Essendon and Carlton lead with seven AFL Draft picks each
Essendon and Carlton each hold a league-high seven picks heading into next week's Telstra AFL Draft.
The 2026 AFL Draft order is locked in, with Essendon and Carlton leading the way on seven picks each after off-season player movements. Carlton has seen 13 players depart, creating its vacant spots.
Geelong, North Melbourne, St Kilda, and West Coast have just three picks each. While a maximum of 80 picks are available, only around 65 are expected to be used.
The national draft runs across two nights on Thursday November 19 and Friday November 20, followed by the pre-season and rookie drafts on Monday November 23. Clubs with remaining list spots after the main draft can sign players in later rounds or invite prospects to train over summer.
- 7
- Essendon picks
- 7
- Carlton picks
- 13 players
- Carlton departures
- around 65 of 80 maximum
- Expected picks used
Why it mattersThe number of draft picks a club holds determines its ability to rebuild; high pick counts signal a team in transition.
AustraliaAFL clubs with more picks can reshape their lists faster, affecting next season's competition; fans can gauge their club's rebuild plans.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
