AFL Draft 2024: West Perth forward-ruck Kayle Gerreyn a contender for second-round after strong finish to 2024

Promising West Perth forward-ruck Kayle Gerreyn has shot into contention to be picked up in the second round of this year’s draft after a strong end to 2024. Gerreyn, 18, is understood to have received interest from every AFL club in recent weeks after showcasing versatility and speed for an 199cm bigman. The Falcon is viewed as a good forward-ruck option early in his career having already showcased he can match it with the bigger bodies of men after two league games to finish 2024. Gerreyn kicked two goals against South Fremantle in round 21 before heading back to the colts where he starred for West Perth in the finals, averaging 20 disposals, 26 hit-outs and two goals in two finals. He also kicked three goals for WA Under-18s in a win over South Australia in the National Championships in June. The Joondalup Kinross-product impressed at the National Draft Combine earlier this month, finishing sixth in the agility test with a time of 8.082 seconds. Gerreyn and Claremont colts-winning co-captain Hamish Davis are touted as strong chances to be picked up in the second round, with Peel Thunder’s Bo Allan to be the first player picked with several clubs interested inside the first round. There are concerns around All-Australian defender Clancy Dennis who missed the testing a with a navicular stress fracture in his right foot, having had a similar issue in his left foot previously. Dennis is set to be sidelined for about four months because of the injury, missing out on testing at the national combine. Subiaco forward Malakai Champion has showcased his pace with top-10 finishes in the agility and 20m sprint and is believed to be in the Eagles’ sights despite no confirmation from the club that they will pick him. Claremont’s Hugh Boxshall put his best foot forward when he ran the second quickest time in the 2km time (6min. 8 sec.) trial of any combine invitee despite not being invited to the national one. The first round of the AFL National Draft will be held on November 20, before the rest is completed the following day. The rookie and pre-season drafts will then take place on Friday, November 22.