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WATCH: Field of Dreams finalistsDraft expert names two mature-aged AFL draft smokeys
SEN • November 16th, 2025 6:01 pm
The AFL Draft doesn’t just present as an opportunity for clubs to snap up the country’s best U18’s talent.
Over the years, between both the National and Rookie Drafts, mature-aged recruits have found their way onto AFL lists, utilising the extra years to develop into ready-made contributors at the top level.
Many clubs pay significant attention to those with huge upside featuring in state league contests, with clubs – specifically Geelong - specialising in identifying mature talent to select with later picks in the draft.
In years’ past, the Cats have selected the likes of Tom Stewart, Mark Blicavs and Shaun Mannagh – all of which have contributed significantly to the club’s success in recent years. Geelong also plucked Tim Kelly out of South Fremantle in 2017, and Harry Taylor 10 years prior.
With that in mind, draft expert Mick Ablett identified two VFL stars that could hear their names read out in the 2025 Draft.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Ablett told SEN's The Captain's Run.
“We talk a lot about the young kids, but I think we actually need to give credit to the state league competitions and the mature-aged players.
“When you think that the likes of Tim Kelly, Marlion Pickett, guys that have come in and played roles in big games for clubs, I’ve got a couple that I really want to get onto.
“The first one that I want to mention, and a really good friend of mine who has been around the VFL competition for a long time in Paul Amy – I respect his opinion really highly when it comes to VFL prospects. He has a big wrap on Jackson Voss out of the Frankston footy club.
“He is a left footer, a powerful unit, kicks the footy unbelievably will. Thumping kick gets the ball to its target quickly, and the way the game is being played now, and the damage that these counterattacking running half backs are doing, he fits the bill perfectly for AFL football at the moment.
“He is the son of Brett Voss, the former St Kilda champ. Overlooked by the Saints as a father-son. I think this kid has a huge upside, a lot to like about him.
“The other one to mention is Harry Scott. Richmond have had an extensive history, particularly over recent years, with products coming out their VFL team.
“Harry Scott is the prime mover for them. He is a midfielder, medium mid at 186cm. Plays a little bit like Jacob Hopper. He is tough, he buys himself time when he is in first position, doesn’t panic.
“His ability to read the ball at stoppage is outstanding. He puts himself in the percentage position, front and square at the contest, he has a nice athletic profile.
“I’d be surprised if Richmond don’t pick him up. Whether it’s the Richmond footy club that pounce and give a little bit more maturity around the young group, he is certainly one that will bob up at some stage.”
The National Draft is set for the 19th and 20th of November.
