Adelaide made a stunning draft night play in an attempt to land South Australian star Dyson Sharp, but were unable to strike a deal with Essendon on night one.
According to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey, Adelaide offered its first-round pick this year and next year for Essendon’s pick 13 and more as they tried to bolster their midfield stocks.
The Crows reportedly offered three different deals to the Bombers for that Sharp selection, but the Dons were adamant on landing a third draft talent within the first 13 picks.
Watch live coverage of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft on Kayo Sports 19-20 Nov | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
It meant the Crows pounced on South Australian forward Mitch Marsh with pick 22, who looms as a long-term successor to veteran Taylor Walker, who turns 36 in April next year.
Adelaide recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie said the club could not have tried any harder to land Sharp, but were happy to land fellow South Australian prospect Mitch Marsh.
“We gave it our absolute best shot for Dyson and threw everything,” Ogilvie told The Advertiser after night one.
“We always thought he was seriously going to be in the mix for Essendon.
“With Marshy, we think there’s big scope for him to still improve and we’re only scratching the surface.”
PILE ON! Father-son draftee swarmed | 05:07
While Sharp grew up an Essendon supporter, Marsh is an Adelaide Crows man through and through. The son of 1998 premiership Crow Ben, Marsh is a season-ticker holder at West Lakes and a groundskeeper at the Adelaide Oval.
The young gun, who booted 12 goals in the National Championships and 30 in 15 games for West Adelaide, has the ability to play across all three lines on the ground and will help to “future-proof” Adelaide’s rising side.
“He’s a cracking kid… he had to carry a big load in that Westies team and didn’t shirk it,” Ogilvie said.
“He’s got a great attitude to work and is such a good runner for a tall kid.
“(Picking him) really helps to future-proof for whatever happens, even if it’s injury.”
Pick No.1! Duursma becomes an Eagle | 04:17
Speaking to Fox Footy immediately after being drafted, Marsh said it was “unreal” to land at the club he grew up supporting.
“Growing up going for the Crows my whole life, my old man played for them as well, being able to get drafted here is unreal,” he said.
Marsh, who models his game off Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, said his dad Ben had been a key influence in his footy journey.
“Dad’s obviously been a huge influence throughout my whole life with his experience and the knowledge he’s been able to give me,” he said.
The 2025 Telstra AFL Draft continues tonight on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Discussion about this post