Welcome to our first top 30 for this year’s AFL draft class.
This is not a mock draft, but rather a ranking of prospects based on performance, potential, injury risk and intangibles, based on discussions with recruiting staff at 10 AFL clubs, junior coaches, and this masthead’s own views.
As always, there were players who narrowly missed out, such as Benji van Rooyen, Marlon Neocleous, Koby LeCras, Brady Wright, Albert Macgowan, Jordan Knapp, Anthony Long, Harvey Spawton-Guy, Harvie Cooke and Will Antrobus.
The likes of Sebastian Marsic and Sydney Swans academy products Aidan McCartney (also North Melbourne father-son eligible), Mason McGroder – a highly promising long jumper – and Jake Medved are also on clubs’ radar.
1.
Cochrane is yet to play this year because of a knee injury, but will make his return on Sunday for Port Adelaide’s SANFL team, alongside his AFL-listed brother Tom. The AFL approved the Power’s request in November for the super prospect – who can just about play anywhere on the ground – to be draft eligible as part of their Next Generation Academy. Cochrane’s been regarded as the top prospect in the 2026 draft class since he dominated the under-16s championships. He is a great athlete, marks the ball well, is an excellent kick, makes smart decisions and should end up as a goalkicking midfielder and genuine difference-maker.
2.
Butler could be the first player picked who is not tied to an AFL club – and might be the most talented prospect in the pool. His kicking skills are peerless, including executing kicks that others cannot, and his athleticism, forward craft, marking ability and nose for the goals make him a constant threat in attack. The main on-field query is Butler’s running capacity, which may limit his ability to play in the midfield. A broken collarbone cut short his championships, and it is unclear when he will next play. Butler’s grandfather, Allan Davis, played in St Kilda’s 1966 flag.
3.
Van Hattum is in the Sean Darcy mould as a hulking big man, but more athletic and skilled, which is why he is so coveted. His kicking skills are rare for a ruckman and his follow-up work is Brodie Grundy-like. That said, there is still some nervousness about using such a high selection on Van Hattum. Recruiters would love to see him mark the ball more, particularly as a down-the-line option, and don’t believe he is as athletic as Nic Naitanui, Luke Jackson or Cooper Duff-Tytler. Some scouts are glad they won’t have to make the call on Van Hattum, but the upside is enormous.
4. Gus Teixeira
There is so much to like about “Tex”, who is likened to Adelaide’s Josh Rachele. He lights up games with his power and creativity, and generates scoring opportunities with his penetrating kicking inside 50. Footballers who can make an impact both in attack and the midfield are prized in the AFL, and that is what Teixeira projects to be, particularly if he improves his endurance. His GPS numbers suggest he is not there yet, and explain why he doesn’t have as many prolific games as others – but he could be a match-winner in short order.
5.
This is lower than Walker’s name appears on most of these lists, and the extreme likelihood is the Blues will need to match a bid at No.2. The son of Andrew – the second pick in the 2003 draft – is a good size, competitive, combative, powerful, finds the Sherrin easily and can run all day, so there are plenty of high-end traits that will ensure he is a long-term fixture in Carlton’s midfield. However, Walker’s kicking and decision-making will determine how effective and damaging he is at AFL level – and both are question marks at this stage.
6.
This might not be high enough. Drever has carried a titanic load and been ultra-consistent for the Rebels in the Talent League, and impressed again throughout the championships, outside Country’s disappointing performance against Metro. He is a big midfielder who impacts the game inside and outside the contest, can tuck the ball under his arm and burst away, or get it to his boot quickly, but, like Cody Walker, needs to tidy up his kicking at times, including around goal. Drever’s high-end character only adds to his value.
7.
Don’t be surprised if Matthews attracts a top-five bid – he is that good. A foot injury meant Matthews appeared just twice at the championships, but he made his mark, particularly with his 35-disposal binge against Vic Country. He is a certain top-10 selection and has racked up possessions for fun all season, averaging 35 touches in the Talent League and not looking out of place in a VFL appearance, either. Matthews is a gut runner, makes quick and generally good decisions, and drives the Sherrin forward at every opportunity off his reliable left boot.
8.
Mellody has fans inside the top five, but probably lands in the second half of the top 10 on draft night. He transformed his reputation with a blistering championships display that scored him the Larke Medal as the best-performed player. Mellody was previously pigeonholed as someone who could play on the wing or at half-back as a receiver with silky skills, but his midfield performances for WA blew that out of the water. He swung games when he went in there, and could be in the frame for West Coast’s top pick.
9. Wil Malady
It is all about the upside with Malady, whose “wow” moments are as exciting as anyone in this draft. His aerial prowess is eye-catching, but he isn’t a big ball-winner, so now recruiters are watching to see if the consistent impact follows in the backend of the season. Malady played as a rangy forward and on the wing for Country, but some think he could also be effective as an interceptor. He projects as a third tall in attack at AFL level. There will be some risk with picking Malady, but his potential should be too tempting for him to fall much further than this.
10. Clancy Snell
Snell is the consensus best key defender in this class, although some have Mitch Harris ahead of him. His championships left questions on his lockdown defending, although he was regularly under siege in Country’s backline. Snell’s intercepting talents are undoubted, he is good enough athletically, an ideal size, and a good kick. A key defender-needy club might grab him earlier than this, but there could be at least three tall defenders selected in the first round, including Tyson Bradley, so there is depth at the position this year.
11. Caylen Murray (Brisbane Lions academy)
Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies
Defender/midfielder, 181cm
DOB: 16/1/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 24 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 5.5 contested possessions
Not everyone rates Murray this highly, but he could attract a top-10 bid, which would make it difficult, or even unlikely, for the Lions to match. His stocks improved at the championships, in part thanks to his positional versatility, but also his numerous AFL traits, as he became the Allies’ sole All-Australian. Murray was a strong performer down back, where he turned defence into offence with his marking, kicking skills, dare – including one triple-bounce effort – agility and pace. He also kicked two goals against South Australia after going forward.
12. Mitch Harris
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Key defender, 196cm
DOB: 1/7/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 8.8 disposals, 5 contested possessions, 1.5 intercept marks
Unlike last year’s draft, where Carlton’s Harry Dean was a clear standout, there are options for clubs wanting a high-end key defender. Harris is arguably the best one-on-one defender in it, and often compared to combative Gold Coast backman Sam Collins. He does not offer the same offensive value as Snell, but that doesn’t bother most scouts, given his lockdown proficiency and marking ability at a priority position. Harris might last slightly longer than this, but it is difficult to imagine him slipping outside the top 15.
13. Leo Steed
Swan Districts/Western Australia
Midfielder, 177cm
DOB: 7/3/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 23.5 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions, 4.3 clearances
Good luck finding someone who doesn’t like or rate Steed. He might not have the highest ceiling among the 2026 draft prospects, but is ultra-professional, a hard worker and thrives in the contest, where his toughness, fast feet and handballing come to the fore. Steed will start at half-forward in the AFL, but should eventually challenge for a midfield spot. You can’t have three players of his stature in the same midfield, but he is driven enough to find his niche. Lachie Neale has helped change opinions on sub-180-centimetre onballers.
14. Jake Eime
Central District/South Australia
Defender, 183cm
DOB: 29/7/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 20.3 disposals, 4.5 rebound 50s, 3.3 intercept possessions
Eime’s draft range starts about here through to the mid-20s, in what is an even section of the draft. He turned heads and changed some opinions on him, particularly with his competitiveness, with a stellar under-18 carnival down back for the South Australians. Eime wants the Sherrin in his hands (he regularly took the kick-ins), takes the game on – whether using his speed or mixing in a sidestep – and has improved his kicking, although it can be tested under pressure. He might need to reduce his risk-taking in the AFL, but that is part of his appeal.
15. Jack Pickett
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Key forward, 193cm
DOB: 6/3/2008
U18 Talent League stats (averages): 5 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals
This is an aggressive ranking, and there are recruiters who have him closer to 20 because of the risk involved in drafting someone off an ACL and MCL rupture – but he was in top-five contention pre-setback. The season-ending injury happened innocuously at a Falcons training session after he kicked two goals in the first round of the Talent League. Pickett had everyone’s attention from a bottom-age year when he booted 31 goals in eight matches. He is difficult to stop, whether charging forward on a lead or standing under a high ball in a pack.
16. Sam Gayfer
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Key forward, 194cm
DOB: 21/5/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 11 disposals, 2.5 goals, 7.5 score involvements
It will be interesting to see whether Pickett or Gayfer is off the board first. The nephew of Collingwood premiership defender Mick does not come with the same injury risk, which is why some scouts think he is the safer option. Gayfer enjoyed a good championships, kicking four goals against South Australia before three more – all by quarter-time – in Metro’s huge win over Country. He isn’t as athletic as others, but thrives on the physical stuff, including crashing packs and standing his ground under skied passes.
17. Khaled El Souki (Western Bulldogs NGA)
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Forward, 176cm
DOB: 4/7/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 10 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal
A broken ankle sustained before the championships meant El Souki’s sole appearance was in Metro’s landslide victory over Country. He might not have been prolific, but he hit the scoreboard and made his mark with defensive pressure, including some bruising tackles. El Souki is powerful and typically a goalkicking machine, who has averaged 18 disposals and three goals in the Talent League this season. He would be a wonderful fit in the Bulldogs’ forward line, but they might not be able to match a bid if they trade for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
18. Noah Williams
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Midfielder/defender, 176cm
DOB: 22/1/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 15.5 disposals, 5.3 contested possessions, 3.3 intercept possessions
Williams was once touted as a potential top-10 selection, but is no longer certain to be a first-round pick. There is a query on whether he can be a midfielder at AFL level, meaning he might need to make it as a defender or pressure forward. He is fast, aggressive, competitive, works hard, and his kicking can be very good, but is also scrappy at times. Williams’ championships performances left recruiters wanting to see more, so he needs a strong finish to the year to reassert himself.
19. Kodah Edwards
South Adelaide/South Australia
Midfielder/forward, 184cm
DOB: 25/7/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 22 disposals, 3.8 clearances, 7.3 score involvements
Edwards is a polarising prospect with a wide draft range that could see him drift a bit at the draft. South Australia’s captain has admirers, can play through the midfield and up forward, thrives in contested situations, and performed well in his senior debut this year for South Adelaide. But he is not as good a runner – the biggest and most common knock on him – or as athletic as other midfielders in the first-round mix. Edwards will likely start as a forward in the AFL, and still has a bit to prove on how transferable his skillset will be.
20. Toby Krasna
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Wingman, 181cm
DOB: 28/2/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 19 disposals, 3.7 inside 50s, 1 goal
Krasna was one of the biggest risers out of the championships. He may end up being taken slightly after this, but comfortably sits in the top 30. Krasna makes quick decisions when necessary, is composed under pressure, tough to tackle with his nimble footwork, and might only be slight, but is willing to wear contact. He kicks the ball well and creatively, and slotted a goal in all three of his matches at the carnival, which was another tick for him. Krasna sat out the last match with hamstring soreness.
21. Harrison Chapman
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Wingman, 190cm
DOB: 6/1/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 18.7 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 6.7 score involvements
Chapman is another with a wide draft range that starts far earlier than this, but ends significantly lower. He is a great size and beautiful mover who saved his best match of the championships for last with 18 disposals, a goal and nine score involvements in Metro’s comfortable win over Country. Chapman could end up well inside the top 20 if he produces more games like that in the months ahead, but is yet to prove he can consistently do that. Scouts would also like to see him be cleaner and more competitive in the contest and improve his ball security.
22. Tyson Bradley
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Key defender, 196cm
DOB: 16/9/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 14.5 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 3.3 intercept marks
Bradley won Metro’s MVP award after a consistent campaign that put him in first-round contention and among the top group of tall defenders with Clancy Snell and Mitch Harris. He is regarded as a high IQ backman, gobbles up intercept marks and is already physically developed. However, Bradley is not quick and limited athletically, including with his lateral movement, which could leave him vulnerable against the AFL’s best forwards. His smarts help make up for that, and he is compared to Jacob Weitering and Tom Barrass for his defensive craft.
23. Jack Slattery
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Key forward, 192cm
DOB: 27/9/2007
U18 champs stats (averages): 11.3 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4 goals
Slattery bolted up draft boards with an outstanding championships where his 16 goals led everyone. He was overlooked in last year’s draft and turns 19 in September, so that needs to be baked into his performance – but he could hardly have done more. Slattery showed off his set-shot proficiency with a series of brilliant finishes from all angles in a six-goal explosion against the Allies, opportunistically added five more versus Metro, then snapped two beauties from four majors at Country’s expense. Recruiters want to see him play in the Eagles’ senior side down the stretch.
24. Lochie Burrows
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Utility, 181cm
DOB: 16/9/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 13.5 disposals, 4 intercept possessions, 4 score involvements
There is some projection required here because Burrows’ raw numbers – even in the Talent League – don’t jump off the page, but he has many of the physical gifts and traits to be an impact player at AFL level. He leaves opponents in the dust with his acceleration, uses his pace effectively, is elusive in traffic, can play at either end or through the midfield, makes quick decisions – particularly by hand – and kicks the ball well. Burrows could end up being a weapon as a high half-forward, where his speed and marking prowess make him dangerous.
25. Ethan Herbert
North Adelaide/South Australia
Ruckman, 201cm
DOB: 1/11/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 15.8 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 6 clearances
There are recruiters who won’t consider Herbert in this range due to doubts about his role at the highest level, but he may also go earlier. AFL coaches are increasingly turning to giants near or beyond 210 centimetres to ruck for them, so the centre bounce will be Herbert’s greatest challenge. South Australia mainly operated with Jobe Janeway as its No.1 big man, leaving Herbert to show scouts how he can fare elsewhere. His ground-ball work, clean skills and athleticism help make him an extra midfielder, while some scouts feel he could be a key defender.
26. George Dimer
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Forward, 173cm
DOB: 21/6/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 16 disposals, 8.7 score involvements, 3.3 tackles
Dimer’s stature won’t help his cause, but his excellent championships propelled him into top-30 contention, although some view him as a later pick. He is suited to the modern game with his combination of speed, endurance and general athleticism, while he routinely reads the play quicker than his opponents. Dimer might not be a massive goalkicker himself, but has generated so many scoring opportunities this year, whether at the championships, in the Talent League or captaining Haileybury College in school footy. The next Gryan Miers?
27. Jackson Phillips
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder/wingman, 184cm
DOB: 30/1/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 16.3 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 3.3 tackles
Phillips spent most of the championships on a wing, which frustrated some recruiters hoping to see how he would go in an inside role. He is a skilful player, highlighted by a slick left-handed pick-up before drilling a goal on the run from 50 metres against Western Australia, but he also missed targets at times going inside 50. Phillips has improved his contest work this year, but still has work to do in that area, and he will be keen to finish the year strongly to solidify his reputation.
28. George Gale
Claremont/Western Australia
Midfielder, 190cm
DOB: 6/9/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 27.8 disposals, 9 contested possessions, 3 clearances
You can’t argue with Gale’s performance or professionalism, but there are doubts about how much his lack of speed will hold him back in the AFL, which could cause him to slide beyond this. One scout described him as a “poor man’s Steele Sidebottom”, which was meant as a nod to Gale’s football IQ, while acknowledging his ball use is not at the Collingwood star’s level. He is not as damaging with his disposals or movement as the top midfielders in this draft, but scouts want to see him playing senior WAFL football to assess him better.
29. Gabe Patterson
Glenelg/South Australia
Forward, 185cm
DOB: 26/3/2008
U18 champs stats (averages): 13 disposals, 7.5 contested possessions, 1 goal
In an even crop, Patterson – who was considered a potential top-10 pick at stages last year – just sneaks in on potential despite not having the season he would have liked so far. The tide might be turning, with the athletic forward kicking three goals against Western Australia before returning to Glenelg with a bang post-championships with five goals, including one outrageous checkside finish on the run from the pocket. It is those flashes of skill and athleticism that make him such an intriguing prospect.
30. Xavier Ladbrook
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Key defender/forward, 201cm
DOB: 16/10/2008 (DOB was wrong previously)
U18 champs stats (averages): 16.3 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.3 tackles
There might not be a harder player to place, given the wide-ranging views on Ladbrook, whose finish to the season will determine whether this ranking is too high, too low or about right. He spent most of his time up forward in the championships, but his best football has come as a defender. That said, Ladbrook has shown glimpses as a forward, too, so it might come down to the eye of the beholder. He is a superb athlete who marks the ball well, so the upside is obvious, but not everyone trusts him.
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