THE ULTIMATE COMPETITOR

Tough, relentless, uncompromising. 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

It was always going to be a race against time for Wardlaw to get up for the Metro-Country National Championships final, and he unfortunately was ruled out through injury. After returning to school football in August, his hamstring gave way again with only his bottom-age and early-season form to go off when ranking him. He remains right in the top bracket.

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 line-breaking dashes through the corridor. Given his outside tendencies, Tsatas mostly featured on the wing at NAB League level, but really catches the eye when utilised at 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 in the back-end of the year.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

With the Oakleigh Chargers dramatically denied a finals berth, Tsatas’ final game on the big stage came in his Vic Metro debut. He missed the first three games through injury, but emphatically proved his class at the level with 29 disposals and four clearances in the defeat of Vic Country. Having started the year right among the top three prospects, that’s where he looks destined to end up.

VICE-LIKE HANDS

The leading key position talent in a draft once thought to be rich with promising talls at the top-end, Cadman has proven undeniable as a genuine top 10 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 a big game mentality, vice-like hands on the lead and a hunger to compete, he has drawn comparisons to fellow left-footed forward Jeremy Cameron, though has consistency to be ironed out in his set shot conversion.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Another Victorian talent whose NAB League region missed out on finals against the odds, Cadman made good on his final opportunity with Vic Country. Though he enjoyed a tight battle with Josh Weddle, the prolific goalkicker snared three goals from six scoring shots. His conversion rate could have been a factor in the result, but he clunked five marks and stepped up in the clutch as his side fell short. A massive chance to be taken in the top five.

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 five prospect. Another talent out of the Sandringham Dragons, he was tied to the region full-time alongside Ashcroft this season, and made good on the opportunity. 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Another Sandringham Dragons gun who contributed to their premiership success, Sheezel ended the year on a positive note. He was well held with two goals from five touches against Calder, and overcame soreness to snare 3.3 in a lively preliminary final performance, before nabbing a game-high four majors in the decider. He again hit the scoreboard in Vic Metro’s championship-winner, with his consistency of performance as a permanent forward in the back-end of the year pitting him as a top 10 lock, and top five chance.

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 standing. 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Clark’s NAB League campaign ended in Wildcard Round as his Geelong Falcons went down to the Western Jets. It only seemed to make the Vic Country skipper more hungry for his final game of the year, as he rounded out the National Championships with 16 disposals, eight tackles and six inside 50s. He was strong in the opening and closing stages of that game, further proving his competitiveness and leadership quality.

BRUTE FORCE

Captain fantastic for the undefeated Gippsland Power, Humphrey has enjoyed a steep rise up draft boards of late. 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 21 goals in 11 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 a potent all-round game.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Humphrey enjoyed an uninterrupted run towards the back-end of the season, leading the Gippsland Power to a minor premiership and preliminary final berth. He put in a strong finals shift with 26 disposals and eight inside 50s to help drag his side over the line against Northern, before being employed mostly up forward against Sandringham and in his Vic Country debut. He was lively in the Big V, sometimes playing one-out inside 50 and snaring 1.3 from 11 touches. Inaccuracy cost him, but his game-winning potential was on show.

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 yet. 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Phillipou’s season ended in August after one final SANFL Reserves outing for the Eagles. He booted three goals on that day, but was soon struck down by an ankle injury which prevented him from contributing to his side’s finals run. He remains right among the top 10 mix though, even pushing up a spot to number eight in our rankings.

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, making good decisions with his elite disposal on the attack.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

The third Sandringham talent to make our top 10, Mackenzie helped make up his side’s formidable engine room alongside Ashcroft and Olli Hotton en route to taking out the NAB League flag. He was a consistent performer in finals, averaging 24 disposals across three outings and going close to best afield honours in the grand final with two important majors. He again got the job done for Vic Metro with 21 touches against Country, stamping his claims as one of the more reliable on-ballers in the crop.

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. The East Perth prospect 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Another first round candidate who has been struck down with injury, Busslinger went in for shoulder surgery after Western Australia’s second National Championships game, but still managed to squeeze into the All Australian squad. His East Perth Royals went on to finish eighth at League level, but squeezed into the first week of Colts finals. He’s still arguably the best key defender available and should feature in the top 10-15 picks.

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 or on a wing, looks a likely type up forward.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Another Oakleigh prospect whose lone September outing came in representative colours, Jefferson battled through a fractured leg to help Vic Metro secure the Under 18 national title. He got involved inside attacking 50, gathering 13 disposals and booting 2.2 in an impressively dynamic display. Making up for a couple of goalkicking blues, Jefferson booted the major which put Metro ahead and remains a top 10 chance.

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 first round mix after starting and ending 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Hewett’s final outing came at the start of September, as he capped off a strong end to the season with Swan Districts’ League side. He notched up 13 disposals, five marks and a goal as the Swans went down to Peel Thunder and missed out on the top five. With desirable traits, he should feature somewhere within the first round as one of the first three West Australians taken.

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 this season, making the step up to represent Vic Country and the AFL Academy.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

Though his Murray Bushrangers fell short of knocking off eventual premier, Sandringham in Wildcard Round, Hollands turned in a fine performance for Vic Country in his final junior game. His equal team-high 23 disposals were complimented by seven marks, six tackles and six inside 50s in a losing effort, seeing the balanced midfielder rise to the precipice of the top 10. His running capacity is what impresses most, with Hollands able to get it done week in, week out.

THE POWERHOUSE

We all love a bolter, and Ginbey looms as one of the big ones in this year’s first round. Recruiters were intrigued early this season by the explosive athlete out of East Perth who earned a berth in the Royals’ League side, and he won 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 situations 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

After returning for a single League outing with East Perth, Ginbey finished his season at Colts level with 19 disposals and two goals in a win over East Fremantle. He showcased his ability to roll forward on that occasion, having already proven himself both in midfield and as a powerful third-up defender. He could well end up the first West Australian off the board, likely within the first 15 selections.

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 25 picks. While obviously a significant goal threat, Konstanty plays at speed and uses it to have a say defensively just as much as he does 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 kicked goals in all bar two of his 11 NAB League games this season, for a total of 17, and looks to be one of the premier players in his position.

AUGUST RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Konstanty does things at 100 per cent, and while his numbers may not jump off the page across his last month of footy, he still managed to impact. He continued his streak of adding 1.2 to the scoreboard in the second week of NAB League finals, having 19 touches and six marks in a productive outing. He was kept goalless for the first time in 11 games the following week as Gippsland bowed out, before snaring 1.3 for Vic Country in a promising outing. He rises up our rankings to a high of 15, though may sneak just outside the first round come draft night.

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 18-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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Hustwaite was always going to be up against it in the back-end of the season, fighting off an ankle injury to appear in both the NAB League and National Championship deciders. He was thrust into the midfield battle for Dandenong, but ended up with 13 disposals as he was shifted to defence. The same rotation was bestowed upon him in Country colours, en route to 18 touches in a solid end to his top-age campaign. His class with ball in hand is arguably first round quality, though players with more flair and speed may sneak ahead come draft night.

SLICK 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 20 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Hotton was in fine form towards the end of the year, clicking into gear in patches to look every bit the first round prospect. He improved with every finals appearance, climbing from 14, to 18, to 25 touches in the NAB League grand final. After rising on the back of impressive representative form, the mid-forward managed nine disposals and two behinds in his last outing for the year.

DEADLY DECISION MAKING

A smooth moving midfielder-forward who hails from great pedigree, Alwyn Davey Jr 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Davey’s sole outing in September came in the Big V of Vic Metro, given his Oakleigh Chargers fell at the Wildcard Round hurdle. He built into the game nicely after starting on a wing, shifting on-ball to end up with 15 disposals and five marks on the back of a lively second half. He may be among the top 20 talents, but is a chance to slide past Essendon’s second pick (22) on draft night.

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 despite his injury woes. He cut his teeth as a medium forward across five NAB League games last year, and has essentially done the same in 2022 despite early 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

George ended up being one of the hard luck stories of the season, missing out on Vic Country representative honours through injury, and having his year cut short by an ACL tear in his second game back from a seperate knee injury. His high-end potential means he remains planted in our top 20, though clubs will be taking somewhat of a chance taking him in that range given he is set to spend most, if not all of 2023 on the sidelines.

THE VERSATILE STOPPER

A tall defender who offers plenty of flexibility at 197cm, Hayes is a capable interceptor but also offers sound distribution on the rebound. With six performances of over 20 disposals this NAB League season, he is comfortable with ball in hand and spreads the play well by foot. Some of his most solid form came in representative colours, and the brother of Port Adelaide’s Sam has nice upside.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Hayes has snuck up into 20th spot after a solid end to his NAB League campaign, and another handy contribution to Vic Metro’s defensive effort. He secured All Australian status on the back of 19 disposals and nine marks in his side’s title-clinching victory over Vic Country, pitting him as arguably one of the top two key defensive options available. He is a first round chance, given that factor.

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 play.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

Ever the reliable performer, Cowan capped his season with more of the same work off Tasmania’s half-back line. He entered the NAB League postseason with 27 disposals and 13 rebound 50s in an elimination final win over Bendigo, before battling what looked like a sore shoulder for 22 and five in his side’s preliminary final loss to Dandenong. The Devils skipper jumps up a couple of spots on the back of his exploits throughout the year, looking a relatively safe second round selection with first round potential.

THE TOP 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 with ball in hand, 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 also earned a League berth for the Bloods this season.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

After two League outings, Barnett ended his season at Under 18s level and was not called up for West Adelaide’s Reserves run in finals. He remains the top ruck option and was a natural selection for the primary spot in this year’s Under 18 All Australian team. Look for him to feature somewhere in the second round, should a ruck be required.

ALL CLASS

Ashcroft may be the Brisbane Lions father-son stealing most of the headlines, but the club has another in its midst. 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 on-baller 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #22

LAST MONTH:

There is not much to add in the way of on-field feats for Fletcher outside of his NAB League and National Championship efforts, with the father-son prospect kept relatively well under wraps. He’s one who has claims for featuring in the top 20, but will likely slide on draft night amid the bidding process.

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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Like Hustwaite, Szybkowski was an inclusion to Dandenong’s grand final side and was faced with stiff opposition in the loss, managing 15 disposals and five inside 50s with time on either side of midfield. A fortnight earlier, he collected 16 touches as the ‘Rays downed Western, before contributing 14 in Vic Country’s final National Championships dig against Metro. Others possessing more flair and speed move around him, though he looks a solid option around the second round.

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 talent, and one of the best out of South Australia. There are not many ruck-forwards as versatile, athletic, and gifted as he is.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Keeler played out a full season at SANFL Under 18s level, contributing to North Adelaide’s run to the grand final. He was instrumental with 21 disposals and seven clearances in the Roosters’ lone finals win, before being contained quite well for 14 touches and as many hitouts in the decider against Glenelg. He has all the potential to exceed his current ranking, or fall short of it.

THE THIRD TALL

This year’s draft crop is bereft of tall defenders at the top end, and while Weddle sits just below key position status at 192cm, he’s a handy aerial asset. The Oakleigh Chargers product is clean overhead and has the athleticism to not only compete there, but to also cover serious ground on the rebound. His physicality and speed make for daring play off half-back, and put him in top 25 contention as a uniquely dynamic backman.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #29

LAST MONTH:

Weddle returned to Oakleigh in the back-end of the season as the Chargers went out in Wildcard Round, with his Vic Metro outing the last chance recruiters got to see of him in September. He gave up a few centimetres to take up a role on Aaron Cadman, and while the Country forward booted three goals, Weddle did a good job to compete with him aerially. With players of his position and athletic profile in vogue, he should push to be taken early in the second round.

SLICK AND SPEEDY

Possessing a few traits similar to powerhouse Gippsland teammate Bailey Humphrey, Burgiel has entered the first round conversation on the back of a strong year across multiple levels. With work on each line between Vic Country, Wesley College, and the Power, Burgiel uses his speed to break the play open in clean bursts. He looks best suited to a mid-forward role and has consistently hit the scoreboard in 2022, making him a dual threat among the early to middle stages of the draft.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #30

LAST MONTH:

Burgiel was part of Gippsland’s run to the NAB League preliminary finals, proving consistent across his two postseason outings with 17 and 19 disposals. He wasn’t quite at his impactful best through the midfield rotation, but had his moments before a 10-touch effort for Vic Country at Marvel Stadium. He also snared a goal in that game, and remains a chance to feature in the early stages of round two on draft night.

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 was a ray of consistency throughout 2022 in a team which sat second-last, before stepping up to Reserves level. D’Aloia is perhaps a touch more physically developed than his peers, and takes full toll with his size.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #26

LAST MONTH:

A League debut alluded D’Aloia in the end, but he got to run out as a key player in Woodville-West Torrens’ Reserves finals campaign. Making it a total of seven appearances at the level, he was in fine form with 28 disposals and six clearances in a monster qualifying final effort, before being held to 13 and two in the semis. Generally faultless in his output, D’Aloia looms as a relatively safe option in the middle stages of the draft.

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 extended rankings of 40. 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 are generally sound kicks, and Ryan is an eye-catching player at his best who racks up plenty of possessions.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #27

LAST MONTH:

Ryan was a timely inclusion to Glenelg’s SANFL Under 18 finals effort, turning out for his first three games at the level since Round 6. The Sacred Heart College standout racked up 30 disposals twice and managed 28 in the grand final, even attracting attention from opposition defensive forwards given his production off the half-back line. With such consistent output, Ryan remains a solid second round option who keeps his spot within our top 30.

BIG MOMENT MAESTRO

A midfielder-forward who plays with a blend of flair and intensity, Clarke is a player with true star factor. His boisterous celebrations and keen eye for goal make for a fan friendly style, and the 18-year-old has made a name for setting the attacking 50 alight. His seven-goal effort for Sandringham in Round 4 sparked a terrific top-age campaign, in which Clarke earned representative honours and consistently split the big sticks. Though he has polish to apply to areas of his game, the keen snapper offers raw excitement.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

A big game extraordinaire, Clarke would have enjoyed the limelight of Sandringham’s premiership glory and he certainly contributed to it. Playing predominantly as a forward with short spurts in midfield, arguably his best performance over the last month yielded 19 touches, six inside 50s and two goals in the preliminary final, after Clarke managed six scoring shots the week before. He was quieter in the decider but still hit the scoreboard, and snared two majors in Vic Metro’s championship-winning victory. The second or third round seems his likely home.

THE SWINGMAN

Gruzewski is a player with eye-catching aerial traits, and the versatility at 193cm which will appeal to many clubs. Capable of clunking clean marks at either end of the ground, the Oakleigh Chargers product impressed across the NAB League and APS seasons to earn a National Combine invite, before also nabbing a berth with Vic Metro. He averaged five marks across seven outings for the Chargers, and has the kind of weapons which point towards high upside in a draft not entirely stacked with high-end tall options.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Gruzewski’s late-season NAB League run was relatively short but sweet. His lone outing for September came in Vic Metro colours though, with the high-leaping swingman catching plenty of eyes with his early work up forward. A huge speccy and two goals made for good viewing, but ended up being among just a handful of touches for the day. He has the pieces to be looked at in the 20-30 range, so keep an eye on that.

THE POCKET ROCKET

A small and slight talent who truly defies his size, Jones is as determined as any other prospect in the pool to prove his skillset is worthy. The West Australian was one of his state’s top performers during the National Championships, and has gone on to crack both senior grades for Swan Districts. His line-breaking speed makes him a threat, but Jones’ piercing kicking, defensive effort, and ability to play on each line are other traits which have him in second round range.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: #28

LAST MONTH:

Jones’ season ended in Round 20, at the start of September, with the pocket rocket turning out at Reserves level for Swan Districts. After some strong showings in the top flight, his final effort was a 20-disposal, seven-tackle, one-goal game in a win over Peel Thunder. The Swans advanced to finals, but only lasted a week without the services of Jones. He looks likely to hover around the 30-mark, defying the knocks on his size as a genuine second-to-third round talent.

SCORE INVOLVEMENT SPECIALIST

A strong driver of the ball into attack, Blake Drury is the sort who bleeds for whatever team he represents. The small midfielder-forward has guts which defy his size, complimented by the ability to consistently rack up touches and pump the ball into dangerous areas. The question mark comes regarded whether he will play on-ball at the next level, but he held his own there as a top-ager while proving his worth as a hard-running high half-forward who can hit the scoreboard. In many games across school and NAB League level this year, his score involvements were through the roof.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Drury debuts in our rankings with the list extended out to 40, but has always been around the mark. He was one of the few Chargers who gave a yelp in their Wildcard Round exit, producing a big-man’s kind of effort once thrusted on-ball in said game last month. In September, he also ran out for Vic Metro and contributed 13 disposals, four tackles and four inside 50s to his side’s championship-winning effort, playing at a high intensity as usual in his forward-first role.

THE PROTOTYPE

A modern day player who combines a strong athletic profile with footballing nous, Teal fits the bill as a prospect recruiters tend to favour. His size and ability to cover the ground are clear assets, which have served him well in a season interrupted by injury. After appendicitis scuppered his start to the year, Teal suffered a collarbone injury but still managed to make it on the park for the AFL Academy, Oakleigh Chargers, and Vic Metro. He has the capacity to compete in defence, contributing aerially and across the ground as a high-upside talent.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Teal is the eighth and final Oakleigh player in our top 40, and as you will be well aware of by now, made his only appearance for the month in Vic Metro’s final championship game. He primarily slotted into the side’s back six, clunking five marks and sending away three rebound 50s among his nine touches. Had he been afforded a more consistent run at it, he could well have pushed high into the 20s and will likely still be considered in the second-to-third round range.

SILKY SKILLS

Touted as one of the most promising West Australian prospects coming into 2022, Gilbey had his top-age campaign undone by injury but still managed to show glimpses of his top-end talent. The Claremont defender was an AFL Academy selection but came down with glandular fever early in the year, before eventually getting going at both college and WAFL Colts level. At 188cm, his handy intercept ability and exquisite left-foot kicking are among his weapons, with those traits shining as he got into the swing of things in state colours.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

A broken leg suffered late in the WAFL Colts season spelled an end to Gilbey’s campaign, which had so much potential to it. His 31-disposal effort for Claremont in Round 15 was among his best games for the year, and he looked to be on track to rise up the ranks with steady improvement during the Under 18 National Championships. With a small sample size, he still finds his way into our top 40, but could well have featured higher with a full season under his belt.

THE X-FACTOR

Another top talent tied to Essendon, Munkara’s eligibility to don the sash at AFL level is pending whether he is bid on within the first 40 picks. At his best, 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 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.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

There unfortunately isn’t much to add in the way of on-field exploits for Munkara over the last month. He managed one Allies appearance early in the year and only two caps with West Adelaide’s Under 18 side, but has also impressed at college football level. Whether in the ruck (yes, that’s not a typo) or more often up forward, he has talent which far exceeds this ranking, but has not been able to showcase it at high levels nearly as often as others in the same range. He remains a chance to scrape past the all-important pick 40 mark.

OLD RELIABLE

This year’s Allies MVP and a Giants Academy member, Rowston is as reliable as they come through midfield. The hardened ball winner worked tirelessly on his running capacity and made that work rate a strength, accumulating possessions at the coalface and jetting forward to also hit the scoreboard. He helped Assumption College take out the AGSV title this year before linking up with the Calder Cannons, helping them qualify for the NAB League finals with a strong string of performances.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

After his exploits with the Allies and Assumption College, Rowston’s form towards the back-end of the NAB League season was exemplary. His only showing in September came in Calder’s elimination final defeat to eventual premier Sandringham, and Rowston ticked up to 26 touches against arguably the league’s best midfield group. He was arguably the Cannons’ top performer in each outing, and may well hold a value higher than his current rank.

POWER PLAY(ER)

In a draft plentiful of midfielder-forwards, Magor is one with plenty of power. The South Adelaide talent has the capacity to hurt the opposition in front of goal, booting 23 goals in 10 SANFL Under 18s games on either side of an untimely injury which ruled him out of state representative duties. Magor also has the ability to be a clean ball winner on either side of midfield, averaging four clearances a game and remaining in the back of recruiters’ mind while he sat on the sidelines. His hurt factor and versatility are high points of his overall profile, which offers plenty of promise.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

South Adelaide, usually a prolific developed of junior talent, missed out on an Under 18 finals berth this year. That meant Magor’s last appearances came in August, when he returned from injury with 11 goals in two games to round out the season. Previously, he had shown the kind of potential to put him in this range, and may climb as tape is looked back on, or with impressive National Combine numbers.

THE GREAT UNKNOWN

One of the most curious cases in this year’s draft crop, Lemmey was touted as a potential top five talent before his top-age season came around. With injury and illness not affording the key forward a clear run at it, he struggled to find form and confidence early in the season, albeit while playing at senior level. He went on to play across each SANFL grade and turned out in his state’s Under 18 side, following on from such promising representative form last year. With strong presentation on the lead and a relatively mature build for his age, he has the pieces to end up as one of the premier players of this draft class.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Lemmey stepped up to take part in West Adelaide’s finals campaign at Reserves level, playing in the semi and preliminary finals. As had been the case at different times this season, he looked to be recapturing some of the confidence which saw him come into the year with such hype, ending his campaign on an overall positive note. His encouraging form yielded 10 touches in both games and combined tallies of 11 marks and three goals. He arguably has gifts much better than what he showcased in 2022, but didn’t quite put the pieces together.

ACE IN THE PACK

The sole 2003-born player to feature in our top 40 list, Gallagher has emerged as somewhat of an ace in the pack. Having cut his teeth as a crafty midfielder-forward, the Bendigo Pioneers leader found his niche with a shift to defence, where his enormous running capacity and classy ball use by foot came to the fore. His numbers towards the back-end of the NAB League season were utterly insane, as the over-ager eventually blew the representative door down to cap his year with Vic Country honours. He seems to have matured massively this season, and helped turned his region’s fortunes around in the final few games.

SEPTEMBER RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Gallagher lead Bendigo to a dramatic Wildcard Round upset of Oakleigh, racking up 42 disposals and 13 rebound 50s to set up his final NAB League appearance in a rare final for the Pioneers. On that day, he made his impact felt with 28 touches, eight rebound 50s and 1.5, playing on each line as his side went down to Tasmania. Gallagher carried his form onto the representative stage, racking up a team-high 23 disposals and seven marks in that newfound role off half-back, again as his Vic Country team suffered defeat. He looks a real second round chance on the back of pure production.