X, Y, Z… W

Xavier, Yasmin, Zane, and now Willem Duursma have blazed trails through the Gippsland pathway. The fourth sibling in line may be the best of the lot and has been highly touted since debuting for the Power in 2023. He was Vic Country’s Under 16 MVP in the same year, named down back in the All-Australian side and going on to build on his potential. A utility of sorts, he has often been made to play slightly taller than his 191cm standing at higher levels, but shows great upside as a midfielder who can go forward. Duursma possesses great athletic traits and outstanding aerial range, both of which have put him in good stead as he builds his contested game. He glides across the ground and hardly wastes a kick, performing with the authority of a potential top five pick. He takes up our number two spot with a crystal ball approach in mind, but will have to produce more like the 36 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances, and one goal we saw in Round 1.

ERROL INCARNATE

A small utility in the mould of Sydney’s Errol Gulden, Uwland may well be the best player in this year’s draft – he just hasn’t has the chance to prove it in 2025. The Queenslander spent part of preseason training with Gold Coast’s senior group, learning off a slew of Academy graduates including elder brother Bodhi. The junior Uwland has mostly cut his teeth as a hard-running rebound defender or wingman, capable of plying his trade on-ball or even rolling forward. His engine is just about unmatched and a booming left-foot kick is what often catches the eye, though he is nearly as polished on his right side. Stress fractures will likely keep Uwland out of action until after the National Championships, meaning his only exposure as a top-ager may come at VFL level. He’s the type of player who suits the current game with his ability to play anywhere and move the ball fluently, meaning even without game time he remains a top five talent – comfortably.

MR CONSISTENT

Annable has long been touted as a star of the Brisbane Lions Academy, and shapes as yet another top five prospect tied to the club after both Ashcroft brothers were taken early. The ultra consistent midfielder paved his way as a competitive inside ball winner who racked up strong numbers each week, but has gone on to add integral elements to his game. He has a terrific ability to bring the ball to the outside, either by bullocking out of congestion or becoming the receiver, and is beginning to find the goals with regularity. His work rate is just about second to none and that makes him a competent high forward at higher levels – something which may be useful as he attempts to crack a stacked Brisbane midfield, pending his arrival as an Academy graduate. He is deceptively good overhead and a clean set of hands is exactly why he will dominate at stoppages this year, potentially at VFL level for much of the campaign.

ATHLETIC PHENOM

Still somewhat of an unknown among the top echelon of draft prospects, King has some of the greatest upside of the lot. At 192cm, he boasts near-ideal athletic attributes across the board with blistering speed and a spring-heeled vertical leap. Injuries helped keep the Swans Academy talent hidden last year, though he impressed in NSW-ACT colours during the Under 17 Futures trials and had some sensational performances back at local level. While overlooked for the National Academy, King is undoubtedly the best player outside that group and has traits which immediately catch the eye. He has some work to do in the way of decision making and end product, but when it all clicks King can tear games to shreds. His size and power make him difficult to contain, coupled with a wicked turn of foot, a penchant for taking big marks, and great attacking instincts. Watch for him to explode onto the representative stage in Allies colours.

DEADLY DISTRIBUTOR

The owner of two best afield medals from showcase games, Lindsay knows how to perform on the big stage. He is one of, if not the best ball user in the crop, lauded for his kicking ability and sheer efficiency. The Geelong Falcons standout looks most comfortable as a half-back where his run and distributive skills come to the fore. Many clubs will be in for prospects who can move the ball so fluently as Lindsay, especially with his subtle shifting of angles and ability to switch the play. There is potential for Lindsay to explore his midfield credentials as he continues to ply his trade for Geelong Grammar and the Falcons, though a future on the wing or a half-back flank seems much more likely. It’s usually dime a dozen for the latter role, but Lindsay is something special.

THE KID WITH THE DANCING FEET

Few prospects have dazzled onlookers and opponents alike more than Patterson to date. An Under 16 All-Australian in 2023, the Suns speedster has developed alongside the likes of Uwland and Beau Addinsall, but is truly coming into his own this year. He has VFL experience under his belt and doesn’t shy away from the physicality of senior football – not that opponents have much success laying a hand on him in the first place. Patterson’s pace and agility are line-breaking attributes in his usual role across half-back, though he can just as easily play at the other end or on either side of midfield. That kind of versatility and athletic base is exactly what has him in the top 10 frame, albeit with some work to be done on making his disposal more consistent. Patterson also seems to pass the character test as a determined and well-considered budding footballer, which counts for plenty amid the inevitable chaos of his draft year.

SMILLIE CLONE

Greeves holds uncanny resemblances to former Eastern Ranges teammate and 2024 Richmond draftee Josh Smillie, who shapes as an ideal archetype for the budding midfielder. Sporting the same number 26 as a big-bodied ball winner who moves smoothly and distributes the ball with poise, Greeves has all the makings of a top-end talent. His ability to play on each line is another tick, showcasing exciting dash off half-back, threatening traits up forward, and a strong base in the centre. Greeves’ kick penetration is terrific but can sometimes lead him astray on the attack, and the defensive side of the game is another area which sees the Ranges’ co-captain sit just outside the top rungs of the rankings. At his best, he can dominate games and has showcased that to start the Coates Talent League season, even adjusting well against senior opposition for the National Academy. He’ll thrive on being among the main men for Vic Metro.

HOT WHEELS

A bolt from the blue in more ways than one, Grlj (pronounced ‘grill’) is cooking this year. The Oakleigh Chargers speedster has a bit of Caleb Windsor about him in the way he takes ground, tucking the ball under his arm and gaining separation from the chasing pack with ease. He is incredibly difficult to contain, often dancing around opponents or buying just enough time to find a teammate, but also tearing off into space with his potent turn of foot. Grlj cut his teeth as a half-back and outside runner last year but has transitioned beautifully into the midfield, bringing his brand of footy to the fore each week. Line-breaking players can sometimes lack composure but he has showcased an ability to hit targets on the move and not blaze away at all costs. He’s exciting, and a genuine top 10 candidate.

THE HIGH-FLYER

Those who were there will forever be able to recall the hanger Ludowyke took during the 2023 Under 16 National Championships – a carnival which well and truly put him on the map. The high-flying key forward battled indifferent form and untimely injuries towards the back-end of last year, both of which saw him miss out on Sandringham Dragons’ third consecutive premiership. He has put all that behind him to build on the strong potential he has always shown, becoming a key forward who plays with presence. While still quite lean, Ludowyke owns front position and has both the athleticism and reach to make himself hard to defend as a moving target. An added bit of mongrel, and the five-goal performance to help drag Sandringham over the line against Eastern has Ludowyke poised as the best key forward in the draft. He was also the standout among a slew of tall options in the National Academy forwardline.

TRUE COMPETITOR

Chamberlain is a prospect who is arguably yet to show his best in 2025, but has high-end potential. Injury setbacks in the pre and early-season have stunted his run into form, and he was most recently sighted sporting strapping on his knee as he stood on the sidelines for the National Academy game against Coburg VFL. The Swans Academy forward is a fierce competitor who flies at the ball with little regard for his own safety, and applies pressure like few 194cm players are willing to. His athleticism and stylish foot skills are added bonuses which have seen him gain plenty of exposure as a tall wingman, and it’s that kind of versatility which had him pegged as a top 10 talent heading into the year. If he can get a clean run at it and build form, while tweaking things like his judgement of the ball in flight and length of the ground, there is no reason why Chamberlain cannot climb back up the order. He has all the traits a recruiter looks for.

CLUTCH GOALKICKER

Hibbins-Hargreaves is another prospect who has had a stuttering start to the season due to injury. He had botox injections in his calf during preseason and after just one full Coates Talent League game injured his shoulder. The short setback saw him miss both National Academy matches, though he stayed fit as a the runner and should return to action shortly. There is plenty to suggest Hibbins-Hargreaves can build into the 8-12 range if he hits his peak this year, having already established himself as a man for the big moments. He debuted for Dandenong Stingrays in his 16th year and booted 23 goals across 16 games in 2024, spending time up on a wing and off half-forward. A move into midfield has been imminent, though he is quite well suited to the aforementioned roles. Hibbins-Hargreaves is a tough matchup with his speed off the mark and strong ability overhead, while also hardly wasting a kick in open play. He oozes class in full flight.

CONTESTED BEAST

A player who came into the year with as a pick one contender, Sharp beats all-comers in the way of contested ball-winning. It’s part of the reason why he was exposed to senior footy last year and started his top-age campaign there with Central District. A vocal leader on the field and at training, Sharp is used to playing up the grades. He was a two-time Under 16 All-Australian, and in doing so learned a new role down back. His time at SANFL League level has led to an education in the high forward role, but against his peers Sharp is the premier inside midfielder. He never flinches in the face of oncoming contact and uses his strong frame to extract the ball cleanly. Work rate and footy IQ are also big ticks for the 188cm competitor, although perhaps explosive speed and foot skills are where he can level up compared to other top-end players – especially as he looks to move into the fast-paced AFL system. The South Australian is building confidence after a run in Centrals’ Under 18 side and was among the best in the second National Academy game. If he can continue that trajectory, look out.

BEST FROM THE WEST

Last year’s West Australian crop proved plenty of doubters wrong and Rodriguez looks like being the dux of a promising 2025 class. The dual-footed midfielder is another competitive type who can go from inside to the outer, adding power to his game this year to compliment his sharp ball use. He popped onto the radar with a consistent bottom-age campaign in 2024, and after a full senior preseason earned his WAFL League debut for South Fremantle in Round 1. Like Sharp, he featured back at Colts level recently amid the two National Academy fixtures, but has experience at the Under 18 National Championships and promises to lead a deep on-ball group for the Black Swans. With so many club-tied prospects in the top 10, he’ll likely be looked at quite heavily by other clubs.

MADE OF THE WRIGHT STUFF

A midfielder who has soared in stocks to start 2025, Wright looks like being the real deal. He immediately garnered attention slotting into the Sandringham Dragons midfield off a wing, credit to his incisive left-foot kicking and strength at the contest. Wright has a strong core and powers through tackles, while also proving gutsy in his ability to take overhead marks. His clean fundamentals and work rate often lead to opportunities to hit targets heading inside 50, which he does with proficiency. Perhaps pace is the only trait missing from a relatively well-rounded game, and a greater sample size from others has him currently poised at 15. Though, do not be surprised to see him continue his ascent if his form translates to the representative scene with Vic Metro.

FOUND HIM

West Coast NGA

Walley is an exciting talent who seems to be taking his game to new levels in 2025. Having featured in Western Australia’s Under 18 team last year, the small forward is becoming a part-time midfielder who can break the lines and hurt the opposition in attacking phases. He still has some filling out to do but competes well and consistently looks to exploit his strengths, backing his speed and aerial ability against all-comers. At his best, Walley can kick goals in bunches and quickly racks up highlight reel moments which leave him fresh in the memory bank. Consistency and endurance are the factors which will elevate him further, though West Coast fans will hope the ascent doesn’t go too far for their Next-Generation Academy member.

ACCUMULATOR

Addinsall is a hard-working small midfielder capable of covering plenty of territory and racking up a wealth of possessions. He is clever at the fall of the ball to get involved on the inside, but has the turn of foot to take ground on the outside and aid transitional play. His ability to feature prominently when gliding between the arcs and chain up by hand has led to some big performances in representative colours. He was Gold Coast’s Under 16 MVP in 2023 and took out the Pool B MVP to boot, going on to be named best afield in last year’s National Futures game. With VFL exposure under his belt and more to come on the back of his AFL Academy showings, Addinsall is a consistent performer who other clubs will rank within the top 20. Gold Coast has plenty of talent to consider.

SOARING EAGLE

The brother of St Kilda’s Mattaes is certainly not short on confidence and has the talent to back that up. While currently out of action with a broken arm, Phillipou has put his upside on show as Woodville-West Torrens’ Under 18 captain. He is smaller than his elder sibling at 181cm but has a similarly wicked step and can twist or turn his way out of trouble. His powerful aerial game is credit to a background in basketball, able to soar high and pluck the ball cleanly. Phillipou also forced his way into South Australia’s Under 18 setup last year and hoped to be a prominent figure in 2025, but will have to overcome his setback first. Recruiters are well aware of what the midfielder-forward could be, and perhaps we’ll see the absolute best of him once he returns to remind everyone of his potential.

PACK CRASHER

An unstoppable force in full flight, Curtin possesses similar versatility to his big brother of Adelaide Crows fame. He is capable of playing at either end of the ground but seems to be settling up forward, where he bagged back-to-back hauls of six goals either side of last year’s WAFL Colts finals series. A premiership player with Claremont, he garnered attention for his eight-goal performance during preseason and went on to kick a casual five majors in Round 1. Curtin’s game-breaking exploits are clear to see, though doing so consistently throughout four quarters will be the big test. He looks set for an eventual move up to senior level but can perhaps work on his speed to arrive at contests he so often likes to crash. The ultra-competitive tall does it well as a defender, where he featured in last year’s National Championships for Western Australia. It’ll likely be a balancing act between each side Curtin plays in as to which position he suits best.

RISING ‘PIE

Collingwood NGA

Collingwood fans are up and about with so much club-tied talent emerging in the early part of the year, especially having traded out a heap of draft stock. McCarthy is a Next-Generation Academy member who has come on strongly this season, but always projected as a high-upside tall talent. He looks best suited to the ruck where he roams the ground well and acts as a fourth midfielder in open play. His neat skills are complimented by great aerial range and the ability to mark at the top of his reach. The latter is why he may well end up being a forward at the top level, especially given his 198cm standing. We simply couldn’t overlook his upside for the final spot in this month’s top 20, only just over another club-tied talent in Adam Sweid (Essendon NGA).