Six AFL clubs are positioned to be “significant role players” in how the 2026 AFL Draft unfolds, with club-tied prospects, trade deals from this year and the sides struggling to get off the foot of the ladder all playing a part.
The 2026 draft crop is set to be headlined by Carlton father-son talent Cody Walker and Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy prospect Dougie Cochrane, with the club-tied duo both viewed as the standout contenders for Pick 1.
Their strong bottom-aged campaigns had an impact on how both Carlton and Port Adelaide attacked this year’s draft, with the Blues placing a priority on securing Harry Dean and Jack Ison before boosting their 2026 hand.
The Power didn’t make a single selection at the National Draft, flagging their desire to strengthen their position for the next two years instead.
Speaking on this week’s episode of Craft of the Draft, host Mitch Keating named the Power and Blues as two clubs that will be major players when it comes to the 2026 draft.
“Carlton and Port Adelaide will be significant role players in how the year’s draft unfolds, from a points perspective more than anything, for Cody Walker and Dougie Cochrane. They both used the trade and draft periods to bolster their hands for next year,” Keating said.
“The Blues have their own first-rounder, as well as Sydney’s from that Charlie Curnow. They’ve got a second rounder that’s tied to Gold Coast and a second rounder that’s tied to North Melbourne. Then a third rounder that’s Brisbane’s and their own fourth.
Kevin Sheehan Medal winner Douglas Cochrane in action for South Australia.
Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos
“They’re pretty well stocked up. The two first-rounders almost get them there (for a bid on Walker), but a pair of second-rounders certainly helps their case. We saw the wheeling and dealing they had to do just to get Harry Dean at Pick 3.
“Port Adelaide said they were placing a lot of focus on 2026 and 2027, given the boys that are coming through. They’ve got just one first-round pick, but they do have Carlton’s second, their own second, a third tied to Gold Coast and then their own third and fourth.
“Those two clubs have done well to stock up on picks for 2026. It’s a long road, and we’ll see how their seasons pan out, but at this stage, they’ve done a good job.”
West Coast, Richmond and North Melbourne are all expected to be toward the bottom third of the ladder by the cessation of next season, giving all three sides another look at the top end of the draft.
The Eagles have relied on the past three drafts to aid their list rebuild, a period that has included a pair of Pick 1 selections.
Richmond’s quick transition to focusing on the draft saw them net six first-round prospects last year before adding a further two in the top 10 last month.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 20: Richmond’s draft picks, Sam Lalor, Josh Smillie and Harry Armstrong pose for a photo during the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
While North Melbourne will hope to close the gap on the top half of the competition in 2026, they could rely on the draft once more as the club continues to tinker with its list.
“Naturally, you look at clubs that finished towards the bottom of the ladder this year… West Coast, you’d expect, will be towards the bottom again,” Craft of the Draft analyst Jonty Ralphsmith said.
“I would like to, optimistically, think they’re passed the absolute ground zero of their rebuild. They might want to make sure they can capitalise one more time at the draft and then really springboard.
“Richmond have done so well with the players they’ve managed to bring in from right at the top end. If they can get another player or two to complement that, (they’ll be well set).
“I think what North Melbourne did through the 2025 draft was really important, but they’re an interesting one with where they sit.”
As well as the aforementioned Carlton, Melbourne is the only other club that will carry a pair of 2026 first-round picks into the new year.
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: Christian Petracca poses during a media opportunity with the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium on October 17, 2025, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
A trade with Gold Coast that saw Christian Petracca head north landed the Demons the Suns’ opening selections for next year’s count, giving the Victorian club, which could slide further down the ladder in 2026, a strong stance.
“A club worth mentioning is Melbourne. It’s going to be interesting to see how their 2026 campaign unfolds, given the direction their off-season took, the profile of their list and a new coach at the helm,” Keating added.
“They pocketed Gold Coast’s first rounder. So they’re one of two clubs with two first-round picks heading into next year.”
You can watch this week’s episode of Craft of the Draft below, or head to Zero Hanger’s YouTube channel.Â