Like the 2024 crop, many clubs believe this year’s Pick 1 race is still up for grabs, considering the nature of the draft class.
It’s a draft that will heavily feature club-tied talent — including a big Blues bolter — but a few in the open-pool will be in hot demand.
Foxfooty.com.au presents its top 30 2025 AFL Draft Power Rankings after the national championships — and months out from the 2025 AFL national draft, with the first round to be held on Wednesday November 19, followed by the remaining rounds on Thursday November 20.
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Zeke Uwland of the Allies. Picture: Jenny Evans/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
1. ZEKE UWLAND
Position: Wing/Medium Defender
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh
Don’t sleep on Zeke. Uwland has barely played in 2025 due to a back injury, but clubs haven’t forgotten his brilliant bottom-age year. He was the only player in his 17th year selected in the 2024 Under 18 All-Australian team — a fair achievement considering how stacked last year’s draft class was — averaging 23 disposals and six rebound 50s. Uwland, the brother of Gold Coast’s Bodhi Uwland, is a brilliant, left-footed winger with great game sense who’s been likened to dual All-Australian Errol Gulden. He’s a great decision-maker and pinpoint by foot, while his leadership has also come on in leaps and bounds. Encouragingly, he’s targeting a return via the Suns’ VFL team in the coming weeks assuming all goes to plan.
Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
2. DANIEL ANNABLE
Position: Midfielder
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Redland-Victoria Point
There’s a school of thought that if Annable was on Brisbane’s AFL list this year, he’d be a regular member of the reigning premiers’ line-up. That’s how highly regarded the Lions academy prospect is regarded. A strong-bodied, well-balanced on-baller, the courageous Annable has excellent stoppage craft, is strong in his attack on the ball and clean. He’s a beast at the coalface but also finds a way to cause damage in transition as he’s a high metres gained player. He only solidified his top-five contender status during the national champs, averaging 24.8 disposals, 7.0 score involvements, 5.5 inside 50s and 4.2 clearances for the Allies. The prospect of him joining the reigning premiers next year – and linking up with Will and Levi Ashcroft, as well as academy graduate Sam Marshall, in the midfield for years to come – would be tough for opposition scouts and fans to stomach.
Willem Duursma of Victoria Country. Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
3. WILLEM DUURSMA
Position: Utility
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Foster/Foster Secondary College/Gippsland Power
Duursma – the brother of Xavier, Yasmin and Zane Duursma – is now arguably the No.1 player in this year’s open draft pool. The silky utility has an elite kick, great lateral movement and the versatility to play in multiple positions on the field, which has seen him draw comparisons with dual All-Australian Brendon Goddard. As a midfielder, his ability to explode from congestion after receiving handballs has been likened to Giants star Finn Callaghan. Duursma claimed Vic Country’s MVP award at the recent carnival, averaging 24.3 disposals, 4.5 intercepts and 128 ranking points, with his final game against Vic Metro (1.1 from 27 disposals, 8 score involvements, 6 inside 50s and 511m gained) a stunning statement to his doubters. He’s a player with big-ceiling potential at AFL level, which will make him a tempting prospect for clubs with early picks.
Dylan Patterson of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
4. DYLAN PATTERSON
Position: Medium Defender/Wing
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin
Get excited. If you had any doubts over Patterson’s top-five credentials prior to the championships, you’d be jumping on the bandwagon now. The Gold Coast Academy star had some breathtaking moments for the Allies – including a match-winning run against WA – across his four games, which saw him average 19.8 disposals, 5.0 rebound 50s, 4.8 score involvements and 400m gained. It comes after strong outings for the AFL Academy and Suns — both at Coates Talent League and VFL level. While the’s not necessarily as silky yet, there’s a lot of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera traits about Patterson, whose explosive speed and penetrating kick are massive weapons. That combination of pace, agility, power and ball-winning ability means he’s going to be a lot of fun to watch for Suns fans in the coming years.
Cooper Duff-Tytler of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
5. COOPER DUFF-TYTLER
Position: Ruck/Tall Forward
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Woodend Hesket/PEGS
While he’s down a few spots here, Duff-Tytler could be the best player in it by season’s end. A potential AFL unicorn at 200cm, Duff-Tytler has impressed draft watchers with his unique athleticism, aerial ability, speed, strong overhead marking skills and cleanliness with ball in hand, especially below his knees for a player of his size. Crucially, he has the ability to play as an extra midfielder around the ground, prompting recruiters to draw comparison to gun rucks like Luke Jackson and Tim English. Duff-Tytler had an explosive start to his 2025 campaign at Coates League Level for the Cannons with ample ‘wow moments’, but arguably hasn’t had the four-quarter ‘wow game’ some recruiters had hoped, either representing the AFL Academy against VFL opposition or Vic Metro in the national champs. Still, Duff-Tytler is one of the more promising ruck-forward prospects to come through the system in many years.
Dyson Sharp of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
6. DYSON SHARP
Position: Midfielder
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Central District/Barossa District/Xavier College
A bankable, ready-to-play midfielder, Sharp for months had been regarded among the top-10 players in this year’s draft class. Yet many scouts were hesitant to put him too high on draft boards, citing other players in the pool could have a higher ceiling at AFL level. But you sensed Sharp stuck it up his doubters during the national carnival with a brilliant four-game campaign for South Australia, leading his state to a drought-breaking title and winning the SA MVP award. Two years after winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the MVP of the Under 16 National Championships, Sharp couldn’t have been more impressive on the national stage, kicking five goals and averaging 27.0 disposals, 11.3 contested possessions, 7.5 score involvements, 6.5 inside 50s, 6.0 clearances and 5.0 tackles. Sharp is renowned for being a big-bodied on-baller who’s a beast at the coalface and clean with ball in hand, while scouts have been impressed by his leadership and improved outside game. He now has to be in the top-five conversation, especially if he carries his champs form into Central District’s SANFL league team.
Harry Dean of Victoria Country. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
7. HARRY DEAN
Position: Tall Defender
Size: 193cm
Clubs: Lavington Panthers/The Scots School/Murray Bushrangers
The biggest bolter of the national champs — and one for Blues fans to get pumped about for several reasons. Dean — the son of dual premiership Blue Peter Dean, who played 248 games for Carlton – has surged up draft boards in recent months, impressing recruiters with his power, toughness, competitiveness and intercept ability for Vic Country. He averaged 15.3 disposals and a competition-high 3.5 intercept marks, while he went at 89 per cent efficiency by foot. Against Vic Metro in a 22-disposal, 11-intercept, eight-mark display in the final game of the carnival, he looked like a man against boys, playing with a presence and confidence that personified his rise. Dean’s versatility to match up on players of different sizes is why he’s now regarded as the best tall defender in this year’s pool. He showed his superb intercept aerial ability throughout the early stages of his draft year, but his lockdown job on Allies forward Max King showed he can nullify a dangerous opposition forward as well. The Blues now will almost certainly have to match a bid on Dean in the first round – which makes a potential first-round compensation pick for free agent Tom De Koning or any trades for big-name Blues so crucial, considering Carlton as it stands doesn’t hold a first-rounder. Should he land at the Blues, there’s every chance he’s playing senior footy very early in 2026.
Josh Lindsay of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
8. JOSH LINDSAY
Position: Medium Defender
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Newtown & Chilwell/Geelong Grammar/Geelong Falcons
The designated distributor — and arguably the best kick in the draft. Lindsay had a consistent champs campaign for Vic Country, averaging 21.8 disposals and going at 74 per cent efficiency by foot. He’s a big-game player too, named best on ground for Team Heppell in the Under 17s Futures match at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year then named the AFL Academy’s best player for his 25-disposal game against VFL side Coburg. He’s a great decision-maker who rarely wastes a disposal with that precise left boot. He can play off half-back or on a wing, given he loves to use his run and carry to generate plays out of defence.
Sam Cumming of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
9. SAM CUMMING
Position: Midfielder/Medium Forward
Size: 186cm
Clubs: North Adelaide/Wentworth/Prince Alfred College
For some, Cumming was already in the top-10 conversation prior to the champs. Four games later and he only strengthened that status, kicking four goals and averaging 17.0 disposals. After dominant displays at SANFL Under 18s level, recruiters were pleased Cumming stepped up on the national stage. Even better, Cumming has made a splash for North Adelaide’s league team since the champs, racking up 16 disposals against Sturt before a brilliant display against South Adelaide where he 3.1 from 21 disposals, six inside 50s, five clearances, five tackles and five marks. Highly regarded for his class, power, speed, agility and competitiveness, both in the air and at ground level, Cumming has a terrific athletic profile, with one talent-watcher labelling him “the prototype AFL midfielder”.
Ollie Greeves of Victoria Metro. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
10. OLLIE GREEVES
Position: Midfielder
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Vermont/Caulfield Grammar
Some would have him higher than this, others would have him lower. Whatever your take on Greeves is, he’s as consistent as they come and rarely plays a bad game. This was personified by his national champs campaign that saw him claim Vic Metro’s MVP award, averaging 25.3 disposals, 11.5 contested possessions, 4.5 clearances and 4.8 score involvements per match. It comes after strong performances for both the AFL academy against VFL opposition and the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League. Greeves is a standout at the coalface with his clean hands and toughness in congestion, although recruiters have some questions around his defensive transition and ceiling at the top level. But fans in club land also like his footy smarts and kicking skills and toughness at the contest.
Mitchell Marsh of South Australia. Picture: David Mariuz/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
11. MITCH MARSH
Position: Medium Forward
Size: 191cm
Clubs: West Adelaide/Kangarilla
Get ready for more Mitch Marsh sixes, because this Marsh knows where the goals are. The exciting forward spearheaded SA’s forward line in its title-winning campaign, booting five goals against Vic Country in SA’s final match to finish with a competition-high 12 majors for the tournament. Standing at 191cm, Marsh’s speed, athleticism and elite footy IQ make him difficult to contain close to goal. His competitiveness in the air, strong marking on the lead, forward craft and accurate kicking – combined with his speed and athleticism – make him a tantalising prospect.
Aidan Schubert of South Australia. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
12. AIDAN SCHUBERT
Position: Tall Forward/Ruck
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Central District/Gawler Central/Trinity College
Could be the best key forward in it now after a standout champs for SA. Schubert was a constant forward-half presence, kicking 10 goals for the carnival — ranked second behind teammate Mitch Marsh. His mobility, aerobic capacity, competitiveness and ground-level cleanliness – which helped him rack up 21 and 19 disposals respectively in his final two games – now have him in mid-first round calculations.
Max King of the Allies. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
13. MAX KING
Position: Medium Forward
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/Cardiff Hawks/Warners Bay High School
Was in top-five pick discussions among scouts at the start of the year, especially after a six-goal haul in a Summer Series game for the Swans’ academy against the Giants’ academy. But after a subpar champs, some would have him closer to the 20. We’ve landed somewhere in the middle, for King’s upside is enormous. A powerful, freakishly athletic prospect who’s strong overhead and clean at ground level, King didn’t catch fire for the Allies during the carnival. He threatened to tear the game against WA at Marvel Stadium apart – he took a spectacular mark and ultimately kicked the match-winner – but missed several opportunities in front of goal, booting 2.3 from eight disposals and five marks. That performance was sandwiched between games of 0.2 against SA and 0.0 against Vic Country, while he didn’t play in the final match against Vic Metro due to illness. As one recruiter said, King “could be anything” at AFL level for the Swans.
Jacob Farrow of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
14. JACOB FARROW
Position: Medium Defender
Size: 188cm
Clubs: West Perth/Joondalup Kinross
Scouts now widely believe Farrow should be the first WA player picked later this year. Likened to Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson, Farrow averaged 19.0 disposals and 4.8 marks and went at an impressive 87 per cent efficiency by foot from his four matches for WA. His best outing came against the Allies at Marvel Stadium where he was WA’s designated distributor out of the defensive 50, finishing with a game-high 29 disposals, nine marks, six intercepts and a whopping 803m gained. It was the latest step in a promising draft campaign for Farrow, who’s also averaged 25.8 disposals from six WAFL colts games. He recently made his WAFL league debut too for West Perth. Like Crow Dawson, Farrow has been trialled in the midfield where he’s shown off his strength and composure under pressure. But his kicking, running and rebounding are his biggest weapons.
Archie Ludowyke of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
15. ARCHIE LUDOWYKE
Position: Tall Forward
Size: 197cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham Rovers/Brighton Grammar
Would’ve been higher on draft boards prior to the champs. An exciting key-position talent who presents strongly, loves flying for marks and is crafty around the big sticks — which has seen him draw comparisons to Giants star Aaron Cadman — Ludowyke has had some standout games this season. He kicked bags of four and five goals for the Sandringham Dragons, while he booted five majors across two AFL Academy games against VFL opposition. But Ludowyke went goalless against SA and WA before suffering a knee injury against the Allies in his three national champs games for Vic Metro. He still looms as a first-round pick, but at this stage most AFL club recruiters have him out of the top-10 conversation.
Lachy Dovaston of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
16. LACHY DOVASTON
Position: Small Forward
Size: 177cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Blackburn/Rowville Sports Academy
Wizard 2.0? Club recruiters at the start of the season couldn’t get over Dovaston’s likeness to Hawthorn young gun Nick Watson – both in terms of playing style and looks. But the fellow Eastern Ranges product is now carving out his own reputation. Dovaston stepped up on the national stage for Vic Metro, booting nine goals — ranked third in the carnival — and averaging 12.8 disposals and 5.5 score involvements as he showed off his outstanding forward craft, flair, poise around goal and defensive pressure. It came after his strong form for the Ranges in the Coates Talent League, booting 22.14 and averaging 16.1 disposals and 5.1 tackles from nine games. One of the doubts around Dovaston at the start of the season was how consistent he could be game-to-game, but he’s answered that question with an outstanding two-month block to earn the status as the best small forward in the draft class.
Harley Barker of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
17. HARLEY BARKER
Position: Wing
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Sturt/Mount Barker/Heathfield High School
This guys has a lot of tools — and a lot of fans at club level. After starting the year in a half-forward/inside midfielder role for Sturt, Barker quickly returned to his natural habit on the wing. He quickly proved across multiple levels why he’s arguably the best natural winger in the class with his breakaway speed, ability to gain territory and keep his width. A damaging, run-and-carry winger with an athletics background, Barker kicked four goals and averaged 16.0 disposals, 5.8 score involvements, 5.5 marks and 335m gained. His goal against Vic Country at Marvel Stadium where he received the ball at half-forward, burst away opponents, ran inside 50 and nailed the finish on the run, was an eye-catching ‘pick me’ moment. Unfortunately for Barker, he ruptured his ACL returning for Sturt earlier this month, but not before making a champs statement.
Adam Sweid of Vic Metro. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
18. ADAM SWEID
Position: Midfielder/Small Forward
Size: 175cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Pascoe Vale/Islamic College of Sport
A player Bombers fans have been tracking closely as a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, Sweid is putting together a mightily impressive draft campaign. After being sidelined for all of last year due to an ACL injury, Sweid has picked up where from where he left off and shown plenty this season playing in a midfield-forward role. He set the tone with 2.0 from 25 disposals against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 1 of the Coates Talent League, with a recruiter saying Sweid just “looked like an AFL player” during his strong outing. Sweid has only got better from there, averaging 25.0 disposals, 6.4 tackles and 4.8 marks for the Cannons. He then stepped up on the national stage, averaging 17.3 disposals, 6.3 score involvements, 4.8 tackles and 4.3 clearances from four matches, with a four-goal, 16-disposal outing against the Allies a clear standout performance. Sweid has impressed with his natural ball-winning ability, cleanliness, class and composure at stoppages, but scouts also love his willingness to apply pressure at all levels. If the Bombers want him, it’s more likely they’ll have to match a first-round bid on him.
Sam Swadling of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
19. SAM SWADLING
Position: Midfielder
Size: 187cm
Clubs: West Perth/Whitford
A hard-working, composed and clean midfielder, Swadling was arguably WA’s most consistent player across the champs. He kicked three goals and averaged 19.0 disposals, 7.5 contested possessions and 6.0 score involvements, impressing with his composure and clean hands in tight, overhead marking ability and workrate. While scouts were keen to see him play more midfield time for WA, they were pleased Swadling made the most of his opportunities playing on the wing and across half-forward. After a ridiculously good patch of form at WAFL colts level — he averaged a whopping 35 disposals from six games — Swadling returned from the champs and made a promising League debut for West Perth, booting one goal from 12 disposals.
Xavier Taylor of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
20. XAVIER TAYLOR
Position: Medium Defender
Size: 191cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/East Ringwood/Rowville Sports Academy
Slowly risen up many draft boards as the year has progressed. Some scouts canvassed have likened him to three-time premiership Tiger Nathan Broad as a hybrid third defender who has the athleticism and versatility to either lock down or intercept while playing on forwards of different sizes. Taylor impressed with his one-on-one ability and defensive positioning in the national champs for Vic Metro then showed off his improved offensive game late in the carnival, finishing with 16 disposals and two intercept marks against Vic Country. It comes after a consistent start to his Talent League season for the Ranges, where he’s averaged 17.9 disposals, 6.4 marks and 2.9 rebound 50s from nine matches. Many recruiters are now comfortable to declare Taylor a top-20 prospect.
Lachlan Carmichael of the Allies. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
21. LACHLAN CARMICHAEL
Position: Medium Defender
Size: 183cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/North Shore Bombers
While Max King for many is still this year’s top Swans Academy prospect, Carmichael has undoubtedly closed the gap in recent months. He averaged a team-high 24.8 disposals, 6.0 score involvements, 5.0 marks, 4.8 rebound 50s and 382m gained across four games to claim the Allies’ MVP award at the national champs. Carmichael has been described as one of the most “bankable” prospects of this year’s class. You just know what you’re going to get with him: A love to run and carry and generate rebound for his side out of the back half. While there are some question marks around his speed, there’s a view his elite footy IQ and positioning offsets it. While Carmichael has always had the natural knack of finding the footy, he’s gone to another level in recent months with his composure, toughness and balance.
Fred Rodriguez of Western Australia. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
22. FRED RODRIGUEZ
Position: Midfielder
Size: 184cm
Clubs: South Fremantle/Fremantle City Dockers
A tough, bankable midfielder with a great workrate, Rodriguez remains in the first-round mix — although he now has a lot more competition to be the first WA player take in November’s draft. Rodriguez had a strong carnival to take out WA’s MVP award, averaging 18.0 disposals, 4.5 tackles and 4.3 clearances across the four games as he showed off a great inside game to compliment his already strong outside traits. It comes after Rodriguez was thrown into the deep end with a Round 1 WAFL league debut for South Fremantle before returning to the colts where he’s built more confidence and momentum. The midfielder’s cleanliness with ball in hand, burst out of stoppage and transition ability are all key qualities that excite clubs. Just as importantly, he’s as team-orientated as they come and a natural leader.
Sam Grlj of Victoria Metro. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
23. SAM GRLJ
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Old Camberwell Grammarians/Camberwell Grammar
Grlj had been trending towards the top-10 mix — and could still get there with a strong finish to his year — but probably didn’t get as much on-ball time for Vic Metro to really break out on the national stage. Playing primarily as a medium defender, Grlj averaged 17.0 disposals from four matches without a genuine ‘pick me’ game. But he’s a well-rounded prospect with a great combination of speed, power and endurance — traits AFL clubs are looking for in modern-day midfielders. It’s why he’s been compared to Cats best and fairest winner Max Holmes, who started his AFL career as a winger before moving more inside. Would that be the path for Grlj at the top level? Nonetheless, if he gets the chance to show off his wares as a clearance-winning midfielder in the back-end of this year, don’t be surprised if Grlj makes his way up draft boards.
Matthew LeRay of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
24. MATT LeRAY
Position: Wing
Size: 189cm
Clubs: Central District/Golden Grove
The other dominant winger for South Australia during its title-winning campaign, the left-footed LeRay and right-footed Harley Barker were a damaging one-two punch. LeRay’s workrate is a thing of beauty, which was on display during his four games for SA where he averaged 16.8 disposals, 5.8 marks, 5.5 score involvements and 330m gained. Remarkably, the gifted leg-spinner only decided to focus on footy full-time late last year after captaining SA at the national Under 19 cricket championships. While clubs are keen to see improvement with his composure with ball in-hand, his athletic profile (power and speed) and willingness to take the game on also has them excited. There’s still a long way to go, but scouts reckon LeRay has the potential to be a star at the top level once he gets into an AFL environment.
Riley Onley of Victoria Country. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
25. RILEY ONLEY
Position: Midfielder
Size: 194cm
Clubs: Shepparton United/Scotch/Murray Bushrangers
Fair to say Onley has divided opinion among recruiters this year, but the back-end of his championships campaign was undeniably impressive. While he had a consistent four-game carnival for Vic Country — he averaged 23.0 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements, 4.8 marks and 4.0 clearances — Onley’s last two games were particularly eye-catching. Against the Allies, he finished with a team-high 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 13 score involvements, seven clearances, six marks and six inside 50s. Then he looked powerful and confident against Vic Metro with 22 touches and six inside 50s. It was a strong statement from the big-bodied midfielder after a quiet start to his draft year. Fans of Onley reckon he has all the traits of a modern-day midfielder: Size, speed and endurance. Others point out he needs to work on his outside game and defensive pressure. Some would have him outside the top 30, while others reckon he deserves to be in the teens now.
Hussien El Achkar of Vic Metro. Picture: Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
26. HUSSEIN EL ACHKAR
Position: Small Forward
Size: 171cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Pascoe Vale
Another Essendon NGA product who’s had an excellent draft year across all levels. El Achkar has been a handful for opposition teams at Coates Talent League level, booting 17.9 — including a six-goal bag against the Sandringham Dragons — and averaging 13.2 touches from five games. He took that form into the carnival, booting 6.9 — he left a few goals on the table, it must be said — and averaging 10.5 disposals and 3.5 inside 50s. Importantly, 27 of his 42 touches for the champs ended up in Vic Metro scores — a great strike rate. El Achkar’s forward craft and ability to keep his feet has big appeal. He’s speedy and powerful, while his ability to read the ball off hands and get into the right attacking positions at the right time is dangerous. Could be one of two Bombers NGA graduates that attract a first-round bid.
Zac McCarthy of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
27. ZAC McCARTHY
Position: Tall Forward/Ruck
Size: 199cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Old Carey/Carey Grammar
Of all the Magpies-linked players this season either through their NGA program or father-son eligible, McCarthy is most likely to be bid on first, considering his big upside at AFL level. The talented tall had a big impact in Vic Metro’s two carnival wins, booting 5.0 goals playing primarily as a forward given Metro’s plethora of ruck options. It came after a strong pre-season then a strong start to his Coates Talent League campaign, which saw him kick 1.1 from 19 touches against Northern Knights then 1.1 from 21 disposals against the Sandringham Dragons. The Oakleigh Chargers prospect has shown he can thrive as both a forward and as a ruck, while he’s strong in the air and composed with ball in hand. He’d be a long-term proposition for an AFL club, but his enormous potential at the top level is why clubs believe he’ll be in the first-round mix come November. Given Collingwood’s key-position stocks forward of centre aren’t getting any younger, McCarthy’s potential addition would be a huge boost to the club’s future.
Beau Addinsall of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
28. BEAU ADDINSALL
Position: Midfielder
Size: 180cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh
Another Suns-tied player in first-round contention, Addinsall has had exposure at various levels this year. He stuffed the stats sheet in thee Coates Talent League matches for the Suns academy — he booted 4.1 and averaged 32.0 disposals — before two strong outings for the AFL Academy team against VFL opposition. He was a standout performer for against the VFL Tigers, finishing with a team-high 28 disposals, nine contested possessions, five clearances and five inside 50s, consistently positioning himself in the right spots at stoppages to get Australia moving forward. After playing two games for Gold Coast’s VFL side — and racking up 16 touches in both outings — then playing the first match of the Allies’ champs campaign, Addinsall hurt his hamstring at training, with the call made to sideline him for the rest of the carnival. A smooth-moving midfielder who thrives at stoppages, scouts admire how reliable and consistent Addinsall is on the field — to the point where clubs would have him a lot higher on their draft boards then where we have him.
Koby Coulson of the Allies. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
29. KOBY COULSON
Position: Midfielder
Size: 180cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach/All Saints Anglican School
Another (great) headache for the Suns’ list management team, with Coulson now widely expected to attract national draft attention from AFL clubs after a stellar year. After averaging 29 disposals from four Coates Talent League games then 15 disposals in three Suns VFL games, Coulson stepped up for the Allies to be an integral member of their on-ball brigade. He averaged 24.2 disposals, 11.8 contested possessions, 5.5 inside 50s, 4.8 score involvements, 4.8 tackles and 4.0 clearances from all four matches, showing off his work ethic and power at stoppages. He’s an inside bull with Matt Rowell-like traits — and he’s in the first-round mix for some clubs.
Louis Emmett of Victoria Metro. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
30. LOUIS EMMETT
Position: Ruck/Tall Forward
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris Gladiators/Scotch College
A mobile big man with good skills, Emmett has been a ruck star for the Oakleigh Chargers while also showing he can push forward. He has strong hands and loves to take a big grab, but his endurance and work rate also allows him to influence many ruck contests around the ground. While interruptions haven’t helped, Emmett, for many clubs, has struggled to hit the same heights this year as he did as a bottom-ager, putting his first-round prospects in some doubt. But scouts were encouraged by Emmett’s recent outing against the Allies (14 disposals, 6 marks (2 contested) and 12 hit-outs) and believe he can push back up the order with a strong finish to his 2025 campaign.