Northampton’s Brynn Teakle back in AFL after being taken by North Melbourne in mid-season draft

Northampton export Brynn Teakle is back in the big league after being selected by North Melbourne at pick 15 during Wednesday’s mid-season rookie draft.

The East Fremantle ruckman becomes the first player to ever be selected twice in the mid-season draft after being taken by Port Adelaide in 2022.

Plagued by a brutal run of injuries, Teakle’s time with the Power lasted just six games before he was delisted at the end of the 2023 season.

The 24-year-old spent pre-season with Collingwood but wasn’t given a spot on their list.

Instead, the Mid West local came back to WA, reuniting with his former club East Fremantle.

Since returning to the Sharks, the versatile tall has impressed, averaging 15.7 disposals, 3.4 marks, 3.1 tackles and 35.2 hit outs per game while kicking six goals in the seven league appearances he made this year.

The tall had no issue slotting himself into the side, showing he was capable of winning ruck battles, and became a target inside forward 50 with big grabs and proving he could hit the scoreboard.

He further impressed recruiters after being selected as the State ruck when WA took on SANFL in May.

Teakle was one of the side’s best on ground, amassing 20 touches, 16 hit outs and five marks.

Despite Collingwood showing interest pre-draft, the Magpies went with another tall in Iliro Smit from the Eastern Ranges.

That left the doors open for North Melbourne, who selected Teakle with their second pick at number 15 after they selected Geordie Payne with the first pick.

He said he was excited for a new opportunity.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen. I had a good stint with Collingwood in the pre-season but I’m excited to start fresh with a new club,” Teakle told The West Australian.

“There’s been a couple of kicks in the guts but you’ve got to go through the hard times to get in a good spot.”

After his time with Port Adelaide was shorter than expected, the now 24-year-old is ready for his second chance at AFL level football after spending the start of the year back in the WAFL.

“I’ve had a good start to the year at East Fremantle. The coaches and players there have benefited my football,” Teakle said.

“I’m more mature, having been there before and I’m better for the whole process. I’m a lot more confident within myself and my ability.”

Now he finds himself with the Kangaroos who have had a rough start to their 2024 season, going winless through their first 11 games.

Despite the team’s struggles, they have a solid first ruck option in Tristan Xerri, who has been a standout player at the position this season.

North Melbourne’s national recruiting and retention managed Will Thursfield said they were excited to bring him in as a polished product.

“Brynn has been around for a while; he was mid-season (draft) at Port Adelaide a couple of years ago. He played some good footy early there before copping a couple of injuries and unfortunately getting delisted,” Thursfield said on North Melbourne’s website.

“He went back to East Freo where he has got physically stronger and has proven to be the most dominant big man in that league.

“He has rucked high minutes, shown he can go forward and take a mark and kick a goal. He’s going to provide us a really good option in a ready-to-go sense.”

When Teakle first entered the league with Port he was knocked back for a small stature, but the former Northampton Ram has clearly put in the work and built up his frame.

The 204cm talent is no stranger to being thrusted into AFL action early, making his debut for the Power just 17 days after being drafted in 2022.

He now comes to North as a ready-to-go talent with experience under his belt and could likely see his call up come earlier then expected.

“I’m keen to play and am ready to play as well … hopefully I get a crack at the top level soon,” Teakle said.