The AFL’s first mid-season draft in more than a quarter of a century will take place tonight, starting from 6:30pm AEST. Join The Roar for a live blog of every pick.
It’s been a long time since AFL clubs had the option to acquire new talent while the season is already in progress, but the inclusion of a mid-season draft in 2019 will provide them with that opportunity.
How it works is that any team which had deliberately left open a rookie spot, or who has already suffered a mid-season retirement or a season-ending injury, will have the option to supplement their list with a rookie on a short-term contract at this draft.
Fourteen clubs are eligible to take part – every club except for Brisbane, Geelong, GWS and West Coast has at least one pick in the draft – for a total of 18 picks on the night, although we expect at least some of these will be passed.
The picks occur in reverse order from the AFL ladder as at the end of Round 10, which means Carlton come in with the No.1 pick – no, they haven’t traded this one to Adelaide – and it’s widely believed they’ll use it to offer a second chance to former Fremantle player Josh Deluca.
Kyle Dunkley, brother of Western Bulldogs premiership player Josh Dunkley, is believe likely to join the Gold Coast Suns at pick No.2, while Sam Lowson and Cody Hirst are other names expected to be called out early on tonight.
Gold Coast, Sydney, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs are the only four clubs to have multiple selections in the draft.
The draft order is as follows:
1. Carlton Blues
2. Gold Coast Suns
3. Melbourne Demons
4. Sydney Swans
5. North Melbourne Kangaroos
6. Western Bulldogs
7. Essendon Bombers
8. St Kilda Saints
9. Port Adelaide Power
10. Hawthorn Hawks
11. Fremantle Dockers
12. Adelaide Crows
13. Richmond Tigers
14. Collingwood Magpies
15. Gold Coast Suns
16. Sydney Swans
17. Western Bulldogs
18. Essendon Bombers
Join The Roar for a live blog of every pick, starting from 6:30pm AEST.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
CJ for sure
Dean
Guest
Haha, it will be interesting. Surely he shortens it.
WCE
Roar Rookie
So the Subiaco footy club lose 2 players (Deluca and Mayo) and get absolutely stuff all for them. No money no nothing! Tell me how the hell this supports local state leagues ???? all the time and commitment given to Deluca by the Subi FC since he got dumped by freo and Subi don't get stuff all for him. how disgraceful and disrespectful
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Sadly the losing theme is there for Swannies. Won two this year. Only just beaten by Subi. And of course, thanks to Midvale Football Club .
Raimond
Roar Guru
I want to see him play, just to hear BT's attempt at pronouncing his name.
User
Roar Rookie
Feels odd mate as it's usually losing I'm used to, good balance for wce I reckon.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
You're doing alright this year.
User
Roar Rookie
Demons are the best
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Ok, no i'm not a Claremont fan. I don't really have a WAFL team. I'm about right on the border between Demons District and Swans District (Live in the Hills)
IAP
Guest
Goes alright? Can he mark and kick?
IAP
Guest
Yes, WA is a long way behind...
User
Roar Rookie
Typo, to slow of a runner for the AFL. Not a Claremont fan aswell are you.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
For another 15 mins, waiting to board the flight home unfortunately. Reaaaaly wish I could stay longer.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Dunno what that means.
User
Roar Rookie
He's a great player just to slow down AFL.
User
Roar Rookie
Still in sunny wa hey :)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I was wondering why this had started already and then I realised I’m still in WA, meaning time is far behind where I am.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
So the conclusion i get from this draft is that 2 Sandover Medals in 3 years isn’t enough to get you on an AFL list. Surely in the next draft.
13th Man
Guest
Happy with the Dillon O'Reilly pick, wanted them to take him in the rookie draft last year. Son of Stephen and an East Freo boy!
Josh
Expert
That's a wrap on tonight folks. Here's a complete list of the drafted players. Thanks for joining me!