THE ULTIMATE COMPETITOR

Tough, relentless, uncompromising. George Wardlaw is our number one in June and for good reason. The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder has a knack for standing up on the big stage and did so in May’s AFL Academy showcase, taking home the MCC President’s Medal as best afield. What makes him the ultimate team player is his attack on the ball, work rate, and two-way effort, but Wardlaw has added some serious weapons to his well-rounded game in 2022. Having cut his teeth as an inside type, the 17-year-old’s explosive athleticism makes him hard to stop among his peers, and he has developed a wickedly penetrative kick to go with clean overhead marking. Those traits combined, he can hurt the opposition while endeavouring to help others shine.

JULY RANKING: #1

LAST MONTH:

Wardlaw is finally bumped down to second spot by Ashcroft, but will soon have the chance to respond. A hamstring injury has seen him sidelined during championships season, and the Oakleigh onballer has been earmarked for a return on the weekend of August 13.

SMARTS AND SKILL

One of the more naturally skilful footballers in this year’s draft class, Sheezel has built on his bottom-age promise to break through as a genuine top 10 prospect. Another talent out of the Sandringham Dragons, he is tied to the region full-time alongside Ashcroft and has made good on the opportunity this year. While proven in his goalkicking ability, Sheezel has also staked his claim as a rotating midfielder with wicked foot skills, and has clear upside as a player who can win games off his own boot.

JULY RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

While a touch quieter in his final couple of matches for Vic Metro, Sheezel showed glimpses of his class among the star-studded side and again proved his match winning ability upon returning to NAB League duties. His 20 disposals and four goals against the Geelong Falcons made for another best afield outing. Up to number three he goes.

TOP TRAITS GALORE

A midfielder whose range of traits is truly enviable, Clark can just about do it all. The Geelong Falcons and Vic Country captain is competitive at the coalface but also has the running capacity to rack up possessions around the ground, and the overhead marking ability to play slightly above his 181cm frame. Capping off his well-rounded game, Clark makes good decisions and can kick off both feet, making him an effective user of the ball who keeps it simple when attacking. Though not as quick or flashy as others in this range, there are very few weaknesses to exploit.

JULY RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Consistent as ever, Jhye Clark just continues to do Jhye Clark things. Having rounded out a top national carnival as skipper of Vic Country, he has since been arguably Geelong’s best afield in his last two NAB League appearances. He notched 31 touches in a loss to Sandringham, before booting two goals from 27 in another defeat, this time to Western. He hardly wavers, and earns a berth at number four – safe as houses in the top five.

FLEET OF FOOT

Plenty of top-end prospects are labelled ‘jets’, and Tsatas is one who embodies that moniker on-field. The Oakleigh Chargers speedster is an athletic type at 186cm, able to seriously hurt the opposition with his line-breaking runs and elite delivery by foot. Given his outside tendencies, Tsatas has mostly featured on the wing at NAB League level, but really catches the eye when rotating through the centre bounces with his ability to break away cleanly and hit targets at full tilt. Coming into the year, he was one of three Victorian midfielders in the mix for pick one, and has pressed his claims with terrific numbers before a recent injury setback.

JULY RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Like Wardlaw, Tsatas’ return date is fast approaching and he will undoubtedly be keen to serve a swift reminder of his talent. With a foot fracture just about behind him, the Wesley College and Oakleigh Chargers gun now has a late-season opportunity to really push high into that top five. He only gets bumped down because of the greatness of others – it could prove momentary.

COMPOSED AND COMPLETE

While he presents as a raw and rangy talent on face value, Busslinger is one of the more accomplished talls in this year’s crop. In fact, he leads the key position department in our eyes. The East Perth prospect recently broke through for his WAFL League debut after undeniable Colts form, looking a level above his peers credit to terrific reading of the play and polished use of the ball for a player his size. His distribution and composure are standout traits which add to his ability to intercept or lock down opposition forwards, making him a clear choice as the top key defender this year.

JULY RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Busslinger really hit his straps in Western Australia’s second championships game, against the Allies, before opting to head in for season-ending shoulder surgery. Though he hardly got a chance to prove his worth against the nation’s best key forwards, he is clear as the best tall defender and could well be the first player picked over 195cm.

UNDER THE RADAR

The first club-tied player in our top 25, Mackenzie is one who has slipped under the radar among stacked sides, but has proven to be a genuine talent in his own right. The St Kilda Next-Generation Academy member will unlikely end up at the Saints, given how prolific he has been this year at NAB League, APS, and representative level. Mackenzie has a terrific turn of speed and breaks away from stoppages with class, while also proving capable of rotating forward and making good decisions with his elite disposal on the attack.

JULY RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

A successful, albeit underrated national championships campaign saw Mackenzie end up averaging 26 disposals for Vic Metro with a high of 28 in game one, against Western Australia. The consistent and reliable midfielder looks a locked-on top 10 candidate for those reasons, but has the traits which set him apart nicely for a prospect in that range.

VICE-LIKE HANDS

One of the more prominent lead-up forwards in a draft once thought to be rich with promising talls, Cadman has proven undeniable as a genuine first round candidate this year. He got some good bottom-age experience under his belt in 2021 but has excelled as Greater Western Victoria’s spearhead in 2022, earning a call-up to the AFL Academy on the back of terrific NAB League form. With vice-like hands on the lead and strong presence in attack, he is somewhat similar to fellow left-footed forward Jye Amiss – with arguably more dynamism, but consistency to be ironed out on his set shot conversion.

JULY RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Cadman just keeps kicking goals. In wet conditions and against opponents who gave him a good challenge aerially, the Rebels spearhead booted five upon returning to the NAB League. As one of his side’s best once again, he ran into some of his former goalkicking woes with 2.5 against Eastern Ranges on Saturday, but had a team-high 23 disposals and six marks. He knows how to get it done, and has now proven he can consistently find different avenues to goal.

THE LEAN MARKING MACHINE

A skinny tall forward who proves proficient in the air, Jefferson is one of the key position players with the most upside in this year’s group. Though his production isn’t as high as others just yet, the 18-year-old is mobile at 195cm and offers great range with his lanky frame. Already a clean marker of the ball, he has some filling out to do and while he can play at both ends of the ground, looks a likely type up forward.

JULY RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

His final National Championship appearances may not have yielded the seven goals of game one, but Jefferson worked well in tandem with Nate Caddy as dangerous marking targets in Vic Metro’s forwardline. Wesley College lost, then had a bye in the latest rounds of APS football, but there will be plenty more opportunity for Jefferson to really confirm his top 10 candidacy.

THE MID-FORWARD HYBRID

Perhaps a ranking initially made on upside, Phillipou has made good on the hype in 2022. He is one of the more exciting talents coming out of South Australia this year, and arguably the best, with plenty of scope for improvement. The Woodville-West Torrens midfielder-forward is wonderfully athletic at 192cm, able to impact aerially and proving dextrous with his ability to win the ball on both sides of midfield. Capping off his game, he can hit the scoreboard as a forward and has done so consistently as a real beacon of hope for the Eagles’ Under 18 side. So much so, he has even stepped up to Reserves level.

JULY RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

It was a less than ideal National Championships run for South Australia and by the end of it, that would have been felt by Phillipou. After an electric start against Vic Metro, he was hampered by a lower back injury and forced to spend more time up forward, before starting out on the wing against Western Australia. At his best, he was the Croweaters’ most damaging player and could have made a better run for MVP honours. Still, he looks his state’s best prospect and could tempt a club like Adelaide early on in the draft.

SPEED AND ENDURANCE

A player with traits AFL recruiters will love, Hewett came into the year as one of Western Australia’s top talents. He remains right in the top 10 mix after starting out his season in Swan Districts’ senior side, displaying his speed-endurance combination on both sides of midfield. While well built and bull-like on the inside against his peers, Hewett has also leant on his high-level running capacity to provide some outside drive this season, and prove his balance in the engine room. He’s a real leader among the Black Ducks’ Under 18 setup.

JULY RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

After what was an incredible game one, Hewett’s representative campaign did not go exactly to plan as he turned in much quieter performances against the Allies, Vic Country, and South Australia. Although, helping his side over the line in game four would have been a buzz, and Hewett returned to the WAFL grades with authority on the weekend. He notched a game-high 31 disposals, six inside 50s and one goal in Swan Districts’ three-point Reserves win – his first outing at the level this season. Still, he gets bumped down the pecking order and out of the top 10.

THE WORKHORSE

A clean inside midfielder who is described as an animal on the training track, Szybkowski has worked hard to get the best out of himself this season. The Dandenong Stingrays and Caulfield Grammar standout is a beast at the stoppages and looks like one of the best exponents of the handball in this year’s crop. He links well with others and can rack up plenty of the ball himself, putting his side on the front foot as the source of many a stoppage exit. Able to make others shine by doing the hard yards, Szybkowski is the type of player who sets standards.

JULY RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

It is always hard to drop such a reliable performer and Szybkowski continues to do very little wrong in each level he plays. He rounded out a strong representative leg with Vic Country, and has since featured among Caulfield Grammar’s best players across the last fortnight – the formidable school side remains undefeated at 8-0. He moves down just one spot, to #12, as others rise around him.

POWER PERSONIFIED

George is a player with serious power and the ability to produce mercurial plays inside attacking 50, making him a first round candidate who could well press his claims for the top 10. He cut his teeth as a medium forward across five NAB League games last year, and has essentially done the same in 2022 despite claims for some midfield rotation. At 185cm, he presents as a slightly taller target with his explosive athleticism and clean hands overhead, but can make defenders look silly at ground level with his goal sense. Able to convert from all angles and distances, the Murray Bushrangers talent could follow a similar path to Josh Rachele this year.

JULY RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

A knee injury has seen George spend an extended amount of time on the sidelines in 2022. His last appearance came back in late-May, when the Murray Bushrangers went down to Gippsland.

SKY IS THE LIMIT

A talented athlete with one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft class, Keeler has long been a prospect under the eyes of those at the top level. Compounding that fact is his link to the Adelaide Crows as a Next Generation Academy member, though they will unlikely be able to secure his services outside of the top 40. After overcoming some inconsistency early in his top-age campaign, the mobile ruck-forward has delivered on the promise he showed as an under-ager to truly prove himself as a genuine first round talent, and one of the best out of South Australia. There are not many ruck-forwards as versatile, athletic, and gifted as he is.

JULY RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Keeler was one who massively boosted his stocks during the National Championships, putting together the pieces of his raw talent. Though there is still a long way to go for the dynamic tall prospect, he could have done little more as an ominous option inside attacking 50 for South Australia. He looked particularly impressive when teaming up with bottom-ager Ashton Moir.

FUNDAMENTAL FOOTBALLER

A unique talent at 194cm, Hustwaite has enjoyed a growth spurt over the last few years to translate his usual midfield game to defence. He cut his teeth down back as a bottom-ager last year, and did so again early in 2022 before taking on more ball winning responsibility as Dandenong’s APS kids shifted out of the NAB League. The 17-year-old was also a call-up for the AFL Academy, leaning on his versatility to showcase the clean hands and composed decision making he is lauded for. In that game, he played against his elder brother Campbell – captain of Collingwood VFL.

JULY RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Hustwaite enjoyed a good run in Vic Country’s midfield as the National Championships unfolded and continued to take on that role upon returning to the Stingrays setup. In his sole NAB League outing in July, Hustwaite was Dandenong’s top ball winner with 29 disposals and nine clearances as he pushes into that #15 position.

THE POWERHOUSE

We all love a bolter, and Ginbey looms as one of the big ones in this year’s first round. Recruiters were intuited early this season by an explosive athlete out of East Perth who earned a berth in the Royals’ League side, and he pulled everyone else over upon entering Western Australia’s state Under 18 setup. Able to play across half-back or in midfield, Ginbey is a powerful unit who thrives in contested siturations and brings others into the game with his clean distribution by hand. He is much scrappier by foot, but has the strong frame and work rate to dominate as an inside midfielder.

JULY RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Ginbey’s rise into first round contention was capped off by taking out Western Australia’s MVP award. The midfielder was rewarded for a consistent national carnival, where he took hold of the Black Ducks’ on-ball brigade and kept them competitive throughout a tough four games. His level of competitiveness and obvious AFL attributes have put him right into the top 20 mix at this stage, with some school and WAFL footy to come.

THE RUNNING MACHINE

The name may be recognisable, but Hollands is blazing his own trail as a draft prospect this year. He is the son of Ben and brother of Elijah, though projects as a slightly different player to his elder sibling. At 184cm, the Murray Bushrangers product possesses a wicked step through traffic and loves racking up the ball in midfield, but can just as easily transfer his driving style of play to the outside. He has also been made to prove his versatility of late, making the step up to represent Vic Country and the AFL Academy.

JULY RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

It has been a good month or so for the Hollands family, and Ollie has played no small part in that. Amid dreadful conditions in Geelong, he was best afield as Vic Country took care of Western Australia – solidifying his status as a potential first-rounder. Hollands has been among Geelong Grammar’s two best players in its last couple of APS games, continuing that strong vein of form out of the representative leg of his season.

BRUTE FORCE

Captain fantastic for the undefeated Gippsland Power, Humphrey may be a prospect flying under the radar of most – not for long. The brutish midfielder-forward impacts on every game he plays, burrowing from inside to the outer with his powerful frame and appetite for the contest. He has worked on his ability to impact up forward and with 15 goals in seven NAB League outings this year, Humphrey has proven to be more than just a hardened ball winner. His competitiveness is a big tick, and flies at the forefront of an impactful all-round game.

JULY RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Having missed Vic Country’s three games thus far due to an untimely injury, Humphrey came back with a vengeance via the NAB League. He was not only best afield, but arguably the best player competition-wide in Round 14 with 31 disposals, 12 marks, four goals and five behinds in an even 100-point romp of the Northern Knights. Having popped up everywhere on the day, recruiters were left impressed and he looks a chance to be included within the first round bracket – well within that range, for some.

DEADLY DECISION MAKING

A smooth moving midfielder-forward who hails from great pedigree, Alwyn Davey Jnr is an Essendon father-son candidate who will likely set the Bombers back a fair few draft points. The Northern Territory native boards at Xavier College with twin brother Jayden, hence his link with the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League. Though relatively low in production compared to other midfielder-forwards, Davey possesses wonderful smarts and evasive technique on the attack, noted for making great decisions in tight spots.

JULY RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

Davey came out with arguably his best couple of representative games in Metro’s first two matches, before spending more time up forward in a quieter outing against South Australia. Others thrived as the ‘Big V’ earned a massive win, though Davey had shown plenty already. He will continue to do so at school football level for Xavier College, before hopefully joining in on Oakleigh’s finals campaign. His quality is evident, and still puts him within the first round range despite a drop to #19.

THE MOBILE RUCK

Barnett is an exciting ruck whose feats are suffixed with the ‘for his size’ tag, and he wears it quite well. The West Adelaide prospect can do things not many 202cm players can, but remains a work in progress. Barnett has proven difficult to beat at SANFL Under 18s level this season after a promising bottom-aged campaign, showing off his ability to carry and kick the ball with as a very mobile ruckman, who also rises for eye-catching marks. He took ahold as South Australia’s primary ruck, and has also earned a League berth for the Bloods as his stocks steadily rise.

JULY RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Arguably now the best ruck in the crop, Barnett looks to have gained a great deal of confidence in representative colours. His attack on the aerial ball and ability to clunk big marks were eye-catching attributes which only helped him rise in the estimation of recruiters. We have him at #20, though he may well climb even higher with more exposed form at senior level. Barnett notched 25 hitouts in his maiden SANFL League appearance.

ALL CLASS

Ashcroft may be the Brisbane Lions father-son stealing most of the headlines, but the club has another in its ranks. Fletcher, the son of former Geelong, St Kilda, Fremantle and Brisbane player, Adrian, is only tied to one club and looks to be Queensland’s top prospect in 2022. The classy onballer can play on either side of midfield and possesses a weaponous boot which sees him launch goals from outside 50 with great frequency. His slick ball use and versatility are major ticks which will see him join the first round conversation, though father-sons often tend to slide.

JULY RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Had he not missed a match, Fletcher would have run even closer to taking out the Allies’ MVP award. He was super in their last two games of the carnival, enjoying more midfield minutes which allowed him to showcase his skills on the end of passages which send his side inside 50. That’s where he shines, and is a good sighter for what Lions fans can expect in the future.

CLEAN AND QUICK

Another real bolter in the pack, Hotton has quickly transformed from Vic Metro squad top-up, to a starting player, and a top 25 prospect to boot. By his own admission, the Sandringham Dragons prospect did not quite hit great heights early in the NAB League season, but found his feet in the school football ranks and took full toll once given the chance for Vic Metro. His clean and quick work both at stoppages and inside attacking 50 make him a slick modern day midfielder-forward, with the skill to impact in both roles. His would be one of the great stories out of this year’s crop.

JULY RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

In July alone, Hotton showed glimpses for Vic Metro against Western Australia, before taking a real step up against South Australia and setting up a grand finish to his top-age campaign. His three goals against the Croweaters showcased his class in dour conditions, and Hotton proved his ability to do it both as a midfielder and a forward on the big stage. He has also gotten straight back into the swing of school football with Haileybury College, named among their best players in a 101-point win last time out.

BEE IN A BOTTLE

All-action small forwards are exactly what clubs are crying out for, and Konstanty is one who may heed the call within the top 30 picks. While obviously a significant goal threat, Konstanty plays at speed and uses it to have a say defensively just as much as he uses it offensively. Consistency is an area of his game to iron out, but the Gippsland Power small is so clever and knows how to make a difference when stationed around the ball. He has kicked goals in all bar one of his 10 NAB League games this season, for a total of 14, and looks to be one of the premier players in his position.

JULY RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

A mainstay for the ladder leading Gippsland Power, Konstanty has steadily improved his numbers across three outings in July – going from nine to 13 to 19 disposals consecutively, while booting a goal per game. He has also kept his tackle average above six for the season, making for that two-way impact in the attacking half. In a representative capacity, Konstanty was clearly at his best against the Allies at the start of July, booting three majors.

THE ATTACKING DEFENDER

A player who suits the modern game with his athletic traits and versatility, Ryan has been around the mark this year and remains in the rankings at the third time of asking. The Glenelg half-back can play at either end of the ground or on a wing, offering aerial prowess and the ability to carry the ball with confidence. On the end of his forays up the field are generally sound kicks, and Ryan is an eye-catching player at his best. Once he puts all the pieces together, he has a high impact style which will appeal to clubs.

JULY RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Ryan rounded out a carnival which can be described as the usual buzz words – solid, consistent, reliable. He was a mainstay in South Australia’s defence and even got a run up on the wing. Either way, his skills were neat and he made good decisions with ball in hand, proving relatively low-fuss under pressure. He had recently broken into Glenelg’s Reserves side, so more senior footy may await.

THE SUPERBOOT

The Tasmania Devils skipper this year, Cowan is his state’s standout prospect and has plenty of desirable traits. He’s hard to miss on-field with a flowing mullet and flashy boots, backed up by speed and a booming kick which, in combination, make for damaging rebound play. Cowan made the AFL Academy intake for 2022 on the back of high-level bottom-age form, and has built on that by leading his side admirably at NAB League level. At 188cm, he has the athleticism to impact aerially but catches the eye most with his pace and line-breaking ability.

JULY RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Cowan was well and truly on the precipice of exiting our top 25, but hangs on by a thread having returned a couple of sensational appearances for Tasmania. He helped drag his side over the line against the previously undefeated Gippsland Power with a game-high 31 disposals, seven marks and 14 rebound 50s, before notching 27 touches, seven marks and seven rebound 50s in an 83-point win over Calder. As arguably best afield in both games, he has again displayed his worth at the level, despite being found out at times in Allies colours.