VIC METRO’s thumping win over the Allies brought forward another wave of rising prospects, while solidifying the standing of a couple of top-five talents. We’ve highlighted seven names who continue to improve their standing among the 2026 draft crop, and what they have done to stake their claim.

>> Scouting Notes: Vic Metro vs. Allies
>> Rolling Rankings: Top 30 AFL Draft prospects

RISING STOCKS

Gus Teixeira (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 29/03/2008

Among the raft of prospects recruiters were keen to assess at the representative level, Teixeira continues his charge towards the top five. The powerful dual-position threat showed his tenacity at the contest and was difficult to contain inside attacking 50, highlighted by his four goals from seven scoring shots. Few others can match him for pure hurt factor in top gear, though he can continue to refine his kicking on the run. In any case, he has genuine weapons and should be firmly embedded in the top 10.

Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons)
Forward/Midfielder | 183cm | 23/04/2008

Butler may well push himself to be the top open pool prospect, and on pure talent alone, is arguably already there. His best moments are outrageously good and he produced a couple of them on Sunday among a haul of 15 disposals and two goals. Pleasingly, he showed strong work rate as a link player up the ground and by using his speed to apply defensive pressure. Ironing out the patches and adding four-quarter consistency will be key to rubber-stamping Butler’s credentials.

George Dimer (Sandringham Dragons)
Small Forward | 173cm | 21/06/2008

Yet another impressive prospect out of the Sandringham region, Dimer had his breakout on the national stage. The 173cm pocket rocket put on a masterclass in forward craft; positioning expertly front-and-centre to packs, swooping on ground balls, and providing an avenue into the final third with his work up the field. Importantly, he also hit the scoreboard with three goals. Specialist small forwards are always highly sought after, and despite his size, Dimer is working up into second round conversations.

Toby Krasna (Northern Knights)
Midfielder/Wing | 181cm | 28/02/2008

Northern has dominated the Vic Metro squad and Krasna is arguably the fastest-rising Knight of the lot. He has mostly cut his teeth on the wing but more than holds his own on-ball, where he has rotated over the first two representative games. The agile, slick-kicking accumulator consistently brings the game forward and can hit targets on the move off either foot. He also has a handy knack for kicking long goals. Much like Dimer, he’s a prospect working his way up the board by peaking at the top level.

Albert MacGowan (Sandringham Dragons)
Wing/Midfielder | 187cm | 27/07/2008

Suffice to say, MacGowan has translated his school and club form to the representative level. A natural outside accumulator, he racked up uncontested possessions on Sunday and consistently found width despite not necessarily being blessed with raw leg speed. MacGowan also showcased his quick and clean hands which were a feature of his rotation on-ball. While capable of being an incisive kicker off either foot, if he can enhance his hurt factor he’ll be impossible to overlook given his exposed form.

Harvie Cooke (Northern Knights)
Midfielder/Forward | 176cm | 04/12/2008

Cooke is the kind of player you want on your team. He busts a gut every time he’s out there and did so on Sunday, splitting his time between the midfield and forwardline. Cooke’s running power and kick penetration make him an effective high forward, but he is just as dangerous close to goal. His combative nature to win the ball and apply pressure lend to strong midfield craft, too. For all his hard work, improvement will come if he can refine his ball use. Size is the other obvious knock given his style.

Jordan Knapp (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder/Wing | 180cm | 05/01/2008

Already a well known quantity in the Talent League, Knapp has that sense of being everywhere when at his best. He is hard and clean at the contest, but thrives on the outside where he finds pockets of space to accumulate possessions in all parts of the ground. Usually a clever and poised ball user, Knapp is efficient by hand but can continue to work on his foot skills under pressure. Not being overly quick, he relies on his smarts and work rate to stand out in any role. His consistency and leadership are admirable.