UPDATE: The 2025 AFL Draft concluded with nearly 60 young footballers securing their futures, marking this as one of the most significant drafts in league history. As clubs made pivotal selections over the past two nights, the emotional rollercoaster left many hopefuls celebrating, while others faced heartbreak, including delisted players Jake Stringer and Ryan Byrnes.
As clubs finalize their rosters, the stakes have never been higher. The draft’s top three picks were Willem Duursma (1), Zeke Uwland (2), and Harry Dean (3), showcasing a mix of emerging talent and strategic decision-making.
The Gold Coast Suns excelled, successfully matching bids for four first-round prospects, including the highly-rated Uwland. List manager Kall Burns expressed his excitement: “We’ve invested heavily in our academy players… the way we were able to achieve that was by making tough decisions.” The Suns’ strategy of prioritizing local talent underscores a commitment to building a strong foundation.
The Brisbane Lions also made headlines, selecting promising players like Daniel Annable (6) and Koby Evans (38), with national recruiting manager Steve Conole stating, “We’re very excited about who we managed to pick up in the draft.” The Lions anticipate immediate contributions, especially from Annable, an academy graduate with a strong football resume.
In contrast, Port Adelaide made history by not making a single selection, an unprecedented move for the club. National recruiting manager Geoff Parker stated, “It was never [a situation] that we weren’t going to pick. By the time we got to our pick, the list had disappeared.” Their focus now seems to shift towards potential recruits for the upcoming rookie draft.
The Essendon Bombers made a bold move by trading for multiple first-round picks, selecting Sullivan Robey (9), Jacob Farrow (10), and Dyson Sharp (13). List manager Matt Rosa emphasized the importance of high-caliber talent, stating, “We really believed in the top end of this draft.”
Other clubs, like the Carlton Blues and Richmond Tigers, also made strategic selections, enhancing their rosters with key picks that could define their future. The Tigers focused on speed and toughness, while the Blues aimed for long-term stability with picks like Harry Dean.
The rookie draft looms on the horizon, providing another chance for players like Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves to find a home after being overlooked in the main draft. With emotions running high, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what unfolds next.
As the dust settles from this historic draft, clubs will be analyzing their rosters and future strategies. The AFL landscape is shifting dramatically as these young athletes prepare to make their mark on the game. Stay tuned for more updates as teams gear up for the rookie draft and the upcoming season.
