The 2024 AFL Rookie Draft has delivered its fair share of surprises, with veteran forward Jack Gunston making a return to Hawthorn and the Gold Coast Suns pulling off an unexpected move by drafting ruckman Max Knobel from the Fremantle Dockers.
Gunston’s Homecoming
Triple-premiership player Jack Gunston, who spent the past few seasons with the Brisbane Lions, has made his way back to where it all began – the Hawthorn Hawks. The 31-year-old was selected by the Hawks in the pre-season draft, providing a boost to their forward line as they look to climb back up the ladder in 2025.
Gunston’s experience and leadership will be invaluable to a young Hawks side that has undergone significant changes in recent years. His ability to perform on the big stage, having played in three premierships with Hawthorn, will also be a major asset as the club aims to return to finals football.
The Suns’ Surprise
In a move that caught many off guard, the Gold Coast Suns selected ruckman Max Knobel with their rookie draft pick, despite the 20-year-old being promised a list spot by Fremantle for the 2025 season. Knobel, who is yet to make his AFL debut, will now have the opportunity to compete for a place in the Suns’ lineup alongside incumbent ruckman Jarrod Witts.
We saw an opportunity to add depth to our ruck stocks and we didn’t hesitate to take it. Max has shown great potential and we’re excited to see what he can bring to our club.
– Gold Coast Suns list manager, according to a close source
The Suns’ decision to poach Knobel from under Fremantle’s nose is reminiscent of the Hugh Greenwood situation in 2021, when North Melbourne signed the delisted utility as a free agent before the Suns could re-draft him. This time, however, it was the Suns who benefited from the complexities of the AFL’s playing-list and salary-cap rules.
Fremantle’s Swift Response
Not to be outdone, the Fremantle Dockers wasted no time in finding a replacement for Knobel, selecting Claremont teenager Aiden Riddle in the rookie draft. Riddle, a promising young ruckman, will now have the chance to develop under the guidance of veteran ruckman Sean Darcy and potentially fill the void left by Knobel’s departure.
Other Notable Picks
The 2024 AFL Rookie Draft also saw several other noteworthy selections:
- Essendon picked up AFL Academy prospect Archer Day-Wicks with the sixth overall selection
- Port Adelaide drafted Central District product and son of former Power player Stuart Cochrane, Tom Cochrane
- Geelong added depth to their rookie list with the selections of local products Xavier Ivisic and Joe Pike, as well as Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Patrick Retschko
- Carlton selected GWV Rebels co-captain and best-and-fairest winner Harry Charleson
- Former St Kilda defender Ben Paton was given a second chance by the Sydney Swans
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2024 AFL Rookie Draft, clubs will now turn their attention to the pre-season supplementary selection period. Former Geelong and Port Adelaide midfielder Quinton Narkle is tipped to join Fremantle, while ex-Brisbane Lion Jaxon Prior could find a new home at Essendon. Former Carlton forward David Cunningham is also on the hunt for a career lifeline.
With the 2025 AFL season fast approaching, the impact of these rookie draft selections will soon become apparent. Will Gunston’s return to Hawthorn spark a resurgence for the Hawks? Can Knobel break into the Suns’ best 22? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the 2024 AFL Rookie Draft has provided plenty of talking points and set the stage for an intriguing year ahead.
