THERE was no shortage of feedback and queries after the drop of our June Power Rankings, featuring our top 20 ranked AFL Draft prospects. We answered your questions over on Instagram, plenty regarding one particular South Australian, and have collated the most frequently asked questions here.

>> TOP 20: June 2025 Power Rankings

FAQs:

Q: Why isn’t Dyson Sharp (#14) ranked higher?

A: To say this was a frequently asked question is an understatement. Sharp has long been touted as a potential top prospect for 2025, but we often see with dominant, physically ready inside midfielders that their top-age rankings waver compared to their underage campaigns.

From a performance perspective, especially after his best afield outing against Vic Metro, Sharp should arguably be higher ranked. But the Power Rankings aren’t solely based on that – there’s more of a crystal ball mindset. So, while Sharp has a higher floor than others, he also has a lower ceiling.

Perhaps the archetype of such players is James Worpel, who dominated his peers at junior level and was ready to hit the ground running in the AFL. Sharp, who has senior experience under his belt, will almost undoubtedly also become a very solid top level player in quick time.

Currently, his ball use – particularly his kicking – and running – particularly his speed – are of concern. More of the same output would make him undeniable in the top 10, but we’re ranking with a scope to how AFL football is progressing.

Those two traits (ball use and speed) are crucial to thriving in how the game is currently played. Although, few other players can hold a candle to Sharp’s level of competitiveness and contested craft – it’s a tough call to make, tough attributes to balance.

Q: Cody Curtin plays rugby?

A: He probably could with that frame, what a unit. Curtin squeezed into our May top 20 and remains thereabouts – also featuring in our ‘Next 10‘ piece. Obviously a recognised name as the brother of recent AFL Rising Star nominee Daniel, the hulking key position utility hasn’t necessarily put a foot wrong performance-wise. But akin to Sharp, he has some question marks athletically which puts him out compared to other rising prospects. Still, his physicality and competitiveness make him a player capable of tearing games apart on his day. Another tough one to weigh up in terms of areas for improvement.

Q: Where are Noah Chamberlain & Lachlan Carmichael?

A: The Swans Academy pair was strongly considered, Chamberlain in particular having featured in our May top 20. Both were highlighted in our ‘Next 10‘ article and are right in the top 25 mix – Chamberlain boasting the higher upside compared to Carmichael’s superior output. If the former can find his groove with the Allies he’ll be right back in there, while the latter is becoming increasingly hard to deny.

Q: What about Taj Murray?

A: Murray is among the fast-rising players in the pool, largely credit to his four-goal performance against South Australia. He could well be one of the Northern Territory’s best prospects in a long while, especially in the way of talls. Murray’s spring-heeled leap combines with mobility to make him a threat both in the air and at ground level, capable of impacting in the ruck and up forward. He has some classic hallmarks of a high-upside key position player, so will continue to rise with strong champs form. Next 10.

>> THE NEXT 10: June 2025 Power Rankings

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Q: No Zac McCarthy?

A: McCarthy joins the likes of Chamberlain and Curtin in our Next 10 having previously been ranked inside the top 10. His upside is considerable at 198cm, capable of joining the play like a fourth midfielder and using the ball beautifully. What’s more, he impacts aerially with good reach and the ability to pluck marks at high points. It will be interesting to see how he fares as second fiddle to Vic Metro’s mainline ruck Cooper Duff-Tytler and spearhead forward Archie Ludowyke. If he can prove himself in representative colours alongside those two, it will go a long way to maintaining his top 25 potential.

Q: Was Koby Coulson close?

A: Pretty close. In a relatively shallow draft pool, Coulson’s consistency of effort and performance stand out. Others may beat him for upside in the way of skill and athleticism, but the Suns Academy midfielder works incredibly hard and gives 100 per cent every time he’s out there. It makes him a surer bet. Gaining VFL exposure in the Suns’ system only helps his cause, though Gold Coast may face a battle to keep its depth of talent this year, with many prospects appealing to other clubs. Another in the next 10.

Q: Where does Adam Sweid sit?

A: Sweid was just about the 21st player in last month’s rankings after a hot start to the season, but is placed more around the 30-40 range in our eyes with a greater sample size. He had the chance to show his wares in the Vic Metro midfield, though will have to also spend plenty of time forward throughout the year where his defensive pressure and work rate will shine. Still a good watch for Bombers fans, and sliding into the second round isn’t necessarily a bad thing for their Next Generation Academy prospect.

Q: Where does Liam Hetherton rank after a season-ending injury?

A: Hetherton is a difficult prospect to rank due to his injury, and will likely benefit from recruiters going back to watch tape once the season is finished. Being a National Academy member, he is obviously on the radar and would have played a key role for the Allies. His upside is obvious as a mobile marking target who hits the scoreboard regularly, booting 11 goals in his three Coates Talent League appearances. It’s just tough to rank him against those who remain on the park for the time being.

Q: Thoughts on Rory Wright?

A: Wright loomed as one of the finds of the season after a terrific start in the first Coates Talent League block. His slick ball use going inside 50 was a standout trait on top of gutsy overhead marking and hard tackling at the contest. Genuine leg speed, like others in this discussion, has been somewhat of a drawback but he has the chance to prove his worth in Vic Metro’s National Championships campaign.

Q: How’s Louis Kellaway looking?

A: He’s going nicely. Plenty of Richmond fans have enquired about Kellaway, a father-son prospect, since the start of the year. He made great strides at SANFL Under 18 level with Sturt and has become a staple in South Australia’s midfield. His reliability and toughness are Tiger traits, often seen working hard between the arcs and proving unafraid to compete against bigger opponents in physical duels. He’s a solid operator with few frills, probably around the 30-45 mark for us at this stage.

Q: Is it still looking like a long first two rounds after academy and father-son bids?

A: The gag going around was that night one might drag on longer than night two in this year’s draft. Plenty of noise was made regarding the Northern Academy talent, especially from other clubs, and plenty of restricted talent remains high on draft boards. Five club-tied players were included in our top 20 and six in the next 10, meaning over a third of our top 30 would be bound by bids. That could extend the first couple of rounds considerably, potentially matching the 29-pick first round of 2023.