Overview of the Mid-Season Draft
The Mid-Season Draft on Tuesday saw a significant focus on mature-aged players, with 11 selections from the VFL, seven from the SANFL, and just one from the Talent League. The event was marked by clubs targeting specific list needs, with Essendon making a notable choice by selecting Jaxon Artemis as their first pick. This decision was widely seen as the best player in the draft pool.
Club-by-Club Analysis
Essendon (Jaxon Artemis)
Grade: A+
Jaxon Artemis, considered the consensus best player in this year’s Mid-Season Draft, joining Essendon is a great result. His standout performance for Tasmania’s VFL side made the choice almost inevitable. The Bombers needed to address defensive transition, which Artemis has shown improvement in. Being a Western Australian playing from Tasmania, he is not a flight risk and could make an immediate impact.
Richmond (Kye Annand)
Grade: A-
Richmond’s selection of Kye Annand came late in the process but makes sense given their need for defensive depth. With Nathan Broad in his final year and Nick Vlastuin aging, adding Annand provides cover. However, there was speculation that taking a second pick might have been better, especially considering their injury crisis.
West Coast Eagles (Oliver Francou, Marcus Herbert)
Grade: A
Both Oliver Francou and Marcus Herbert offer versatility and maturity, complementing a young list well. Francou, the son of Port great Josh, adds depth and footy IQ, while Herbert was a surprise selection who slipped through to the Eagles’ second pick.
Geelong
Grade: Not mentioned
Geelong did not take a player in the draft, leaving their selection details unspecified.
Carlton (Flynn Riley)
Grade: C-
Flynn Riley, a strong ruck, was seen as a leading ruck in the league. However, Carlton already has Marc Pittonet, Liam Reidy, and Hudson O’Keefe on their list, making Riley’s selection less impactful. The Blues also considered Sam Toner, who might have better addressed their needs.
Port Adelaide (Xavier Bamert, Alex Van Wyk)
Grade: B+
Port Adelaide secured Xavier Bamert and Alex Van Wyk, both of whom were highly valued. Bamert adds a competitive edge to the midfield, while Van Wyk provides back-up to Jordon Sweet and Dante Visentini. The slight drop in grade is due to the scrutiny Van Wyk will face if he doesn’t meet expectations.
North Melbourne (Ollie Griffin)
Grade: B+
Ollie Griffin, similar to Cam Zurhaar, is a medium forward who can take big grabs. While a good pickup, some questioned if North Melbourne would have been better off adding defensive depth instead.
St Kilda (Campbell Lake)
Grade: B
St Kilda selected Campbell Lake, a balanced small forward with goal-kicking ability. His consistent performance in the VFL makes him a sensible addition to an area where St Kilda lacks starpower.
Collingwood (Harrison Coe, Liam Puncher, Mitch Podhajski)
Grade: A+
Collingwood targeted ready-to-go talent, selecting Harrison Coe, Liam Puncher, and Mitch Podhajski. Coe adds ruck depth, Puncher addresses defensive needs, and Podhajski brings proven goal-kicking ability. The Pies are seen as big winners of the night.
Western Bulldogs (Caleb May)
Grade: A
Caleb May, a towering 208cm ruck, addresses an immediate need for the Bulldogs. His improved aerial power and ground coverage make him a valuable addition to the list.
Adelaide (Hugo Hall-Kahan)
Grade: B+
Hugo Hall-Kahan, a former Sydney player, adds dash off half-back. His transformation from a forward to a defender makes him a valuable asset for Adelaide.
Melbourne (Lukas Cooke, Joel Fitzgerald, Max Mapley)
Grade: B
Melbourne selected Lukas Cooke, Joel Fitzgerald, and Max Mapley, all of whom have shown versatility. Their backline has been a positive, but they needed more depth. Mapley, in particular, is seen as a key defender.
Hawthorn (Max Beattie)
Grade: A
Max Beattie, a versatile player, gets a deserved opportunity. His energy and decision-making skills make him a great fit for Hawthorn’s style of play. He complements their list well with his unique traits.
