of love with the game. The former Giants and Pies star admitted watching Shai Bolton win the medal this season “put a fire in belly”. Hill’s personal trainer Joss Holdsworth declared the premiership winner is back to the fitness required to be on an AFL list. Of possible destination clubs, Melbourne is one option as the club believes a ready-made small forward could lift them into premiership contention.

The 28-year-old Banfield played 119 games for the Dockers, but only one this year. Banfield's manager Andrew McDougall told AFL Trade Radio last week that the utility had interest from Victorian clubs. Banfield had been a mainstay of the club’s best 23 for the previous four years but fell out of favour in 2026, playing only when the Dockers rested a host of players in Round 24 against Carlton ahead of the finals. He would instead play 17 games for Fremantle’s WAFL aligned club Peel Thunder, averaging 24 disposals to play a pivotal role in the club’s fourth premiership. Banfield said he had a lot more to give in the AFL and would take an opportunity if it was presented to him. Melbourne have been open to inviting players with AFL experience for pre-season training without guarantee of selection during the SSP. Jai Culley is the most recent success story who followed this route.

On the hunt for a quality ball user across half-back, Nick Blakey would appear to be a quality option for Melbourne despite an ongoing police investigation complicating matters, however Blakey's management has indicated a decision will be made only between a move to Geelong or staying put at Sydney. Shadeau Brain has also 'drawn interest' from Melbourne but that seems unlikely unless the club is prepared to pay way over market value. At this point with Carlton set to sign Whitfield, it looks like they will have to battle it out with Collingwood for Jayden Short.

Richmond premiership defender Jayden Short is open to a move away from Punt Road, with Collingwood and St Kilda showing early interest in the 30-year-old and Melbourne new enters the mix as well. The Demons are in the market for a running half-back and are also chasing GWS rebounder Lachie Whitfield. GWS is asking for a first-round pick for Whitfield, which may be too steep a price for the Demons to pay, as they hold picks 6 and 10 in this year's draft. Short may be the most obtainable option for the Demons' halfback line, and wouldn't cost as much as Whitfield, likely only requiring a second-round pick to satisfy the Tigers. The premiership half-back has been a valuable player for the Tigers across his 12-year career, winning their best and fairest in 2020, playing in the club's 2019 and 2020 premiership sides, and is contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2028. Melbourne is looking to bolster its list for 2027, after first-year head coach Steven King helped the Demons rise back up the ladder. The Demons are the favourites to land father-son Hawk Calsher Dear, and former first-round draft pick Zane Duursma has already nominated Melbourne as his preferred destination.

Despite interest from West Coast, Trent Rivers appears to be staying put this trade period, but becomes a free agent at the end of 2027 where a move at that time hasn't been ruled out. Rivers is from Western Australia, having represented the state in this year’s State of Origin game. Melbourne will play hard ball whilst he is contracted and so rival clubs see circling back on the premiership Demon next year as the most astute move. Rivers has played 140 games for Melbourne since joining the club in the same 2019 draft as Kysaiah Pickett.

26-year-old Western Bulldogs small forward Laitham Vandermeer is on the move this trade period, in search of a new lease on his footballing life after injury and form kept him from the Bulldogs' senior side this season. The Murray Bushrangers product made his way to the Kennel after being selected with Pick 37 in the 2018 National Draft, and has managed 89 games in the eight seasons since. Vandermeer could unlock the Zak Butters trade, after the AFL's rules prohibited the salary-dumping sweetener that previously looked likely to complete the mooted move of the in-demand and restricted free agent. The Dogs also have an embarrassment of riches at his size and position, with players like Arty Jones, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West, Josh Dolan, Harvey Gallagher and Lachlan McNeil being preferred in the small forward/half-forward utility role this season. Of potential target destinations, Melbourne presents interest as a club which indicates they want to challenge for premierships now whilst captain Max Gawn is still playing at the elite level. Melbourne sought to improve their small forward stocks last draft taking Latrelle Pickett and Thomas Matthews but both appear to still need more time developing whilst Ricky Mentha Jr, drafted as a small forward, has made the switch to half-back. Vandermeer could present as a good option who could slot straight into King's side.

Gawn seems to know the art of the wine-and-dine, speaking on Midday Madness today, Max was very confident he had convinced Calsher Dear to join the Dees.

A three-year offer tabled to Sam Marshall has not been enough to sway interest away from the deal Essendon has offered, which was ramped up after the recent coaching appointment of Mark McVeigh who is very keen on the young Brisbane midfielder.

De-listed free agent George Stevens, who had some trade interest from Adelaide and Melbourne last year, looks likely to take a train-on opportunity and potential selection at North Melbourne.

It's now been over a month since Calsher Dear was given a contract offer from Hawthorn and the young key forward appears ready to instead accept a 4-year deal at Melbourne with better immediate playing opportunities. Sam McClure (editor's note: yeah, I know) has revealed Demons captain Max Gawn has invited the Hawthorn youngster to dinner at Motor, Gawn’s very cool wine bar in Hawthorn. There has been discussion that Melbourne could be interested in Dear as a defender as he spent some time down back for Box Hill this season but Max's pitch apparently will be offering him the chance to play forward in his preferred role.

Viney met with both West Coast and Essendon last week having been told by the Demons he can explore his options with two years left to go on his contract. West Coast really impressed in that meeting and has given him something really strong to think about. It was an impressive pitch and impressive way to go about it. Viney has links to Eagles coach Andrew McQualter from his time at the Demons, while Eagles midfield coach Sam Radford was also a former Demon assistant.

Trent Rivers looks to have flirted with the idea of leaving the club but he now looks likely to stay for at least another 12 months. In fact the pitch West Coast made to Jack Viney is contingent on the fact they see themselves out of the race to land Rivers.

Out-of-contract medium forward Will McLachlan has informed the club he wants a trade home to a Victorian club, with Melbourne showing the most interest of the prospective destinations.

Sam Marshall has been a player Melbourne recruiters have been interested in since his draft year, but the young wingman is now reportedly only weighing up between St Kilda and Essendon. The fact Trent Rivers no longer appears to be part of any trade discussion has not helped our chances.

Lachie Whitfield has met with Melbourne, as well as Carlton and St Kilda as GWS look to off-load their experienced talent for draft picks. GWS are asking for a 1st Round pick and no interested club so far has a clear plan to make the trade happen but it is Carlton comfortably leading the way according to Cal Twomey.

There was brief interest from Melbourne in Alix Tauru but the young intercept defender has made it clear that he wants to remain at St Kilda for 2027 and beyond, possibly with new management.

Zane Duursma has officially requested a trade to Melbourne and that deal still seems one of the most definite of the trade period.

Submitting as a text post because I seem unable to export the data from the Google sheet into something I am able to upload to reddit, I'm sure there is a way, I am a luddite, sorry. Here are the players, their 'medal score' (if awarding an overall 3-2-1 for each round) and total cumulative votes.

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Max Gawn | 32 - (390)
Kozzie Pickett | 24 - (372)
Tom Sparrow | 12 - (177)
Jacob Van Rooyen | 11 - (141)
Kade Chandler | 10 - (152)
Disco Turner | 9 - (140)
Harrison Petty | 6 - (132)
Jack Steele | 5 - (102)
Harvey Langford | 5 - (84)
Jake Lever | 5 - (61)
Jake Bowey | 4 - (72)
Ed Langdon | 4 - (59)
Koltyn Tholstrup | 3 - (28)
Joel Fitzgerald | 3 - (23)
Harry Sharp | 1 - (41)
Bailey Fristch | 1 - (31)
Jake Melksham | 1 - (23)
Caleb Windsor | 1 (21)
Matthew Jefferson | 1 (14)
Trent Rivers | (15)
Brody Mihocek | (12)
Bailey Laurie | (11)
CJ | (5)
Max Heath | (4)
Latrelle Pickett | (3)
Christian Salem | (3)
Jai Culley | (2)
Paddy Cross | (1)
Tom McDonald | (1)

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R1 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - JVR / 1 - Sharp
R2 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Langdon / 1 - Tholstrup
R3 | 3 - Koz / 2 - Lever / 1 - Gawn
R4 | 3 - Steele / 2 - Gawn / 1 - Melksham
R5 | 3 - Koz / 2 - Turner / 1 - Gawn
R6 | 3 - Chandler / 2 - Langford / 1 - Koz
R7 | 3 - Koz / 2 - Sparrow / 1 - Windsor
R8 | 3 - Turner / 2 - Koz / 1 - Sparrow
R9 | 3 - JVR / 2 - Chandler / 1 - Langdon
R10 | 3 - Turner / 2 - Sparrow / 1 - Gawn
R11 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Koz / 1 - Turner
R12 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Bowey / 1 - Steele
R13 | 3 - Koz / 2 - Lever / 1 - Langford
R14 | 3 - Koz / 2 - Gawn / 1 - Langdon
R15 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Chandler / 1 - Sparrow
R17 | 3 - JVR / 2 - Gawn / 1 - Fritta
R18 | 3 - JVR / 2 - Bowey / 1 - Fitzgerald
R19 | 3 - Sparrow / 2 - Koz / 1 - Jefferson
R20 | 3 - Petty / 2 - Sparrow / 1 - Lever
R21 | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Fitzgerald / 1 - Sparrow
R22 | 3 - Petty / 2 - Koz / 1 - Langford
R23 | 3 - Chandler / 2 - Gawn / 1 - Steele
WC | 3 - Gawn / 2 - Tholstrup / 1 - Langford

Cal Twomey on Gettable and now Tom Morris on SEN have said they think he will be playing at Melbourne next season, has a contract on the table at NM since the bye rounds and hasn't signed, seems frustrated with his role and inconsistent selection. Pick #4 in 2023, we were highly keen on him in his draft year, definitely has talent and I think King and the coaches have shown they're strong on finding suitable roles for players (Langford to the wing, Sparrow on ball, Laurie as a pressure/linking forward piece) he is 20 years old we wouldn't have to give up a lot as his form hasn't been amazing.

I think his trade value would be similar to Langdon (future 2nd) than a super steal like Sharp was but you're rolling the dice on a guy who was a top pick, I think it's moneyball, there's no chance he doesn't improve from where he's at now.

Free to anyone who wants it, no strings attached, will edit the post once claimed.

Edit: DMs from people living outside of Melbourne will be ignored, would re-sell the ticket myself if I wanted to, just trying to do a nice thing.

With Tom Campbell's retirement we now have 2 list positions available (Culley is on the long-term injury list) and it looks to be a slightly stronger crop of talent this year, particularly a few boys who missed significant amounts of their draft year with injury/illness who are now tearing it up in state leagues. Given our strong start we will be a few picks back but luckily we also look to be shopping in different areas from other clubs. These names have been linked to us from Paul Amy who is the best authority on VFL news.

Flynn Riley - Ruck/Key Forward - Carlton VFL

Currently with Carlton VFL and also plays for Aberfeldie in Eastern Districts. He won the Coaches Award for Carlton VFL last year despite only playing 9 games, included a game with 35 hitouts, 6 clearances, 4 intercept marks, 4 tackles, 15 contested possessions. Personally remember him playing well against Casey last year too. 206cm, good mark, tackles, dangerous when resting forward, his coach at Aberfeldie thinks he could be a full-time forward. 22 years old, the right age for a young ruck to start showing something.

James Tarrant - Key Forward - North Melbourne VFL

A former cattle station worker from Northern Territory, moved to Victoria to play country footy then transitioned to the VFL to play with North Melbourne. He's big, moves well, and is consistently hitting the scoreboard. Played in the VFL State Team against the SANFL team during Gather Round. 26 years old, should be coming into his prime years now.

Harrison Coe - Ruck - Frankston Dolphins (VFL)

Competitive beast known for his contested marking. At 19 he was playing full forward in Division 4 VAFA (kicked 117 goals) with limited experience, quickly improving his positioning and craft. Unsuccessfully tried out for Casey in 2021 then plugged away for a few years at Beaconsfield before joining Frankston and quickly becoming the #1 ruck. Clubs see him as a player who still has improvement to be made, 26 years old but not unusual for a ruck to come good late. 204cm tall.

Caleb May - Ruck - West Adelaide (SANFL)

Sydney academy player who is absolutely huge and shown to be dominant in ruck contests, at 207cm and with a serious frame on him he's an immovable object. Bit of your old-school ruck prospect, he isn't fast and 51% disposal efficiency in the SANFL makes one nervous but only 21 and probably the best ruck option who could realistically play AFL straight away - though that wouldn't seem a big priority for us necessarily.

Jackson Voss - Rebounding Defender - Frankston Dolphins (VFL)

Anyone remember this guy ripping Casey to shreds in a final not too long ago? Every year Voss seems to almost make it on to a list, Essendon had him up for consideration in last year's MSD and he was in the final 2 for SSP selection at West Coast as well. Clean ball user and smart decision maker, not a linebreaker more of your calm and composed distributor like a Bowey. 25 years old, probably one with less upside than others but he is consistently getting interest from clubs.

Joel Fitzgerald - Rebounding Defender/Wing - Williamstown Seagulls (VFL)

Was a bit of a disposals merchant in his draft year, Aaron Hall at NM style, overlooked for lacking enough defensive pressure and not threatening opposition enough with the ball. Has since come on and added some intercepting skill to his game and more recently transitioned into a midfield role at Williamstown and taken his game up a level. 22 and only getting better every season. Plays a bit like Culley.

Xavier Bamert - Big Midfielder - North Melbourne VFL

Former captain for Sandringham Dragons who was a bit of an unexpected snub on draft night, overlooked due to his lack of speed by all accounts. Strong body, hard worker and fearless putting his head over the ball, plus a handy left-footer. Not known for clean kicking but a proven ball-winner and clearly showing he's a step above the VFL for NM this year. 19 years old. This guy is expected to be snapped up before our pick.

Nicholas Staropoli - Running Defender - Calder Cannons (Talent League)

Interesting one, overage (already 18) guy dominating for Calder this season getting a lot of interest from a lot of clubs. 190cm he's an interceptor with leg speed. Might not be available before our pick and maybe a bit too similar to CJ and Taylor we've just brought in, also only had the 1 VFL game so harder to say if he'll be able to step up against bigger bodies and more experienced opposition.

Kye Annand - Key Defender - Geelong VFL

200cm full-back known for his marking, including his talent for taking hangers. Has played forward and ruck as well but we seem interested in him as a defender. Athletic profile and versatility are his strengths. Still only 22. Seen some good highlights of him moving very well for a man of his height.

Tom Barnett - Key Defender - Coburg (VFL)

A little shorter than some other prospects but has been seriously impressing this season in the VFL for Coburg. Only 20 years old, is handling AFL-listed forwards well this season, took 10 intercept marks against Richmond the other week. Probably lacks that versatility component others have but seems a good option.

Riley Bonner - Release Defender - Casey (VFL)

Put his hand up for mid-season draft last year and will likely do so again. Finished 2nd in the VFL B&F last year and doing well once again, knows our system and is a popular player but at 29 I think we will look elsewhere.

Josh Tovey - Big Midfielder - Port Melbourne (VFL)

Has taken a while to get going, now at his 3rd VFL club at 21 years old but now flying with the Borough. Had 21 disposals, 3 goals, 11 tackles, 5 clearances in a 73 point LOSS earlier this season. He's a damaging midfielder who finds opportunities to take shots at goal and is a deadly kick. Not one with a lot of craft, doesn't have the tricks of others but just a contested beast and proven ball winner.

Jye Menzie - Small Forward - Tasmania Devils (VFL)

Former small forward for Essendon who was a bit up-and-down with form now captaining Tasmania in the VFL and playing excellent footy. Clever kick, best role looks to be playing as more of a half-forward utilising his inside 50 kicking skill. 24 years old, Tassie playing well this year and Menzie is a big part of that.

Jed Hagan - Small Forward - Tasmania Devils (VFL)

Originally from Western Australia he was seen as a good option in his draft year but was overlooked, clubs thought his ceiling was not particularly high as he was not athletically gifted just 'good at football' - the kind of player we often like to pick. Has had a good year with Tasmania and shown that he is a very well-rounded player with high footy smarts and a top notch work rate.

Max Mapley - Ruck - Tasmania Devils (VFL)

Young ruck playing well for Tasmania, still only 20 years old and seen as more of a long-term prospect, doesn't have the frame for AFL yet but has a lot of skill and is another who can be damaging when he goes forward.

Mutaz El Nour - Intercept Defender - Richmond VFL

Highly regarded as the best intercept defender in the VFL, El Nour was in the 2025 VFL Team of the Year, won the Richmond VFL B&F and was appointed vice-captain of the side. 25 years old but has had good development playing on AFL level talent in that time.

Hugo Hall-Kahan - Medium Forward - Williamstown Seagulls (VFL)

Second go around for Hall-Kahan, was picked up in the 2022 MSD by Sydney, didn't play a game and was de-listed but is now putting some good form together once again. Is an undersized leading forward who's a difficult match up, a bit of Jake Melksham about him. Has had some big games for Williamstown this year. Not seeing him fill the stat line out with tackles all that often though.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves - Midfielder/Medium Forward - Subiaco (WAFL)

Could he slip down again? Was the big name overlooked on national draft night, his durability seemingly too much of a risk but with a solid start to his time at Subiaco he may be overcoming those initial concerns. Good mark overhead and a lethal set shot.

Tairon Ah-Mu - Key Forward - Casey (VFL)

Impressed a lot of people, including me, during the pre-season games where he was filling up the numbers, but showed he could clearly take a mark and impose himself on the game with his physical presence. Started his VFL season off well but has since failed to kick a goal in his last three games. Endurance and work rate still issues. His younger brother is in our NGA program and looks a stronger prospect.

Noah Yze - Medium Forward - Sandringham Zebras (VFL)

I'm not saying Noah is a world-beater but I think he's been a little unlucky to be overlooked by the club, not many guys kicking 7 in a finals game that aren't on an AFL list. Has played some decent footy at Sandringham but obviously felt like he needed a move away from Casey because we weren't going to give him a look.

Tom Scully - Key Forward - West Adelaide (SANFL)

No this is not a joke, I mean the other Tom Scully who was at Port Adelaide, the 203cm key forward is still only 21, averaging 2 goals per game in the SANFL and impressing with his strong overhead marking. Field kicking is a concern.

Marcus Herbert - Lockdown Defender/Midfield Tagger - Geelong VFL

Having plugged away in the VFL for years, Herbert has stepped it up this year, racking up touches, tackles and score assists. Usual role is shutting down an opposition's dangerous small forward but he's also had some roles tagging midfielders on the inside too. 23 years old, coming from Geelong with a strong culture and high standards at their VFL program. Reporting is that 9 clubs have been in contact with Herbert he looks like a popular draft option.

Sam Van Rooyen - Third Tall - Claremont (WAFL)

Great mobility and good above his head, SVR is still more of a case of 'potential' than 'output' with good-not-great numbers in the WAFL. I'm sure it would make his brother happy but seems a long shot.