AFL: Top five picks in 2024 AFL Draft

The 2024 AFL Draft is done and dusted with the top pick Sam Lalor heading to the Richmond Tigers.

The Tigers completed a mammoth haul with six first-round selections as they look to bounce back following a disastrous 2024 AFL campaign.

Richmond finished bottom of the ladder and will be hoping their draft picks can help them rise again.

Let’s take a look at the top five picks in the 2024 AFL draft.

Sam Lalor – Richmond Tigers

The Tigers hope they have landed the new Dustin Martin in the form of top pick Sam Lalor.

The 18-year-old is an explosive, goal-kicking midfielder, who models his game on Tigers legen Martin, who retired from the game this season.

Lalor has now spoken of his desire to wear the No.4 jersey and follow in the footsteps of Martin.

The youngster did have his injury issues in 2024 and will complete a rehab program before getting to work with his new team.

Finn O’Sullivan – North Melbourne

North Melbourne snapped up O’Sullivan as pick two to add to their talented midfield.

Carlton were known to be in the hunt for O’Sullivan, but the Kangaroos swooped in to take the talented midfielder.

The youngster is another player that had an injury interrupted 2024 but North Melbourne are confident he will show his best form next year.

Jagga Smith – Carlton

Carlton snapped up Jagga Smith with pick three, to add to an already strong midfield bunch that includes Sam Walsh and Paddy Cripps.

The Blues moved for Smith after missing out on Finn O’Sullivan, but it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

The gun midfielder looks set to have a bright future and Carlton will be hoping he can help them break the premiership drought.

Sid Draper – Adelaide

Sid Draper was taken fourth overall by the Adelaide Crows, and the midfielder looks set to step straight into their side in 2025.

Draper is from South Australia, making the pick even more special, and the Crows look to have a star on their hands.

He impressed in the SANFL in 2024 with his high work-rate and skills, and is set to make his mark in the AFL next season.

Levi Ashcroft – Brisbane Lions

The reigning premiers landed Levi Ashcroft, who many believe is the best player in the draft, with pick five.

The move was one of the worst-kept secrets of the draft, but now it is official, Ashcroft is ready to make a name for himself.

There is every chance that the midfielder could step straight into the Lions side for round one of the 2025 season.