WHILE in some years the leading AFL Draft prospect is clear as day, much like in 2024 there is no real consensus regarding who the nation’s number one talent is for 2025. In the return of our Race to #1 series, we highlight at a half-dozen prospects who are in the frame for said honours.

The next contender is Swans Academy member Max King. A dynamic and freakishly athletic utility, King was hardly sighted as a bottom-ager but has displayed significant upside within a small sample size. So much so, that recruiters are considering him a top five contender at this early stage.

>> Ones to watch: Top 25 AFL Draft prospects in 2025

Swans AcademyMidfielder

Max King

Height: 191cm

Weight: -

DOB: 09-01-2007

STRENGTHS

+ Aerial ability
+ Clean hands
+ Speed
+ Upside
+ Versatility
+ Vertical leap

King can sometimes be mistaken for his famous namesake with such bewildering speed off the mark and fluent aerial ability. His elite athletic traits were highlighted at last year’s NSW/ACT preseason testing events, where he finished top in the standing and running jumps, and second in the 20-metre sprint.

For comparison against elite standards, King’s 78cm standing leap and 98cm running jump would have earned him first place at the 2024 National Draft Combine. What’s more, his sprint time of 2.822 would have been good enough for second. That kind of athleticism at over 190cm is quite rare.

What makes King such a threat is that his athletic profile lends to enormous versatility. He has the length and size to compete as a second or third tall forward, while also covering ground beautifully out on the wing. Though, his base is through midfield, where he carves through traffic and links up on the spread.

Perhaps the best showcase of his aptitude in a variety of roles came in last year’s Futures series against Vic Country. He lit up the early stages with one-grab overhead marking up forward before shifting into midfield, and later running on the outside. He can impact the game in several ways and areas.

It’s a wonder, then, why King was not selected in the National Academy alongside fellow Swans Noah Chamberlain and Lachlan Carmichael. Recruiters, particularly those who were in attendance for his NSW-ACT appearance last year, are well aware of his potential. His attributes are up there with the best.

QUESTION MARK(S)

King has suffered from a lack of exposure throughout the last couple of years, despite performing in every significant pathway event he has been fit for. He starred at the Under 16 National Championships and was unlucky not to earn All-Australian selection, and was in top form for NSW-ACT’s Under 17s.

Though, earlier last year he did not turn out for Sydney during the Academy Series having played out the Summer Series. Injury also prevented King from participating in the National Futures match on AFL Grand Final day, which he was selected for. He wasn’t part of the Allies squad either. That’s a lot of landmark games to miss.

It means that despite his obvious talent, there may still be question marks surrounding how King fits in alongside others with greater exposed form. Clubs which wield the first selection often want a level of certainty to compliment the upside, so compiling a consistent 2025 season will be critical for King.

The question also begs – what will he turn into? It will be interesting to see King’s measurements and results at the upcoming preseason testing event in NSW. If he can pack on a bit of size, he will be better for it in contested situations – both aerially and at stoppages. Building a strong running base to impact in transition will also be key.

OUR SCOUTS SAID…

Click the highlighted links to read our full Scouting Notes

“Having not turned out during Swans Academy’s CTL stint this year, King made a triumphant return to the representative scene in state colours. The freakishly athletic prospect started up forward and took little time to get his aerial game going, taking a series of one-grab contested marks in the first half. He went on to have a run in midfield and featured on the wing after half time, where he covered the ground beautifully and navigated tight spots with rare agility for a player his size.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 NSW/ACT U17 Futures

“King put in a regal performance for his last showing of the [Under 16] championships, dominating from midfield with 29 disposals, six marks, and five clearances. His best work was done around the ground, providing a marking target and covering plenty of territory on the spread. His aerial impact was more down to reach than strength, and he’ll hold on to more grabs as he continues to develop.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 U16 National Championships

“A midfielder almost as tall as his team’s rucks, King returned another promising performance with 27 disposals, six marks, and seven inside 50s from the engine room. King is just as capable of accumulating on the spread and using his height to take marks around the ground, than he is at shifting gears through traffic on the inside. He got into good spots to launch inside 50 and has a unique inside-outside balance given his height, lean build, and athleticism.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 U16 National Championships

“Potentially one of the tallest midfielders in the entire carnival, King is an eye-catching type. He moves well for his size and displayed such dexterity with a super goal in the opening quarter, spinning out the front of a stoppage, getting the ball back at pace and slamming home a goal from 50 metres. King continued to cut through traffic and showcased a bit of his aerial range in a strong outing, living up to some of the quality of his namesake.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 U16 National Championships

WHERE HE SITS

While there are many unique prospects among the consensus top five to 10, King is somewhat comparable to a Willem Duursma. Their athletic profiles and versatility are similar, and many consider Duursma to be among the top two or three players in the draft pool.

King also stacks up quite well alongside Swans Academy teammate, Noah Chamberlain. Together, the pair have been stamped as a regeneration of Isaac Heeney and Nick Blakey. Everyone in the football world is aware of their talent, so it tells you all you need to know about how highly King is rated.

Previous editions:
Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Dyson Sharp (Central District/South Australia)
Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)