THE RICHLY talented 2024 AFL Draft will be difficult to follow, but the crop of 2025 is tasked with exactly that. Stacked with club-tied talent and a great variety of talent, next year promises to deliver some high-upside players. We highlight 25 to watch in 2025.

>> FEATURED IN: 2024 AFL Draft Guide

25 in 2025

TOP PROSPECT:

Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Utility | 191cm | 21/06/2007

One of many ‘brothers-of’ to come through the pathway, Duursma has three siblings who have already been drafted in Xavier, Yasmin, and Zane. He projects as the tallest and perhaps most talented of the lot, able to play in virtually any position with outstanding athletic upside. Also a talented basketballer, he reads the play well, is composed, and has a clean set of hands. Duursma has most often cut his teeth on the wing this year but was an All Australian defender last year and can play inside.

>> Scouting Notes: 2024 AFL National Futures match

Daniel Annable (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

A combative midfielder with high work rate, Annable thrives in contested situations and is a prolific accumulator of possessions. He averaged 27.7 disposals and 6.3 tackles in the Coates Talent League this year before going on to play all four National Championships games with the Allies, averaging 19.5 touches and 4.3 clearances. The onballer, who is clean by hand, has been producing such consistent output since debuting for the Lions’ Under 18 side last year. He was also their 2023 Under 16 MVP.

Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 09/03/2007

Addinsall is one of the many Suns Academy youngsters to have earned a run at VFL level this year. The freakishly talented and prolific midfielder-forward burst onto the scene last year to take out the Alan McLean Medal. He has also turned out for the Suns Academy’s Under 18 side for two years. He’s athletic and glides across the grass to do damage on the attack, but was surprisingly overlooked for Allies honours this year. He bounced back to be Team Sloane’s best afield in the National Futures match.

Thomas Burton (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Burton put his name on the map to the casual observer with some scintillating late-season form in the CTL. He’s a regular accumulator off half-back, running aggressive patterns on the rebound, while also defying his 178cm stature with tough work in midfield. The Caulfield Grammarian played seven games with Western Jets this year, averaging 23.7 disposals and 5.6 tackles, dropping below 20 touches just once. He made his debut a year earlier alongside partner-in-crime Thomas McGuane.

Lachlan Carmichael (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Another top performer at last year’s Under 16 National Championships, Carmichael has gone on with it and was a consistent performer for the Allies in 2024. He averaged 18.8 disposals and 5.8 rebound 50s throughout a full four-game carnival, nailing down his role as a primary distributor down back. While an asset in transition on the representative stage, his intercept prowess was on show in four games with the Swans Academy earlier this year, averaging 20.8 touches and six marks.

Noah Chamberlain (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Tall Forward/Wing | 192cm | 21/03/2007

There is plenty of upside to Chamberlain’s game, and the Swans clearly rate him highly having debuted him in the Under 18 side during his 16th year. The mobile 192cm prospect presents as a dynamic marking target up forward but has also been exposed to the wing role, showcasing great versatility. He turned out twice for the Allies at this year’s National Championships, averaging 14.5 disposals and four marks – improvements on his numbers for the Swans Academy earlier in the season.

Samuel Cumming (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 27/07/2007

Cumming is a well-traveled prospect having hailed from Wentworth in NSW. The North Adelaide midfielder took out the SANFL Under 18 MVP award this season having averaged 27 disposals, six marks and four clearances across 10 outings. He also made two appearances in South Australia’s Under 18 side this year and ran riot in the National Futures match, gathering 24 disposals, 11 marks, and a goal in typically hard-working fashion. As prolific as they come, Cumming’s consistency and volume of output are already high-level.

Cody Curtin (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Defender | 197cm | 18/05/2007

Curtin had a breakout game in his final outing at this year’s National Championships, posting 17 disposals and four marks as a competitive key defender. Much like big brother Dan, who was drafted by Adelaide last year, Cody is comfortable with ball in hand but also capable of imposing himself aerially. Versatility is another trait the siblings share, as Curtin junior was also swung into attack late in Claremont’s Colts premiership tilt, booting two bags of six goals in his last three outings.

Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 176cm | 05/04/2007

When it comes to class in midfield, few have it in such abundance than Dalton. The left-footer is a natural ball winner with slick agility and ball use from inside to out. He was the title-winning captain and Vic Metro MVP at last year’s Under 16 championships, before going on to debut for Sandringham Dragons. Having been squeezed out of the 2023 premiership side, he kept his spot out on the wing this season after overcoming a preseason injury which hindered his chances at Metro Under 18 selection.

Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 22/08/2007

One of the top tall prospects for next year, Duff-Tytler has made the call to pursue football having also come through the pathway as a promising basketballer. While still raw, he moves well for a player his size and is comfortable with ball in hand, projecting as a potential top pick contender. He suits the mould of a mobile ruck but can also play forward and posts big numbers – like his 30 disposals, 10 marks, and two goals for Calder Cannons in Round 18 of the CTL season.

Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 198cm | 23/03/2007

Emmett hit his straps late in 2024, but was also a recognised talent last year having been named in the Under 16 All-Australian side. He represented Vic Metro twice at the Under 18 championships and impressed on debut with 14 disposals, three marks and 25 hitouts. The mobile ruckman covers the ground well and is just as capable up forward. Emmett is also a talented rower and has terrific upside as a prospect who only seems to get better with each game.

Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Greeves has showcased his prowess at representative level, for Caulfield Grammar, and the Eastern Ranges. He was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and played seven CTL games this season, teaming up in midfield with potential 2024 top pick Josh Smillie, who he holds some resemblance to. The 191cm prospect is quite agile for his size but uses that frame to his advantage and can also swing forward to kick goals. His clean hands and efficient ball use by hand and foot are handy traits for a big-bodied mid.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Wing/Forward | 185cm | 16/11/2007

Hibbins-Hargreaves took little time to break into Dandenong’s Under 18 outfit after representing Vic Country at Under 16 level last year, and emerged as a clutch goalkicker in 2024. The versatile talent booted multiple majors in eight of his 16 outings for the Stingrays, including a best of four from 21 touches and seven marks. He boasts good aerial range and handles the ball one-touch, while also possessing slick skills by hand and foot – traits applicable to playing both up forward or on the wing.

Max King (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Midfielder/Forward | 191cm | 09/01/2007

A player with serious upside, King missed out on Under 16 All-Australian honours last year but has plenty to like. He dominated the Swans Academy’s preseason testing event with top five results across the board, pointing towards considerable athletic upside. He can play, too, utilising his mobility at 191cm to carve through stoppages and impact aerially when rotating forward. He starred for NSW-ACT’s Under 17 outfit this year, showing promise in a variety of roles despite missing out on the Swans’ CTL stint.

Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 07/04/2007

Lindsay’s crowning bottom-age moment was saved for last, as he was named best afield for Team Heppell in the National Futures match. He gathered 20 disposals and seven marks that day operating off a wing, impressing with his incisive left-foot kicking and sound decision making. Lindsay also made seven appearances for Coates Talent League minor premier, Geelong Falcons, averaging 17 disposals per game with plenty of time spent running and distributing off half-back.

Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 195cm | 19/11/2007

Ludowyke has bucketloads of potential as an athletic key forward with a penchant for taking spectacular grabs. He is more often sighted getting separation on the lead and kicking goals, but offers moments of great flair. The high-flying talent made a single appearance at this year’s Under 18 National Championships, taking five marks and booting a goal on debut. He also turned out for Sandringham Dragons between his school and representative commitments, booting 13 majors in nine games with an average 3.7 marks.

Thomas McGuane (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 177cm | 27/08/2007

McGuane has already garnered plenty of fanfare for his performances at CTL level, particularly given his status as a Collingwood father-son prospect. The son of 152-game Pie, Mick averaged 25.7 disposals per his 16 games with the Western Jets this season. He debuted as a 16-year-old last year and has gone on to be a consistent performer. The left-footer is a sharp ball user with clean hands and great decision making, capable of playing on the inside or outside of midfield.

Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Onley is among the rare breed of tall midfielders who measure up at over 190cm, but also move well and have sound skills. He uses his size to advantage, taking the game on from stoppages by either stepping around opponents or bullocking through them. Onley has a clean set of hands and good end product when heading inside 50, as shown throughout his three-game stint with Vic Country’s Under 18s this year. After debuting in 2023, he made seven CTL appearances for Murray as a bottom-ager.

Dylan Patterson (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 01/09/2007

Yet another Gold Coast Academy member, Patterson was one of five Suns who earned Under 16 All-Australian honours last year. He thrives when taking the game on, capable of breaking the lines with his devastating speed and attacking instincts. He averaged 14.8 disposals and 3.3 inside 50s per his four games for the Suns Academy this year, and went on to earn a berth at VFL level. He was terrific in Queensland’s maroon and showed good signs in a half down back during the National Futures match.

Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Somewhat of a surprise packet in the bottom-age crop this year, Rodriguez missed the 2023 Under 16 National Championships through injury but has quickly made up for lost time. After impressing at WAFL Colts level for South Fremantle, the midfielder played all four games for Western Australia at the Under 18 carnival, averaging 18.8 disposals. He has clean hands on the inside but is capable of escaping to the outer with good run-and-carry, while also delivering the ball off both feet.

Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender | 183cm | 10/05/2007

One to watch for Cats fans as an NGA candidate, Rongdit is embedded in the Geelong region – also tied to the Falcons and Geelong Grammar. He catches the eye with an outrageously good vertical leap which he leans on to make intercepts. Rongdit competes just as hard at ground level and while still quite raw, has enormous upside as a competitive defender. He has spent time with the National Academy and played the majority of his football at APS level, but made one CTL appearance this year.

Aidan Schubert (Central District/South Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 21/12/2007

Hailing from a basketball background, Schubert is also blooming as a footballer. The Central District prospect played a key hand in his side’s run to the SANFL Under 18 Grand Final this year, kicking 25 goals in 11 games and averaging nearly six marks per outing. He hit the scoreboard in every one of those games and booted multiples in nine of them. He has great aerial range as any tall should, able to provide a mobile marking target up forward and doubling as a productive roaming ruck.

Dyson Sharp (Central District/South Australia)
Midfielder | 188cm | 23/05/2007

Regarded by some as a leading talent in the 2025 crop, Sharp took out last year’s Kevin Sheehan Medal as the star of the Under 16 Championships. He was a two-time All-Australian at that level and brought a hard edge to SA’s Under 18 side this year, averaging 17.8 disposals, 5.5 tackles and 6.5 clearances across the four games. The big-bodied contested beast ended his season with Central District’s League team, hardly looking out of place. Few can match him for ferocity at the contest.

Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 24/04/2007

Uwland will be a familiar name as the brother of current Sun Bodhi. While smaller in stature, he possesses similar weapons with a booming left-foot kick and relentless rebound ability. His running game is outstanding, with the clever utility able to rack up possessions in a variety of roles. Uwland had a standout game for the Suns Academy earlier this year, posting 25 disposals and six goals, before going on to average 23 disposals for the Allies. He also gained exposure in the Suns’ VFL side.

Kalani White (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Key Defender | 198cm | 05/05/2007

White has an interesting decision on his hands next year, being tied to Gold Coast’s academy but also eligible to nominate under father-son rules for Melbourne. The son of former Dee and Docker, Jeff, Kalani is a developing tall capable of playing at either end of the ground. His mobility is impressive and he seems to have found a home down back, where he was an Under 16 All-Australian. White also featured once for the Allies this year, while averaging eight disposals and four marks for the Suns Academy.

IN THE MIX

Western Australia has a good group of talent coming through, and many prospects who can be considered unlucky not to have made the 25. West Coast will have plenty to consider next year, with three of our next four best Sandgropers being tied to the club.

Father-son candidate Charlie Banfield showed his wares in Claremont’s premiership side, for WA’s Under 18s, and in the Futures match. A wingman who can utilise his overhead marking up forward, the son of Drew has traits which are sure to catch the eye of other clubs.

Next Generation Academy talents Wesley Walley and Koby Evans are sure to excite in the forward half. The former has good spring and only needs a few moments to impact games, while the latter is a dashing type who famously celebrated a National Championships goal with a backflip this year.

Elsewhere, South Fremantle’s Toby Whan is a serious watch. He was another who impressed during the National Futures game, capable of playing through midfield, on the outside, or off half-back. Like each of his fellow statesmen, he has already represented WA at Under 18 level.

South Australia has a couple more players to consider after National Academy selection. Namely, powerful midfielder and talented sportsman Matthew LeRay has upside, along with dashing Sturt wingman Harley Barker.

Northern Territory native Taj Murray will also pave a way through the SANFL pathway. The raw and rangy ruck was named in this year’s Allies side without playing a game, along with Tasmania’s leading prospect Jasper Hay. Both players are in the National Academy.

Another tall who came into heavy consideration was Liam Hetherton. The Murray Bushrangers key forward impressed with his marking ability during the National Futures game with three goals, and also booted five in NSW-ACT colours against Vic Country.

Already boasting four Academy members on this list, Gold Coast may well have a fifth to consider next year in Jai Murray. The smooth moving wingman is a consistent performer and sound user of the ball who has already had a taste of VFL football.