We drafted three teams of current AFL players. Which is the best?

In our first Real Footy podcast episode of 2025, we sat down to take part in a super draft, going head-to-head in an attempt to pick the best possible team of current footballers.

The rules were:

1. Players must be currently listed with an AFL team
2. Players must be picked in a position
3. When it’s your turn to pick, you have a maximum of 30 seconds to deliberate
4. Only 18 players picked per team (no bench/sub)

Now the teams are picked, it’s time to decide a winner.

We’ll be using a combination of factors. First, we need your votes in the poll below. Whoever wins the popular vote will get seven points; runner-up gets five points and third place gets three points.

We’ll also be awarding points per player for individual awards and accolades at the end of the season if they:

• Are named in the 2025 All-Australian team (five points);
• Win the Brownlow Medal, AFLPA MVP or coaches’ award (four points);
• Play in the grand final (four points);
• Win the Coleman Medal (three points);
• Win the Age footballer of the year award (two points).

You can listen to our draft wherever you get your podcasts, or via the embed below.

Then scroll down to view each team, read our pitches and vote on which one is best.

Libby Birch

My 18-man team is built around players who possess a blend of speed, composure, skill, and flair. Leading the charge is my No.1 pick, Nick Daicos, who sets the tone for the squad. The spine of the team features dominant tall players at both ends of the field: Jeremy McGovern, Harris Andrews, and Jacob Weitering hold down the back line, while Harry McKay, Nick Larkey, and Jesse Hogan are forwards capable of winning one-on-one contests and getting on the move inside 50. My half-forwards, Shai Bolton and Tom Papley, are two of the game’s best goalsneak specialists. Dylan Moore adds depth to the midfield, acting as a potential fifth at stoppages, and he ranked second for score assists in the competition last year. On the wings, I’ve selected players with excellent structural integrity – the foundation of a great wingman. Errol Gulden had the most metres gained in the competition in season 2024. In today’s game, strong play-making half-backs are crucial for rebounding out of defensive 50. Dan Houston, Max Holmes, and Harry Sheezel excel in this role, with elite kicking skills and impressive metres gained. This team strikes the perfect balance of youth and experience, ensuring it’s primed for long-term success.

Andrew Wu

Built on the three S’s – strength, speed and skill – this is a box office team that can also play hard, uncompromising football. There’s the size and muscle of clearance king Patrick Cripps, complemented by the power of Christian Petracca and the breakaway speed of Chad Warner. All are midfielders who can kick goals. In Charlie Curnow, Jeremy Cameron and Toby Greene, I have marking forwards who are also threats at ground level alongside electrifying goalsneaks Tyson Stengle and Kysaiah Pickett, and the creative and damaging Gryan Miers. Sam Taylor, Callum Wilkie and Aliir Aliir are key backs who can beat the best forwards one on one and leave their men to intercept, while Nick Blakey and Lachie Whitfield have pace and precision off half-back. My draft strategy was formed around securing elite midfield and key position talent early so to get Cripps, Curnow, Petracca, Taylor and draft slider Cameron with my first five picks set me up for a big haul.

Peter Ryan

My team is on the up rather than merely expecting 2024 to repeat itself. That’s why I opted for emerging stars Nick Watson and Sam Darcy as well as players who have been out of mind due to injuries – Riley Thilthorpe and Jordan Ridley. Thilthorpe and Darcy are ready to have breakout seasons. The midfield group is exceptional and matches their opponents. I expect my team to be rattling home at the end to leave the veterans (and their opposition) in the dust. I’ve also drafted the game’s best defender, Tom Stewart, and best ruckman, Max Gawn. Look out.

Leave us a comment or email [email protected] with your thoughts and questions.