2020 AFL draft#Pre-draft selections

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous), matched bid by {{AFL Ade}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Riley|Thilthorpe}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{SANFL WA}}

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Will|Phillips|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Logan|McDonald}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

| {{WAFL|Per}}

| WAFL

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Braeden|Campbell}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

| Pennant Hills

| Sydney AFL

| align="left"| Academy selection, matched bid by {{AFL Haw}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Denver|Grainger-Barras}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

| {{WAFL|SD}}

| WAFL

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Elijah|Hollands}}

| {{AFL GC}}

| Murray Bushrangers

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Nik|Cox}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| Northern Knights

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Archie|Perkins}}

|{{AFL Ess}}

| align="left" |Free Agency compensation pick (Daniher)

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Zach|Reid}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| Gippsland Power

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Car}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Luke|Pedlar}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{SANFL Gle}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL GWS}} in 2019

! scope=row | {{sortname|Tanner|Bruhn}}

|{{AFL GWS}}

| align="left" |Free Agency compensation pick (Williams)

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Tom|Powell|dab=Australian footballer}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| {{SANFL Stu}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Mel}} in 2019

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Heath|Chapman}}

| {{AFL Fre}} {{Ref label|Fre|a|a}}

| {{WAFL|WP}}

| WAFL

| align="left" |

Priority

| 15

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Conor|Stone}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Gee}}; received from {{AFL GC}} at the 2019 National Draft

rowspan="11" |1

| 16

! scope=row | {{sortname|Lachie|Jones}}

| {{AFL PA}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous), matched bid by {{AFL Col}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Oliver|Henry|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL WB}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Ryan|Angwin}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| Gippsland Power

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Gee}}; received from {{AFL WC}} in 2019

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Finlay|Macrae}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| align="left" |

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Max|Holmes}}

| {{AFL Gee}}

| align="left" |Traded from {{AFL Ric}} at the draft; received from {{AFL StK}}

| align="left" bgcolor="#FFCC00"| {{sortname|Jake|Bowey}}⁺

| {{AFL Mel}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL BL}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Bailey|Laurie}}

| {{AFL Mel}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL BL}}; received from {{AFL PA}} in 2019

! scope=row | {{sortname|Reef|McInnes}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Filipino descent), matched bid by {{AFL GWS}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Blake|Coleman|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL BL}}

| Morningside

| QAFL

| align="left"| Academy selection, matched bid by {{AFL Col}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Brayden|Cook}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{SANFL SA}}

| align="left" |Traded from {{AFL Col}} at the draft; received from {{AFL GWS}} at the draft; received from {{AFL Gee}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Matthew|McLeod-Allison}}

| {{AFL StK}}

| Calder Cannons

| align="left" |Traded from {{AFL Ric}}

rowspan="16" | 2

| 27

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Nathan|O'Driscoll}}

| {{AFL Fre}}

| {{WAFL|Per}}

| WAFL

| align="left" |Traded from {{AFL Col}} at the draft; received from {{AFL Ade}} at the draft

! scope="row" |{{sortname|Sam|Berry|dab=footballer}}

|{{AFL Ade}}

| Gippsland Power

| align="left" |Free Agency compensation pick (Crouch)

! scope="row" |{{sortname|Seamus|Mitchell}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

| Bendigo Pioneers

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL NM}} in 2019

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Caleb|Poulter}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Mel}}; received from {{AFL Syd}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Liam|McMahon|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| Northern Knights

| UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL WB}}, received from {{AFL Col}}; received from {{AFL NM}}; received from {{AFL Mel}}; received from {{AFL Haw}} in 2019

| align="left" bgcolor="#CCFFCC" |{{sortname|Errol|Gulden}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

| Sydney AFL

| align="left"| Academy selection, matched bid by {{AFL Gee}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Shannon|Neale}}

| {{AFL Gee}}

| {{WAFL|SF}}

| WAFL

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL GC}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Fraser|Rosman}}

| {{AFL Mel}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL NM}}; received from {{AFL Ess}} in 2019

! scope=row | {{sortname|Connor|Downie}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

| Eastern Ranges

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Chinese descent), matched bid by {{AFL NM}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Charlie|Lazzaro}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Gee}}; received from {{AFL Car}}

! scope="row" bgcolor="#CCCCFF"|{{sortname|Corey|Durdin}}

|{{AFL Car}}

|{{SANFL Cen}}

| align="left" |Traded from {{AFL Syd}}; received from {{AFL Mel}}; received from {{AFL GWS}}; Free Agency compensation pick (Corr)

! scope="row" | {{sortname|James|Rowe|dab=Australian footballer}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Fre}}; received from {{AFL Mel}} in 2019

! scope=row | {{sortname|Josh|Eyre}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| Calder Cannons

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous), matched bid by {{AFL Ric}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Samson|Ryan}}

| {{AFL Ric}}

| Western Magpies

| QAFL

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL StK}} (via {{AFL Col}} and {{AFL Fre}}) in 2019. Academy eligible for Brisbane, who did not match the bid {{Cite web|title=Samson Ryan {{!}} AFL|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/players/2245/samson-ryan|access-date=2021-08-11|website=richmondfc.com.au|language=en}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Jack|Carroll|dab=footballer, born 2002}}

| {{AFL Car}}

| {{WAFL|EF}}

| WAFL

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Gee}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Phoenix|Spicer}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| {{SANFL SA}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Col}}; received from {{AFL Ric}} in 2019

rowspan="9" | 3

| 43

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Harry|Sharp|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL BL}}

| GWV Rebels

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Ade}} in 2019

| align="left" bgcolor="#FFCC00"| {{sortname|Beau|McCreery}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| {{SANFL SA}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL PA}}{{Ref label|PA|c|c}} at the draft

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Tom|Highmore}}

| {{AFL StK}}

| {{SANFL SA}}

| align="left" |

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Tyler|Brockman}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

| {{WAFL|Sub}}

| WAFL

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Ess}} (via {{AFL Col}} and {{AFL BL}}) in 2019

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Nick|Stevens|dab=Australian footballer, born 2002}}

| {{AFL Gee}}

| GWV Rebels

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Car}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Henry|Smith|dab=Australian footballer, born 2002}}

| {{AFL BL}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Mel}}

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Ollie|Lord}}

| {{AFL PA}}

| align="left" |

! scope=row | {{sortname|Brandon|Walker|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL Fre}}

| {{WAFL|EF}}

| WAFL

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (born in Ghana), matched bid by {{AFL Ess}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Maurice|Rioli Jr.}}

| {{AFL Ric}}

| align="left"| Father–son selection (son of Maurice Rioli), matched bid by {{AFL Ess}}

rowspan="8" | 4

| 52

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Luke|Edwards}}

| {{AFL WC}}

| {{SANFL Gle}}

| align="left" | Traded from {{AFL Syd}}; received from {{AFL Ade}} in 2019

! scope=row | {{sortname|Cody|Brand}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| Calder Cannons

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous), matched bid by {{AFL WB}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Joel|Western}}

| {{AFL Fre}}

| {{WAFL|Cla}}

| WAFL

| align="left"| Next Generation Academy selection (Singaporean descent), matched bid by {{AFL WB}}

! scope=row | {{sortname|Dominic|Bedendo}}

| {{AFL WB}}

| Murray Bushrangers

| align="left"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Eddie|Ford|dab=footballer, born 2002}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| Western Jets

| align="left"|

! scope="row" | {{sortname|Isiah|Winder}}

| {{AFL WC}}

| Peel Thunder

| WAFL

| align="left" |

! scope=row | {{sortname|Cameron|Fleeton}}

|{{AFL GWS}}

| align="left" |

! scope=row | {{sortname|Jacob|Wehr}}

|{{AFL GWS}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| align="left" |

{{note label|Fre|a|a}} Fremantle are carrying over a 264.9 point deficit from 2019 (Liam Henry, Next Generation Academy selection #9), moving their default first round pick{{cite web |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=How a little known clause could give Crows two top-five picks |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/467915/how-a-little-known-clause-could-give-crows-two-top-five-picks |website=www.afl.com.au |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=21 July 2020}}{{Cite tweet |user=CalTwomey|number=1307960657078231041|date=20 September 2020|title=Just an update to this. Good for Freo, who have actually slid to pick 10. Clarified that when the points falls between the two selections it reverts to the higher pick (in this case 10 not 11). Cats back to pick 11 - but due to points deficit, not 'fixed' status of pick 11.}}
{{note label|GWS|b|b}} Greater Western Sydney are carrying over a 254.2 point deficit from 2019 (Tom Green, Academy selection #10), moving their default second round pick
{{note label|PA|c|c}} Port Adelaide are carrying over a 115.9 point deficit from 2019 (Jackson Mead, Father–son rule selection #25), moving their default second round pick

= Rookie elevations =

Clubs were able to promote any player who was listed on their rookie list in 2020 to their 2021 primary playing list prior to the draft.

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ {{nowrap\|Table of rookie elevations}}{{cite book \| last=Lovett \| first=M. \| publisher=Australian Football League [AFL] \| date= March 2023 \| title=AFL Record Season Guide 2023}}
Player ! Club
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Tom\|Fullarton}} \| {{AFL BL}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Michael\|Gibbons\|dab=footballer}} \| {{AFL Car}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Jack\|Madgen}} \| rowspan=2\| {{AFL Col}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Brody\|Mihocek}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Connor\|Budarick}} \| rowspan=3\| {{AFL GC}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Nick\|Holman}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Malcolm\|Rosas}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Jack\|Buckley\|dab=footballer, born 1997}} \| {{AFL GWS}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Changkuoth\|Jiath}} \| {{AFL Haw}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Jay\|Lockhart}} \| {{AFL Mel}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Liam\|Baker}} \| rowspan=2\| {{AFL Ric}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Mabior\|Chol}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Joel\|Amartey}} \| {{AFL Syd}}
scope="row"\| {{sortname\|Harry\|Edwards\|dab=Australian footballer}} \| {{AFL WC}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ {{nowrap|Table of rookie elevations}}{{cite book | last=Lovett | first=M. | publisher=Australian Football League [AFL] | date= March 2023 | title=AFL Record Season Guide 2023}}

Player

! Club

scope="row"| {{sortname|Tom|Fullarton}}

| {{AFL BL}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Michael|Gibbons|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL Car}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Jack|Madgen}}

| rowspan=2| {{AFL Col}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Brody|Mihocek}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Connor|Budarick}}

| rowspan=3| {{AFL GC}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Nick|Holman}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Malcolm|Rosas}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Jack|Buckley|dab=footballer, born 1997}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Changkuoth|Jiath}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Jay|Lockhart}}

| {{AFL Mel}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Liam|Baker}}

| rowspan=2| {{AFL Ric}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Mabior|Chol}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Joel|Amartey}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

scope="row"| {{sortname|Harry|Edwards|dab=Australian footballer}}

| {{AFL WC}}

2021 pre-season draft

The 2021 pre-season draft was held on the afternoon of Thursday, 10 December 2020 prior to the commencement of the rookie draft.

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ Table of pre-season draft selections
rowspan=2\| Round ! rowspan=2\| Pick ! rowspan=2 style="width: 90pt"\| Player ! rowspan=2 style="width: 110pt"\| Club ! colspan=2\| Recruited from ! class="unsortable" rowspan=2\| Notes
style="width: 200pt"\| Club ! League
rowspan=1\| 1 \| 1 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Jackson\|Hately}} \| {{AFL Ade}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \| AFL \|

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Table of pre-season draft selections

rowspan=2| Round

! rowspan=2| Pick

! rowspan=2 style="width: 90pt"| Player

! rowspan=2 style="width: 110pt"| Club

! colspan=2| Recruited from

! class="unsortable" rowspan=2| Notes

style="width: 200pt"| Club

! League

rowspan=1| 1

| 1

! scope=row | {{sortname|Jackson|Hately}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| AFL

2021 rookie draft

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ Table of rookie draft selections
rowspan=2\| Round ! rowspan=2\| Pick ! rowspan=2 style="width: 90pt"\| Player ! rowspan=2 style="width: 110pt"\| Club ! colspan=2\| Recruited from ! class="unsortable" rowspan=2\| Notes
style="width: 100pt"\| Club ! League
rowspan=17\| 1 \| 1 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Bryce\|Gibbs\|dab=Australian rules footballer}} \| {{AFL Ade}} \| {{AFL Ade}} \|AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\| Gibbs retired on 10 September 2020. However, Gibbs was retained as an inactive player on Adelaide's Rookie List due to a contractual settlement
2 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Patrick\| Walker\|dab=footballer}} \| {{AFL NM}} \| North Hobart \| TSL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
3 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Malachy\|Carruthers}} \| {{AFL Syd}} \|Sturt \|SANFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
4 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Jack\|Saunders\|dab=Australian footballer}} \| {{AFL Haw}} \| Norwood \| SANFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
5 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Jacob\|Townsend}} \| {{AFL GC}} \|Essendon \|AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
6 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Martin\|Gleeson\|dab=Australian footballer}} \| {{AFL Ess}} \| {{AFL Ess}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
7 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Josh\|Treacy}} \| {{AFL Fre}} \| Bendigo Pioneers \| NAB League \|align="left"\|
8 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Luke\|Parks}} \| {{AFL Car}} \| Glenelg \| SANFL \|align="left"\|
9 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Sam\|Reid\|dab=footballer, born 1989}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \|AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
10 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL Mel}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
11 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Lachlan\|McNeil\|dab=Australian rules footballer}} \| {{AFL WB}} \| {{SANFL WWT}} \| SANFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
12 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Zane\|Trew}} \| {{AFL\|WC}} \| {{WAFL\|SD}} \| WAFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
13 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Jack\|Ginnivan}} \| {{AFL Col}} \| Bendigo Pioneers \| NAB League \| style="text-align:left;"\|
14 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL StK}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
15 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Grant\|Birchall}} \| {{AFL BL}} \| {{AFL BL}} \|AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
16 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Tyson\|Goldsack}} \| {{AFL PA}} \| {{AFL PA}} \| SANFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
17 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL Ric}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
rowspan=14\| 2 \| 18 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Connor\|Menadue}} \| {{AFL NM}} \| Werribee \| VFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
19 ! scope=row \| Passed \| {{AFL Syd}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
20 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Jack\|Hombsch}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
21 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Dylan\|Clarke}} \| {{AFL Ess}} \| {{AFL Ess}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
22 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Bailey\|Banfield}} \| {{AFL Fre}} \| {{AFL Fre}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
23 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL Car}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
24 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Zach\|Sproule}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
25 ! scope=row \| Passed \| {{AFL Mel}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
26 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Roarke\|Smith}} \| {{AFL WB}} \| {{AFL WB}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
27 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Daniel\|Venables}} \| {{AFL\|WC}} \| {{AFL\|WC}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
28 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Isaac\|Chugg}} \| {{AFL Col}} \| Launceston \| TSL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
29 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL StK}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
30 ! scope=row \| Passed \| {{AFL PA}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
31 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL Ric}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
rowspan=8\| 3 \| 32 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL NM}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
33 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Jordan\|Murdoch}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| AFL \| style="text-align:left;"\|
34 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL ESS}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
35 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL Col}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
36 ! scope=row \|Passed \| {{AFL StK}} \| — \| — \| style="text-align:left;"\|
37 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Taj\|Schofield}} \| {{AFL PA}} \| {{SANFL WWT}} \| SANFL \| style="text-align:left;"\| Father–son selection (son of Jarrad Schofield)
38 ! scope=row \|{{sortname\|Aiden\|Fyfe}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| Broadbeach \| QAFL \| style="text-align:left;"\| Academy selection
39 ! scope=row \|Passed \|{{AFL Col}} \| — \| — \|
rowspan=1\| 4 \|40 ! scope=row \| {{sortname\|Rhys\|Nicholls}} \|{{AFL GC}} \| Labrador \| QAFL \| style="text-align:left;"\| Academy selection

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Table of rookie draft selections

rowspan=2| Round

! rowspan=2| Pick

! rowspan=2 style="width: 90pt"| Player

! rowspan=2 style="width: 110pt"| Club

! colspan=2| Recruited from

! class="unsortable" rowspan=2| Notes

style="width: 100pt"| Club

! League

rowspan=17| 1

| 1

! scope=row |{{sortname|Bryce|Gibbs|dab=Australian rules footballer}}

| {{AFL Ade}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Gibbs retired on 10 September 2020. However, Gibbs was retained as an inactive player on Adelaide's Rookie List due to a contractual settlement

! scope=row |{{sortname|Patrick| Walker|dab=footballer}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| North Hobart

| TSL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Malachy|Carruthers}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

|Sturt

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Jack|Saunders|dab=Australian footballer}}

| {{AFL Haw}}

| Norwood

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Jacob|Townsend}}

| {{AFL GC}}

|Essendon

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Martin|Gleeson|dab=Australian footballer}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Josh|Treacy}}

| {{AFL Fre}}

| Bendigo Pioneers

|align="left"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Luke|Parks}}

| {{AFL Car}}

| Glenelg

|align="left"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Sam|Reid|dab=footballer, born 1989}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL Mel}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Lachlan|McNeil|dab=Australian rules footballer}}

| {{AFL WB}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Zane|Trew}}

| {{AFL|WC}}

| {{WAFL|SD}}

| WAFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Jack|Ginnivan}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| Bendigo Pioneers

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL StK}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Grant|Birchall}}

| {{AFL BL}}

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Tyson|Goldsack}}

| {{AFL PA}}

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL Ric}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

rowspan=14| 2

| 18

! scope=row | {{sortname|Connor|Menadue}}

| {{AFL NM}}

| Werribee

| VFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | Passed

| {{AFL Syd}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Jack|Hombsch}}

| {{AFL GC}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Dylan|Clarke}}

| {{AFL Ess}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Bailey|Banfield}}

| {{AFL Fre}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL Car}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Zach|Sproule}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | Passed

| {{AFL Mel}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Roarke|Smith}}

| {{AFL WB}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Daniel|Venables}}

| {{AFL|WC}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | {{sortname|Isaac|Chugg}}

| {{AFL Col}}

| Launceston

| TSL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL StK}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row | Passed

| {{AFL PA}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL Ric}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

rowspan=8| 3

| 32

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL NM}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Jordan|Murdoch}}

| {{AFL GC}}

| AFL

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL ESS}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL Col}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |Passed

| {{AFL StK}}

| —

| style="text-align:left;"|

! scope=row |{{sortname|Taj|Schofield}}

| {{AFL PA}}

| {{SANFL WWT}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Father–son selection (son of Jarrad Schofield)

! scope=row |{{sortname|Aiden|Fyfe}}

| {{AFL GC}}

| Broadbeach

| QAFL

| style="text-align:left;"| Academy selection

! scope=row |Passed

|{{AFL Col}}

| —

rowspan=1| 4

|40

! scope=row | {{sortname|Rhys|Nicholls}}

|{{AFL GC}}

| Labrador

| QAFL

| style="text-align:left;"| Academy selection

= Category B rookie selections =

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ Table of Category B rookie signings
scope="col"\|Name ! scope="col"\|Club ! scope="col"\|Origin ! scope="col"\|Note ! class="unsortable"\|{{abbr\|Ref\|Reference(s)}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Tariek\|Newchurch}} \| rowspan=2\| {{AFL Ade}} \| {{SANFL NA}} (SANFL) \| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous) \| {{cite news\|title=Category B rookie pre-selection: Tariek Newchurch\|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/842386/category-b-rookie-pre-selection-tariek-newchurch\|access-date=10 December 2020\|work=AFC.com.au\|date=10 December 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|James\|Borlase}} \| {{SANFL Stu}} (SANFL) \| Next Generation Academy selection (born in Egypt) \| {{cite news\|title=Category B rookie pre-selection: James Borlase\|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/842384/category-b-rookie-pre-selection-james-borlase\|access-date=10 December 2020\|work=AFC.com.au\|date=10 December 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Deividas\|Uosis}} \| rowspan=2 \| {{AFL BL}} \| Kerry GAA \| International selection (Ireland) \| {{cite news\|title=Lions pounce on lightning-quick Irish teenager\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/374409/lions-pounce-on-lightning-quick-irish-teenager\|last=McGowan\|first=Mark\|access-date=17 November 2020\|work=AFL.com.au\|date=17 November 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Carter\|Michael}} \| Maroochydore (QAFL) \| Academy selection \| {{cite news\|title=Carter Michael is a Lion\|url=https://www.lions.com.au/news/841923\|access-date=10 December 2020\|work=Lions.com.au\|date=10 December 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Paul\|Tsapatolis}} \| {{AFL Gee}} \| Keilor Thunder (Big V) \| 3-year non-registered player (basketball) \| {{cite news\|title=Cats land in-demand 'Greek Freak'\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/525006/cats-land-in-demand-greek-freak-tomahawk-s-deal-inked\|access-date=21 November 2020\|work=AFL.com.au\|date=21 November 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Hewago\|Oea}} \| {{AFL GC}} \| {{AFL GC}} (NEAFL) \| International selection (Papua New Guinea) \| {{cite news\|title=The Ace up the Suns' sleeve\|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/11/03/the-ace-up-the-suns-sleeve\|access-date=26 November 2020\|work=TheRoar.com.au\|date=2 November 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Will\|Shaw}} \| {{AFL GWS}} \| Bendigo Pioneers (NAB League) \| Academy selection \| {{cite news\|title=Rookie: Will Shaw\|url=https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/842430/rookie-will-shaw\|access-date=10 December 2020\|work=GWSGiants.com.au\|date=10 December 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Mate\|Colina}} \| {{AFL Ric}} \| Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (NCAA) \| 3-year non-registered player (basketball) \| {{cite news\|title=The AFL's tallest player: Tigers sign 213cm basketballer with close links to club\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/498623/the-afl-s-tallest-player-tigers-sign-213cm-basketballer-with-close-links-to-club\|access-date=10 September 2020\|work=AFL.com.au\|date=10 September 2020}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Marc\|Sheather}} \| {{AFL Syd}} \| Pennant Hills (Sydney AFL) \| Academy selection \| {{cite news\|title=Category B Rookie: Marc Sheather\|url=https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/842540/category-b-rookie-marc-sheather\|access-date=10 December 2020\|work=SydneySwans.com.au\|date=10 December 2020}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Table of Category B rookie signings

scope="col"|Name

! scope="col"|Club

! scope="col"|Origin

! scope="col"|Note

! class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref|Reference(s)}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Tariek|Newchurch}}

| rowspan=2| {{AFL Ade}}

| {{SANFL NA}} (SANFL)

| Next Generation Academy selection (Indigenous)

| {{cite news|title=Category B rookie pre-selection: Tariek Newchurch|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/842386/category-b-rookie-pre-selection-tariek-newchurch|access-date=10 December 2020|work=AFC.com.au|date=10 December 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|James|Borlase}}

| {{SANFL Stu}} (SANFL)

| Next Generation Academy selection (born in Egypt)

| {{cite news|title=Category B rookie pre-selection: James Borlase|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/842384/category-b-rookie-pre-selection-james-borlase|access-date=10 December 2020|work=AFC.com.au|date=10 December 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Deividas|Uosis}}

| rowspan=2 | {{AFL BL}}

| Kerry GAA

| International selection (Ireland)

| {{cite news|title=Lions pounce on lightning-quick Irish teenager|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/374409/lions-pounce-on-lightning-quick-irish-teenager|last=McGowan|first=Mark|access-date=17 November 2020|work=AFL.com.au|date=17 November 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Carter|Michael}}

| Maroochydore (QAFL)

| Academy selection

| {{cite news|title=Carter Michael is a Lion|url=https://www.lions.com.au/news/841923|access-date=10 December 2020|work=Lions.com.au|date=10 December 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Paul|Tsapatolis}}

| {{AFL Gee}}

| Keilor Thunder (Big V)

| 3-year non-registered player (basketball)

| {{cite news|title=Cats land in-demand 'Greek Freak'|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/525006/cats-land-in-demand-greek-freak-tomahawk-s-deal-inked|access-date=21 November 2020|work=AFL.com.au|date=21 November 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Hewago|Oea}}

| {{AFL GC}}

| {{AFL GC}} (NEAFL)

| International selection (Papua New Guinea)

| {{cite news|title=The Ace up the Suns' sleeve|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/11/03/the-ace-up-the-suns-sleeve|access-date=26 November 2020|work=TheRoar.com.au|date=2 November 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Will|Shaw}}

| {{AFL GWS}}

| Bendigo Pioneers (NAB League)

| Academy selection

| {{cite news|title=Rookie: Will Shaw|url=https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/842430/rookie-will-shaw|access-date=10 December 2020|work=GWSGiants.com.au|date=10 December 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Mate|Colina}}

| {{AFL Ric}}

| Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (NCAA)

| 3-year non-registered player (basketball)

| {{cite news|title=The AFL's tallest player: Tigers sign 213cm basketballer with close links to club|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/498623/the-afl-s-tallest-player-tigers-sign-213cm-basketballer-with-close-links-to-club|access-date=10 September 2020|work=AFL.com.au|date=10 September 2020}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Marc|Sheather}}

| {{AFL Syd}}

| Pennant Hills (Sydney AFL)

| Academy selection

| {{cite news|title=Category B Rookie: Marc Sheather|url=https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/842540/category-b-rookie-marc-sheather|access-date=10 December 2020|work=SydneySwans.com.au|date=10 December 2020}}

= Pre-season supplemental selection period=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ Table of Pre-season supplemental selection period signings
rowspan=2\| Player ! rowspan=2\| Club ! colspan=2\| Recruited from ! rowspan=2\| Notes ! rowspan=2 class="unsortable"\|{{abbr\|Ref\|Reference(s)}}
Club ! League
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Nick\|Murray\|dab=footballer}} \|{{AFL Ade}} \|Williamstown \|VFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/874940/crows-sign-nick-murray\|title=Crows sign Nick Murray\|date=8 March 2021\|work=AFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=9 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Oscar\|McDonald}} \|{{AFL Car}} \|{{AFL Mel}} \|AFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/876320\|title=OMac becomes a Blue\|date=9 March 2021\|work=CarltonFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=9 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Alec\|Waterman}} \| rowspan=2\|{{AFL Ess}} \|{{WAFL\|Cla}} \|WAFL \|Previously listed with {{AFL WC}} \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/870975/waterman-wins-one-year-deal\|title=Waterman wins one-year deal\|date=2 March 2021\|work=EssendonFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=2 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Kaine\|Baldwin}} \|{{SANFL Gle}} \|SANFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/872878/baldwin-becomes-a-bomber\|title=Baldwin becomes a Bomber\|date=5 March 2021\|work=EssendonFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=5 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Lachlan\|Bramble}} \|{{AFL Haw}} \|Williamstown \|VFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/556416/hawks-snare-vfl-bolter-for-rookie-list-spot\|title=Hawks snare VFL bolter for rookie list spot\|date=5 March 2021\|work=AFL.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=5 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Majak\|Daw}} \| rowspan=2\|{{AFL Mel}} \|{{AFL NM}} \|AFL \| \| rowspan=2\|{{cite web\|url=https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/876396/daw-and-smith-earn-list-spots\|title=Daw and Smith earn list spots\|date=9 March 2021\|work=MelbourneFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=9 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Deakyn\|Smith}} \|Dandenong Stingrays \|NAB League \|
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Rhyan\|Mansell}} \| rowspan=2\|{{AFL Ric}} \|{{SANFL WWT}} \|SANFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/550027/sanfl-speed-machine-joins-tigers-as-a-rookie\|title=SANFL speed machine joins Tigers as a rookie\|date=18 February 2021\|work=AFL.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=18 February 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Derek\|Eggmolesse-Smith}} \|{{AFL Ric}} \|AFL \| Re-signed player \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/876440/\|title=Eggmolesse-Smith signs on\|date=9 March 2021\|work=RichmondFC.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=9 March 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Mason\|Wood}} \| rowspan=2\| {{AFL StK}} \|{{AFL NM}} \|AFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/545558/saint-lifeline-discarded-roo-wins-list-spot\|title=Saint lifeline: Discarded Roo wins list spot\|date=5 February 2021\|work=AFL.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=5 February 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Paul\|Hunter\|dab=Australian footballer}} \|{{SANFL SA}} \|SANFL \|Previously listed with {{AFL Ade}} \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/550543/former-crow-to-join-saints-after-impressing-in-intraclub-s-a-side\|title=Former Crow to join Saints after impressing in intraclub's 'A' side\|date=5 February 2021\|work=AFL.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=20 February 2021}}
scope="row"\|{{sortname\|Anthony\|Scott\|dab=footballer}} \|{{AFL WB}} \|Footscray \|VFL \| \|{{cite web\|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/552793\|title=Mature-aged Dog earns rookie spot, in mix for R1 debut\|date=25 February 2021\|work=AFL.com.au\|publisher=Telstra\|access-date=25 February 2021}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Table of Pre-season supplemental selection period signings

rowspan=2| Player

! rowspan=2| Club

! colspan=2| Recruited from

! rowspan=2| Notes

! rowspan=2 class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref|Reference(s)}}

Club

! League

scope="row"|{{sortname|Nick|Murray|dab=footballer}}

|{{AFL Ade}}

|Williamstown

|VFL

|{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.com.au/news/874940/crows-sign-nick-murray|title=Crows sign Nick Murray|date=8 March 2021|work=AFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=9 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Oscar|McDonald}}

|{{AFL Car}}

|{{AFL Mel}}

|{{cite web|url=https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/876320|title=OMac becomes a Blue|date=9 March 2021|work=CarltonFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=9 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Alec|Waterman}}

| rowspan=2|{{AFL Ess}}

|{{WAFL|Cla}}

|WAFL

|Previously listed with {{AFL WC}}

|{{cite web|url=https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/870975/waterman-wins-one-year-deal|title=Waterman wins one-year deal|date=2 March 2021|work=EssendonFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=2 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Kaine|Baldwin}}

|{{SANFL Gle}}

|{{cite web|url=https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/872878/baldwin-becomes-a-bomber|title=Baldwin becomes a Bomber|date=5 March 2021|work=EssendonFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=5 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Lachlan|Bramble}}

|{{AFL Haw}}

|Williamstown

|VFL

|{{cite web|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/556416/hawks-snare-vfl-bolter-for-rookie-list-spot|title=Hawks snare VFL bolter for rookie list spot|date=5 March 2021|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=5 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Majak|Daw}}

| rowspan=2|{{AFL Mel}}

|{{AFL NM}}

| rowspan=2|{{cite web|url=https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/876396/daw-and-smith-earn-list-spots|title=Daw and Smith earn list spots|date=9 March 2021|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=9 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Deakyn|Smith}}

|Dandenong Stingrays

|NAB League

scope="row"|{{sortname|Rhyan|Mansell}}

| rowspan=2|{{AFL Ric}}

|{{SANFL WWT}}

|{{cite web|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/550027/sanfl-speed-machine-joins-tigers-as-a-rookie|title=SANFL speed machine joins Tigers as a rookie|date=18 February 2021|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=18 February 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Derek|Eggmolesse-Smith}}

|{{AFL Ric}}

| Re-signed player

|{{cite web|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/876440/|title=Eggmolesse-Smith signs on|date=9 March 2021|work=RichmondFC.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=9 March 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Mason|Wood}}

| rowspan=2| {{AFL StK}}

|{{AFL NM}}

|{{cite web|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/545558/saint-lifeline-discarded-roo-wins-list-spot|title=Saint lifeline: Discarded Roo wins list spot|date=5 February 2021|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Telstra|access-date=5 February 2021}}

scope="row"|{{sortname|Paul|Hunter|dab=Australian footballer}}

|{{SANFL SA}}