Grlj would like to eventually develop into a front-line midfielder, but he will start at wing or half-back, where he produced two strong performances for the Tigers’ VFL side late in the 2025 season. He is a high-impact player who brings a lethal combination of speed and endurance, and uses his athletic assets to take the game on. Rebuilding Richmond showed a willingness this year to blood young players, so expect the Tigers to find a way to unleash Grlj early next year.
Xavier Taylor and Latrelle Pickett join a new-look Melbourne squad.Credit: Justin McManus
Xavier Taylor (Melbourne)
The Demons’ recruiters were doing cartwheels when Taylor slipped through to them. He developed impressively across the season, culminating in his best-on-ground performance in the Eastern Ranges’ grand final triumph. Taylor is 192 centimetres, which helps him impact the game aerially in defence, where he is an excellent interceptor. He is not afraid to take the game on, but also stands up defensively and has improved his decision-making, which will help him play early, while he is confident enough to back himself.
Latrelle Pickett (Melbourne)
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Kysaiah Pickett’s cousin has joined him at the Demons, and his arrival could lead to more midfield time for the former – or a mercurial double act up forward that threatens to give opposition defenders nightmares. Latrelle Pickett turns 20 in a few weeks, but enjoyed a standout season laced with brilliance and loads of goals in the SANFL that propelled him up draft boards. Melbourne have lacked that type of forward, particularly when Pickett is further afield, so pencil him into the Demons’ 23 now.
Dyson Sharp (Essendon)
There might not be a readier draftee than the robust and combative Sharp, the Larke medallist as the best-performed player at this year’s under-18 championships. He is an excellent stoppage player, and has enough burst to escape immediate trouble. Sharp’s leadership qualities should help his cause, too. The Bombers parted with fringe midfielders Ben Hobbs and Will Setterfield, plus veteran Dylan Shiel, so it is easy to picture Sharp playing straight away.
North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer helped welcome Lachy Dovaston to the club.Credit: AFL Photos
Lachy Dovaston (North Melbourne)
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Dovaston will back himself to edge out Jacob Konstanty and slot straight into the Roos’ senior side, alongside Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar and Paul Curtis. He was widely viewed as the best small forward in this year’s draft class and ended up being the second one picked, behind Latrelle Pickett. Dovaston’s running capacity and defensive commitment should endear him to coach Alastair Clarkson, while he brings a goalscoring punch that Konstanty does not.
Sam Swadling (Collingwood)
Swadling was a third-round selection, No.37 overall, but don’t let that fool you. He was an under-18 All-Australian, has a knack for finding the Sherrin, has already proven himself against men in the WAFL, and is creative with his hands. The Magpies are attempting to rebuild their Nick Daicos-led midfield – and just delisted Tom Mitchell and Fin Macrae – so there are opportunities, but it is more likely that Swadling eases his way in across half-forward.