After the completion of the 2025 AFL Draft, which saw 84 players selected by top-flight clubs, many fans and analysts have begun evaluating the potential of these draftees to leave an early mark.
While a pre-season is still ahead of us, there are already several prospects who are considered ready for the elite level of competition.
We highlight eight of the top candidates likely to make their debut in the early stages of the 2026 season.
Willem Duursma (West Coast)
There’s no surprise that the No.1 Pick from the 2025 draft makes this list, given he joins the wooden spooners.
But Willem Duursma is ready to make his AFL debut as early as possible, with the rangy talent showcasing his top-flight readiness throughout his draft year, ultimately culminating in becoming the top selection.
The Eagles are desperate to get high-end talent in, and Duursma is exactly that, but will likely begin his career across halfback.
The Gippsland Power product has displayed its capacity to play on all three lines, but will be eased into the jump up to AFL football before making moves to other areas of the ground.
Duursma could be seen debuting against Gold Coast in Round 1.
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