what time does the afl draft start
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AFL Draft 2025: Start Time, Live Updates, and Everything You Need to Know
As the dust settles on a frantic AFL trade period, the focus shifts firmly to the next generation of footballing talent. For fans across the country, the burning question remains: what time does the AFL draft start? The anticipation is palpable as clubs finalise their draft boards, looking to secure the players who will shape the future of the competition.
The 2025 AFL Draft is not just a procedural event; it is a pivotal moment for rebuilding clubs and a chance for premiership contenders to add that final piece of the puzzle. With the Gold Coast Suns holding the number one pick and the Adelaide Crows securing the second pick via the trade of Izak Rankine, the opening night promises high drama.
The Main Event: When and Where to Watch
The AFL National Draft is a two-night affair, a format that has become familiar to fans in recent years. It allows for the initial frenzy of the first round to be digested before the remaining prospects are selected on the following evening.
Night One: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 This is where the drama unfolds early. The first round, along with any associated live picks, will be locked in.
- Start Time: The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
- Location: The draft will be held at the Marvel Stadium 'The Barracks' in Melbourne.
- Broadcast: You can watch the action live on Fox Footy (Channel 503) and via the Kayo Sports streaming platform. The AFL's official website and app will also provide a live draft tracker for those following along without a video feed.
Night Two: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 The remaining selections will be made, with clubs looking for value and hidden gems in the later stages.
- Start Time: The proceedings are set to kick off at 7:00 PM AEDT.
- Broadcast: The same channels as Night One will cover the event.
For fans in other states, the start times are as follows: * AEST (Brisbane): 6:00 PM * ACDT (Adelaide): 6:30 PM * AWST (Perth): 4:00 PM
Recent Updates: The Final Hurdles Before Draft Night
According to reports from afl.com.au, the final days leading up to the draft are a flurry of activity. Clubs are finalising their draft hand, weighing up whether to package picks to move up the order or to acquire future talent.
A key report, "Draft late mail: Speedster in Tigers' sights, trades locked in," highlights the intense speculation surrounding club intentions. While these reports provide insight, they remain speculative until the names are officially called. The recent trade period has seen significant movement, with clubs like Richmond and West Coast actively reshaping their pick capital. The "late mail" suggests that speed is a commodity in high demand, with several clubs looking to add pace to their forward lines.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) also confirmed the draft's commencement in a recent audio report, solidifying the November 25 date as the key event in the football calendar. The primary verified fact remains the start time and location, with all other details being part of the pre-draft theatre.
A History of Drama: Context and Precedent
To understand the weight of the AFL draft, one must look at its history. It was introduced in 1986 as a mechanism to ensure a fairer distribution of talent, giving struggling teams the first access to the country's best young players. It has since become a spectacle in its own right.
The draft is not without its critics or its farcical moments. As reported by News.com.au in their coverage of the "AFL draft farce," the system has faced scrutiny in the past for loopholes that allowed clubs to manipulate the draft order. The "tanking" controversies of the late 2000s, where clubs were accused of losing games to secure priority picks, led to significant rule changes. While the system is now more robust, the debate around competitive balance and the efficacy of draft incentives is a perennial topic.
The 2025 draft is particularly significant for the Gold Coast Suns. After years of trying to establish a foothold in the competition, holding the number one pick represents a golden opportunity to secure a generational talent that can become the face of the club. Similarly, Adelaide's acquisition of the second pick via the Izak Rankine trade places immense pressure on them to nail the selection.
The Stakes: Immediate Effects of the Draft
The AFL draft has immediate and profound effects that ripple through the entire league.
For Clubs: A successful draft can define a club's next decade. Finding a future captain, a key position player, or a midfield bull in the first round is the goal. For the Suns, the number one pick is expected to be Harley Reid, a powerful midfielder/forward from Victoria, though speculation remains until the call is made. For other clubs, finding value in the second and third rounds is crucial. A miss in the first round can set a club back years in its rebuild.
For Players: For the young athletes, this is the culmination of a lifetime of work. The draft call is an emotional moment that transitions them from talented teenagers to professional athletes. The pressure is immense, but so is the reward. A first-round contract can be life-changing for the player and their family.
For Fans: Draft night is a night of hope. It’s the moment where the future looks bright. For supporters of the Brisbane Lions, Sydney Swans, and other non-Victorian clubs, it’s a chance to see local talent brought into the system. It fuels debate, passion, and optimism for the season ahead.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect on the Night
Based on the verified reports and the history of the event, here is what to expect when the draft commences:
- The First Pick is Key: The Gold Coast Suns are widely expected to use the first selection. The debate is not if they will pick, but who. The consensus points to a high-profile Victorian, but clubs often keep their final decision under wraps until the last second.
- Live Trading: Expect the unexpected. The AFL's live trade system allows clubs to swap picks on the night. A club might see a slide in a player they didn't expect to be available and package future picks to move up and grab them. This is where the strategic minds of list managers truly shine.
- The "Father-Son" and Academy Bids: The draft is paused to allow clubs to match bids on their academy prospects or father-son selections. This adds another layer of strategy and drama, as clubs must decide whether to use their early picks to bid on an opponent's academy player, forcing them to match, or to let the bid go through later.
The AFL draft is more than just a selection process; it is a testament to the future of the game. It is a night where hope is converted into opportunity, and the next superstar is discovered. The question "what time does the AFL draft start?" is simple, but the answer opens the door to hours of drama, strategy, and the future of footy. Be sure to tune in at 7:00 PM AEDT on November 25 to witness it all unfold.