The AFL draft is next month. These players are the cream of the crop

4 days ago 5

West Coast will determine who is the dux of this year’s draft class, and possibly, who is snapped up at No.2 as well. For now, our rankings of this year’s draft crop – based on extensive conversations with AFL recruiters and list bosses – are not linked to which clubs are picking where, but rather a pure talent order ahead of the draft on November 19 and 20.

As always, not everyone can make our top 30, but among those discussed who missed out include Liam Hetherton, Blake Thredgold, Latrelle Pickett, Louis Emmett, Kye Fincher, Lachy Carmichael, Fred Rodriguez, Jai Murray, Matt LeRay, Harry Kyle, Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier, Jack Dalton and Avery Thomas.

Daniel Annable, Willem Duursma, Zeke Uwland and Harry Dean will be among the hot properties in this year’s AFL national draft.

1. Zeke Uwland

Burleigh/Gold Coast Academy/Allies
Midfielder/defender, 180cm, 24/4/2007
VFL stats (avg): 16.5 disposals, 5.3 contested possessions, 4 intercept possessions
2024 U18 champs stats (avg): 23 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, 6 rebound 50s
2024 All-Australian
Uwland’s back stress fractures changed the look of his draft year, wiping out the first half of his season and sidelining him from the championships – but he is a jet. His bottom-age campaign last year was sensational, and it is easy to see why he is considered the second coming of Errol Gulden, right down to his classy left slipper. Uwland has looked rusty in his limited appearances in 2025, but his running power is elite, and his football IQ and talent are off the charts. He is tipped to be Gold Coast’s captain one day.

2. Willem Duursma

Foster/Gippsland Power/Victoria Country
Midfielder/defender/forward, 191cm, 21/6/2006
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 23.5 disposals, 5.2 tackles, 1.2 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 24.3 disposals, 13.5 uncontested possessions, 2 clearances
2025 All-Australian
Some rate the latest Duursma as the No.1 prospect – and West Coast are expected to pick him first – but he is more polarising than Uwland. If Uwland is Gulden 2.0, then Duursma is the next Brendon Goddard, as a tall midfielder who is strong overhead and takes the game on with his kicking, which can make him prone to turnovers. One scout even likened him to Hayden Young. Duursma is impactful wherever he plays, but may start at half-back. He took kick-in duties for Vic Country, and has starred in the centre and shown his wares as a forward.

Cooper Duff-Tytler is the leading ruck prospect in the draft.

3. Cooper Duff-Tytler

Woodend-Hesket/Calder Cannons/Victoria Metro
Ruckman/forward, 200cm, 22/8/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.4 disposals, 5.6 marks, 3.8 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 14.5 disposals, 4 marks, 0.8 goals
2025 All-Australian
Duff-Tytler is the best big man in this year’s draft, and his rare athleticism and brilliant follow-up work at ground level are reminiscent of a young Luke Jackson. He also kicks the ball well, from his field kicking to set shots or even dribbling a goal, like he did in his VFL game for Essendon. Recruiters expect the new ruck rules to work in the high-leaping Duff-Tytler’s favour, but he will likely play most of his early AFL games as a forward. He can still become a greater aerial threat, and his ruck craft needs to keep developing.

4. Harry Dean

Lavington/Murray Bushrangers/Victoria Country
Defender, 193cm, 13/11/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 17.4 disposals, 3.1 intercept marks, 8 intercept possessions
U18 champs stats (avg): 15.3 disposals, 3.5 intercept marks, 7.8 intercept possessions
2025 All-Australian
Dean is the son of dual Carlton premiership defender Peter – and the Blues are certain to match any bid on him, no matter how early it is. This draft class lacks top-end key-position talent, particularly down back, which makes Dean even more coveted. His height means he likely won’t play on the AFL’s biggest forwards, but his combination of intercepting skills, athleticism, competitiveness, aggression, skill and composure make him an outstanding prospect. Some scouts rate him ahead of Duff-Tytler.

5. Daniel Annable

Redlands/Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 184cm, 5/4/2007
VFL stats (avg): 21.3 disposals, 11.4 contested possessions, 4.3 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 24.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances, 5.5 inside 50s
2025 All-Australian
Annable should slot straight into the Lions’ senior side next year, like Levi Ashcroft did, and probably would have played this past season based on his VFL form. He is that good. A bid could come earlier than this, but Brisbane will match regardless. Annable is a contested beast with strong legs, excellent stoppage craft and a high football IQ who uses handball to make his teammates better. If you want to nitpick, his kicking is not at the level of some top prospects.

6. Dylan Patterson

Palm Beach Currumbin/Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies
Defender/wingman, 183cm, 1/9/2007
VFL stats (avg): 16 disposals, 3.8 rebound 50s, 5 intercept possessions
U18 champs stats (avg): 19.8 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 400 metres gained
2025 All-Australian
Patterson has more weapons than any player in this class and will be box-office viewing for the Suns, who are certain to match any bid on him. His wicked goose step owes to his rugby league background, and his attacking style generates opportunities others are unwilling to attempt. That said, Patterson sometimes tries to do too much, which he may need to curb somewhat at AFL level. But recruiters loved his more measured approach in a VFL game against Carlton, which proved he can play composed football while still using his strengths.

7. Sullivan Robey

Rowville/Eastern Ranges
Forward/midfielder, 192cm, 4/10/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 19.7 disposals, 4.7 inside 50s, 2 goals
This year’s bolter, after starting the season playing in Rowville’s senior side. Robey missed the cut in the under-16s at Dandenong Stingrays, who continued to overlook him before Eastern Ranges added him mid-year. He has transformed physically, thanks to a substantial home gym set-up and professionalism that endeared him to recruiters. Robey initially made his mark as a lead-up forward, then exploded with 40 disposals, five clearances and three goals as a midfielder against Western Jets, where his strength and power came to the fore. He has not stopped impressing since, and starred up forward with four goals in the Ranges’ grand final win.

8. Dyson Sharp

Barossa District/Central District/South Australia
Midfielder, 188cm, 23/5/2007
SANFL seniors stats (avg): 14.3 disposals, 7.9 contested possessions, 3.1 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 27 disposals, 3.3 centre clearances, 6.5 inside 50s
2025 All-Australian (captain)
Sharp is more harshly judged than most top-10 contenders. He proved himself during South Australia’s championships title run, culminating in him winning the Larke Medal as the best-performed player. Sharp has a rare thirst for the contest, and uses his strength, power and physicality to win a stack of contested ball. His leadership skills also suggest he could be a future AFL captain. Sharp can rush disposals under pressure, and his kicking could be better, but he is consistent and already playing senior football.

Dyson Sharp shows his passion playing for South Australia.

9. Xavier Taylor

East Ringwood/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro
Defender, 191cm, 30/1/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 18.3 disposals, 2.7 intercept marks, 7 intercept possessions
U18 champs stats (avg): 15 disposals, 1.5 intercept marks, 5.8 intercept possessions
One of the year’s climbers, and deservedly so, to the point many think he is certain to be a top-10 selection. Capped his season with a best-on-ground performance in Eastern Ranges’ grand final win over Sandringham, where he set up play from defence with 25 disposals and four intercept marks. There are still some heart-in-the-mouth kicks at times, but Taylor became a much quicker and better decision-maker as the season progressed. He is consistent, reliable and competitive, and there is confidence he will stand up defensively in the AFL.

10. Aidan Schubert

Gawler Central/Central District/South Australia
Forward/ruckman, 198cm, 21/12/2007
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 19.2 disposals, 4.4 clearances, 2.2 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 3.3 F50 marks, 2.5 goals
2025 All-Australian
Schubert not only shone at the championships, but finished the SANFL season strongly – including making his senior debut – as a ruck-forward to stamp himself as a potential top-10 pick. He benefits from the dearth of quality talls in the 2025 draft crop, but has genuinely earned this ranking. Schubert is competitive, strong, works hard, has good endurance for a big man, and impacts the game aerially and on the ground. His set-shot kicking, particularly his ball drop, is not aesthetically pleasing, but the results are generally good.

11. Sam Cumming

Wentworth/North Adelaide/South Australia
Midfielder/forward, 186cm, 27/7/2007
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 24.2 disposals, 13.2 contested possessions, 1.6 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 1 goal
2025 All-Australian
Cumming has admirers in the top 10, and it is a shame a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season. However, the tough teenager did plenty enough to show he has a bright future, and has even been likened to Crows great Mark Ricciuto for his physical and aggressive approach. Dual-position players with strength, power and endurance are in vogue, so that bodes well for Cumming. He marks well for his size, can play as a deep forward and his follow-up work is good. Cumming still has room to grow as a midfielder.

12. Mitch Marsh

Kangarilla/West Adelaide/South Australia
Forward, 191cm, 15/2/2007
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 12.5 disposals, 6.1 marks, 2 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 8.5 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals
2025 All-Australian
Another player with lots of fans, but his quiet finish to the year may slightly impact his draft spot. Don’t rule out a club grabbing him in the top 10. Marsh kicked more goals than anyone at the championships – which has not been forgotten – and he is most effective playing as a third tall in attack. There was some disappointment among recruiters that he did not get the chance to show his positional versatility in the SANFL, but part of his projection is that he could be more than a forward. Marsh is skilful and good overhead.

Josh Lindsay won the best on ground medal playing for the Australia under-18a against Coburg VFL in April.

13. Josh Lindsay

Newtown & Chilwell/Geelong Falcons/Victoria Country
Defender/midfielder, 183cm, 7/4/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 7 contested possessions, 3.7 intercept possessions
U18 champs stats (avg): 22.3 disposals, 4.8 intercept possessions, 444 metres gained
2025 All-Australian
There is little between many of these prospects, and Lindsay’s silky left-foot kicking and sharp decision-making – arguably the best in this draft class – could appeal to a club with a top-10 pick. He is a safe selection, and should have a long AFL career. The question scouts are asking themselves is whether Lindsay can play any different roles beyond being stationed at half-back. There are also some queries on his athleticism and speed, but he has shown a willingness to immerse himself in contests.

14. Jacob Farrow

Joondalup Kinross/West Perth/Western Australia
Defender/midfielder, 188cm, 21/9/2007
WAFL seniors stats (avg): 17.7 disposals, 5.7 contested possessions, 6 intercept possessions
U18 champs stats (avg): 19 disposals, 1.8 intercept marks, 464 metres gained
2025 All-Australian
Farrow and Lindsay are interchangeable for some recruiters, and each has admirers. Farrow produced a strong championships, then mostly dominated in the WAFL colts before stepping seamlessly into senior football, which was another tick for his AFL prospects. He projects as a defender at the top level, but has played some good midfield matches. Farrow is an excellent kick, reads the play well to impact the game as an interceptor, and makes quick decisions.

Sam Grlj is in the frame to be a first round selection.

15. Sam Grlj

Old Camberwell Grammarians/Oakleigh Chargers/Victoria Metro
Defender/midfielder, 182cm, 26/7/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.3 disposals, 7 contested possessions, 3.9 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 12.3 uncontested possessions, 2.3 intercept possessions
Grlj started the season superbly and was once viewed as a potential top-five selection, but he won’t be picked that high now. His elite athletic attributes, attacking mindset and upside mean he won’t drift too far, with his VFL performances at half-back for Richmond solidifying his first-round standing. Grlj will start in the AFL as a defender who can also play on a wing, but there is optimism he will thrive in an elite environment and could become an inside midfielder in time.

16. Lachy Dovaston

Blackburn/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro
Forward, 177cm, 29/5/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 16.1 disposals, 5 tackles, 2.4 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 12.8 disposals, 5 contested possessions, 2.3 goals
2025 All-Australian
Dovaston is almost universally regarded as the best small forward up for grabs in this year’s draft. He works hard up and down the ground, kicked multiple goals in 13 of his 16 Talent League outings, and his defensive commitment and selflessness have improved considerably. Dovaston’s excellent VFL performance for Box Hill Hawks only added to his appeal, so don’t be surprised if he makes an instant impact in the AFL.

17. Max King

Cardiff Hawks/Sydney Swans Academy/Allies
Forward/midfielder, 192cm, 1/9/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 14 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.3 tackles
U18 champs stats (avg): 7.3 disposals, 2.7 marks, 0.7 goals
King is a highlight reel waiting to happen, but there is a lot of projection when it comes to his AFL stocks. His marking and athleticism are as good as anyone in this draft, but he still has a lot to learn about playing the game and needs to find more ways to stay involved. Some recruiters believe King’s “coachability” will help him flourish as a full-time footballer. The upside is tantalising, but there is genuine risk he ends up as a bust.

18. Harley Barker

Mount Barker/Sturt/South Australia
Wingman, 187cm, 2/5/2007
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 16.8 disposals, 6.8 marks, 3.2 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 16 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 5.8 score involvements
2025 All-Australian
Barker would be a higher pick – likely in the top 15 – if not for his ACL rupture playing for Sturt after his All-Australian-recognised championships. He is a genuine winger with athletic traits and kicking skills suitable for that role at AFL level, and had shown improvement across the board before his season ended abruptly. There is now a risk attached to picking Barker, but he has enough fans that he looms as a top-20 selection.

Last year’s crop of first round draftees.

19. Oskar Taylor

South Belgrave/Eastern Ranges
Defender, 187cm, 2/5/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 3.2 rebound 50s, 5.1 intercept possessions
The draft’s other bolter. Like Robey, Taylor did not play at the championships, but is at least well-exposed at Talent League level. The first thing you notice is his acceleration off the mark and willingness to get moving quickly as soon as he has the Sherrin, and he is the ideal prototype for the modern game. Taylor’s kicking can improve, particularly at his position, and there are question marks on his defending, particularly aerially.

20. Oliver Greeves

Vermont/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro
Midfielder, 191cm, 7/2/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25.5 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 1.1 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 25 disposals, 11.8 contested possessions, 4.5 clearances
2025 All-Australian
Greeves has slid throughout the season, in large part because of concerns around his in-game running and defensive efforts, but there is still a lot to like here. He could end up being a bargain if he commits to improving as a runner because he has no trouble winning the football, distributes well by hand and foot, and has repeatedly shown he can impact the game as a forward, too.

21. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves

Mornington/Dandenong Stingrays/Victoria Country
Forward, 186cm, 16/11/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 16.3 disposals, 1.9 F50 marks, 1.5 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 12 disposals, 8.8 uncontested possessions, 1.5 goals
Hibbins-Hargreaves boasts a splash of class, is silky skilled and had some standout performances this year. Twice for the Stingrays he won 29 disposals, while adding five goals in one and four in the other, while he kicked four goals against Western Australia at the championships. His good is very good, but inconsistency is an issue – and he needs to improve his contest work.

22. Adam Sweid

Pascoe Vale/Calder Cannons/Victoria Metro
Midfielder/forward, 175cm, 14/9/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25 disposals, 11.8 contested possessions, 7.3 score involvements
U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 4.3 clearances, 1 goal
2025 All-Australian
Sweid recovered well from an ACL rupture that sidelined him for much of the 2024 season, and the Essendon next-generation academy prospect is poised to be snapped up somewhere in the 20s. He is small, but that did not stop him at any of the levels he played at this year. Sweid’s toughness, competitiveness, defensive commitment, and penchant for kicking goals while playing at half-forward endeared him to scouts.

23. Hussien El Achkar

Pascoe Vale/Calder Cannons/Victoria Metro
Forward, 171cm, 16/1/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 12.7 disposals, 5.6 contested possessions, 2.5 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 10.5 disposals, 5.3 contested possessions, 1.5 goals
Like Sweid, El Achkar is tied to Essendon as a next-generation academy prospect, so he could be running around next to Isaac Kako next year. He is generally considered the second-best small forward in this year’s class, behind Dovaston, but they have different strengths. El Achkar is quick, powerful and generates scoring shots with ease – and in various ways. He will need to improve his running capacity.

24. Beau Addinsall

Burleigh/Gold Coast Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 180cm, 9/3/2007
VFL stats (avg): 18.2 disposals, 7.6 contested possessions, 2.2 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 16 disposals, 9 contested possessions, 7 clearances
There is no such thing as a sure thing, but Addinsall is a rock-solid prospect who thrives in the contest, uses his hands to release teammates and has an enormous work-rate. A hamstring injury kept him to just one championships game, but he capped his season with 26 disposals and eight clearances against the Giants in the VFL. Addinsall is considered a readymade AFL player.

25. Cameron Nairn

Willaston/Central District/South Australia
Forward/midfielder, 189cm, 15/10/2007
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 7.1 score involvements, 1.7 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 10 disposals, 5.3 marks, 2.3 goals
Nairn’s versatility is his calling card. He is not overly quick but is smart, a good size, a neat left-foot kick, and can impact the game as a forward – including seven goals against Western Australia at the championships – and in the midfield, or on a wing. He proved late in the season with back-to-back 30- then 31-disposal games that he can find a heap of the Sherrin.

26. Jack Ison

Parkside/Oakleigh Chargers/Victoria Metro
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 26/3/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 4.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles
U18 champs stats (avg): 13.3 disposals, 4.7 score involvements, 3.7 tackles
The Carlton next-generation academy prospect had an injury-marred start to the season, but finished strongly – winning 57 disposals across his last two matches – to surge into first-round calculations. Ison’s height helps him be effective in various roles beyond just the midfield, and he is good aerially and at ground level. Recruiters want to see more consistency from him, but his high-end glimpses hint at a promising future.

27. Archie Ludowyke

East Sandringham/Sandringham Dragons/Victoria Metro
Forward, 197cm, 19/11/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 9.3 disposals, 3.3 F50 marks, 3.3 goals
U18 champs stats (avg): 4 disposals, 1 mark, 1.7 score involvements
Ludowyke has as wide a draft range as almost anyone in the pool. He struggled at the championships – going goalless in all three of his matches – and suffered a season-ending PCL injury in Metro’s win over the Allies. But Ludowyke produced strong performances for the Dragons and AFL Academy that highlighted his aerial ability and upside. Recruiters are unsure if he can develop into a No.1 target.

28. Sam Swadling

Whitford/West Perth/Western Australia
Midfielder, 187cm, 16/1/2007
WAFL seniors stats (avg): 17.5 disposals, 5.5 contested possessions, 3 tackles
U18 champs stats (avg): 19 disposals, 12 uncontested possessions, 2.8 clearances
2025 All-Australian
Finds the ball with ease – albeit mostly on the outside – demonstrated by his obscene average of 35.4 disposals in the WAFL colts this year, and how seamlessly he transitioned to senior level. He is clean at ground level, powerful and boasts a high football IQ, but handballs more than he kicks. Swadling can be an aggressive decision-maker, but scouts have no major concerns with his kicking.

29. Riley Onley

Shepparton United/Murray Bushrangers/Victoria Country
Midfielder, 194cm, 30/3/2007
Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25.5 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7.5 clearances
U18 champs stats (avg): 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 6.8 score involvements
2025 All-Australian
Onley is another polarising player, but performed well before suffering a season-ending hamstring tendon injury in the last championships game against Vic Metro. That injury means he was unable to heighten his cause in recent months. Onley’s defensive efforts and consistency can improve, but his size for a midfielder is a big plus, and he is athletically gifted. The upside is obvious.

30. Jevan Phillipou

PHOS Camden/Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 30/3/2007
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 22.7 disposals, 9.7 contested possessions, 4.9 clearances
The brother of St Kilda’s Mattaes has a decathlon background and is one of this draft’s best and most dynamic athletes, which is his major appeal. There are some clubs that won’t consider Phillipou here, but there is also a chance he goes far earlier. Injury kept him out of the championships, and has interrupted his career, and he struggled at SANFL senior level but dominated against his under-18s peers, so he remains an intriguing prospect.

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.