Essendon is poised for a bumper NAB AFL Draft night on December 9, armed with three top-10 selections for the first time in its history.
While picks can be traded during the draft, Essendon will head into it with picks Nos. 6, 7, 8, 44, 77, 85 and 87.
With the departure of Joe Daniher to Brisbane and key talls tipped to feature prominently in the top 10 at the draft, the Bombers could turn to a big man to accompany the developing Harry Jones, recently re-signed James Stewart and new arrival Peter Wright.
Here are the leading forward draft prospects, according to AFL.com.au's December Phantom Form Guide. Catch up on the defence and midfield prospects.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Position: Key forward
Team: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kg
DOB: April 4, 2002
Key strengths: Speed, overhead marking, vertical leap
Key stat: Ran 20m sprint in 2.89 secs
AFL.com.au’s Phantom Form Guide ranking: 1
Regarded by AFL.com.au’s draft expert Callum Twomey as the best player let alone forward in the draft pool, it’s likely Ugle-Hagan won’t be available come the Bombers’ first selection at pick No.6. The prolific left-footer starred in the Oakleigh Chargers’ NAB League premiership last year, booting 24 goals in nine games and averaging 1.9 contested marks. The Bulldogs are expected to match an early bid for Ugle-Hagan, who is tied to them through their Next Generation Academy.
What they say: “He’s blitzed all the testing he’s done across the past year. He’s a confident prospect, he’s got self-belief and played in the Chargers’ premiership last year.” – Callum Twomey on the Road to the Draft podcast
Logan McDonald
Position: Key forward
Team: Perth Demons/Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: April 4, 2002
Key strengths: Endurance, goalkicking, forward craft
Key stat: Averaged 2.3 goals a game at WAFL senior level in 2020
AFL.com.au’s Phantom Form Guide ranking: 2
While key forwards can take several years to find their feet in the AFL, McDonald might just be the type who could have an instant impact. A complete package boasting endurance levels which have seen him compared to Nick Riewoldt, the West Australian delivered against the big boys in the WAFL this year, finishing as the second-leading goalkicker with 21 majors. The clinical goalkicker is widely tipped to be selected in the top three, meaning the Bombers would have to trade up if they’re keen to make a bid.
What they say: “(He’s kicked) 21 goals in nine games this year at senior level, so he’s a proven goalkicker. He’s competitive, tested well in the endurance test at the Combine in WA, and he’s just a player who doesn’t miss his chances.” – Callum Twomey on the Road to the Draft podcast
Riley Thilthorpe
Position: Key forward
Team: West Adelaide/South Australia
Height: 201cm
Weight: 100kg
DOB: July 7, 2002
Key strengths: Athleticism, versatility, overhead marking
Key stat: Averaged 1.4 contested marks a game at WAFL senior level in 2020
AFL.com.au’s Phantom Form Guide ranking: 4
Another key forward vying for draft dux honours despite missing the Combine with a groin injury, Thilthorpe could stay in his native South Australia if the Crows pounce with pick No.1. Given the array of talented talls, however, the athletic 18-year-old could also be thereabouts at pick No.6. An athletic giant who has impressed in two seasons at senior level in the SANFL, Thilthorpe has shown his versatility with stints in the ruck.
What they say: “‘The awesome specimen’ we’ll call him. He’s got the size at 201 (centimetres) and he’s already 100 kilos. This boy from West Adelaide would be a very worthy No.1 (pick). He’s a precocious talent who has played senior footy the last two years at West Adelaide.” – AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan on the Road to the Draft podcast
Nik Cox
Position: Key forward/defender
Team: Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Height: 200cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: January 15, 2002
Key strengths: Kicking efficiency, versatility, athleticism
Key stat: Ran 20m sprint in 2.95 secs
AFL.com.au’s Phantom Form Guide ranking: 12
One of the most unique prospects in this year’s draft, Cox boasts remarkable athleticism for a 200cm tall. He ran the 20m sprint in 2.95 secs and the 2km time trial in 6:05 mins, which was third overall in the country. Despite consolidating himself as a key tall late last season, he’s also shown he can play as a medium-sized type across half-back and on the wing. If that wasn’t enough, his ability to kick the ball beautifully on both feet is another weapon in his arsenal. There’s enormous upside to the lightly built 18-year-old, who enjoys flying for marks and taking the game on.
What they say: “Nik Cox is an exciting type who can play both ends – he can play in the middle, he can play in the ruck, he can pretty much do anything. He’s a brilliant athlete and takes a great mark, but what I like about him most is that he can kick the ball beautifully on both feet. He’s a prospect that I think at Essendon’s pick if he was available, he’d be a good fit for them.” – Callum Twomey on the Road to the Draft podcast
Oliver Henry
Position: Medium forward
Team: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Height: 188cm
Weight: 77kg
DOB: July 29, 2002
Key strengths: Marking, decision making, versatility
Key stat: Averaged four marks a game in 2019 NAB League
AFL.com.au’s Phantom Form Guide ranking: 13
The younger brother of Geelong defender Jack, Henry looms as one of the more talented versatile players in this year’s draft crop. He booted 18 goals from 15 games for the Falcons in last year’s NAB League despite spending time in defence, impressing with his aerial prowess, smarts and flair. Lightly built at 77kg but averaging 1.5 contested marks last year, there’s a lot of upside to Henry’s game.
What they say: “With some of his marking, he’s like James Sicily, where you don’t expect him to mark it but he’ll come from the back or side and with courage. He’s played at both ends of the ground. I saw him in his 17th year (of age) … he kicked five a game, four the next week, and he looked a pretty special player at that point in time. His brother has developed into a terrific player and was more of an athlete than a footballer. This boy’s a more natural footballer at the same age, so I think he’s an early choice and the Bombers would be rapt to pick him up.” - AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan on the Road to the Draft podcast
