2021 NAB AFL Draft: North Melbourne
1. Jason Horne-Francis
South Adelaide, SANFL/Christie Beach FC
State: South Australia
Height: 185cm
Weight: 81kg
Date of Birth: 21/06/03
Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft Prediction: 1
Medium midfielder whose stocks continued to rise after a standout year at League level in the SANFL, topped off by a best-on-ground performance in a losing preliminary final with 24 disposals and three goals in a damaging display for this young gun. An All-Australian and his state's MVP at Under-16s level just two years ago, he has now had two years of senior football under his belt and looks ready for the next step. Has rare ball-winning ability, whether it's at stoppages or overhead and is a dangerous player near goals. Averaged 16.5 disposals (8.8 contested), 4.2 tackles and 3.2 clearances in 20 games at senior level this year as well as representing both Australia at Under-18s level and South Australia at Under-19s level, showcasing his precocious talent. His 82cm running vertical jump at the South Australia Draft Combine gave a glimpse of his natural spring.
22. Josh Goater
Calder Cannons, NAB League / Sunbury FC / Sunbury College
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 02/06/03
Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft Prediction: 21
Versatile midfielder who uses his height, natural spring, speed and agility to win and use the ball efficiently in a range of roles both inside and outside and can also play in defence. His vision, decision-making and execution by hand and foot is a real weapon and stood out in his seven matches in the NAB League, averaging 24 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency with four clearances for the Calder Cannons. Backed that form up to be one of Victoria Metro's best in its win over Victoria Country at Under-19s level with 23 disposals, with his pace and ball use drawing comparisons with Port Adelaide young gun Xavier Duursma.
35. Paul Curtis
Western Jets, NAB League / Keilor FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 78kg
Date of Birth: 04/03/03
Medium forward with a sharp eye for a goal who burst onto the radar with four goals for the Western Jets in the NAB League early in the year before carrying that goalkicking form into Victorian Metro trials and then playing in the game against Victoria Country kicking a total of six goals in those two matches. A left-footer who anticipates well as a forward and first to move, he has strong hands overhead and on the lead. Played seven matches for the Jets averaging 12.1 disposals and two goals with his overall performances in the NAB League and for Victoria Metro earning him 'Team of the Year' honors. From a sporting family with his mother having represented her native country Tonga in netball.
38. Miller Bergman
Dandenong Stingrays, NAB League / Berwick FC / Mazenod College
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 65kg
Date of Birth: 25/01/03
Medium forward who also plays on the wing or at half-back. He's the player his team loves to see with the ball in his hands being a great decision-maker and user of the ball by hand and foot. Very lightly built now but has the repeatable skills and athletic traits to be a real AFL prospect as he develops physically. Showed his considerable potential in representing Victoria Country Under-19s in NAB AFL Draft Challenge match against Victoria Metro in July as well as impressing in seven matches for the Stingrays averaging 17.7 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency.
59. Jackson Archer
Northern Knights/Park Orchards
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 1/9/03
A father-son selection for North Melbourne, Jackson is the son of club legend Glenn. A lightly built defender at 70kg, Archer has come through the Northern Knights talent pathway. He has already worn North Melbourne colours, representing the club in the VFL in 2021. Like his dad, Archer is a tough, no-nonsense player who is tough in the contest and is willing to put his body on the line.
Rookie Draft
1. Jared Polec
