Aidan McCartney Chooses North Melbourne Over Sydney in AFL Draft Nomination

Aidan McCartney, a prospect for the AFL draft, has announced his preference for North Melbourne over Sydney as he prepares for this year's draft. He aims to emulate his father, Jason McCartney, who played for the Kangaroos.

McCartney is affiliated with the Swans academy and has a family background in Sydney, where his father serves as the football boss for GWS. Despite earning All-Australian honors at the U16 level in 2024, he has faced challenges this year due to a hip injury that required surgery in February.

This injury has raised questions about his draft position, as he was previously considered a potential first-round pick. However, he is now expected to be selected in the middle to later rounds of the November draft. Standing at 195cm, McCartney is eligible for North Melbourne as a father-son selection, having maintained contact with the club throughout his junior career.

His decision follows North Melbourne's recent roster changes, including the delisting of several players.