AFL draft 2019: Anderson and Rowell tipped for stardom

The upcoming Australian Football League (AFL) draft promises to be an exciting affair, with a host of talented players in line to be snapped up over the course of the two-day event. Clubs across the league will be eager to improve their squads as they bid to knock reigning champions Richmond off their perch.

The Tigers are the favourites on most major Australian betting sites to make it back-to-back titles, highlighting the importance of the draft to their opponents. Read on as we look at some of the players who could be stars of this year’s AFL draft.

Rowell has been heavily tipped to be number one in the draft after leading his team to the last two NAB League Grand Finals.

He has won a wide range of awards at junior level and has been widely touted as a star of the future in the AFL.

Rowell has mainly played as an inside midfielder, but his versatility means he could be employed at half forward or wing at senior level which makes him an attractive draft pick.

The 18-year-old was one of the best midfielders in the NAB League last season and is expected to be one of the top two picks in this year’s draft. He has starred at junior level for Carey Grammar, Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro and is full expected to transfer his form to the senior game.

Anderson’s power will be a useful asset in the AFL, while his immense kicking ability should see him rack up plenty of points during the 2020 season.

Serong is fancied to be picked somewhere between 3-8 in the draft and it would be no surprise to seem him selected sooner rather than later. Another player to win plenty of awards in the juniors, Serong’s all-round game makes him an appealing choice for clubs aiming to improve this season.

His competitive nature sometimes gets him in trouble, but if he can control his emotions he will shine in the AFL.

Flanders is another player whose versatility will prove invaluable when he makes the step up to senior level.

While his kicking could be improved, the rest of his game is solid and it would be a major surprise if he wasn’t drafted in the top 10.

Flanders has proved to be a match-winner for Gippsland Power in the NAB League and is fully expected to continue in the same vein at AFL level.