About our AFL Draft news
Latest news on the AFL Draft, including top prospects, draft order, team selections, trade deals, and expert analysis of the annual event where AFL clubs select emerging talent.
The AFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the Australian rules football calendar, as it marks the beginning of many young players' professional careers. Held in November each year, the draft consists of the National Draft, where clubs select players who have nominated for the draft, and the Rookie Draft, which allows clubs to recruit players who missed out on selection in the National Draft or are looking to reignite their careers.
In the lead-up to the AFL Draft, our feed provides in-depth coverage of the top prospects, including player profiles, highlights, and expert opinions on their potential impact at the elite level. We also keep you informed about the draft order, which is determined by the reverse finishing order of the previous season, with the wooden spoon recipient receiving the first pick. Any priority picks or draft penalties imposed by the AFL are also factored into the draft order.
On draft night, our live updates bring you every selection as it happens, along with instant analysis of each club's picks and how they may fit into their existing roster. We also cover any draft-day trades or live pick swaps that occur between clubs looking to improve their position or secure a specific player.
The AFL Draft has a rich history of unearthing future stars of the game, such as Brownlow Medal winners Chris Judd (pick 3, 2001), Sam Mitchell (pick 36, 2001), and Nat Fyfe (pick 20, 2009). Our feed features articles exploring the draft's past, the success stories of late-round gems, and the impact of father-son and academy selections on the event.
Beyond the immediate draft period, our feed continues to track the progress of drafted players as they begin their AFL careers, providing updates on their development, debuts, and early successes or challenges. For fans, the AFL Draft represents hope and excitement for the future of their clubs, and our comprehensive coverage ensures you never miss a moment of this critical event in the Australian football landscape.