{"id":206336,"date":"2025-11-24T16:56:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:56:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=206336"},"modified":"2025-12-02T10:27:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:27:46","slug":"26-in-2026-a-look-ahead-to-next-years-top-prospects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/11\/24\/26-in-2026-a-look-ahead-to-next-years-top-prospects\/","title":{"rendered":"26 in 2026: A look ahead to next year\u2019s top prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WHILE the class of 2025 didn’t earn the most rave reviews throughout this year, the budding 2026 draft crop is viewed relatively favourably at this very early stage. There\u2019s imposing tall talent, keen runners, and high accumulators up for grabs in a group that has a bit of everything. As seen in our 2025 AFL Draft Guide<\/a>, we cast an eye to the future by highlighting 26 players to watch for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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26 FOR 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dougie Cochrane<\/a> (Central District\/South Australia)
Utility | 196cm | 02\/05\/2008<\/strong> | [TOP PROSPECT]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An athletic, tall utility in Willem Duursma claimed our number one spot at this time last year, and history repeats with Cochrane this time around. The 196cm wunderkind is supremely gifted athletically, able to beat opponents off the mark and in the air. What\u2019s better, he can get it done at both ends of the ground and has even been exposed to midfield. Cochrane made five SANFL League appearances this year and is the son of Stuart, who played 104 AFL games between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. His brother Tom is a rookie at Port, who is seeking to add Dougie to its Indigenous Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dougie Cochrane is our top 2026 prospect | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arki Butler<\/a> (Sandringham Dragons\/Vic Metro)
Forward\/Midfielder | 180cm | 23\/04\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most freakishly talented players at the front-end of next year\u2019s crop, Butler has plenty of upside. Naturally a forward, he\u2019s a menace to deal with one-on-one with his speed, smarts, and goal sense. The Sandringham Dragons prospect has already made his Vic Metro Under 18 debut and kicked three goals in his maiden Coates Talent League outing last year. He\u2019s mercurial around the big sticks, but may also develop into a crafty midfielder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arki Butler is a menacing forward | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kodah Edwards<\/a> (South Adelaide\/South Australia)
Midfielder\/Forward | 183cm | 25\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A leader among South Adelaide\u2019s talented 2026 crop, Edwards throws himself at everything. He\u2019s tough and clean at the contest, often putting his side on the front foot as a prolific clearance extractor. What\u2019s more, Edwards also impacts the scoreboard. His power and dual-position threat make him an exciting talent, recognised by the South Australian state program given he was incredibly close to an Under 18 representative berth this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethan Herbert<\/a> (North Adelaide\/South Australia)
Ruck | 200cm | 01\/11\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the most dominant bottom-age player in the SANFL Under 18 competition this year, Herbert put up big numbers in the ruck. Leaning on his craft and mobility, he averaged 17.9 disposals, 6.4 clearances, and 26.4 hitouts across 16 games for North Adelaide. His clean set of hands aided strong follow-up work and there is potential for the 200cm big man to develop his forward craft. He was only kept out of South Australia\u2019s Under 18 side this year by All-Australian ruck Sam Ainsworth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ethan Herbert flies in the ruck | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Archie Hill<\/a> (Suns Academy\/Queensland)
Defender | 182cm | 04\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A run-and-gun rebound defender set to extend the Suns Academy\u2019s strong reputation of developing high-end talent. Hill was Gold Coast\u2019s MVP at last year\u2019s Under 16 championships and carried on to represent Queensland at Under 17 level this year, proving a standout along the way. His running ability is equal parts daring and relentless, complimented by efficient foot skills to drive the ball forward. He\u2019s another who may end up relishing midfield opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Archie Hill kicks out of defence | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tate Hodgson<\/a> (Northern Knights\/Vic Metro)
Tall Defender | 193cm | 24\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hodgson may be a relative unknown to most having missed his bottom-age season with stress fractures. The Northern Knights defender was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and went on to make his Coates Talent League debut shortly after, playing 10 games. He was a train-on in Vic Metro\u2019s Under 18 squad this year despite the injury, highlighting how highly rated he is. A sound interceptor with composure and clean foot skills, he\u2019ll certainly be on the radar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Forgotten man Tate Hodgson | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lewis Houndsome<\/a> (Northern Knights\/Vic Metro)
Key Forward\/Ruck | 199cm | 29\/05\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of a few ultra-talented talls in the Northern Knights\u2019 ranks, Houndsome was also part of the Vic Metro squad this year. Perhaps his greatest achievement was a best afield performance as Parade College took out its third consecutive Herald Sun Shield, impressing with his mobility and marking ability. At 199cm, Houndsome\u2019s base is up forward but his reach and physical makeup lend to becoming a very handy secondary ruck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lewis Houndsome sticks a mark | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Garrison Kenh<\/a> (East Perth\/Western Australia)
Defender | 182cm | 19\/04\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A club-tied talent in the mix, Kenh is linked to West Coast via its Next Generation Academy. The East Perth product is a daring running defender capable of taking the game on with his speed and skills. Kenh\u2019s athleticism also lends to intercept marking ability defiant of his 182cm standing, and he takes risks to flick the switch between defence and attack. He was among the standouts in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xavier Ladbrook<\/a> (Gippsland Power\/Vic Country)
Key Position Utility | 200cm | 16\/10\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A player who well and truly suits the \u2018unicorn\u2019 moniker, Ladbrook offers enormous upside. He has played in just about every position this year, arguably looking most comfortable as a key defender but also swinging forward, pinch-hitting in the ruck, and even featuring on a wing. Ladbrook is a dynamic athlete who moves well for his size and joins in on the play like a mid-sized prospect. That kind of versatility is hard to come by, but so valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xavier Ladbrook is a unicorn prospect | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Koby LeCras<\/a> (West Perth\/Western Australia)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 26\/04\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hailing from strong footballing pedigree, LeCras is the nephew of 2018 premiership Eagle Mark, and son of six-game former Roo Brent. He possesses similar goalkicking prowess to his uncle, while also presenting as a mobile marking target who takes the ball cleanly overhead. LeCras\u2019  versatility has been explored with time on the wing where his aerial ability and raking left-foot kicking shine just as bright. He\u2019ll be right up there among WA\u2019s promising crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Koby LeCras is a dynamic forward talent | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wil Malady<\/a> (Gippsland Power\/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12\/10\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another prospect out of the booming Gippsland region is Malady. The 190cm marking phenom is as dangerous as they come inside forward 50, able to soar for speccies or take the ball at the top of his reach on the lead. He kicks goals in bunches too, as proven by his haul of five in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day. Keen draft watchers will remember the athletic utility as the hero of Vic Country\u2019s Under 16 title win via golden point in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wil Malady celebrates a goal | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ethan Matthews<\/a> (Giants Academy\/NSW)
Defender\/Midfielder | 185cm | 04\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the top talent out of NSW\/ACT for next year, Matthews operates with serious class. He\u2019s a smooth moving outside runner who thrives on the wing or half-back flank, where he rotated in his Allies debut this year. Matthews has also been exposed to VFL level, where his efficient ball use and ability to connect the lines translated well. Expect his clean fundamentals to translate well with more midfield time as a top-ager in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ethan Matthews is NSW’s top prospect | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kale Matthews-Hampton<\/a> (Sturt\/South Australia)
Defender | 187cm | 18\/05\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As is the case for many talented athletes each year, Matthews-Hampton faces a decision on his dual-sport status heading into 2026. The prolific state basketballer boasts plenty of upside but has balanced the codes to this point, though still managed a berth in South Australia\u2019s title-winning team this year. He was also part of Sturt\u2019s premiership side in the SANFL Under 18s, thriving off a high-possession style where his athleticism and foot skills came to the fore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kale Matthews-Hampton fires a kick away | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heath Mellody<\/a> (Claremont\/Western Australia)
Wing\/Defender | 181cm | 27\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mellody had plenty of people singing his praises with a sparkling end to the season. He was part of Claremont\u2019s third consecutive Colts premiership and starred with a shift to half-back. Whether there or up on the wing, Mellody\u2019s dual-footed kicking stands out along with his clever running patterns and positioning on the intercept. He only further stamped his credentials with an industrious display in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heath Mellody is a sharp ball user | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Caylen Murray<\/a> (Lions Academy\/Queensland)
Defender\/Midfielder | 183cm | 03\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most stylish players in next year\u2019s crop, Murray is an incredibly smooth mover and user of the ball. His foot skills and decision making have seen him develop as a chief distributor off half-back, though Murray is just as capable of holding his own on either side of midfield. The Lions Academy prospect broke through for an Allies debut and VFL berth this year, highlighting where he stands among another strong group of Queensland prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caylen Murray in Allies colours | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marlon Neocleous<\/a> (Gippsland Power\/Vic Country)
Small Forward\/Midfielder | 168cm | 26\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quite comfortably the smallest player on this list, Neocleous isn\u2019t short on talent. A crafty forward in the mould of Hawthorn\u2019s Nick Watson, he plays with similar swagger and pizzazz to produce highlight-reel moments. The Gippsland Power prospect also holds his own in midfield where his quick and clean hands come to the fore, along with penetrative foot skills. He can cut up the opposition both high up the field and deep inside 50, proving a high-impact type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gippsland Power pocket rocket Marlon Neocleous | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Matthew Owen<\/a> (Lions Academy\/Queensland)
Midfielder | 179cm | 01\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet another star Queenslander in the mix, Owen was adjudged the best and fairest player in Pool B of last year\u2019s Under 16 championships. He has followed on from that honour, making his VFL debut for Brisbane and establishing himself as a key player for the Lions Academy. At his core, Owen is an inside-outside midfielder who accumulates possessions for fun and can run all day. Give him enough time and space, and he\u2019ll cut you up going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Matthew Owen knows where to find the footy | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gabriel Patterson<\/a> (Glenelg\/South Australia)
Forward | 182cm | 26\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collingwood fans will be asking what could have been, with Patterson\u2019s father Stephen falling four games short of rendering Gabriel father-son eligible to the Magpies. The Glenelg livewire boasts explosive speed and a keen eye for goal, as proven by his seven-goal haul against eventual SANFL Under 18 grand finalist, West Adelaide. Patterson is a serious threat at the fall of the ball and can take a mile when given an inch, putting him up there with the best of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Pickett<\/a> (Geelong Falcons\/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 193cm | 06\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boasting an envious goalkicking record, Pickett doesn\u2019t need too many touches to make a massive impact. The high-marking forward is powerful on the lead and can beat opponents in the air before making good on his chances inside 50. Pickett kicked 31 goals in just eight Coates Talent League games this year, including a high of seven. He\u2019ll be the spearhead for Vic Country having already played two Under 18 games for the \u2018Big V\u2019 this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jack Pickett shoots on goal | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lucas Robinson<\/a> (South Fremantle\/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 189cm | 13\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fremantle fans are already locked into the progress of their latest Next Generation Academy star, who was previously part of West Coast\u2019s program. Hailing from Tarin Rock, nearly four hours out of Perth, Robinson offers classic country football tropes with his toughness and clearance winning acumen. At 189cm, he can also clunk gutsy overhead marks and is as clean as they come at stoppages. He was Western Australia\u2019s Under 16 MVP last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fremantle NGA prospect Lucas Robinson | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Darcy Szerszyn<\/a> (Dandenong Stingrays\/Vic Country)
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20\/05\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps a prospect flying under the radar in terms of plaudits, Szerszyn has been afforded plenty of exposure as a bottom-ager. He has already established himself in the Vic Country side and played 13 times for Dandenong Stingrays this season, holding down an important role in defence. Whether locking down an opponent or intercepting, Szerszyn rebounds well and is capable of playing above his 188cm listing, posing a substantial aerial threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Darcy Szerszyn can play on talls and smalls | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cody Templeton<\/a> (Gippsland Power\/Vic Country)
Midfielder\/Forward | 179cm | 01\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fourth Gippsland Power prospect on this list, Templeton possesses genuine star factor. He held down a spot in the Power\u2019s midfield but also made an impact up forward – a relatively new role to him. With speed, energy, and a strong set hands overhead, Templeton led his side\u2019s goalkicking with 21 majors from a maximum 17 games. There\u2019s still a touch of rawness to his profile, but he cracks in hard and is capable of ripping games open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cody Templeton searches for a handball | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Harry Van Hattum<\/a> (Northern Knights\/Vic Metro)
Ruck\/Key Forward | 202cm | 01\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing at an imposing 202cm, Van Hattum is far more than just a hulking physical prospect. He is highly athletic for his size, capable of closing in hard on packs or standing up in them to mark overhead. The Northern Knights prospect covers good ground to complement his ruck craft and is capable of providing a target either down the line or up forward. He\u2019ll be a handful to deal with next year alongside fellow Knights tall, Lewis Houndsome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harry Van Hattum is one of 2026’s top talls | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benji van Rooyen<\/a> (Claremont\/Western Australia)
Ruck | 202cm | 17\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another of the distinguished rucks to look forward to next year, van Rooyen will be looking to follow big brother Jacob into the AFL ranks. Projecting to have over 10cm of height over his elder sibling, the Claremont tall gets first access to the ball with his reach and developing craft. He held down Western Australia\u2019s starting ruck role this year and has begun to develop his impact around the ground, as shown during Claremont\u2019s run to a third-consecutive Colts flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Benji van Rooyen is the brother of Melbourne’s Jacob | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cody Walker<\/a> (Bendigo Pioneers\/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 184cm | 26\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps Cochrane\u2019s closest rival in the pick one race at this early stage, Walker was tied to Richmond\u2019s Next Generation Academy but has already nominated Carlton as his preferred destination via father-son eligibility. The son of Andrew is highly professional and hard-working, but also has the natural burst of speed and athleticism of his father. The back-end of his year proved just how good he can be as a high-accumulating midfielder rotates forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cody Walker lines up on 2025 pick one Willem Duursma | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Noah Williams<\/a> (Geelong Falcons\/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 176cm | 22\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williams boasts plenty of talent but put his name out to a wider audience with his best on ground showing in the National Futures game. He\u2019s tenacious and quick, capable of swooping on ground balls and accelerating out of traffic untouched. Williams\u2019 classy ball use and outside run are also among his best traits, along with the versatility to play forward, back, on a wing, or through the middle. He can do it all and contributes going both ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Noah Williams was best on ground in the National Futures match | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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IN THE MIX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This list genuinely would have been easier to make into one featuring 30 names, such is the depth of talent in next year’s crop. South Australia, for example, is set to have a strong group. South Adelaide pair Archie Van dyk<\/a> and Angus White<\/a> were heavily considered, along with Central District’s Jack Gordon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were already eight Vic Country players in the mix, but Richmond Next Generation Academy member Tanner Armstrong<\/a> wasn’t far off. The same could be said for Swans Academy guns Guy<\/a> and William Jenkin<\/a> – twins who are set to own the wings for every side they represent next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latter pair’s teammate, Aidan McCartney<\/a> is also firmly on the radar having earned AFL Academy selection. He’s a mobile marking target tied to two clubs, with father Jason having played 107 games with North Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few more West Australians will also be on the radar. West Perth’s Harvey Spawton-Guy<\/a> is a ruck\/forward with plenty of development left, while Claremont defender\/wingman George Gale<\/a> is a classy operator who played a role in his side\u2019s third consecutive Colts premiership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only one Tasmanian was drafted in 2025, but a couple may well attract interest going forward. Running machine Hugh McCallum<\/a> has plenty of class, while key position swingman Charlie Bovill<\/a> is a contested marking machine who booted five goals on a memorable Coates Talent League debut in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>