Bolters’ stunning surges as freak streak set to extend — Top 30 AFL Draft stars ranked

Two young gun on-ballers surge into the top four, another club-tied prospect joins the top 10 and why one of footy's great streaks is set to extend out to 20 years.

Foxfooty.com.au presents its latest top 30 2026 AFL Draft Power Rankings a few months out from the 2026 AFL national draft, which begins with the first round on Thursday November 19 before the remaining rounds on Friday November 20.

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TOP 30 AFL DRAFT 2026 RANKINGS - SEPTEMBER EDITION

Potential No. 1 draft pick Dougie Cochrane played his first SANFL game for Port Adelaide last month. Picture: Dean MartinSource: News Corp Australia

1. DOUGIE COCHRANE

Position: Utility

Size: 196cm

Clubs: Central District/Port Districts

It was great to see Cochrane - still widely regarded by scouts as the best player in this year's draft class - return to the footy field in the back-half of this season. 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 - including the Under 18 carnival - after undergoing knee surgery in March to address tendinitis, but returned to play the last four SANFL league games of Port Adelaide's season. Playing primarily as a defender, Cochrane averaged 17.8 disposals, 4.0 rebound 50s and went at 92 per cent disposal efficiency. SA Under 18 coach Tony Bamford said earlier this year Cochrane had "all the tools you'd want in a modern AFL player". 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. The Power received a huge boost in November last year when they were granted Next Generation Academy access to Cochrane, whose older brother Tom just finished his second season on Port Adelaide's rookie list. There hasn't been a No. 1 draft bid since Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in 2020. All signs point to Cochrane ending that drought - and Port Adelaide being well placed to match the bid after the trade period.

Ethan Drever of Victoria Country. Picture: Jordan Sacchetta/AFL PhotosSource: Getty Images

2. ETHAN DREVER

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm

Clubs: GWV Rebels/Ballarat

A bit high for some, but we are Drever Believers - for this mightily exciting midfielder has stepped up at all levels in 2026 and produced one of the most consistent and impressive draft years of all top-end candidates. He took out Vic Country's MVP award and was named in the Under 18 All-Australian team after a dazzling carnival, kicking four goals and averaging 20.0 disposals, 5.0 score involvements, 4.5 inside 50s, 4.2 tackles and 101.2 ranking points. That came in the middle of an excellent Coates Talent League campaign, booting 12 goals and averaging 28.2 disposals, 6.5 tackles and 5.5 inside 50s from 13 games. Drever's all-round profile makes him one of the most complete open-pool prospects. He's strong and agile in the contest, versatile, aerobically powerful, clean with ball in hand and has a penetrating kick - traits that have seen him draw comparisons to Giants star Finn Callaghan. Like Jagga Smith and Sam Walsh in their respective draft years, Drever would provide a sense of security and reliability ti the club that ultimately picks him. He surely has to be in Essendon's mix …

Cody Walker during a Carlton Blues AFL training session. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

3. CODY WALKER

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm

Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Echuca

Walker's dad, Andrew, was taken with Pick 2 in the 2003 draft - and there's every chance Walker is selected with the same pick 23 years later. Although the sense among clubs recently contacted by foxfooty.com.au is a bid could slide a few spots. And that wouldn't be the worst news for Carlton, considering its two first-round picks have been pushed back in recent weeks due to the Blues winning a wildcard final and the Swans - who traded their first 2026 pick to the Blues in last year's Charlie Curnow trade - are into a preliminary final. Blues fans have been able to track father-son prospect Walker's progression closely this year, with the on-baller playing seven games for Carlton's 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 Walker wanted to be 'the man' 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. That performance solidified his standing as a genuine top-three pick before being named in the Under 18 All-Australian team. Walker in July last year formally agreed to join the Blues as a 2026 father-son selection - around 15 months before the deadline - rather than nominate Richmond as part of its Next Generation Academy. Since then, Walker has worked closely with the Blues, continuing his development in the revamped Carlton Academy and training with the AFL squad. Walker isn't the finished product, however. Scouts believe the next step in his development is to improve his kicking efficiency, while he did often get caught holding the ball at both VFL and national Under 18 champs level. But he's every chance to play early next season - and the prospect of Walker joining Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith in Carlton's midfield is a mouth-watering one for Blues fans. Having said that, the club that ultimately bids on Walker will do so with the hope the Blues can't match and - as each bidding club always does - a genuine vision for Walker in their line-up.

Heath Mellody of Western Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

4. HEATH MELLODY

Position: Medium defender-midfielder

Size: 186cm

Clubs: Claremont/Wembley Downs

An enormous bolter - compared to the start of the year - off the back of a Larke Medal-winning national carnival, followed by a brilliant WAFL league stint. Mellody ended up as the No.1 ball-winner of the carnival, averaging 28.2 disposals, 6.2 score involvements and 5.0 marks. He claimed the Larke Medal as the carnival's best player, WA's MVP award and was named All-Australian captain. Classy with ball in hand, balanced, athletic and efficient by foot, Mellody had already put together an excellent year as a rebounding defender prior to the champs. But his final one-and-a-half carnival matches as a dominant midfielder proved he indeed has the scope to be an on-baller in the future. But it's been a four-game stint with Claremont's league team where Mellody has pushed himself into the top-five mix, kicking three goals and averaging 23.8 disposals and 5.8 tackles. His centre bounce craft and ability to stand up in contests was noted by multiple scouts, with one telling foxfooty.com.au: "He just looked like an AFL player." It's very hard now to see Mellody slipping past West Coast's first pick on draft night, but don't discount him going earlier than that, either.

Brighton Grammar Captain Arki Butler. Picture: Andrew BatschSource: News Corp Australia

5. ARKI BUTLER

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris

Some would have Butler higher than this - and it's easy to see why with his freakish talent, athleticism skills, class, clean hands and goal sense. Butler, the grandson of 250-gamer and 1966 premiership Saint Allan Davis, has had some big games so far this season. He kicked off his 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 that'll sideline him for around two months, but he still made the All-Australian team. Butler, who has drawn comparisons to Giants champion Toby Greene, returned to the field in August to captain Brighton Grammar to the APS premiership. He's not the complete player yet, but if the club that drafts Butler can help him live up to his full potential, my word they'll be greatly rewarded for their investment.

Harry Van Hattum of Victoria Metro. Picture: Jordan Sacchetta/AFL PhotosSource: AFL Photos

6. HARRY VAN HATTUM

Position: Ruck

Size: 204cm

Clubs: Northern Knights/St Mary's

An athletic, hard-working, quick and skilful 204cm prospect with a brilliant vertical leap and stoppage craft, Van Hattum has been touted as a "generational" ruck talent by some scouts. Plus he looms as a big man who'll thrive at AFL level with the new ruck rules introduced in 2026. After a slow start to his Under 18s national carnival, Van Hattum saved his best game 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 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 has had a solid 2026, but did he grab his draft year by the scruff of the neck and perform to a level where he's the undisputed top open-pool prospect of 2026? Most scouts would say no. But as one recruiter pointed out to foxfooty.com.au this week, 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. And with a query over the long-term future of Richmond's ruck stocks, should the Tigers make HVH a priority?

Gus Teixeira of Victoria Metro. Picture: Lachie Chugg/AFL PhotosSource: Herald Sun

7. GUS TEIXEIRA

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 181cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/East Malvern

A forward-midfielder renowned for his speed, powerful kicking skills, good vision and goal sense, Teixeira elevated his stocks over Vic Metro's 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's, including pulling off a seven-goal game. His back-end to the season has been hampered by a calf injury, although he's a chance to return if the Dragons go deeper in the finals. Scouts believe he'll likely start his career as a forward that pinch-hits in the midfield, but they also fondly remember his brilliant performance as an on-baller in a Vic trials game earlier this year.

Ethan Matthews of the Giants Academy. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: News Corp Australia

8. ETHAN MATTHEWS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Ingleburn

Some clubs rate Matthews so highly they'd have him ahead of the aforementioned Victorian trio. The Giants' best academy graduate since Tom Green in 2019 - and he's been in cotton wool since the championships due to a foot injury. It's a shame, because you sensed Matthews was about to build on an incredible form purple patch. He 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 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. Matthews is a classy left-footed midfielder with high footy IQ who wins his own ball with aplomb and controls the tempo of matches. There's an argument, if fit, he could play on a wing for the Giants' AFL side, which highlights just how physically prepared he appears for the top level. The Giants currently hold Picks 7 and 28 in the draft, so whether they'd be able to take a player in the open draft before a Matthews bid comes remains uncertain.

Woodville-West Torrens' Mitch Harris. Picture: Peter Argent/SANFLSource: Supplied Source Known

9. MITCH HARRIS

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/Kadina

For many, Harris has established himself now as the best pure key defender in the class after a strong Under 18s carnival for SA and excellent displays for the Eagles' SANFL league side. A tough, courageous and close-checking defender, Harris has improved his one-on-one defensive capabilities this year to complement his intercept game that blossomed in his bottom-age 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 has played the past four straight SANFL games for Woodville West-Torrens' league side and not looked out of place according to recruiters, averaging 10.8 disposals, 3.5 marks. AFL clubs are set to get another look at Harris at the level this weekend when the Eagles take on Sturt in a preliminary final.

Caylen Murray of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

10. CAYLEN MURRAY

Position: Medium defender

Size: 181cm

Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Maroochydore

The Lions this decade have been asked to match first-round bids on Will Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher, Levi Ashcroft, Sam Marshall and Daniel Annable under the old points system. And the Lions might have to do the same again this year with Murray, who clubs believe is a chance to receive a top-10 bid on draft night. Murray won lots of fans during the national champs, claiming the Allies' MVP award and earning selection in the Under 18 All-Australian team after averaging 24.0 disposals, 6.8 marks, 5.0 rebound 50s and 112.8 ranking points. He also had good VFL exposure this year, playing five games for the Lions and averaging 13.8 disposals and four marks. While there are some who question his defensive capabilities, Murray is a speedy, aggressive and line-breaking defender and a polished distributor of the footy. Heath Mellody's emergence as a midfielder in the back-half of this season has scouts speculating whether a Murray bid on draft night could come slightly earlier than first thought.

Leo Steed of Western Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

11. LEO STEED

Position: Midfielder-small forward

Size: 177cm

Clubs: Swan Districts/South Perth

Like Ethan Drever, Steed has produced an eye-catching and consistent draft year at every level he's played. he 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. He's a competitive, speedy, clean and hard-working prospect who remains in the top-10 mix.

Toby Krasna of the Knights. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia

12. TOBY KRASNA

Position: Utility

Size: 181cm

Clubs: Northern Knights/Preston Bullants

We flagged in July Krasna shaped as the kind of player who could soar up draft boards with a big back-end to his 2026 campaign. Well, he's had a big finish to his year and he's, indeed, soaring - because this guy has a lot of fans at AFL club level. Took a big step forward during the champs, but enhanced his stocks further post-champs. After booting three goals and averaging 19.0 disposals and 7.3 score involvements from three games for Vic Metro, Krasna returned to the Northern Knights and was deployed into the midfield - not the wing where he played earlier in the year. And it's how Krasna performed in this on-ball role that has 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. 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. A top-10 spot isn't out of the question.

Wil Malady of Victoria Country. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

13. WIL MALADY

Position: Medium forward

Size: 193cm

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Bairnsdale

An exciting forward with sticky hands and breathtaking run-and-jump ability, Malady would be in the top-five conversation on pure talent alone. After booting five goals in the Under 17s future game on AFL Grand Final day last year, Malady showed glimpses of his high-flying best during his Vic Country games, kicking four goals from three games for Country, including 2.3 from 14 disposals against the Allies. He began the year with a bang, booting 6.1 from 16 disposals and seven marks in Gippsland Power's Round 1 match then finished strongly for Caulfield Grammar, booting four goals in the school's grand final defeat. Recruiters probably wanted to see more game-to-game consistency this year from Malady, who's drawn comparisons to premiership Demon Bayley Fritsch. Yet Malady has big AFL upside, including the potential to develop into a winger at the top level.

Jake Eime of South Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

14. JAKE EIME

Position: Medium defender

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Central District/Golden Grove

Jumped up boards after his national carnival and has maintained a high-level output since returning 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 has played well for Central District's Under 18 side upon return, but clubs were just as chuffed with his two SANFL league games for Adelaide where he didn't look out of place. Eime has AFL-like run and carry capability. He's not afraid to back his speed and take the game on to break lines. While he needs to work on his body strength and handball game, Eime is a high-end athlete and ready-made AFL half-back that clubs are keen on.

Tyson Bradley of Victoria Metro. Picture: Jordan Sacchetta/AFL PhotosSource: Getty Images

15. TYSON BRADLEY

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Highett

Reliable, calm and composed, both in contest and then with ball in hand, Bradley is right in the 'best key defender' conversation alongside Mitch Harris and Clancy Snell. He claimed Vic Metro's MVP award and was named at centre half-back in the All-Australian side. Bradley averaged 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 - rated No.1 of all players who played four games. Bradley also starred for Brighton Grammar in the school's premiership campaign, while he's also been a standout for the Sandringham Dragons at Coates League level. His recent battle with Northern Knights star Sam Gayfer - a match-up scouts thought Bradley claimed - answered any questions over his lockdown ability.

Clancy Snell of the Gippsland Power. Picture: Craig Dooley/AFL PhotosSource: AFL Photos

16. CLANCY SNELL

Position: Key defender

Size: 197cm

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Mirboo

Arguably has more AFL upside than fellow key defenders Mitch Harris and Tyson Bradley, which is why some scouts have him in the top-10 mix. Strong overhead, Snell is renowned for his ability to balance his assertive intercept skills with his defensive one-on-one competitiveness. He was busy in Vic Country's 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 - ranked fourth in the competition - in a Vic Country backline that was constantly under siege. Snell has had a solid Coates Talent league campaign for the Gippsland Power, averaging 14.7 disposals and 5.9 marks from 13 games. Snell also got some late-season VFL exposure, playing two games for Collingwood.

Sam Gayfer of Victoria Metro. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

17. SAM GAYFER

Position: Key forward

Size: 194cm

Clubs: Northern Knights/Banyule

Scouts, above all, want to see aspiring AFL key forwards be competitive - and Gayfer is the definition of a competitor, both in the air and on the ground. He also possesses great speed for a key forward of his size, as well as 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 Talent League and national championships level, are why Gayfer is now in the top-20 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's also been a force for the Knights, booting 30.24 and averaging 12.4 disposals and 4.4 marls from 13 matches. A familiar surname for Magpies fans, with Gayfer the nephew of premiership Magpie Mick Gayfer.

Lochie Burrows of Victoria Metro. Picture: Lachie Chugg/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia

18. LOCHIE BURROWS

Position: Utility

Size: 181cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Bentleigh

The buzz player of the draft class, for every recruiter you speak to sees Burrows as a future AFL player due to his array of transferable traits. 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's also averaged 15.4 disposals, 5.1 tackles and 4.4 marks in eight games for the Sandringham Dragons. But the numbers don't tell the full story with Burrows, who ticks a lot of boxes for AFL scouts. He's competitive, combative, strong over the ball and disciplined to whatever role he's given. He's energetic and hard-working, thanks to a great aerobic capacity. Burrows' draft board position differs from scout to scout. Some have him inside 20 because they see him having AFL midfielder-like potential. Others have him closer to 30 as they believe he'll be an excellent role player at the top level, but struggle to see him playing on-ball for an AFL side, while they also have question marks on his polish. One thing is for certain with Burrows: AFL clubs are tracking him mightily closely. If he can dominate a Coates Talent League final over the next fortnight, there could be a lot more inside-top-20 Burrows fans.

Jackson Phillips of the Stingrays. Picture: Craig Dooley/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia

19. JACKSON PHILLIPS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Langwarrin

A skilful, versatile and clean midfielder who AFL clubs have tracked closely all year. Phillips averaged 16.2 disposals from four games for Vic Country, but teased on-lookers with some big moments and flashes of brilliance - 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 Talent League games for the Stingrays, although his start to the season was more prominent then his final few matches. While he's 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.

Kodah Edwards of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

20. KODAH EDWARDS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm

Clubs: South Adelaide/Willunga

Still one of the harder prospects to place for clubs, but there's no denying Edwards' high-end talent thanks to his clean hands, vision and contested ball-winning ability. 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 primarily played as a half-forward who pinch-hit on the ball - and scouts believe that should be his role at the next level as he's proven sound front-half work this year.

Noah Williams of Victoria Country. Picture: Jordan Sacchetta/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia

21. NOAH WILLIAMS

Position: Small defender-midfielder

Size: 176cm

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/St Josephs

Remains in the first-round mix, despite a busy and injury-interrupted season. But there's still a lot to like about the highly-regarded Williams with his mix of speed, ball use, consistency, reliability, competitiveness and combativeness. Williams' 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's best four-quarter performer in the loss to WA. Williams has a reputation for standing up in big games. He was named Team Boak's best player in the Under 17s futures match on AFL Grand Final day last year, while he won the medal as the AFL Academy's best player against North Melbourne VFL earlier this year after amassing 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight tackles and four clearances. Williams looks a safe, reliable first-round pick, but recruiters are still trying to work out where he sits in the pecking order. Some believe he shapes as a small defender or high half-back, rather than a midfielder.

George Dimer of Victoria Metro. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

22. GEORGE DIMER

Position: Small forward

Size: 173cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/East Brighton

A brilliant carnival for Vic Metro prompted scouts to look closer at Dimer - and his fan club continues to grow. Dimer works hard up the ground to present as a link option and selflessly bring teammates into the game, while he's also dangerous within striking distance with his goal sense and front-and-centre crumbing ability. 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. But here's the best Dimer carnival stat: Of his 48 disposals, 26 of them led to Metro scores, proving he's a high-damage player. He's had a strong end to the year for the Sandringham Dragons, booting 5.1 and averaging 13.5 disposals and 4.3 tackles from his past four games.

Khaled El Souki of the Jets. Picture: Craig Dooley/AFL PhotosSource: AFL Photos

23. KHALED EL SOUKI

Position: Small forward

Size: 176cm

Clubs: Western Jets/Newport

A Western Bulldogs NGA small forward who's had a cracking year at all levels - and could be available to 17 other clubs come draft night. El Souki starred for the Jets in the Coates Talent League, kicking 40.14 from 14 games. An ankle injury ruled him out of the early stages of Vic Metro's carnival campaign, but he returned for the final game against Vic Country and caught the eye with his defensive pressure and ability to impact the scoreboard - both directly and indirectly - 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's draft, but whether they'll have the capital to ultimately match - should Zak Butters choose to join the Dogs - remains to be seen. It's why 17 other clubs, therefore, are on alert for the possibility of El Souki being an open-draft prospect.

Jack Pickett of the Geelong Falcons. Picture: Brad FleetSource: News Corp Australia

24. JACK PICKETT

Position: Key forward

Size: 193cm

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Torquay

We didn't see him play this year, but Pickett remains front of mind for scouts in a draft class year with a few questions over the key forward stocks. It all comes off the back of his ridiculously good bottom-age year, which saw him kick 31 goals in eight 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's 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 where he ruptured both his ACL and MCL. He's a powerful lead-up forward with a good set of hands and can get on his bike when required.

George Gale of Western Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

25. GEORGE GALE

Position: Midfielder

Size: 190cm

Clubs: Claremont/Swanbourne

A clean, hard-working midfielder who's had a super consistent year in the middle third of the ground at every level he's played at, Gale couldn't 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's since had exposure - and impressed - at WAFL league level, averaging 16.8 disposals in four games for Claremont. Gale's elite running power allows him to get to more contests than his opponents, while he's a good overhead mark for his size and has a high footy IQ. The query is how high Gale's ceiling is and what his biggest AFL weapon would be, but don't be surprised if a club takes a punt on him earlier than this ranking suggests.

North Adelaide's Ethan Herbert. Picture: Peter Argent/SANFLSource: Supplied Source Known

26. ETHAN HERBERT

Position: Ruck-key forward

Size: 201cm

Clubs: North Adelaide/Walkerville

Blessed with freakish groundball cleanliness and aerobic capacity for a guy of his size, Herbert relishes ruck craft - although recruiters believe the big man may ultimately be better suited to a key forward role at AFL level. Yet during SA's 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. Herbert averaged 15.8 disposals, 6.0 clearances and 9.0 hit-outs for the carnival. He then returned to North Adelaide and performed well at both Undr 18s and reserves level, including a ressies 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. Could he play a Rowan Marshall-like role at an AFL club? Or could he reach for the stars and aim to follow in Luke Jackson's versatile footsteps? The talent is there - and he undoubtedly appeals to many scouts.

Caulfield Grammar's Marlon Neocleous. Picture: Andrew BatschSource: News Corp Australia

27. MARLON NEOCLEOUS

Position: Small forward-midfielder

Size: 169cm

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Traralgon

The 'Nuke'! Probably not in the pointy-end mix for now, but scouts admire his reliability, professionalism and discipline to his role. Neocleous is an exciting, clever and speedy half-forward who makes good decisions and connects his team between the arcs. But he's also shown off his midfield capabilities at times this season, especially when he stepped up on the ball for Vic Country against the Allies - after Cody Walker and Noah Williams went down with injury - finishing with one goal from 21 disposals, 11 score involvements and five clearances. He also caught the eye at centre ball-ups for Caulfield Grammar this year in the APS competition, regularly racking up big numbers. Neocleous has also been a star for the Gippsland Power, booting 12.7 and averaging 19 disposals, five marks and five tackles from six games, He had an imposing start to the season for the Gippsland Power, highlighted by a four-goal, 20-disposal outing against the Eastern Ranges.

Werribee's Brady Wright . Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

28. BRADY WRIGHT

Position: Key forward

Height: 195cm

Clubs: Werribee (VFL)

Hello and welcome to the top 30, Brady Wright! One of footy's great feel-good streaks seems destined to continue this off-season. For not only is Wright - a plumber by day - a red-hot favourite next week to claim the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the most promising VFL player aged 24 or under, he looms as a genuine national draft selection from Pick 20 onwards. In a remarkable streak, the past 19 consecutive Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winners - which include players like Michael Barlow, Michael Hibberd, Kane Lambert, Nic Newman, Luke Ryan, Bayley Fritsch, Sam Davidson and, most recently, Tom Blamires - 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 has earned Wright an invite to the state draft combine in October where he'll take part in testing alongside other AFL hopefuls in front of 19 clubs. He was the only mature-age VFL player to receive an invite when the AFL released its initial lists earlier this month. A product of the GWV Rebels and close friend of Giant Aaron Cadman, Wright was initially draft eligible in 2022 but ultimately wasn't 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.

Harrison Chapman of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

29. HARRISON CHAPMAN

Position: Wing

Size: 190cm

Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Boronia

At his best, Chapman looks like an AFL player with his smooth movement, aggressive transition ability, outside run and powerful kicking. It's why he's drawn comparisons to Sydney winger Justin McInerney. But Chapman continues to split recruiters, with some questioning his inside-outside balance, yet others believe he's a top-15 talent with modern-day AFL traits his disciplined positioning and precise ball use. The Boronia product had some great moments during the champs for Vic Metro, especially when the team's match against the Allies was up for grabs in the first quarter. He finished the carnival ranked 10th for average score involvementsm while he also averaged 18.7 disposals, 4.7 marks and 3.0 inside 50s. He's also shown glimpses, too, during his 14-game season for the Eastern Ranges - including an ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard in the final month - averaging 21.3 disposals and 5.4 marks. Looms as a fascinating watch come draft night.

Koby LeCras of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

30. KOBY LECRAS

Position: Medium forward

Size: 193cm

Clubs: West Perth/Manning

Hasn't been seen on the field since May, so didn't feature at all during the champs. But clubs haven't forgotten LeCras' talent and upside. LeCras - the son of former Kangaroo Brent LeCras and nephew of All-Australian and premiership Eagle Mark LeCras - 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 hasn't played since, but he remains in the first-round mix.