AFTER what was pegged as the most compromised draft in history, the consensus top two prospects for next year are both already tied to AFL clubs. There is plenty of value for all clubs, though, with a range of father-son, Next Generation Academy (NGA), and Northern Academy prospects showing their wares.

>> 26 for 2026: A look ahead to next year’s top prospects

FATHER-SONS

Clearly the leading father-son prospect for next year is Carlton nominee Cody Walker. The Bendigo Pioneers midfielder was also aligned to Richmond’s NGA program but has already pledged his allegiance to the Blues, where his father Andrew played 202 games.

Walker boasts similarly explosive athletic traits to his famous father, who was taken with pick two in 2003. Cody could replicate that feat given he is widely considered the best 2008-born prospect behind Port Adelaide-tied talent Dougie Cochrane.

Much like Walker, Cooper Hodge (son of Luke) and Aidan McCartney (Jason) fall under dual-club eligibility. Hodge is tied to Hawthorn under father-son rules but is also linked to Brisbane’s academy, while McCartney can choose between his father-son ties to North Melbourne, or academy link to Sydney.

Hodge has made his name as a hard-nosed midfielder-forward who thrives on the contest. He made his VFL debut this year, playing two games for the Lions. McCartney is a mobile tall marking forward who was named in the AFL Academy, and also earned an early VFL berth with Sydney.

North has another father-son candidate to monitor in Sam Harris. The son of Daniel is a chip off the old block, shaping as a hard-working midfielder with clean fundamentals. He will team up with Levi West (son of Scott) in the Calder Cannons’ midfield, with the latter tied to the Western Bulldogs.

Another Bulldogs-tied talent is Jax Cooney, the son of 2008 Brownlow Medalist, Adam. He’s a Geelong Falcons teammate of Richmond father-son prospect Archie Daffy, who has impressed with Geelong College at APS level as a speedy small forward.

Out west, the Eagles may have allowed Charlie Banfield to walk to St Kilda this year, but may see fit to bring in his younger brother Harper next year. A Colts premiership player with Claremont, the son of Drew is an energetic mid-forward who plays at a high intensity.

NEXT GENERATION ACADEMY

Some of the biggest draft related news in the offseason saw Dougie Cochrane confirmed as NGA eligible for Port Adelaide. The athletic 196cm utility already has senior state league experience with Central District and is considered the best player in next year’s crop at this early stage.

His elder brother Tom recently earned promotion to Port’s senior list, and his father Stuart played 54 games there. The Power also have access to North Adelaide defender Zackariah Young, while West Adelaide forward Anthony Long is tied to Adelaide.

After landing two NGA products as Category B rookies this year, Fremantle is again set to benefit from its academy with Lucas Robinson coming through. The big-bodied inside midfielder was a surprise omission from the National Academy, but is already looking a readymade prospect made of leadership material.

West Coast will also have a high-end NGA prospect in Garrison Kenh. The run-and-gun defender is terrific to watch as he takes the game on with elite speed and kicking. The Eagles could also dip into a pool consisting of exciting small forwards Lachlan McGlade and Robert Farmer.

Along with Cochrane and Kenh, Richmond-tied talent Tanner Armstrong is part of the AFL Academy. He’s a tenacious small midfielder/defender coming through the Murray Bushrangers pathway. Essendon also has high hopes for big-bodied midfielder/forward Blake Justice, out of the Calder Cannons.

The Western Bulldogs have more father-son talent on the way, and will have one eye on the Western Jets with NGA candidates Khaled El Souki and Hok Marial coming through. The former is a small forward with terrific goal sense, while the latter is a basketball convert who has mostly played in defence.

While the new NGA zones will see Tasmanian talent reassigned after 2026, North Melbourne still has access to the likes of Archie Devine, Tyane Thomas, and Jess Bula. Devine is considered the best of the lot, a smooth moving distributor off half-back who can play on any line.

After finally cashing in on its own talent by drafting Kye Fincher, St Kilda could look at a couple of familiar names next year. Rowan Mackenzie (brother of Cam) and Quentin Hofmann (brother of Lennox) are making their way through the Sandringham Dragons program and have some promise.

Elsewhere, some over-agers like Ben Rongdit will still be around the traps in 2026. Tied to Geelong, Rongdit was overlooked at this year’s draft after an ACL tear cut his season short. There is also conjecture on Marcus Prasad‘s ties to Melbourne, though the diminutive forward certainly has talent.

NORTHERN ACADEMIES

Queensland remains a hotbed for talent and after a bumper 2025 crop, the Lions and Suns are set to have access to more promising talent. Brisbane in particular will be buoyed by the progression of smooth moving defender Caylen Murray, who will likely graduate to a greater midfield role in 2026.

Murray broke through for his Allies debut this year, while also earning a VFL berth. Hard-running accumulator Matthew Owen was another to make his state league debut, along with Cooper Hodge. Owen was the Pool B best and fairest at last year’s Under 16 National Championships.

The Suns’ crop shapes as being far less deep than the brimming 2025 group, but Archie Hill is an early standout. He’s a rebound defender who will likely marshal and lead the side next year. Meanwhile, small forward Leroy Kaesler and tall midfielder Jake Callinan are others to watch.

Sydney is another booming academy, with the aforementioned Aidan McCartney spearheading another exciting group. Twins Guy and William Jenkin are also right up there with their running games and neat fundamental skills. Expect them to occupy opposite wings in 2026.

The Swans also have midfielder Lachlan Price coming through, after he showed his wares for the NSW/ACT Futures team. Outside runner Patrick Smith is another to watch, while athletics covert Mason McGroder has enormous upside but remains incredibly raw as a versatile tall talent.

The Giants’ top prospect for next year is Ethan Matthews. Having already made his Allies debut, he excelled at VFL level with his patented composure and clean hands across half-back and the wing. Tall hybrid defenders Charlie Harper and Lucas Roberts are others names to jot down out of the Giants.