AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top small and medium forwards 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 forwards group features a host of the most exciting players in this year’s Draft, including Next Generation Academy prospects Isaac Kako and Malakai Champion and Marsh AFL National Championships All Australian forward pocket Joe Berry.
Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.
NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE
Jasper Alger
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Warragul
Date of Birth: 17/12/2006
Height: 182cm
Medium forward who is strong overhead, quick on the burst and a fine decision maker, with his goal kicking also an asset. Mixed his football this year between the Oakleigh Chargers and Caulfield Grammar, as well as representing Victoria Country in all four matches of the Marsh AFL National Championships, which included a three-goal haul against South Australia. Played six matches in the Coates Talent League for the Chargers, averaging 11 disposals and kicking eight goals. His four-goal effort against the Calder Cannons in the Wildcard Round was an impressive performance before suffering a broken finger in a basketball training mishap which ruled him out of the remaining finals. Tested extremely well at the national Draft Combine, ranking fourth on the 20m sprint (2.95 seconds) and tenth on the agility test (8.14 seconds).
Joe Berry
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Wangaratta
Date of Birth: 18/04/2006
Height: 181cm
A crafty left-footed small forward who has proved to be one of the most dangerous players of his type in this year’s Draft pool. Presents on the lead with real speed, works hard up the ground to win the ball, has elite one-touch hands at ground level and innate goal sense. Booted an equal-high nine goals during the National Championships and averaged 13.2 disposals and three tackles to win All Australian honours. Was also star for the Murray Bushrangers during the Coates Talent League season, averaging 14 disposals and kicking 27 goals, which included four bags of four. Was a joint winner of the Bushrangers’ best and fairest award and was selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Did not test at Combine due to illness.
Ned Bowman
State: South Australia
State League Club: Norwood
Community Club: Orroroo
Date of Birth: 12/09/2006
Height: 186cm
An emerging versatile player who really began to attract interest after he held an amazing mark earlier in the year during an under-18s game for Norwood. The grab highlighted his natural leap and aerial prowess. Showed slices of talent across four matches for South Australia during the National Championships, including three goals against Western Australia to be among his team’s best. Mixed his football between St Peters College and Norwood in the SANFL U18 competition, playing ten matches for the Redlegs where he averaged 12 disposals and kicked 18 goals. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine with his 3.00 seconds on the 20m sprint and 6:35 for the 2km time trial showing a good combination of speed and endurance.
Malakai Champion
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Subiaco
Community Club: Mines Rovers
Date of Birth: 17/05/2006
Height: 172cm
A small forward with dazzling speed and agility who plays with zest and energy and is a real livewire inside forward 50. Kicked 22 goals in 18 matches across club and representative football this year, including three goals for Western Australia against Victoria Metro in the National Championships and three goals on senior debut for Subiaco against the West Coast Eagles in the WAFL. Is part of West Coast’s Next Generation Academy, with the Eagles having priority access to the small forward in the Draft. Was outstanding during testing at the Draft Combine, ranking fifth on the 20m sprint (2.94 seconds) and second on the agility test (7.84 seconds).
Jesse Dattoli
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Heidelberg
Date of Birth: 07/08/2006
Height: 179cm
A crafty small forward/midfielder who can mark well overhead for his size and excel in big moments for his team. Is also a tough and courageous player with elite skills, including being an excellent set shot for goal. Was an important member of Victoria Metro’s title-winning team at the National Championships, averaging 15 disposals and seven marks, as well as kicking three goals in his four matches. Also had an excellent year with the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23 disposals (11 contested), four clearances and 1.7 goals a game. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to knee injury.
Hamish Davis
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Subiaco
Date of Birth: 02/05/2006
Height: 190cm
An athletic medium forward who presents well as a marking target and uses his power to split packs and his endurance to outwork his opponents. Had a progressive year, dominating early at Colts level for Claremont, where he averaged 23 disposals and kicked 14 goals in nine matches, as well as being Western Australia’s most dangerous forward at the National Championships. He averaged 14.5 disposals and 1.8 goals at the Championships, including kicking 3.3 against Victoria Country in his best performance. Went on to play seven matches at senior level with Claremont, which included an impressive performance of four goals and 21 disposals against East Fremantle in Round 22. Was selected in the WAFL Colts Team of the Year and topped his breakout year winning the Mel Whinnen Medal for his best on ground performance in Claremont’s Colts Grand Fina victory, which gave the club back-to-back premierships. His 6:18 seconds for the 2km time trial ranked fifth at the national Draft Combine.
Archer Day-Wicks
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers
Community Club: Sandhurst
Date of Birth: 13/05/2006
Height: 186cm
Left footed medium forward who is strong overhead for his size and capable of kicking special goals. Had an injury interrupted start to the year but showed some of his qualities in three matches for Victoria Country, averaging 10.3 disposals and 1.3 goals per game during the National Championships. Had a consistent year with the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 17 disposals and kicking 15 goals in 14 matches. His best game was in Round 16 against the Northern Knights where he collected 23 disposals and kicked three goals. His 6:32 seconds in the 2km time trial was a strong performance at the Draft Combine.
Josh Dolan
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Beaumaris
Date of Birth: 11/11/2006
Height: 177cm
Small midfielder/forward with dazzling pace and clean hands who is very damaging by foot. A very team-oriented and creative player, he averaged 13 disposals in three matches for Victoria Metro despite limited midfield minutes. He averaged 19.8 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency with the Sandringham Dragons in five Coates Talent League matches this year. A premiership player with the Dragons in 2023, a knee injury curtailed his 2024 season and saw him miss the finals series this year. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to that knee injury.
Taj Hotton
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Hampton Rovers
Date of Birth: 17/06/2006
Height: 182cm
A high half forward who showed slices of real talent when he started 2024 in sensational form, including having 32 disposals and kicking four goals against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2 of the Coates Talent League season. He then showed real class for the Australia U18 team against VFL outfit Coburg, logging 18 disposals and kicking two goals to be among the best players. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury at training before the National Championships, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. However, his talent and potential were obvious early in the year and AFL clubs will be closely monitoring his rehabilitation ahead of the Draft. He is the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton, although he is not eligible as a father-son to either club, while his older brother Oli is on St Kilda’s list. Did not test at the Draft Combine as he continues his recovery from his knee injury.
Isaac Kako
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Northern Saints
Date of Birth: 07/03/2006
Height: 176cm
Small forward who is dynamic with his speed and lateral movement being difficult to contain for opponents. Works extremely hard to create opportunities for his team and is extremely unselfish. Has innate goal sense and booted 28 majors in Talent Pathway competitions this year, including three goals in an impressive display for Victoria Metro in the National Championships title-decider against Victoria Country. Averaged 14.5 disposals (50 per cent contested) and kicked eight goals to be a star in the Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours. Was also a consistent performer for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League, averaging 19 disposals per game and earning Team of the Year selection. His three goals and 29 disposals against the Gold Coast Suns Academy was a standout performance. His parents hail from Iraq and he is eligible to join Essendon as a Next Generation Academy selection. Did not test at Combine due to an ankle injury.
Jacob Newton
State: South Australia
State League Club: Norwood
Community Club: Elliston
Date of Birth: 20/03/2006
Height: 179cm
Small midfielder/forward who adapted well to playing in attack for South Australia at the National Championships. Was among his side’s best with three goals against Victoria Country and again played his role well with a strong performance against Western Australia. Averaged 12 disposals and 1.5 goals in the four matches for his state. Was a dominant midfielder at club level for Norwood, averaging 23.6 disposals (16 contested), seven clearances and four tackles in the SANFL U18 competition. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to a foot injury.
Rhys Unwin
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Cobden
Date of Birth: 11/10/2006
Height: 179cm
Left footed small midfielder/forward who returned from an ankle injury midway through the year to give a glimpse of his exciting potential. A super clever player who is good in traffic and can hit the scoreboard, his dazzling speed was also a real weapon in two games for Victoria Country at the National Championships. Was excellent for the GWV Rebels in the back half of the Coates Talent League season, playing 11 matches. His 19 disposals and a goal in the Grand Final against the Sandringham Dragons was one of his best performances. Was a standout in testing at the national Draft Combine, ranking third in the 20m sprint (2.88 seconds) and fifth on the agility test (8.01 seconds).
STATE DRAFT COMBINE
Benny Barrett
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Happy Valley
Date of Birth: 01/05/2006
Height: 172cm
Small midfielder/forward who made an immediate impact when he played in the final two matches for South Australia at the National Championships. His pace, ball winning ability and footy smarts saw him feature among his team’s best players against Western Australia and Victoria Metro. Split his season between playing under 18s and reserves football at South Adelaide, averaging 17 disposals in 17 matches and kicking seven goals. His parents hail from Papua New Guinea and he is eligible to Port Adelaide as a Next Generation Academy selection. Was ultra impressive in the 20m sprint at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide, recording a blistering 2.91 seconds.
Evan Bradley
State: South Australia
State League Club: North Adelaide
Community Club: Golden Grove
Date of Birth: 17/01/2006
Height: 174cm
Crafty and explosive small forward who lit up the forward line in South Australia’s win over the Allies in the first match of the National Championships with three goals. Averaged seven disposals and 1.5 goals in the four matches for his state. At club level he played 13 matches at under-18 level for North Adelaide, averaging 12 disposals and kicking 18 goals. He also got a taste of reserves football. His time of 8.38 seconds on the agility test ranked third in the state Draft Combine held in Adelaide.
Waylon Davey-Motlop
State: Northern Territory
State League Club: Northern Territory Academy/Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Palmerston
Date of Birth: 26/09/2006
Height: 171cm
Small forward with exceptional ability around goals both from long range and in pressured and tight situations. Mixed his football between Scotch College, the Oakleigh Chargers, and the Northern Territory Academy throughout the 2024 season. He also played a game with the Allies at the National Championships after kicking five goals against eventual premiers the Sandringham Dragons in an impressive mid-season performance. Played nine matches for the Chargers, averaging nine disposals and kicking 19 goals, which included another bag of five against the Calder Cannons in Wildcard Round.
Josaia Delana
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: GWS Giants Academy
Community Club: East Coast Eagles/Willoughby
Date of Birth: 01/07/2006
Height: 176cm
Small forward of Fijian descent who plays with zest and high energy. Wins the ball with his clean hands then create with his vision and crisp decision making. Was at his best for the Allies in their National Championships win over Western Australia, where he picked up 19 disposals and laid 14 tackles. Across the Championships he averaged 13 disposals and seven tackles in four matches. A team-oriented player with an infectious personality, he is part of the GWS Giants Academy and represented the Giants in the Coates Talent League and VFL over the past two years. Performed well at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, recording 8.39 seconds on the agility test and 6:38 for the 2km time trial.
Asher Eastham
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community: Heyfield
Date of Birth: 13/05/2006
Height: 190cm
Medium forward who also played across half back later in the year. Is strong overhead and has accurate disposal. Kicked 24 goals as a forward then used his intercept aerial ability and precise ball use to great effect down back as well. Played 16 matches for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League, averaging 12 disposals and five marks. His standout performance came against the Northern Knights when he picked up 20 disposals and 11 marks. Tested impressively at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, posting 2.98 seconds on the 20m sprint and 8.25 seconds on the agility test.
Oliver Hannaford
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Sandhurst
Date of Birth: 01/09/2006
Height: 180cm
A versatile player who can play back, midfield or forward. Starred in the latter role late in the season for the GWV Rebels, kicking five goals against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 18 and then a bag of six in the qualifying final against the Geelong Falcons. He represented Victoria Country in three matches at the National Championships and was selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year after averaging 17 disposals and four tackles per game for the Rebels and kicking 21 goals in 17 matches. Finished off his year being the Rebels best player in their Grand Final loss to the Sandringham Dragons, picking up 24 disposals with his aggressive edge and vitality prominent in his performance. His speed (2.95 seconds on the 20m sprint) and agility (7.92 seconds on the agility test) were both ranked in the top bracket at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Keighton Matofai-Forbes
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Keilor
Date of Birth: 02/02/2006
Height: 188cm
Powerful medium forward of Samoan decent whose impressive form in the middle of the year won him selection for Victoria Metro in the final match of the National Championships. Showed glimpses of his talent with his strong marking, and long kicking being features of his game before suffering an injury. Averaged 12 disposals and kicked 11 goals in seven matches for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League.
Ricky Mentha
State: Northern Territory
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Morwell/Pioneer
Date of Birth: 04/09/2006
Height: 178cm
Small forward who is crafty and agile with natural goal sense and a good burst of speed. Relocated from Alice Springs to Gippsland with his family last year. Represented Australia as part of the Marsh AFL National Academy this year, as well as playing for the Allies in the National Championships. Averaged 12 disposals in 14 matches for the Gippsland Power in the Coates Talent League and was at his best against the Western Jets in Round 16 with 22 disposals to be among his team’s best. Is eligible to join Melbourne as a Next Generation Academy member.
Josh Murphy
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: North Albury
Date of Birth: 26/11/2006
Height: 190cm
Explosive forward who is quick on the lead and has strong hands out in front. Uses his strong frame in one-on-one contests to outmaneuver his opponent and is an accurate kick for goal. Kicked 32.13 in 11 games for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League to lead the competition goalkicking and was rewarded with Team of the Year selection. Kicked a further seven goals for the Allies at the National Championships, including three goals against South Australia in his best performance. Showed his burst of speed recording 2.99 seconds for the 20m sprint at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, as well as a sound endurance base with 6:42 on the 2km time trial.
Elwood Peckett
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Bonbeach
Date of Birth: 26/03/2006
Height: 187cm
Medium forward who has emerged as a potential Draft prospect this year after impressing with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League. Played 16 matches and averaged 17.4 disposals, with a season-best 25 disposals and five goals against the Murray Bushrangers in Round 17. Is the son of former St Kilda star Justin Peckett who played 252 games for the Saints, making him eligible under the father-son rule. Tested soundly at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, recording 3.06 seconds on the 20m sprint and 8.34 seconds for the agility test.
River Stevens
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Newtown & Chilwell
Date of Birth: 26/06/2006
Height: 176cm
Small forward who reads the game well and is dangerous when near goal. A strong kick and courageous, he showed distinct potential in two matches for Victoria Country at the National Championships, averaging 13 disposals and 1.5 goals. Was also impressive for the Geelong Falcons, playing five matches and averaging 16 disposals in the Coates Talent League. Was selected as best on the ground in the annual college derby between Geelong College and Geelong Grammar this year. Is the son of former North Melbourne champion and AFL Hall of Fame member Anthony Stevens, who played 292 matches for the Kangaroos, and is eligible for selection under the father-son rule.
Sam Toner
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Narre Warren
Date of Birth: 23/10/2005
Height: 184cm
Medium forward who was approved as an overage player for the Dandenong Stingrays later in the year after starring for Narre Warren at senior level, where he kicked 50 goals. Had an immediate impact for the Stingrays, kicking five goals against the Eastern Ranges in Round 16 in his second match before a broken wrist interrupted his season. Only played in four matches in the Coates Talent League but did enough to impress the scouts. Has good speed, is agile and marks strongly one-on-one, as well as having an innate goal sense. Tested soundly at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, particularly in the 20m sprint (3.05 seconds) and agility test (8.27 seconds).
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Small and medium defenders
