AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has profiled the top small and medium defenders in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft pool.

The 2024 Telstra AFL Draft will be held on Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21. The 2024 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Friday, November 22.

Sheehan's player profiles will be released in positional groups each week ahead of the Draft.

All players profiled attended the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft Combine or 2024 Telstra AFL State Draft Combine in October.

The small and medium defenders group includes four players who were selected in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships All Australian Team in Lachie Jaques, Xavier Lindsay, Harrison Oliver and Tobie Travaglia.

Lindsay was also named the 2024 Morrish Medal winner as the best and fairest player in the Coates Talent League.

Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Jaxon Artemis
State: Western Australia
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Jandakot Jets
Date of Birth: 07/02/2006
Height: 181cm

An athletic medium defender who is well-balanced and has the ability to set the game up with precise kicking from defence. Was a model of consistency at the Marsh AFL National Championships for Western Australia, averaging 16 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency and five rebound 50s. Was among his team’s best players against both Victoria Metro and Country and was rewarded with his team’s MVP award. His speed was impressive at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine, posting a time of 2.96 seconds for the 20m sprint which was ranked seventh overall.

Harry Charleson
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: East Point
Date of Birth: 26/06/2006
Height: 183cm

A rebounding defender with a good combination of speed and endurance. His intercept ability and precise kicking contributed to his excellent year at club and representative level for the GWV Rebels and Victoria Country. Has great versatility and can play high or deep and on talls and smalls. Averaged 17.8 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency for Victoria Country across four matches at the National Championships and was prolific for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League, averaging 21.4 disposals in 16 matches to share the club's best and fairest. His agility (8.23 seconds for the AFL agility test) and endurance (6:21 seconds in the 2km time trial) were both impressive at Draft Combine testing. Is the brother of Lachie, who was drafted by Port Adelaide last year.

Angus Clarke
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: East Gambier
Date of Birth: 02/11/2006
Height: 189 cm

Medium defender who excels in the air to intercept opposition forward thrusts and provides consistent rebound with his pinpoint kicking. Impressed for South Australia at the National Championships, averaging 17 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency, and was among his team’s best players against the Allies and Victoria Country. Played 10 games at under-18 level for Glenelg, where he averaged 16.7 disposals and five marks. His endurance and competitiveness were outstanding at the Draft Combine, with his 2km time trial effort of 6:16 in challenging windy conditions ranked third overall. Commuted weekly from the family farm at Mt Gambier to pursue his football goals.

David Colbert
Country: Ireland
State League Club: County Dublin
Community Club: Kilmacud Crokes
Date of Birth: 04/03/2004
Height: 185cm

A dual sport athlete who represented Ireland in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa and is also a Gaelic football star at club and county level. He has been developing his AFL skills over the past two years and uses his explosive speed, elite step and evasive skills to break open the play. Adapted to the oval ball very quickly in tryouts at AFL clubs conducted prior to the Draft Combine and was very impressive during testing at the national Combine event, recording 2.97 seconds for the 20m sprint (ranked ninth) and an impressive 6:29 in the 2km time trial which confirmed his endurance. Is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Hawthorn’s Conor Nash with his Irish heritage and elite rugby and Gaelic football background.

Lachie Jaques
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: St Mary’s
Date of Birth: 01/06/2006
Height: 185cm

A medium defender who showed the great ability to read cues to intercept mark then use the ball with precision on the rebound. He averaged 16.2 disposals at 78.5 per cent efficiency and 4.8 marks for Victoria Country at the National Championships and won All Australian honours, with his composure a feature of his play. Was a dominant player as captain of the Geelong Falcons, averaging 23 disposals in 14 matches and capped his year with selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. His time of 6:36 in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine was a strong indication of his endurance.

Xavier Lindsay
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Inverloch-Kongwak/Leongatha
Date of Birth: 03/08/2006
Height: 183cm

A left-footed medium defender and midfielder who displayed enormous footy nous in reading the cues to win the ball before making good decisions when distributing. A neat kick and aggressive tackler, he also showed good natural speed and agility. Was a standout at club and representative level and finished the National Championships in outstanding fashion, racking up 30 disposals against Victoria Metro which cemented All Australian honours. Starred for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League, where he averaged 23 disposals across 12 matches to win the Morrish Medal as the competition’s best and fairest player. A PCL injury in the final home and away game brought a premature end to his season but he is expected to have fully recovered by December.

Eoin McEvoy
Country: Ireland
State League Club: County Derry
Community Club: Magherafelt
Date of Birth: 02/10/2003
Height: 189cm

Another Irishman looking to follow in the footsteps of recent AFL premiership players Conor McKenna, Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor. Gaelic footballer who has played as a key defender at senior county level for Derry. Has the ability to compete well in one-on-one contests, intercept with his anticipation and then break the lines with his pace. Has also shown an ability to hit the scoreboard with his running ability and game awareness. Was presented a Player of the Month award at national level this year as Derry won the Provincial Championships in Ulster and went deep into the All-Ireland Championships and was previously selected in the 2020 All-Ireland Under 17 team when Derry won the Championship at that level. Impressed in skill workouts with clubs before the Draft Combine and then produced a solid showing in the 2km time trial during testing with a run of 6:37.

Harrison Oliver
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: St Bedes/Mentone
Date of Birth: 15/06/2006
Height: 181cm

A composed and hard running medium defender who helped set the play up for Victoria Metro with his great decision making and precise left-foot kicking. He averaged 16.2 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency and 3.2 tackles across four matches at the National Championships, with his speed also a weapon in breaking the lines. Was rewarded with All Australian honours and capped a great year with a premiership win for the Sandringham Dragons, where he was also selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Didn’t take part in physical testing at the Draft Combine due to illness.

Tobie Travaglia
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers
Community Club: Sandhurst
Date of Birth: 26/10/2006
Height: 187cm

An athletic defender who had an outstanding year at club and representative levels. His ability to intercept using his closing speed aerial presence and competitiveness stood out across the season. Was a key in setting the play up for Victoria Country during the National Championships, averaging 21.8 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency and 6.2 marks. Produced dominant games against South Australia and Victoria Metro and placed fifth in the Larke Medal with 15 votes, while also earning All Australian selection. Also produced strong displays against senior opposition when playing with the Australia U18 team and Carlton’s VFL outfit. That came off the back of strong form for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, where he averaged 24 disposals in 12 matches to earn Team of the Year selection. Finished second in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine with a time of 6:13.

Oliver Warburton
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Shepparton Swans
Date of Birth: 13/06/2006
Height: 185cm

A versatile defender and midfielder who finds the footy in any role he plays then uses his speed and neat disposals skills to create opportunities for his team. Was a model of consistency for Victoria Country at the National Championships, averaging 18.5 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency and was prolific in seven appearances for the Murray Bushrangers, averaging 26 disposals. Recorded a solid 6:47 for the 2km trial at the Draft Combine.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Riley Bice
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Werribee (VFL)
Community Club: Albury Tigers
Date of Birth: 26/09/2000
Height: 186cm

Medium defender/wingman who moved to the VFL this year after winning the Albury Tigers’ best and fairest in 2023. Had an outstanding year for Werribee which culminated in him playing a leading role in the club’s drought-breaking premiership win and earning selection in the VFL Team of the Year after averaging 22 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency across 21 matches. A left footer who is very composed with ball in hand, he is both a very good decision maker and distributor by hand and foot. Played with the Murray Bushrangers across the 2017-18 seasons but has taken time to fully develop. His results in the AFL agility test (8.17 seconds) and 2km trial time (6:31) were impressive at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.

Rome Burgoyne
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens/Port Adelaide
Community Club: Port District
Date of Birth: 29/08/2006
Height: 182cm

Developing medium defender who intercepts well and is a one-touch player. Can set up his team with his elite decision making, speed and ball use. Played 10 matches for Woodville-West Torrens at under-18 level this year, averaging 23 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency. His impressive performances saw him earn selection for South Australia’s final match of the National Championships, where he acquitted himself well against Victoria Metro. Is the son of former Port Adelaide champion Peter and is eligible to join the Power under the AFL’s father-son rule. Was given permission to play three games for Port Adelaide’s SANFL team, which allowed him to experience the next level. Capped an impressive year with 27 disposals and six clearances to feature being among the Eagles best players in their SANFL U18 Grand Final victory.

Tate Delmenico
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Henley
Date of Birth: 05/12/2006
Height: 190cm

Medium defender whose ability to read the play and intercept mark was a real strong point in his games at under-18 level for Woodville-West Torrens. Averaged 16 disposals and seven marks in 12 matches and went on to play three matches for South Australia at the National Championships. Tested well athletically at the state Draft Combine in South Australia, where he recorded top three finishes in the 20m sprint (3.04 seconds) and agility test (8.21 seconds).

Jett Hasting
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Central Yorke
Date of Birth: 22/05/2006
Height: 181cm

Was a solid performer for South Australia in three National Championships matches, averaging 10.5 disposals. He starred in the SANFL U18 competition for Woodville-West Torrens, averaging 23 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and won the Alan Stewart Medal for his best on ground performance in the Eagles’ Grand Final victory. Was impressive at the state Draft Combine in South Australia, where he claimed the 2km time trial in a time of 6:29.

Lennox Hofmann
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
Date of Birth: 08/08/2006
Height: 190cm

Medium defender with dazzling speed who can take a strong intercept mark. Was a consistent performer for Victoria Metro in three matches at the National Championships. Continued to develop in his 10 games at the Sandringham Dragons, averaging 12 disposals, and was among his team’s best in their Coates Talent League Grand Final win over the GWV Rebels, taking several strong contested marks. Is eligible to join St Kilda as an NGA selection as his parents are born in Switzerland. His 2.86 seconds on the 20m sprint at the state Draft Combine was an eye-catching performance.

Zak Johnson
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: St Mary’s
Date of Birth: 24/12/2006
Height: 185cm

Medium defender who can also apply his trade in the midfield. His ability to read the play and clean ball use are real strengths in his game. Was a consistent performer in defence for Victoria Metro, averaging 14 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency in their Championship-winning campaign. He was also a dominant player for the Northern Knights averaging 26 disposals in 12 matches to win his team's best and fairest and earn selection in the 2024 Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A shoulder injury kept him out of testing at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.

Ben Kennedy
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Yarrawonga
Date of Birth: 02/07/2006
Height: 189cm

Athletic defender who can play on taller or smaller opponents. Is also composed under pressure and a sound distributor. Mixed his football between the Murray Bushrangers and Xavier College, with his strong form and potential earning him selection for the Allies in all four matches at the National Championships. His best performance came against Victoria Country, where he was named among the Allies best. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne due to injury.

Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Old Haileybury
Date of Birth: 18/01/2006
Height: 178cm

Small defender and midfielder who is a penetrating kick and is able to negate his opponents with his strong defensive mindset. Played 13 matches for the Sandringham Dragons this year and averaged 17 disposals. Was among their best with 21 disposals and 10 marks in the Grand Final victory over the GWV Rebels, with his vision and precise kicking a real feature. His speed off the mark and agility were confirmed at the state Draft Combine, where he produced a time of 2.97 for the 20m sprint and 8.31 seconds for the agility test.

Blake Leidler
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Surrey Park
Date of Birth: 20/03/2006
Height: 181cm

Medium defender who can also go forward and have an impact. A strong contested ball winner who excels one-on-one, he also intercepts well. Mixed his football this year between college and club, with his dash from the back half of ground eye-catching in nine matches with the Oakleigh Chargers, where he averaged 13 disposals. Confirmed his athletic prowess with a slick 2.89 seconds on the 20m sprint and a sharp 8.15 seconds for the agility test at the state Draft Combine.

Loch Mactaggart
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Perth
Community Club: Northam Saints
Date of Birth: 27/08/2006
Height: 184cm

Medium defender whose explosive pace was a standout when representing Western Australia in three matches at the National Championships, where he averaged 18 disposals. Also displayed a competitive and aggressive mindset and showed he could lock down on an opponent. Was his state’s best player against Victoria Country when he picked up 20 disposals, six rebound 50s and four tackles. Averaged 16 disposals in eight club under-18s matches sharing his season between Scotch College and Perth colts. Impressed in testing at the state Draft Combine in Perth with both his agility (8.09 seconds) and running vertical jump (89cm) among the best performances across the state Draft Combine group.

Louie Montgomery
State: South Australia
State League Club: North Adelaide/Port Adelaide
Community Club: Glenunga
Date of Birth: 24/04/2006
Height: 184cm

Medium defender with strong hands overhead and a powerful natural leap. A consistent player at under-18s level for North Adelaide where he averaged 21 disposals and four marks in eight matches. He also played all four National Championships matches for South Australia, averaging 10 disposals. Is the son of former Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide star Brett Montgomery but is only eligible for the latter under AFL father-son rules. He was granted permission to play for Port Adelaide’s SANFL team late in the season giving him a taste at senior level. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine due to a hamstring injury.

Charlie Orchard
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Langwarrin
Date of Birth: 17/06/2006
Height: 190cm 

Medium defender who developed into a Draft prospect as the season unfolded with his intercept marking and precise decision-making features of his game. Played 17 matches with the Dandenong Stingrays during the Coates Talent League season, averaging 15.4 disposals and 3.6 marks with his run and carry out of the back half coming to the fore.

Luke Quaynor
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: East Doncaster
Date of Birth: 17/03/2006
Height: 180cm

Small defender who uses his speed to break open the game, along with his penetrating left foot kick. Is still developing his defensive craft, but he is strong one-on-one and has a sharp competitive edge. He played 12 matches with the Oakleigh Chargers where he averaged 13 disposals and was promoted to play two matches with Collingwood’s VFL team to further his football education. Is the brother of Collingwood premiership player Isaac and is eligible to join the Magpies under NGA rules.