As the AFL season looms, dynasty league fantasy coaches are on the hunt for future stars among the latest draftees. This crop is rich with talent, offering both immediate impact players and long-term prospects. Our focus is on identifying those rookies who not only promise to make a splash in their debut season but also possess the potential to be AFL Fantasy stalwarts for years to come. Dive into our top 15 draftee picks, where we spotlight their preseason exploits and forecast their journey from promising talents to AFL Fantasy mainstays.
1. Colby McKercher
Colby McKercher might not have been the first name called out on draft day, but for those of us knee-deep in AFL fantasy, he’s the first pick without a doubt. Everyone in the fantasy community has been buzzing about him – and for good reason. Heading to North Melbourne to slot into that half-back role, we’re all expecting big things, especially after seeing what Harry Sheezel did last year. McKercher’s about to be that guy in an AFL Fantasy-friendly spot, and frankly, we can’t wait to see the points start rolling in.
2. Harley Reid
Harley Reid grabs the number two spot, edging out Ryley Sanders, mostly thanks to his forward eligibility. In a season where finding a reliable forward is like striking gold, Reid’s potential to roam between half-back and midfield for the West Coast Eagles is an AFL Fantasygoldmine. His match-sim against Fremantle might not have made headlines, but I’m putting my money on it being more of a blip than a trend. After all, we can just blame the Eagles’ performance for his quiet outing. Reid’s flexibility on the field could be just what fantasy coaches need to rack up those precious points. Plus he was the best player at underage level by a long way.
3. Ryley Sanders
Ryley Sanders grabs the third spot on my list, but honestly, he could’ve topped it based on his showing in the Western Bulldogs’ match sim last week. The bloke was an absolute force on the inside, looking every bit the type to get heaps of center bounce attendances and he’s got that AFL Fantasy gold blend of grit, skill, and determination. He’s doing everything right to be a fantasy powerhouse. High on the list for a reason, Sanders is showing he’s more than ready to make a significant impact from his first game and beyond.
4. Caleb Windsor
Caleb Windsor is climbing up my list, and here’s why: initially, I pegged him as more of an outside player, which typically isn’t AFL Fantasy gold in today’s game. However, with Lachie Hunter sidelined with a calf issue, Windsor’s set to get a crack at the big time early in the season. This early exposure is a massive plus for his development and fantasy prospects. If the AFL trends back towards favoring wing roles sometime soon or if he moves into a half-back position—a spot he’s more than equipped to handle—Windsor could very well be the next big fantasy sensation. Keep an eye on this one; he’s got the makings of a future standout.
5. Darcy Wilson
Darcy Wilson lands next on my list, and while he’s another winger – traditionally not our favorite for racking up fantasy points – there’s a case to be made here. St Kilda has a knack for producing high-scoring AFL Fantasy wingers, a prime example being Mason Wood’s standout season last year. With Wood advancing in age, Wilson is positioned as a potential successor, bringing fresh legs and a new dynamic to the team’s wing. Notably, Wilson boasted an average of over 100 in the talent league last year, which is hard to overlook. Moreover, St Kilda’s recruitment strategy seems to favor outside types, indicating a clear game plan to utilize players with Wilson’s profile. Considering these factors, Wilson’s future in fantasy leagues looks promising.
6. Ethan Read
Ethan Reed might seem like a long-term project, with a potential four-to-five-year wait before he breaks into the Gold Coast lineup. However, AFL Fantasy coaches with a keen eye for future talent should consider this an investment. Read’s plays like an extra midfielder which positions him as an exciting fantasy prospect. His capacity to influence the game across the ground hints that, once developed and firmly established in the team, Read could emerge as a fantasy stalwart. For those in dynasty or keeper leagues, securing Read early could prove to be a masterstroke, offering significant dividends when he hits his stride. It’s a strategic play for the patient coach, looking to build a winning squad for the seasons ahead.
7. Daniel Curtin
Daniel Curtain’s position on draft boards has seen a dip recently, a consequence of a preseason hampered by injuries and muted showings in the intraclub matches and the match simulation against Port Adelaide. Despite these setbacks, it’s crucial to recognize Curtain’s competence as a key defender, a role in which he naturally excels due to his robust defensive skills. However, it’s his attacking prowess that sparks excitement about his potential AFL Fantasy impact. The hope is that the Crows will leverage Curtain’s offensive traits by transitioning him to a half-back flank role, where he can utilize his intercepting ability and launch damaging counter-attacks. This shift is not guaranteed, but given Curtain’s demonstrated versatility and an impressive average of over 100 at the Under 18 Championships (achieved out of necessity in a midfield role due to a lack of depth in WA’s team) it’s a possibility that fantasy coaches should monitor closely. For those looking to the future, Curtain represents a speculative pick with a high upside if Adelaide opts to exploit his full range of skills.
8. Clay Hall
Clay Hall’s trajectory as an AFL Fantasy prospect took a hit with an unfortunate injury setback during the match simulation against Fremantle over the weekend. Before this, Hall was poised to make an early impact within West Coast’s developing midfield, a chance that now seems likely to face delays. His appeal as a fantasy asset is he’s a big-bodied midfielder capable of contributing both inside and outside. Moreover, his prowess as a tackling machine, with an average of eight tackles per game in the WAFL Colts, underscores his ability to accumulate AFL Fantasy points through sheer defensive effort. Coupled with an impressive average of over 100 fantasy points in the same league and some senior-level experience under his belt, Hall’s potential in AFL Fantasy is evident.
9. Kane McAuliffe
Kane McAuliffe is next up, bringing with him the promising profile of a big-bodied midfielder who’s shown he can rack up substantial AFL fantasy points, evidenced by his performances in the SANFL Under 18s last season. What stands out about McAuliffe is his impeccable timing in joining Richmond. With the Tigers in the throes of a rebuild and having recently bid farewell to the legendary Trent Cotchin, McAuliffe’s arrival couldn’t be more opportune. His playing style bears similarities to Cotchin’s, offering Richmond a potential long-term midfield solution. McAuliffe’s participation in the midfield during their recent match simulation, including securing some center bounce attendances, could signal Richmond’s intent to fast-track his development. McAuliffe is a name for AFL Fantasy coaches to watch closely, especially those looking for a player with the potential to grow into a key role within a transitioning team.
10. Zane Duursma
Placing Zane Duursma this far down might raise a few eyebrows, but let me lay out the rationale. Duursma turned heads with impressive scores at the underage levels, mainly operating from the forward line and the wing – the latter a position that, historically, hasn’t translated into big AFL Fantasy numbers at AFL level. The main puzzle with Duursma at the top level is finding him a regular spot on the wing, especially with Bailey Scott and Dylan Stephens already holding down those roles. I also don’t see how he finds a place as an inside midfielder given the depth they have there as well. This conundrum likely relegates him to the forward line. Now, while his forward positional status adds a valuable dimension to fantasy teams, it could cap his scoring potential compared to the midfielders and defenders ranked above him on this list. For those eyeing the long game, Duursma’s versatility is a plus, but it’s this very versatility that may initially limit his fantasy ceiling.
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