FATHER-SON GUN

There is not much more Walker could possibly do to snatch that number one mantle. Even before pledging his allegiance to Carlton via father-son eligibility last year, the explosive midfielder has been a well known quantity. Like Cochrane, he set himself apart in the under-age bracket and continues to impress at all levels. This year, Walker has excelled with his performances for the Bendigo Pioneers, AFL Academy, and Carlton VFL. Having undertaken a senior preseason with the Blues, he hasn’t missed a beat and presents as a strong leader among his peers. On the field, he glides across the turf akin to his famous father, Andrew, and possesses a ravenous work rate. His ability to cover the ground and impact the scoreboard compliments a strong stoppage game, where Walker is always on his toes and able to bring the ball to the outside cleanly. He plays with minimal fuss and gets the job done every week. The scary thing is that he can still improve, particularly in the way of his ball use under pressure. He will co-captain Vic Country at the champs.

BEST AVAILABLE

With the consensus top two prospects both being club-tied, Van Hattum is the leading open pool candidate. A hulking and physically imposing ruckman, he is beginning to bear the fruits of continual exposure to the elite talent pathway. At 205cm, he holds his ground and stands tall in packs, but also possesses a remarkable leap and ridiculous speed for a player his size. Van Hattum’s blend of aggression and athleticism makes him the ideal modern day ruck/forward, capable of dominating at the centre ball-ups and contributing to the scoreboard. Some have him labelled as this year’s Cooper Duff-Tytler, though with a few extra centimetres of height and arguably more developed craft, he shapes as a player who could genuinely be that nailed-on ruckman at the top level. It seems as though Essendon and Richmond will battle it out for his services. A freakish fourth midfielder.

TALL TALENT TIME

There is often discourse surrounding ruckmen being drafted within the top five, but Herbert is beginning to press an undeniable case. He has well and truly outgrown the Under 18 level, putting up video game numbers at school and club level for the last two seasons. The North Adelaide big man has averaged 22 disposals, 20 hitouts, and seven clearances in five AAMI Talent League games this season, while also returning two strong performances for the National Academy. He was only kept out of South Australia’s starting team last year by the All-Australian ruck and has arguably been their best player throughout the trial period. Already a dominant ruck with great craft to access the ball with hits and direct clearances, Herbert has also been working on his forward craft – taking contested marks and kicking goals. He’s a mobile mover and has wonderful skills to boot.

THE AERIALIST

Snell has come with a rocket into top 10 calculations after an outstanding start to the year. He showed signs as a bottom-ager, being an athletic but very raw key position utility who could chime in at either end of the ground. Now, he is clearly the best key defender in the crop. Snell’s aerial prowess and unflappable intercept marking bears resemblance to Carlton draftee Harry Dean, whom he is effectively replacing in the Vic Country side. The 196cm talent reads the play beautifully and simply doesn’t fumble, whether that be in the air or at ground level. His athleticism allows him to peel off and get involved in transition too, showcasing neat fundamental skills and a level of composure. It’s hard to see him moving far from this spot if he maintains his form. He hails from strong sporting pedigree as the nephew of former Australian Opal Belinda Snell, and cousin of the Duursma clan.

THE DYNAMO

There has to be a ‘Butler’ pun out there, but this one lets his football do the talking. A flashy and mercurial forward half threat, Butler arguably has the talent to put himself in the conversation to be the top open pool player. He’s capable of winning games off his own boot with bunches of goals, but has more readily featured in midfield this year. At 182cm, he can explode out of stoppages and is a nightmare matchup one-on-one, capable of either beating his opponent aerially or sending them to the floor with a shimmy. Though, for all the highlights in his extensive reel, Butler can also be frustrating at times as he battles to find four-quarter consistency. Opposition players seem to target him too, and why not when he continues to excel at school, club, and representative level. Watch for him to take a couple of champs games by storm – he was clearly Metro’s best at Under 16 level.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

A star and embedded leader of the South Australian pathway for several years, Edwards will captain the Croweaters this year. He’s a genuine competitor who puts everything into the midfield battle, but can just as easily break games open when rotating deep forward. The South Adelaide product desperately extracts the ball from stoppages and has the power to explode out of congestion. It’s those kind of hallmarks which make him a difficult player to contain inside 50, where he consistently finds the goals and pops up with strong aerial efforts. Edwards can be scrappy with his ball use at times, but isn’t afraid to kick off both feet and carries the ball with impetus. Few can claim to beat him in terms of potential hurt factor, nor leadership qualities, which is why he features so highly.

POWER PACKET

Another of this year’s early bolters, Teixeira has long been bubbling away as a hot prospect. After a foot injury delayed his start to the season, he took little time to make an impact with explosive performances through midfield. He was a standout in the Vic Metro trials and has gone on to dominate at APS level with St Kevin’s, while performing each time he gets the chance for Sandringham. Teixeira possesses that eye-catching power out of a contest, able to burst away untouched and deliver the ball inside 50. He can also do damage as a forward and has habitually hit the scoreboard this year. The top five may await him with a strong National Championships campaign.

THE ALL-ROUNDER

Williams is the kind of player every teammate and coach would love to have in their side. Not only is he a terrific character and leader – set to co-captain Vic Country – but he is also a highly skilled and effective talent. The diminutive utility defies his size extraordinary tenacity, cracking in at the contest and refusing to be beaten. What’s more, he tackles hard and is a high-level prospect willing to defend. He is still working on becoming a nailed-on midfielder, but can impact games off a wing or half-back flank. There, Williams’ speed and precise foot skills shine. Having notched a best on ground medal in one of the two National Academy fixtures, as well as in last year’s Under 17 Futures match, he is primed for a big national carnival. On performance alone, there isn’t much to suggest Williams shouldn’t be in the top five conversation.

SHARP SKILLS

There is no sweeter melody than the sound of the ball thumping off this prospect’s boot, especially for his teammates. An elite ball user and decision maker on either side of his body, Mellody shapes as Western Australia’s top talent in 2026. The 17-year-old cut his teeth across the wing and half-back last year, breaking into the Sandgropers’ Under 18 side and helping Claremont take out a third-straight Colts flag. He continues to stand out at state level and is primed to strut his stuff on the big stage, only this time with more midfield exposure. Also a member of the National Academy, Mellody sets himself apart with his ability to chain together possessions and cover enormous ground with ball in hand. Few prospects suit transition football like he does.

GIANT STANDOUT

There hasn’t been much fanfare for Matthews but he is an absolute jet. The standout NSW/ACT talent has been tearing it up at Talent League level, averaging 35.3 disposals, 6.3 marks, 5.3 tackles, nine inside 50s and nearly three goals per game. It’s not just a case of him filling his boots, either. Matthews is a terrific runner capable of combining with teammates and connecting the lines with repeat possessions in single passages. He has a handy burst of speed and is wickedly efficient by hand and foot. What has brought Matthews’ game to another level is his ability to regularly hit the scoreboard, transitioning from an outside-leaning wing or half-back to a genuinely damaging midfielder. He shapes as a long-term project for the Giants, but has already played six VFL games and seems to be in a hurry. Alongside Queenslander Caylen Murray, he was one of just two bottom-agers to earn an Allies debut last year. If he can maintain his form at that level, there is no reason why he won’t belong here.

MR CONSISTENT

There is simply no denying Drever, who has won plenty of fans in 2026. Some may remember him as a late addition to last year’s National Futures match, but he has since established himself as a nailed-on inside midfielder for Greater Western Victoria. An ultra-consistent ball winner who thrives at the contest, Drever has averaged 29 disposals, 6.1 tackles and a goal per game for the Rebels this year, leading from the front as captain. Though, what has recruiters even more excited is his explosive athleticism, highlighted by a sub-three second 20m sprint time in preseason. So, not only does he have the size and clean hands to dominate at stoppage, but can also hurt the opposition with his turn of speed on the exit. Drever can continue to work on his foot skills under pressure, although has made a habit of slamming home long-range goals this year – at crucial times, no less.

THE UNKNOWN

We were only given a brief glimpse of what Pickett is capable of this year before a major knee injury cut his campaign short. Still, he booted a pair of goals in his single Talent League appearance and has enormous potential as a premium goalkicker. The strong-marking tall debuted for Vic Country last year and established himself as one of the crop’s most dangerous key forwards, slotting a sensational 31 goals in just eight games for the Falcons. He draws comparisons to Sydney star Charlie Curnow with his ability to excel in the air and kick goals in bunches, capable of winning games off his own boot. He only needs a few opportunities to do so. Pickett was part of the National Academy and spent time training with the Geelong Cats in preseason. One to keep in mind.

POCKET ROCKET

Having kicked bags of goals against all comers at Talent League level, El Souki’s great litmus test awaited at the National Championships. Unfortunately, the Western Bulldogs NGA prospect will miss out on representing Vic Metro due to an ankle injury, which ironically may be welcome news for the Bulldogs given just how well he’s tracking. The 175cm dynamo certainly knows how to find the goals, capable of converting from every which angle and method. He has booted 27 majors in eight games for Western, including two bags of six, while also averaging an impressive 19.4 disposals with spurts in the midfield. When he’s not scoring, El Souki is creatively setting up teammates with his punchy foot skills and loves to get stuck in with tackle pressure. He shapes as one of the draft’s most dangerous and well-rounded small forwards.

LEFT-FOOTED MARVEL

LeCras is a prime example of the whirlwind draft prospects go through during their top-age years. Fresh off realising the dream of making his WAFL League debut with West Perth, he suffered a partial ACL tear which could see him miss the remainder of the season. The tall utility is a natural forward with terrific aerial ability, complimented by a strong work rate and raking left-foot kick. He has also spent plenty of time up on the wing. Capable of pulling off freakish things when in range of goal, he has undoubtedly been learning plenty of craft from uncle Mark, who won the 2018 flag with West Coast. LeCras’ father Brent also spent two years on North Melbourne’s list.

THE NUKE

Possessing undeniably elite talent, Neocleous is a fan favourite among even the most casual draft watchers. Central to that are his swagger and smarts, with the 168cm maestro capable of finding the goals from anywhere and fully aware that he can do what many others only dream of. Neocleous made a steady start to the season but impressed once called up to the National Academy, a program which many believe he should have been part of in the first place. He has had to work incredibly hard to prove his midfield credentials, although looks most comfortable and effective up forward. As a high, roaming flanker he consistently finds pockets of space and can do damage with his foot skills. In tighter confines, his agility and clean hands impress alongside a level of toughness that defies his size. Then there’s his goal sense, the trait which catches the eye most.

SMOOTH MOVER

Chapman has all the makings of a modern day footballer and shapes as a real ‘cherry on top’ kind of draft selection. The game demands speed, versatility and skill, all of which Chapman has in abundance. His turn of foot often sees him escape congestion untouched, capable of bringing the ball to the outside where he can hit targets on the move. While not necessarily a contested beat at 189cm, Chapman has had plenty of exposure to the midfield this year having previously cut his teeth on the wing and flanks. He usually has little trouble finding the ball, averaging 23.7 disposals and 5.3 marks in seven outings for the Ranges this season, but can sometimes fade in and out of games. If he can show a bit of grit and carve up opposition sides at the champs, he has the tools to push his way further up the order.

THE BOLTER

Phillips stood out immediately as one of this year’s big improvers and has been exception in Dandenong’s midfield. A Vic Country representative at Under 16 level, he was relatively steady in terms of output as a bottom-ager last year but has made massive strides since. Phillips is as stylish as they come, possessing great running power with his blend of speed and combination work from end-to-end. He can clear a stoppage or link up on the outside, meaning he may well have his magnet switched between the centre ball-ups and wing for Vic Country. Rounding 0ut his game, Phillips kicks effectively off both feet and has made a habit of hitting the scoreboard, averaging 22.9 disposals, 5,1 inside 50s and a goal per game for Dandenong.

MARKING MACHINE

There may not be a single player more effective at performing his role than Harris. The hulking key defender is a prolific intercept marker, but just as readily shuts down opponents and does so with minimal fuss. He’s as brave as they come when flying for marks and is capable of plucking the ball at full stretch overhead, seldom fumbling. Much of that, and his ability to split contests at a minimum, is down to his competitiveness. Harris also reads the play well and is doing a wealth of work on his ball use, looking to refine his kicking out of defence. As it stands, he’s arguably among the top two genuine tall backs in this year’s crop. There is plenty of tall talent around the country, so how Harris fares against them at state level will be telling. If they engage physically or allow him to set and leap, good luck.

THE UNICORN

Seeing how a player like Zach Reid is coming on at AFL level, there should be high hopes for Ladbrook. At 201cm, he possesses immense upside in the way of athletic traits and footballing skills. While wiry and thin, the key position utility is quick off the mark and gets involved in transitional play out of defence, where he has arguably played his best football. Ladbrook uses the ball efficiently and with composure, but has recently been tested as a ruck-forward. At his best, he is very difficult to beat when extending at the ball overhead, using his sheer reach to reel in marks. Adding size and clunking more contested grabs will round Ladbrook’s game as a genuine tall, although is running capacity could well see him develop into a unique wingman at the top level.

MANIC PRESSURE

Few, if any players can match Patterson’s sheer hunt and aggression at the ball. The Glenelg speedster stood out in his two National Academy appearances with manic pressure and an unwavering desire to compete. He’s the type of forward-half player who makes opposition defenders panic, capable of running them down or making them look silly with ball in hand. Using his raw pace going both ways, Patterson has done his best work up forward but continues to develop his midfield craft. A seven-goal haul for the Bays put his name on the radar last year, although it should be familiar to Collingwood fans given his sister Violet plays for the women’s team, and father Stephen managed 96 games in black and white. Yes, he falls four games short of father-son eligibility.

GOALS IN BUNCHES

Malady is another extraordinarily talented player who is in the process of putting the pieces together more consistently. He has already proven to be a match-winner at representative level, winning Vic Country the Under 16 title with a golden point in 2024 and starring with five goals in last year’s National Futures match. He’s a marking phenom at 190cm, possessing eye-catching athleticism to jump on opponents’ backs or beat them on the lead. Importantly, he fulfils his ability to play tall by taking the ball at the top of his reach. Malady is also a prolific goalkicker, capable of scoring in bunches and not needing many opportunities to make an impact. He has shown improvement in the way of defensive pressure and all-round competitiveness this year, which will help him remain involved in games across four-quarters. At the moment it’s low-volume, high-damage.

CRASH AND BASH

Yet another prospect out of the booming Gippsland region, Templeton has shown great signs as captain of the Power this season. He is the type of player who can put his side on his back, lifting when the game requires it both up forward and in midfield. He has proven his ability to hit the scoreboard in a big way and is a difficult matchup deep inside 50. What’s more, Templeton loves to crash and bash his way through packs, capable of being that primary possession winner at stoppage. Averaging 17.3 disposals, 4.3 tackles and 1.6 goals per game in the Talent League, perhaps his best is yet to come this year and the champs are the perfect platform for that.

READYMADE

A highly credentialed junior who has had no trouble stepping up to senior level, Robinson could well be a Larke Medal contender. The 191cm midfielder has spent time running on-ball for South Fremantle’s League side, but will be keen to dominate there full-time as a leader among the West Australian group. The state’s Under 16 MVP in 2024, he idolises Fremantle great Nat Fyfe and is a member of the Dockers’ NGA. Robinson’s size, power and clean hands will put him in good stead to win plenty of ball across the champs, though he has also proven his ability to impact both forward and back with strong overhead marking. Akin to Dyson Sharp last year, speed and that outside game are the main queries regarding how Robinson will adjust to the top level, but his League average of 17.5 disposals across eight games suggests he’ll be just fine.

RUN AND GUN

Perhaps unlucky not to feature five to 10 spots higher on this list, Murray has found a strong vein of form. Having spent plenty of time operating off half-back and the wing, a shift on-ball has brought new life to his game. He has translated his ability to carve up the opposition in all thirds of the ground, linking up with dangerous combination play and consistently putting speed on the ball. Murray is strong overhead and quick across the ground, but also possesses incisive foot skills and can slam home long-range goals. He was one of just two bottom-agers to feature for the Allies last year and comes into his top-age champs with plenty of momentum, averaging 22 disposals, 4.4 marks, and 5.1 inside 50s per his handful of Talent League games. He also had 17 touches and a goal at VFL level last week.

RUNNING MACHINE

The absolute standout prospect out of Tasmania this year, McCallum has cruelly had his campaign ended by an untimely ACL tear. He had been building up a real head of steam at Talent League level, averaging 22.9 disposals, 8.3 marks, and 1.3 goals per his seven games. A natural outside runner, McCallum drifts into both the attacking and defensive arcs to support his side’s ball movement. He pops up several times in single passages, leaving you scratching your head as to just how he covers so much ground. McCallum may be lightly built but competes well overhead and is willing to tackle. Still, his top trait is his running power and ability to accumulate while shifting the ball from end-to-end. He’s a transitional weapon who recruiters cannot afford to forget despite being out of sight, out of mind for the rest of the year.

NEED FOR STEED

Steed has pressed his case with somewhat of a chip on his shoulder since missing out on last year’s state winter squad. The combative midfielder-forward has established himself in Swan Districts’ League side this year, playing seven games for six goals and an average of 13.3 disposals. While he has mostly thrived as a high forward at that level, Steed is likely to get an extended run on-ball for Western Australia. He fights for possession, tackles hard, and has a wicked turn of foot to escape congestion. Clubs will love his competitiveness and ability to take the moment on. Could be a big riser in the back-end of the year given what he has shown already.

AERIAL PRESENCE

It has been somewhat of a stop-start campaign for Houndsome, who came into the year with big wraps. The imposing ruck-forward will have to find his feet quickly as he dives into representative football with little runway, coming off broken ribs and a punctured lung sustained while representing the National Academy. At his best, he’s a big-game player who brings serious presence. Houndsome is a physical competitor capable of standing tall in packs and clunking strong overhead marks. He stepped up to take Northern’s primary ruck mantle in the absence of Van Hattum, but hasn’t made a Talent League appearance since Round 3. He’ll only need a strong performance to remind onlookers of his first round credentials, but a consistent National Championships will be key to following through on his potential.

GALE FORCE RISE

Another West Australian making his way up the rankings, Gale has come on strongly in 2026. While not blessed with natural leg speed, he possesses terrific running power which has served him well in roles across half-back and the wing. At 190cm, he has become a strong ball winner on the inside who distributes confidently by foot and knows how to get into all the right spots. Part of Claremont’s premiership Colts side last year, Gale has dominated WA’s state trials and even popped up with the winning goal in last month’s clash against the WAFL U20s. He does damage on the way forward and should have plenty of opportunity to carry the ball, but the big test will come at champs level. One to watch.

ALL THE TOOLS

Gayfer has made a name for himself lately, grabbing headlines with a huge speccy to compliment his several bags of goals in the Talent League. At 194cm, he’s an aggressive and physical key forward who remains involved once the ball hits the deck, capable of applying tackle pressure or prising addition shots on goal. As a more conventional lead-up type, he can continue to work on sticking his overhead marks, but has proven his ability to fly high. In seven games for the Knights this year, Gayfer has booted 18 goals including a haul of six in Round 7. He certainly has all the tools to be a bolter among the key position crop, so putting them together on the big stage would do wonders.