AFL Draft 2024: Several midfielders key contenders to land at West Coast with Eagles’ first pick

West Coast are set to be armed with pick No.3 at this year’s National Draft, with their 16th spot on the ladder all but cemented, meaning another top-end talent to join the rebuilding club. But their path forward into this year’s draft is not as clear as it was last year when they swooped on teenage prodigy Harley Reid with the No.1 pick. The Eagles currently hold the third pick in this year’s draft and are unlikely to go any higher unless they lose their final two games and North Melbourne win both and close a 3.4 per cent gap. While the Eagles’ pick won’t get any higher than three an early bid expected on Brisbane father-son Levi Ashcroft would slide it down. Last year the Eagles landed the wooden spoon for only the second time but were compensated with Reid, who had been touted as the top draftee in that year’s pool for more than 18 months. This year experts believe the strength of the first round is so even that close to a dozen players are in contention to go within the first handful of selections. West Coast will likely get the fourth choice in November’s draft and depending on who is still on the table will likely determine who they select. Here are the most likely options as of August. Sid Draper 180cm, Midfielder, South Adelaide/South Australia Once considered the most likely No.1 draftee, Draper has slipped a bit in calculations because of an early-season shin stress fracture. A dynamic midfielder, Draper is playing regular football for South Adelaide, where he is averaging 25 disposals and six clearances from four games. The younger brother of former Collingwood player Arlo Draper, Sid has drawn comparisons to Fremantle star Caleb Serong. An explosive midfielder with great poise and evasive skills, he would likely complement the likes of Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo. Jagga Smith 181cm, Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro New West Coast list boss Matt Clarke will likely have plenty of information on this midfielder who was amazing on VFL debut for Richmond at the weekend. Smith had 30 disposals and seven clearances in his first game for the Tigers as a ball magnet midfielder who combines pace with deft skills. He backed it up with 24 touches and seven clearances against Sandringham at the weekend. Was named the captain of the under-18 All-Australian side after a strong carnival, where he averaged nearly 30 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency. Clarke was at Richmond before he joined the Eagles, so would have the contacts to know how good this young man is. Josh Smillie 194cm, Midfielder, Eastern Rangers/Vic Metro There aren’t many midfielders as big as Smillie in this year’s draft and there are even less who are as tough. Smillie is a strong contested ball player who can also go forward and kick goals but is particularly dominant at the clearances. He started the year as one of the best prospects but has faded a little bit in recent weeks. Smillie is considered a power athlete who fits the mould of the modern day footballer that can play inside and out, in the mould of Carlton captain Patrick Cripps. Bo Allan 191cm, Midfielder, Peel Thunder/Western Australia The longer the year goes, the more Allan is being considered a first-round lock. Allan has played senior football since the start of the year for a Thunder side full of Fremantle experience and has not looked out of place. Has mainly been used as a defender at league level, but then dominated for WA as captain in the Under-18 Championships as a midfielder where he averaged 20 disposals, seven contested, four clearances and six tackles. Allan oozes leadership and has played seven league games already this season to prove he is a ready-made prospect at the AFL level. Harvey Langford 190cm, Midfielder, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country Another who will play VFL football for Richmond with his debut this weekend, Langford is a standout in this year’s draft as a smooth mover. The left-footer is a strong mark over head and has a penetrating kick, while he is also proficient at the clearances. Adding to his stocks is his versatility, with the ability to play at half-back or in a pocket before transitioning into the midfield. Langford has impressive vision and is a smart decision maker and was the joint winner of this year’s Larke Medal. Finn O’Sullivan 182cm, Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country The cousin of former No.1 draftee in Carlton’s Sam Walsh, O’Sullivan has been on the radar of clubs for years. A hand injury hindered his start to the season but he’s building nicely and impressed on VFL debut for Richmond with two goals from 12 touches. A strong endurance athlete also has pace to burn, O’Sullivan is racing the clock to be considered amongst the best in 2024 but isn’t out of the equation.