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Dougie Cochrane of Team Boak. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
1. DOUGIE COCHRANE (September Rankings: 1)<\/p>\n
Position: Utility<\/p>\n
Size: 195cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Central District\/Port District<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Matthew Pavlich\/Willem Duursma<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just us who think Cochrane is the best player in the pool, with nine of 22 prospects interviewed by foxfooty.com.au at the draft combine nominating the Port Adelaide NGA gun as the No. 1 prospect. SA Under 18 coach Tony Bamford said earlier this year Cochrane had \u201call the tools you\u2019d want in a modern AFL player\u201d. Cochrane, the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne utility Stuart Cochrane, has great athleticism, a high footy IQ, strong marking ability, running capacity and neat kicking skills, while he has the size and versatility to play across all thirds of the field. After winning the 2024 Kevin Sheehan Medal as the Division 1 MVP of National Under 16 championships, Cochrane made his SANFL league debut last year and kicked four goals within the first half of the match. Cochrane missed most of this year \u2014 including the Under 18 carnival \u2014 after undergoing knee surgery in March to address tendinitis, but returned to play the last four SANFL league games of Port Adelaide\u2019s season. Playing primarily as a defender, Cochrane averaged 17.8 disposals, 4.0 rebound 50s and went at 92 per cent disposal efficiency. There hasn\u2019t been a Pick 1 bid on a club-tied player since Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in 2020. All signs point to Cochrane ending that drought, especially after Power list boss Jason Cripps said his club was planning for Cochrane to attract a Pick 1 bid \u2013 and that Essendon, which holds Pick 1, has him No. 1 on its draft board. The Power might go into deficit a little to match the bid, but they know they\u2019re getting one of the most exciting tall utilities to come through the talent pathway in years.<\/p>\n
Ethan Drever of Team Docherty. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
2. ETHAN DREVER (September Rankings: 2)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 188cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: GWV Rebels\/Ballarat<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Finn Callaghan<\/p>\n
Are you a Drever Believer? Drever stepped up at all levels in 2026 to produce one of the most consistent and impressive draft years of any top-end candidate. He took out Vic Country\u2019s MVP award and was named in the Under 18 All-Australian team after a dazzling national carnival, while he also claimed the Rebels\u2019 best and fairest award. Drever\u2019s all-round profile makes him one of the most complete open-pool prospects. He\u2019s strong and agile in the contest, versatile, aerobically powerful, clean with ball in hand and has a penetrating kick. Like Jagga Smith and Sam Walsh in their respective draft years, Drever would provide a sense of security and reliability to the club that ultimately picks him. Drever is one of a few players in Essendon\u2019s Pick 1 mix, with some rival clubs suggesting the Rebels on-baller would complement the Bombers\u2019 midfield nicely, considering their acquisitions of inside bulls Sullivan Robey and Dyson Sharp last year. If the Bombers don\u2019t take him, Richmond (Pick 2) and West Coast (Pick 3) would find it hard to overlook him.<\/p>\n
Cody Walker trains during a Carlton Blues AFL training session. Picture: Daniel Pockett\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
3. CODY WALKER (September Rankings: 3)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 188cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers\/Echuca<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Patrick Dangerfield\/Sam Walsh<\/p>\n
Blues fans have been waiting for draft night all year, such is the hype father-son prospect Walker has generated across the past two seasons. Carlton supporters have been able to track Walker\u2019s progression closely this year, with the father-son prospect playing seven games for Carlton\u2019s VFL side. He kicked three goals and averaged 22.3 disposals, 5.4 marks, 3.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances from those state league appearances, impressing with his low centre of gravity, elusiveness and evasiveness. Even at that level, it looked like he wanted to be \u2018the man\u2019 of the Carlton midfield. Walker also produced a dazzling display against SA in the under 18 carnival, finishing with 35 disposals, a whopping 18 contested possessions, five clearances and five inside 50s in a losing cause for Vic Country where he showed off his stoppage craft and explosive pace. Walker also impressed at the national combine, running a personal best 6:04 in the 2km time trial \u2013 ranked third overall. The midfielder in July last year formally agreed to join the Blues as a 2026 father-son selection \u2013 around 15 months before the nomination deadline \u2013 rather than nominate Richmond as part of its Next Generation Academy. Walker\u2019s dad, Andrew, was taken with Pick 2 in the 2003 draft \u2013 and Walker is expected to be selected with a pick in the same range 23 years later. While the Bombers are unlikely to bid on Walker, the Tigers and Demons (at the latest) would strongly consider calling his name. The Blues might have to go into a little deficit to match the bid, but will ensure they have the right number of points to match for a player who\u2019d be every chance to play early next season alongside Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith in Carlton\u2019s midfield. A mouth-watering prospect for Carlton supporters.<\/p>\n
Arki Butler of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
4. ARKI BUTLER (September Rankings: 5)<\/p>\n
Position: Forward-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/Beaumaris<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Toby Greene<\/p>\n
Butler is at the pointy-end of many club boards \u2013 and it\u2019s easy to see why with his freakish talent, athleticism, clean hands, class and strong goal sense. Butler, the grandson of 250-gamer and 1966 premiership Saint Allan Davis, had some big games this season. He kicked off his Coates Talent League season with 4.2 from 26 disposals against the Eastern Ranges, while he booted a whopping eight goals from 33 disposals in a school game for Brighton Grammar. In the national champs, Butler kicked 2.2 from 14 touches, six score involvements and five inside 50s against WA, before adding another 2.2 from 15 disposals, 10 marks and eight score involvements against the Allies a week later. His carnival was cut short halfway through his third game against South Australia when he suffered a collarbone injury, but he returned to the field in August to captain Brighton Grammar to the APS premiership. Butler\u2019s upside is enormous, hence he\u2019s widely considered a top-five prospect. He\u2019s in the conversation to be taken by Essendon as the first open-pool player. If the Bombers overlook Butler, there\u2019s lots of speculation Richmond (Pick 2) would take him, considering he\u2019d be in the mix for West Coast (Pick 3) and, most notably, Melbourne (Pick 4). In fact sources believe Butler, at this stage, wouldn\u2019t get past the Demons\u2019 pick \u2014 and considering the Tigers\u2019 second selection (Pick 5) comes one after Melbourne, the Tigers might be more likely to take him first up if they wanted him, rather than run the gauntlet of seeing whether he slides a few picks.<\/p>\n
Heath Mellody of Western Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
5. HEATH MELLODY (September Rankings: 4)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 186cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Claremont\/Wembley Downs<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Lachie Whitfield\/Mitch Duncan<\/p>\n
Mellody was arguably the biggest riser of the year, highlighted by a Larke Medal-winning national carnival and an impressive WAFL league stint. Mellody ended up as the No. 1 ball-winner of the champs, averaging 28.2 disposals, 6.2 score involvements and 5.0 marks. He claimed the Larke Medal as the competition\u2019s best player, WA\u2019s MVP award and was named All-Australian captain. He then finished the year with six games for Claremont\u2019s league team, kicking four goals and averaging 19.7 disposals and 4.5 tackles. Mellody showed how classy, balanced, athletic and efficient by foot he was as a rebounding defender earlier this year. But his move into the midfield highlighted his centre bounce craft and ability to stand up in contests \u2013 and pushed him into the top-five mix. It\u2019s very hard to see Mellody slipping past West Coast at Pick 30 on draft night, but don\u2019t discount one of Essendon (Pick 1) or Richmond (Pick 2) taking him beforehand.<\/p>\n
Ethan Matthews of the Giants Academy. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
6. ETHAN MATTHEWS (September Rankings: 8)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 186cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: GWS Giants Academy\/Ingleburn<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Scott Pendlebury<\/p>\n
Word is Matthews \u2013 the Giants\u2019 best academy graduate since Tom Green in 2019 \u2013 has remained near the top of many clubs\u2019 draft boards, despite being placed in cotton wool mid-championships due to a foot injury. Matthews is a classy left-footed midfielder with high footy IQ who wins his own ball with aplomb and controls the tempo of matches. Some argued this year that, if fit, he could\u2019ve played on a wing for the Giants\u2019 AFL side, highlighting just how physically prepared he appears for the top level. Matthews claimed the Hunter Harrison Medal as the best player in the Academy Series earlier this year and booted eight goals and averaged 35.3 disposals, 6.3 marks and 5.7 clearances at Coates Talent League level for the Giants. But Matthews produced a colossal champs game against Vic Country that put him in the top-five conversation: 35 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 11 inside 50s, nine score involvements, eight marks, six tackles and 691m gained. It was a shame Matthews\u2019 season ended in June because you sensed he was about to take his incredible form to the next level. After the Swans-Kangaroos Nick Blakey trade, the early suggestion was Sydney (Pick 5) would bid on Matthews \u2013 12 months after the Giants traded up the order to bid on Swans academy gun Harry Kyle in the draft. But sources now wouldn\u2019t be surprised if one of Melbourne (Pick 4) or Richmond (Pick 5) launches a bid before that. The Giants, who hold Picks 9 and 20 at this stage, will ensure Matthews is on their list next season, considering he\u2019s a genuine western Sydney academy product.<\/p>\n
Harry Van Hattum of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
7. HARRY VAN HATTUM (September Rankings: 6)<\/p>\n
Position: Ruck<\/p>\n
Size: 205cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Northern Knights\/St Mary\u2019s<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Luke Jackson<\/p>\n
The wildcard of the top end of the draft \u2013 and perhaps the prospect with the highest ceiling, for he\u2019s been touted as a \u201cgenerational\u201d ruck talent by some scouts. After a slow and injury-interrupted start to his season, Van Hattum saved his best game of the Under 18s national carnival until last, showcasing both his mobility and penetrating field kicking against Vic Country to finish with game-high clearances (6) and contested possessions (12), to go with 17 disposals, five inside 50s and 23 hit-outs. It was enough to earn him a spot in the forward pocket of the Under 18 All-Australian team. Van Hattum also played seven Coates Talent League games for the Knights, booting seven goals and averaging 19.1 disposals, 3.6 marks, 3.7 inside 50s and 20.4 hit-outs. Van Hattum is an athletic, hard-working and skilful 204cm prospect with a brilliant vertical leap \u2013 he produced a 95cm running vertical jump at the combine \u2013 and impressive stoppage craft who should thrive at AFL level with the new ruck rules. As one recruiter recently pointed out to foxfooty.com.au, if it clicks for Van Hattum at AFL level, he has all the talent, athletic traits and upside to be the best player of this draft class. But whether a club would be prepared to use such an early pick on a ruck \u2013 albeit one with huge upside \u2013 remains a point of contention in the industry. Multiple sources suggested this week Van Hattum remains in the mix at the Bombers, who\u2019ve yet to settle on their open-pool player at the top of the draft. He\u2019s also been linked to Richmond (Picks 2 and 5) and Melbourne (Pick 4). But if neither of those three clubs take Van Hattum \u2013 and some think he\u2019s a genuine chance to slide past the Tigers\u2019 Pick 5 \u2013 it\u2019s hard to place him at a club.<\/p>\n
Gus Teixeira of Vic Metro. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
8. GUS TEIXEIRA (September Rankings: 7)<\/p>\n
Position: Forward-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 181cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/East Malvern<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Zac Bailey<\/p>\n
Teixeira has great goal sense and strong marking ability, but it\u2019s his speed, powerful kicking skills and vision that give him a point of difference. They\u2019re all the traits you\u2019d want in a dominant forward-half player at AFL level. He elevated his stocks over Vic Metro\u2019s 4-0 carnival campaign, playing with great energy both close to goal and between the arcs. He booted 7.8 and averaged 17.0 disposals, 7.2 score involvements, 4.2 marks, 4.2 tackles and 114.1 ranking points from four games to win All-Australian honours, with his delivery by foot inside 50 a highlight. Teixeira returned to school footy and showcased his ability as a marking forward for St Kevin\u2019s, including pulling off a seven-goal game, before the back-end of his season was hampered by a calf injury. Scouts believe he\u2019ll likely start his AFL career as a forward that pinch-hits in the midfield, but he showed off his on-ball potential for Vic Metro \u2013 both during trial games and at national championships level \u2013 this year. Now seems unlikely to be a Bomber, but Richmond (Picks 2 and 5), West Coast (Pick 3) and Melbourne (Pick 4) will all consider him. There\u2019s also a chance he slides to the Swans (Pick 6), who he\u2019s been linked to in recent days.<\/p>\n
Mitchell Harris of South Australia. Picture: Mark Brake\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
9. MITCH HARRIS (September Rankings: 9)<\/p>\n
Position: Key defender<\/p>\n
Size: 196cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens\/Kadina<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Harris Andrews<\/p>\n
A tough, courageous and close-checking backman who established himself as the class\u2019 best pure key defender by the end of the year. Harris played all four games for SA in the national champs, averaging 8.8 disposals and 1.5 intercept marks. He neutralised crunch one-on-one contests and intercepted cleanly to be named at full-back in the All-Australian team. Just as impressively, Harris finished his year with five SANFL games for Woodville West-Torrens\u2019 league side, averaging 10.8 disposals and 3.2 marks and not looking out of place, according to recruiters. The key back improved his one-on-one defensive capabilities this year to complement his intercept game that blossomed in his bottom-age year. It\u2019s led to Harris bolting into top-five contention, with Melbourne (Pick 4) heavily linked to him. If the Demons overlooked him, Sydney (Pick 6) and Gold Coast (Pick 8) would take a close look. Adelaide (Pick 15) would love to get up the order to put itself in the Harris mix, but that looks a tough task now.<\/p>\n
Caylen Murray competes in the 2km Time Trial. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
10. CAYLEN MURRAY (September Rankings: 10)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 179cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy\/Maroochydore<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Wayne Milera<\/p>\n
Lions academy prospect Murray is viewed by some clubs as a potential long-term replacement for Dayne Zorko at half-back when the five-time Brisbane club champion eventually retires. While Zorko is renowned for his precise kicking and toughness, Murray offers speed, line-breaking ability and polished ball use, underpinned by strong footy IQ. Murray, who ran a 6:06 2km time trial at the national combine, truly arrived as a top-end prospect during this year\u2019s national champs, claiming the Allies\u2019 MVP award and earning selection in the Under 18 All-Australian team. His \u2018pick me\u2019 performance came in the Allies\u2019 second match against South Australia when he booted 2.1 from 31 disposals, nine marks and 798m gained as a high half-back. Crucially, there were signs of more defensive accountability, which he\u2019d been working hard to improve on throughout the year. Interest from AFL clubs and scouts subsequently increased, fuelling speculation his name could now be called inside the top 10. If it is, Murray would become the sixth Lions-tied player to attract a first-round bid this decade after Will Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher, Levi Ashcroft, Sam Marshall and Daniel Annable. It\u2019ll be tougher for the Lions to match this year considering they\u2019ll be limited to using two picks to match, with a potential 20 per cent loading if it comes inside the top 18. But there have been mixed views in recent days on where a bid on Murray will come, with some suggesting it could come as early as Melbourne (Pick 4) or slide into the mid-teens. Lots to play out in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Leo Steed of Western Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
11. LEO STEED (September Rankings: 11)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder-small forward<\/p>\n
Size: 177cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Swan Districts\/South Perth<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Zak Butters<\/p>\n
This guy has lots of fans at AFL club level after producing an eye-catching and consistent draft year at every level he played. Steed averaged 23.5 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 5.5 score involvements, 4.2 clearances and 4.0 tackles to win All-Australian honours and finish second in the Larke Medal voting behind teammate Heath Mellody. Like other WA products Aaron Naughton, Oscar Allen, Logan McDonald and Koltyn Tholstrup before him, Steed had ample WAFL league exposure this year and thrived for Swan Districts, booting 6.4 and averaging 14.3 disposals across 12 matches. On top of his athletic traits \u2014 he had top-10 combine finishes in the 2km time trial and agility test \u2014 Steed is a competitive, clean and hard-working prospect renowned for his great character. He remains in the top-10 mix, with Gold Coast (Pick 8), St Kilda (Pick 10) and Collingwood (Pick 11) all options.<\/p>\n
Wil Malady of the Gippsland Power. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
12. WIL MALADY (September Rankings: 1)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 190cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gippsland Power\/Bairnsdale<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Jack Gunston\/Ollie Dempsey<\/p>\n
Malady is an exciting forward with sticky hands and breathtaking run-and-jump ability, but he also has the speed and athletic capability to get high up the ground and impact as a pseudo-wingman. That\u2019s the sort of mould Malady is aiming for, making him one of the most tantalising talents in this year\u2019s open pool. Recruiters probably wanted to see more game-to-game consistency across the past 12 months from Malady, but his best was breathtakingly good. After booting five goals in the Under 17s future game on AFL Grand Final day last year, he began 2026 with a bang, booting 6.1 from 16 disposals and seven marks in Gippsland Power\u2019s Round 1 match. Malady finished strongly for Caulfield Grammar, booting four goals in the school\u2019s grand final defeat then kicking five goals in a match-winning Talent League grand final performance against the Dandenong Stingrays. At the combine, he produced the second-fastest agility test (7.833 seconds) and finished third in the 20m sprint (2.900 seconds). Malady is likely to start out exclusively in the forward half, but he has plans to one day operate on a wing. Clubs also believe he has the potential to play as a half-back one day, too. He\u2019s been invited to attend the first round of the draft, with the top of his range being Gold Coast (Pick 8), St Kilda (Picks 10 and 16) and Collingwood (Pick 11).<\/p>\n
Toby Krasna of the Northern Knights. Picture: Craig Dooley\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
13. TOBY KRASNA (September Rankings: 12)<\/p>\n
Position: Utility<\/p>\n
Size: 182cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Northern Knights\/Preston Bullants<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Shane Edwards<\/p>\n
A big riser across the back-end of his 2026 campaign who\u2019s attracting lots of AFL club interest. Took a big step forward during the champs, booting three goals and averaging 19.0 disposals and 7.3 score involvements from three games for Vic Metro. But Krasna enhanced his stocks further when he returned to the Northern Knights and was deployed into the midfield \u2014 not the wing where he played earlier in the year. And it\u2019s how Krasna performed in this on-ball role that had recruiters excited about his AFL potential, showing off his inside class and skills to complement his tantalising athletic profile. He kicked three goals and averaged 24.0 disposals and 4.3 inside 50s from his final three Coates Talent League games. Weeks later, he ran a 6:11 2km time trial at the national combine \u2013 ranked seventh. Krasna has so many AFL traits with his speed, endurance, agility and elusiveness, plus he can burst away from congestion to find space. And when in space, Krasna seems to have more time than most on the field to hit targets with his high footy IQ and shrewd right-foot kick. He hasn\u2019t been invited to night one of the draft yet, but he looms as a first-round pick, with his range potentially beginning at St Kilda\u2019s Pick 10.<\/p>\n
Sam Gayfer competes in the 20m sprint. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
14. SAM GAYFER (September Rankings: 17)<\/p>\n
Position: Key forward<\/p>\n
Size: 194cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Northern Knights\/Banyule<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Josh Treacy<\/p>\n
Got an invite to night one of the draft after an awesome 2026 campaign where he showcased his sheer competitiveness, goalkicking potential and freakish athleticism. Gayfer is the definition of a competitor, both in the air and on the ground, while he also possesses great speed for a key forward of his size and a great pair of hands. And while he can be a touch unpredictable on the field sometimes, he possesses hard-to-teach unconditional traits, like a genuine love to tackle opponents. All those traits, coupled with strong performances at Coates Talent League and national championships level, are why Gayfer is now in the top-15 mix. Gayfer stood up on the national stage to be the dominant forward of the championship-winning Vic Metro team, booting a team-high 10 goals and averaging 11.0 disposals and 4.2 marks (1.8 contested) from four games. He was also a force for the Knights, booting 30.24 from 13 matches. Come the national combine, he produced an incredible running vertical jump of 114cm, smashing the previous record held by Leek Aleer by 7cm. His surname will be familiar to Magpies fans, with Gayfer the nephew of premiership Magpie Mick Gayfer. And speaking of the Pies, they\u2019re mightily keen on Gayfer and, according to sources, trying to get up from Pick 11 to draft him as St Kilda (Pick 10) has also been strongly linked to him.<\/p>\n
Tyson Bradley competes in the 20m sprint. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
15. TYSON BRADLEY (September Rankings: 15)<\/p>\n
Position: Key defender<\/p>\n
Size: 196cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/Highett<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Jacob Weitering<\/p>\n
Reliable, calm and composed, both in contest and then with ball in hand, Bradley put himself in the \u2018best key defender\u2019 conversation alongside Mitch Harris and Clancy Snell this year. He claimed Vic Metro\u2019s MVP award and was named at centre half-back in the All-Australian side after averaging more intercept marks (3.2) than any other player in the carnival, along with 14.5 disposals and 5.0 inside 50s. He led the stingy Metro defence with aplomb, showcasing both one-on-one strength and ability to pick off opposition kicks, while he also went at 88.6 per cent kicking efficiency \u2014 rated No. 1 of all players who played four games. Bradley also starred for Brighton Grammar in the school\u2019s premiership campaign, while he was also a standout for the Sandringham Dragons at Coates League level and had three top-10 combine finishes in the agility test, as well as the two jumps. Hasn\u2019t been invited to night one of the draft, but is being tipped to be taken in the first round. He\u2019s one of several players linked to St Kilda (Picks 10 and 16), although it\u2019s been suggested he\u2019s less likely to still be on the board by the Saints\u2019 second selection. Melbourne (Pick 14) could be another contender if it didn\u2019t take a key defender early.<\/p>\n
Lochie Burrows of Vic Metro. Picture: Lachie Chugg\/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
16. LOCHIE BURROWS (September Rankings: 18)<\/p>\n
Position: Utility<\/p>\n
Size: 181cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/Bentleigh<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Liam Baker<\/p>\n
The buzz player of the draft class across the back-half of the year \u2013 and rightly so. Burrows is viewed by virtually every recruiter you speak to as a future AFL player thanks to his array of transferable traits. He\u2019s competitive, combative, strong over the ball and disciplined to whatever role he\u2019s given. He\u2019s energetic and hard-working, thanks to a great aerobic capacity. And he\u2019s versatile, with the ability to play across any third on the ground. The only question marks surround his polish by foot and what his role should be at AFL level, but he still ticks a lot of boxes for scouts. Burrows caught the eye in his four games for Vic Metro, averaging 13.0 disposals, 5.8 marks and going at 78.8 per cent efficiency by foot playing as a high half-back. He also averaged 15.0 disposals, 4.9 tackles and 4.0 marks in nine games for the Sandringham Dragons. He has first-round links to St Kilda (Picks 10 and 16) and Adelaide (Pick 15), with some scouts suggesting Burrows would suit Ross Lyon\u2019s style at the Saints.<\/p>\n
Jake Eime of South Australia. Picture: Craig Dooley\/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
17. JAKE EIME (September Rankings: 14) <\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Central District\/Golden Grove<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Lachie Ash<\/p>\n
Jumped up boards after his national carnival and maintained a high-level output upon return to the SANFL. Eime is another young gun with a great athletic profile who enhanced his prospects with an eye-catching Under 18s campaign for the Croweaters. After recording 18 disposals in both games against WA and the Allies, Eime exploded in a losing cause against Vic Metro, racking up 27 disposals, five rebound 50s, four inside 50s and 558m gained. He averaged 20.2 disposals across four games and went at an impressive 78.6 per cent efficiency by foot on his way to an All-Australian spot. Eime played well for Central District\u2019s Under 18 side upon return, but clubs were just as chuffed with his two SANFL league games for Adelaide where he didn\u2019t look out of place. While he needs to work on his body strength and handball game, he has AFL-like run and carry capability and isn\u2019t afraid to back his speed and take the game on to break lines. Local team Adelaide (Pick 15) has been an early link.<\/p>\n
Clancy Snell competes in the 2km Time Trial. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
18. CLANCY SNELL (September Rankings: 16)<\/p>\n
Position: Key defender<\/p>\n
Size: 197cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gippsland Power\/Mirboo<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Connor O\u2019Sullivan<\/p>\n
Might\u2019ve slipped behind key defenders Mitch Harris and Tyson Bradley in these rankings, but some scouts believe he has more AFL upside. Snell is strong overhead and renowned for his ability to balance his assertive intercept skills with his defensive one-on-one competitiveness. He was busy in Vic Country\u2019s defensive 50 during the carnival, averaging 13.0 disposals and 2.5 rebound 50s across four games on his way to All-Australian honours. Impressively, he averaged 2.2 intercept marks \u2014 ranked fourth in the competition \u2014 in a Vic Country backline that was constantly under siege. Snell had a solid campaign for the Gippsland Power to earn a spot in the Talent League team of the year and received some late-season VFL exposure, playing two games for Collingwood. Snell has a curious draft range. Wasn\u2019t initially invited to the first night of the draft, but is still seen by some clubs as a first-round prospect. Could a Gold Coast or Sydney trade down the order and land Snell while also banking more draft capital? Or if Melbourne doesn\u2019t select a key defender with Pick 4, could it use Pick 14 on Snell? Conversely, other scouts wouldn\u2019t be shocked if he slipped to the second night, which might bring a team like North Melbourne (Pick 33) into the mix.<\/p>\n
George Dimer of Vic Metro. Picture: Janelle St Pierre\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
19. GEORGE DIMER (September Rankings: 22)<\/p>\n
Position: Small forward<\/p>\n
Size: 173cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/East Brighton<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Gryan Miers<\/p>\n
Dimer is coming with a late surge. A brilliant carnival for Vic Metro initially prompted scouts to look closer at Dimer \u2013 and his fan club has only grown since Dimer kicked three goals and averaged 16.0 disposals, 8.3 contested possessions, 5.7 marks and a team-high 124.4 ranking points across three games for Vic Metro. But here\u2019s the best Dimer carnival stat: Of his 48 disposals, 26 of them led to Metro scores, proving he\u2019s a high-damage player. Dimer works hard up the ground to present as a link option and selflessly bring teammates into the game, while he\u2019s also dangerous within striking distance with his goal sense and front-and-centre crumbing ability. He looms as a late first-round selection, with Essendon (Pick 17) and Fremantle (Pick 19) among the early links.<\/p>\n
Jackson Phillips of the Stingrays. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
20. JACKSON PHILLIPS (September Rankings: 1)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 184cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays\/Langwarrin<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Joe Richards<\/p>\n
While he\u2019s not the quickest player in the pool, Phillips has clean hands, midfield versatility and great skills, particularly his ability to dispose of the ball efficiently off either foot. Phillips averaged 16.2 disposals from four games for Vic Country, but teased on-lookers with some big moments and flashes of brilliance \u2013 none bigger than a brilliant one-handed pick-up and long-range goal against WA at Marvel Stadium. He averaged 19.6 disposals and 3.8 tackles from 12 Coates Talent League games for the Stingrays, although his start to the season was more prominent than his final few matches. Another player who\u2019s unlikely to still be on the board by the end of the first round.<\/p>\n
Noah Williams of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
21. NOAH WILLIAMS (September Rankings: 21)<\/p>\n
Position: Small defender-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 176cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Geelong Falcons\/St Josephs<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Tom Atkins\/Nick Smith<\/p>\n
A busy and injury-interrupted season now probably has him on the edge of first round contention, but there\u2019s still a lot to like about the highly-regarded Williams with his mix of speed, ball use, consistency, reliability, competitiveness and combativeness. Williams\u2019 best game for Vic Country this year showcased his all-round game, finishing with 20 disposals, six tackles, six intercepts, five inside 50s and five rebound 50s against SA. It came five days after he was arguably Country\u2019s best four-quarter performer in the loss to WA. Williams has a reputation for standing up in big games. He was named Team Boak\u2019s best player in the Under 17s futures match on AFL Grand Final day last year, while he won the medal as the AFL Academy\u2019s best player against North Melbourne VFL earlier this year after amassing 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight tackles and four clearances. Some clubs believe he\u2019ll be a small defender or high half-back at AFL level, rather than a midfielder. Williams looks a safe, reliable pick, but recruiters are still trying to work out where he sits in the pecking order. <\/p>\n
Khaled El Souki competes in the agility test. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
22. KHALED EL SOUKI (September Rankings: 23)<\/p>\n
Position: Small forward<\/p>\n
Size: 176cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Western Jets\/Newport<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Tom Papley<\/p>\n
A Western Bulldogs NGA small forward who\u2019s had a cracking year at all levels. El Souki starred for the Jets in the Coates Talent League, kicking 40.14 from 14 games to earn Talent League Team of the Year honours. An ankle injury ruled him out of the early stages of Vic Metro\u2019s carnival campaign, but he returned for the final game against Vic Country and caught the eye with his defensive pressure and scoreboard impact \u2014 both directly and indirectly \u2014 to kick 1.2 from 10 disposals, six score involvements and five tackles. But it was his VFL performance for Footscray that turned heads the most, booting 3.0 from 14 disposals, three tackles and two clearances as he adapted to state league level with aplomb. The Bulldogs will have the right to match a bid on El Souki come November\u2019s draft. After the Zak Butters free agency move and mega trade went through, it was initially thought the Dogs would struggle to match for El Souki. But a bid, at this stage, now looks more likely to come on night two of the draft. That\u2019ll boost the maths for the Bulldogs, who hold Picks 42 and 53 but can always use a future pick to trade back into this year\u2019s draft to help them match.<\/p>\n
Jack Pickett. Picture: Brad FleetSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
23. JACK PICKETT (September Rankings: 24)<\/p>\n
Position: Key forward<\/p>\n
Size: 193cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Geelong Falcons\/Torquay<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Oscar Allen<\/p>\n
We didn\u2019t see him play this year, but Pickett remained front of mind for scouts, especially in a year with a few questions over the draft class\u2019 key forward stocks. It all comes off the back of his ridiculously good bottom-age year, which saw him kick 31 goals in eight Coates Talent League games for the Geelong Falcons, as well as 25 majors from eight APS matches for Geelong Grammar. He was also among Team Docherty\u2019s best players in the Under 17 futures match on AFL Grand Final Day, booting two goals. Pickett entered this year as a genuine top-10 prospect, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in late March that resulted in rupturing both his ACL and MCL. He\u2019s a powerful lead-up forward with a good set of hands and can get on his bike when required. An outside chance to be taken in the first round, but more likely a night two pick.<\/p>\n
George Gale of Western Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
24. GEORGE GALE (September Rankings: 25)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 190cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Claremont\/Swanbourne<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Hamish Davis<\/p>\n
A clean, hard-working midfielder who\u2019s had a super consistent year in the middle third of the ground at every level he\u2019s played at, Gale couldn\u2019t have done much more in 2026 to enhance his prospects. Gale led the WA midfield group superbly in the national carnival, averaging 27.8 disposals, 5.2 marks and 5.0 inside 50s to be named on the wing in the Under 18 All-Australian team. He\u2019s since had exposure \u2014 and impressed \u2014 at WAFL league level, averaging 16.8 disposals in four games for Claremont. Gale\u2019s elite running power \u2013 he ran a 6:12 2km time trial \u2013 allows him to get to more contests than his opponents, while he\u2019s a good overhead mark for his size and has a high footy IQ. The query is how high Gale\u2019s ceiling is and what his biggest AFL weapon would be, which has led to suggestions he\u2019s more likely to be selected after the first round.<\/p>\n
Harvie Cooke of Vic Metro. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
25. HARVIE COOKE (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Small forward-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 176cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Northern Knights\/Eltham<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Dylan Moore<\/p>\n
A remarkable late bolter, to the point where he could go night one. Scouts were divided over Cooke\u2019s AFL potential throughout the season, but the Eltham product answered every question emphatically and couldn\u2019t have done much more on the field to enhance his prospects. He was particularly impressive in his national championships campaign for Vic Metro, kicking four goals and averaging 17.5 disposals, 7.0 marks, 6.2 score involvements and 98.9 ranking points to finish fifth in Larke Medal voting and earn Under 18 All-Australian selection. Cooke also claimed the Morrish Medal as this year\u2019s Talent League best and fairest, averaging 24.7 disposals, 5.9 clearances and 4.9 tackles. But it was at the draft combine where he proved a lot of doubters over his athleticism wrong, finishing fifth in both the 2km time trial (6:08) and agility test (7.962 seconds), as well as eighth in the running vertical jump (89cm). Cooke\u2019s energy, competitiveness, tenacity and creativity in the forward half are hard to ignore, while his character and attitude off the field has impressed clubs during recent interviews. Multiple sources have told foxfooty.com.au this week Cooke is in the mix to be taken either late in the first round or early in the second round. The clubs set to receive start-of-second-round compensation selections (Essendon, Richmond and West Coast) all have interest in that range, while the Giants are also a chance with a second-round selection. <\/p>\n
Kodah Edwards of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
26. KODAH EDWARDS (September Rankings: 20)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 184cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: South Adelaide\/Willunga<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Matt Kennedy<\/p>\n
Remains one of the harder prospects to place for clubs. There\u2019s no denying Edwards\u2019 high-end talent with his clean hands, vision and contested ball-winning ability, but his ceiling at AFL level is a point of contention among clubs. The SA captain played all four national carnival games for his state, averaging 22.0 disposals, 9.0 contested possessions, 7.2 score involvements, 5.2 inside 50s and 104.9 ranking points to earn a spot in the All-Australian team. Edwards then made the leap to SANFL league level, acquitting himself well across five games for North Adelaide and averaging 15.2 disposals and 4.6 marks. Edwards at SANFL level primarily played as a half-forward who pinch-hit on the ball, which is the role scouts believe he should play at the next level. Unlikely to be taken on night one at this stage.<\/p>\n
Marlon Neocleous of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
27. MARLON NEOCLEOUS (September Rankings: 27)<\/p>\n
Position: Small forward-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 169cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gippsland Power\/Traralgon<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Murphy Reid<\/p>\n
The \u2018Nuke\u2019! Neocleous is an exciting, clever and speedy half-forward who makes good decisions and connects his team between the arcs. He\u2019s shown off his midfield capabilities at times this season, especially when he stepped up on the ball for Vic Country against the Allies \u2014 after Cody Walker and Noah Williams went down with injury \u2014 finishing with one goal from 21 disposals, 11 score involvements and five clearances. He caught the eye at centre ball-ups for Caulfield Grammar this year in the APS competition and regularly racked up big numbers, while he played a key role in Gippsland Power\u2019s Talent League premiership, booting 12.7 and averaging 17.5 disposals, 4.5 marks and 4.5 tackles from eight games. However Neocleous was clearly hampered by a nagging back issue from June onwards in 2026, which probably hindered his output. So he\u2019s probably not in the pointy-end draft mix now, but scouts admire his reliability, professionalism and discipline to his role.<\/p>\n
Xavier Ladbrook of Victoria Country. Picture: Brendon Thorne\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
28. XAVIER LADBROOK (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Key defender<\/p>\n
Size: 203cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gippsland Power\/Nar Nar Goon<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Eric Hipwood<\/p>\n
One of the draft\u2019s most versatile prospects, but scouts were pleased the 203cm talent settled predominantly in defence this year after playing on the wing in his bottom-age year while also spending time as a roaming forward. Ladbrook linked up with highly-rated Power teammate Clancy Snell, averaging 14.4 disposals, 6.0 marks and 3.1 rebound 50s across 14 games. He was particularly influential in Gippsland\u2019s finals campaign with his intercept work, playing a key role in the club\u2019s premiership triumph. Ladbrook then recorded a top-10 finish in the running vertical jump (92cm) at the national draft combine. Yes Ladbrook is lean, but he has a tantalising mix of athleticism, endurance, speed, class, co-ordination, reach and footy IQ for a player of his size.<\/p>\n
Albert Macgowan of Victoria Metro. Picture: Janelle St Pierre\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
29. ALBERT MACGOWAN (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Wing<\/p>\n
Size: 187cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons\/Caulfield Bears<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Neil Erasmus<\/p>\n
A relentless running wingman who couldn\u2019t have done any more to enhance his prospects in 2026. In a nod to his brilliant consistency, Macgowan was named in both the Talent League team of the year and the national Under 18 All-Australian team, while he also won the Dragons\u2019 best and fairest award and was a joint winner of St Kevin\u2019s best and fairest award. Then at the national draft combine, Macgowan was the only player to break the six-minute barrier in the 2km time trial (5:59). For Vic Metro, Macgowan averaged 22.8 disposals, proving a great connector for the undefeated Vic Metro team. So why is he not in the first-round mix? Clubs have a question mark over his speed, as well as his ceiling at AFL level. But he has elite aerobic capacity, skills and footy IQ. <\/p>\n
Archie Elliott of the GWV Rebels. Picture: James Gorman Photography\/GWV RebelsSource: The Weekly Times<\/p>\n
30. ARCHIE ELLIOTT (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 182cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: GWV Rebels\/Horsham<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Jamie Elliott<\/p>\n
Rebels teammate Ethan Drever had a lovely endorsement for Elliott, telling foxfooty.com.au: \u201cThere\u2019s probably no one else like him in the draft because he can take an overhead mark and is also really good on the ground. He\u2019s that hybrid forward and has really good endurance.\u201d Elliott kicked 43 goals from 14 games for the GWV Rebels to top the Talent League goalkicking table and earn Talent League Team of the Year honours. It came after a strong finish to his Under 18 carnival for Vic Country, booting four goals against South Australia and two against Vic Metro. He has an exciting mix of athleticism and brilliant goal sense.<\/p>\n
Koby LeCras of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
31. KOBY LECRAS (September Rankings: 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 192cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: West Perth\/Manning<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Bayley Fritsch<\/p>\n
Wasn\u2019t seen on the field after May this year, but clubs haven\u2019t forgotten LeCras\u2019 talent and upside. LeCras \u2014 the son of former Kangaroo Brent LeCras and nephew of All-Australian and premiership Eagle Mark LeCras \u2014 has the size, goal sense and marking capability to play as a medium forward, but also the workrate, composure and damaging field kick to push onto a wing and impact. LeCras was a standout for the AFL Academy earlier this year, booting 1.1 from 10 touches against North Melbourne VFL then kicking 3.0 from 18 disposals and seven marks a week later against Richmond VFL. One week later, LeCras suffered a knee injury in his WAFL league debut for West Perth, with scans revealing a partial ACL tear. He got back for the national draft combine and impressed in the 2km time trial, recording a time of 6:24 to suggest his recovery from injury is on track. More likely to be taken on night two.<\/p>\n
Keenan Boi of the Power. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
32. KEENAN BOI (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Small forward<\/p>\n
Size: 182cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Gippsland Power\/Warragul<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Ben Long<\/p>\n
A dynamic and explosive forward with speed and elite pressure who enjoyed a brilliant season with premiers Gippsland Power. Boi booted 24 goals and averaged 15.2 disposals and 4.4 inside 50s from 17 games, thriving with more midfield time towards the back-end of the year. He also impressed in his first Vic Country game, booting two goals from 16 disposals, six marks, five inside 50s and five tackles. Boi is tied to Hawthorn via its Next Generation Academy. Half of the AFL clubs have interviewed Boi, who the Hawks would like to match for but only within reason. Hawthorn currently holds Picks 29 and 37.<\/p>\n
North Adelaide’s Ethan Herbert. Picture: Peter Argent\/SANFLSource: Supplied Source Known<\/p>\n
33. ETHAN HERBERT (September Rankings: 26)<\/p>\n
Position: Ruck-key forward<\/p>\n
Size: 201cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: North Adelaide\/Walkerville<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Rowan Marshall<\/p>\n
Blessed with freakish groundball cleanliness and aerobic capacity for a guy of his size, Herbert is a player recruiters believe may ultimately be better suited to a key forward role at AFL level. Yet he relishes ruck craft \u2014 and during SA\u2019s campaign, he was at his most influential when playing on the ball as a roaming ruck. His spread and ability to impact around the ground against Vic Country, especially, was impressive on his way to collecting 20 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, six clearances, five intercepts and five tackles. He then returned to North Adelaide and performed well at both Under 18s and reserves level, including a reserves match against West Adelaide where he had 22 disposals, six inside 50s, four clearances and eight hit-outs playing as a second ruck behind James Van Wyk. The scouts who are fans of Herbert tend to look at his athletic traits, while others that have doubts question whether he can be an AFL level ruck. Hard one to place at the moment.<\/p>\n
Billy Wigmore of Victoria Metro. Picture: Janelle St Pierre\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
34. BILLY WIGMORE (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 189cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Western Jets\/Yarraville<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Nick Vlastuin<\/p>\n
Might be a lot higher on some club draft boards than this and, therefore, could push the first round next month. Wigmore is arguably the best pure intercept defender in the pool who plays above his 189cm frame, while he\u2019s also composed with ball in-hand when rebounding. Wigmore earned All-Australian honours after averaging 17.0 disposals, 9.8 intercepts and 3.0 intercept marks and in Vic Metro\u2019s title-winning campaign. He also averaged 18.6 disposals, 9.5 intercepts and 7.0 marks for the Jets to earn Talent League Team of the Year honours. When Wigmore\u2019s confidence is up and he\u2019s fearlessly flying at the ball, he\u2019s hard to stop. But can he add more strings to his bow at AFL level? That\u2019s the questions some clubs are asking.<\/p>\n
Wil Antrobus of the Dandenong StingraysSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
35. WIL ANTROBUS (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 182cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays\/Edithvale-Aspendale<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Brayden Maynard\/Daniel Rich<\/p>\n
Antrobus has emerged as one of the more intriguing defensive prospects, with his left-foot kicking a standout weapon. He\u2019s a composed and polished ball-user who launches attacking chains from the back half. Antrobus was one of the Stingrays\u2019 most consistent performers in 2026, averaging 22.3 disposals, 7.1 inside 50s and 3.5 tackles, while he also played all four games for Vic Metro. There are still questions about Antrobus\u2019 speed, but he still has all the tools to become an effective distributor from defence. <\/p>\n
Brady Wright of Werribee. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
36. BRADY WRIGHT (September Rankings: 28)<\/p>\n
Position: Key forward<\/p>\n
Height: 195cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Werribee (VFL)\/Darley<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Brody Mihocek<\/p>\n
One of footy\u2019s great feel-good streaks seems destined to continue. Wright \u2014 a plumber by day \u2014 is a good chance to become the latest Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner as the most promising VFL player aged 24 or under to be put on an AFL list. In a remarkable streak, the past 19 consecutive winners of the award \u2014 which include players like Michael Barlow, Michael Hibberd, Kane Lambert, Nic Newman, Luke Ryan, Bayley Fritsch, Sam Davidson and, most recently, Tom Blamires \u2014 have been drafted onto AFL lists. Wright appears well placed to make it 20 after a strong 2026 campaign for footy factory Werribee, booting 49.21 and averaging 9.6 disposals and 5.5 marks from 17 VFL matches this year. He kicked three goals or more in 12 of those games, including a bag of seven against Footscray in Round 19. That form earned Wright an invite to the state draft combine where he tested strongly, with top-10 finishes in the agility test and vertical jump. A product of the GWV Rebels and close friend of Giant Aaron Cadman, Wright was initially draft eligible in 2022 but ultimately wasn\u2019t picked. He played for Darley in the Ballarat FNL before arriving at Werribee ahead of the 2025 season where he endured a patchy, injury-interrupted campaign. But Wright has thrived in 2026 after a full pre-season to put himself in the draft mix. An outside first-round chance, but more likely a night two pick.<\/p>\n
Harrison Chapman of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
37. HARRISON CHAPMAN (September Rankings: 29)<\/p>\n
Position: Wing<\/p>\n
Size: 190cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/Boronia<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Justin McInerney<\/p>\n
At his best, Chapman looks like an AFL player with his smooth movement, aggressive transition ability, outside run and powerful kicking. But Chapman continues to split recruiters, with some questioning his inside-outside balance and competitiveness. Nonetheless, the Boronia product had some great moments during the champs for Vic Metro, especially when the team\u2019s match against the Allies was up for grabs in the first quarter. He finished the carnival ranked 10th for average score involvements, while he also averaged 18.7 disposals, 4.7 marks and 3.0 inside 50s. He also showed glimpses during his 14-game season for the Eastern Ranges \u2014 including an ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard in the final month \u2014 averaging 21.3 disposals and 5.4 marks. Looms as a fascinating watch come draft night.<\/p>\n
Gabriel Patterson of South Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
38. GABRIEL PATTERSON (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 185cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Glenelg\/Plympton<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Kai Lohmann<\/p>\n
Lower than what many had him at the start of the year. Still, Patterson is a powerful and dynamic forward-half player who could explode at AFL level if it clicks for him. While he struggled for consistency across the Under 18 champs \u2014 which wasn\u2019t helped by an interrupted lead-in due to a shoulder injury \u2014 he reminded on-lookers of his huge upside in SA\u2019s match against WA, booting three goals from nine disposals. Patterson finished the SANFL Under 18s year with a bang, booting two goals from 27 disposals, seven marks and five clearances against Central District then kicking another two majors from 23 disposals, seven marks and five inside 50s in a premiership win over the Eagles. Before all that, Patterson was one of the AFL Academy\u2019s strongest performers in April, booting a goal against each of North Melbourne and Richmond\u2019s VFL sides. Patterson is the son of 96-game Magpie Stephen Patterson, meaning he\u2019s ineligible to join Collingwood as a father-son selection. However his sister, Violet, was a father-daughter pick to Collingwood\u2019s AFLW team nearly two years ago. A wide Pick 20-40 range at the moment.<\/p>\n
Harvey Spawton-Guy competes in the 2km Time Trial. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
39. HARVEY SPAWTON-GUY (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Key forward<\/p>\n
Size: 195cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: West Perth\/Ocean Ridge<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Nick Larkey<\/p>\n
A late riser off a strong national champs for WA then impressive WAFL league form for West Perth. Spawton-Guy kicked 6.7 from four Under 18s games for WA where his mobility, strong pair of hands and follow-up work at ground level were on full display. He was then unleashed for five top WAFL matches, booting 9.3 in a stretch where West Perth won just one game. He then returned to West Perth\u2019s colts side for finals, booting four goals in an elimination final win over Subiaco. Not the quickest key forward, but my word can he catch the Sherrin.<\/p>\n
Jack Slattery of South Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
40. JACK SLATTERY (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 192cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens\/South Clare<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Logan Morris<\/p>\n
He can\u2019t be ignored any longer. The Woodville-West Torrens goalkicker was SA\u2019s dominant forward 50 source across the team\u2019s four games, finishing with a carnival-high 16.2 \u2013 including hauls of six, five and four in his last three encounters \u2013 to win SA\u2019s MVP award and earn All-Australian selection. Slattery then earned SANFL league exposure after seven goals from three SANFL reserves matches. A medium lead-up forward and natural goal sense, Slattery hadn\u2019t spoken to any AFL clubs this time last year, which was his draft year. After the combine and his 19th birthday, he would\u2019ve spoken to around 13, putting him right in the frame to be taken on night two of next month\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n
Benji Van Rooyen of Western Australia. Picture: Janelle St Pierre\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
41. BENJI VAN ROOYEN (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Ruck<\/p>\n
Size: 203cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Claremont\/Wembley Downs<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Darcy Cameron<\/p>\n
The brother of Melbourne\u2019s Jacob van Rooyen \u2014 and Benji looks set to join his brother at AFL level, as his mobility, aggression and follow-up work make him one of the best rucks in the draft pool. Van Rooyen had an excellent Under 18 carnival, thriving as the Black Swans\u2019 No. 1 ruck to average 14.0 disposals, 4.2 clearances, 4.0 marks, 2.8 tackles and 20.5 hit-outs from four games to earn All-Australian selection. Upon return to Claremont, van Rooyen had two massive reserves games \u2014 including a three-goal, 22-disposal outing \u2014 to earn a WAFL league debut. While van Rooyen had ample chances to impress as a forward during his junior career and even earlier this year, his 2026 campaign suggested he has big AFL potential as a 203cm ruck.<\/p>\n
Jake Soutar participates in the 2km Time Trial during the AFL State Draft Combine. Picture: Paul Kane\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
42. JAKE SOUTAR (September Rankings: Not in top 30) <\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 190cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: East Perth<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Zach Guthrie<\/p>\n
A mature-age bolter who, by season\u2019s end, had over half of the AFL clubs lining up to speak to him after an excellent campaign for the Royals. After beginning 2026 in East Perth\u2019s reserves, Soutar earned a call-up into the league side and quickly cemented his spot, averaging 16.7 disposals and 7.0 marks from 20 games. It earned him an invite to the WA state combine where he clocked a 2km time of 6:32. Soutar is a hybrid defender who can beat his opponent by neutralising the contest or intercepting the ball cleanly. There have been whispers of late first-round interest for Soutar, but he\u2019s more likely a night two chance, with North Melbourne (Pick 33) one club that has done its work on him, as well as other taller defenders.<\/p>\n
Blake Justice of Team Docherty. Picture: Josh Chadwick\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
43. BLAKE JUSTICE (September Rankings: Not in top 30) <\/p>\n
Position: Medium forward-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 191cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Calder Cannons\/Greenvale<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Isaac Heeney<\/p>\n
An athletic Essendon NGA prospect with high AFL upside \u2014 and growing interest from AFL clubs \u2014 due to his combination of size, power and speed. Justice endured a frustrating start to 2026, with a hamstring injury restricting him to just four games across Calder Cannons and Vic Metro by mid-July. But the Bombers gave him a chance at VFL level, unleashing Justice against Coburg for a game in mid-July. He then returned to the Cannons and had an eye-catching end to his 2026 Talent League campaign, averaging 22.0 disposals, 4.3 inside 50s and 4.2 marks playing primarily as a midfielder. At the Victorian state combine, Justice pulled off a 2.81-second 20m sprint before suffering a hamstring injury, putting a sour end to his testing day. But Justice looms as a national draft bid, with interest from multiple clubs holding picks in the 20s.<\/p>\n
North Adelaide’s Sam Tassone. Picture: Peter Argent\/SANFLSource: Supplied Source Known<\/p>\n
44. SAM TASSONE (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 181cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: North Adelaide\/Irymple<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Laitham Vandermeer<\/p>\n
A composed, speedy and agile rebounding half-back who\u2019s transformed himself from an outside chance of making the SA state squad into a genuine AFL prospect. Tassone\u2019s decision to move to from Irymple in Victoria\u2019s Sunraysia region to Adelaide to board at Prince Alfred College and pursue his football dream has paid off. He averaged 28.3 disposals from seven SANFL Under 18s matches for North Adelaide. But it was at national carnival level where he really caught the eye, averaging 20.8 disposals at 77 per cent disposal efficiency as he impressed with his running capacity and willingness to take the game on. His athletic credentials were further underlined at the national combine, running 6:13 for the 2km time trial \u2014 ranked ninth. Woodville West-Torrens defender and SA teammate Mitch Harris said Tassone was \u201ca running machine and really smooth with the ball\u201d, while Glenelg\u2019s Gabe Patterson said his fellow South Australian had \u201csort of come out of nowhere\u201d in 2026.<\/p>\n
Lachlan Hicks of the Western Jets. Picture: Craig Dooley\/AFL PhotosSource: Supplied<\/p>\n
45. LACHLAN HICKS (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Wing-midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Western Jets\/Altona<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Harry Sharp<\/p>\n
A player from the Jets who\u2019s put himself on the map after combining prolific ball-winning with his natural outstanding athleticism. Hicks booted 21 goals and averaged 28.5 disposals, 7.7 marks and 4.2 inside 50s across 15 Talent League games in 2026 to claim the Western Jets\u2019 best and fairest and earn a spot in the competition\u2019s team of the year. He then starred at the national combine, running a 6:01 2km time trial to finish second behind Sandringham Dragons\u2019 Albert Macgowan, before taking out the agility test (7.800 seconds) and finishing inside the top 10 in the 20m sprint (2.948 seconds). Hicks showed his wares this year as an assertive midfielder with the running power to push forward, but clubs believe he\u2019s more likely to start his AFL career on a wing. While his kicking consistency remains an area for improvement, his endurance and versatility have put him on the draft radar \u2013 albeit with a wide range of Picks 25-50.<\/p>\n
Sam Devers of the Ranges. Picture: Lachie Chugg\/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
46. SAM DEVERS (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Medium defender<\/p>\n
Size: 189cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/Blackburn<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Hugo Ralphsmith<\/p>\n
An athletic, high-upside prospect with great acceleration and rebound capabilities for a player of his size. Devers\u2019 season was interrupted by injury, but he showed glimpses of his potential late in the year in the Ranges\u2019 Talent League campaign, collecting 26 disposals and eight marks against Oakleigh before adding 21 disposals and eight marks in the preliminary final against Dandenong. Devers then tested well at the combine, running 2.925 seconds for the 20m sprint and finishing third in the running vertical jump (97cm). Devers can quickly turn defence into attack thanks to his improving intercept game, line-breaking speed and neat kick.\ufeff He\u2019s most likely a night two prospect who\u2019ll take time to develop in the system, with Geelong an early link.<\/p>\n
Sydney Swans Academy player Mason McGroder. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
47. MASON MCGRODER (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Tall defender<\/p>\n
Size: 195cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy\/UNSW Bulldogs<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Noah Balta<\/p>\n
Spent the year weighing up two ambitions: Representing Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics or challenging himself to become \u201ca generational talent\u201d in the AFL. This week he\u2019s decided to pursue footy rather than his athletics career \u2013 for now. McGroder is a speedy, physical defender with a high vertical leap and a determination to beat his opponent before, as he puts it, \u201ctrying to make a big statement on the offence\u201d. He\u2019s a high-impact backman with the size and pace to keep up with either tall or mid-sized forwards. McGroder played in three of the Swans Academy team\u2019s six undefeated Talent League games, while he made the Allies squad and played one Under 18s match. But McGroder\u2019s talents on the football field are matched by his feats in athletics, highlighted by a silver medal in the long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Portland, Oregon. It was his second long-jump medal at the event after he claimed a remarkable bronze in 2024 \u2026 as a 15-year-old. As he was winning a silver medal, McGroder earned an invite to the national AFL draft combine. Unsurprisingly, he tested superbly, recording the fastest 20m sprint (2.827 seconds), while finishing second in both the running vertical (107cm) and standing vertical jump (85cm). He told foxfooty.com.au at the combine: \u201cI guess I\u2019ve flown under the radar due to athletics, but I see my potential as sort of unmatched because of both my athletic capabilities and the way I could learn as a footballer.\u201d McGroder said he had nine interviews with AFL clubs booked in for the combine, with home visits from the Swans and Dockers. Fremantle, West Coast and Essendon have interest in McGroder, but the Swans will have first call on him as he\u2019s tied to their national academy. <\/p>\n
48. JORDAN KNAPP (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder-wing<\/p>\n
Size: 180cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Eastern Ranges\/North Ringwood<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Andrew Brayshaw<\/p>\n
A clean, composed and versatile prospect who played well at every level this year. Knapp was one of Vic Metro\u2019s most impressive and hardest-working players in its 4-0 championships run, making the All-Australian team after averaging 23.6 disposals and 3.7 clearances. He also made the Talent League Team of the Year and claimed the Ranges\u2019 best and fairest award, averaging 28.0 disposals, 6.9 marks, 4.3 inside 50s and 4.0 tackles across 14 games. He\u2019s a leader who can win his own footy on both the inside and outside, but he can also stop others from winning the ball as he proved by playing various run-with roles. Add in a top-10 finish in the national combine agility test (7.999 seconds) and you\u2019ve got a versatile option for recruiters. He mightn\u2019t be the most \u2018spectacular\u2019 prospect in the draft pool and mightn\u2019t have the greatest upside, but his reliability, leadership and versatility could appeal to clubs from Picks 20 to 40.<\/p>\n
Cooper Hodge at Hawthorn football training at Dingley Village. Picture: David CroslingSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
49. COOPER HODGE (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Midfielder\/medium forward<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy\/Morningside Panthers<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Finn Maginness<\/p>\n
Hodge in September officially nominated Hawthorn as his preferred destination as a father-son selection in the 2026 draft. He could\u2019ve nominated Brisbane \u2013 he\u2019s spent six years in the Brisbane Lions Academy \u2013 but instead he\u2019ll seek to join the club his famous father, Luke Hodge, played 305 of his 346 games for and won four premierships at. It\u2019s a great coup for Hawthorn as Hodge has impressed draft watchers with his toughness and intensity at the coalface, ability to win the ball in traffic, absorb physical pressure and apply relentless defensive heat. Hodge played all four games for the Allies\u2019 Under 18s team this year and saved his best game until last, playing a key role in the Allies\u2019 upset win over WA in Ballarat. Hodge finished with 20 disposals, nine contested possessions and five score involvements, but he was particularly important late when the game was up for grabs. He put his body on the line, tackled hard and nailed some superb right-foot kicks. Hodge also gained valuable experience at state league level, playing eight VFL games across the past two years. His athleticism was also evident at the Victorian state combine, where he won the vertical jump and recorded the fourth-fastest 20m sprint at 2.93 seconds. Just as importantly, Hodge is widely regarded for his character and humble nature. He could get a bid towards the back-end of the draft, but if not expect the Hawks to likely use one of their late picks to take him in what looms as a lovely draft-night moment.<\/p>\n
Andrio Sousa of the Dandenong Stingrays. Picture: Morgan Hancock\/AFL Photos\/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
50. ANDRIO SOUSA (September Rankings: Not in top 30)<\/p>\n
Position: Wing\/midfielder<\/p>\n
Size: 183cm<\/p>\n
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays\/Edithvale-Aspendale<\/p>\n
AFL player comparison: Josh Daicos<\/p>\n
An explosive outside runner with the tantalising combination of speed, agility and clean skills. Sousa\u2019s draft was interrupted by an elbow fracture that sidelined him for six weeks, but he returned strongly. He averaged 15 disposals from all four games for Vic Country in the national championships and was a consistent contributor for the Stingrays, averaging 18.5 disposals across 12 Talent League appearances to help Dandenong reach the grand final. Sousa\u2019s athleticism and explosive physical profile are his major selling points \u2013 and this was evident at the national combine. He recorded the fourth-fastest 20m sprint time (2.902 seconds), while he also placed inside the top 10 in the agility test and both vertical jump events. While building his endurance and improving his contested-ball work will be important next steps, Sousa\u2019s pace, clean hands and attacking instincts give him the tools to develop into an effective wingman at AFL level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The national draft is less than a month away \u2013 and like many of the AFL clubs, we\u2019ve…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":945714,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[64,63,85],"class_list":["post-945713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/945713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=945713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/945713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/945714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=945713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=945713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=945713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}