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.

AUGUST RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

The back-end of the season was meant to be Wardlaw’s last lunge towards pick one contention, but his return did not last long. Having recovered from a hamstring strain which saw him miss the National Championships, Wardlaw sustained a similar injury in the early stages of his school football return with St Kevin’s. You’d think, with little to prove, he won’t feature in this month’s Country-Metro clash.

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 is tied to the region full-time alongside Ashcroft and has made good on the opportunity this year. While proven in his goalkicking ability, Sheezel has also staked his claim as a rotating midfielder with wicked foot skills, and has clear upside as a player who can win games off his own boot.

AUGUST RANKING: #3

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It has been an up-and-down month for Sheezel, but he continues to showcase his match winning quality. He registered at least three scoring shots across four games in August, with a four-goal effort against Oakleigh his best effort. In that game, he very nearly dragged Sandringham to a remarkable comeback. Though Sheezel has been restricted well in his last two efforts, he remains a genuine top five contender.

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 run and elite delivery by foot. Given his outside tendencies, Tsatas has mostly featured on the wing at NAB League level, but really catches the eye when rotating through the centre bounces with his ability to break away cleanly and hit targets at full tilt. Coming into the year, he was one of three Victorian midfielders in the mix for pick one, and has pressed his claims with terrific numbers before a recent injury setback.

AUGUST RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

After returning from injury via school football with typically big numbers, Tsatas slotted seamlessly into Oakleigh’s midfield and continues to stuff the stats sheet. His 38-disposal effort against Sandringham was dominant, and though he had 34 against Bendigo the next week, could not help his Chargers escape a shock Wildcard Round exit. Watch for him to have a big game for Metro after that disappointment.

TOP TRAITS GALORE

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

AUGUST RANKING: #4

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Geelong’s captain fantastic proved exactly that in his final outing for the club, playing as close to a lone hand as possible with 27 disposals and two goals in a surprise Wildcard Round loss to Western. That was his only outing in August having sat out Round 16, but it encapsulated all the heart and leadership material Clark is made of. He will be another looking forward to the Country-Metro decider.

VICE-LIKE HANDS

One of the more prominent lead-up forwards in a draft once thought to be rich with promising talls, Cadman has proven undeniable as a genuine 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 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

The back-end of Cadman’s season has been nothing short of sensational, and he is incredibly unlucky not to have cracked our top five. Crowned the Rookie Me Central medallist for his NAB League exploits as leading goalkicker, the key forward booted nine goals in three games across August. He averaged nearly eight marks in that time and proved a match-winner in Round 16, booting three of his four goals in the last term to drag GWV over the line. The best key position player available.

UNDER THE RADAR

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

AUGUST RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

After helping Brighton Grammar take out the APS football title, Mackenzie has returned to NAB League duties with Sandringham. In three games last month, he notched 23, 24, and 24 disposals as the Dragons go deep into finals. Though Ashcroft has arguably been the standout, Mackenzie and Olli Hotton have helped form a strong midfield trio for the prolific region.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #6

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Busslinger really hit his straps in Western Australia’s second championships game, against the Allies, before opting to head in for season-ending shoulder surgery. Though he hardly got a chance to prove his worth against the nation’s best key forwards, he is clear as the best tall defender and may remain a top 10 chance.

THE MID-FORWARD HYBRID

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

AUGUST RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Phillipou is another highly touted prospect who has been struck down by injury. He got back into the swing of SANFL footy via the Eagles’ Reserves with 13 disposals, five marks and three goals in a Round 17 loss, but an ankle knock suffered at training has brought his year to an end.

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 20 goals in 10 NAB League outings this year, Humphrey has proven to be more than just a hardened ball winner. His competitiveness is a big tick, and flies at the forefront of an impactful all-round game.

AUGUST RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

The big riser in the pack, Humphrey is the sole new entrant into our top 10 this month. After a smashing return from injury at the end of July, Humphrey continued his strong form with 1.4 from 16 touches, then four-straight goals to round out the regular season. Still rotating as a damaging mid-forward, the Gippsland skipper also lifted in his side’s elimination final with 26 disposals and eight inside 50s. He’s a bull.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Though it has since been revealed he was playing through injury, Jefferson still managed to hit the scoreboard in his few games in August. Two bags of five goals rounded out his school football season, before he snared four in the final NAB League regular season round. He managed 3.3 the next week, and his leg injury perhaps accounts for the otherwise low production numbers outside of his goalkicking for the Chargers.

SPEED AND ENDURANCE

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

AUGUST RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

After one appearance in the Reserves at the end of July, Hewett returned to League level and cemented his spot in the Swan Districts side. He booted a goal in each of his August outings, adding to his average of 16 disposals in that time. Unfortunately, neither the Swans’ League or Colts side made the cut for finals.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Western Australia’s Under 18 MVP returned to WAFL football in August, slotting back into East Perth’s League side. He notched 14 touches in a Round 18 loss to West Perth, before dropping down for his first Colts game of the year this past weekend. Rotating forward, he snared two goals from 19 disposals and is set to play a key role in the Royals’ finals campaign.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Another prospect fresh off school football before his NAB League return, Hollands instantly became one of Murray’s prime movers before their Wildcard Round exit. Playing on-ball essentially full-time, he rounded out his NAB League career with dual 27-disposal efforts and looks a real first round chance.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Hustwaite holds his spot at number 15 despite having a slightly interrupted month. Like Hollands, his last two games have yielded 27 disposals apiece, along with six tackles. The Stingrays skipped Wildcard Round on account of their top three status, and Hustwaite sat out his side’s first finals bout.

POWER PERSONIFIED

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

AUGUST RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

George is shaping as the hard luck story of the draft, having torn his ACL in the opening half of his second NAB League game back from a seperate knee injury. The week before, he nabbed a goal from eight disposals and three marks playing mostly inside 50, before sitting out the second half. On talent alone, he remains in the first round range but may slide – akin to Brodie Kemp and Jy Simpkin.

DEADLY DECISION MAKING

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

AUGUST RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Davey makes a short jump to number 17 after seeing out his school football season with Xavier College, and spending plenty of time on-ball with Oakleigh. He looked at his best with 26 disposals and a goal in Round 16 against Sandringham, rising to the occasion against familiar foes. His Wildcard Round effort was less productive, with his usual run and creativity smothered by Bendigo. A big game for Vic Metro should keep him in touch off the top 15.

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 uses it offensively. Consistency is an area of his game to iron out, but the Gippsland Power small is so clever and knows how to make a difference when stationed around the ball. He has kicked goals in all bar one of his 10 NAB League games this season, for a total of 14, and looks to be one of the premier players in his position.

AUGUST RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

In a satisfying feat of uniformity, Konstanty snared 1.2 in each of his three NAB League games in August. His best was arguably his last, where he notched 19 marks to go with six marks and seven tackles in a tight elimination final win against Northern. His range of traits continue to impress as a forward, where he looks most at home.

CLEAN AND QUICK

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

AUGUST RANKING:#22

LAST MONTH:

Hotton rises into the top 20 alongside Konstanty, having carried strong representative and school footy form back into the NAB League. He rectified his steady start to the season with 26 touches and two clutch goals upon his return to the Dragons, backing it up with 25 in Wildcard Round. He was quieter with 14 on the weekend, but remains a key piece of the Dragons’ onball group.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Szybkowski was part of the Caulfield Grammar side which shared the APS premiership, and will be looking to add to that in the NAB League with Dandenong. He looked a man against boys in his first ‘Rays game since Round 4, racking up 30 disposals in a win over minor premier, Gippsland, as his side earned a week off. Spending time inside 50 on the weekend, his numbers were slightly down at 16 touches, but he remains a top 25 candidate with high work rate and reliability.

THE MOBILE RUCK

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

AUGUST RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Barnett played a single League game for West Adelaide in August before slotting back into the Under 18 setup, managing seven touches and as many hitouts in the top flight. Westies fell short of an Under 18 finals berth, but Barnett’s last two outings saw him average 15 disposals and 29 hitouts in a win and loss. He looks to be the best ruck available.

ALL CLASS

Ashcroft may be the Brisbane Lions father-son stealing most of the headlines, but the club has another in its ranks. Fletcher, the son of former Geelong, St Kilda, Fremantle and Brisbane player, Adrian, is only tied to one club and looks to be Queensland’s top prospect in 2022. The classy 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Fletcher’s Sherwood finished last in the QAFL seniors competition, which has entered its postseason with two more weeks left of finals. There’s not much to add in the way of on-field feats at the level of others, but his representative form was strong enough to place him inside our top 25.

THE SUPERBOOT

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

AUGUST RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Cowan is in the midst of a NAB League finals campaign with Tasmania, and looked at his explosive best with 27 disposals, five marks, and 13 rebound 50s on the weekend. His only other appearance at the level came in Round 15, but with the Devils enjoying a month off, he also turned out twice for North Launceston in the TSL. In both games, he was among the Bombers’ best as they narrowly missed finals.

SKY IS THE LIMIT

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

AUGUST RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

Keeler is another top talent in the midst of finals, continuing his strong campaign with North Adelaide’s Under 18s. He has fared well in a stats sense, competing for averages of 20 disposals and four marks along with handy work in the ruck. He has the pieces to be a first round prospect, and a big finish to his finals campaign may win a few more clubs over.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Hayes makes his debut in the Rookie Me Central rankings on the back of strong representative and NAB League form. He only turned out for two Ranges games in August, settling for an average of 15 disposals and five marks between them. He missed a match between those outings, one of two losses against Calder.

CLEAN HANDS AND CLEARANCES

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

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

With the list extended back out to 30 names, D’Aloia reenters the fold at 26, having been a figure of consistency at SANFL Reserves level. The reliable on-baller’s season ended with just 13 touches in a semi-final loss, but D’Aloia sat between 24 and 29 touches in his four August outings. He had a whopping 13 clearances in Round 19 and is hard to deny a top 30 spot, which he takes up as a readymade prospect.

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 30. The Glenelg half-back can play at either end of the ground or on a wing, offering aerial prowess and the ability to carry the ball with confidence. On the end of his forays up the field are generally sound kicks, and Ryan is an eye-catching player at his best. Once he puts all the pieces together, he has a high impact style which will appeal to clubs.

AUGUST RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Ryan played a leading hand in Sacred Heart’s College football premiership, and we all saw just how sorely Glenelg missed him throughout the season as he returned to the Under 18s level last week. The versatile talent was a cool head with 30 disposals and four rebound 50s in a two-point win over Sturt, as the Bays look to go deep into SANFL finals.

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 top 30 range.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Jones made his WAFL League debut at the end on June, and looked to have cemented his spot at the level during a strong August. His second outing, against West Coast’s reserves, was particularly impressive as the determined small booted two goals from 19 disposals. He managed two more top flight appearances before a shift to the Reserves where he averaged around 18 touches and a goal.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Yet another Victorian who slotted back into the NAB League after his school football commitments, Weddle’s return with Oakleigh was unexpectedly short-lived. His Chargers were bundled out in Wildcard Round, but not before the 18-year-old did some nice things in Round 16. He had 13 touches and five marks against Sandringham, but just nine touches the week after.

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 middle of the draft.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Burgiel capped off his school football season with Wesley College before rejoining Gippsland’s NAB League flag tilt. He was arguably the Power’s best afield in their Round 16 loss to Dandenong, registering 20 touches and a goal. He had 17 in a narrow elimination final win over Northern on the weekend, and is building into a big finals series.