Smith has also immediately declared he has ended his lifelong support of Collingwood.

“I’m off them now,” he told Fox Footy with a laugh.

4. Sid Draper, Adelaide

What Draper said: “To hear my name called out is such a special moment for me and the family,” Draper told Fox Footy. “It was a tough start to the year. No one wants to hear they have a stress fracture [in their back] in their draft year, but I was able to get back and play football, I was lucky.”

5. Levi Ashcroft, Brisbane Lions

What Ashcroft said: “It feels very special to finally make that I’m going to Brisbane official,” Ashcroft told Fox Footy. “Dad was pretty good at sharing the attention around between all of us. He has done so well [in football] and hopefully I can do them all proud.”

On why he didn’t touch the premiership trophy Brisbane won this year, he said: “Hopefully, I can touch my own one day, so I didn’t want to touch that one”.

6. Harvey Langford, Melbourne

What Langford said: “I think I was pretty stiff [to miss out on Victoria’s under-16 team] but since then I’ve worked so hard and I just can’t believe it [that I’ve been drafted].”

7. Josh Smillie, Richmond

What Smillie said: “It’s a privilege to be handed my Richmond jumper by Jack Riewoldt,” Smillie told Fox Footy. “I’m very grateful to be joining the club. The past 18 years, I couldn’t thank my family more for all that they have done for me. I’m just really privileged to be here today, it’s awesome.”

8. Tobie Travaglia, St Kilda

What Travaglia said: ”I had inklings [I might go to St Kilda], but I didn’t really know for sure but when the camera was pointed at me I thought, yeah here we go,” he told Fox Footy as St Kilda delivered team scarves to his family and friends.

9. Leo Lombard, Gold Coast

What Lombard said: “It’s really special [to be drafted to Gold Coast] and have my jumper presented by Jake Rogers,” Lombard told Fox Footy. “I’ve always looked up to him and he’s been my best mate for a long time. He’s pretty much been a big brother to me.”

10. Alix Tauru, St Kilda

What Tauru said: “I’m never one to compare myself to AFL players as they are up there and I’m down here,” Tauru told Fox Footy when asked about comparisons to Hawthorn’s James Sicily. “But, at this point, when I get cracking in, I think I can be as good as anyone.“

Tauru also said it was “in his dreams” to win the mark of the year award after topping the running leap measurement during testing.

11. Xavier Lindsay, Melbourne

What Lindsay said: “She’s probably on the money – I’d rather eat,” Lindsay told Fox Footy after being asked about his mum’s claim that he can’t cook.

He also said being drafted to Melbourne was a dream come true.

12. Taj Hotton, Richmond

What Hotton said: “This is a dream come true. I can’t believe it and I wasn’t expecting to go this early.”

Hotton, who was watching at home, is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in May but told Fox Footy he hopes to be back running in “ASAP, in a week or so”.

13. Isaac Kako, Essendon

What Kako said: Kako is best mates with Essendon’s top pick from 2023, Nate Caddy, and the pair shared a hug after Kako was selected.

“It was real special supporting him last year and I’m happy he is here supporting me this year,” Kako said of his Parade College schoolmate.

“We are a real dynamic duo.”

But he admitted coach Brad Scott could end that sort of talk. “Yeah, I reckon he will.”

14. Jonty Faull, Richmond

What Faull said: ”I had a bit of a feeling [I could go to Richmond] but it was such an open draft that I didn’t have a clue.”

15. Joe Berry, Port Adelaide

What Berry said: ”I put a fair bit of work into my finishing and I was lucky enough to get a few goals on the board this year,” he told Fox Footy.

“I like Robbie Gray’s game and it’s awesome to get there [to Port Adelaide] – I’m looking forward to it.”

16. Bo Allan, West Coast

What Allan said: “I got the leg tap [nerves] real bad, I was anticipating I would go around this mark,” Allan told Fox Footy. “I’m over the moon. So stoked.”

17. Murphy Reid, Fremantle

What Reid said: “It was awesome to be a part of the Sandringham Dragons premierships and just to be in that environment,” he told Fox Footy.

“I was very, very lucky to win Vic Metro’s MVP considering some of the boys in the side who have gone ahead of me tonight [in the draft].”

18. Ollie Hannaford, GWS

What Hannaford said: “I will play wherever they put me – I think I could end up forward,” Hannaford said.

When asked about being rated outside the top 67 players earlier in the season, he said it helped him.

“I had a little bit [of doubt] but it probably got me going again,” Hannaford said.

19. Harrison Oliver, GWS

What Oliver said: “I was definitely at the bottom of the pack, I was harassed a bit by my mates there,” he said after being mobbed and hit with pillows by his mates after being drafted.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this early and I can’t wait to get stuck into this.”

20. Cooper Hynes, Western Bulldogs

What Hynes said: “This is unreal. I’m so grateful to be part of the Bulldogs.”

“Coming into my under-16s year, I got a taste for what [elite footy] was like at Dandenong Stingrays and, after that, I knuckled down and worked as hard as I could. I worked closely with the coaches there and I’m super grateful for my time there.”

21. Luke Trainor, Richmond

What Trainor said: “This is unreal,” he said. “It’s a night I’ll never forget.”

Trainor is the grandson of Geelong legend Doug Wade who was with him at home to watch the draft. Wade said it was fantastic to see his grandson drafted and his parents deserved the praise for his selection. An excited, emotional Trainor yelled “Go the Tiges” as his interview finished.

22. Jesse Dattoli, Sydney

23. Harry Armstrong, Richmond

What Armstrong said: “I didn’t have a clue coming in and I’m pretty grateful to Richmond,” Armstrong told Fox Footy.

“I know a few other boys who have been drafted there and I can’t wait to get started.”

24. Cody Angove, GWS

25. Sam Marshall, Brisbane Lions

What Marshall said: “It was a bit nerve-wracking but they matched the bid and I’m grateful to be with the Lions,” Marshall told Fox Footy.

“Doing three years of school in Melbourne was good for building into it [his AFL career]. I spent a bit of time with [Lions players] Hugh McCluggage and Jaxon Prior during the year and I really enjoyed it. I watched the grand final on TV, I was pretty sick that week so I just watched it in bed.”

26. Ned Bowman, Sydney

What Kevin Sheehan said about Bowman: “This boy took mark of the year at any level while playing Colts with Norwood in the SANFL,” Sheehan said on Fox Footy.

“He stood on their shoulders. That was super special. And there was a game against WA in the national championships where he started at half-back and then went forward and kicked three goals.”

27. Matt Whitlock, North Melbourne

What Whitlock said:“It’s been an unreal journey, you see all the friends and family, especially to end up at North Melbourne, I couldn’t be happier,” Matt told Fox Footy.

Second round

28. Thomas Sims, Richmond

29. Lachie Jaques, Western Bulldogs

Geelong Falcons defender who won the club’s best and fairest award this season and was an All-Australian player. Kevin Sheehan says the 185-centimetre defender reads the angles brilliantly and distributes well off half-back.

30. Jobe Shanahan, West Coast

Shanahan went to the same high school and played under-18 footy with West Coast star Harley Reid.

31. Josh Dolan, Western Bulldogs

The eighth Sandringham Dragons player drafted in the first 31 picks. The Beaumaris junior forward reportedly has great hands, is a top teammate and makes good decisions.

32. James Barrat, St Kilda

33. Jack Whitlock, Port Adelaide

What Whitlock said: “I was a bit upset [about not being picked on the first night]. I thought I was a good chance to go in round one but super happy for [brother] Matt, North is a great club,” Jack Whitlock told Fox Footy. His twin was in a shirt and tie as their high school graduation was also held on Thursday night, but had his North Melbourne jumper on underneath.

34. Charlie Nicholls, Fremantle

A 197cm forward who is seen as a project player but one with great speed and the ability to take contested marks.

35. Noah Mraz, Hawthorn

36. Jack Ough, GWS

A 194cm midfielder from Wentworth who impressed with his running ability and someone who can play on the wing or an inside midfielder role. Made big improvements this year, according to Sheehan.

37. Kayle Gerreyn, Essendon

A 200cm ruck/forward from West Perth who Fox Footy draft commentator Mick Ablett said plays similarly to St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall.

38. Christian Moraes, Port Adelaide

What Moraes said: He was emotional as he spoke to Fox Footy.

“It’s so exciting to go to a great club like Port.

“I have all my mates here and family here.

“There has been some waiting around but I couldn’t be more happy.

“I knew they were kind of keen but I didn’t know when [I would be taken]. Some of the players I look up to like Conor Rozee and Zak Butters play there – I couldn’t be happier.”

39. Angus Clarke, Essendon

40. Harry O’Farrell, Carlton

A key defender from Maribyrnong Park who impressed throughout his junior career but had some injuries this year, which sent him down the draft standings.

41. Riley Bice, Sydney

A 24-year-old defender who has played for Werribee in the VFL and made the team of the year. Came down from Albury Tigers and has earned a call-up to the AFL.

42. Ty Gallop, Brisbane Lions

Geelong made a bid but Brisbane matched. A key forward who kicked hauls of eight and seven goals late in the VFL season. He wasn’t in the 131 players who did physical testing ahead of the draft but the Brisbane academy player has made big strides in 2024.

43. Ben Camporeale, Carlton

Geelong made a bid for the son of former Blue Scott, but Carlton matched.

What Camporeale said: “It’s a dream and a long wait to have my name called out. To go to a club like Carlton and follow my dad is pretty special,” Camporeale told Fox Footy.“Being a twin, it’s a unique bond, just like the Whitlocks. I wouldn’t be here without Lucas.”

44. Jay Polkinghorne, Geelong

A South Australian forward who comes from outside of Adelaide but played at Norwood while going to school in the city. He reads things well as a deep forward and played five reserves games at Norwood this year as well.

45. Hugh Boxshall, St Kilda

A 188cm running defender from Western Australia who can also play in the midfield and is seen as a line-breaker in whatever part of the ground he is playing in.

46. Tom Gross, West Coast

47. Joel Cochran, Collingwood

A key defender who won the 2km time trial at the AFL combine. A Swans academy player, but they opted to let him head to the Magpies.

48. Lucca Grego, West Coast

A versatile defender from Keilor who can play a key position or a running role. He is seen as a strong one-on-one defender. Impressed in the agility run during fitness testing.

49. Cooper Bell, Gold Coast

A Belconnen native from Canberra who was a part of the GWS academy. The Suns bid for him and the Giants opted not to match. A promising 199cm key defender with an impressive mullet.

50. Charlie West, Collingwood

A Woodville-West Torrens 194cm key forward. Strong hands and reads the ball well when it comes into the forward line. The grandson of former AFL chief executive Wayne Jackson.

51. Sam Davidson, Western Bulldogs

A 190cm forward from Richmond’s VFL side. He is studying medicine but impressed with the Tigers and his physical testing, and caught the eye of the Bulldogs.

52. Jacob Molier, Geelong

A 201cm ruckman who showed some speed at SANFL level. Only 18 and a former basketballer, he will be a project player, but Geelong have a history of developing such players.

53. Alex Dodson, St Kilda

What Dodson said: “I tried to remain confident the whole time but a little doubt was setting in,” Dodson told Fox Footy.

“I watched a lot of [Fremantle’s] Luke Jackson this year, he has a similar background to me and I’ve watched Rowan Marshall and look forward to picking his brains at St Kilda.”

54. Lucas Camporeale, Carlton

Both Camporeale twins are following in dad Scott’s footsteps and playing for the Blues. Ben was drafted earlier tonight and now Lucas is following him.

What Lucas said: “This has been the longest half an hour in my life.

“I wouldn’t say I was extremely confident we would both go to the Blues but I was happy with my season and I’m just happy to have someone like my twin brother alongside me as we go to the Blues.”

55. Riak Andrew, Sydney

The brother of Gold Coast’s Mac. A 19-year-old from Dandenong Stingrays and Berwick who has shown some talent with his intercept marking but had some injury setbacks. He was in the Demons academy, but they passed on him.

56. Will Hayes, Collingwood

A Claremont premiership player in the WAFL at Colts level and a 179cm promising forward.

57. Luke Urquhart, North Melbourne

A Western Australian midfielder who missed last year with a hip injury but had some good games this year in the under-18 championships and has impressed with his fitness and professionalism.

58. Jasper Alger, Richmond

59. Tyler Welsh, Adelaide

A key forward from South Australia. Father-son selection, son of former Crow Scott Welsh.

60. Patrick Said, St Kilda

A midfielder with good fundamentals. Performed well for Calder Cannons this season.

61. Rhys Unwin, Essendon

62. Luke Kennedy, Western Bulldogs

A midfielder from Sandringham Dragons who kicks well with both legs and is described as a prolific ball-winner. Sheehan said Kennedy won the senior best and fairest at Ormond in 2023 as a 17-year-old.

63. Jaren Carr, Fremantle

The son of former Dockers star Matthew. Showing promise as a forward who has improved a lot in 2024. A 20-year-old who did well for South Fremantle in the WAFL this season.

64. Cody Anderson, Hawthorn

A Hawthorn academy player who is a strongly built midfielder from Eastern Ranges and Healesville.

65. Hamish Davis, West Coast

What Davis said: “It was torture in a way, the most stress I’ve ever been under,” he told Fox Footy.

“But I don’t care now. I’m just glad I finally got drafted.

“I would like to explore playing more in the midfield. I got more and more comfortable in that position so that’s definitely something I’m open to.”

66. Lennox Hofmann, Geelong

A defender from St Kilda’s academy program and another player from the Sandringham Dragons.

67. River Stevens, North Melbourne

The son of Roos great Anthony Stevens. A smart small forward from the Geelong Falcons.

What Stevens said: “All the boys talk about the ‘Shinboner Spirit’. Dad brought that to the club and hopefully, I can too,” Stevens said. “I think I met Alastair Clarkson when I was little but I look forward to meeting him.”

68. Aidan Johnson, Melbourne

A mature-age key forward who played at Werribee in the VFL this season.

69. Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Geelong

A forward from the Western Jets who showed some power and a booming left-foot kick. Injuries interrupted his draft year, but the Cats see him as a project player with a big upside.

70. Zak Johnson, Essendon

A Northern Knights and Greensborough midfielder who averaged 26 disposals a game and won the Knights’ best and fairest this season.

71. Logan Smith, GWS Giants

A ruckman from Queanbeyan and the Giants academy program who was among the best under-18 rucks this year and was an All-Australian selection.

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