Seven new draftees from three different states, two different countries and above all, a whole lot of talent coming through the doors of RSEA Park.

With the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at a close, get up to speed on this year's crop of draftees, what they'll bring in the red, white and black and more.

Tobie Travaglia

Pick No. 8
187cm
Defender/Midfielder
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

There’s shades of Darcy Wilson when it comes to first-round draftee Tobie Travaglia, and not just from running power alone.

The club’s first top-10 selection since Mattaes Phillipou in 2022, the highly desirable Travaglia boasts exceptional athleticism as a clean, intercepting defender who also has the attributes to impact going into attack.

Averaging 24 disposals from his 12 matches for Bendigo Pioneers in 2024, Travaglia earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year before later receiving All-Australian honours off the back of his impressive run throughout this season’s National Championships. 

While plying his trade predominantly off half-back, a move to the midfield could be on the cards for Travaglia in the coming seasons as he adjusts to the rigours of senior football.

EGM Football David Misson says…: “Tobie is a hard-running player who has played as a midfielder and half-back this year. He possesses great leadership skills which he displayed at the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country.”

Alix Tauru

Pick No. 10
193cm
Defender
Gippsland Power/Vic Country

When it comes to potential upside, Alixzander Tauru’s has plenty on-side. 

Dubbed the ’Flying Viking’ for his presence in the air and marking ability, Tauru — of Swedish heritage — entered this year’s draft as one of the most exciting prospects in lieu of a prominent finish to the National Championships for Vic Country after not being picked in the initial squad.

A smooth mover across the ground despite his 194cm frame, the big-bodied utility — who has the capacity to play as a key defender, forward or midfielder — recorded the best running vertical jump (94cm) at this year’s Draft Combine and tested incredibly well in the 20-metre sprint (3:00 seconds) and time trial (6:36).

EGM Football David Misson says…: “Alix is an aggressive and powerful intercept defender who can go forward and hit the scoreboard. He’s a very exciting prospect and will be a great addition to our defensive stocks.”

James Barrat

Pick No. 32
194cm
Key Defender/Forward
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Kicking off St Kilda’s selections in the second night of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, James Barrat is another whose versatility at either of the ground shapes as an exciting proposition.

A teammate of first-round selection Tobie Travaglia at both Bendigo and Vic Country, Barrat is coming off a Best & Fairest-winning season for the Pioneers after making a commendable switch to defence.

Coming in at 194cm, the intercepting defender comes complete with a powerful right foot which can be utilised rebounding out of the backline or hammering the Sherrin into attack.

EGM Football David Misson says…: “James is a powerful intercept defender whose aerial numbers were elite for Bendigo. Combined with his powerful kicking, it makes him an exciting player to watch at the Saints.”

Hugh Boxshall

Pick No. 45
187cm
Midfielder
Claremont/Western Australia

With additions to the midfield always on the cards come draft night, Hugo Boxshall found himself in the Saints’ sights as the red, white and black traded up the order to secure his services.

The Western Australian product joins the Saints as a tenacious inside midfielder with impressive attributes that saw him dominate at the WA state combine with top-five finishes in the 2km time trial (6:08), agility test (7.980 seconds) and standing vertical jump (73cm).

The 188cm midfielder capped off his draft year a premiership player, collecting 30 touches in the Claremont Colts’ September victory in the WAFL.

EGM Football David Misson says…: “Hugh is an athletic and tough inside midfielder who is a very exciting prospect and will be a great addition to our midfield mix.” 

Alex Dodson

Pick No. 53
203cm
Ruck
West Adelaide/South Australia

Alex Dodson certainly has the skills on the basketball court, however it’s impossible to look past his capabilities with Sherrin in hand.

Dodson has thrived for South Australia after setting his sights on a football career, cementing himself as the premier ruck option of this year’s draft class.

After captaining South Australia and representing Australia U18s on the hardwoods, the 203cm talent built his credentials in the SANFL and for his state in the AFL U18 Championship to close out the year with All-Australian honours. 

EGM Football David Misson says…: “Alex is the elite ruck in this year’s draft and his ability to not only win the hit out but also follow up on the ground is a great asset for us.”

Patrick Said

Pick No. 60
180cm
Midfielder/Forward
Calder Cannons

Closing out this year’s draft class, Patrick Said is poised to enhance the club’s growing list of emerging midfield talent.

A well-rounded and composed half-forward/midfielder, Said was a key player in Calder Cannons finishing top seed in this year’s Coates Talent League, averaging 18 disposals per game with 23 goals to boot.

With the ability to go inside and regularly hit the scoreboard, Said is set to reunite with fellow Calder Cannons teammate, Hugo Garcia when he arrives at RSEA Park in the coming days.

EGM Football David Misson says…: “Patrick is a hard-running, skilful half-forward who has played some time in the midfield for Calder and played well. A very exciting prospect for us who adds versatility.”

Eamonn Armstrong

Category B Rookie
191cm
County Meath

Another hint of Irish flair has joined St Kilda’s list with the addition of young Gaelic prodigy Eamonn Armstrong joining the red, white and black as a Category B Rookie.

Hailing from Ireland’s County Meath just outside of Dublin, Armstrong first caught the eyes of Saints recruiters in an impressive string of games for Meath’s U20 side this year.

Armstrong is currently undertaking his final year of high school and is planning to make the move to Australia once he completes his education.

Prior to Armstong’s announcement, Brad Crouch was re-rookied via the 2024 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft to complete the Saints’ list for 2025.

EGM Football David Misson says…: “We clearly see great potential in him and wanted to make sure he had the comfort of knowing he’d secured a place on our list in the meantime to allow him to concentrate on his studies.”