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Draft watch: The list of WAFL stars in the mid-season draft mix
Connor Scanlon • May 20th, 2025 3:03 pm
The mid-season rookie draft has been a solid source of recruitment for AFL clubs.
Hawthorn's reigning best and fairest Jai Newcombe was picked up in the 2021 mid-season draft while the likes of Essendon's Sam Durham and Hawthorn's Massimo D'Ambrosio (formerly of the Bombers) have all made a significant impact at the top level.
But it's not only the VFL where the AFL clubs will be searching.
Jacob Blight has been able to impact at Richmond since he was plucked out of the Peel Thunder last year, while ex-Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen Jnr continues to develop at North Melbourne having been picked up in 2023.
The 2025 mid-season draft takes place next week so we felt it the perfect time to go over some of the players in the WAFL who could be on the radar of AFL clubs.
There are plenty of WAFL stars who have put their hand up for selection this year, and some of them are former AFL guns.
See the lists of WAFL players who are in calculations:
Brandan Parfitt (Perth)
After a 130-game AFL career with Geelong, Brandan Parfitt has reinvented himself at the Perth Demons.
The classy midfielder has worked hard to get his body right and is thriving in the WAFL environment, averaging 31.1 disposals and 3.5 tackles per game.
Several clubs would be looking at the premiership player given his AFL experience. Parfitt looks like a frontrunner to return to the big stage in this year’s mid-season draft if any AFL clubs want a ready-made mid.
There has been some talk that West Coast has shown interest.
East Perth's Hamish Brayshaw recently said of Parfitt on SEN WA: "He's far too good to be playing WAFL football."
Aaron Clarke (Perth)
Parfitt’s teammate Aaron Clarke is another gun dominating the WAFL.
After leading the club’s goal kicking in 2023 with 40 goals, Clarke continues to rise.
The 195cm key forward has booted 19 goals in just five games this season and is averaging six marks.
The 25-year-old would be a perfect fit for a side like St Kilda, who are battling injuries and depth issues in their key position stocks.
Milan Murdock (East Fremantle)
Milan Murdock is no stranger to AFL attention, with both West Coast and Essendon speaking to him before last year’s mid-season draft.
Despite being overlooked, the 24-year-old has put together an even stronger case this year, averaging 28.2 disposals and a tick over six tackles.
In fact, Murdock just won his third consecutive state game Simpson Medal after an impressive display against SA on the weekend, proving that he’s ready to take the leap up to the AFL.
As an inside midfielder with elite ball-winning ability and toughness, Murdock is right at the top of the list for clubs in need of midfield depth.
Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder)
Michael Sellwood has emerged as a genuine mid-season draft chance, with WAFL state captain Christian Ameduri recently naming him as a player to watch on SEN WA.
The 21-year-old Peel Thunder defender was unlucky to miss out on the 2024 national draft as a mature-age selection, but he’s made the right steps since.
Along with averaging near 24 disposals this season, Sellwood was also named among the best in the WAFL v SANFL state game, impressing with his ball use and composure down back.
He has put himself firmly in the frame for an AFL opportunity and has been reported to be on West Coast's radar.
Archer May (Subiaco)
Archer May has quickly made a name for himself in the WAFL.
The 20-year-old spent last season with Richmond VFL, and since making the move to Subiaco he has impressed up forward.
Standing at 198cm, the key-forward has booted 12 goals from six games, averaging nearly four scoring shots and six marks.
May was also named in the WAFL’s best on the weekend, booting another two goals in the win over SA.
May’s combination of size and athleticism has already drawn interest from several AFL clubs. He could be a great mid-season pick-up for teams needing a long-term forward prospect.
His mother's partner is Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton.
Charlie Constable (Perth)
Former Cat and Sun Charlie Constable is averaging a massive 33 disposals as co-captain of Perth.
With 16 games of AFL experience to his name, Constable knows what’s required at the top level.
If a club is willing to take a chance, he could bring immediate value to a midfield group.
Jack Mayo (Subiaco)
Jack Mayo’s AFL career was derailed by injury, but he now has his body right and is dominating for Subiaco.
The 195cm utility is averaging 20.6 disposals, 6.8 marks and 14 hit outs.
A true hybrid option who can impact across multiple lines.
Mayo could be a valuable pick-up for a club willing to invest in his second chance at the top level.
Other potential WAFL candidates: Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle), Clancy Dennis (Claremont), Lachlan Blackiston (East Fremantle).
WAFL players who have already nominated for the mid-season draft: Archie Caldow (Peel Thunder), Kane Bevan (West Perth),Jack Cleaver (East Fremantle), Lochlan Paton (Perth), Elijah Scoble (Perth), Roan Steele (West Perth), Luke Strnadica (East Fremantle), Austin van der Struyf (Claremont).
WAFL v SANFL state game summary
The WAFL state team claimed a commanding 30-point victory over the SANFL, marking their first win in the interstate clash since 2018.
The matchup was a great preview to which talent could be picked up in the mid-season draft, and they did not disappoint.
For the WAFL squad, Milan Murdock continued his stellar form, securing his third consecutive Simpson Medal with a game-high 27 disposals plus six marks and four tackles.
Michael Sellwood was also named among the best for the WAFL, standing out across the half-back line with an equal game-high eight marks and 19 disposals
Archer May also impressed, slotting two goals and being named in the WAFL’s best.
The mid-season draft takes place on Wednesday, May 28.
