AFL Draft 2021: Which players are predicted to go top five?

The AFL Draft 2021 will take place over two nights, with the first round held this evening on Wednesday November 24. 

The remainder of the national draft will be completed the following night on Thursday November 25, with the NAB AFL Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts to begin on Friday November 26.

Marvel Stadium is hosting the draft, with all 18 clubs making their selections remotely from corporate boxes around the venue, and the whole event being run virtually from the AFL Review Centre.

Proceedings will begin from Melbourne at 7.10pm AEDT tonight, and will be broadcast live via Fox Footy and streamed on Kayo Sports. 

Sporting News ranked the top 20 candidates in a phantom draft, and it is now time to delve in the top five candidates. 

No. 1 – Jason Horne-Francis (North Melbourne)

Position: Midfielder/Utility

Height: 184cm

Weight: 78kg

Clubs: South Adelaide (SANFL), Christies Beach (local)

Jason Horne-Francis is the strong favourite to be selected first in the AFL Draft 2021, with the 18-year-old midfielder enjoying a strong season with South Adelaide. His most notable traits include a crafty skillset and a strong and competitive mindset.

If selected, he will be the first South Australian No.1 draft pick since Bryce Gibbs in 2006. Horne-Francis played alongside Gibbs at the Panthers this season, and scored three goals and made 24 disposals in their preliminary final loss to Glenelg.

North Melbourne have openly expressed their intention to select Horne-Francis with the first pick, and appear to have no intentions to engage in trade packages. 

Speaking to media, Horne-Francis believes he is ready for the big leagues.

« I’m very well prepared for it, » Horne-Francis said.

« It sits well with me, to be honest. I feel like I’m pretty good with handling the pressure and my footy will take care of itself. »

No. 2 – Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs, matching GWS’ bid)

Position: Forward/Utility

Height: 204cm 

Weight: 75kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers

Sam Darcy – described as a ‘unicorn’ by former player and coach Jason Davenport – is an up-and-coming talent expected to be selected early in this year’s draft.

At 205cm, Darcy’s height is a major asset, and allows him to play in a number of positions including ruck, forward, or back. For a player of his height, he is also very mobile and possesses a strong kicking game. 

Although his lean frame has many questioning his strength, his raw talent alone appears enough to warrant a potential No. 2 pick. 

He is also notably the son of former AFL player Luke Darcy, and is in line to be selected by his father’s former club, Western Bulldogs. 

No. 3 – Finn Callaghan (GWS)

Position: Midfielder

Height: 189cm

Weight: 82kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons

Finn Callaghan’s broad skillset has put him in good stead for the 2021 draft, and is expected to be comfortably selected in the top five. The 18-year-old midfielder is touted for his all-round abilities, with athleticism, disposal efficiency, and composure considered his strongest assets.

A string of injuries at his club Sandringham Dragons gave Callaghan more opportunities to put his well-rounded play on show, and he began to attract attention from scouts. In the lead up to the draft, he has even drawn comparisons to Western Bulldog’s skipper Marcus Bontempelli. 

Speaking to The Age, Callaghan knows he will need to develop further skills-wise, but is confident his mentality and composure will position him well in the league.

“I think I’ve always been pretty composed when I have the footy. I generally make pretty good decisions, so I think it’s something I’ve been blessed with since I was younger, » Callaghan said.

“It’s hard to develop that. You’ve either got it, or you don’t.”

No. 4 – Nick Daicos (Collingwood, matching Gold Coast’s bid)

Position: Midfielder

Height: 183cm

Weight: 82kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers

Nick Daicos will be known amongst AFL fans for his noticeable surname, with a strong family history in the league. He is the son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos, and is not the only player in this draft expected to be picked up by their father’s former team, with Sam Darcy predicted to be selected by the Western Bulldogs. Nick’s brother Josh also currently plays for the Magpies.

Daicos has made a name for himself with his in-game intelligence, scouted as a player with the smarts to be able to effectively influence a game from the midfield. He has also been recognised for his leadership qualities, and has potential to develop into an AFL team captain. 

His strength and physical impact have been identified as weaknesses, but do not appear to be detrimental to his draft stock.

No. 5 – Mac Andrew (Gold Coast)

Position: Ruck/Forward

Height: 200cm

Weight: 70kg

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays

Mac Andrew has established himself this year as AFL draft-ready, despite being viewed as a ‘project’ player prior to 2021.

Standing at 200cm, Andrew is a strong aerial threat and is known for his athleticism and versatility. He has also demonstrated a soft pair of hands, making him a key marker of the ball. 

Like many young draftees, strengh is a concern for the 18-year-old out of Dandenong, who has a very lean build. Andrew’s skills are also raw, but the potential he has already demonstrated makes him a key draft asset. 

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