In an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month.

Clubs narrowed down their interests last week and the list of 80 players nominated to take part in the National Combine testing was announced Monday.

80 PLAYERS INVITED TO THE 2016 AFL DRAFT COMBINE

The combine invites give an idea as to clubs’ thoughts on where players stand- however it’s worth noting that 16 players were left undrafted despite being nominated for the National Combine last year.

Victorian school football concluded on the weekend & the recruiters dream Victorian schoolboy match takes place on Saturday out at Marcellin College.

August can be a make or break month for some players, with sides on the fringes of finals.

You can read Matt Balmer‘s July edition of his Power Rankings here:

This list is purely how Matt rates the players at this current point of time and is not a mock draft. 

#1 Hugh McCluggage
Balanced Midfielder (North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country)
03/03/1998 | 185cm | 75kg
Previous Ranking: #2

Scouting notes: Appears like Scott Pendlebury in traffic, making everything appear in slow motion. Clears the ball with ease via quick hands or off his preferred right boot. A few people questioning his contested ball winning abilities, but averaged 20 disposals in the Under 18 Championships (43% contested). Been told his contested possession numbers are very similar at TAC Cup level. Another real positive is he can also hit the scoreboard, with 17 goals in the TAC Cup this season.

Last month: McCluggage is averaging 30 plus disposals in the last month for the North Ballarat Rebels. Has also been their best in the last three matches, capping it off with 37 disposals against the Pioneers yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egRw_DErBjQ

#2 Jack Bowes
Balanced Midfielder (Cairns/Queensland)
26/01/1998 | 187cm | 78kg
Previous Ranking: #1

Scouting notes: Silky smooth midfielder who doesn’t waste too many of his disposals. Moves well through traffic, willing to pump the ball long inside 50. Was a slow starter for the Allies but got better with each game in Division One. Gold Coast academy member.

Last month: Bowes has slotted in for three NEAFL games for the Suns. Bowes booted three goals, but only had 12 disposals on the weekend. Earlier in July, Bowes had 24 disposals and four clearances in their big 124-point loss to Sydney, following on from his 19 disposals and seven clearance game against Brisbane Lions. Just because he is not playing TAC Cup does not mean clubs will not have their eye on him, still a chance to warrant a top three bid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSYpu6-R1ec

#3 Will Brodie
Inside Midfielder (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
23/08/1998 | 189cm | 82kg
Previous ranking: #3

Scouting notes: Strong inside midfielder, one of the best clearance players in the draft. Goes in hard at the ball, can’t see him being anything less than a 200 game AFL footballer. Real professional, could step into an AFL team in Round One next season. Kicking has improved from earlier in the season.

Last month: Suffered a shoulder injury for the Murray Bushrangers against North Ballarat Rebels finishing with 14 disposals. He played for his school Scotch College on the weekend and will be back for the Bushrangers in a fortnight against Dandenong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3vB_ILx2mI

#4 Harry Perryman
Outside Midfielder (Collingullie-GP/NSW-ACT)
19/12/1998 | 184cm | 75kg
Previous ranking: #4

Scouting notes: Good decision maker, reads the play well. Didn’t look out of place off the half back flank throughout the championships. Kicks on both feet, ideally will transition into the midfield. Lacks speed that some of the other midfielders have. GWS Academy member.

Last month: 10 disposals in his only appearance for GWS in the NEAFL this year in early July, before returning to local senior football for Collingullie-GP. Perryman booted two goals on the weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5KLH4Dsj3M

#5 Andrew McGrath
Small Defender/Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
02/06/1998 | 179cm | 74kg
Previous ranking: #7

Scouting notes: Exciting rebounder from defence. Agile runner with an elite athletics background. Not afraid to take the game on- with that comes his kicking which can be shaky at stages when he tries to break the game open. Can win his own ball on the inside too. Depth of kicking over 50m a question mark, but McGrath gives you 10m in run and a 40m kick to your advantage. Excellent leadership skills.

Last month: Has returned to school football for Brighton Grammar, who won the APS school football premiership. McGrath was superb in the mud & rain against Haileybury, kicking two vital goals. Has pushed forward and been a tough match up for schools out of the goal square. Almost any position you couldn’t throw him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NxShoj5UZ4

#6 Sam Petrevski-Seton
Balanced Midfielder (Claremont/Western Australia)
19/02/1998 | 181cm | 76kg
Previous Ranking: #5

Scouting notes: Exciting midfielder who has the ability to use either side of his body. Looked a touch underdone in the championships returning from hamstring issues. Not a noted huge disposal winner, but does have x-factor about him. Isn’t a midfielder that hits the scoreboard with just one goal for Claremont this season.

Last month: Has returned to WA Colts level and dominated averaging 28 disposals. Hoping he can push into the reserves or even the league team over the next few weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd4OZj3STMc

#7 Todd Marshall
Key Position Forward (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
08/10/1998 | 198cm | 87kg
Previous ranking: 6

Scouting notes: Athletic tall that has a strong pair of dukes. Still a bit raw after only returning to AFL after two winters in the UK playing cricket. Set shot goalkicking routine needs some work to stop him hooking the ball across his leg.

Last month: Returned to the Murray Bushrangers after a solid Under 18s National Championships with the Allies. Was concussed in their game against North Ballarat, but booted three goals against both Western Jets and Sandringham Dragons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7PngN1k7EQ

#8 Jack Scrimshaw
Medium Defender (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
04/09/1998 | 193cm, 77kg
Previous ranking: 11

Scouting notes: Hybrid defender that is better playing small than tall. Nice long left boot, where he looks best at home across the half back flank. At stages has pushed onto a wing, which might be his finishing position thanks to a strong disposal efficiency. Has had multiple injuries in the last 18 months so will need to stay fit for the rest of the season to show clubs he’s over them.

Last month: Scrimshaw made his TAC Cup debut with 27 disposals and nine marks. Weaved through traffic but had a few bad clangers in the defensive half. Has been okay at school footy level for Haileybury, but struggle in the wet a few weeks ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKW0ueuWVTM

#9 Harrison Macreadie
Key Position Defender (Henty/NSW-ACT)
11/04/1998 | 196cm | 89kg
Previous Ranking: #9

Scouting notes: Tall Defender that has the ability to push further up the ground. Strong rebounder, intercept marks was his strengths in 2015- but have been scarce in 2016.

Last month: Returned to the GWS NEAFL team this month, averaging 13 disposals and four marks. His best game came against Sydney Swans reserves where he had 19 disposals and six months. Looks like he’s beginning to work back into his 2016 form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzj0audEs8g

#10 Tim English
Ruckman (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
10/08/1997 | 203cm | 86kg
Previous ranking: 14

Scouting notes: Tall ruckman who uses his strong leap in the ruck contests. Only averaged 13 disposals through the championships, but showed plenty with his ability to find and dispose of the ball well off his right boot. Could mount a case that his kicking is better than some of the midfielders in the draft. May warrant a Top five bid on draft night.

Last month: Continues to find the football at Colts level with two huge games of 19 disposals & nine marks, as well as a 24 disposal and 11 mark game on the weekend. Also averaging 21 hit outs per Colts game. Snuck into South Fremantle’s reserves and did not look out of place with 16 disposals and 31 hitouts a fortnight ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9UBcgRKTXk

#11 Ben Ainsworth
Small Forward (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
10/02/1998 | 179cm | 74kg
Previous ranking: #10

Scouting notes: Strong overhead mark and has the ability to change a game in 10 minutes. An interupted season with injury and suspension, but has had more midfield time in recent months. Damaging inside 50 but can be a bit goal hungry at stages. Does a small forward warrent a Top 10 pick?

Last month: Collected 18 disposals against Sandringham, playing off half back before being thrown forward in the last. Has had more than 20 disposals in both games the last fortnight, spending more time through the midfield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGUygZEhxWc

#12 Tim Taranto
Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
28/01/1998 | 186cm | 82kg
Previous ranking: 16

Scouting notes: Athletic forward that can play through the midfield. Very good in traffic, helped by his basketball background. Willing to give the ball off to teammates in better positions. Strong overhead mark means he has the ability to play deeper inside 50, where he has plenty of smarts and can hit the scoreboard.

Last month: Was one of Sandringham’s best against Gippsland recently with 24 disposals and two goals. Taranto was everywhere that day and worked hard up and down the ground. Has been superb at school football for St Kevin’s with over 20 goals this season. He was outstanding on the weekend against the premiership winning team Brighton Grammar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCTd1b2XxIY

#13 Josh Rotham
Medium Defender (West Perth/Western Australia)
25/02/1998 | 192cm | 79kg
Previous ranking: #12

Scouting notes: Hybrid defender who has played both tall and small this season. Against VFL opposition was undersized playing key back, but looked best in the championships further up the ground. Strong mark who got better as the championships went on.

Last month: Two games in the West Perth reserves has seen him collect 29 disposals and seven marks. Appears Rotham has adapted well in his first two games not at Colts level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ke_C3Xqzs

#14 Patrick Kerr
Key Position Forward (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
31/07/1998 | 194cm | 93kg
Previous ranking: 21

Scouting notes: Strong overhead mark, who has worked on his mobility at ground level. Speed over first 10 metres is one of the best out of all the key forwards and gets distance between himself and defenders. When he’s on, he’s hard to stop.

Last month: Led up well to the ball kicking two goals against Dandenong. Ended as the leading goal kicker in APS School football with 37 goals. Played one of the best games I have seen from him on the weekend, taking plenty of marks and having the ability to read the play when dropping back in defence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJQYJnRhLSI

#15 Brad Scheer
Inside Midfielder (Palm Beach/Queensland)
31/08/1998 | 184cm | 83kg
Previous ranking: #13

Scouting notes: Tough inside midfielder who just gets the job done with plenty of clearances. His strong contested work is his strength and he won the Allies the match with a snap deep in the pocket (Video can be found here). Good runner around the ground, probably a late first round or second round bid for the Gold Coast academy member.

Last month: Has played three games at NEAFL level with Gold Coast with two big games against Brisbane and Sydney’s NEAFL teams. Scheer had 24 disposals against Brisbane before being one of the Suns’ best against Brisbane with 27 disposals and six tackles. Was quieter on the weekend with 18 disposals, but overall is playing well at NEAFL level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJR9tbtLSgQ

#16 Will Setterfield
Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/NSW-ACT)
05/02/1998 | 190cm | 79kg
Previous ranking: #15

Scouting notes: Tall midfielder who is still finding his feet as to where he best plays his football. Was down on form in the championships, carrying a foot niggle. Can play in multiple positions, but looks best forward of centre.

Last month: Injuries have kept Setterfield out for the last month, but he should be good to go in the Sandringham Dragons’ game against Oakleigh Chargers in a fortnight’s time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eX0mg8VxPw

#17 Jy Simpkin
Small Forward (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
05/03/1998 | 182cm | 72kg
Previous ranking: #17

Scouting notes: Crafty small forward who burst onto the scene with seven goals in six Under 18 championship games in 2015. Knows where the goals are- but does he become a full time mid? Broke his leg at school football earlier in the season.

Last month: N/A- Recovering from a second surgery on his leg due to an infection. Hoping to be back for the national combine in October.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsOOm_R3Xec

#18 Alex Villis
Outside Midfielder (Norwood/South Australia)
20/08/1998 | 182cm | 70kg
Previous ranking: 19

Scouting notes: Clean kick on either sides of his body. Smart footballer who knows when to pull the kick short or go long. Decision making is outstanding and has held his own at SANFL senior level.

Last month: A superb 30 disposal & seven mark effort in the Norwood reserves earned him a call up to the Norwood seniors. Unfortunately, Villis suffered a leg injury in the opening half for Norwood and his day finished with four disposals. Should be back soon.

#19 Josh Battle
General Forward (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
01/09/1998 | 192cm | 90kg
Previous ranking: #9

Scouting notes: Superb footy IQ and a great endurance base helps him get up the ground. Has the ability to change a game quickly with bursts of goals. Set shot routine is great and he’ll kick the ball through whether he’s 20m or 50m out. Solid mark overhead, but unlikely to play as the number one tall at AFL level. Year 11 boy too, so will need to complete school next year.

Last month: Kicked two goals against Oakleigh to start the month, but didn’t have the presence his opposite number Patrick Kerr did. Tough going in the wet for Haileybury a few weeks ago, but looked best in the ruck and around the contest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBfSLEFxEjw

#20 Daniel Venables
General Forward/Inside Midfielder (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
19/11/1998 | 185cm | 76kg
Previous ranking: #18

Scouting notes: Aggressive midfielder who can break through opposition tackles. Powerful burst from a stoppage and can hit the scoreboard. Yet to see a full complete game from him, as he’ll flash in and out of games.

Last month: Looked to be sick against Eastern, where he had just seven disposals. Has played across half back for PEGS in the last two school football matches but looked his most damaging when he moved into the midfield in the last quarters. Would have been a miracle goal if he nailed on the run on the siren in the AGSV Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ki84p-pAkg

#21 Zachary Sproule
Key Position Forward (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
12/05/1998 | 197cm | 87kg
Previous ranking: #22

Scouting notes: Key Position Forward who can get up the ground on long leads thanks to a good endurance base. Agile inside 50, but more of your true leading centre half forward. Takes most of his marks outside 50, but kicked 13 goals in the Division One & Two carnivals combined.

Last month: Slotted in for a game in the GWS Giants reserves, with six marks and a goal before returning to TAC Cup level. Sproule has had outstanding numbers the last two weeks, playing much further up the ground and finding more of the football but hasn’t hit the scoreboard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hBxMXWgOrY

#22 Griffin Logue
Key Position Defender (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
13/04/1998 | 193cm | 92kg
Previous ranking: 24

Scouting notes: Strong lockdown defender who doesn’t lose too many one-on-ones. Rowing background at school has helped his physic, with a strong upper body enabling to outmuscle his opponents. Pinch hit in the ruck in the final match for WA and kicks the ball well off his left foot.

Last month: Has played two games in the WAFL seniors for Swan Districts, averaging 12 disposals and five marks. Fits in well with his strong body against the bigger opponents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x1M1jJKyvg

#23 Kobe Mutch
Balanced Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers/NSW-ACT)
18/03/1998 | 184cm | 75kg
Previous ranking: #20

Scouting notes: A balanced midfielder who has improved his contested possession work this season. Mutch has gone from an outside midfielder, to one that has spent a lot more time on the inside. By the numbers his season has been superb, but he needs to work on his hurt factor with disposal. Kicks well on both feet. GWS Academy member

Last month: Made his GWS Giants NEAFL debut in early July with 14 disposals and six marks. Mutch continued to find the football with 29 disposals against Oakleigh, but his kicking efficiency was down on his usual output with the poor weather playing a part. Mutch was a late out for the Pioneers on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf3QVh1j9sU

#24 Jonty Scharenberg
Inside Midfielder (Glenelg/South Australia)
28/08/1998 | 185cm | 78kg
Previous ranking: #23

Scouting notes: Inside midfielder who is the brother of Collingwood’s Matt. Scharenberg works hard at the stoppages, with his best asset his ability to free his arms when tackled to dish the ball off to a teammate. Champion Data rate Scharenberg as an elite clearance and tackling midfielder. Doesn’t have a great deal of speed, but often elects to pass the ball off to a teammate rather than trying to burst away from the stoppage.

Last month: Begun July in the SANFL reserves, racking up 26 disposals and four clearances. Scharenberg was then promoted to the seniors getting better with each game, averaging 11 disposals per game.

#25 Oliver Florent
Outside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
22/07/1998 | 183cm | 74kg
Previous ranking: N/A

Scouting notes: Exciting half forward/outside midfielder. In his usual eye catching orange boots, Florent has playing of X-Factor around the ball inside 50. Liked his work last year for Sandringham and has continued that into this season. Outside midfielder who is a capable overhead mark. A good kick around the ground, but does have the ability to shank the odd kick on the run.

Last month: Was exciting against Gippsland Power with 21 disposals and 12 marks. An okay game for Mentone Grammar in the middle before concluding the month with a solid match on the weekend against Murray Bushrangers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE-4GokG01U

With the season coming to a close, expect some big names to put their hand up.

Remember to check out our YouTube account for vision on the draftees.

Here are a few names to keep an eye on over the next month: 

Lachlan Murphy (Vic Metro), Zac Fisher (Western Australia), Callan Wellings (Vic Country), Harry Morrison (Vic Country) and Jake Pitman (South Australia).

As always, if you have any questions or want to know more, send me a tweet @MattBalmer7.