AFL Draft 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Nov 7, 2025 by Team 36 views

Hey footy fanatics! Get ready to dive deep into the AFL Draft 2025, because we're about to break down everything you need to know. From the top prospects to potential draft strategies and what to expect on draft night, this is your one-stop shop for all things AFL. Let's get right into it, shall we?

Understanding the AFL Draft Process

Alright, so before we start looking at the players, let's go over how the AFL Draft actually works. Think of it like a massive player auction, but instead of money, teams use draft picks to select the best young talent from all over Australia (and sometimes even internationally!).

The draft order is mainly determined by how well the teams performed during the previous season. The teams that finished lower on the ladder get the earlier picks, giving them a better chance to snag the top prospects. It's all about creating a level playing field, so that the weaker teams can quickly get better by selecting the best young talent. It's a key part of the AFL system that ensures the competition stays exciting and competitive. There are a few different types of drafts, but the most important one is the National Draft. This is where all the clubs get together and select players. There's also the Rookie Draft, which is for players who haven't been picked in the National Draft, as well as the Mid-Season Draft, which gives clubs a chance to recruit players mid-year.

Then there are the Academy and Father-Son rules. Academy players are those who have come through the AFL clubs' own academies. If a club has an academy player, they can match any bid that is placed on them by another team, essentially guaranteeing their selection. The Father-Son rule is similar: if a player's father played a certain number of games for a particular club, that club can also match any bid on that player. These rules add a unique layer of strategy and excitement to the draft process. Getting a great player through the academy or father-son rule can be a huge win for a club, but it adds another layer to the draft night.

Draft night itself is a high-stakes event, with clubs making strategic selections based on their current needs and future vision. The anticipation is immense, with fans, recruiters, and players all watching eagerly. Trades can happen before and during the draft, which can really shake things up! You might see teams swapping picks to move up the order, secure a player they really want, or improve their overall draft position. It's a complex and fascinating process that's crucial to the long-term success of AFL clubs.

Top Prospects to Watch in 2025

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff: the players! Identifying the top prospects this early is tricky, but it's where the fun begins. There will be players emerging from all over the country to join the league. Every year, new talents come up. As of right now, it's all about speculating. Here are some names to keep an eye on, but remember, this list is likely to change. These are some of the names that are expected to be the top picks in the AFL Draft 2025. Remember, these are just early predictions and a lot can change between now and draft day.

Here are some of the names to watch.

Key Positions

Midfielders: Every year, the midfield is where it's at. The players that can win the ball, move it fast, and make smart decisions are always highly sought after. In 2025, there's always a new crop of young stars aiming to dominate the center of the ground.
Forwards: A great forward can turn a team from good to great. They kick goals, get in the contest, and put pressure on the opposition. Keep an eye out for players that are athletic and can jump for marks.
Defenders: Strong, reliable defenders are crucial to any team. They can shut down opposition forwards, intercept marks, and start the attack from the back. It's always a great part of the draft when you can see your team getting more solid in the backline.

Player Profiles

Player A: (e.g., a dominant midfielder). Early reports suggest he is a hard-running player with great skills and leadership qualities. This guy has the potential to become a future captain. He is a player that will probably go number one in the draft.
Player B: (e.g., a key forward). Known for his strong marking ability and accurate goal-kicking. Has the size, skills, and the presence to be a real threat up forward. This guy will be a great player for any team that drafts him.
Player C: (e.g., a versatile defender). Excels in intercept marking and reading the play, making him a valuable asset. This player is going to be a top pick because of his ability to stop other players from scoring.

These players are just examples; the actual list will evolve over time as the season progresses and more talent emerges. Scouting reports, match highlights, and expert analysis will become crucial in the lead-up to the draft, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Predicting Draft Order and Team Needs

Okay, so predicting the draft order so far out is a tricky business, but it's part of the excitement. We can make some educated guesses based on how teams performed in the previous season and their current squad composition. Think of the teams that finished at the bottom of the ladder – they'll likely have the early picks. Teams will also consider their specific needs: do they need more midfielders, key forwards, or a lockdown defender? This is what teams need to think about during the draft.

For example, if a team has struggled to kick goals, they might target a key forward or a small forward with pace and skills. If they have issues in the midfield, they will likely go for a player who can win contested possessions. The draft is all about filling those gaps and building a well-rounded team. The teams that do the best in this area are going to be the ones that win the premiership. These are some things the clubs will consider when they are picking their players.

Teams might also look to trade draft picks. This could be to move up the draft order, to get the player they really want, or to trade for a player who is already at another club. These trades can significantly change the draft order and add another layer of excitement. You can keep an eye on these trades as the year goes on because it's always interesting.

Key Factors Influencing the Draft

Many factors play a part in the AFL Draft 2025. Here's a quick look at the things that can swing the draft:

Player Performance: Obviously, the way a player performs during the season is the most important factor. The more they impress, the higher they'll be drafted.
Injuries: Injuries can change everything. A serious injury can derail a player's draft chances, while a speedy recovery can boost their stock.
Team Needs: What a team needs is going to change over time, and the scouts and coaches will be keeping track. Teams are going to pick based on the needs and where they can improve.
Scouting Reports: Clubs rely heavily on detailed scouting reports that analyze players' skills, fitness, and character. These reports can make or break a player's draft hopes.
Under-18 Championships: The national and state championships are the proving grounds for young talent, giving recruiters a chance to see them in action against the best competition.

How to Follow the AFL Draft 2025

Want to stay in the loop? Here's how to follow the AFL Draft 2025 and not miss a thing:

AFL Website and App: The official AFL website and app are your go-to sources for news, draft information, and live coverage of draft night.
Sports Media: Check out your favorite sports websites, newspapers, and TV channels for the latest news, expert analysis, and draft predictions.
Social Media: Follow the AFL, clubs, and footy commentators on social media for updates, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes content.
Draft Combine: Keep an eye on the combine where potential draftees are assessed on their physical and athletic abilities. This is a great way to see the next generation of players up close.
Podcasts and Blogs: Lots of great podcasts and blogs provide in-depth analysis and discussions about the draft.

Potential Draft Strategies and Predictions

Now, let's think like the clubs. The teams at the top of the draft will likely go for the best available talent, regardless of their position. But as the draft goes on, strategy becomes more important. Teams might trade picks to move up or down the draft order. Some will target specific positions to fill their team needs. These strategies make the draft night so interesting.

One common strategy is to target players with high upside – those who have the potential to become stars. Others might focus on players who are ready to play from day one, giving their team an immediate boost. Predicting the exact draft order is tough, but we can make some educated guesses. For example, the teams that struggled in the previous season will likely have the first picks. These teams will be looking to build a team for the future. The ones who are the most successful will have great draft picks and be the ones who are competing for premierships.

Conclusion: Get Ready for Draft Night!

So there you have it, footy fans! A comprehensive look at the AFL Draft 2025, from the draft process to the top prospects, team needs, and draft strategies. Remember, this is a long game. The list of players will change. Keep following the news, and listen to the experts as the year progresses. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the updates and insights as we get closer to draft night. Get ready for an exciting year of footy! The AFL draft is one of the most exciting times of the year, so get ready! Who knows? You might see your team getting some top picks. Let's look forward to a great year of footy!