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Sport Nation
Draft watch: The Geelong NGA and Lions Academy prospects ripping it up
Connor Scanlon • May 7th, 2025 8:30 am
Potential No.1 pick in the 2025 draft, Daniel Annable, has dominated every opponent he’s faced this year, firmly establishing himself as one of the draft’s best prospects.
The Brisbane Lions Academy midfielder continued his blistering form on the weekend, delivering another best-on-ground performance with 33 disposals, four tackles, and a goal.
Annable also recently captained the AFL Academy side against Richmond VFL, earning best-on-ground honours thanks to 22 disposals and a goal.
He’s evolved beyond being just a prolific midfielder. He’s now a dangerous forward option too.
Playing similarly to Patrick Dangerfield and Jason Horne-Francis, Annable’s explosive forward patterns and constant involvement in attacking play set him apart.
While he may not be the most athletic prospect, his elite work rate and footy IQ allow him to accumulate possessions and hurt the opposition with his ball use.
In the Young Guns clash with Vic Country on the weekend, Geelong NGA prospect Jesse Mellor was a standout.
Mellor won the game for Vic Country, booting four goals in a dominant final quarter to top off a six-goal display.
Mellor, who is vice-captain of the Geelong Falcons, has also been shining in the Coates Talent League.
Most recently, in Round 3 against the Murray Bushrangers, he kicked two goals, collected 21 disposals, and laid eight tackles.
The Thailand-born forward is a high-intensity, fast-paced weapon who can push into the midfield.
After training with Geelong during the pre-season, the Cats will no doubt be keen to keep him on their draft radar.
Another standout from that game was Sam Toner, who represented the Young Guns side.
He kicked four goals, backing up last week’s four-goal effort with another strong performance.
The 19-year-old plays just like Bobby Hill, with a game built on pressure, speed, scoreboard impact, and a strong vertical leap.
Toner is eligible for this year’s mid-season draft, and he has made himself hard to ignore.
Sydney Swans Academy midfielder Nicholas Andreacchio also impressed in the Coates Talent League this weekend, racking up 123 fantasy points thanks to 30 disposals and a goal.
That marks yet another 30-plus disposal game for Andreacchio, who’s started the CTL season in outstanding form and is building a compelling case for draft consideration.
With the youngsters' seasons now well underway, these young guns are making their case loud and clear: they’re ready for the big time.
