October’s AFL Academy bidding process is set to become an early mini-draft for the AFL clubs.
The AFL has released the names of 35 draft-eligible players from the northern states' club academies who can be bid for by all AFL clubs on October 6.
Adelaide was the only AFL club to bid for an Academy player last year, when Brisbane elected to secure key forward Jonathan Freeman by “matching” the Crows’ third-round offer.
But this year’s academies crop features a number of promising young players, including Sydney Swans academy product Isaac Heeney who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the draft and is expected to attract first round bids.
The AFL is considering proposals to change the draft process for academy players.
But under the current rules, AFL clubs have a right to bid for any of the nominated players and then the “home” club can match the offer with its next available draft selection.
If there are no bids for a player, he is available to all the clubs in the November national draft and then, if overlooked again, the home club has the option of adding the player to its rookie list before the rookie draft.
The Academy list:
Brisbane Lions – Harris Andrews (Aspley Hornets/Wilston Grange), Darcy Cameron-Reeves (Redlands/Morningside), Liam Dawson (Aspley Hornets/Wilston Grange), Matthew Hammelmann (Redlands/Morningside), Daniel Henderson (Maroochydore), William Kristelly (Maroochydore), Cameron Stevenson (Aspley/ University of Queensland), Matthew Ubergang (Redlands/ Western Magpies).
Greater Western Sydney – Logan Austin (Belconnen), Nicholas Coughlin (Albury Tigers), Thomas Faul, Jeremy Finlayson (Sydney Hills Eagles), Liam Griffiths, Brydan Hodgson (Lavington/Murray Bushrangers), Dougal Howard (Albury Tigers), Mitchell Mahady, Michael Mattingly (Corowa-Rutherglen), Jack Steele (Belconnen).
Sydney Swans – Abaina Davis (University NSW), Michael Dickson (University NSW), Jordan Foote (University NSW), Zachary Fyffe (North Shore), Isaac Heeney (NSW TAC Cup/Swans Reserves), Jack Hiscox (Sydney University), Vahid Roser (University NSW), Bradley Watson (Pennant Hills).
