This weekend sees the debut of four newly drafted players in the AFL, with Essendon, West Coast, and Port Adelaide swiftly integrating their mid-season recruits. Headlining the newcomers is Tom McCarthy, the first overall pick, who will take the field for the Eagles. Port Adelaide is set to feature Mani Liddy, while Essendon will introduce Archer May and Lachlan Blakiston.
Tom McCarthy’s rise to prominence is particularly remarkable. Just nine months ago, he was playing in division two of the Southern Football Netball League (SNFL) in Melbourne. His journey culminated in being drafted by the Eagles, a development that he announced to his parents via a heartfelt phone call, letting them know he would be making his debut against Carlton in this round.
In sharing this news, McCarthy expressed his disbelief at his rapid ascent, remarking, “I never thought I’d be this guy.” For the past two weeks, he has been acclimatising to his new surroundings in Western Australia while living with fellow mid-season recruit Jacob Newton. McCarthy shared his excitement about joining the Eagles, stating, “It’s so cool… I’m settling in really nicely,” and noted that he has been forming positive relationships with his teammates.
Prior to his selection, McCarthy showcased his talents with Richmond’s VFL team, playing 15 games in 2024 and seven in 2025. His pathway to the AFL was facilitated by Jarrad Kay, Richmond’s high-performance manager, who recognised his potential while coaching at Highett in the SFNL.
Overall, this weekend marks a significant milestone for these promising players as they take their first steps in the AFL—an event eagerly anticipated by teams and fans alike.