The AFL’s various drafts have been and gone and, while the focus remains on how Shepparton’s Matt and Jack Whitlock will adjust to life at North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, respectively, who is the region’s most exciting prospect for 2025?
The general consensus falls on one name from Shepparton United: Riley Onley.
During his underage season, the bullocking 194cm midfielder has left quite the impression on the AFL community.
Onley featured three times for Vic Country at the Under-18 Boys National Championships, averaging 15.3 touches a game.
AFL.com.au’s draft guru Cal Twomey recently released his 10 players to watch for the 2025 draft and said Onley would be one young gun to keep a close eye on next season.
“There is a point of difference with Onley, given his stature as a 194cm midfield prospect,” Twomey said.
“Onley played seven games this season for the Bushrangers and averaged 17 disposals and next year he'll have more responsibilities thrown his way.
“His taste of things this season also extended to Onley playing three games for Vic Country at the national carnival, including having 20 disposals and seven clearances against the Allies.”
In person, Onley’s size and presence are immediately noticeable as he looms as a scary proposition for opposition sides.
His ability to break tackles, take contested marks and throw his weight around in the midfield will have Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country coaches licking their lips next season.
Onley was side-by-side with the Whitlocks on Wednesday and Thursday night as he celebrated their elevation from elite junior level to the top flight.
The young gun was recently announced as a member of the AFL Academy for 2025.
The academy allows the country’s best junior draft prospects to participate in camps and represent Australia in matches against VFL sides.
Onley was also one of the best performers during the Under-17 AFL National Futures game which was played as a curtain-raiser to the 2024 AFL grand final.
The midfield bull finished the match with 20 disposals, seven marks, three inside 50s and one classy goal off one step.