New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\nZeke Uwland of the Allies. Picture: Jenny Evans\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
1. ZEKE UWLAND<\/p>\n
Position: Wing\/Medium Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 178cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy\/Burleigh<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t sleep on Zeke. Uwland has barely played in 2025 due to a back injury, but clubs haven\u2019t forgotten his brilliant bottom-age year. He was the only player in his 17th year selected in the 2024 Under 18 All-Australian team \u2014 a fair achievement considering how stacked last year\u2019s draft class was \u2014 averaging 23 disposals and six rebound 50s. Uwland, the brother of Gold Coast\u2019s Bodhi Uwland, is a brilliant, left-footed winger with great game sense who\u2019s been likened to dual All-Australian Errol Gulden. He\u2019s a great decision-maker and pinpoint by foot, while his leadership has also come on in leaps and bounds. Encouragingly, he\u2019s targeting a return via the Suns\u2019 VFL team in the coming weeks assuming all goes to plan.<\/p>\n
Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
2. DANIEL ANNABLE<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy\/Redland-Victoria Point<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a school of thought that if Annable was on Brisbane\u2019s AFL list this year, he\u2019d be a regular member of the reigning premiers\u2019 line-up. That\u2019s 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\u2019s a beast at the coalface but also finds a way to cause damage in transition as he\u2019s 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 \u2013 and linking up with Will and Levi Ashcroft, as well as academy graduate Sam Marshall, in the midfield for years to come \u2013 would be tough for opposition scouts and fans to stomach.<\/p>\n
Willem Duursma of Victoria Country. Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
3. WILLEM DUURSMA<\/p>\n
Position: Utility<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Foster\/Foster Secondary College\/Gippsland Power<\/p>\n
Duursma \u2013 the brother of Xavier, Yasmin and Zane Duursma \u2013 is now arguably the No.1 player in this year\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s a player with big-ceiling potential at AFL level, which will make him a tempting prospect for clubs with early picks. <\/p>\n
Dylan Patterson of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
4. DYLAN PATTERSON<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Defender\/Wing<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy\/Palm Beach Currumbin<\/p>\n
Get excited. If you had any doubts over Patterson\u2019s top-five credentials prior to the championships, you\u2019d be jumping on the bandwagon now. The Gold Coast Academy star had some breathtaking moments for the Allies \u2013 including a match-winning run against WA \u2013 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 \u2014 both at Coates Talent League and VFL level. While the\u2019s not necessarily as silky yet, there\u2019s 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\u2019s going to be a lot of fun to watch for Suns fans in the coming years.<\/p>\n
Cooper Duff-Tytler of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
5. COOPER DUFF-TYTLER<\/p>\n
Position: Ruck\/Tall Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 200cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Calder Cannons\/Woodend Hesket\/PEGS<\/p>\n
While he\u2019s down a few spots here, Duff-Tytler could be the best player in it by season\u2019s 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 \u2018wow moments\u2019, but arguably hasn\u2019t had the four-quarter \u2018wow game\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Dyson Sharp of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
6. DYSON SHARP<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 187cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Central District\/Barossa District\/Xavier College<\/p>\n
A bankable, ready-to-play midfielder, Sharp for months had been regarded among the top-10 players in this year\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s 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\u2019s SANFL league team.<\/p>\n
Harry Dean of Victoria Country. Picture: Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
7. HARRY DEAN<\/p>\n
Position: Tall Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 193cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Lavington Panthers\/The Scots School\/Murray Bushrangers<\/p>\n
The biggest bolter of the national champs \u2014 and one for Blues fans to get pumped about for several reasons. Dean \u2014 the son of dual premiership Blue Peter Dean, who played 248 games for Carlton \u2013 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. Dean\u2019s versatility to match up on players of different sizes is why he\u2019s now regarded as the best tall defender in this year\u2019s 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 \u2013 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\u2019t hold a first-rounder.<\/p>\n
Josh Lindsay of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
8. JOSH LINDSAY<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Newtown & Chilwell\/Geelong Grammar\/Geelong Falcons<\/p>\n
The designated distributor \u2014 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\u2019s 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\u2019s best player for his 25-disposal game against VFL side Coburg. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Sam Cumming of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
9. SAM CUMMING<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder\/Medium Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 186cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: North Adelaide\/Wentworth\/Prince Alfred College<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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 \u201cthe prototype AFL midfielder\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ollie Greeves of Victoria Metro. Picture: Stefan Gosatti\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
10. OLLIE GREEVES<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/Vermont\/Caulfield Grammar<\/p>\n
Some would have him higher than this, others would have him lower. Whatever your take on Greeves is, he\u2019s 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Mitchell Marsh of South Australia. Picture: David Mariuz\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
11. MITCH MARSH<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: West Adelaide\/Kangarilla<\/p>\n
Get ready for more Mitch Marsh sixes, because this Marsh knows where the goals are. The exciting forward spearheaded SA\u2019s forward line in its title-winning campaign, booting five goals against Vic Country in SA\u2019s final match to finish with a competition-high 12 majors for the tournament. Standing at 191cm, Marsh\u2019s 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 \u2013 combined with his speed and athleticism \u2013 make him a tantalising prospect.<\/p>\n
Aidan Schubert of South Australia. Picture: Jason McCawley\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
12. AIDAN SCHUBERT<\/p>\n
Position: Tall Forward\/Ruck<\/p>\n
Size: 198cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Central District\/Gawler Central\/Trinity College<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 ranked second behind teammate Mitch Marsh. His mobility, aerobic capacity, competitiveness and ground-level cleanliness \u2013 which helped him rack up 21 and 19 disposals respectively in his final two games \u2013 now have him in mid-first round calculations.<\/p>\n
Max King of the Allies. Picture: Jason McCawley\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
13. MAX KING<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy\/Cardiff Hawks\/Warners Bay High School<\/p>\n
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\u2019 academy against the Giants\u2019 academy. But after a subpar champs, some would have him closer to the 20. We\u2019ve landed somewhere in the middle, for King\u2019s upside is enormous. A powerful, freakishly athletic prospect who\u2019s strong overhead and clean at ground level, King didn\u2019t catch fire for the Allies during the carnival. He threatened to tear the game against WA at Marvel Stadium apart \u2013 he took a spectacular mark and ultimately kicked the match-winner \u2013 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\u2019t play in the final match against Vic Metro due to illness. As one recruiter said, King \u201ccould be anything\u201d at AFL level for the Swans.<\/p>\n
Jacob Farrow of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
14. JACOB FARROW<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 188cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: West Perth\/Joondalup Kinross<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s shown off his strength and composure under pressure. But his kicking, running and rebounding are his biggest weapons.<\/p>\n
Archie Ludowyke of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
15. ARCHIE LUDOWYKE<\/p>\n
Position: Tall Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 197cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/East Sandringham Rovers\/Brighton Grammar<\/p>\n
Would\u2019ve 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 \u2014 which has seen him draw comparisons to Giants star Aaron Cadman \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Lachy Dovaston of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
16. LACHY DOVASTON<\/p>\n
Position: Small Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 177cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/Blackburn\/Rowville Sports Academy<\/p>\n
Wizard 2.0? Club recruiters at the start of the season couldn\u2019t get over Dovaston\u2019s likeness to Hawthorn young gun Nick Watson \u2013 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 \u2014 ranked third in the carnival \u2014 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\u2019s answered that question with an outstanding two-month block to earn the status as the best small forward in the draft class.<\/p>\n
Harley Barker of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
17. HARLEY BARKER<\/p>\n
Position: Wing<\/p>\n
Size: 187cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sturt\/Mount Barker\/Heathfield High School<\/p>\n
This guys has a lot of tools \u2014 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\u2019s 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 \u2018pick me\u2019 moment. Unfortunately for Barker, he ruptured his ACL returning for Sturt earlier this month, but not before making a champs statement. <\/p>\n
Adam Sweid of Vic Metro. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
18. ADAM SWEID<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder\/Small Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 175cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Calder Cannons\/Pascoe Vale\/Islamic College of Sport<\/p>\n
A player Bombers fans have been tracking closely as a member of Essendon\u2019s 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 \u201clooked like an AFL player\u201d 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\u2019s more likely they\u2019ll have to match a first-round bid on him.<\/p>\n
Sam Swadling of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
19. SAM SWADLING<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 187cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: West Perth\/Whitford <\/p>\n
A hard-working, composed and clean midfielder, Swadling was arguably WA\u2019s 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 \u2014 he averaged a whopping 35 disposals from six games \u2014 Swadling returned from the champs and made a promising League debut for West Perth, booting one goal from 12 disposals.<\/p>\n
Xavier Taylor of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
20. XAVIER TAYLOR<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/East Ringwood\/Rowville Sports Academy<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Carmichael of the Allies. Picture: Albert Perez\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
21. LACHLAN CARMICHAEL<\/p>\n
Position: Medium Defender<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy\/North Shore Bombers<\/p>\n
While Max King for many is still this year\u2019s 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\u2019 MVP award at the national champs. Carmichael has been described as one of the most \u201cbankable\u201d prospects of this year\u2019s class. You just know what you\u2019re 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\u2019s a view his elite footy IQ and positioning offsets it. While Carmichael has always had the natural knack of finding the footy, he\u2019s gone to another level in recent months with his composure, toughness and balance.<\/p>\n
Fred Rodriguez of Western Australia. Picture: Stefan Gosatti\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
22. FRED RODRIGUEZ<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 184cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: South Fremantle\/Fremantle City Dockers<\/p>\n
A tough, bankable midfielder with a great workrate, Rodriguez remains in the first-round mix \u2014 although he now has a lot more competition to be the first WA player take in November\u2019s draft. Rodriguez had a strong carnival to take out WA\u2019s 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\u2019s built more confidence and momentum. The midfielder\u2019s cleanliness with ball in hand, burst out of stoppage and transition ability are all key qualities that excite clubs. Just as importantly, he\u2019s as team-orientated as they come and a natural leader. <\/p>\n
Sam Grlj of Victoria Metro. Picture: Stefan Gosatti\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
23. SAM GRLJ<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 182cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers\/Old Camberwell Grammarians\/Camberwell Grammar<\/p>\n
Grlj had been trending towards the top-10 mix \u2014 and could still get there with a strong finish to his year \u2014 but probably didn\u2019t 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 \u2018pick me\u2019 game. But he\u2019s a well-rounded prospect with a great combination of speed, power and endurance \u2014 traits AFL clubs are looking for in modern-day midfielders. It\u2019s why he\u2019s 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\u2019t be surprised if Grlj makes his way up draft boards.<\/p>\n
Matthew LeRay of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
24. MATT LeRAY<\/p>\n
Position: Wing<\/p>\n
Size: 189cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Central District\/Golden Grove<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Riley Onley of Victoria Country. Picture: Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
25. RILEY ONLEY<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 194cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Shepparton United\/Scotch\/Murray Bushrangers<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 he averaged 23.0 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements, 4.8 marks and 4.0 clearances \u2014 Onley\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Hussien El Achkar of Vic Metro. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
26. HUSSEIN EL ACHKAR<\/p>\n
Position: Small Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 171cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Calder Cannons\/Pascoe Vale<\/p>\n
Another Essendon NGA product who\u2019s 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 \u2014 including a six-goal bag against the Sandringham Dragons \u2014 and averaging 13.2 touches from five games. He took that form into the carnival, booting 6.9 \u2014 he left a few goals on the table, it must be said \u2014 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 \u2014 a great strike rate. El Achkar\u2019s forward craft and ability to keep his feet has big appeal. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Zac McCarthy of Victoria Metro. Picture: Albert Perez\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
27. ZAC McCARTHY<\/p>\n
Position: Tall Forward\/Ruck<\/p>\n
Size: 199cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers\/Old Carey\/Carey Grammar<\/p>\n
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\u2019s two carnival wins, booting 5.0 goals playing primarily as a forward given Metro\u2019s 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\u2019s strong in the air and composed with ball in hand. He\u2019d be a long-term proposition for an AFL club, but his enormous potential at the top level is why clubs believe he\u2019ll be in the first-round mix come November. Given Collingwood\u2019s key-position stocks forward of centre aren\u2019t getting any younger, McCarthy\u2019s potential addition would be a huge boost to the club\u2019s future. <\/p>\n
Beau Addinsall of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
28. BEAU ADDINSALL<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 180cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy\/Burleigh<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 he booted 4.1 and averaged 32.0 disposals \u2014 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\u2019s VFL side \u2014 and racking up 16 touches in both outings \u2014 then playing the first match of the Allies\u2019 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 \u2014 to the point where clubs would have him a lot higher on their draft boards then where we have him.<\/p>\n
Koby Coulson of the Allies. Picture: Albert Perez\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
29. KOBY COULSON<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 180cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy\/Broadbeach\/All Saints Anglican School<\/p>\n
Another (great) headache for the Suns\u2019 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\u2019s an inside bull with Matt Rowell-like traits \u2014 and he\u2019s in the first-round mix for some clubs.<\/p>\n
Louis Emmett of Victoria Metro. Picture: Sarah Reed\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
30. LOUIS EMMETT<\/p>\n
Position: Ruck\/Tall Forward<\/p>\n
Size: 200cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers\/Glen Iris Gladiators\/Scotch College<\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Like the 2024 crop, many clubs believe this year\u2019s Pick 1 race is still up for grabs, 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