AFL’s virtual draft set for December

THE AFL hopes to stage its national draft on December 9 but they early talent bonanza is likely to be a pared-back virtual event.

The league has told clubs that the draft will be scheduled sometime in the week starting December 7, as it works with rival sports on a date to maximise coverage.

As part of Victoria’s concession after losing the Grand Final, the AFL agreed to hold two of the next three national drafts in the state.

Clubs were informed last week that Wednesday December 9 was the likely starting date for the two-day event.

But with recruiting teams spread around the country and border restrictions still in place, there seems no likelihood of holding an event in a given city. The league is more likely to hold a virtual event, with cameras broadcasting each of the 18 recruiting teams and their selections.

Victorian teens finish their exams in the first days of December, with the AFL keen to allow them to finish Year 12 before the draft.

Recruiters will have to play a guessing game over form given all Victorian players have sat idle while rival states have re started their leagues.

WAFL’s Logan McDonald is pushing SANFL 200cm forward-ruckman Riley Thilthor-pe to be the first tall chosen after the Western Bulldogs match a bid for NGA star teen Jamara Ugle-Hagan.

Victorian players will have a medical and might complete some fitness and football testing in the last week of October or in the days before the draft.