The National Draft returned to being a two day event in 2021, after being held on a single night in 2020.
[1] After coming 18th in the 2021 AFL season, the North Melbourne Football Club held the number one draft pick in the National draft for the first time, selecting South Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis.
[2] The mid-season draft was held after the conclusion of Round 11 of the 2021 AFL season on 2 June.
[4] The draft was only open to clubs with inactive players on their list and vacancies available, such as long term injuries or retirements.
The selection order for each of these picks is tied to the original club's finishing position in the 2021 season.