Tara Murray
It was a busy night for footballers from Melbourne’s north-west, with eight players selected on night two of the draft.
Northern Knights’ Thomas Sims didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called out on night two of the AFL draft on Thursday night.
After 27 players were taken on night one of the draft, it was Richmond that kicked off the action again on night two with pick 28.
The Tigers used their whole five minutes allocated before it was announced that they would pick Sims.
The 199 centimetre Sims jumped out to Richmond recruiters with his vertical power, overhead marking, athleticism and agility.
Sims booted five goals in the Northern Knights’ Coates Talent League season opener and continued his strong form across the year, including a bag of seven against Oakleigh in round seven.
He was also a key part of Vic Metro’s undefeated National Championships, playing a role as a marking forward.
Richmond Victorian recruiting manager, Rhy Gieschen said that Sims caught the recruiters’ eye with his March fitness testing and early season form.
“Tom is a genuine key position size at 199 centimetres, and can mark the ball at the highest point, or bring the ball to ground in high numbered marking situations, a trait we value highly,” he said.
“His game against Oakleigh where he kicked 7.4 and took 10 marks really showcased his wide range of attributes.
“Tom is an energetic, bubbly character who is well liked by teammates and coaches, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to Richmond Football Club.”
Meanwhile Calder Cannons Harry O’Farrell will live a childhood dream after being taken at pick 40 by Carlton.
An intercepting key defender standing at 197 centimetres, O’Farrell last month said the opportunity to join Carlton “would mean everything”.
The Maribyrnong Park product has been a highly regarded backman for the last two years, representing the Australian under-18 side against Victorian Football League opposition earlier this year.
Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said O’Farrell had key traits which stood out for the Blues as a potential long-term player for the football club.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Harry – another Harry – at IKON Park,” he said. “He’s a really impressive young footballer and just as impressive a person.
“Heading into this draft, we were hoping to round out our midfield group as well as add some tall talent in our back half: when it comes to the latter, we believe Harry can provide that in due course.
“He was a really highly rated prospect heading into this year and while there were some frustrations, he showcased some of those impressive traits as a key defender. He has a great balance of performing a lockdown role but also intercepting and generating offence when the opportunity presents.
“Harry has earned this chance and we couldn’t be happier to have him wear the Navy Blue in 2025 and beyond.”
Werribee premiership player Riley Bice was the first VFL player picked in the draft, taken by Sydney at pick 41.
Bice had a break out season for the Tigers and became one of their most important players.
Speaking to Star Weekly after the draft combine, Bice said he thought he had a reasonable season but AFL clubs showed enough interest in him to be invited to the state draft combine on Sunday.
“I was a bit stunned, I didn’t expect it at the start of the year, it was a bit of reward for effort,” he said.
“It was a bit different as I was a lot older than the other guys, but it was good. “I was relatively happy with how I went, I didn’t have much time to prepare.
“I was still relatively happy.”
Bice said he was just focused on giving VFL a crack, he hadn’t thought about anything beyond that.
An AFL opportunity would be beyond his wildest dreams.
“It’s everyone’s dream,” he said. “That is what you strive to play for.”
More on Bice: tinyurl.com/yz9bmckd
Western Jets’ Lucca Grego is making the trek across the country after being picked by the West Coast Eagles.
Grego was taken at pick 48, the first Jet selected. He joined Keilor this season, having been playing at Bacchus Marsh having moved out there.
Grego told Star Weekly earlier this year that getting drafted would mean a lot to him
“It would mean everything to me,” he said. “I’ve put all this hard work in the last three years and to get drafted would be icing on the cake.
“I’m just focusing on school and footy. I’ve got exams in about 14 weeks, really knuckle down in school and continue to play the good footy I’m playing at the moment.
“Just have fun with it and not take it too seriously. I think everything should fall into place.”
More on Grego: tinyurl.com/yz9bmckd
Sunbury Lions Patrick Said was the third Calder Cannon selected, with St Kilda picking him with pick 60.
Said missed out on playing Vic Metro but put his head down to put his name on the radar of AFL clubs and being invited to the state combine.
Speaking after the combine, he said being drafted would be a dream come true.
“I want to play at the highest standard I can,” he said. “AFL or VFL.
“I’ll look to keep on improving. Footy has been a big part of my life.”
More on Said: tinyurl.com/aa5w85ta
Werribee’s Aidan Johnson is one of the fairytale stories of the draft.
He had played just one VFL game before this season after a number of injuries.
Able to get his body right, he played a key role in Werribee’s premiership.
On Thursday night, he became a Melbourne player after being taken at pick 68.
Johnson told Star Weekly earlier this year that he thought maybe he wouldn’t get his opportunity to shine.
“It has taken a while,” he said. “It took two, two and half years to get out there and it’s been good.
“I’ve been loving it at the moment. There were some pretty dark times battling with my knee.
“I thought I might never get back out and play. We’ve gotten over that hump.”
More on Johnson: tinyurl.com/3sbf6jnu
Western Jets’ Keighton Matofai-Forbes has that x-factor but injuries have limited his impact.
He did enough in the past couple of seasons to impress Geelong, which picked him with pick 69 in the draw.
Originally from Burnside Heights and then Hillside, he moved to Keilor the past couple of seasons.
Northern Knights’ Zac Johnson is headed to Essendon after being taken at pick 70.
Johnson won the Knights’ best and fairest this season and is a really good ball user.
He possesses good foot skills which are complemented by his vision and sound decision making and can play in the midfield or off half back.
