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The 2016 AFL Draft will be held at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Friday 25 November. The official start time for the draft is 7pm (AEDT), with the first pick expected to be announced around 7:10pm (AEDT).
The draft is one of the most important events on the AFL calendar each year – the vast majority of AFL players enter the system through the draft, and while it may not be as exciting to watch as the footy itself, the draft is where great teams are built.
This year it is the Essendon Bombers who hold the No.1 overall pick in the draft, but in a rare turn of events there has been no clear candidate to take at that selection.
For much of the year it was believed that the Bombers would likely opt for goal-kicking midfielder Hugh McCluggage with the top selection, however in the days before the draft new rumours have emerged.
It now seems likely that they will use the No.1 pick to secure running defender Andrew McGrath – a pacy, versatile player with a tough edge who may develop into a full-time midfielder.
Other clubs who will be prominent on draft night include the Gold Coast Suns, who hold four picks inside the top ten, and the GWS Giants, who hold pick No.2 and are expected to match bids for academy prospects Will Setterfield, Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming inside the first round of the draft.
The draft will be held in Sydney this year for the first time since 2011 – in that year it was held in the harbour city to celebrate the formation of the GWS Giants, who drafted a large portion of their inaugural playing list on that night.
Since then it has been held on the Gold Coast in 2012, 2013 and 2014, before it was held in Adelaide in 2015. The draft has not been held in Victoria since 2009. This is only the second time it has been held in Sydney.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.