The order for the 2024 AFL Midseason Rookie Draft has been locked in, with North Melbourne shaping to select a Tasmanian young gun with the opening pick.
The winless Kangaroos are widely expected to select Geordie Payne, who has moved from halfback to a midfield/forward role in the Coates Talent League in 2024, kicking 12 goals in five games while averaging 22 disposals and 13 contested possessions.
The 18-year-old won Tasmania’s best and fairest award last year, ahead of Ryley Sanders and potential new teammate Colby McKercher, but was not picked up in the draft.
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Payne was held out from the Allies’ first under-18 championships game in a strong hint of his looming selection. He has reportedly nominated for an 18-month contract.
Former Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle, who has some interest from injury-ravaged Richmond, and Box Hill Hawks midfielder Max Hall, who has been linked to St Kilda, have also nominated for the longer deal rather than just six months.
West Perth’s Jasper Scaife, a 197cm forward who was draft eligible in 2022, is the other player considered a Pick 1 chance.
MIDSEASON DRAFT GUIDE: Who your club has been linked to
Collingwood VFL medium forward Jack Hutchinson, 196cm Peel Thunder defender Jacob Blight, Woodville-West Torrens rebounding defender Luke Beecken and Adelaide SANFL forward-ruck Toby Murray (the brother of Crow Nick) are all likely to be selected early.
Brisbane have a league-high four picks after a series of ACL injuries and have been linked to players including 181cm Geelong Falcons forward Will McLachlan and Brisbane VFL midfielder Kyle Dunkley (the brother of Josh).
Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and GWS do not have a pick in the midseason draft, which will be held online from 7pm AEST on Wednesday May 29.
You can follow every pick live on Foxfooty.com.au.
AFL 2024 MIDSEASON ROOKIE DRAFT ORDER
Round 1
1. North Melbourne
2. Richmond
3. West Coast Eagles
4. St Kilda
5. Hawthorn
6. Brisbane Lions
7. Adelaide Crows
8. Western Bulldogs
9. Carlton
10. Collingwood
11. Melbourne
12. Port Adelaide
13. Essendon
14. Sydney Swans
Round 2
15. North Melbourne
16. Richmond
17. Brisbane Lions
18. Adelaide Crows
19. Collingwood
Round 3
20. Richmond
21. Brisbane Lions
22. Adelaide Crows
Round 4
23. Brisbane Lions