mid season draft 2025

AFL Mid-Season Draft 2025: Who Will Your Club Pick? Live Updates, Order & More

The 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft is done and dusted, offering clubs a crucial opportunity to bolster their lists during the season. This year's draft, held on Wednesday, May 28th, has already sparked intense interest and speculation amongst footy fans across Australia. From potential bolters to strategic picks, the mid-season draft is always full of surprises. Let's dive into everything you need to know.

Recent Updates: All the Action As It Happened

The 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft took place on Wednesday, May 28th, with live coverage available on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. Footy fans were able to watch every pick as it happened from 6:30 pm AEST, as clubs searched for the next hidden gem to add to their squads.

Essendon and Port Adelaide were expected to be key players this year, with the Bombers holding a significant number of picks. The final draft order was confirmed just before the event. The Western Bulldogs, for instance, had two picks following the placement of Cody Weightman on the inactive list.

What's the Big Deal About the Mid-Season Draft? A Contextual Background

The Mid-Season Rookie Draft (MSD) is the only chance clubs have during the season to add players to their list. Outside the Trade Period and Telstra AFL Draft at the end of each season, clubs only have limited opportunities to sign new players. These include the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, which runs over summer, and the MSD.

This draft has uncovered some remarkable success stories over the years. A prime example is Hawthorn star Jai Newcombe, along with Essendon's Sam Durham, both of whom were mid-season draftees who have become integral parts of their respective teams.

Immediate Effects: How Teams are Shaping Up

West Coast were slated to add two players to their squad through the mid-season draft, while several WA talents anxiously awaited their names to be called. Collingwood tragic Archer May was one player to watch, with speculation about whether a rival club might snatch up the tall ruck-forward before the Pies could make their move.

The draft order itself is a critical piece of the puzzle. The final order determines which clubs have the earliest opportunities to secure the most promising talent available. For example, the Bulldogs having two picks provided them with added flexibility in their strategy.

The Future Outlook: What Happens Next?

The mid-season draft can significantly alter the trajectory of a team's season. A well-placed pick can fill a crucial gap in a team's lineup, provide depth, or even inject new energy and talent into a struggling side.

Looking ahead, the success of the 2025 mid-season draftees will be closely monitored. Will any of them become household names like Jai Newcombe? Will they help their teams make a push towards the finals? Only time will tell.

Draft Order: Who Picked Where?

While the specific details of who was picked by each club are continuously updated, knowing the draft order is crucial for understanding the strategy behind each selection. Here's a glimpse at how teams lined up:

• Essendon: Holding a significant percentage of the picks, the Bombers were in a strong position to shape their list.
• West Coast Eagles: With two picks, they aimed to add depth and talent to their squad.
• Western Bulldogs: Benefiting from Cody Weightman's placement on the inactive list, they had two opportunities to bolster their ranks.
• Port Adelaide: Expected to be another key player, Port Adelaide looked to strategically enhance their team.

Top Prospects: Who Were the Ones to Watch?

Identifying the top prospects is always a hot topic leading up to the mid-season draft. While it's difficult to definitively name all the players in contention, here are a few examples of players who generated buzz:

• Archer May: A Collingwood supporter, this 198cm ruck-forward was a player to watch, with speculation about whether Collingwood would secure him or if another club would swoop in first.
• State League Standouts: The mid-season draft provides a golden opportunity for players in state leagues to step up to the top level. Many clubs look to these leagues for mature-age recruits who are ready to make an immediate impact.

The Shroud of Secrecy: Draft Day Surprises

As Fox Sports reported, a "shroud of secrecy" often surrounds the mid-season draft. This element of surprise adds to the excitement, as clubs keep their cards close to their chest, leading to potential "domino effects" based on early selections. The unpredictability is part of what makes the mid-season draft so compelling.

Verified vs. Unverified Information: Staying Informed

It's important to distinguish between verified and unverified information when following the mid-season draft. Official news coverage from AFL.com.au and club websites like the Western Bulldogs provide verified facts, such as the draft order and live updates during the event.

Other sources, like news articles and online forums, can offer additional context and speculation, but this information should be treated with caution until it is confirmed by official sources.

The Allure of the Underdog: Mid-Season Draft Success Stories

The mid-season draft is more than just a chance for clubs to fill immediate needs; it's a platform for players to realize their AFL dreams. The success stories of players like Jai Newcombe and Sam Durham highlight the potential for mid-season draftees to become stars.

These stories add an emotional layer to the draft, as fans eagerly watch to see who will be the next underdog to make a name for themselves in the AFL.

How to Watch the Replay

For those who missed the live action, replays and highlights of the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft are available on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. This allows fans to catch up on all the picks and analysis, ensuring they don't miss any of the key moments.

Expert Analysis: What the Pundits Are Saying

Leading up to and following the draft, expert analysis provides valuable insights into the selections and their potential impact. Pundits often offer their opinions on which clubs made the best picks, which players are most likely to succeed, and how the draft will affect the overall landscape of the AFL season.

Community Buzz: Social Media Reacts

Social media platforms are abuzz during the mid-season draft, with fans sharing their reactions, opinions, and predictions. This creates a sense of community and allows fans to engage with each other and with the clubs and players involved.

The Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways from the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Draft

The 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft was a significant event, offering clubs a crucial opportunity to strengthen their lists. With strategic picks, potential bolters, and a shroud of secrecy, the draft provided plenty of excitement and intrigue. As the newly drafted players embark on their AFL journeys, fans will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the next mid-season draft success story.