Here’s the latest on the AFL mid-season draft for 2026 based on the most recent public coverage.
Direct update
- The 2026 AFL Mid-Season Draft took place on May 25, 2026. Essendon held the first pick, followed by Richmond, with several clubs opening up list spots and selecting up to three players where possible. This draft saw a mix of established VFL/AFL Academy performers and ready-made targets being considered by contending clubs.[1][3][7]
Key details and context
- Draft order and club intentions: Essendon had pick No. 1, with Richmond in the next position; multiple clubs (notably Collingwood, Melbourne, Port Adelaide) had multiple selections available due to open list spots, while others chose to participate with a single pick or not at all depending on their list needs.[3][4][1]
- Top prospects and chatter: Jaxon Artemis was frequently cited as a leading contender for the top pick, with clubs such as Richmond and Essendon showing interest in other strong state-league performers, including forwards and rucks like Sam Toner, Ned Renfree, Mutaz El Nour, Zaydyn Lockwood, and Xavier Bamert, among others.[5][9][3]
- Broadcast and viewing: The draft and related analysis were widely covered by AFL media, with live streams and pre-draft analysis from outlets such as AFL.com.au, Craft of the Draft, and Zero Hanger providing pick-by-pick updates and scouting notes.[6][9][1]
- Context for clubs and list changes: The mid-season draft sits alongside list changes and injury-driven promotions throughout the year; teams often balance immediatelist needs (injury cover, youth depth) with long-term development considerations when deciding how many picks to use.[4][7]
What this means for teams and players
- For Essendon and Richmond, the MSD acted as an opportunity to inject youth and mobility into their lists, particularly to cover injuries or gaps highlighted by the season so far.[3]
- For clubs with limited picks, the MSD is often used to add a specific talent to fill a need (e.g., mid-sized midfielders, versatile forwards, or rucks) or to secure a local standout from the state leagues.[5][3]
- Prospective players to watch included a mix of tall forwards, versatile midfielders, and rucks who had impressed in the state leagues and had drawn interest from multiple clubs, suggesting a competitive pool despite some clubs not using all available spots.[7][3][5]
Illustration: typical MSD impact
- Short-term: immediate list depth and cover for injuries, with players added to the senior list and available for senior selection within the same season.
- Medium-term: development opportunity in the VFL/AFL system, with potential future upgrades depending on performance and list needs.
- Long-term: potential recruitment pathway for players who develop into regular AFL contributors over the following seasons.
Would you like me to pull a precise list of the 2026 MSD selections and each club’s picks, or provide a player-by-player scouting snapshot for the top prospects? I can also summarize the official picks and provide quick-turnaround clips or articles from the latest coverage.
Citations:
- Draft order and club selections details: various coverage noting Essendon No. 1 pick and the MSD order.[1][3]
- Top prospects discussions and specific player mentions: Artemis, Toner, Renfree, El Nour, Lockwood, Bamert among others.[9][3][5]
- Broadcast/analysis coverage of the MSD: AFL.com.au and Craft of the Draft/Zero Hanger streams and guides.[6][7][1]