Sam Lalor looms as Richmond’s prized prime decide as AFL golf equipment put together for a draft opening night time filled with twists and turns.
In a draft the place the highest finish is taken into account uniquely even, excessive picks have been at a premium and draft-night decide trades seem on the playing cards.
Even Lalor, who will cap off draft week with a belated 18th party this weekend, has been saved guessing by Richmond, who’ve a bumper eight picks inside the present top-24 alternatives.
The highly effective midfielder/ahead hadn’t heard from the Tigers on Monday and doesn’t look forward to finding out his destiny till draft night time.
“Nah, completely nothing. I’ve obtained no thought nonetheless,” Lalor mentioned.
“I’ve met with them lately, however they haven’t mentioned something to me or my administration workforce.”
Sam Lalor is anticipated to be the highest draft decide for Richmond. (Picture by Michael Willson/AFL Photographs through Getty Photos)
Fellow Victorian Jagga Smith was within the combine however now seems extra prone to land at both Carlton at decide No.3 or Adelaide straight after, relying on whether or not the Blues plump for him or South Australian Sid Draper.
The ready recreation is preserving Smith on his toes.
“I’m actually excited. I’ve been wanting to realize this my entire life, and I’ve been ready for this night time for a couple of years now, however I might be mendacity by saying I wasn’t nervous,” he mentioned.
“I feel the factor that I’m most nervous about is simply the concern of the unknown, actually.
“Like, I’m not likely certain the place I’ll find yourself, however I do know whoever offers me that chance I’ll take that chance with each arms.
“However, yeah, it’s only a concern of the unknown. However as soon as my title will get referred to as out, I’ll be rapt – wherever that’s.”
Tall defender Alix Tauru heads the checklist of key place skills.
North Melbourne have been linked to Tauru with decide No.2, although gun midfielder Finn O’Sullivan is the favorite to land there.
Richmond (No.1, No.6, No.10), Melbourne (No.5, No.9) and St Kilda (No.7, No.8) all boast a number of top-10 picks.
Some alternatives might be shifted again by bids on father-son and academy prospects.
Levi Ashcroft after successful best-afield honours through the AFL Academy’s conflict with Footscray in 2024. (Picture by Michael Willson/AFL Photographs through Getty Photos)
Extremely, a bid for gun Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft – son of Marcus and youthful brother of Will – might come as late as Melbourne’s decide No.5.
Gold Coast-tied Leo Lombard and Essendon prospect Isaac Kako are anticipated to draw a bid inside the highest 15.
That prompted the Bombers to flick their decide No.9 to Melbourne, although they might but commerce again into the primary spherical.
Wednesday night time is just for the primary spherical of the draft however given father-son and academy alternatives will blow it out, it’s anticipated to be a late night time.
© AAP
