MASSIVE AFL Draft preview: Club-by-club guides, prospects analysed

·1 hr 25 min·5 clips

ESPN draft expert Jasper Chalupa reveals why the AFL Draft is his 'Christmas day' and previews every club's strategy.

The episode begins with hosts Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels introducing ESPN draft expert Jasper Chalupa. Chalupa explains that the AFL Draft is the busiest and most exciting time of year for him, comparing it to Christmas. The conversation first addresses broader draft themes, noting the 2025 crop has less depth and top-end talent compared to 2024. Chalupa states a record low of 57 picks might be taken, reflecting the talent shortage. He details a list management 'loophole' where clubs delist veterans with the intention to re-rookie them, saving main list spots. The draft is heavily compromised, with Chalupa revealing 33% of his first-round phantom draft selections are already club-tied to academy or father-son rules. The hosts then structure a club-by-club guide. They start with Adelaide, discussing their need for midfield depth and a Taylor Walker replacement, highlighting South Australian prospects Mitch Marsh and Aidan Schubert. Brisbane's situation is covered, focusing on their club-tied top prospect Dan Annable. Carlton's analysis centers on father-son key defender Harry Dean, who could go top five, and NGA midfielder Jack Ison. Collingwood's aging list and need for key position players are discussed, with Zach McCarthy mentioned. Essendon's two top-six picks are scrutinized, with a focus on adding midfield explosiveness and bolter Sullivan Roby. Fremantle's needs are debated, with Blake Threadgold and Noah Hibbins-Hargraves as options. Geelong's pick 19 and interest in Javon Philippou are covered. Gold Coast's academy stars Zeke Uland and Dylan Patterson, potential top-five picks, are analyzed. GWS's picks 12 and 35 and needs for a key forward and midfielder are discussed. Hawthorn's midfield shortage and strategy around trading picks for future stars are debated. Melbourne's rebuild and best available approach are noted. North Melbourne's later picks and need for a small forward are mentioned. Port Adelaide's single pick and potential for Liam Heatherton are covered. Richmond's high picks and strategy of accumulating talent are praised. St Kilda's late picks and academy prospect Kai Fincher are discussed. Sydney's academy player Max King is briefly mentioned.

As heard by us

A brisk AFL Draft preview that weighs club needs against the prospects who might answer them.

The ESPN Footy Podcast treats the approaching AFL Draft as a practical list-building exercise, keeping the focus on needs, prospects and fit. Matt Walsh and Jake Michaels are joined by ESPN draft expert Jasper Chalupa, whose enthusiasm gives the preview some lift without pulling…

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Why you'd press play

You want a draft-night concierge: which prospects fit club needs, why they fit, and where the surprises might be.

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