Recruits straight in, draftees to make boom debuts: Every AFL club’s predicted Round 1 side

The trade and draft period has come and gone and there has been plenty of movement within the competition.

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Will these gun recruits be there straight away? Which draftees can make an immediate impact?

Foxfooty.com.au takes a look at how your side could line up at the start of 2025.

ADELAIDE CROWS

B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, M.Michalanney

HB: R.Laird, N.Murray, I.Cumming

C: L.Sholl, J.Peatling, M.Hinge

HF: A.Neal-Bullen, D.Fogarty, B.Keays

F: R.Thilthorpe, T.Walker, I.Rankine

FOLL: R.O’Brien, J.Dawson, J.Soligo

I/C: J.Rachele, S.Draper, W.Milera, D.Curtin, M.Crouch

EMG: S.Berry, J.Butts, L.Nankervis

Off-season recruits Alex Neal-Bullen, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling should all find themselves in Matthew Nicks’ Round 1 side. At November’s draft, Adelaide decided on Sid Draper, and if pre-season reports are anything to go by, the local product should find himself in the seniors from the get-go. Club stalwart Rory Laird likely takes more of a back seat next season and spends more time across half-back. Sam Berry, Jordon Butts and Luke Nankervis are among the several unlucky players to miss out on selection.

BRISBANE LIONS

B: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, R.Lester

HB: C.McKenna, J.Payne, D.Zorko

C: J.Fletcher, W.Ashcroft, H.McCluggage

HF: C.Rayner, L.Morris, J.Berry

F: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, Z.Bailey

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: K.Lohmann, C.Ah Chee, N.Answerth, D.Wilmot, L.Ashcroft

EMG: S.Day, D.Fort, B.Reville

The reigning premiers are in terrific shape heading into the new year, despite the continued rehabilitations of Keidean Coleman, Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner and Tom Doedee, who each suffered ACL injuries last season and will all likely miss Opening Round at a minimum. Ruckman Oscar McInerney will play provided he has recovered from the shoulder reconstruction that kept him out of the 2024 premiership triumph. Darcy Fort and Sam Day will be in calculations for Chris Fagan as the Lions attempt to fill the void left by retired star Joe Daniher, but the continued development of Logan Morris will also be counted on.

CARLTON

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, N.Newman

HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, S.Docherty

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps, O.Hollands

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell

F: Z.Williams, C.Curnow, L.Fogarty

FOLL: T.De Koning, G.Hewett S.Walsh

I/C: A.Cerra, L. Cowan, B.Kemp, J.Smith, L.Young

EMG: J. Boyd, J. Silvagni, J. Motlop

No. 3 draft pick Jagga Smith adds a tantalising element to a strong midfield group, while the returning Jack Silvagni is a forgotten man after missing the season with a ruptured ACL. He should be a welcomed boost to the Blues’ forward stocks, or will he serve a swingman role? A question will be on how Carlton uses its keys, with Brodie Kemp and Lewis Young also able to be used as utilities, while Nick Haynes arrived in the off-season from GWS. Jesse Motlop and Orazio Fantasia will be in the mix up forward, but the Blues have plenty of smaller attackers even after the departure of Matt Owies to West Coast.

COLLINGWOOD

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore, I.Quaynor

HB: H.Perryman, J.Howe, J.Daicos

C: S.Sidebottom, J.De Goey, J.Crisp

HF: L.Schultz, B.Mihocek, J.Elliott

F: B.Hill, D.McStay, B.McCreery

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Daicos, S.Pendlebury

I/C: P.Lipinski, M.Cox, T.Mitchell, T.Membrey, W.Hoskin-Elliott

EMG: B.Frampton, E.Allan, F.Macrae

We didn’t snub Dan Houston – he won’t play Opening Round due to suspension, but will come in for Round 1. (How convenient, he’ll be back to play Port Adelaide!) Will Hoskin-Elliott could eventually be an unlucky exclusion following the arrival of Tim Membrey, who is set to add much-needed depth to the Magpies’ forward stocks. In the midfield, keep an eye on the possible emergence of Western Australian ball-getter Ed Allan this year, who is set for a breakout amid more opportunities in an ageing and banged up engine room. Another point of contention revolves around Billy Frampton and which end he will see the most time at next season, should he start.

ESSENDON

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, A.Roberts

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett, N.Martin

HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, S.Durham

F: I.Kako, P.Wright, K.Langford

FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, J.Caldwell

I/C: N.Bryan, A.Perkins, M. Guelfi, H.Jones, E.Tsatas

EMG: E. Tsatas, D. Shiel, S.El-Hawli

Exciting forward Isaac Kako should be able to earn a spot in the Bombers’ forward line early on. Sam Draper, Nick Bryan and Todd Goldstein will continue to vie for ruck roles. Meantime, is former No. 5 draftee Elijah Tsatas a guaranteed walk-up to start next season after an inauspicious beginning to his career? Dylan Shiel and Ben Hobbs are also on the fringes of the best 23, while the versatile Harrison Jones and Nik Cox are also around the mark.

FREMANTLE

B: L.Ryan, A.Pearce, B.Walker

HB: J.Clark, B.Cox, H.Chapman

C: J.Sharp, H.Young, N.O’Driscoll

HF: S.Bolton, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

F: S.Switkowski, J.Amiss, L.Jackson

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: N.Fyfe, J.O’Meara, J.Draper, M.Johnson, M.Walters

EMG: M.Reid, J.Aish, S.Sturt

The Dockers added Murphy Reid to a highly talented and super speedy small-forward-line that snagged Shai Bolton and already boasts Sam Switkowski and Matthew Frederick, so the Sandringham Dragons ball-winner isn’t likely to feature straight away. Reid projects long-term as a midfielder but given Fremantle’s firepower between the arcs — and Nat Fyfe and Jaeger O’Meara already on the midfield fringes — if he gets a go in the seniors, it’d likely be forward of the ball. Sam Sturt, James Aish, Will Brodie, Karl Worner, Neil Erasmus, Corey Wagner and Bailey Banfield are among the fringe names we expect to miss, at least in the early going.

GEELONG

B: Z.Guthrie, J.Henry, J.Kolodjashnij

HB: L.Humphries, S.De Koning, T.Stewart

C: J.Bowes, P.Dangerfield, O.Dempsey

HF: T.Stengle, S.Neale, S.Mannagh

F: G.Miers, J.Cameron, O.Henry

FOLL: R.Stanley, M.Holmes, B.Smith

I/C: T.Atkins, B.Close, T.Bruhn, M.Blicavs, M.Duncan

EMG: J.Martin, C. Guthrie, M. O’Connor

The Cats won the race for former Bulldog Bailey Smith during the trade period and he will have an immediate impact in his new colours. They also signed Jack Martin as a delisted free agent and he will push for a gig early in the season, while veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie will be looking for an injury-free 2025 year. The retirements of Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy, as well as the delistings of Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt, means that there is an opportunity for some talented youth to also push for more senior opportunities. This could include the likes of Jhye Clark and Connor O’Sullivan.

GOLD COAST SUNS

B: M.Andrew, S.Collins, B.Uwland

HB: D.Rioli, C.Ballard, J.Noble

C: S.Clohesy, N.Anderson, W.Powell

HF: S.Flanders, J.Walter, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, B.King, B.Ainsworth

FOLL: J.Witts, M.Rowell, T.Miller

I/C: W.Graham, J.Rogers, L. Lombard, N.Holman, L.Weller

EMG: E. Read, D. Swallow, E. Himmelberg

Daniel Rioli suffered an MCL injury in pre-season training, but the Suns believe he will be right for practice matches early next year. Alongside former Pie John Noble, the Suns have added plenty of speed and dare into the back half with the addition of that duo. Draftee Leo Lombard has been ready for senior footy for a number of years and is a chance to slot straight into the side under Damien Hardwick. There’s plenty to like about the future of tall forward Ethan Read, while ex-Adelaide swingman Elliott Himmelberg will be banging the door down for a senior appearance, too. What Hardwick does with exciting tall Mac Andrew is also a point of intrigue, but it’s likely he begins 2025 down back. Elder statesmen such as David Swallow and Ben Long will probably find themselves on the outer to begin with.

GWS GIANTS

B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun

HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash

C: F.Callaghan, T.Green, X.O’Halloran

HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene

F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer

FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly

I/C: C.Ward, L.Keeffe, T.Bedford, L.Aleer, C.Stone

EMG: J.Leake, W.Derksen, O.Hannaford

A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Meanwhile, the losses of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming across the half-backline should open the door of opportunity to Conor Stone — who fended off Essendon interest to re-sign with the Giants in the off-season — and James Leake, among others. The further departures of James Peatling and Nick Haynes also mean added opportunity, with stalwart Lachie Keeffe likely to remain in the selection frame. First-round draftees Ollie Hannaford, Harry Oliver and Cody Angove all look to be strong acquisitions, and will also be around the mark.

HAWTHORN

FB: J. Battle, T. Barrass, J. Scrimshaw

HB: J. Impey, J. Sicily, B. Hardwick

C: K. Amon, W. Day, M. D’Ambrosio

HF: D. Moore, M. Chol, C. Macdonald

FF: N. Watson, C. Dear, J. Ginnivan

FOLL: L. Meek, J. Newcombe, J. Worpel

I/C: J. Weddle, C. Nash, C. Mackenzie, J. Gunston, L. Breust

EMG: C. Jiath, F. Maginness, H. Morrison

Josh Battle and Tom Barrass were the two big inclusions over the off-season and both will be there in Opening Round. That means veteran defender Sam Frost, who has been dealing with a foot issue, misses out on the best 23. Defender Changkuoth Jiath has had a rotten run with injuries, but won the club’s six-minute run test at the start of the pre-season and will be hoping to rediscover his best form in 2025. Midfielders Josh Ward and Finn Maginness also secured top three finishes that day, and will be hoping to break into the best 23 sooner rather than later. Maginness signed a fresh extension late in November, tying him to the club until the end of 2027, so you would think he’s in Sam Mitchell’s plans for 2025. Harry Morrison is another player on the fringes of the best 23 and veteran Luke Breust will likely be used as the sub again in 2025. Key forward Mitch Lewis will be targeting a return later in the year due to an ACL injury.

MELBOURNE

B: J.Lever, T.McDonald, J.McVee

HB: J.Bowey, S.May, C.Salem

C: E.Langdon, J.Viney, C.Windsor

HF: K.Chandler, D.Turner, K.Tholstrup

F: K.Pickett, J.van Rooyen, B.Fritsch

FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Petracca, C.Oliver

I/C: T. Rivers, T. Sparrow, H. Petty, H. Langford, J. Melksham

EMG: X. Lindsay, H. Sharp, B. Howes

The Demons will be looking to have a strong pre-season to lay the platform for success in 2025. They’ll be hoping to get more out of star midfield duo Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, while the addition of draftees Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay will also add another dimension to the on-ball brigade. The loss of Alex Neal-Bullen to the Crows means there is a vacancy to fill there, expect emerging youngster Koltyn Tholstrup to play a key role in that regard. Harrison Petty and Daniel Turner have been preferred to young tall Matthew Jefferson to begin with, but Werribee draft bolter Aidan Johnson could also be called upon at some stage. There’s plenty of hype around him making an early debut. There’s a couple of positions to be won over the summer, with the likes of Jake Melksham, Jack Billings, Harry Sharp, Blake Howes, Charlie Spargo and Bailey Laurie all around the mark.

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: J. Archer, G. Logue, A. Corr

HB: C. Daniel, C. Comben, L. McDonald

C: C. McKercher, G. Wardlaw, B. Scott

HF: L. Parker, N. Larkey, J. Simpkin

FF: P. Curtis, J. Darling, C. Zurhaar

FOLL: T. Xerri, L. Davies-Uniacke, H. Sheezel

I/C: F. O’Sullivan, T. Powell, Z. Fisher, E. Ford, Z. Duursma

EMG: D. Tucker, D. Stephens, W. Phillips

Is this the year North Melbourne finally rise from the ashes? North Melbourne’s trio of big name recruits in Caleb Daniel, Luke Parker and Jack Darling will all likely be there in round one, while ex-Swans small forward Jacob Konstanty could also develop into quite a player. Finn O’Sullivan is the latest young gun to enter the fray and will form part of a strong young core led by Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw for many years to come. Keep an eye on defender Josh Goater, who was firming as a key part of Alastair Clarkson’s puzzle at the start of last year before going down with an Achilles injury. The likes of Riley Hardeman and Wil Dawson are also in the mix, while Brynn Teakle and Toby Pink will get senior opportunities throughout the year. Charlie Comben has shown he can play at either end of the ground but with the recruitment of Darling, he’s likely to start in the back half. The Kangas made a bold play for draftee Matt Whitlock, but he might need to bide his time in the reserves to begin with.

PORT ADELAIDE

B: M.Bergman, B.Zerk-Thatcher, L.Jones

HB: K.Farrell, A.Aliir, L.Evans

C: T.Boak, J.Horne-Francis, J.Burgoyne

HF: D.Byrne-Jones, J.Lukosius, J.Mead

F: W.Rioli, O.Lord, M.Georgiades

FOLL: J.Sweet, Z.Butters, C.Rozee

I/C: W.Drew, O.Wines, J.Richards, T.Marshall, J.Berry

EMG: J. Sinn, J.Finlayson, E.Ratugolea

Sam Powell-Pepper’s ACL recovery won’t be complete by the time the season starts, so Jackson Mead gets a go at half-forward to start. Draftee Joe Berry can come in and make an immediate impact right from the get-go, while former Sun Jack Lukosius will also be integral to Ken Hinkley’s forward half set-up. That pushes Jeremy Finlayson outside of the best 23, so too Esava Ratugolea.Ryan Burton is also around the mark in defence, while draftee Christian Moraes could have an impact sooner rather than later. The likes of Josh Sinn and Will Lorenz are also in the mix.

RICHMOND

B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin

HB: T.Brown, J.Gibcus, J.Short

C: H.Ralphsmith, J.Hopper, J.Ross

HF: R.Mansell, N.Balta, S.Lalor

F: H. Armstrong, T.Lynch, M.Rioli

FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, D.Prestia

I/C: S.Banks, K.McAuliffe, J.Bauer, S.Campbell, J.Smillie

EMG: S. Green, J. Blight, J. Faull

How many, if any, of Richmond’s seven first-round selections make their way into Adem Yze’s Round 1 side? To start, we believe it’ll be Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie. Lalor was a force as a forward for Vic Country this year, so while he probably won’t be a full-time midfielder straight away, he should be able to impact forward of the ball. Similarly, Smillie is too talented to leave out and should be able to have an instant impact at the top level. You’d imagine at least one of Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull will also feature early on given Mykelti Lefau is still recovering from an ACL injury. Six regular starters – Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker, Jack Graham and Shai Bolton – have all moved on, which means there are plenty of places up for grabs. The likes of Steely Green, Luke Trainor and Jasper Alger are others who will feature in 2025.

ST KILDA

B: H.Clark, D.Howard, J.Webster

HB: J.Sinclair, C.Wilkie, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: M.Wood, M.Phillipou, L.Henry

HF: B.Hill, M.King, P. Dow

F: M.Owens, C.Sharman, J.Higgins

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele, J.Macrae

I/C: M.Windhager, D.Wilson, L.Stocker, T.Travaglia, D.Butler

EMG: H.Garcia, A. Caminiti, R. Byrnes

If history is anything to go by, the Saints look more likely than most to blood top draftee Tobie Travaglia from the get-go — much like Mattaes Phillipou only two seasons ago. New recruit Jack Macrae you would think finds himself starting on-ball, while Phillipou himself could be looking at a dynamic role in the engine room after a strong finish to his 2024 season. Exciting draftee Alix Tauru has a back stress fracture which means he faces a delayed start to pre-season, but is an exciting prospect for Saints fans. Jimmy Webster will help fill the void left by Josh Battle’s departure, while Anthony Caminiti or Angus McLennan could also step right into that void. Hugo Garcia and Ryan Bynes are developing nicely, while Arie Schoenmaker and Angus Hastie will also be looking for more senior opportunities.

SYDNEY SWANS

B: D.Rampe, T.McCartin, N.Blakey

HB: J.Lloyd, H.Cunningham, L.Melican

C: J.Jordan, Ch.Warner, O.Florent

HF: T.Papley, L.McDonald, E.Gulden

F: H.McLean, J.Amartey, W.Hayward

FOLL: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, J.Rowbottom

I/C: M.Roberts, B.Campbell, J.McInerney, C.Cleary, R.Fox

EMG: C.Mitchell, N. Bowman, R.Bice

After 14 years at the Swans, Luke Parker has left for Arden Street — opening the door for the likes of former Academy graduate Caiden Cleary. With two first-round selections coming through the door in Ned Bowman and Jesse Dattoli, the future looks even brighter than it did two months ago for Dean Cox’s side. Werribee mature-age recruit Riley Bice has been highly touted at state level for a while now, and looks every chance of making the most of his opportunity at AFL level. After settling in well throughout his first year at the club, Caleb Mitchell also looks set to be every chance of playing at the top level come Opening Round.

WEST COAST EAGLES

B: T.Cole, H.Edwards, B.Hough

HB: R. Ginbey, J.McGovern, L.Baker

C: L.Duggan, E.Yeo, J. Hunt

HF: J.Graham, J.Waterman, L.Ryan

F: M.Owies, O.Allen, J.Cripps

FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, H.Reid

I/C: J.Williams, B.Allan, R. Maric, E.Hewett, J.Petruccelle

EMG: J.Shanahan, N. Long, J. Hutchinson

It’s somewhat of a fresh start for the Eagles under new coach Andrew McQualter and things are looking up. Liam Baker will be a superb addition given his leadership and versatility, while Jack Graham will add a seasoned body around the contest. Ex-Blue Matt Owies will be a handful for opposition defences, while young gun Bo Allan is likely to have an impact early on in the season. Reuben Ginbey has been slated for a defensive role, as has Ryan Maric, which means there could be a shuffling down back. Bailey Williams has been preferred over Matt Flynn, while Campbell Chesser, Noah Long, Dom Sheed and Tyler Brockman are also around the mark. Tom Cole and Jack Petruccelle are players who have been around for a while now, but could be squeezed out if McQualter chooses to blood some kids. Draftee Jobe Shanahan probably spends some time in the WAFL, so too Tom Gross and Lucca Grego.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: T.Duryea, L.Jones, J.O’Donnell

HB: L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: E.Richards, A.Treloar, B.Williams

HF: L.Vandermeer, A.Naughton, R.West

F: C.Weightman, J.Ugle-Hagan, S.Darcy

FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli, T.Liberatore

I/C: M.Kennedy, J.Freijah, H.Gallagher, R.Garcia, R.Sanders

EMG: J.Harmes, L. McNeil, N. Coffield

The Bulldogs lost a trio of players in Caleb Daniel, Jack Macrae and Bailey Smith during the trade period, but they’ve got plenty of players knocking down the door for senior selection. Young gun Ryley Sanders should feature heavily in 2025, while former Blue Matthew Kennedy will be a key part of Luke Beveridge’s plans straight away. Defender Joel Freijah and winger Harvey Gallagher are others who should benefit for increased opportunity, same with Riley Garcia. There are plenty of spots up for grabs over the summer and the likes of James Harmes, Lachie McNeil, Nick Coffield, Jason Johannisen and Caleb Poulter will be eyeing those off.