AFL Clubs again find talent in the Barwon region

The AFL mid-season rookie draft once again proved the Barwon region is a breeding ground for AFL potential.

By Ben Andonoudis

Last night’s AFL mid-season rookie draft saw 18 players realise their AFL dreams, and the Barwon region was well represented with two new AFL listed players from the region selected.

Kye Annand, a Geelong VFL player with links to South Barwon, Ocean Grove, Geelong West and Queenscliff found himself selected by Richmond with the 2^nd pick in the draft.

Annand, a 22-year-old 200cm key defender has impressed this season following a move to a key position post.

He's played 25 VFL games for the Cats, named in the best five times.

Annand's VFL teammate Marcus Herbert, a former Leopold player, was scooped up by West Coast with the 13^th pick in the draft.

Herbert is a 23-year-old 183cm defender/midfielder who has found himself in the view of AFL scouts with his composed and consistent style.

His time in the GFNL saw him play 14 games with Leopold including being part of the Lions teams that made a run to the 2022 grand final, where he racked up 20 disposals and was named their best player in the defeat to St Mary's.

A Geelong VFL Best and Fairest winner in 2025, this season Herbert has continued to dominate averaging 27.6 disposals in the VFL.