THE POTENTIAL CHALLENGER

There are few tall forwards who play with the same intensity and mongrel that Jed Walter does. The Suns Academy product has a ravenous appetite for the contest and is not afraid to get his hands dirty defensively, harassing opposition defenders and throwing his body around inside attacking 50. When afforded a run and jump at the contest, watch out, because Walter will bring the ball and a bunch of bodies with him. He has been on the top five radar for a while, since turning heads for the Allies as a bottom-ager. In 2023, new heights are being hit.

JUNE RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

Walter ran out for the Allies’ final two National Championship games in July, helping beat both the Victorian sides. He booted three goals as captain against Metro, before snaring two against Country to cap off a campaign which duly earned All Australian recognition – for a second-consecutive year no less. He remains firmly planted in the top three and should have some senior opportunities ahead of him to see out the year.

SLICK STEPPER

Colby McKercher is a player with substance to match his flair. The ultra consistent midfielder compliments his ability to rack up big possession hauls with an eye-catching turn of speed and sharp left-foot kicking skills –  all of which he uses to carve the game open. Proving undeniable as a genuine top five talent, the Tasmanian standout leads the RMC Medal count having been adjudged best afield in all of his Talent League outings to date.

JUNE RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

Another Allies title-winner, McKercher finished his National Championships on fire. He notched up a cool 31 disposals and one goal against Vic Metro, but truly turned it on in a definitive win over Country with 32 disposals, eight clearances, and two goals which swung the momentum in his side’s favour. The prolific Tasmanian also produced yet another best afield outing in the Talent League, tearing Oakleigh to shreds with a season-high haul of 41 touches – including 12 marks, eight inside 50s, and two goals. If he isn’t the next best behind Reid, he more than likely rounds out the podium on most draft boards.

THE WIZARD

There is no mistaking the wonderfully skilled magician that is Nick Watson. The Eastern Ranges pocket rocket may not quite end up being drafted at such lofty heights, but he deserves to be ranked this highly on talent alone. At 170cm, he has all the speed and skill of any good small but defies his size with a terrific leap and the ability to manufacture a range of avenues to goal. He has added strings to his bow this year too, racking up huge numbers both in attack and defence. He’s as polished as anyone in the 2023 crop.

JUNE RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Watson’s most recent outing came in the school football realm, where he booted three of Caulfield Grammar’s seven goals in a loss to 2023 title winners, Haileybury. The mercurial goalsneak would have been right up there in Vic Metro MVP discussions having booted 14 goals in four games, including five in a quarter against Western Australia. He converted a few consolations in the loss to Country and certainly knows how to split the big sticks with enough opportunity. On talent alone, he remains a top-fiver.

THE UNICORN

Ethan Read is a player with massive upside. He has a terrific aerobic base and covers the ground incredibly well at over 200cm, is clean below his knees, and can certainly pluck a grab. Though he has a ways to go when it comes to the contested side of his game, the Suns Academy prospect is projecting to be a bonafide top five contender by the end of the year. He’s among a raft of rising key position prospects set to be considered in the early stages of the draft, which in turn will cause a significant headache for Gold Coast’s recruiting team.

JUNE RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Everything about Read’s 2023 form screams top five prospect, so that’s exactly where he sits in our July update. The mobile ruck produced one of his premier performances in the Allies’ title-winning game against Vic Country, stepping up at crucial moments to rack up 24 disposals, 13 hitouts, and seven clearances. It was the cherry on top of a roaring carnival, and one which further showcased his high-end potential to recruiters. Like Walter, he will likely look for senior opportunities but cracking the Suns’ VFL side as a tall is tough.

THE EVERYMAN

Among the most in-vogue traits for modern day AFL Draft prospects is versatility, and Daniel Curtin has proven to have it in spades. He has had stints up forward, down back, and even in midfield, though the consensus is he looks most at home as a key defender. The 195cm tall is able to compete for intercept marks and use the ball beautifully on his wand of a left foot. A genuine big game player, Curtin tends to play his best footy at representative level and burst onto the national stage with his BOG outing in last year’s Under 17 Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final day.

JUNE RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Though Western Australia’s national carnival was overall rather disappointing, Curtin proved a shining light throughout and was rightly adjudged his state’s MVP. Proving a difference maker on every line, Curtin rounded out his campaign with plenty of midfield minutes and peeled off 27 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles in the Black Ducks’ game four loss to Vic Metro. He has since returned to the WAFL Colts grade, having another 27 touches in his first game back and 19 last weekend.

SMOOTH MOVER

The third in line of four Duursma siblings, Zane could arguably end up being the best of the lot. A natural forward, the athletic 189cm prospect has become much more than a pinch-hitting midfielder this year and has a dynamic skillset in either role. He leaps and marks well overhead, covers the ground beautifully, and has a happy knack for sharking centre bounces at speed. There are few mid-sized players with as much upside as Duursma this year, and that says a lot considering his competition at the top end.

JUNE RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Duursma saved his best form for last in the National Championships, turning it on with four goals in a match-winning effort against Vic Metro. He proved his status as a natural forward in that game, having only managed a half-dozen touches against the Allies a week earlier. Duursma has gone on to notch his second VFL outing with Casey and was a standout back at Gippsland over the weekend with 24 disposals, 12 marks and two goals.

THE UNDENIABLE

A Tasmanian native who is now strutting his stuff in Victoria, Ryley Sanders has taken his game to new heights in 2023. The midfielder, who boards at Melbourne Grammar, joined the Sandringham Dragons program last year after emerging as one of the Apple Isle’s top talents, and remains among the leading Allied prospects. Sanders’ ability to add strings to his bow on top of the strong, clean, and consistent ball winning base he is lauded for makes him just about undeniable as a top 10 talent, and one of the few pure midfielders in said range.

JUNE RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

A thoroughly deserving winner of this year’s Larke Medal, Sanders was dominant throughout the National Championships. His output carried through to the final two games, accumulating 33 disposals and a goal against Vic Metro before having it 35 times as captain of the Allies’ title-winning victory over Vic Country. He then returned to the school football realm and booted five goals for Melbourne Grammar on the weekend, just casually.

CONNOR O’ ALL TRADES

Connor O’Sullivan is among the rare group of 198cm players who can ply their trade in any role asked of them, having swung up either end of the ground and even through midfield in 2023. He moves super well for his height and can rack up possessions like a mid-sized player, but bases his game on impacting aerially from contest to contest before mopping up at ground level. The NSW native is a pillar of the Allies squad and is yet another tall in this crop who has accelerated his development after a bottom-age campaign of nice glimpses.

JUNE RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

The strength of the Allies’ backline was recognised as O’Sullivan took out MVP honours in the title-winning side, capping off a terrific tournament. He found a home in defence and has climbed into top 10 contention having done so, but is still exploring other roles with the Murray Bushrangers. O’Sullivan returned to the Talent League on Saturday, posting 24 disposals, five marks and three behinds in a heavy loss to Eastern.

POCKET ROCKET

A player with all the skill and flair any good small should have, Jake Rogers proves that if you’re good enough, you’re big enough. The 171cm Suns Academy speedster has a wicked turn of foot and is super clean at stoppage, defying his size as a bonafide midfield prospect. Though, his willingness to apply defensive pressure and notable skill, combined with elite decision making make him a prospect who could genuinely develop in any third of the ground at AFL level – most likely up forward.

JUNE RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

It has been a busy few weeks for Rogers, who rounded out a terrific carnival with the Allies and also made the step-up to VFL football. The diminutive midfielder was typically brilliant against Vic Metro (25 disposals, seven clearances) and Country (22 disposals, five clearances, eight inside 50s), before cracking a stacked Suns reserves side for his second state league game on the weekend – in a Q-Clash, no less.

SILKY SKILLS

There are few more enjoyable players to watch in full flight than Darcy Wilson, whose smooth movement and wicked step often times make opponents look silly. The Murray Bushrangers standout is capable of playing on either side of midfield and up forward, breaking lines with his speed and hitting the scoreboard with great proficiency. He has backed up a promising bottom-age campaign with aplomb, proving his high-end potential with top performances for both Murray and the National Academy.

JUNE RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Wilson had a steady overall national carnival but remains in first round contention given his exposed form this year. The smooth mover is regarded as this year’s premier outside midfielder, but has more often plied his trade as a rotating mid-forward and did so on Saturday for Murray. Wilson was again prolific, registering 29 disposals, seven marks and four inside 50s as his Bushrangers lost heavily.

THE AERIALIST

If the name sounds familiar, Nate Caddy is the nephew of two-time premiership Tiger, Josh. He’s a bit taller than his uncle at 192cm and plays like a genuine key position option against his peers, but has the dynamism to develop in other roles. Caddy’s athleticism and aerial ability are pillars of his game and traits which have him pegged as a genuine high-end prospect, despite any conjecture about where he may best fit in at the elite level.

JUNE RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Things didn’t always go Caddy’s way throughout the National Championships and that may have cooled a few clubs off his proposed top 10 status. The high-marking forward fares well when given a favourable matchup, and though they were hard to come by at representative level, he still managed to boot six goals in three games. Caddy was another prospect who featured in the Talent League this past weekend, credited with 19 disposals, six marks, five inside 50s and a couple of behinds as his Knights lost to Gippsland.

THE INTERCEPTOR

A new entry to our June Power Rankings last month, Murphy is another key position prospect who continues to rise up the board. Though he previously rolled through the ruck and up forward at school football level, Murphy has found a home in defence in 2023 where his reading of the play and marking ability make for great viewing. He attacks the aerial ball like a forward would and at 200cm, has exciting athleticism which points towards strong upside.

JUNE RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Murphy cemented himself in the first round conversation by stepping up to representative level and taking out Vic Metro’s MVP award. The defender capped off his carnival with roles against Jed Walter and Archer Reid, holding his own against both talents despite being tested. He also returned to the school football fold with Caulfield Grammar and will look to run out the remainder of the Talent League season with Sandringham.

THE NEXT FATHER-SON GUN

A bolter of sorts out of the Calder Cannons, Jordan Croft has built exponentially on the small windows of promise he provided last year. At 200cm, he is yet another key position prospect tied to the Western Bulldogs as the son of 186-game former ‘Dog, Matthew. Jordan’s mobility as a ruck-forward is outstanding as he can carry the ball at speed and tackle aggressively, while also having the spring-heeled aerial impact you would expect of a player his height. He has a massive amount of potential to grow even further, still.

JUNE RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

Croft missed out on Vic Metro’s goal fest against Western Australia, but played in both games either side of said win for a combined return of one major. Though he failed to hit the scoreboard against Vic Country, Croft’s aerial presence and attack on the ball were notable as he also rotated into the ruck, displaying some of the high-end potential he harbours. His latest outing came in the Talent League, were he managed two goals from nine disposals and two marks in a win over Dandenong.

HITOUT KING

The tallest player to feature in our top 20 at 206cm, Mitchell Edwards is in a similar category to fellow ruck Ethan Read in the sense that his upside is phenomenal. Edwards has dominated the ruck realm against his peers and has proven his dexterity around the ground, even hitting the scoreboard consistently at WAFL Colts level. He’s a Fremantle Next Generation Academy product but is just about certain not to end up in purple via the bidding system, which would require him to fall outside of the top 40 picks.

JUNE RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Edwards had an interrupted conclusion to his national carnival, copping a knock against Vic Country in game three and not quite getting up for game four. Nonetheless, he has since recovered to breakthrough for a WAFL Reserves berth, turning out at the level in Rounds 14 and 15. He built into his second appearance nicely to post a return of 11 disposals, 16 hitouts and a goal.

ATHLETIC PHENOM

The second father-son candidate to feature in our top 20, Will McCabe has the makings of a serious player. The son of Luke is tied to Hawthorn and plies his trade for Central District in the SANFL Under 18s, where he has put up a string of strong numbers. Last year, he shot to prominence as South Australia’s Under 16 MVP – albeit competing as an over-ager there – and has shown marked improvement as a top-ager to press his case as a genuine first round prospect. He has serious athleticism; able to fly for contested marks, follow up, and carry the ball with speed.

JUNE RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

McCabe remains around the first round mark, albeit after a national carnival where he did not always get to showcase his best traits. Working best as a third-up or roaming intercept defender, he was forced to play more of a lockdown role on the opposition’s tall forwards during South Australia’s 1-3 campaign. Since then, McCabe has gone on to crack the SANFL Reserves grade. He registered 13 disposals and 10 marks in a winning debut.

SPEED TO BURN

A talented dual-sportsman who ran drinks for the Australian cricket team last summer, De Mattia has taken his opportunity in the footballing pathway with both hands. He has speed to burn, capable of using it on the outside or as a pressure forward, but also proving effective as an inside midfielder with serious grunt. For what he lacks in polish at times, he makes up for in effort and leadership quality. De Mattia is not only co-captain for the Dandenong Stingrays, but reprised the same role with Vic Country alongside Harley Reid.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

De Mattia capped off his National Championships run in a slightly different role, switching to defence as Vic Country downed Metro in game four. He had previously been a mainstay in midfield and took a load off Reid’s shoulders in the leadership realm. Unlike most in the same range, De Mattia did not return to the Talent League this weekend, but will have plenty more opportunities to lock down a potential first round spot over the coming weeks.

KOLT HERO

Koltyn Tholstrup has the flair on and off the field to suggest he will quickly become a genuine cult hero at the next level, but there is substance to his game too. The Subiaco midfielder-forward has broken through to the senior WAFL grade and is always up for a contest, working hard in either post and building on the explosive Colts season he put together in 2022. He can take strong grabs at 184cm, is no stranger to hitting the scoreboard, and has serious power to go with his effort game.

JUNE RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Tholstrup and Western Australia played their final National Championships game in July, being thoroughly outplayed by Vic Metro. The hard working mid-forward didn’t lower his colours though, collecting 20 disposals and eight inside 50s in the loss before returning to senior footy in the WAFL. There, Tholstrup registered 14 disposals in consecutive weeks and booted two goals in his return game against Swan Districts. He certainly has improvement left, and will have to do so to retain such a standing come draft time.

RELENTLESS REBOUNDER

A classic running half-back, Riley Hardeman has made the improvements necessary to re-establish himself among the nation’s top 25 prospects. The West Australian Under 18 captain has been blooded at senior level having popped on the draft radar some time ago, plying his trade with Swan Districts’ Colts. He’s a natural accumulator and thrives when chaining possessions in transition, using his speed-endurance mix and raking foot skills to set up countless attacks. An improved intercept game has also helped his draft stocks.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Hardeman capped off a consistent campaign as head of his state’s Under 18 side, but arguably had his best performance at the end of June against Vic Country. Nonetheless, the prolific rebounder has put his hand up for more senior exposure since the carnival, notching 26 disposals and 10 tackles in his return Colts game. If he can replicate the same form at League level, watch out. Although, Hardeman is already considered by many as the premier player available in his role.

RISING RUCK

Another rising key position prospect, Green has the makings of a serious talent if he can consistently put the pieces together. The 204cm big man is mechanically sound for such a developing type, adding sound fundamentals to his undeniably strong ruck craft. He earned a couple of key honours heading into his top-age campaign, named in the National Academy and as Northern Knights co-captain.

JUNE RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Green continued to show promise at the highest possible level, capping off his national carnival strongly despite being rotated in game three. He won 30 hitouts against premier ruck Ethan Read in a loss to the Allies, before managing 22 against Vic Country in another defeat. A return to the Talent League on Saturday saw Green post just seven touches and seven hitouts – again opposed to Country representatives Lachlan Smith and Archer Reid. He is yet to take a game by the scruff, but may be heavily considered in this range if he does.

THE PLAYMAKER

Another premier running defender, Archie Roberts may split recruiters but offers a distinct and consistent style. Whether turning out for Haileybury College, the Sandringham Dragons, or Vic Metro, Roberts shoulders the responsibility or distributing the ball from defence, leaning on his penetrative left-foot kicking skills and speed to take the game on. He sets up play nicely, but can take the next step with either more midfield minutes, or by improving the defensive side of his game.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Roberts most recently helped Haileybury take out the APS title in a thrilling comeback win over Caulfield Grammar, having rounded out his National Championships with 24 disposals and eight rebound 50s against Vic Country. After competing his school football duties, Roberts will return to the Talent League fold with Sandringham and look to bolster his draft stocks.

SURPRISE PACKET

A bolter from the Apple Isle, James Leake took full advantage of his opportunity with the Allies and now finds himself in the top 30 frame. The Tasmanian is an athletic third-up defender with an competitive streak, hardly beaten in the air and tough to catch across the ground. He was a key and consistent member of the Allies’ back line and holds the same status for the Devils at Talent League level, even with stints in midfield and up forward.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Leake rounded out a solid National Championships run to average 16 disposals and five marks, carrying the momentum of his promising early-season form. He also returned to the TSL for a game in Launceston colours and will run out the year representing the coveted Tasmanian map. While a strong end to the season will truly solidify his ranking, the Tasmanian has done enough to push into our top 25.

THE ULTIMATE UTILITY

Whether it be in his usual station on the wing, through the centre bounces or resting up forward, Joel Freijah has proven his first round potential in 2023. The GWV Rebels utility has serious pop as a 191cm talent who is elusive as those 20cm shorter than him, but strong as you would expect. His athleticism, versatility and work rate are strengths which look like carrying him far – potentially much higher than his current ranking.

JUNE RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Freijah was an early-season sensation but has slid out of our top 20 after a steadier national carnival. He tended to be utilised more consistently on the wing, which will help him going forward, but also proved his value on the end of various rotations. Most recently, he featured for GWV in the Talent League with 18 disposals, four inside 50s and a goal against Geelong. His ceiling remains high.

CLASS IS PERMANENT

Cooper Simpson jumped onto the draft radar with his performances as a bottom-ager, and while those heights are yet to be hit this year, he remains a prospect recruiters are keen to see the best of. Co-captain of the Dandenong Stingrays, the classy midfielder-forward was also part of the National Academy intake and a lock for Vic Country honours. Repeat injuries have hampered his campaign so far, but with a strong end to the season he could again push into the first round conversation.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Simpson had his National Championships campaign cut short by a corkie suffered early in the piece, and he never fully recovered to have an impact on the representative stage. He did return to the Talent League over the weekend though, contributing 18 disposals to the Stingrays’ loss at the hands of Calder. The best is yet to come, hopefully.

QUIET ARCH-IEVER

The brother of Essendon defender, Zach Reid, Archer must have been the marking target in his family’s backyard kick-abouts. He’s a wonderfully mobile type at 203cm, possessing sticky hands both in the air and below his knees along with terrific mobility to boot. Reid is a player who was pegged as a top 10 contender coming into his top-age campaign, and while he has plenty of great tools, has a lot to do to work back into that range.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Reid gets the benefit of the doubt having recently begun to put the pieces of his game together. He left his best game until last in the National Championships, booting 2.2 from seven marks opposed to Vic Metro MVP Ollie Murphy. His most recent Talent League games have been promising too, yielding four-goal returns in his last two appearances. Some clubs aren’t entirely on board, but Reid will likely have enough suitors to get picked up, and has enough time to boost his stock further.

THE SPEEDSTER

Having watched his brother Kai carve through the pathway before him, Caleb Winsdor is blazing his own trail at a good rate of knots. The speedy and agile wingman has a happy knack for working into space, and is capable of tearing opposition sides to shreds in attacking phases. He is beginning to become a more polished ball user and is regarded as one of the premier outside midfielders of the draft class.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Windsor lit up RSEA Park with a stellar 22 disposals and nine inside 50s in Vic Metro’s big win over Western Australia, but backed that outing up with 12 and two against Vic Country. He is a damaging type at his best and will look to find that form in the back end of the year with Eastern, potentially solidifying his spot among the top 25. His latest outing with the Ranges yielded 21 touches, six marks and a goal.

COMEBACK KING

Having battled through injury setbacks during his bottom-age campaign, Koen Sanchez has made a triumphant return to form as a top-ager. The West Australian consistently played up at representative level and was one of the Black Ducks’ most important players this year, offering speed, creativity, and consistent effort. He is a capable quick and small midfielder, but has more recently found his groove as a forward – adapting to each role required of him.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Sanchez, along with MVP Dan Curtin, played somewhat of a lone hand in his side’s final National Championships dig against Vic Metro. He booted three goals from 13 touches as one of the only Sandgropers who looked like scoring, capping off a strong overall carnival where he was asked to play in attack. Since then, the creative ball user has played two WAFL Reserves games for an average of 16 touches.

SLINGSHOTTER

A rebound defender who bases his game off Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath, Luamon Lual is a returning name in our rankings. He has been a mainstay in the GWV Rebels’ defence for two seasons now and could well end up as an NGA product who is picked up by another club, to the detriment of the Western Bulldogs. Lual has terrific speed and holds a high line behind the ball, competing well to force turnovers and proving composed in possession, even when setting off at pace. He does his best work facing forward.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

While not overly prolific or consistent throughout the carnival, Lual began to click into gear as the competition rolled on and produced many glimpses of the talent which will have him considered a top 40 candidate. The style he offers is in vogue, and he caught the eye with his 12 touches and sensational goal against Vic Metro. Lual also featured for GWV on the weekend, notching up 23 disposals and five inside 50s in a big win over Geelong.

THE GOALSNEAK

There are few more classy and exciting small forwards on their day than Delean, who slides in this month’s rankings but has great potential. Highly touted throughout his junior career, he tends to rise to big occasions and has undeniable nous inside 50, where he plays his best footy. Whether it be with high-flying marks, clever crumbs or shrewd snaps, Delean catches the eye akin to the likes of Cody Weightman with his genuine flair.

JUNE RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Delean is competing with the likes of Will Patton and Ashton Moir to be the second South Australian taken at this year’s draft, and did his chances no harm after bagging two four-goal hauls during the National Championships. An effort of 4.4 at Under 18 level earned him a League debut this past weekend, where he snared two majors from 10 touches and soared for a patented high mark in the pocket.

OLD RELIABLE

Stevens is a player whose draft range will be wide, though he does so few things wrong on the footy field. An excellent leader and character, he captained the National Academy and was diligent in his recovery from a long-term knee injury last year. The GWV Rebels product is a big bodied ball winner whose frame and clean hands serve him well over the ball, but as shown in defence, he also distributes beautifully by foot. He may not have the athletic gifts or flair of others, but should attract interest nonetheless.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Among Vic Country’s most consistent performers throughout the National Championships, Stevens managed 22 disposals and one goal against the Allies before capping his campaign with 17 touches, seven tackles and five clearances against Metro. He carried on his strong form back in the Talent League, leading all comers with 36 disposals in the Rebels’ 76-point win over Geelong.