With clubs in the midst of pre-seasons and practice matches around the corner, draftees across the country are pushing hard to make their AFL debut in Round 1.
There are obvious starters, like Will Ashcroft at the Lions, but plenty are racing the clock to catapult themselves into calculations.
Foxfooty.com.au assesses the players closest to an opening round debut at every club.
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
ADELAIDE
Pick No.17 Max Michalanney is in great touch this pre-season and is well and truly in the mix for a debut in round one.
The defender has shown plenty at training so far, with clean kicking and collected decision-making well beyond his age.
“Also for Crows fans Max Michalanney, our number one draft pick, he’s been outstanding as well,” former Crows captain Taylor Walker said on Triple M Breakfast.
Lions ace Charlie Cameron backs his boss | 02:04
BRISBANE
No surprises here, with Will Ashcroft perfectly poised to make his AFL debut in Brisbane’s season-opener against Port Adelaide.
Ashcroft hasn’t put a foot wrong so far and starred in an outing earlier this month, with the No.2 pick all-but certain to come straight into the senior side.
No.12 selection Jaspa Fletcher only started running last month following a back injury so he will be a little while yet.
CARLTON
Oliver Hollands (No.11) could benefit from the delayed start of the season of Sam Walsh, with a spot in the middle up for grabs and Hollands offering the two-way running ability Walsh has been so consistent in providing.
Lachie Cowan (No.30) would be the next in line for a debut after Hollands, but the former is the more likely round one inclusion.
The rest of Carlton’s draftees aren’t likely to be rushed into AFL action.
Walsh yet to confirm Carlton return | 01:55
COLLINGWOOD
Ed Allan (No.19) came along in leaps and bounds at the close of last year, rocketing up the draft rankings, so it makes sense he’d do something similar this pre-season with the Pies.
It may be stretching things to think he can break into the side for the season-opener against Geelong, but Allan’s athleticism and height are very appealing.
According to teammate Jeremy Howe, Allan’s physical attributes may’ve even improved before he’s even taken to the field.
“I actually made a comment to him post-Christmas when he came back that he looks like he’s grown even taller,” Howe said on SEN’s Sportsday this month.
“(With) his athleticism and that he can run extremely well, he’s going to give us a look on the wing.
“Predominantly we’ve gone with Steele and Josh Daicos. Good runners who are more small and agile. He’s probably more the taller athletic type that provides a bit of difference in that space.
“The future looks really bright for him and to his credit he’s put a lot of work into trying to figure out the way that we play. He’s fit in really well.”
Bombers dismiss Stringer injury concerns | 02:30
ESSENDON
Elijah Tsatas (No.5) would’ve been the obvious candidate here before he got injured. He’ll miss another couple of months with a meniscus injury.
Instead there could be a bolter in the form of Alwyn Davey Jnr (No.45).
Both he and brother Jayden Davey (No.54) have got long careers ahead of them and will not be rushed, but Alwyn Jnr could sneak into a Bombers forward line that has been hit by injuries, especially if he impresses through the pre-season.
Already he has impressed at training and while he may need more work on his overall fitness to play every week, with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also building his way back, Davey could be the big February bolter.
If we’re talking recruits, Will Setterfield could definitely be in the frame for a round one ‘debut’ for his new club.
Caldwell looking to elevate game in 2023 | 01:01
FREMANTLE
The Dockers’ meek draft hand means their crop is unlikely to make an immediate impact. Having said that, Tom Emmett (No.41) has impressed after injury and illness hampered him in the past.
Now 21, Emmett is more developed than the usual draftee and given Fremantle’s desire for more forward firepower he could get a look-in.
Emmett himself didn’t shirk the issue when asked at the end of last year if he thought he could make an early debut.
“Yeah, I do think I can play round one,” Emmett said.
“It’s that inner belief, the fact that I’ve overcome my obstacles in the past.
“There’s a young group and everyone is thinking they can play round one, and everyone should be thinking that. If everyone is fighting for spots, it’s just great for the squad.”
Rookie pick-up Liam Reidy was another who backed himself in.
“As Tom touched on, we got recruited for a reason,” he said.
“I think I’m right in the mix of it and I’ll be there putting pressure on the ruck spots.
“They (Darcy and Jackson) are probably top five ruckmen in the league and it’s probably the most privileged spot for me to be, learning from them and watching what they do.
“The next step is competing with them and making them better and making myself better as well.”
Dockers on the hunt for a new skipper | 02:23
GEELONG
Look, it appears unlikely the reigning premiers will roll out a fresh faced debutant for Round 1 given the sheer depth in their squad.
But the most likely of their contenders would be their number seven draft pick Jhye Clark.
The Cats scored the Geelong Grammar recruit in a trade steal, after the draft pick was packaged with the for Jack Bowes from the Suns.
Dwayne Russell was impressed by what he saw from Clark during a closed-door session.
“Jhye Clark looked good, the kid they picked up in the draft and I thought Ollie Dempsey looked well for a lot of it,” he said on SEN.
“They tried Max Holmes in the middle for a lot of centre bounces and they rotated a few guys through there – when Jhye Clark was in there he just kept getting it.”
He isn’t technically an AFL debutant, but Ollie Henry is tearing it up on the track and is firming for a round one clash with his old side Collingwood.
GOLD COAST
The Suns are hopeful their prized draft pick Bailey Humphrey will be able to shake off an injury concern to be fit for Round 1.
The number six pick has been battling knee soreness after a meniscus tear last year.
According to the Herald Sun, Humphrey remains on track over “overcoming” the complaint.
“My main goal is to play Round 1, and a lot of the coaches have sort of made that pretty clear that that should be my goal,” Humphrey said on SEN.
“I do a lot of my training in the forward line more as a high half-forward/extra mid… it’s a very hard position to play and that’s something I’m getting used to because I’m normally a deeper forward.
“Obviously the AFL boys are a lot stronger than me now, so I‘ve got to try and work harder to get back to goal quicker.”
GWS GIANTS
The number one draft pick Aaron Cadman is eyeing a Round 1 debut.
The 195cm forward, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks to be taken with the prized first pick, is showing he’s ready to step up against the bigger bodies of the AFL.
“I’d like to think so,” assistant coach Brett Montgomery said on SEN when asked with Cadman would debut early.
“He certainly hasn’t put a foot wrong so far. He’s only a slight build, incredibly athletic, he gets across the ground really well, so I don’t see why not.
“Obviously we’ll have the dilemma with Harry Himmelberg who’s a pivotal piece for us and whether he plays forward or back. At the moment he’s spending his time at the forward just to make sure that we’ve got some insurance if Aaron isn’t ready to go early in the season.
“But we’re really excited, really hopeful that he’ll play some meaningful football early.”
Draft pick 16 Harry Rowston showed plenty of grit when he matched up on Josh Kelly through the midfield in match simulation last week.
Darcy Jones (No.21) is another who looms early, after breaking a 14-year agility record at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.
HAWTHORN
The Hawks have made no secret of their list rebuild so expect plenty of fresh faces come Round 1.
First round picks Josh Weddle (pick 18) and Cam Mackenzie (pick 7) top that list as they’ve impressed coach Sam Mitchell.
Under new fitness boss Peter Burge, the duo have excelled on the training track – with Weddle even taking out the club’s time trial.
“He’s a really good size, great runner, shows a lot of speed with a great work ethic,” Hawks assistant Chris Newman said on SEN.
“He’s shown some things early on in the pre-season, we’re really excited by the way he attacks the game.
“He’s one of those players with really good size and good endurance that could fit it anywhere and any position that would suit the way we want to play.
“We feel like we’ve got some upside there and look forward to him progressing his journey.”
Midfield coach David Hale said he expected Mackenzie to put his hand up for early selection.
“Cam hasn’t looked out of place at all. He’s really confident and solid around the stoppages and he uses his strengths well,” he said.
“He has good reaction, his agility getting inside out is really good and he’s really clean.
“He’d be one that I expect to push for an early debut.”
Till 2025! May inks new Dees deal | 00:53
MELBOURNE
Top draft pick Matthew Jefferson (No.15) is viewed as a forward of the future but won’t be anywhere near the senior side for a little while yet.
Untried teen Jacob van Rooyen looks to be the Demons’ best chance for a Round 1 debut as Melbourne look to overcome last year’s late forward woes.
Adding some size to his frame after a second pre-season, van Rooyen could provide another target.
“The one to keep an eye on heading into Round 1 at Melbourne is a guy that hasn’t played yet, he’s a young key forward named called Jacob Van Rooyen,” AFL journalist Josh Gabelich said on SEN.
“There were calls later in the year to get him into the senior side, they didn’t do that in the end.
“They opted to wait and hold him back and he’s had a really big pre-season. There’s a feel he could come in and play Round 1.”
Given Christian Salem’s thyroid injury concerns, West Aussie Judd McVee could come into contention for a Round 1 shot.
McVee is known for his rebound out of defence – something that could help cover a potential Salem absence.
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos are ready to roll out their draftees, after they became just the second club to trade away the prized first pick.
Their first pick (at 3) Harry Sheezel looks all but locked in to face West Coast in Round 1 as he impresses this pre-season.
“The aim is to probably play as early as I can, and Round 1 would obviously be the first game,” Sheezel said.
“So, yeah, I am looking towards that, and that would be a great opportunity if it is to happen.
“It feels like with every game we play I‘m feeling more comfortable and getting more used to the level.”
The Roos second pick (at 4) George Wardlaw has been held out of repeat match simulations after a run of soft tissue issues last season.
Wardlaw’s lack of match prep may count against him come Rd 1.
But one name to watch is Blake Drury after his switch to the backline under new coach Alastair Clarkson.
“I‘d certainly like to play as early as I can and contribute to the team pretty early, but like I said I’m just trying to take it day by day, learn the new game style and just nail my role,” he said.
New captains timing ‘perfect’ at North | 02:13
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power endured a disappointing 2022 where they started with a shock 0-5 run and never recovered.
But Port Adelaide still possess a list with strengths across the park and won’t need to turn to their young guns just yet.
Tall forward Ollie Lord did look to be the best prospect of an early debut until a nasty collision at training saw him sidelined this month.
Lord copped a knee to the back, lacerating a kidney, and he is now recovering after a stint in hospital.
Rookie Nathan Barkla has impressed after coming through the club’s Next Generation Academy, but a Rd 1 debut looks unlikely.
Dixon feeling good ahead of season 13 | 01:21
RICHMOND
Richmond ended as one of the biggest trade period winners in 2022, picking up the likes of ex-GWS duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto.
But that meant their first pick in the draft was down at No.49 and Kaleb Smith, while impressive in his early showings at training, has been sidelined with foot bone stress.
With their midfield depth taken care of, Trent Cotchin looks set to spend more time forward, as does Shai Bolton in a dangerous attack end for coach Damien Hardwick. That means the likes of young Steely Green will have to bide his time in the VFL.
The club could turn to Tylar Young, who came to the club via the Mid-Season Draft, given Josh Gibcus’ absence in defence to start the season through injury.
“Young (pick 26 in the rookie draft) has been in our VFL program for a little while and hasn’t put a foot wrong,” Tigers footy boss Tim Livingstone said.
“He has great athleticism for a big guy and he will benefit from having an AFL pre-season at 196cm. We think he may have a future, this young fella.”
ST KILDA
Mattaes Phillipou looms large as a Round 1 debutant, after impressing new coach Ross Lyon.
Moving on quickly from his shock draft snubbing, where he was overlooked by Essendon, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Geelong and West Coast before being snapped up by the Saints at pick 10, Phillipou has been a standout on the training track.
“He‘s definitely a confident kid and he plays with that as well which is great to see on the track,” teammate Marcus Windhager said.
“He‘s been unbelievable, he’s fitted right in and he doesn’t look out of place when he trains. It’s pretty exciting times.”
SYDNEY
It was heartbreak for the Swans in 2022 with grand final defeat, but there’s plenty of confidence heading into the new year.
Coach John Longmire has never been shy in testing out his youngsters in big games, but a Round 1 debutant isn’t looking on the cards for the Swans at this point.
Pick 20 Jacob Konstanty is certainly leaving his mark and is one to watch as he works on his partnership with Tom Papley in the front half.
“He’s been fantastic. Everything he is, he’s that,” Longmire praised.
“But he’s also got a bit of class. He’s not just a hard chaser. That stood out to our playing group in the first session, he’s actually got some class.
“The two of them (Konstanty and Papley) buzz around together. I grabbed both of them together last week and put my arm around them and said, ‘geez it’s good to see you two working together’. It’s really good.”
Will Gould is a ready-made body should the Swans need injury cover in Round 1, while Marc Sheather also looms as a mature-ager.
Mills eager to stay Swans all-rounder | 00:51
WEST COAST
After a season to forget, there’s plenty of young Eagles knocking down the door to get the jump on Round 1, and none more so than first round pick Reuben Ginbey.
The talented teen has already set his sights on an opening round debut, and he could be joined by the likes of 2021 first round pick Campbell Chesser and fellow 2022 acquisition Elijah Hewett.
Ginbey, likened to teammate Elliot Yeo, has been enjoying a great pre-season.
“Round one would be amazing but we still have a way to go,” he said. “It would be great to play in those pre-season games and see where I go from there.
“I just want to get AFL ready. Which means getting my fitness up to standard, my skills up to standard and my knowledge of the game up to standard. I still have a way to go, but hopefully by round I can get to my goal of being AFL ready.”
Chesser missed West Coast’s entire 2022 campaign after suffering serious bone and ligament damage to his right ankle in a pre-season clash.
The midfielder has been held back from some contact drills in recent weeks, but played at half forward for the Eagles in match simulation on Friday.
Hewett remains an outside chance at a Rd 1 debut, but has the backing of premiership Eagle Andrew Embley.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs may have fallen at the first finals hurdle in 2022 after just scraping into the post-season, but that’s no reason to shake a working line up.
The Dogs will likely look to their incoming trade assets including Liam Jones and Rory Lobb in changes for Round 1.
Given their enviable tall options, 2022 first-rounder Jedd Busslinger would need to have a remarkable pre-season to break into the best 22 immediately.
