The 2024 AFL pre-season is underway while the 2023 AFL Draft is now complete.Â
This list of players were selected during the recent draft period and could be in your fantasy squad at Round 1:Â
RYLEY SANDERS (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Sanders was taken at pick 6 in the 2023 AFL Draft by the Bulldogs. He reads the play well at stoppage situations and works his way out of congestion to open space with ease. Sanders has excellent awareness and is able to identify his targets further up the ground. The landing situation for Sanders at the Bulldogs could provide varying results in fantasy next season. Senior coach Luke Beveridge has been known to hold back new recruits in their initial stages of their career until they are fully prepared, Sanders appears to be ready and should adapt well. The specific role for Sanders in 2024 should develop throughout pre-season, the Bulldogs are already stacked through the midfield and his move in there would create further adjustments within the team.Â
COLBY MCKERCHER (NTH MELBOURNE)
McKercher was selected with pick 2 in the 2023 AFL Draft by the Kangaroos. He is an elite junior talent that should transition well at AFL level. McKercher has excellent awareness at stoppage and clearance situations reading the play well. He also evades traffic when necessary and with his speed can burst through a pack which sets up his elite disposal by foot. The Kangaroos are at a stage in their list build where opportunities remain available at most positions. McKercher will likely see decent midfield usage throughout 2024 but a position behind the ball across half-back may even be a possibility early in his career.
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HARLEY REID (WEST COAST)
Reid was selected with the no.1 pick in the 2023 AFL Draft by West Coast. Despite the conjecture throughout 2023 on a potential trade of the top pick he handled the discussion with maturity. Reid had an elite junior career with several signature highlight moments, he is strong in the contest and has sharp skills when playing forward. There should be plenty of opportunities for Reid throughout 2024 as West Coast continue their list build, he will likely be developed through a mix of midfield and forward roles throughout the season.Â
CLAY HALL (WEST COAST)
Hall was taken with pick 38 in the 2023 AFL Draft by West Coast. He has the physical attributes to adapt immediately at AFL level. Hall was able to win plenty of ball through the midfield in his final year at junior level, he also wasn’t out of place at Peel Thunder matching against mature players. West Coast will continue to provide opportunities to players in 2024 as they continue their list build. Hopefully Hall can continue his development in his first pre-season at the Eagles.Â
ZANE DUURSMA (NTH MELBOURNE)
Duursma was selected at pick 4 in the 2023 AFL Draft by the Kangaroos. His athletic traits should translate well at AFL level. Duursma has good hands in marking contests and an ability to hit the scoreboard, his ability to jump in marking contests will also be a highlight. The Kangaroos will continue to provide opportunities to youth during their list build which should see Duursma play a decent amount of games in 2024. A deep forward role may be restrictive to his fantasy scoring output, the use of his running ability outside F50 should keep the scores ticking over.
Article by @aflratingsPete
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