The 2024 AFL Draft is tonight and tomorrow and there are a number of EDFL stars hoping to hear their name called out!
The draft boffins over at Rookie Me Central compiled the ultimate Draft Guide which features six EDFL stars.
Learn more about them with our snapshots below and click on their complete draft profiles for all their stats, strengths, and improvements!
ISAAC KAKO
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Clubs: Northern Saints, Pascoe Vale
Height: 175cm
Position: Small Forward
Rookie Me Central Says: "Small forwards require pace and creativity, and Kako definitely possesses those traits. Few others have shown more excitement over the last few seasons of the Coates Talent League than him. With his effective ball use and his versatility between the midfield and as a high half forward, Kako was able to offer plenty of explosiveness out of the midfield with his clearance work, while also playing the high half forward role well.
"Though there were occasions where Kako didn’t accumulate plenty of possessions in a game or hit the scoreboard for a major, he still managed to have an influence on the game by creating opportunities for his teammates. While earlier in the season there were times where he was ineffective in front of goal and should have gone the better option, Kako started to bring others into the game as the season went on which highlighted the reason why he was named as one of two vice-captains."
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: 8-15
HARRY O'FARRELL
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Club: Maribyrnong Park
Height: 196cm
Position: Key Defender
Rookie Me Central Says: "For a player who can play at both ends of the ground, O’Farrell is preferred to a key defensive position where he can showcase his aerial ability. In the 2023 Futures game on AFL Grand Final day, O’Farrell held up the backline for Team Naitanui, showing great defensive positioning to save numerous goals, while also showcasing his play-reading ability to take numerous intercept marks.
"In the first AFL Academy game of 2024 against Coburg, O’Farrell showed great defensive positioning and intercepting, having several well-timed spoils. This was his first experience against matured bodies and he competed very well despite his lack of size, playing to his strengths which included playing off his opponents. O’Farrell also shows excellent closing speed."
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: 25-40
LUCCA GREGO
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Club: Keilor
Height: 184cm
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Rookie Me Central Says: "In a draft full of unique midfield prospects full of attacking flair, Lucca Grego stands out for his defensive appetite. He thrives on applying pressure and laying punishing tackles, perhaps credit to his background as a rugby league junior - hailing all the way from Queensland. He rides the bumps well, too as a defender/inside midfielder.
"At the coalface and when intercept marking, Grego's clean hands are highly noticeable. He adds touches of flair when running off half-back, particularly with his run-and-carry, but is primarily an honest and hard-working type. That's part of the reason why he fit so seamlessly into Vic Metro and Williamstown's backlines."
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: 40-60
DAMON HOLLOW
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Club: Westmeadows
Height: 179cm
Position: Utility
Rookie Me Central Says: "You'd be hard pressed to find a better, more tenacious competitor than Damon Hollow. The Calder Cannons captain set the tone for his side all season and was duly rewarded with Vic Metro selection, where he was made to showcase his team-first approach. While primarily a midfielder with Calder, he was shifted to the wing, down back, and ended the year with a good run up forward before being struck down with a fractured neck in Wildcard Round.
Hollow has a few key weapons in his arsenal. He attacks the contest with vigour and is a gutsy aerial player, capable of sitting on heads or putting his body on the line for strong marks at full stretch. He also is a booming kick of the ball and gains metres quickly on the back of his explosive contest exits. Combined, such traits are applicable all around the ground.
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: 40-60
KEIGHTON MATOFAI-FORBES
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Clubs: Hillside, Burnside Heights, Keilor
Height: 188cm
Position: Forward
Rookie Me Central Says: "The 188cm power forward is also capable of playing across half-back, with his penetrative kicking skills and competitive nature at the core of such versatility.
"A strong unit, Matofai-Forbes holds his own one-on-one and is not afraid to thrown his frame around to impact the opposition. He has the right amount of mongrel to impose himself on games both offensively and defensively, fully utilising his physical gifts in each phase of the game."
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: Late/Rookie
JAYDEN NGUYEN
Full Rookie Me Central Draft Profile
EDFL Clubs: Avondale Heights, Aberfeldie
Height: 178cm
Position: Small Defender
Rookie Me Central Says: "Speed has long been a central part of Nguyen's game. He's a strong runner who dares to take the game on with every possession, driving his legs and stepping through traffic as he pleases. While sometimes he can run into trouble with one too many risks, he is capable of catching the opposition flat-footed.
"Nguyen was tested in a variety of roles throughout the year. Having cut his teeth on the wing, he found a home across half-back but was also trialled up forward and through the midfield. He knows where to find the footy and has athletic traits applicable in each third of the ground."
Rookie Me Central Draft Projection: Late/Rookie
