Co-authored by Rebecca Connell and Ollie Tisbury
It’s August and the 2024 home and away season is nearing its end. While clubs focus on closing their seasons, many (like Hawthorn) making one last push for finals, recruiters continue scouting the next crop of talent who will feature in the 2024 National Draft.
Hawthorn has built a solid list of running talent and has been lauded for its recent recruitment decisions, not simply via trade but through the draft system. After being promoted to head coach, Sam Mitchell spoke of the importance of finding talent in the draft and has since put his money where his mouth was.
Excitement engine Josh Weddle, goal sneak Connor Macdonald, emerging key forward Calsher Dear, and of course, the wizard Nick Watson, have all made noticeable impressions in the past two years. And there is a plethora of other recruits currently in development who could make a splash next season.
Hawthorn currently has a first-round pick (shaping up to be ten upwards considering Hawthorn’s position on the ladder), picks 27, 73, and 74, with pick 73 coming from Carlton (passed on from two other clubs beforehand) and 74 from Sydney.
As list spots open up at season end and the trade period comes to close the question for recruiters will be how precisely the club should approach the draft.
Should Hawthorn secure key positional talent via trade, with trade winds suggesting they’re likely to recruit a key defender (like Josh Battle or Tom Barras), and whether or not Hawks keep their first round pick, the question could become:
“Will Hawthorn focus on recruiting more key positional players or secure the best available talent with their first and second round picks?”*
Recently, Cal Twomey has released his August Ratings for his Phantom Draft, revealing a deep and diverse well of talent to draw from. After looking at these prospects, here are some takeaways from the August Phantom Draft.
Harvey Langford
Midfielder/Forward
Phantom Draft Placement: 3
Sitting outside of Hawthorn’s first round pick range, Hawks recruiters could be crossing fingers Langford is overlooked by other clubs. A dominant National Carnival for Vic Country, which saw Langford average 25.5 disposals, six clearances and six inside 50s across the four games.
Langford’s performances that ultimately saw him deemed the equal best player across the carnival and a worthy recipient of the Larke Medal have seen the tall midfielder/forward rocket up draft boards.
Josh Smillie
Midfielder
Phantom Draft Placement: 5
Formers Cal Twomey’s number one pick, Smillie has fallen down the ratings due to some illness woes late in the season.
His ability to weave through traffic with ease, accelerate from contests effortlessly and evade opposition tackling-attempts for fun is generally reserved for small, nimble midfielders who compensate for a lack of formidable size and strength with tangible skills increasingly displayed by players like Connor Mcdonald and Cam Mckenzie. However, the 194cm mid displays all these attributes.
The talented youngster was selected for the National Academy and trained with the Hawthorn Hawks over the pre-season.
Harry Armstrong
Tall Forward
Phantom Draft Placement: 8
Another player who has made a strong recovery from injury early in the year, Harry Armstrong has been a huge factor in Vic Metro’s wins this season.
Since returning to footy, the 195cm Forward has kicked multiple bags, including four for the Sandringham Dragons a few weeks ago, and five in the latest clash with Vic Country.
He is quick and athletic for his size and can take a contested mark.
Armstrong has risen up the Phantom Draft Ratings, jumping to eighth from 14th in the July Phantom Draft. Certainly a player Hawks’ recruiters are looking for and worth holding onto their first round pick.
Sam Lalor
Midfielder/Forward
Phantom Draft Placement: 9
Lalor has had a huge draft year campaign playing for Vic Country and Greater Western Victoria, overcoming some injury issues early in the year.
The 187 cm midfielder/forward has garnered comparisons with Dustin Martin, being strong for his age, easily shaking off opponents in the midfield, clean at the contest, and an accurate kick, who hit the scoreboard multiple times this season.
Jobe Shanahan
Tall Forward
Phantom Draft Placement: 21
Jobe Shanahan is another tall forward who has excited talent scouts this season. 194cm tall, mobile, demonstrating a great leap and safe hands, Shanahan was named in the 2024 U18 All-Australian Team for the March AFL National Championships alongside Harry Armstrong.
Shanahan has kicked 16 goals from seven games for the Bendigo Pioneers this season and had a strong showing in the VFL playing for Essendon. He also demonstrates traits worthy of a swingman, making his recruitment more attractive.
*Provided Hawthorn still has their picks or acquires additional picks this draft/trade period
