AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top tall forwards and rucks in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft pool.
There are 29 players featured in the group, including Victoria Metro and Sandringham Dragons spearhead Harry Armstong, South Australian star ruck and basketball convert Alex Dodson and Allies and Bendigo Pioneers key forward Jobe Shanahan who starred in three VFL appearances for Essendon.
Sheehan's player profiles are being 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 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.
Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.
NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE
Harry Armstrong
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Ormond
Date of Birth: 14/06/2006
Height: 195cm
Mobile tall forward who is an outstanding contested mark, has sure hands on the burst and is a difficult player to contain with his speed on the lead. Emerged for Victoria Metro in the Marsh AFL National Championships with three goals against South Australia and then capped it off with five goals against Victoria Country in the title-decider to win All Australian honours. A long and accurate left-foot kick, he continued to show his match-winning ability with the Sandringham Dragons, kicking 27 goals in 10 matches, including four in their Grand Final win against the GWV Rebels. Capped a breakout year by earning Coates Talent League Team of the Year honours. His result in the agility test at the national Draft Combine was outstanding for a player of his type, being ranked seventh with a time of 8.13 seconds.
Floyd Burmeister
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Redan
Date of Birth: 04/05/2006
Height: 199cm
Mobile ruckman/tall forward who is still very raw but brings great energy and competitiveness. A first-choice athlete with a tremendous natural leap, he can be a dangerous marking target in the forward line and is clean at ground level, attributes he showed for both the GWV Rebels and Victoria Country this year. A natural left-footer, he led Victoria Country’s ruck at the National Championships and was among their best players against Victoria Metro in the final game which gave a glimpse of his future potential. Played an important role in the Rebels’ run to the Coates Talent League Grand Final, playing 15 matches and averaging 10 disposals and 10 hitouts. His testing supported his athletic profile at the national Draft Combine, with his running vertical jump of 90cm ranked sixth and his 3.05 seconds for the 20m sprint and 6:36 for the 2km time trial also strong performances.
Alex Dodson
State: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Payneham
Date of Birth: 15/06/2006
Height: 201cm
A developing ruckman who is extremely athletic and competitive. His mobility is a great weapon in winning the ball around the ground, while his vertical leap and reach are both assets at stoppages. Missed the opening game of the National Championships due to basketball commitments after winning a gold medal playing basketball for Australia at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. He then emerged as the number one ruckman in the Championships with his performances in three matches for South Australia, averaging 17.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 3.7 clearances and 19.7 hitouts to earn All Australian honours. Played nine matches for Sturt in at under-18 level and was again dominant, averaging 21 disposals, four marks and 25 hitouts.
Jonty Faull
Pronunciation: Fall
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Redan
Date of Birth: 01/02/2006
Height: 195cm
A tall forward who is agile and strong overhead with his vice-like grip. He recovered from a back complaint which interrupted his start to the year to play some outstanding football for the GWV Rebels and Victoria Country at club and representative levels. Loves the contest and attacks the ball aggressively in the air and at ground level. Finished the year kicking 27 goals in 11 matches for the Rebels, including five against the Oakleigh Chargers in the preliminary final, before winning selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Tested well on the agility test at the Draft Combine, recording a time of 8.34 seconds.
Kayle Gerreyn
Pronunciation: Jer-rine
State: Western Australia
State League Club: West Perth
Community Club: Joondalup Kinross
Date of Birth: 10/05/2006
Height: 199cm
A mobile tall forward or ruckman with excellent skills on both sides of his body for a player of his size. Had an excellent season with West Perth in the WAFL Colts, averaging 21.5 disposals and 6.2 marks to earn selection in the Team of the Year and was promoted to play two games at senior level late in the season. Showed some potential playing all four matches for Western Australia in the National Championships, averaging 12.5 disposals and nine hitouts, while also kicking five goals. Ranked sixth for the agility test at the national Draft Combine with a time of 8.08 seconds, which was outstanding for a player of his size.
Charlie Nicholls
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Mintaro Manoora
Date of Birth: 08/06/2006
Height: 197cm
A lightly-built but extremely athletic tall forward who also showed he can play in defence during the National Championships. He has a high work rate and keeps presenting as a marking target up forward. Looks to have enormous scope for further development with his marking and mobility real assets. Averaged 15 disposals and 7.5 marks across 11 matches at under-18 level in the SANFL. He also hit the scoreboard, booting multiple goals in eight matches for a total of 22 majors. His sharp turn of foot and work rate stood out at the national Draft Combine recording 2.96 seconds for the 20m sprint and 6:41 for the 2km time trial, both impressive results for a key position prospect.
Aiden Riddle
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: North Beach
Date of Birth: 27/12/2005
Height: 200cm
Developing ruckman who competed fiercely for Western Australia at the National Championships and was named among his team’s best against the Allies and South Australia. Averaged 19.8 hitouts, 9.3 disposals and 2.5 marks across four matches. Continued to consistently provide his team with first use of the ball at Colts level in Claremont’s run to win back-to-back premierships, averaging 14.2 disposals, three marks and 26 hitouts across the season. Presented well athletically at the Draft Combine with his speed (3.06 seconds for the 20m sprint) and agility (8.23 seconds for the agility test) both impressive results for a ruck prospect.
Jobe Shanahan
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers
Community Club: Moama
Date of Birth: 02/08/2006
Height: 195cm
A mobile tall forward with a vice-like grip overhead who continued to develop at multiple levels this year. Represented the Allies during the National Championships and was a real presence up forward, taking the most contested marks of any player during the tournament. Was at his very best in the Allies’ thrilling two-point loss to Victoria Country when he amassed 16 disposals, nine marks (four contested) and kicked three goals, which helped him secure All Australian honours. He kicked 42 goals in 20 matches in the Talent Pathway this season, including 11 goals in three matches for Essendon’s VFL team. Topped off an outstanding year by winning selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Also tested soundly at the Draft Combine with a strong 6:39 for the 2km time trial and leaping 86cm in the running vertical jump.
Thomas Sims
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community: Montmorency
Date of Birth: 12/05/2006
Height: 199cm
A tall forward or ruckman whose ability in the air separates him from others. Uses his natural spring and strong grip to pull in marks and also follows up well at ground level. Had an impressive season with the Northern Knights, averaging 11.5 disposals and 4.2 marks and kicking 23 goals in 13 matches. This included kicking seven goals and taking 10 marks in a best-on-ground performance against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 6. He was also part of Victoria Metro’s title-winning team at the National Championships, with his three-goal effort against Western Australia his most productive performance. His elite mobility was on display at the Draft Combine, ranking eighth on the agility test with a time of 8.14 seconds.
Logan Smith
State: NSW/ACT
State League Club: GWS Giants Academy
Community Club: Queanbeyan
Date of Birth: 24/09/2006
Height: 204cm
Mobile ruckman whose craft around stoppages and ability to direct the ball to his team’s advantage is a real weapon. Had an impressive development year which included dominating for the GWS Giants Academy early in the Coates Talent League season. Then averaged 10.5 disposals (seven contested) and 21.5 hitouts for the Allies at the National Championships to win All Australian honours. Played seven matches for the GWS Giants in the VFL, which included having 19 disposals and five marks against the Sydney Swans in Round 13. Was awarded the GWS Giants’ Academy Player of the Year.
Gabriel Stumpf
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Warrandyte
Date of Birth: 23/11/2006
Height: 196cm
Mobile tall forward with good speed off the mark and strong hands overhead. A neat and reliable set shot, he kicked 27.15 for the Northern Knights across 17 matches and averaged 10 disposals and 3.5 marks. Earned selection for Victoria Metro in two matches at the National Championships. Really turned heads at the Draft Combine with his blistering speed, producing the quickest 20m sprint with a time of 2.82 seconds in a superb demonstration of his athletic ability and potential to get separation as a lead up forward.
Charlie West
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Henley
Date of Birth: 01/02/2006
Height: 194cm
Tall forward who also showed he is versatile and can go back to use his marking ability to influence the game. Played predominantly for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL U8 competition and finished the year with a premiership, racking up 17 disposals (14 contested), four marks and kicking two goals to be one of his side’s best players in the Grand Final win over Central District. He had a taste of representative football, playing two games for South Australia in the National Championships, as well as making his debut at senior level. His speed was on show at the Draft Combine, ranking sixth in the 20m sprint with a time of 2.96 seconds.
Jack Whitlock
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Shepparton Bears
Date of Birth: 16/05/2006
Height: 200cm
A wiry tall forward who is super athletic, has good hands out in front and overhead, an excellent ability to read the game and consistently performs at a high level. Had an extremely promising year at both Coates Talent League and representative level. He averaged 16.4 disposals and five marks per game, as well as kicking 25 goals, for the Murray Bushrangers, as well as averaging 14.8 disposals and five marks for Victoria Country. He was added to the Australia U18 team as an injury replacement in the match against Coburg and showed slices of his enormous potential. He is the twin of a fellow Draft hopeful Matt. His running vertical jump of 91cm ranked fourth at the national Draft Combine and his time of 6:39 in the 2km time trial in windy conditions showcased his competitive edge and endurance.
STATE DRAFT COMBINE
Sam Davidson
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Richmond VFL
Community: St Kevins
Date of Birth: 13/12/2001
Height: 190cm
Exciting lead-up forward who has had an amazing journey to become a Draft contender after a breakout year for Richmond in the VFL which concluded with him winning the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s most promising player. A medical student, he has spent recent seasons playing community football in the Gippsland and Sunraysia regions after playing junior football at Ormond. He was encouraged to test his talent at State League level and flourished this season, averaging 14 disposals and four marks and kicking 26 goals in 17 matches to share the Tigers’ best and fairest award. Kicked a season-high six goals against the Northern Bullants in Round 15. Showed a very impressive balance of high-level speed and endurance at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, recording 2.98 seconds for the 20m sprint and 6:12 on the 2km time trial.
Oliver Dean
State: Tasmania
State League Club: Tasmania Devils
Community Club: North Launceston
Date of Birth: 16/08/2006
Height: 202cm
A developing mobile ruckman who has a good feel for the game and continues growing in confidence as he gains further experience. Represented the Australia U18 team and the also the Allies at the National Championships this year, as well as playing 12 matches for the Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League, averaging 9.4 disposals, 3.4 marks and 13 hitouts. Still has enormous upside as he grows into his body.
Jordan Doherty
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Sorrento
Date of Birth: 21/02/2005
Height: 199cm
Ruckman/tall forward who progressed this year to the degree he earned selection in the Victoria Country team for the National Championships, playing as an approved overaged player against the Allies. Impressed with his mobility, marking, use of the ball and crisp decision making. Had a consistent year with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League, finishing third in their best and fairest after averaging 17 disposals, four marks and 10 hitouts, along with kicking 13 goals in 16 matches.
Tom Gillett
State: Queensland
State League Club: Brisbane Lions Academy
Community Club: Sherwood
Date of Birth: 09/01/2006
Height: 202cm
Developing ruckman/tall forward who is mobile and competes strongly in the air and at ground level. Was impressive for the Brisbane Lions Academy in its four matches in the Coates Talent League, averaging 19 disposals, four marks and 15 hitouts. That included a dominant performance against the Calder Cannons in Round 7 when he had 26 disposals and took eight marks in a breakout game. Had a taste of the National Championships, playing for the Allies against Victoria Country, as well as playing a couple of matches for the Brisbane Lions in the VFL, kicking three goals against the Gold Coast Suns.
Zac Harding
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Wodonga
Date of Birth: 01/01/2006
Height: 199cm
Ruckman who had a strong second half of the season after a broken finger curtailed his development early in the season. Mobile and very competitive, his kicking was a feature of his game for the Murray Bushrangers after he returned from school football. Averaged 15 disposals and 23 hitouts in eight matches, including having 28 disposals, 26 hitouts and kicking two goals in an outstanding game against the Dandenong Stingrays in Round 14. Is the son of former Fitzroy player Dean Harding, who played 19 AFL games in the early 1990s.
Lucas Impey
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets/Williamstown VFL
Community Club: Darley
Date of Birth: 12/12/2005
Height: 198cm
Mobile ruckman/tall forward who competes furiously all day long both in the air and at ground level as another midfielder. Relatively new to the game after initially pursuing basketball, he had an excellent year for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League averaging 14 disposals, three marks and 30 hitouts to be rewarded with Team of the Year selection. Was also prominent during the National Championships where he led Victoria Metro’s ruck division in its title-winning run, averaging eight disposals and 18 hitouts across three matches. Impressed with his speed at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, recording 2.99 seconds for the 20m sprint.
Ajang Kuol Mun
Pronunciation: Cole-mun
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Cats VFL
Community Club: Anakie
Date of Birth: 15/07/2001
Height: 202cm
Developing ruckman of South Sudanese descent who played a handful of matches at VFL level for Geelong this year. His natural leap and mobility are features of his play. Very new to the game, he spent most of the season honing his craft at community level with Anakie, where he played a dominant role in the ruck and pushed forward to kick 10 goals. His natural leap was eye catching during testing at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, recording 90cm for the running vertical jump which was the best result of any of the state Draft Combine participants.
Daniel Lowther
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Lara
Date of Birth: 08/07/2006
Height: 199cm
Developing tall forward who presents well on the lead, with his strong hands out in front a strength in his game. Is very capable one-on-one and able to provide ruck support up forward. He emerged this year with the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League, playing 13 matches and averaging nine disposals and four marks, as well as kicking 18 goals. Showed good mobility during testing at the state Draft Combine, with his time of 8.55 seconds on the agility test and impressive result for a player of his size.
Bailey McKenzie
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
Date of Birth: 10/03/2006
Height: 192cm
Mobile forward who is very suited to the role of a lead-up marking target, where he can use his strong hands overhead and in front to great effect. Showed his footy smarts and innate goal sense during Sandringham Dragons’ preliminary final win over the Dandenong Stingrays where he had 20 disposals, 11 marks and kicked six goals in a standout performance. Ended the season with 27 goals in 10 matches, including a haul of seven against the GWS Giants Academy, and played a pivotal role in Dragons’ premiership winning team. Also had a taste of representative football with Victoria Metro, playing in two National Championships matches.
Jacob Molier
Pronunciation: Molly-air
State: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Onkaparinga Valley
Date of Birth: 11/10/2006
Height: 201cm
Ruckman/tall forward who has grown 6cm in the past nine months after only playing three games in his bottom-age year due to injury. Had a very promising season at under-18 level with Sturt, playing 18 matches and averaging 11 disposals, four marks and 19 hitouts, as well as kicking five goals. Is still honing his ruck craft and building his body and strength, however he has good fundamentals including being a neat kick. Was a standout at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide with his 2.92 seconds for the 20m sprint ranked fifth at the event.
Jay Polkinghorne
State: South Australia
State League Club: Norwood
Community Club: Western United
Date of Birth: 02/07/2006
Height: 191cm
Tall forward who presents well up forward with strong hands overhead and a natural leap. Has very good fundamentals, including being a neat set shot at goal. Kicked 23 goals in 11 matches split for Norwood at under-18 and reserves levels this season. Was promoted to the reserves after having 16 disposals, taking five marks and kicking four goals in Round 12 and hit the scoreboard in all five matches at reserves level. Is from the small wheatbelt town of Penong on the edge of the Nullarbor Plain, 600 km north-west of Adelaide, and is a boarder at Prince Alfred College.
Harrison Ramm
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: Brighton Districts & Old Scholars
Date of Birth: 05/12/2006
Height: 201cm
Ruckman/tall defender who is extremely mobile and strong overhead. Doesn’t turn 18 until December but has the potential to play key position or ruck as he further develops physically. He played in defence in three of South Australia’s National Championships games and held his own playing on the opposition’s most dangerous tall forward. Had a consistent year for Glenelg at under-18 level, playing 11 matches and averaging 11 disposals and four marks, while sharing his commitments with school football. Was another to impress in testing at the state Draft Combine, particularly in the 2km time trial where he recorded a time of 6:29.
Max Rohr
Pronunciation: Roar
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Subiaco
Date of Birth: 16/04/2005
Height: 195cm
Mobile tall forward who really came under notice with his impressive performances playing as an approved overage player at the National Championships. Was at his best kicking four goals from 14 disposals and three marks against South Australia to be named his team’s best player. Played for Claremont’s reserves all season, averaging 16 disposals and three marks across 14 matches. Is mobile, strong overhead and clean below his knees. Also reads the game well to make good position.
Tallan Rosenzweig
Pronunciation: Rose-en-sv-ieg
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Nuriootpa
Date of Birth: 08/09/2006
Height: 198cm
Developing tall forward who overcame a serious lower leg fracture sustained in 2023 to play some consistent football at under 18s level for his club and represent South Australia in two National Championships matches the year. Is very mobile for his size and manages to lose his opponents with well-timed leads. He kicked 35 goals for Central District in the SANFL U18 competition, including four goals in his team’s narrow Grand Final defeat. Showed sound endurance and work ethic during testing at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide, producing a time of 6:52 for the 2km time trial.
Tyler Welsh
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville West-Torrens/Adelaide Crows SANFL
Community Club: Henley
Date of Birth: 15/08/2006
Height: 191 cm
Powerful forward who is quick on the lead and has strong hands out in front. Also has the ability to use his body to outmaneuver his opponent in one-on-one contests. An accurate kick for goal, he kicked eight majors for South Australia in the National Championships, including four against Victoria Country in his best performance. Overall, he kicked 31 goals for the season, which included 10 at senior level for Adelaide in the SANFL, where he was given permission to play this year being a father-son prospect with the Crows. His father Scott played 129 of his 205 games at AFL level for Adelaide.
Previously
Tall defenders
Small and medium defenders
Small and medium forwards