As the draft nears, it’s make or break time for this year’s crop of prospects.

Foxfooty.com.au takes a look at which draft prospects have boosted their stocks since the conclusion of the National Championships.

Get the latest talent news and updates in AFL Draft Watch ahead of 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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DANIEL ANNABLE

This guy just keeps on impressing at every level he plays. Whether it be plying his trade for the Brisbane Lions Academy, the Allies, the AFL Academy or the Lions’ VFL side, Annable just keeps on gaining fans.

The Lions Academy prospect is a genuine top five talent in this year’s pool. He’s a ball magnet and his consistency in and between games is ultra impressive. Throughout the Coates Talent League, Annable looked a class above, averaging 29 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s a game. He loves to do the dirty work in and under at the coalface, but he’s also a classy operator on the outside and when the ball is in transition.

In recent weeks, he’s suited up for the Lions’ VFL side under Ben Hudson. It was one thing to be dominating at under 18s level, but how would Annable go against seasoned campaigners and bigger bodies? He’s answered that question very comprehensively. The star youngster has averaged 22.6 disposals and 3.2 tackles a game, but he’s played fitted in seamlessly alongside and against AFL-listed players.

His game has a nice balance of attacking flair and defensive grit and he’s an elite decision-maker both by hand and foot. He plays in a similar manner to dual Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale in many ways in that he’s clean and composed.

And there’s a huge chance that he’s named in Chris Fagan’s round one side next year. That midfield is becoming scarily good for Fagan and the Lions. Neale is a star of the competition, Hugh McCluggage has taken his game to another level this year and Josh Dunkley is one of the most influential players across the league. Add into that the Ashcroft brothers – Will who claimed last year’s Norm Smith Medal and Levi, who’s surely a red-hot chance to win the Rising Star, and that’s an on-ball brigade that’s the envy of the competition.

Then there’s the likes of Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey and Jarrod Berry who roll through there on occasion, while Sam Marshall, another Academy product, is waiting in the wings for more senior opportunities.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy leads his team out onto the field during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

WILLEM DUURSMA

There’s never been any doubt on how good Duursma can be at AFL level, because his ceiling is absolutely enormous. But about a month ago, there were some lingering questions from scouts around his defensive work, kicking and consistency. He’s shown an ability to play across all three lines this year, but he hadn’t truly stamped his authority in any one position.

In many ways, that versatility might have hampered his draft year a little bit. He’s sometimes been thrown around making it hard to absolutely nail one position. But his final National Championships against Vic Metro, combined with some starring performances in the Coates Talent League and his efforts at VFL level in recent weeks have impressed onlookers.

Duursma has played his best footy at the Power as a midfielder who hits the scoreboard and does maximum damage in the attacking half. He’s averaged 25 disposals, five marks, five tackles and just over a goal a game for Gippsland but it’s been his efforts turning out for the Casey Demons in the VFL over the past few weeks that have further enhanced his draft credentials.

The Vic Country MVP was superb in Casey’s narrow win over Brisbane last week, accumulating 20 disposals, six marks, four tackles and six intercepts. The week before he had 17 touches and ten marks. His ability to step up a level and still perform strongly has no doubt pleased recruiters. He’ll be the fourth Duursma to land on a list, following in the footsteps of older siblings Xavier, Yasmin and Zane.

What his best position at AFL level is remains to be seen, but his versatility means he could have an impact really early on wherever he lands. He flies for his marks, has an uncanny nous around goal and has reminded recruiters in recent weeks why he should still be considered a contender for pick 1.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 07: Willem Duursma of Victoria Country warms up during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Country at Mineral Resources Park, on June 07, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

LACHY DOVASTON

Scouts are saying he could be Nick Watson 2.0 such is his incredible skillset. Dovaston is a creative, speedy small forward who has set the pathways alight in his draft year.

The Eastern Ranges product was handed a VFL debut with the Box Hill Hawks on the weekend and dazzled spectators. He finished with 18 disposals and five marks and could’ve had an even bigger day out had he converted more efficiently in front of goal (1.3).

Dovaston earned All-Australian honours for his campaign with Vic Metro, where he snagged nine goals from four matches. Like we’ve seen previously with Watson through the pathways and recently at AFL level, Dovaston has had some stints on-ball with the Ranges in recent times adding more strings to his bow.

He’s had some standout performances at Coates Talent League level, averaging 15.8 disposals and 5.6 tackles per game in addition to his 26 goals from 11 matches. The crafty forward with an impressive mullet, Dovaston has all the makings of becoming a cult hero at AFL level and is firmly in the first round mix as one of, if not the best small forward in this year’s pool.

IPSWICH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 13: Lachy Dovaston of Victoria Metro competes during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Allies and Victoria Metro at Brighton Homes Arena, on July 13, 2025, in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ZEKE UWLAND

Despite missing most of the year due to a debilitating back injury, Zeke Uwland is still well and truly in the mix to be pick 1 at this year’s draft.

The brother of Sun Bodhi, Zeke is also bound for the Suns as a member of their Academy. He’s a tough, hard-working, endurance beast who has a deadly left foot. If we were to compare him to an AFL player, think Errol Gulden.

Uwland hasn’t been too negatively affected by his injury riddled campaign this year given he was SO good in his bottom-aged season. The versatile Academy product was the only bottom-ager named in last year’s All-Australian squad and looks a likely type at AFL level. Given he’s been training with the Suns through their Academy program, he’s also got a good grasp of what it takes to be a good player at the top level.

An elite decision-maker by both hand and foot, Uwland hasn’t set the world on fire in his three VFL appearances this year, but he’s done enough to show that he’s still one of the best prospects in this year’s pool. He’s building with every minute he plays and could be straight into Damien Hardwick’s side in round one for 2026.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 20: Zeke Uwland during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session on January 20, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

JESSE MELLOR

Geelong NGA prospect Jesse Mellor has quietly put together a really sound draft year, capped by some really strong matches for both the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country.

Mellor is a crafty type who also earned All-Australian honours for his output in the National Championships, where his power, overhead marking ability and goal nous were on show. A clever operator who makes things happen, Mellor found his feet in his second VFL outing with Geelong.

The youngster had 17 touches and booted two majors against Essendon’s VFL side, highlighting his competence around the ball and inside forward 50. That performance certainly boosted his draft stocks, having already impressed at Coates Talent League level with the Falcons.

Mellor has averaged 17.6 disposals, 4.8 marks and 3.8 tackles per game, but he’s also kicked 15 majors from nine matches. His breakout performance came against Tasmania where he kicked 5.2 from 20 touches, while he also kicked 6.3 in a Vic Country trial game earlier in the year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: Jesse Mellor of Vic Country runs with the ball during the Victorian Diversity All-Stars U18 Boys match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at Warrawee Park on June 28, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

DYSON SHARP

Sharp was the standout from the National Championships, earning the Larke Medal as the best player across the campaign. Sharp’s consistency was elite at the Championships, leading South Australia to their first title since 2018.

The South Australian is a stoppage beast who loves to hit the scoreboard. He’s a great leader and he’s ready to go at AFL level. The SA MVP is firmly in the top five mix and clubs will be hoping he’s the sort of player who can be entrenched in their side for over a decade.

The knock on Sharp, especially pre-Champs, was that he doesn’t quite have the ceiling as some of the other prospects around him. But his output this year can’t be questioned and there are clubs who would be more than happy to bank Sharp, who will likely play 200+ AFL games and could be a future skipper at the top level.

His decision-making and ball use has come a long way in 2025 and he’s also shown he can damage opposition sides in transition, too. A couple of weeks back, Sharp amassed 22 disposals and 12 marks for Central District. He’s more developed than others his age and is another who will be eyeing off an early season debut next year.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Dyson Sharp (c) of South Australia celebrates a goal during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval, on June 08, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

SAM GRLJ

The Oakleigh Chargers on-baller had skyrocketed into top 10 calculations earlier in the season, but he hasn’t quite shot the lights out in recent times. Having said that, his performances at VFL level for Richmond recently have done his first round chances no harm.

On debut against the Suns’ VFL side a fortnight ago, Grlj was on fire early, racking up eight touches in the first term. His speed, burst and power was exciting and he managed to finish with 18 touches, six marks and seven rebound 50s. Last week, he backed it up with a 15-disposal outing against Sandringham side.

Grlj played three matches for the Chargers at the start of the year, averaging 21 touches and five tackles a game. Throughout the National Championships with Vic Metro, the exciting midfielder went at 17 touches per game. He’s a likely first round prospect and will be eyeing off a strong end to the year with the Chargers.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 07: Hugo Mikunda of Victoria Country in action during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Country at Mineral Resources Park, on June 07, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

HUGO MIKUNDA

Geelong Falcons midfielder Hugo Mikunda is another who has seen his stocks rise in recent weeks.

Mikunda put together a fantastic final Champs game against Vic Metro, where he amassed 20 touches, 405 metres gained and two goals to be amongst his side’s best. He earned a VFL debut with Werribee last week, recording 15 disposals, six marks and four tackles.

His ability to impact with his disposal is also top quality. He’s a great ball user, brings teammates into the game and works hard. He’s had a sound campaign so far for the Falcons, averaging 19.4 touches and 5.9 inside 50s per match. He doesn’t accumulate heaps of the ball like some of his other peers, but he’s a high impact player who will appeal to some AFL clubs.