Mid-Season Draft prospect Rod Ali is set to make his VFL debut with Collingwood this weekend as he looks to build his case as an AFL prospect.
The Eastern Ranges defender has been among the best over-age names in the Talent League to start 2025, with the 186cm Ali joining the Ranges this year as a 19-year-old after spending time in basketball as a junior.
Ali has played two games for Eastern to start the season, showing off his exciting skillset on both sides of possession as a physical defender who can kickstart attacks with ball in hand.
Having suited up for the Young Guns in both of the representative side's showcase matches against Vic Metro and Vic Country, Ali needs a single state league level appearance to secure his Mid-Season Draft eligibility, having not nominated for last year's National Draft.
Mid-Season Draft prospects who did not nominate or have not previously been on an AFL list are required to play a minimum of three games at the state league level.
The exciting teenager has been named as an inclusion for Collingwood's VFL side for this weekend, coming into Andy Otten's team alongside Brownlow Medal winner Tom Mitchell, AFL-listed pair Charlie West and Joel Cochran, as well as former Hawk Joshua Bennetts and Max Maloney.
As well as granting Ali his draft eligibility, the VFL showing will also give the young defender the chance to show his value as a raw prospect against mature bodies.
Playing under the nose of the Magpies, Ali could fetch interest from the Victorian powerhouse and other clubs keen on bolstering their backline via the Mid-Season Draft.
Ali is joined by Gippsland's Zac Walker, Richmond VFL pair Tom McCarthy and Mutaz El Nour, and Geelong VFL talent Charlie McCartin as the leading defensive prospects for this year's Mid-Season Draft.
Collingwood's own Riley Mason has emerged as a promising forward, having booted 13 goals in his five VFL games to start 2025. The Magpies had Jack Hutchinson on their list last year, with the athletic forward recruited by West Coast with the Pick 3 in 2024's mid-year intake.
This year's Mid-Season Draft will be held on Wednesday, May 28.
Collingwood's VFL side face the Northern Bullants at Cramer Street Oval on Saturday at 2:05pm (AEST).
