X, Y, Z… W

Xavier, Yasmin, Zane, and now Willem Duursma have blazed trails through the Gippsland pathway. The fourth sibling in line may be the best of the lot and has been highly touted since debuting for the Power in 2023. He was Vic Country’s Under 16 MVP in the same year, named down back in the All-Australian side and going on to build on his potential. A utility of sorts, he has often been made to play slightly taller than his 191cm standing at higher levels, but shows great upside as a wingman or midfielder who can go forward. Duursma possesses great athletic traits and outstanding aerial range, both of which have put him in good stead as he builds his contested game. He glides across the ground and possesses punchy kicking skills, performing with the authority of a potential top five pick. He retains our number two spot with a crystal ball approach in mind, having recently taken out Vic Country’s Under 18 MVP award and impressed in his VFL debut with Casey Demons.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #2

ERROL INCARNATE

A small utility in the mould of Sydney’s Errol Gulden, Uwland may well be the best player in this year’s draft – he just hasn’t has the chance to prove it in 2025. The Queenslander spent part of preseason training with Gold Coast’s senior group, learning off a slew of Academy graduates including elder brother Bodhi. The junior Uwland has mostly cut his teeth as a hard-running rebound defender or wingman, capable of plying his trade on-ball or even rolling forward. His engine is just about unmatched and a booming left-foot kick is what often catches the eye, though he is nearly as polished on his right side. Stress fractures kept Uwland out of action until after the National Championships, though he recently returned to action at VFL level. He’s the type of player who suits the current game with his ability to play anywhere and move the ball fluently. Being out of action has ironically helped his case as a pick one contender, and with a greater sample size, he may well end up there on our list.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #3

THE KID WITH THE DANCING FEET

Few prospects have dazzled onlookers and opponents alike more than Patterson to date. An Under 16 All-Australian in 2023, the Suns speedster has developed alongside the likes of Uwland and Beau Addinsall, but is truly coming into his own this year. He has VFL experience under his belt and doesn’t shy away from the physicality of senior football – not that opponents have much success laying a hand on him in the first place. Patterson’s pace and agility are line-breaking attributes in his usual role across half-back, though he can just as easily play at the other end or on either side of midfield. That kind of versatility and athletic base is exactly what has him in the top five frame, albeit with some work to be done on making his disposal more consistent. Patterson also seems to pass the character test as a determined and well-considered budding footballer, which counts for plenty amid the inevitable chaos of his draft year. He recently earned All-Australian honours and is plying his trade at VFL level with the Suns.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #5

MR CONSISTENT

Annable has long been touted as a star of the Brisbane Lions Academy, and shapes as yet another top five prospect tied to the club after both Ashcroft brothers were taken early. The ultra consistent midfielder paved his way as a competitive inside ball winner who racked up strong numbers each week, but has gone on to add integral elements to his game. He has a terrific ability to bring the ball to the outside, either by bullocking out of congestion or becoming the receiver, and is beginning to find the goals with regularity. His work rate is just about second to none and that makes him a competent high forward at higher levels – something which may be useful as he attempts to crack a stacked Brisbane midfield, pending his arrival as an Academy graduate. He is deceptively good overhead and that clean set of hands is exactly why he dominates at stoppages. He debuted for the Lions’ VFL side earlier this year for a return of 18 disposals, and has gone on to yield even greater tallies post-championships – where he earned All-Australian selection.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #4

CONTESTED BEAST

A player who came into the year as a pick one contender, Sharp beats all-comers in the way of contested ball-winning. It’s part of the reason why he was exposed to senior footy last season and started his top-age campaign there with Central District. A vocal leader on the field and at training, Sharp is used to playing up the grades. He was a two-time Under 16 All-Australian, and in doing so learned a new role down back. His time at SANFL League level has led to an education in the high forward role, but against his peers Sharp is the premier inside midfielder. He never flinches in the face of oncoming contact and uses his strong frame to extract the ball cleanly. Work rate and footy IQ are also big ticks for the hardened competitor, although perhaps explosive speed and foot skills are where he can level up compared to other top-end players – especially as he looks to move into the fast-paced AFL system. The South Australian captain allayed many of those fears throughout an immense National Championships campaign, leading his state to an undefeated title run and being named All-Australian captain, to go with his state MVP and Larke Medal.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #14

THE BISON

Not to be mistaken for his cricketing namesake, Marsh hits bombs on his left foot which often go for six. He was the sole West Adelaide prospect in the state squad but made his presence felt, leading the National Championships’ goalkicking charts with 12 majors in four games en route to All-Australian honours. Marsh has an array of traits which align with first round contendership; athleticism, running capacity, aerial ability, and a keen eye for goal. At 191cm he has even chopped out in the ruck for Westies and is the type of player you want two of in your lineup. His speed off the mark as a moving target makes him a dangerous player forward of the ball, and one who has well and truly established himself among the top-end of the draft crop. A top 10 talent in the making.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #11

NAVY BLUE BRICK WALL

Dean is one of the many fresh faces in our rankings having narrowly missed out last month. The Carlton-tied defender comes from good stock as the son of 248-game dual-premiership Blue, Peter – who the club’s father-son academy is named after. Dean junior is a chip off the old block in some ways, possessing similar courage and reliability to his father. He has taken great developmental strides this year having missed much off his bottom-age campaign through injury, spending time learning from experienced Carlton defenders like Nic Newman. It shows in his reading of the play, able to peel off an impact aerial contests to form a brick wall down back. His overhead marking prowess is extremely clean and he generally uses the ball neatly by foot. Dean has rocketed up the rankings having established himself as the best tall defender in this year’s crop, set to cost the Blues a pretty penny to match. He was unlucky not to be Vic Country’s MVP, but can hang his hat on well deserved All-Australian honours.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

DEADLY DISTRIBUTOR

The owner of two best afield medals from showcase games, Lindsay knows how to perform on the big stage. He is one of, if not the best ball user in the crop, lauded for his kicking ability and sheer efficiency. The Geelong Falcons standout looks most comfortable as a half-back where his run and distributive skills come to the fore. Many clubs will be in for prospects who can move the ball so fluently as Lindsay, especially with his subtle shifting of angles and ability to switch the play. There is potential for Lindsay to explore his midfield credentials as he continues to ply his trade for Geelong Grammar and the Falcons, though a future on the wing or a half-back flank seems much more likely. It’s usually dime a dozen for the latter role, but Lindsay is something special. The left-footer followed through on his previous big game performances to earn All-Australian selection for a brilliant state campaign.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #9

MARKING MACHINE

No player made an impression on the early stages of the National Championships like Schubert. The rangy key forward spearheaded South Australia to an undefeated run to the title, booting 10 goals in four games to be named the All-Australian full forward. He hails from the fabled basketball background but has put all his eggs into the football basket, and it’s proving a good call. Schubert’s reach and clean hands make him difficult to stop on the lead or in packs, where his contested marking ability shines. He’s also a strong competitor who can chop-out in the ruck, but prides himself on consistently being able to impact the scoreboard. After being held goalless in Round 1 of the SANFL Under 18 season, he has booted 20 goals in his next nine games with two bags of four. He’s somewhat erratic and raw at times, but is incredibly dangerous when he puts all the pieces together.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #20

SMILLIE CLONE

Greeves holds uncanny resemblances to former Eastern Ranges teammate and 2024 Richmond draftee Josh Smillie, who shapes as an ideal archetype for the budding midfielder. Sporting the same number 26 as a big-bodied ball winner who moves smoothly and distributes the ball with poise, Greeves has all the makings of a top-end talent. His ability to play on each line is another tick, showcasing exciting dash off half-back, threatening traits up forward, and a strong base in the centre. Greeves’ kick penetration is terrific but can sometimes lead him astray on the attack, and the defensive side of the game is another area which sees the Ranges’ co-captain sit just outside the absolute top rungs of the rankings. At his best, he can dominate games and showcased that to start the Coates Talent League season, even adjusting well against senior opposition for the National Academy and as Vic Metro’s A-1 onballer. He ended an exemplary state campaign by being named Vic Metro’s MVP, and among the starting All-Australian side.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #6

COMPETITOR

Cumming has garnered plenty of fans over the last month, and his momentum has only gotten steeper post-championships. The powerful South Australian was integral to his state’s undefeated title-winning series, plying his trade as a midfielder who rotated forward. He impacted with fast feet and a strong frame at stoppages, while also running hard on the spread and exhibiting his aerial ability in the front half. Having taken out All-Australian honours, Cumming has gone on to make his SANFL League debut with North Adelaide, playing three games at the level. His best performance yielded 21 disposals, five clearances and three goals against South Adelaide, proving he can match it against senior opposition. The esteemed prospect, who took out the SANFL Under 18 MVP award last year, impressed during his preseason stint with Port Adelaide and is a renowned competitor. That trait, along with his work rate and explosiveness, has his name being surged into the top 10 picture.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

HOT WHEELS

A bolt from the blue in more ways than one, Grlj (pronounced ‘grill’) was cooking early in the year. The Oakleigh Chargers speedster has a bit of Caleb Windsor about him in the way he takes ground so aggressively, tucking the ball under his arm and gaining separation from the chasing pack with ease. He is incredibly difficult to contain, often dancing around opponents or buying just enough time to find a teammate, but also tearing off into space with his potent turn of foot. Grlj cut his teeth as a half-back and outside runner last year but has transitioned beautifully into the midfield, bringing his brand of footy to the fore each week. Line-breaking players can sometimes lack composure but he has showcased an ability to hit targets on the move and not blaze away at all costs. He reverted back to his role across half-back for Vic Metro and remains in the picture as a top 15 talent, particularly if he can produce a strong finish to the season.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #7

DEFENSIVE DEMON

Spare a thought for those who line up inside forward 50 and see Taylor walking over at the start of the game, they’re probably in for a bad day. The Eastern Ranges prospect is as competitive as they come, boasting solid defensive attributes which are complimented by deceptively good athletic traits. Running the 20m sprint in under three seconds, Taylor is capable of intercepting the ball or beating his opponent one-on-one before taking off on the rebound. At 191cm he has the versatility to play on talls and smalls, looming as a potential Mr Fix It for clubs looking to bolster their backlines. After a consistent start to the season at Coates Talent League level, Taylor became one of the many versatile rebound defenders who helped Vic Metro transition the ball so fluently. His reliability belies his statistical output, which is by no means poor, and a lack of defensive talent in the draft only boosts his stocks.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #16

THE HIGH-FLYER

Those who were there will forever be able to recall the hanger Ludowyke took during the 2023 Under 16 National Championships – a carnival which well and truly put him on the map. The high-flying key forward battled indifferent form and untimely injuries towards the back-end of last year, both of which saw him miss out on Sandringham Dragons’ third consecutive premiership. He has put all that behind him to build on the strong potential he has always shown, becoming a key forward who plays with presence. While still quite lean, Ludowyke has the mongrel to fight for front position, which along with his athleticism and reach makes him hard to defend as a moving target. An untimely PCL injury sustained while representing Vic Metro leaves his draft range as somewhat of an unknown, though he certainly remains one of the top two players in his position – despite the fact he’ll miss the rest of the season. He proved that among a slew of tall forward options for the National Academy.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #10

ATHLETIC PHENOM

Still somewhat of an unknown among the top echelon of draft prospects, King has some of the greatest upside of the lot. At 192cm, he boasts near-ideal athletic attributes across the board with blistering speed and a spring-heeled vertical leap. Injuries helped keep the Swans Academy talent hidden last year, though he impressed in NSW-ACT colours during the Under 17 Futures trials and had some sensational performances back at local level. While overlooked for the National Academy, King is undoubtedly the best player outside that group and has traits which immediately catch the eye. He has some work to do in the way of decision making and end product, but when it all clicks King can tear games to shreds. His size and power make him difficult to contain, coupled with a wicked turn of foot, a penchant for taking big marks, and great attacking instincts. He had his moments in Allies colours, including the goal which won them the game against Western Australia. Building consistency and polish will be the key to unlocking his potential.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #8

CLUTCH GOALKICKER

Hibbins-Hargreaves is another prospect who had a stuttering start to the season due to injury. He had botox injections in his calf during preseason and after just one full Coates Talent League game, injured his shoulder. The short setback saw him miss both National Academy matches, though he stayed fit as a the team’s runner and has returned to action with aplomb. There is plenty to suggest Hibbins-Hargreaves can build into the top 10 range if he hits his peak, having already established himself as a man for the big moments. He debuted for Dandenong Stingrays in his 16th year and booted 23 goals across 16 games in 2024, spending time up on a wing and across half-forward. A move into midfield has been imminent, though he is quite well suited to the aforementioned roles. Hibbins-Hargreaves is a tough matchup with his speed off the mark and strong ability overhead, while also hardly wasting a kick in open play. He added to his clutch goalkicking exploits with the sealer in Dandenong’s tight win over Tasmania earlier this year, and booted four to nearly get Vic Country home against WA. He has genuine top-end talent, but may require a greater sample size.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #12

LIVEWIRE FORWARD

Specialist small forwards have been in high demand over recent drafts, and with many of this year’s best being club-tied, Dovaston’s services will likely come at a premium. An All-Australian at Under 16 level, he was tried as a small defender at times last year and has rolled through the middle third, but far and away looks most dangerous in attack. A crafty ground level player, Dovaston works up the ground and hurts the opposition on the way back. He has booted goals in all bar one of his 10 Coates Talent League outings this season, averaging 2.4 per game to go with 5.1 tackles. That defensive aspect, on top of the scoreboard impact, is what makes Dovaston so appealing. He plays with a bit of swagger and consistently backs it up, traits which translated onto the representative stage with Vic Metro. He was a lock for All-Australian selection having kicked nine goals in four games, more than any other Metro player.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #19

(NEW) BEST FROM THE WEST

One of the fastest-rising prospects this year, Farrow has come from relative obscurity to become arguably Western Australia’s leading talent. He has drawn comparisons to the likes of Hayden Young and Jordan Dawson, sharing traits like his booming left-foot, size and power as a tall midfielder/defender. While most comfortable down back at this stage, where he can take metres, distribute the ball, and intercept in the air, that potential to enhance his stocks as a midfielder offers plenty of promise. The West Perth product recently broke through to make his WAFL League debut and has held his own at the level, coming off 22 disposals and nine marks in just his second appearance. That came on the back of his All-Australian state campaign, and Farrow may well be one who rises high into the top 15 with more of the same form. He has all the traits of a modern footballer.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

ACCUMULATOR

Addinsall is a hard-working small midfielder capable of covering plenty of territory and racking up a wealth of possessions. He is clever at the fall of the ball to get involved on the inside, but has the turn of foot to take ground on the outside and aid transitional play. His ability to feature prominently when gliding between the arcs and chaining up by hand has led to some big performances in representative colours. He was Gold Coast’s Under 16 MVP in 2023 and took out the Pool B best and fairest to boot, going on to be named best afield in last year’s National Futures game. With VFL exposure under his belt and more to come at the back-end of the year, Addinsall is a consistent performer who other clubs will rank within the top 25. He was unlucky to slide down the draft board as others rose, missing much of the National Championships with a hamstring injury.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #13

FLYING WINGMAN

There wasn’t much separating Barker to his fellow South Australian wingman Matthew LeRay, with whom he has formed a formidable partnership on opposite sides of the field. Another National Academy member, the Sturt Under 18 skipper lit up South Australia’s preseason testing day with blistering 20m sprint and agility test times – results which translate well on-field. Barker carves up the outside and is a thumping kick of the ball at his best, able to takes metres and connect the lines effectively. Like LeRay, he has been used in several roles and cut his teeth as a half-back in the state squad last year. This year, he has also taken his talents into the midfield-forward rotation for Sturt, but has all the makings of a modern-day wingman: height, work rate, and penetrative ball use. He was rightly named in the All-Australian team but will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. As a result, clubs will take a more long-term approach to his selection, likely in the 25-30 range.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #18

CRICKET CONVERT

You’ve heard of the basketball background, but what happened to the good old fashioned cricket convert? LeRay is bringing it back having sided with the footballing pathway this year, not far removed from captaining South Australia’s Under 19 cricket team. Recruiters saw his upside and having been included in the National Academy, LeRay poured everything into his first full preseason, particularly in a running sense. The versatile talent is a vocal leader who settled on a wing, where his work rate, overhead marking, and ability to kick off both feet shone. He’s capable of rolling through midfield or contributing at either end of the ground, and may well have plenty more improvement left in him once he enters an elite level program. LeRay partnered up with Barker to form the All-Australian wing pairing having been integral to South Australia’s undefeated title-winning campaign.

PREVIOUS RANKING: #17

COMPOSED KICKER

Carmichael ticks plenty of boxes as a medium defender and has consistently performed at the highest of levels. Having come through the Swans Academy as an Under 16 MVP and All-Australian in 2023, he repeated the feat with the Allies this year at Under 18 level. Carmichael was consistent throughout the National Championships, averaging 24.8 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency to highlight his ability to accumulate and distribute the ball effectively. He is capable of punching above his weight with gutsy intercept efforts and can compete to win his own ball on top of the kick-in duties he yields. Carmichael’s aggressive overlap run and repeat bursts were additional traits which have translated well to his midfield stints, and will hold up nicely at AFL level.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

RISING RUCK

A player poised to attack the pointy end of the rankings coming into the year, Emmett has overcome both a slow start to the season and a hip injury to begin to showcase his potential. The mobile ruck-forward is growing in competitiveness and that has translated to strong aerial feats both around the ground and inside 50. As a ruck, he covers the ground beautifully and can effectively act as a fourth midfielder in the attacking phase, looking comfortable with ball in hand. He’s also dangerous when allowed to set, run and jump at the ball, which is what has made him so effective as a rotating forward. Emmett will look to build on the promise shown in Vic Metro’s National Championships campaign back at APS level with Scotch College, and then back at the Oakleigh Chargers. There’s little doubt that at his best, he has the athletic traits and skillset to be a top 20 player.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

SPRING-HEELED TERRITORIAN

Rounding off a run of three straight ruck-forwards in this portion of the list, Murray has just as much upside as those ranked ahead of him. His spring-heeled leap is a weapon which immediately catches the eye, particularly when he rucks. He also utilises it to take marks at the top of his reach and has a terrific turn of speed for a player his size. Those kinds of traits make him a dangerous forward target who can kick goals in bunches. Murray did so in his first Allies appearance, booting four majors against the title-winning South Australian side. The National Academy member has raw potential and a rangy frame, so if he can build some size, consistency, and iron out his kicking on goal, will become an asset to any AFL team. He’s the best prospect to come out of the Northern Territory for a little while, particularly as a genuine tall. Heading down to South Australia, where he represents North Adelaide, has only helped his development. He took out this year’s Hunter Harrison Medal as the best player in the Academy Series.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

DOGGED DETERMINATION

Few others can lay claim to the same level of toughness and determination as Coulson. The Suns Academy member came into the year as one to watch out of the deep Queensland talent pool, and has followed through to earn All-Australian selection. He was among the most dependable players in the Allies’ squad, offering consistent effort and ball winning ability. Coulson is the type of player who can prise his own ball at the bottom of packs to feed others, but also connects well by hand and runs hard on the way forward. He can tend to throw it on the boot at times, but being a little rough around the edges suits his style. The midfielder also has a good deal of VFL experience under his belt and will be in the frame as one of the many prospects for Gold Coast to consider this year. That may mean other clubs come hunting for his services as a bankable, reliable footballer.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

POCKET ROCKET

Byrne officially put his name in lights with a five-goal performance in Vic Country’s win over their Metro counterparts, but has been a hidden gem all year. Keen observers will remember his lively outing in last year’s Coates Talent League grand final, where he kicked two goals in a losing effort for GWV Rebels. The diminutive talent looked to have taken a step in his first appearance this year – 23 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal – and has gone on to showcase his range of explosive traits. Byrne attacks the ball with vigour and bunches above his weight both when extracting ground balls and competing in the air. He has a powerful leap and speed to burn, traits which are rounded out by his punchy left-foot kicking. His form as a small forward has been an overwhelming positive given much of his best work for GWV has been as a midfielder – he’ll likely end up as the former.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked

SLICK SMALL

Having been unlucky to miss out on our first rankings back in May, Sweid has built on his eye-catching start to the year. The Essendon Next Generation Academy member came from relative obscurity to become a genuine draft prospect early in the Coates Talent League season, following through to earn All-Australian status with Vic Metro. He may be small, but fights combatively for possession and is clean when navigating packs, able to power to the outside or dish off to teammates. Sweid’s work rate lends to a strong defensive appetite, but also sees him ran hard in the attacking phase to get on the end of forward forays and hit the scoreboard. The latter factor will be important considering his size, with dual-position status an invaluable trait heading up to the next level. Bombers fans have already gotten a glimpse of him in the sash at VFL level, and will be keen to see what’s to come.

PREVIOUS RANKING: Unranked