Mature-aged players have increasingly proven their worth in AFL recruiting, often delivering stellar performances once given a chance. The 2024 AFL Draft promises to showcase another exciting batch of seasoned talents, including state league standouts, over-age prospects, and even some former AFL-listed players looking for a second opportunity.
In recent years, clubs have unearthed hidden gems from the mature-aged talent pool. Just last season, Geelong secured Werribee’s Shaun Mannagh and Western Australian flanker Lawson Humphries in the National Draft. Both players made an immediate impact, playing key roles in Geelong’s finals campaign during their debut AFL season. This track record has put the spotlight on similar prospects in the upcoming draft.
Among this year’s standouts is Sam Davidson, a versatile forward who has risen through the ranks of the Richmond VFL squad. Davidson, standing at 190cm, was awarded the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal following an exceptional debut season. Known for his strong aerial presence and creative playmaking in the forward half, Davidson also demonstrated his adaptability, showing promise as a player who could transition to roles higher up the field if needed.
Davidson’s stats speak for themselves—26 goals in 17 games during his first VFL season, coupled with a shared best-and-fairest accolade at Richmond, underline his potential to excel at the AFL level. At just 22 years old, he represents a compelling option for clubs seeking a ready-made talent to bolster their forward line.
Another name generating buzz is Cooper Craig-Peters, a hybrid forward-midfielder from Footscray in the VFL. Craig-Peters has showcased versatility, combining sharp goal sense with a strong work ethic in contested situations. His ability to contribute both in attack and around the stoppages makes him a unique prospect who could fill multiple roles for an AFL side.
Mature-aged recruits bring a wealth of experience and resilience to the AFL, often thriving under the pressure of high-level competition. As clubs gear up for this year’s draft, it’s clear that the mature-aged pool will once again provide valuable talent capable of making an immediate impact.
The 2024 AFL Draft holds immense promise for teams willing to take a chance on seasoned prospects. Players like Davidson and Craig-Peters illustrate the depth and diversity of this year’s crop, making it an exciting time for recruiters and fans alike. With a mix of emerging stars and overlooked talents from previous years, the mature-aged draft class is poised to shine on the AFL stage.