What is the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft?
The Mid-Season Rookie Draft (MSD) is the only chance clubs have during the season to add players to their list. Outside the Trade Period and Telstra AFL Draft at the end of each season, the only opportunities clubs have to sign new players is during the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period – which runs over summer – and the MSD.
The MSD was reintroduced in 2019, having been scrapped way back in 1993. It's designed to limit the impact long-term injuries and premature retirements can have on a club and allow teams to replenish their list for the second half of the season.
When is it?
The 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be held on Wednesday 28 May from 6:30pm AEST.
How can I watch?
The only place to watch the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft is on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. Gettable co-hosts and draft experts Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge will lead the coverage along with host Nat Edwards from 6:30pm AEST on Wednesday 28 May.
What pick/s do Carlton have?
Carlton will have one solitary pick in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, which comes in at pick No.4: they are expected to be one of eight clubs to make at least one selection on the night.
The Blues opened up a list spot following the season-ending Achilles injury to forward Brodie Kemp sustained during Gather Round.
Carlton’s mid-season draft history
The Blues have had success at the mid-season draft in recent years, most notably with the two players still on their list.
Jordan Boyd has played 37 games for the Blues since he was selected with pick No.20 in the 2021 mid-season draft from Footscray’s VFL side, having been playing for Spotswood in the Western Region Football League earlier that season.
This time last year, the Blues welcomed midfielder Cooper Lord to the fold, and the youngster hasn’t looked back. In the 12 months since being drafted from North Melbourne’s VFL side, Lord has earned his senior debut, penned a contract extension, produced a clutch moment against St Kilda and earned a Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination.
Watch Lord’s best highlights via the player below.
What is the mid-season draft order?
First round
1 - West Coast
2 - North Melbourne
3 - Port Adelaide
4 - Carlton
5 - Western Bulldogs
6 - Essendon
7 - Gold Coast
8 - Collingwood
Second round
9 - West Coast
10 - North Melbourne
11 - Port Adelaide
12 - Western Bulldogs
13 - Essendon
14 - Gold Coast
15 - Collingwood
Third round
16 - Port Adelaide
17 - Essendon
Fourth round
18 - Essendon
