BALANCED BALL WINNER

There are few more driven and impressive draft prospects than Ashcroft. He has already made plenty of waves in the talent pathway, and though an eligible Brisbane Lions father-son candidate, the Melbourne-based youngster has not yet nominated either way. Given his enormous talent, there is plenty riding on that decision for Ashcroft, recruiters, and fans alike. In terms of his skillset, the midfielder has an innate ability to find the ball and offers such a balanced array of traits in midfield. He can hold his own on the inside and spreads wonderfully well to put up numbers reminiscent of the likes of Sam Walsh, Matt Rowell, and Nick Daicos before him. His standards and consistency are remarkably high.

JUNE RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

There is not much more Ashcroft could have done to confirm his credentials as a top talent, though he remains second behind Wardlaw. His exploits this past month included a 51-disposal NAB League outing, which he backed up with two sensational performances for Vic Metro. The gun ball winner continues to post big numbers and looks a class above in the ‘Big V’, especially with the likes of Wardlaw and Tsatas out of the side currently. It may not be long before he takes top spot.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Like fellow Oakleigh talent, Wardlaw, Tsatas has also sustained an untimely injury which will rule him out of representative action. Beforehand, he looked a lock for this spot with his usual production level on both sides of midfield, and elite disposal on the attack. It’s unlikely he’ll be moving any time soon, unless others absolutely rocket in stocks.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

The big mover, relative to other repeat top 10 entrants, Sheezel finds himself right on the precipice of this year’s consensus big three. His transition to more midfield minutes with Sandringham was smooth, registering returns of 37 and 33 disposals in his last two outings, and adding three goals in the latter. Reverting back to his usual forward role with Vic Metro, Sheezel has proven a game changer with six goals in two games.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

It was a tough decision to slide Clark back behind Sheezel, especially given the Vic Country captain’s form. His latest haul of 33 disposals and a goal for Geelong has been backed up by a couple of solid performances in the Big V, going close to the 30-disposal mark in both games as one of his side’s prime movers. There is hardly an outing where Clark is not in the best three players afield, so he is just about immovable from the top five at this stage.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Another player to shift back after Sheezel’s rise, Busslinger has spent most of the month donning the famous Black Duck jersey. He turned out twice for East Perth at League level for steady returns, missing one of WA’s trial games in doing so. Coming in for the second, he looked solid in his usual defensive post before building into his state’s first proper championship bout on Saturday. There, he roamed quite freely in the backline and in a better second half, got his usual intercept game going. With others hot on his heels, he keeps his spot this month as there is more championship footy ahead of him.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Perhaps Hewett’s best performance for the year was his most recent. He has truly risen upon entering the state Under 18 setup, building off his significant WAFL League experience to take hold as WA’s prime midfield mover. In the Black Ducks’ trials, he got back to his explosive best through the engine room and against Vic Metro on Saturday, was clearly best afield for his side with a dominant display. He holds off Mackenzie for now, but could overtake Busslinger as our top-ranked West Australian talent.

UNDER THE RADAR

Another 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.

JUNE RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

The big bolter in our rankings, Mackenzie looks every bit a top 10 talent. It was tempting to push him even further up the order after his exploits in Victorian colours, but the classy onballer comes in at eight after debuting last month at number 23. His output upon returning to Sandringham was outstanding, collecting 35 disposals in Round 10, before turning it on for Vic Metro in partnership with Ashcroft. With his size, improving endurance base, consistency, and elite skills, Mackenzie shapes as a high riser.

VICE-LIKE HANDS

One of the more prominent lead-up forwards in a draft 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.

JUNE RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

After starting out the month steadily with 11 touches and a goal against Dandenong, Cadman came to life in a 20-disposal, seven-mark, and four-goal effort the following NAB League round. Despite not being afforded the best delivery, he has booted multiple goals in each outing for Vic Country to catapult himself to top spot among his fellow key position forwards. He enters the top 10 having been stiff to miss out last month, with his output as a leading forward proving outstanding. With a better conversion rate, his exploits would have been even more impressive.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Jefferson recently captured nationwide attention for his seven-goal haul against Western Australia, with five of them coming from six touches in a match-defining third term. It was the breakout performance we have all been waiting for the Vic Metro spearhead, who has been tied up with representative and school football commitments over the last month. He rises to round out the top 10, again on the potential he has shown. If he can maintain a similar level of conversion, to make his marking ability count, he could continue to trend upwards.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Szybkowski is incredibly unlucky to find himself sliding out of the top 10, having not done much wrong over the last month. In fact, he has done plenty right as one of Vic Country’s mainstay midfielders, waxing well with skipper Clark to win well over 20 touches across the two games. He has begun to showcase his running capacity a touch more on the outside, accumulating possessions both at and away from the contest. While not as flashy or damaging as others around him, he gets plenty of points for how dependable he is.

THE MID-FORWARD HYBRID

Perhaps a ranking made on upside, Phillipou is one of the more exciting talents coming out of South Australia this year, 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.

JUNE RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

Now our top South Australian prospect, Phillipou has put in a grand body of work over the last month to rise just one spot. He has looked superb at representative level, adding a nice point of difference in midfield with his athleticism and marking ability, while also impacting up forward. Despite his side going down in both games, he has been among the Croweaters’ best players and looks like one who can turn results. Again, the term ‘upside’ rings true for him.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Having shown glimpses for Oakleigh and proven his importance to Xavier College’s side, Davey has adjusted well to the rigours of representative football. He spent a good amount of time in midfield across the first game, and then went to work a little more up forward in the second. Averaging over 20 touches and hitting the scoreboard in both outings, Davey’s production level has matched his silky skills and decision making. He is another who moves up the order, five spots this month.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

George has unfortunately not been able to get on the park in June, having picked up a six-week injury in Round 8 of the NAB League. He would have been a key piece in Vic Country’s forward line, but has been made to watch from the sidelines thus far. Still, he remains in the exact same spot he debuted at last month, number 14.

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.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Keeler has come to life at representative level, hitting heights he had not quite reached in North Adelaide colours. While talented enough to produce highlight reel moments, the prodigious forward has complied a greater body of work over the last month to not only debut in our Power Rankings, but tip the top 15. At his best, he arguably offers an even higher level of talent, but needs to showcase it more often with similar intent to how he has gone about it in the tricolours. He can turn games in a flash when he rises to the occasion.

THE DEAN COX CLONE

Broadbent is this year’s version of the player whose exploits are tagged with the ‘for his size’ cliche. It is for good reason though, as the Peel Thunder ruck has displayed superb touch for a 201cm talent, using the ball beautifully and covering the ground well to draw comparisons to West Coast champion Dean Cox. Having gotten a taste of senior football last year, Broadbent has cut his teeth in the WAFL Colts this season and showcased his best traits in the AFL Academy showcase. While other rucks dominate the hitouts and follow up with tackles, Broadbent is the type who can spread and get involved away from the contest.

JUNE RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Broadbent’s month has been occupied by representative football, though his one WAFL Colts game (17 disposals, 25 hitouts) made for a promising start to June, before donning the Black Ducks jumper. His state’s primary ruck, the Peel Thunder product looked good in a particular trial game with two goals, but was much steadier come championships proper on Saturday. His skills continue to be a key point of difference, but his marking output around the ground can lift. He remains around the same bracket as last month, with representative football to come.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Rising by seven spots over the last month, Hustwaite has simply proven hard to deny. With a move to midfield in Dandenong Stingrays colours, he notched 21 touches in his last two NAB League outings and looked composed as ever. After a shift back to defence in game one for Vic Country, he showcased his talent on-ball in game two as the Allies were unable to lay a hand on him at the contest. Much like the title suggests, his fundamentals have been terrific with clean skills and top decision making in tight spots.

THE SLICK STEPPER

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.

JUNE RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Hollands has risen to representative level with a couple of solid outings for Vic Country. Utilised through midfield in game one before shifting forward for most of game two, his production level on-ball was useful and his skills have continually looked more polished – particularly in the short range – as he finds more time and space. He is another who holds his range, dropping just one spot as others rise around him.

BASH AND CRASH

Though relatively lightly built, Ryan is a bash and crash style of ball winner who defies his size to crack in at the contest. Just as capable of spreading and accumulating around the ground, the West Adelaide talent has proven undeniable for a SANFL League berth in 2022 after outstanding Under 18 form over the last couple of seasons. A classy mover whose skills are transferable to flanks or the wing, Ryan can play in a multitude of positions and looks a natural type who pops up seemingly everywhere.

JUNE RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Ryan is another prospect who drops a few spots, but hardly through any fault of his own. After missing out on South Australia’s first game through Covid protocols, Ryan was thrown into the mix for game two as his state’s vice-captain. He showcased his versatility in state colours and most recently turned out for his third SANFL League game with West Adelaide, notching 20 touches and five marks in a 40-point loss.

THE ATTACKING CENTREPIECE

The most highly touted tall coming into 2022, Lemmey is slowly beginning to recapture the bottom-age form which had him pegged for top five status. He debuted at SANFL League level last year and has added two more matches to his resume as a top-ager, while also gaining confidence in West Adelaide’s Reserves and representing the AFL Academy. At 199cm, he presents strongly on the lead and can clunk eye-catching marks, offering a style similar to St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt – even with his blonde mop of hair.

JUNE RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Things have been far from ideal this year for Lemmey, who has put together glimpses moreso than a complete body of work. That theme continued upon hitting the representative scene in June, and after tussling with some handy one-on-one defenders, he most recently made his first SANFL Under 18s appearance for 2022. In a loss to Sturt, the Bloods’ spearhead kicked an equal game-high two goals from 13 touches and seven marks.

THE MOBILE RUCK

If Broadbent is one whose feats are suffixed with the ‘for his size’ tag, Barnett is another exciting ruck who wears it just as well. The fourth West Adelaide prospect on our list, he can do things not many 202cm players can but is very much 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.

JUNE RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Barnett is perhaps another who is unlucky to not only have failed to move up our board, but actually shifted back one spot. The West Adelaide tall comes in just behind his fellow Blood, Lemmey, having produced plenty more promising glimpses in June. He missed out on South Australia’s first representative clash, but slotted straight into the team as its primary ruck and impressed with his athleticism and marking ability. Barnett also produced 22 disposals, six marks, seven clearances and 22 hitouts in his latest SANFL Under 18s outing, and could be a riser in the next Power Rankings edition.

CLEAN HANDS AND CLEARANCES

A strong clearance specialist with quick and clean hands, D’Aloia is one of the most well-known South Australian prospects given his exploits in the state Under 19 squad last year. Also best afield in last year’s SANFL Under 18 grand final, the 18-year-old has been a ray of consistency throughout 2022 in a team which sits second-last. He has also rolled forward of late and is adding some polish to his kicking, but is dominant when he plays to his strengths in midfield. D’Aloia is perhaps a touch more physically developed than his peers, and takes full toll with his size.

JUNE RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Skippering his state’s Under 18 side, D’Aloia has been solid as ever at the level and one of the Croweaters’ more reliable ball winners. You can count on him to compete and provide that inside influence, which has been evident across two games for the Croweaters. D’Aloia also made his return to the Eagles’ Under 18s this past weekend, gathering a game-high 29 disposals and seven clearances in a losing effort.

THE X-FACTOR

Another top talent tied to Essendon, Munkara is unlikely to don the sash at AFL level given the new Next Generation Academy bidding rules. Almost certain to be snapped up within the first 40 picks, the Northern Territory native is a mercurial talent who does things others can only dream of on-field. He can kick off both feet, has the athleticism to take high marks at 186cm, the power to shrug off tacklers, and the goal sense to win games off his own boot. Munkara has moved down to South Australia to press his claims with West Adelaide and Westminster College, and looks a real talent with raw attributes to enhance.

JUNE RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Munkara’s top 20 ranking last month was one made on potential, though he did not quite build on the promise he showed when turning out for the AFL Academy. The exciting Northern Territory native made one appearance for the Allies before rotating out of the side, taking on his fair share of travel after a quiet outing. He continues to play and board in South Australia, and will hope for a big second half of the year to boost his stocks – although, do not tell that to Essendon fans.

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 enters the rankings at the second 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 penetrative 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.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

One of the many South Australians who see out this list of 25, Ryan has been terrific in the state Under 18s side and recently earned a Reserves berth with Glenelg. There, he racked up 22 disposals and eight marks (three contested) from behind the ball, standing up tall in a losing effort. He has proven to be a steady improver all year, and is building nicely on the big stage.

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.

JUNE RANKING: #22

LAST MONTH:

Having been a source of attacking drive from defence across Tasmania’s backline, Cowan has slotted into a similar role for the Allies. While his short-range kicking and decision making have been tested at representative level, the back-flanker has had no trouble racking up plenty of the ball and distributing it on the rebound. He has had plenty to do in that besieged Allies defence, and while he drops a few places, remains his state’s standout prospect.