#1 Matt Rowell

Easily the most consistent player in the 2019 draft crop, having barely ever played a bad game. The inside midfielder is a tackling machine, averaging double-figure tackles at NAB League Boys level, while also racking up a massive 7.3 clearances per game. What is remarkable about Rowell is not only his ability to win the ball, but his ability to bring teammates into the game. Rowell is always looking to provide possession to a teammate in a better position, but when he needs to step up, Rowell is more than capable of finishing on his own. When at forward stoppages, Rowell has a nous of breaking away and snapping off his left as he did twice against Casey Demons on the MCG. There are plenty of candidates to the number one pick this year, but Rowell looks the 2019 equivalent of Sam Walsh – consistent across the board and just ticks all the boxes. He will spend the year playing school footy outside his National Under 18 Championships commitments before returning to the Chargers’ for their finals campaign.

July Ranking: #1

Last month: Since finishing off his national carnival commitments with Vic Metro where he was rewarded with All-Australian selection, Rowell headed back to school football where he won the APS shield with Carey Grammar. At the national carnival, Rowell averaged 24.8 disposals, 5.0 marks, 5.3 clearances, 6.0 tackles and 3.0 inside 50s. He is expected to return to the Chargers’ line-up for the final game of the NAB League Boys season in the huge clash against Sandringham Dragons.

#2 Noah Anderson

In what was thought to be an anomaly last year with Henley High pairing Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine touted as potential pick one and two, Anderson and Rowell both attend Carey Grammar, making it a daunting combo for any other APS school. Anderson is different to Rowell in the sense he is taller, has the ability to break open a game in a quarter, and has a booming kick that easily travels greater than 50 metres. He has enjoyed a consistent start to the year and has not done too much wrong, with his field kicking an area he could improve on at times. When inside the forward half, Anderson is one of the most damaging prospects in the draft crop, and expect him to have an impact around goals at the National Under 18 Championships for Vic Metro. His game-breaking ability is as good as anyone’s in the draft crop.

July Ranking: #2

Last month: Anderson stepped up at the national carnival to earn All-Australian selection, and while he was quieter in Metro’s final game early, he finished full of steam to be one of the best. Across four games Anderson averaged 23.5 disposals, 3.3 marks, 5.3 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s. Since the carnival, Anderson helped Carey Grammar to an APS shield and will return to Oakleigh Chargers in the final round of the NAB League Boys competition when they tackle Sandringham Dragons.

#3 Hayden Young

One of the prime movers last season and a player who has the potential to be a deadly half-back. He has elite kicking skills coming out of defence, aided by the fact he has a penetrating kick that can clear 50m with ease. He just gets to the right positions and pushes up the ground where he takes a number of intercept marks. He will contest any marking contest regardless of opponent, and is a composed user in defence. He was tried in the middle early in the season, but his greatest influence is in the back half. After an okay start to the year without being anything dazzling, Young reminded everyone of his talent on the MCG, starring alongside Rowell and Anderson, taking a number of crucial intercept marks and setting up scoring plays. A hard edge with terrific kicking skills, Young is one to certainly keep in mind for Pick 1.

July Ranking: #3

Last month: All-Australian selection in defence after a strong national carnival (averaging 22.0 disposals, 5.3 marks, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 tackles) was terrific reward for the Dandenong Stingrays’ leader, as Young returned back to NAB League level in the past couple of weeks. While Dandenong has not managed to get a win on the board, Young’s influence in the defensive half has made a massive difference, spending time up the ground. In his three games since the national championships, Young has a averaged 25.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 5.3 inside 50s and booted 3.4.

#4 Lachlan Ash

Along with Young, Ash is the other standout Country prospect in defence. The Murray Bushrangers runner has few flaws to his game, owning the defensive 50 with a massive amount of intercept marks and rebounds, while slicing up opposition zones with his elite kicking ability. He is a player that just catches the eye, gets himself into the right positions, and can set up teammates around the ground or in attack. He has hardly put a foot wrong this season, and while his performance on the MCG had its ups and downs, his NAB League form is not to be questioned. He will be a massive chance for the Morrish Medal if he stays fit, and is a crucial part of the Murray Bushrangers outfit. The noticeable advantage with Ash compared to a lot of half-backs is he can win his own ball, and while he might only win a third of his possessions in a contest, he is comparably low with handball receives, almost winning more touches from marking than from handballs. If he and Young both play off half-back at the National Under 18 Championships, expect Country to have plenty of run and penetration.

July Ranking: #4

Last month: After a shaky start to the final game against Western Australia, Ash had a massive second half to have a real impact on the contest for Vic Country. While Country ultimately fell short in its quest for the title, Ash had shown enough to win All-Australian selection. The elite user averaged 23.0 disposals, 5.0 marks and 5.0 rebounds per game in his four outings. He has since returned to the Murray Bushrangers, where he averaged 25 disposals, 4.5 marks, 4.0 tackles, and playing large proportions of his games up forward, booted 3.4.

#5 Sam Flanders

After playing as a damaging forward in 2018, Flanders has moved into the midfield this season and been one of the more prolific extractors. While it could be argued his greatest impact is around goals – where he seems to kick the impossible at times – he also has the nous in the midfield to find the ball at stoppages and kick long inside 50, or sweep the handball out to a running teammate. Gippsland has missed his influence and strength in attack, but he has added another dimension to a deep Power midfield. Flanders is a player who will divide draft watchers as he could be top five, or later first round depending on what you look at. He plays taller than his 182cm, and is strong overhead or at ground level. Another top-end Country prospect to watch this year.

July Ranking: #5

Last month: Retained his spot in the fifth place on the rankings, earning All-Australian honours at the national carnival where he averaged 22.5 disposals, 4.5 marks, 6.0 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 4.8 inside 50s. Flanders has shown he is capable of playing midfield or forward, with a high level of X-factor particularly around goal. In his two games back for Gippsland Power, Flanders has averaged 24.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.0 tackles and 4.5 inside 50s.

#6 Caleb Serong

A tireless worker, Serong missed the opening game of the NAB League season and has been working his way back into the year finding plenty of the ball around the ground. For a smaller player, Serong never takes a backwards step and seems to find the ball in all three areas of the ground, having plenty of influence around the stoppages, particularly in the forward half. He is very strong overhead and brings his teammates into the game. Both he and close mate, Sam Flanders lead the Gippsland Power charge for draftees in what should be a big year for them. Will miss most of the NAB League season due to school and state commitments, but will be a welcome return come finals time.

July Ranking: #7

Last month: Wrapped up the national championships with the Vic Country MVP, picking up 30-plus disposals in a massive game against South Australia at GMHBA Stadium, before a quieter outing against Western Australia in the final game. He averaged 23.5 disposals, 5.5 marks. 8.5 tackles and 5.3 clearances in a solid few weeks for the tough midfielder. Will return to Gippsland Power in the final round of the NAB League Boys season ahead of finals.

#7 Tom Green

The inside hard nut has drawn comparisons to Patrick Cripps in the way he excels at the contested ball, bullying his way to a truckload of possessions and clearances. He has clean and quick hands on the inside and a long kick, while having no issues whatsoever finding the pill. In the opening few NAB League games, Green racked up an average of 33 disposals and 10.25 clearances, still going at more than 60 per cent efficiency despite running at greater than 60 per cent contested. Across the board he is very consistent – similar to Cripps – in order to have an influence on the contest. He will be the top pure tall inside midfielder in the draft, with adding more scoreboard pressure the key between Green and the likes of Rowell and Anderson.

July Ranking: #6

Last month: Earned All-Australian honours and the Allies’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the national championships, averaging 23.8 disposals, 2.8 marks, a massive 8.0 clearances and 4.5 tackles in his four matches. He has since injured his knee and will miss between four to six weeks, luckily avoiding surgery.

#8 Brodie Kemp

Kemp is a player that will be looked at as a long-term prospect, and one who could be moulded into nearly anything. At 192cm, he has played a hybrid role over the past few years, rotating between attack and midfield, and even some time in defence. He knows how to hit the scoreboard and has a long kick but could tidy it up when at full-speed. His ability to get to the outside and move in transition is a strength. He is a smooth mover who looks like an outside player, but wins the majority of his possessions at the coal face. Another player who will miss the majority of the NAB League season due to his school football commitments, but will be one to watch at the National Under 18 Championships.

July Ranking: #9

Last month: Capped off a starring national carnival with All-Australian selection and almost delivering Vic Country’s title with crucial last quarter goals. He has proven to be a clutch player in big moments, averaging 20.0 disposals, 6.5 marks, 2.3 tackles and booting three goals at the championships. Unfortunately for Kemp, he went down with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in a recent school game and will miss the remainder of the season.

#9 Dylan Stephens

Stephens is another lightly built midfielder who despite being just 70kg has forced his way into the SANFL League side for Norwood already in season 2019. Given the Redlegs’ tendancy to restrict kids from being exposed at the top level – see Luke Valente last year – it is a credit to Stephens – and teammate Taheny, to already earn their stripes. He has held his own too, admitedly playing a very outside game, but with many bigger bodies at the Redlegs, Stephens has terrific skills and moves well in transition, able to win the ball in midfield, take off and kick perfectly inside 50. He still has to add bulk to his frame, but he showed when taking on his peers he is capable of playing an inside role as well. Expect him to be the prime mover for South Australia at the Under 18 Championships and raise his stocks with a big couple of months.

July Ranking: #11

Last month: One of South Australia’s best across the national championships, Stephens showed off his slick foot skills and leadership to earn a place in the All-Australian side. He averaged 23.5 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.3 tackles and 3.5 inside 50s to be an important link on the outside for the Croweaters. He continues to shine in the SANFL League, returning to the competition and most recently having an impressive 26-disposal, eight-tackle, four-mark and one-goal game in the Redlegs’ big win over North Adelaide.

#10 Fischer McAsey

McAsey is a key position defender who has played up the attacking end in previous years. He has found his place in the defence in 2019. and seems to be a settled player there not only doing well for Sandringham Dragons and at Caulfield Grammar, but stepping up for Vic Metro at the AFL Under 18 National Championships. He is considered one of the draft bolters this season, with not too many key position talls jumping up, McAsey is a player who is firmly putting his hand up as a top 10 prospect should his form continue, and he has plenty of traits to like. His intercept marking, athleticism and ball use by foot is very solid and does not have too many weaknesses across the board.

July Ranking: #16

Last month: The draft bolter of the AFL Under 18 National Championships, McAsey earned the title of Vic Metro’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his work in defence. In his four games, McAsey has averaged 14.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 tackles, not only nullifying his direct opponent, but creating offensive run out of defence. In addition to this, McAsey had a big day out for Sandringham during a bye week for school football, booting three goals from 18 disposals and 10 marks to be the difference in the Dragons’ narrow seven-point win over Dandenong Stingrays.

#11 Mitch O’Neill

The top Tasmanian prospect was an All-Australian in his bottom-age year, and has a nice blend of inside and outside capabilities. Given his lightly built frame, expect O’Neill to stick to the outside during the National Under 18 Championships, but he can win his own ball at the same time. He reads the taps well and is able to spread to the outside, pumping the ball inside 50 to set up scoring chains. Having spent time in defence last year, O’Neill has moved into the midfield and found just as much of the ball, and is a crucial ball user on the outside. He will be the player most analysed by opposition sides when playing Tasmania Devils in the NAB League, and O’Neill will enjoy added freedom at the National Under 18 Championships for the Allies.

July Ranking: #8

Last month: Had an impressive carnival with the Allies, averaging 20.3 disposals, 5.5 marks and 4.3 rebounds playing between half-back and on the wing. Unfortunately injured himself returning back to NAB League duties, going down in the game between Tasmania and Eastern. Should not have too much bearing on his draftability with his first round expectations still there.

#12 Will Gould

The key defender is the player likely to be the big point of difference in the top-end of the rankings. At 191cm he is a tad undersized for a key position player, but he has the ability to play small or tall, and has been working on his tank to play midfield at times. He wins plenty of the ball at half-back and averages almost eight rebounds per game at League level for Glenelg – holding his own against bigger bodies and dropping into the hole with his game smarts reading the ball in flight well. He has leadership tendencies and captained the Australian Under 18s at the MCG against Casey Demons and will be a prime candidate for the South Australian job as well. Gould has put on seven kilograms since the championships last season, enabling him to take the more monster key forwards, and while he might still be undersized, he just competes and has a massive work rate which stands out each time he plays.

July Ranking: #10

Last month: Recorded the most rebounds of any player at the national championships, posting up 7.3 rebounds per game in his four matches, as well as 21.5 disposals and 4.5 marks to earn All-Australian honours. Gould has become a well-established member of SANFL title favourites’ Glenelg’s line-up and has become a consistent performer against AFL listed players such as his efforts against Adelaide reserves recently.

#13 Jackson Mead

The son of Port Adelaide inaugural Best and Fairest winner, Darren has made a promising start to the 2019 SANFL season, starting in the Reserves and impressing, showing that a League debut would be in the not-too-distint future. Mead will team up with Stephens at the National Under 18 Championships to lead the side through his penetrating kick and good skills, spreading around and using the ball well forward of centre. Not as prolific a ball winner as some others, Mead has good smarts and does not waste too many disposals. Importantly, Mead hits the scoreboard as a midfielder, and can win his own ball on the inside when required. He might play more of an inside role at the National Championships, but South Australia will be keen to give him time and space to impact the contest best.

July Ranking: #12

Last month: Finished the national carnival with 21.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 5.0 tackles, 3.0 clearances and 3.8 inside 50s in a prominent month of football for the potential father-son prospect. Has since returned to the SANFL where he has made his League debut for Woodville-West Torrens, picking up 10 disposals, four marks and booting a goal.

#14 Trent Bianco

Arguably quite underrated given his size and the ability of his highly touted Oakleigh teammates, Bianco is one of the best ball users in the draft crop this season. Like Lachlan Ash, Bianco rebounds off half-back and can go into the middle when required, a place he will no doubt spend a lot of time this season having wrapped up his Year 12 studies last year. The co-captain of the Oakleigh Chargers is an outside ball user, and finding more contested ball could be an area he looks to in season 2019, but his skills are good enough that he could easily play as that outside user, especially considering his size. A versatile player, expect Bianco to be one of the Morrish Medal contenders this season when he is not running around for Vic Metro. He had a massive game against Tasmania Devils, racking up 42 disposals, although he did have seven clangers on the day. Keeps rising and despite being smaller, just finds the ball and uses it well more often than not.

July Ranking: #13

Last month: A late withdrawal from Oakleigh’s game against Western on the weekend due to a quad issue, Bianco was best on ground in the Chargers’ upset win against Eastern Ranges upon his return to the NAB League. He picked up 34 touches, eight marks, four tackles, six inside 50s and 10 rebounds in a dominant performance off half-back and through the midfield. It followed up his work at the championships where he averaged 18.5 disposals, 4.3 marks, 3.8 inside 50s and 3.8 rebounds.

#15 Dylan Williams

After having a terrific second half of the year playing as a medium forward, Williams has spent time mixed between attack and defence in season 2019. He is definitely more suited to attack where he has a high vertical leap and is dangerous around goals. He is as strong overhead as anyone and certainly impressive for a player of his size. Not a huge ball winner, Williams just needs to find four quarter consistency this season as he is the player that can boot four goals in a term and take the game away from the opposition. He also has terrific skills, and hits three out of his four targets despite finding half his possessions in a contest. When at stoppages, Williams is more than capable of winning clearances as he showed against Dandenong, bursting away and pumping the ball long. One area of improvement is his defensive work, which is why he has been played in defence at times to build that area of his game. In the wet at Craigieburn against Calder Cannons in Round 2, Williams had eight out of 12 disposals effective, running at a much higher efficiency than his teammates. Does not have APS school commitments so will play the full year at NAB League Boys level with the Chargers, co-captaining the side with Trent Bianco.

July Ranking: #14

Last month: Since returning from the championships, Williams helped Oakleigh get over the line with two crucial goals at moments during the win against Eastern. He just had the eight touches and three marks, but then was impacted by a back issue, forcing him to miss the Chargers’ last game against Western.

#16 Trent Rivers

It is a good year for East Fremantle, with prospects basically growing on trees, and Rivers is another touted top 30 prospect along with Jeremy Sharp and Luke Jackson. Rivers is a natural-born leader who thrives on the contest and is as consistent as they come, racking up more than 20 disposals in most outings. He loves to tackle and put his body on the line, and is a crucial key to the midfield of Western Australia at the national championships. Unlike a lot of other top-end midfielders this year, Rivers has the size on him, standing at 189cm and 84kg, and readymade for senior football.

July Ranking: #17

Last month: Does not do a lot wrong and always looks classy with ball-in-hand, Rivers averaged 21.8 disposals, 5.0 marks, 2.5 tackles and 3.0 rebounds for Western Australia and was one of the best in the Sandgropers’ win over Vic Country for the title. Named on the bench in the All-Australian team for his great work at the carnival and has since continued his form at WAFL Colts level for East Fremantle, including 28 disposals, five marks, five tackles and two goals in his most recent outing on the weekend.

#17 Liam Henry

A member of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, Henry is another lightly built midfielder who can go forward and impact a game inside 50. Henry has nice skills and slick athletic traits that help him work his way out of congestion while making good decisions with ball-in-hand. He does need to find a bit more of the football at times which is the next step, but he is a player who will rarely waste a possession and one who Fremantle fans would be excited to have on their list. Still has scope to develop further, and grow into his body at just 67kg and another sub-180cm midfielder. One who would be keen to finish off the year strongly – although perhaps Fremantle would prefer he kept it in check. A highly talented player.

July Ranking: #21

Last month: Finished the carnival on a high with a big game, particularly early for Western Australia in the Sandgropers’ win over Vic Country. Not as high disposal winner as others, he still had 17.5 disposals, 5.3 marks, 4.0 tackles and booted three goals from his four games in the championships, and rarely wastes a disposal with a high work rate.

#18 Cameron Taheny

The medium forward is an excitement machine who lit up the National Under 16 Championships in 2017. He continued that form in his bottom-age year for Norwood, booting six goals in a game last year to show off his talents inside 50. Similar to Dylan Williams, Taheny has his ups and downs, but his best is as good as anyone else’s in the draft crop. A good season could propel him into the top half of the first round, and he is a player who could turn a match on its head which will be crucial for South Australia at the National Under 18 Championships. Has already broken into the League side for Norwood and booted three goals on debut. One to watch through the year as someone who could rise.

July Ranking: #15

Last month: Has continued to play a role in Norwood’s SANFL League side, improving the defensive side of his game with five tackles from 10 disposals in his last outing against North Adelaide. At the championships he averaged a goal a game from 14.0 disposals and 2.7 marks, with his upside, rather than current output the aspect that sets him aside from other forward prospects.

#19 Josh Worrell

The Sandringham Dragons defender has had an impressive past few weeks after not having to do too much in the Dragons’ obliteration of Calder in the opening round of the NAB League season. On the MCG against Casey Demons, Worrell stood tall in defence, showing an ability to remain calm under pressure and use the ball well. At 193cm, Worrell will be a player that clubs look at differently, being that few cms smaller than the current trend for key position defenders, which is fine considering Worrell’s ability to provide run and carry out of defence. He is still lightly built, but he is strong overhead and has the potential to develop into a tall midfielder or one who roams off half-back and sets up attacking plays. A player who will spend the season at Haileybury College.

July Ranking: #18

Last month: Became a goal scoring hero for Vic Metro at the national championships, booting seven goals from four games as well as having 10.8 disposals and 3.8 marks per game. Unfortunately for Worrell and Sandringham Dragons, his season is over after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2019 season.

#20 Cody Weightman

For the first two months of our Power Rankings, the electric small forward has been on the periphery of making it, and after a terrific national carnival – where he booted four goals in two of his three games – Weightman makes it into the Power Rankings in July. He has a high ceiling given he can create goals out of nothing and score from general play or set shots and has a powerful kicking action to boot. Just 177cm and 73kg, Weightman is another light prospect who has plenty of development left in him. Could be another player who lights up NAB League finals as he is a big game player.

July Ranking: #20

Last month: Won the leading goalkicker award at the national championships which is no easy feat, booting nine majors in four games from his 11.0 disposals and 3.5 marks. Always looks damaging around the ball and is captain of Haileybury College where he has been playing since the championships finished up. He will be a welcome addition for Dandenong Stingrays in the final few weeks of the NAB League season.

#21 Connor Budarick

The Gold Coast SUNS Academy player could draw comparisons to Ned McHenry in both his stature and defensive pressure. Budarick played as a forward last year, and has spent more time in the midfield in 2019, but will likely rotate between both at the National Under 18 Championships. Weighing in at about 70kg, Budarick is outside leaning when in the midfield and just has little bursts where he wins the football. In the exhibition match against Casey Demons, Budarick played in defence and held his own back there, but his best comes forward of centre where he lays an average of seven tackles per game, and forces turnovers close to goal. He runs hard between the arcs and will likely cost Gold Coast a top 30 pick based on his skills and work rate.

July Ranking: #19

Last month: The tackling machine laid a massive 9.3 tackles per game at the championships to accompany his 15.5 disposals and 2.3 marks. He can play anywhere on the field and was named in the back pocket where he stood out during the Division 2 series. Budarick was named the Harrison Medallist for his work with Gold Coast SUNS Academy, and has plenty of neat tricks that help recruiters overlook his size.

#22 Cooper Sharman

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro | Tall Forward
25/07/2000 | 190cm |

The Oakleigh Chargers product is the definition of a draft bolter, with clubs keeping him under wraps until he made his Chargers’ debut in the NAB League against Gippsland Power. He has since strung a few games together at the level and has plenty of exciting traits, both athletically and game-based. He knows where the goals are, is a reliable set shot and a great overhead mark. Looks damaging every time he goes near it. Is still raw and has areas to work on, but could certainly be the Sam Sturt of 2019.

July Ranking: N/A

Last month: In four games, Sharman has booted nine goals for the Chargers, only narrowly missing his first set shot on the weekend. He averages the 13.5 disposals,5.0 marks and 2.5 inside 50s, and while his defensive game is an area of improvement, it was noticeable against Western that it was a focus of his, laying four tackles – the same amount he had in his first three games with the Chargers. The wildcard for Oakleigh in the final two months.

#23 Finn Maginness

The underrated midfielder missed out on being included in the State Victorian Metro Academy, but has not let that get him down, performing strongly across the NAB League and school seasons, and working his way up the boards with some strong performances against the best players around the country. He has a nice sidestep that can get him out of trouble and wins a lot of the ball in close, with a few areas to iron out such as his kicking, but he has some great developing traits and plenty of future development. Most importantly, he can win the ball on the inside and extract it out, but can also play an outside role too.

July Ranking: #30

Last month: Really showed off his defensive capabilities at the national championships, averaging 18.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 7.5 tackles, 4.3 inside 50s and 3.8 clearances to continue to prove a point after missing out on the Vic Metro Academy. Will likely play a key role in Sandringham’s finals campaign with a number of others injured.

#24 Luke Jackson

The athletic West Australian ruck picked Australian Rules over basketball last year despite donning the green and gold on the court. Jackson plays like an extra midfielder when moving around the ground and has been plying his trade at Colts level in the WAFL given the strength of ruck stocks at East Fremantle. Jackson looms as a potential first round pick, even though rucks are traditionally taken later. He would be viewed as a long-term prospect, and certainly if his two National Under 18 Championships games from 2018 are anything to go by, he has plenty of talent at his disposal. Clubs will like the fact he is not out of the contest once the ball hits ground level, and was solid against Casey Demons’ bigger-bodied rucks on the MCG. The standout ruck in the 2019 draft crop in a crop that does not have as many top-end talls as last year.

July Ranking: #23

Last month: Still the number one ruck in the draft crop, but like all rucks and even talls most of the time, tend to slip with the improvement of other players. Earned All-Australian honours and was runner-up in the Larke Medal voting, and is now back at East Fremantle where he had 25 disposals, 36 hitouts, and four marks in a big game for the Sharks on the weekend.

#25 Cooper Stephens

Geelong Falcons midfielder unfortunately fractured his fibula in in Round 3. Stephens is a huge loss for Vic Country as Falcons Talent Manager Mick Turner said he would not take part in the National Under 18 Championships next month. Stephens is a neat user of the ball, recording 65 per cent by foot, and in the two games before his injury, Stephens averaged 26 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.0 clearances and ran at more than 60 per cent contested possessions.

July Ranking: #25

Last month: It was confirmed recently that a return for Stephens is not worth the risk, which means the Falcons co-skipper will be on ice for the remainder of the year as he has been for the majority of it. He might have slipped down the order a bit, but he could end up a value pick given what he showed last season as as bottom-ager.

#26 Will Day

The underrated South Australian utility has been one of the big improvers this season, showing off some nice signs at school football and then South Australia at the AFL Under 18 National Championships. Like Weightman, Day has been on the periphery of our Power Rankings the past two months, and after some solid performances at the national carnival, makes the list for July. Day has shown signs similar to last year’s bolter, Jez McLennan who had a good carnival and emerged as a top 30 prospect with nice foot skills and composure. Day can kick on either side of his body and is a good size at 187cm despite still being very light at 70kg.

July Ranking: #26

Last month: Built nice form at the national carnival to average 18.8 disposals, 5.0 marks and 3.3 rebounds off half-back. A nice mover who has high upside expect him to finish the SANFL year strongly now school football is finished.

#27 Jack Mahony

One of the top performed and highly rated players at Under-15 level, Jack Mahony remains a top prospect despite others putting their hand up since. He might only stand at 176cm, but the Sandringham Dragons midfielder/forward has plenty to like about what he can offer to an AFL club. His kicking is as good as anyone in the draft crop, but more for his vision and decision making more so than a penetrating boot like others. He is a unique playmaker in the sense that he can set others up inside 50 with centimetre-perfect passes to leading teammates over any distance. Has more impact in the forward half, particularly as the player with the last disposal going inside 50. Hits the scoreboard himself as well which is important, and can run all day through the midfield if need be, though his size may limit him at the elite level.

July Ranking: #22

Last month: Mahony averaged 18.0 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.5 tackles and 1.0 goals per game at the recent national championships, but it is the way he uses the pill that helps him stand out. In the forward half of the ground, Mahony reads and assesses his options quicker than most and has a playmaking role that impacts the contest. Unfortunately he recently broke his hand and will miss four to six weeks.

#28 Deven Robertson

Perth/Western Australia | Balanced Midfielder
30/06/2001 | 182cm | 80kg

The massive ball-winning midfielder from Western Australia was been a dominant force in the AFL Under 18 National Championships after injury last year, and has boosted his draft ranking after the carnival. He still has areas to tidy up such as kicking under pressure, but would stake a case of the most consistent player in the draft crop and you know exactly what you are going to get from him.

July ranking: N/A

Last month: Has forced his way into the rankings after an ultra-consistent national championships, where he collected every award he could with the Larke Medal, Western Australia MVP, All-Australian jumper and captaincy of the All-Australian team. Just does his job week in, week out and is a fierce tackler with 6.8 tackles per game during the championships, as well as picking up the most ever disposals. Unfortunately, Robertson is now done for the year, needing a shoulder reconstruction after dislocating his shoulder in the final championships game.

#29 Jeremy Sharp

One of a number of East Fremantle potential draftees, Sharp is a skilled midfielder who is capable of playing off half-back as well as along the wing. He is not a massive ball winner, but he is a terrific kick of the footy and is a run-and-carry player. Along with Jackson, Sharp is a potential top 10 player who is a good size at 187cm and has added some bulk to his frame over the off-season. He is one of just three players who earned All-Australian honours as a bottom-ager last season following a magnificent Under 18 Championships. Sharp is one of those players you want the ball in their hands going forward as he will likely pinpoint a target inside 50. One to watch if he can go to another level at his top-age championships.

July Ranking: #24

Last month: Sharp was named in the All-Australian team for his performances over the national championships, averaging 21.0 disposals, 5.8 marks and booting three goals from his four games. In his return to WAFL League, he picked up 20 disposals, six marks, three tackles and a goal before a more modest six dispsoals, three marks, two tackles and goal last week. It comes after he dominated at school footy, booting seven goals in just over a half for Aquinas College, playing forward to break a tag

#30 Elijah Taylor

Perth/Western Australia | General Forward
01/05/2001 | 185cm | 75kg

Taylor has X-factor and plenty of scope for the future as a medium forward. He always looks damaging when in possession and a worry for opposition defenders when not in possession. He is still raw compared to other forwards, but his ceiling is quite high and no doubt clubs will keep him on their radar. He has been a talented player for some time, but he has started to string together impressive performances to put his name into top 30 calculations. A key player for Perth in the WAFL and stepped up during the AFL Under-18 National Championships.

July Ranking: N/A

Last month: Finished equal third in the goal kicking at the national championships, booting six majors from four games. He also averaged the 12.3 disposals and 2.5 marks, showing some terrific athletic traits and X-factor inside 50.

Ones to watch:

Despite having to restrict the list to 30, there are plenty of players on the radar in an even draft, with the likes of Kysaiah Pickett, Darcy Cassar, Fraser Phillips and Nick Bryan just narrowly missing out having been in the top 30 of our Power Rankings previously and are every chance to still find a home in that space. Others who came into consideration from Victoria included Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ Jay Rantall, Dandenong Stingrays’ Sam De Koning and Ned Cahill, Bendigo Pioneers’ Thomson Dow, Calder Cannons’ Harrison Jones and Sandringham Dragons’ Miles Bergman. Others who have shown form, have past runs on the board or would be also in consideration in he first half of the draft include Western Australia’s Mitch Georgiades and Trey Ruscoe, South Australia’s Dyson Hilder and Harry Schoenberg, and Brisbane Lions’ Noah Cumberland.