THE 2024 AFL National Development Championships saw a host of the top Under 16 prospects convene for a carnival which came to an exciting conclusion. With all awards now handed out, we highlight 10 AFL Draft prospects to watch two years out from the 2026 intake.

>> RECAP: 2024 AFL Under 16 National Championships

Charlie Bovill (Tasmania Devils)
Tall Defender/Forward | 192cm | 30/03/2008

A genuine swingman who tended to start each match down back before switching forward at the National Championships, Bovill came into the carnival having bagged five goals in his Coates Talent League debut. His reading of the play and overhead marking are standout features of a promising all-round game, able to either intercept at a high frequency or provided a solid target inside 50 en route to goal. That kind of versatility, and his competitiveness, are invaluable qualities for a tall talent.

Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 23/04/2008

Arguably Vic Metro’s standout player and prospect from the National Championships, Butler is a mercurial type with great evasiveness and goal sense. He looks dangerous wherever he goes; whether playing deep inside 50, as a high forward or through midfield. He often makes the opposition look silly and is both skilful and athletic enough to back up his excellent decision making. Butler also has ties to the top level, as the grandson of 250-game St Kilda premiership player, Allan Davis.

Douglas Cochrane (Central District/South Australia)
Tall Defender/Midfielder | 194cm | 02/05/2008

The standout prospect of the National Championships, Cochrane not only took out state MVP honours but was also awarded the Kevin Sheehan Medal as Pool A’s best and fairest player. He primarily played down back where his athleticism shone, able to cover ground and intercept with astonishing frequency. Cochrane also got a run through midfield to average 24 disposals and 6.7 marks per game, and his potential has been recognised by SANFL Under 18s exposure. He is the son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide player, Stuart, but is not father-son eligible for either club.

>> Remember the names: 2024 AFL Under 16 MVPs

Archie Hill (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 182cm | 04/03/2008

An attack-minded rebound defender with great power and athleticism, Hill took out Gold Coast’s MVP award and led valiantly as the Suns’ skipper at the National Championships. He was often tasked with setting up play from the back and took the game on with his combination of running and kicking, averaging 34 disposals and nine rebound 50s per game. The consistent accumulator was also afforded midfield minutes and debuted for the Suns’ Under 18 side earlier this year.

Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 26/04/2008

LeCras comes from great pedigree as the son of former North Melbourne player Brent, and nephew of premiership Eagle, Mark. While not father-son eligible for the Roos, he has similar weapons to his uncle up forward with terrific overhead marking and classy finishing ability. LeCras’ raking left-foot kick and leading patterns were key features of WA’s attacking play during the Under 16 National Championships, as he booted 2.3 goals per game to star for the Black Swans.

Aidan McCartney (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 04/11/2008

McCartney is one of the many promising club-tied players for 2026, with father Jason‘s 107 games for North Melbourne making Aidan father-son eligible for the Roos, as well as being linked to Sydney’s academy. The 190cm forward spearheaded a rather tall Swans outfit at the National Championships, booting over two goals per game as a reliable marking target inside 50. He slotted set shots and was quite mobile on the lead, looking to grow into a genuine key position talent.

>> PROFILED: 2024 AFL Under 16 All Australian team

Matthew Owen (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 178cm | 01/03/2008

Owen was awarded the Alan McLean Medal as Pool B’s best and fairest player, while also being named Brisbane’s MVP at the National Championships. The prolific midfielder averaged 32 disposals and 4.7 clearances per game, leading a talented line of Lions onballers with his terrific all-round skills and smart running. He’s nothing short of a ball magnet and is building a strong list of accolades already.

Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 188cm | 13/02/2008

An absolute beast on the inside, Robinson is difficult to contain with his sheer size and aggression. He dominated at the coalface with averages of 25 disposals (18 contested), six tackles and nine clearances, during the National Championships, while also proving capable of launching attacks on the outside. Robinson’s strong overhead marking is another handy point of difference around the ground. He was named WA’s MVP and came runner-up in the Kevin Sheehan Medal. Fremantle fans will want to keep a close eye on his progress as a NGA product.

Archie Van dyk (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder | 185cm | 28/07/2008

A wonderfully balanced midfielder, Van dyk proved a prolific and consistent part of South Australia’s National Championships campaign to finish in the top five of the Kevin Sheehan Medal voting. He hardly fumbles and boasts excellent decision making in tight spots to hit targets by hand and foot. Van dyk’s hard running is another impressive trait which makes it seem like he’s everywhere at times – as his SANFL Under 16 averages of 30.8 disposals, 7.3 marks, and 7.6 clearances would attest to.

Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 26/01/2008

Already receiving much fanfare, Walker was named All Australian captain to go with MVP honours in the title-winning Vic Country side. The powerful midfielder was able to prise first possession and utilise his athletic ability to shift to the outside, averaging 28 disposals and 13 contested possessions across the carnival. His work rate and ground coverage are exceptional traits, while a long boot allows him to launch frequent attacks. Walker, the son of Andrew, is tied to Carlton via father-son eligibility but is also a Richmond NGA member, and recently made his Coates Talent League debut with Bendigo Pioneers.

>> Future is now: 2024 bottom-agers to watch