IN THE wake of this year’s AFL Draft, eyes are already turning to what the budding class of 2026 may hold. Released in November, the National Academy squad provided a glimpse into the country’s best 25 2008-born prospects, all of whom we profile below.

>> ANNOUNCEMENT: 2026 AFL Academy squad revealed

Tanner Armstrong (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 176cm | 27/02/2008

A tenacious small in Richmond’s Next-Generation Academy ranks, Armstrong embodied plenty of ‘Tiger traits’. He made his Talent League debut in 2024 on the back of Under 16 All-Australian honours, going on to play six times this year amid his Scotch College commitments. Armstrong also earned a Vic Country Under 18 call-up, showcasing his patented ability to hunt the ball at ground level and drive his legs forward. His versatility is notable, finding a base in midfield but proving just as prolific as a playmaking rebound defender.

Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 23/04/2008

One of the most freakishly talented players at the front-end of next year’s crop, Butler has plenty of upside. Naturally a forward, he’s a menace to deal with one-on-one with his speed, smarts, and goal sense. The Sandringham Dragons prospect has already made his Vic Metro Under 18 debut and kicked three goals in his maiden Talent League outing last year. He’s mercurial around the big sticks, but may also develop into a crafty midfielder.

Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Wing | 189cm | 06/01/2008

A new-age athlete moulding into a terrific footballer, Chapman played 18 games in the Eastern Ranges’ breakthrough Talent League premiership this year. The rangy 17-year-old established himself on the wing, where his bounding speed suited the outside. At 189cm, he has the potential to impact aerially and is an effective transitional player who helps transport the ball from end-to-end. Those kind of versatile link players are in high demand, and on pure traits, Chapman has the raw upside AFL recruiters will love.

Dougie Cochrane (Central District/South Australia)
Tall Utility | 196cm | 02/05/2008

An athletic, tall utility in Willem Duursma claimed our number one spot at this time last year, and history repeats with Cochrane this time around. The 196cm wunderkind is supremely gifted athletically, able to beat opponents off the mark and in the air. What’s better, he can get it done at both ends of the ground and has even been exposed to midfield. Cochrane made five SANFL League appearances this year and is the son of Stuart, who played 104 AFL games between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. His brother Tom is a rookie at Port, who recently added Dougie to its Indigenous Academy.

Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 25/07/2008

A leader among South Adelaide’s talented 2026 crop, Edwards throws himself at everything. He’s tough and clean at the contest, often putting his side on the front foot as a prolific clearance extractor. What’s more, Edwards also impacts the scoreboard. His power and dual-position threat make him an exciting talent, recognised by the South Australian state program given he was incredibly close to an Under 18 representative berth this year.

Jack Gordon (Central District/South Australia)
Defender/Midfielder | 184cm | 02/01/2008

A staple of the South Australian pathway, Gordon was overlooked for Under 18 squad selection this year but will likely be integral to next year’s group. He dominated at club level in 2025, averaging 22.7 disposals and 4.6 clearances at 76 per cent efficiency for Central District, stepping up in the absence of several star teammates who went on to be drafted. Gordon even turned out for two Reserves games and is a highly dependable type. In defence, he possesses, carries and distributes the ball with confidence – traits which translate well to his secondary role through midfield.

Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Ruck | 200cm | 01/11/2008

Arguably the most dominant bottom-age player in the SANFL Under 18 competition this year, Herbert put up big numbers in the ruck. Leaning on his craft and mobility, he averaged 17.9 disposals, 6.4 clearances, and 26.4 hitouts across 16 games for North Adelaide. His clean set of hands aided strong follow-up work and there is potential for the 200cm big man to develop his forward craft. He was only kept out of South Australia’s Under 18 side this year by All-Australian ruck Sam Ainsworth.

Archie Hill (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 182cm | 04/03/2008

A run-and-gun rebound defender set to extend the Suns Academy’s strong reputation of developing high-end talent. Hill was Gold Coast’s MVP at last year’s Under 16 championships and carried on to represent Queensland at Under 17 level this year, proving a standout along the way. His running ability is equal parts daring and relentless, complimented by efficient foot skills to drive the ball forward. He’s another who may end up relishing midfield opportunities.

Tate Hodgson (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Tall Defender | 193cm | 24/07/2008

Hodgson may be a relative unknown to most having missed his bottom-age season with stress fractures. The Northern Knights defender was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and went on to make his Talent League debut shortly after, playing 10 games. He was a train-on in Vic Metro’s Under 18 squad this year despite the injury, highlighting how highly rated he is. A sound interceptor with composure and clean foot skills, he’ll certainly be on the radar.

Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008

One of a few ultra-talented talls in the Northern Knights’ ranks, Houndsome was also part of the Vic Metro squad this year. Perhaps his greatest achievement was a best afield performance as Parade College took out its third consecutive Herald Sun Shield, impressing with his mobility and marking ability. At 199cm, Houndsome’s base is up forward but his reach and physical makeup lend to becoming a very handy secondary ruck.

Garrison Kenh (East Perth/Western Australia)
Defender | 182cm | 19/04/2008

A club-tied talent in the mix, Kenh is linked to West Coast via its Next Generation Academy. The East Perth product is a daring running defender capable of taking the game on with his speed and skills. Kenh’s athleticism also lends to intercept marking ability defiant of his 182cm standing, and he takes risks to flick the switch between defence and attack. He was among the standouts in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day.

Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Position Utility | 200cm | 16/10/2008

A player who well and truly suits the ‘unicorn’ moniker, Ladbrook offers enormous upside. He has played in just about every position this year, arguably looking most comfortable as a key defender but also swinging forward, pinch-hitting in the ruck, and even featuring on a wing. Ladbrook is a dynamic athlete who moves well for his size and joins in on the play like a mid-sized prospect. That kind of versatility is hard to come by, but so valuable.

Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 26/04/2008

Hailing from strong footballing pedigree, LeCras is the nephew of 2018 premiership Eagle Mark, and son of six-game former Roo Brent. He possesses similar goalkicking prowess to his uncle, while also presenting as a mobile marking target who takes the ball cleanly overhead. LeCras’ versatility has been explored with time on the wing where his aerial ability and raking left-foot kicking shine just as bright. He’ll be right up there among WA’s promising crop.

Wil Malady (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Another prospect out of the booming Gippsland region is Malady. The 190cm marking phenom is as dangerous as they come inside forward 50, able to soar for speccies or take the ball at the top of his reach on the lead. He kicks goals in bunches too, as proven by his haul of five in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day. Keen draft watchers will remember the athletic utility as the hero of Vic Country’s Under 16 title win via golden point in 2024.

Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy/NSW)
Defender/Midfielder | 185cm | 04/09/2008

Arguably the most bankable talent out of NSW/ACT for next year, Matthews operates with serious class. He’s a smooth moving outside runner who thrives on the wing or half-back flank, where he rotated in his Allies debut this year. Matthews has also been exposed to VFL level, where his efficient ball use and ability to connect the lines translated well. Expect his clean fundamentals to translate well with more midfield time as a top-ager in 2026.

Aidan McCartney (Swans Academy/NSW)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 04/11/2008

There have been several instances over the years of draft prospects tied to multiple clubs, perhaps none more unique than McCartney. His father, Jason played for three clubs, with 107 games at North Melbourne granting father-son eligibility. McCartney senior is also the GM of Football at GWS, with their Sydney residence putting Aidan in the Swans Academy. The 17-year-old is a developing tall forward who provides a mobile marking target. While raw and rangy, his athleticism is impressive and he can impact both in the air and when the ball hits the deck. There’s plenty of dynamism and upside.

Heath Mellody (Claremont/Western Australia)
Wing/Defender | 181cm | 27/07/2008

Mellody had plenty of people singing his praises with a sparkling end to the season. He was part of Claremont’s third consecutive Colts premiership and starred with a shift to half-back. Whether there or up on the wing, Mellody’s dual-footed kicking stands out along with his clever running patterns and positioning on the intercept. He only further stamped his credentials with an industrious display in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day.

Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 03/01/2008

One of the most stylish players in next year’s crop, Murray is an incredibly smooth mover and user of the ball. His foot skills and decision making have seen him develop as a chief distributor off half-back, though Murray is just as capable of holding his own on either side of midfield. The Lions Academy prospect broke through for an Allies debut and VFL berth this year, highlighting where he stands among another strong group of Queensland prospects.

Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward | 182cm | 26/03/2008

Collingwood fans will be asking what could have been, with Patterson’s father Stephen falling four games short of rendering Gabriel father-son eligible to the Magpies. The Glenelg livewire boasts explosive speed and a keen eye for goal, as proven by his seven-goal haul against eventual SANFL Under 18 grand finalist, West Adelaide. Patterson is a serious threat at the fall of the ball and can take a mile when given an inch, putting him up there with the best of 2026. He was part of South Australia’s undefeated Under 18 squad this year without playing a game.

Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

Boasting an envious goalkicking record, Pickett doesn’t need too many touches to make a massive impact. The high-marking forward is powerful on the lead and can beat opponents in the air before making good on his chances inside 50. Pickett kicked 31 goals in just eight Talent League games this year, including a high of seven. He’ll be the spearhead for Vic Country having already played two Under 18 games for the ‘Big V’ this year.

Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20/05/2008

Perhaps a prospect flying under the radar in terms of plaudits, Szerszyn has been afforded plenty of exposure as a bottom-ager. He has already established himself in the Vic Country side and played 13 times for Dandenong Stingrays this season, holding down an important role in defence. Whether locking down an opponent or intercepting, Szerszyn rebounds well and is capable of playing above his 188cm listing, posing a substantial aerial threat.

Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Standing at an imposing 202cm, Van Hattum is far more than just a hulking physical prospect. He is highly athletic for his size, capable of closing in hard on packs or standing up in them to mark overhead. The Northern Knights prospect covers good ground to complement his ruck craft and is capable of providing a target either down the line or up forward. He’ll be a handful to deal with next year alongside fellow Knights tall, Lewis Houndsome.

Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/Western Australia)
Ruck | 202cm | 17/09/2008

Another of the distinguished rucks to look forward to next year, van Rooyen will be looking to follow big brother Jacob into the AFL ranks. Projecting to have over 10cm of height over his elder sibling, the Claremont tall gets first access to the ball with his reach and developing craft. He held down Western Australia’s starting ruck role this year and has begun to develop his impact around the ground, as shown during Claremont’s run to a third-consecutive Colts flag.

Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Perhaps Cochrane’s closest rival in the pick one race at this early stage, Walker was tied to Richmond’s Next Generation Academy but has already nominated Carlton as his preferred destination via father-son eligibility. The son of Andrew is highly professional and hard-working, but also has the natural burst of speed and athleticism of his father. The back-end of his year proved just how good he can be as a high-accumulating midfielder rotates forward.

Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 176cm | 22/02/2008

Williams boasts plenty of talent but put his name out to a wider audience with his best on ground showing in the National Futures game. He’s tenacious and quick, capable of swooping on ground balls and accelerating out of traffic untouched. Williams’ classy ball use and outside run are also among his best traits, along with the versatility to play forward, back, on a wing, or through the middle. He can do it all and contributes going both ways.

>> MORE: 26 in 2026 | A look ahead to next year’s top prospects