Four SANFL players selected in 2024 AFL Mid-Season Draft

1 month ago – May 29, 2024

Woodville-West Torrens running defender Luke Beecken was selected by Brisbane at pick No.17 in the AFL Mid-Season Draft. Picture - Cory Sutton

By ZAC MILBANK

Four SANFL players have been selected in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Draft, with Adelaide’s Toby Murray the first to be offered a chance at elite level on Wednesday night.

North Adelaide goalsneak Kelsey Rypstra (Western Bulldogs), Port Adelaide’s Logan Evans (Port Adelaide) and Woodville-West Torrens’ Luke Beecken (Brisbane) were the three other SANFL selections.

Recruited from Wangaratta to play and train with the Crows’ SANFL team in 2024, Murray will join his older brother Nick on the senior list at West Lakes after being called at pick No.7.

Earning the Powerade Breakthrough Player Award in Round 1 after booting four goals against South Adelaide, Murray has impressed while playing primarily as a key forward while at 200cm, he also possesses the ability to go into the ruck.

Roosters crumbing forward Rypstra was next to be taken at pick No.8 by the Bulldogs, having shown plenty of energy in his five Hostplus SANFL League matches this year.

After suffering a knee reconstruction in his draft year, the 20-year-old has worked hard for his place in North’s best 22 with his attributes being his speed and willingness to lay pressure inside 50m.

Norwood junior Logan Evans is the first player to be drafted under SANFL’s AFL Rookie Program.

The athletic medium defender has been playing for the Magpies in the Hostplus SANFL League this season and has now found a permanent home at Alberton after being selected at pick No.12.

Eagles premiership defender Luke Beecken, who impressed with the West End State team in Perth, has found his way onto an AFL list, Brisbane choosing him at pick No.17.

An experienced campaigner with 54 Hostplus SANFL League games under his belt, the 23-year-old could potentially slot straight into the Lions’ back half to provide his trademark dash.

Five SANFL players were selected in the 2019 AFL Mid-Season draft, four were chosen in 2021, six in 2022 and two in 2023. SANFL clubs are provided with $10,000 compensation for each player selected.