Whispering_Jack

The 2025 AFL National Draft order as at the weekend in the middle of draft week -

ROUND ONE

1 West Coast Eagles 

2 West Coast Eagles 

3 Richmond

4 Richmond

5 Essendon 

6 Essendon

7 Gold Coast Suns

8 Gold Coast Suns

9 Hawthorn 

10 Carlton

11 Sydney

12 Western Bulldogs

13 West Coast Eagles 

14 GWS Giants

15 Gold Coast Suns

16 Adelaide

17 Brisbane Lions

18 Gold Coast Suns

19 Geelong 

20 Fremantle 

21 Essendon 

22 Carlton 

23  Brisbane Lions

ROUND TWO

 24 Melbourne 

25 North Melbourne

26 North Melbourne

27 Essendon

28 Melbourne

29 Gold Coast Suns

30 Essendon 

31 Hawthorn

32 Sydney

33 Western Bulldogs 

34 West Coast Eagles

35 GWS Giants

36 Gold Coast Suns

37 GWS Giants  

38 West Coast Eagles 

39 Collingwood 

40 Geelong 

41 West Coast Eagles 

42 Melbourne 

43 Hawthorn

ROUND THREE

44 Brisbane Lions

45 Brisbane Lions

46 North Melbourne

47 Fremantle 

48 Adelaide

49 Port Adelaide

50 St Kilda

51 Brisbane Lions

52 Gold Coast Suns 

53 West Coast Eagles 

54 Carlton 

55 Adelaide 

56 Brisbane Lions

57 Adelaide

58 West Coast Eagles 

59 Collingwood 

60 Geelong 

61 Collingwood 

ROUND FOUR

62 Hawthorn

63 Sydney 

64 North Melbourne

65 St Kilda

66 Melbourne

67 Carlton 

68 Brisbane Lions

69 Fremantle 

70 Gold Coast Suns

71 Melbourne 

72 Carlton 

73 Adelaide

74 Gold Coast Suns

75 Adelaide

76 Hawthorn 

77 Collingwood 

78 Geelong 

79 Brisbane Lions 

Today was fizzle Friday ~

• Brody Mihocek and Pick 71 heads to Melbourne for Pick 61 and Melbourne's 2026 R3 selection.

• Mihocek on his conversations with the Melbourne captain -

"He said it will be like a new club, and there are a lot of fresh faces coming in. I've always admired Max Gawn."

• a Three way deal -

PORT ADELAIDE Gets Corey Durdin, 2026 second-round pick (tied to Carlton) and Gives

Pick 29, 67

CARLTON Gets Ben Ainsworth, pick 67 and Gives Corey Durdin, 2026 second-round pick

GOLD COAST Gets Pick 29 and Gives Ben Ainsworth

• Campbell Chesser has been traded to Carlton. Pick 41 heading the way of the Eagles.

4 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

Seems we gave up a lot to preserve pick 40 this year. We should have used the preseason draft.

It’s okay, we’ll get it back in the Oliver trade … er

As we near the end of trade week 2025, I’m so disillusioned with the state of football journalism to the point where I’m seriously considering closing this thread because of the groupthink among the presenters on AFL Trade Radio. Too much nodding of heads in agreement at the most ludicrous scenarios being put forward … and their inconsistency.

Then along comes a journalist who I might not have always agreed with in the past and this happens:

Robbo, Baz, Caro and the case of the missing Trade Radio audio

“It's the mysterious case of the missing audio and AFL censorship.

Filling air time on the AFIs Trade Radio product is a tough gig and the Thursday morning crew, hosted by Channel Nine's Tom Morris and former Essendon great James Hird, decided to give an old friend a call.

They got former Herald Sun chief football writer Mark "Robbo" Robinson on the line to tell a few stories from the good old days of trade week like Chris Judd's move from West Coast to Carlton.

The chat soon veered onto more recent topics and this is where things got interesting”.

…

“This is where Inspector Clouseau needs to be called in.

At the 41-minute mark of the podcast review of the show Morris throws to Robbo coming up next. But there is no Robbo on the other side of the break. In fact he is nowhere to be found.”

…

For those who are wondering what all the fuss is about, this is a taste of Robbo on Trade Radio.

‘Some of the players are really starting to s**t me,’ he said” … and he goes on to specifically criticize Bailey Smith’s recent conduct and then raised said,

"I'm disappointed in Greg Swann and in Andrew Dillon for allowing that to go through to the keeper without punishment."

He also went on to express disappointment about Clayton Oliver's expletive-laden response to a TV reporter last week,

"The Clayton Oliver stuff. Fair dinkum. Does the AFL understand that the whole country is watching their players act like absolute bozos and it's a bad reflection on the AFL and the players where it's f-n this and they drop c-bombs," he said.

Why AFL Trade Radio dropped this from its daily audio is answered somewhere between the lines. The audience is being told to believe what the AFL wants them to believe.

Lots happening today

• @cac1963 on Christian Petracca - "We have had some preliminary discussions, it will take a little while to work through, but we have been talking to Melbourne about a deal."

• … on BH - "We are really clear though, we are NOT trading Bailey Humphrey, we just won't look into that at all."

• and on JUH - "We were looking at someone who was committed to getting himself back to playing football. He met with our leadership group. He will do a medical with us today, and we need to get the AFL to clear it as well, but we are progressing that."

• Callum Twomey - There's been progress on a deal for West Coast's Campbell Chesser to get to the Blues. Carlton's pick No.41 is in there as part of the mix of options.

• There's been progress on a deal for West Coast's Campbell Chesser to get to the Blues. Carlton's pick No.41 is in there as part of the mix of options. • Tim Lamb interviewed -

1. "Gold Coast have made their position clear Bailey Humphrey is not on the trade table and you need to respect their position."

2. Re Clayton Oliver - "From the media speculation it appears he wants to get to the Giants but we haven't spoken with them. A deal would need to get worked out."

3. Re Brody Mihocek- "At this stage it is looking likely he could be a free agent. We are talking to Collingwood on a couple of things. We are comfortable bringing him in a free agent."

4. Appears that Steven May remains a Demon.

For more see @BLWNBA ’s post above.

• Riley Beveridge expects Charlie Curnow to be playing in new colours in 2026.

Today’s action

• Sam Flanders has been traded to the Saints for Pick 7.  

• "So make of this what you will, Clayton Oliver no longer follows Melbourne Football Club on Instagram but he does follow GWS Giants." - Tom Morris

NOTE: An indication of Clarrie’s maturity which probably explains it all. 

• “The expectation is the Oscar Allen move gets lodged today and lands West Coast pick No.2. Deven Robertson will also get his way to the Eagles at some stage.” - Cal Twomey on West Coast’s next moves.

• The three-club trade has been approved and is in the system . The Eagles received Brandon Starcevich plus picks 12, 33 and 52, with the Dockers getting picks 19, 23 and 46. The Lions receive picks 16, 22, 44 and 50. 

• Paperwork has also been lodged for the Judd McVee trade - pick 23 heading to Melbourne. 

• Starcevich has gone from the best team to the worst team. He’s only the fifth restricted free agent in 14 years to leave a club and join a team that finished in the bottom-six on the ladder.” - Cal Twomey 

• in the afternoon, paperwork lodged for Oscar Allen's free agency move from West Coast to Brisbane with the Eagles handed Pick 2 as compensation. 

AFL Trade Radio just blew up. Tom Morris departed from the script:

"Bailey Humphrey is intriguing me. Clubs are still agitating to get him out of the Suns. There is a view Damien Hardwick is somewhat sympathetic to Humphrey's personal situation."

8 minutes ago, Chelly said:

Love the fact checking on Cornes (and his minions who followed with the same thoughts). These AFL Trade Radio commentators are like zombies lacking originality of thought. What are they going to come up with for their zinger of the day?

The obvious one would be one about Kozzy Pickett being blindsided into signing his contract extension and wants out.

9 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

Absolute nonsense. Petracca is a substantially better player than Rioli and is contracted for a significant period to come. Each draft is different but pick 6 this year is not going to be anywhere near close to pick 6. To suggest that pick 17 = the difference between Petracca and Rioli is an insult to Cornes’ intelligence if indeed, he has any.

9 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

• "I think you give 6 and 17 for Petracca...that is more than fair for him. He is a better player than Dan Rioli, and Rioli got them pick 6."

I checked and Cornes was wrong. These were the terms of the Rioli trade:-

Traded Player:

Daniel Rioli: Richmond Tigers defender joins Gold Coast Suns on a five-year contract.

Trade Terms:

Gold Coast Suns Receive:

Daniel Rioli Picks 51, 61, 70, and 76

Richmond Tigers Receive:

• Picks 6 and 23

I haven’t read the whole thread so I don’t know if it’s been picked up but it says something about Cornes and his credibility which was never a strength. It’s something he shares with others in his business.

The morning started on a bad note for Kane Cornes and just got worse.

• "I think you give 6 and 17 for Petracca ... that is more than fair for him. He is a better player than Dan Rioli, and Rioli got them pick 6." - Kane Cornes on what is fair for Christian Petracca.

NOTE: I checked and Cornes was wrong. These were the terms of the Rioli trade:-

Traded Player:

Daniel Rioli: Richmond Tigers defender joins Gold Coast Suns on a five-year contract.

Trade Terms:

Gold Coast Suns Receive:

Daniel Rioli Picks 51, 61, 70, and 76

Richmond Tigers Receive:

• Picks 6 and 23

Next time, please do your research.

This set the tone for a day of commentary bordering on the inane and sometimes comical.

• "The tension in this discussion is whether Geelong should give up a pick in this year's draft or next year's draft. St Kilda is more interested in next year's draft." - Tom Morris on Rowan Marshall

• "The most simplistic view in all of this is that is not the case. People will say this has been planted from the Merrett camp to destabilise Essendon. I have been chasing this story for several weeks." - Tom Morris on the view the Zach Merrett camp leaked the Essendon drugs story

• Tom Morris (dramatically) - Adelaide took a look at Clayton Oliver but pulled out leaving the available choice to Collingwood and GWS Giants. Meanwhile, Oliver completes a medical at GWS as Collingwood plans a meeting.

• "I feel like at Melbourne I played the small forward role and it gave me good building blocks but it was a rigid role, without freedom. I spoke to North about playing a role with a bit more freedom. I play my best when playing on instinct." - Charlie Spargo

•  DONE DEAL - the first trade is in.  Paperwork has been lodged on the Liam Reidy trade. Carlton will get Reidy and Picks 53 and 71, Fremantle will get Picks 50 and 68.

• GCS player Brayden Fiorini has nominated Essendon as his new home.

• DONE DEAL - Sydney has secured a trade for Malcolm Rosas jnr.

The two clubs have agreed a deal that will see Sydney land Rosas and Pick 62, while Gold Coast will receive Picks 51 and 69.

• Callum Twomey - Over the past week multiple clubs have reached out directly to Nick Daicos & to his management to gauge any interest he has in a move.

• Saints and Suns reportedly agree to a pick 7/Sam Flanders trade.

• a complicated pick swap is being hatched between Brisbane, Fremantle and West Coast for Brandon Starcevich.

* my hunch is that it could unlock the McVee trade.

28 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Absolute nonsense. Petracca is a substantially better player than Rioli and is contracted for a significant period to come. Each draft is different but pick 6 this year is not going to be anywhere near close to pick 6. To suggest that pick 17 = the difference between Petracca and Rioli is an insult to Cornes’ intelligence if indeed, he has any.

1 hour ago, Ted Lasso said:

I think WJ is referring to the deals that might be offered rather than the decision to trade Trac overall.

We're clearly very happy to move Trac on, but as WJ points out, we've got the whip hand and can say no, so while the Suns might not like to trade someone like Bailey Humphrey, they might have to if they wanna get the deal done.

Precisely … the principle of a contract being in place is the same.

Gold Coast Suns list manager Craig Cameron was always a straight shooter when he spoke to us at Demonland back in the day when he was in charge of recruiting at the Melbourne Football Club. He even posted under the handle of @cac1963 or something of that nature. This is what he said yesterday about Bailey Humphrey who is under contract to the his club:

“The thing about having a player contracted is that sort of sits with the club as to make a decision and with Bailey, he is just a no.”

Very true … but as long as his club is pursuing Melbourne superstar, premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist, Christian Petracca, it might be worth noting that, like Humphrey, he is also a contracted player and that Cameron’s counterpart at Melbourne is also very much able to utter the word “no”.

What the clubs are saying (from the Herald Sun:

• Melbourne says trading Oliver and Petracca will only be done if the club feels it sets them up for their next premiership. 

• List boss Tim Lamb says he “will dispute” that Oliver was pushed out of the club.

• Lamb also confirmed the Demons are interested in Bailey Humphrey and now expects Steven May to remain at the club. 

If you’re lamenting the possible loss of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, consider this:-

• on Saturday, 17 August 2024, at People First Stadium, Carrara, Melbourne scored 18.9.117, defeating the Gold Coast Suns, who scored 9.9.63. Neither Petracca nor Oliver participated in that game.

• on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at People First Stadium, Carrara, Melbourne scored 12.13.85, losing to the Gold Coast Suns, who scored 15.14.104. Both Petracca (32 possessions) and Oliver (24) participated in that game.

Make of that what you will.

The top ten performers in each category

TOP 10s | 2025 National AFL - Draft Combine

And away we go …

• "The most obvious trade request this season came from Rowan Marshall. Geelong are going to want to do this pretty cheaply. This one could get a little nasty. " - Kane Cornes

• Callum Twomey Collingwood has emerged as a contender for Clayton Oliver. The Pies have also made a play for Troy Chaplin as forwards coach to replace Scott Selwood. Contracted at Melbourne in 2026 and the Demons want to keep him.

• All signs point to the Sydney trade for Malcolm Rosas Jr happening today.

• Charlie Spargo is a Kangaroo. Demons get an end of second round pick.

• Carlton is among the clubs with some interest in Gold Coast's Ben Ainsworth.

• Matt Rosa of Essendon on Zach Merrett - "He's a champion of our club. He is a required player. He's stated frustrations but we are really clear that we want to work through that. No he hasn't (officially requested a trade). We have been really clear that we won't entertain a trade"

• David Walls (Fremantle) re Judd McVee - "We have started chats with Melbourne which will progress this afternoon.

• Sam Edmund - Hawthorn has met with Bailey Humphrey, with the Hawks well and truly among the list of potential suitors.

• Gold Coast is resolute that Bailey Humphrey will not be included in any Christian Petracca deal. As per a post above, Tom Morris says that if the Dees ask for Humphrey for Petracca, the Suns walk away from the deal.

Who is going to tell Petracca’s camp that GCS aren’t interested in a trade for him?

• "We have been honest with Christian that he is a contracted superstar at our club. If someone wants to come and get one of our best players then it's up to them to come with the best deal to suit us" - Tim Lamb re Christian Petracca

Standoff.

And on the eve of the trade period, this is how things look on a club by club basis -

YOUR CLUB'S PICKS BEFORE 2025

TRADE PERIOD

Adelaide: 15, 46, 53, 55, 71, 73

Brisbane: 19, 42, 45, 51, 54, 66, 77

Carlton: 9, 21, 40, 49, 67

Collingwood: 38, 57, 69, 75

Essendon: 4, 5, 20, 26, 29

Fremantle: 12, 33, 43, 52, 70

Geelong: 18, 39, 58, 76

Gold Coast: 6, 14, 17, 35, 61, 72

GWS: 13, 34, 36

Hawthorn: 8, 30, 41, 60, 74

Melbourne: 27, 59, 64

North Melbourne: 24, 25, 44, 62

Port Adelaide: 28, 47, 65

Richmond: 2, 3

St Kilda: 7, 48, 63

Sydney: 10, 31, 50, 68

West Coast: 1, 16, 22, 23, 37, 56

Western Bulldogs: 11, 32

From today’s Herald Sun ~

MELBOURNE

What’s their strategy: Steven King will coach a very different looking Demons next season with Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Steven May all on the trade table, with the club pinning its hopes on regeneration around young stars including Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup. They are keen to bring in some ready-made talent to balance the likely big exits.

List holes and will they fill them: The Dees are keen to bolster their ruck department with an eye on the future with a young big man to work alongside the evergreen Max Gawn (he turns 34 in December). The arrival of Brody Mihocek helps a serious need in attack as he is competitive and battle-hardened.

Definitely gone: Charlie Spargo (North Melbourne), Judd McVee (Fremantle), Kynan Brown, Jack Billings, Tom Fullarton, Oliver Sestan, Will Verrall, Marty Hore (delisted).

may go: Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Steven May.

Lock them in: Brody Mihocek (Collingwood), Max Heath (St Kilda)

Could be coming: Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast).

He’s tough, a leader, has experience and a good character. Nothing wrong with that.

Some more results

AGILITY TOP FIVE

1. Lachy Dovaston - 7.794sec

2. Oskar Taylor - 7.840sec

3. Xavier Taylor - 7.869sec

4. Tylah Williams - 7.878sec

5. Avery Thomas - 7.887sec

20M SPRINT TOP FIVE

1. Oskar Taylor - 2.823sec

2. Tylah Williams - 2.892sec

3. Hunter Holmes - 2.895sec

4. Avery Thomas - 2.898sec

5. Thomas Burton - 2.915sec

*All results interim, to be confirmed

The Age has come out with some interesting pen pictures of its top 30 prospects -

The AFL draft is next month. These players are the cream of the crop

The AFL draft is next month. These players are the cream of the crop by Marc McGowan

October 3, 2025

West Coast will determine who is the dux of this year's draft class, and possibly, who is snapped up at No.2 as well. For now, our rankings of this year's draft crop - based on extensive conversations with AFL recruiters and list bosses - are not linked to which clubs are picking where, but rather a pure talent order ahead of the draft on November 19 and 20.

As always, not everyone can make our top 30, but among those discussed who missed out include Liam Hetherton, Blake Thredgold, Latrelle Pickett, Louis Emmett, Kye Fincher, Lachy Carmichael, Fred Rodriguez, Jai Murray, Matt LeRay, Harry Kyle, Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier, Jack Dalton and Avery Thomas.

1. Zeke Uwland

Burleigh/Gold Coast Academy/Allies

Midfielder/defender, 180cm, 24/4/2007

VFL stats (avg): 16.5 disposals, 5.3 contested possessions, 4 intercept possessions

2024 U18 champs stats (avg): 23 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, 6 rebound 50s

2024 All-Australian

Uwland's back stress fractures changed the look of his draft year, wiping out the first half of his season and sidelining him from the championships - but he is a jet. His bottom-age campaign last year was sensational, and it is easy to see why he is considered the second coming of Errol Gulden, right down to his classy left slipper. Uwland has looked rusty in his limited appearances in 2025, but his running power is elite, and his football IQ and talent are off the charts. He is tipped to be Gold Coast's captain one day.

2. Willem Duursma

Foster/Gippsland Power/Victoria Country

Midfielder/defender/forward, 191cm,

21/6/2006

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 23.5

disposals, 5.2 tackles, 1.2 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 24.3 disposals, 13.5 uncontested possessions, 2 clearances

2025 All-Australian

Some rate the latest Duursma as the No.1 prospect - and West Coast are expected to pick him first - but he is more polarising than Uwland. If Uwland is Gulden 2.0, then Duursma is the next Brendon Goddard, as a tall midfielder who is strong overhead and takes the game on with his kicking, which can make him prone to turnovers. One scout even likened him to Hayden Young. Duursma is impactful wherever he plays, but may start at half-back. He took kick-in duties for Vic Country, and has starred in the centre and shown his wares as a forward.

3. Cooper Duff-Tytler

Woodend-Hesket/Calder

Cannons/Victoria Metro

Ruckman/forward, 200cm, 22/8/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.4

disposals, 5.6 marks, 3.8 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 14.5 disposals, 4 marks, 0.8 goals

2025 All-Australian

Duff-Tytler is the best big man in this year's draft, and his rare athleticism and brilliant follow-up work at ground level are reminiscent of a young Luke Jackson. He also kicks the ball well, from his field kicking to set shots or even dribbling a goal, like he did in his VFL game for Essendon. Recruiters expect the new ruck rules to work in the high-leaping Duff-Tyler's favour, but he will likely play most of his early AFL games as a forward. He can still become a greater aerial threat, and his ruck craft needs to keep developing.

4. Harry Dean

Lavington/Murray Bushrangers/Victoria Country

Defender, 193cm, 13/11/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 17.4 disposals, 3.1 intercept marks, 8 intercept possessions

U18 champs stats (avg): 15.3 disposals, 3.5 intercept marks, 7.8 intercept possessions

2025 All-Australian

Dean is the son of dual Carlton premiership defender Peter - and the Blues are certain to match any bid on him, no matter how early it is. This draft class lacks top-end key-position talent, particularly down back, which makes Dean even more coveted. His height means he likely won't play on the AFL's biggest forwards, but his combination of intercepting skills, athleticism, competitiveness, aggression, skill and composure make him an outstanding prospect. Some scouts rate him ahead of Duff-Tytler.

5. Daniel Annable

Redlands/Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies

Midfielder, 184cm, 5/4/2007

VFL stats (avg): 21.3 disposals, 11.4 contested possessions, 4.3 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 24.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances, 5.5 inside 50s

2025 All-Australian

Annable should slot straight into the Lions' senior side next year, like Levi Ashcroft did, and probably would have played this past season based on his VFL form. He is that good.

A bid could come earlier than this, but Brisbane will match regardless. Annable is a contested beast with strong legs, excellent stoppage craft and a high football IQ who uses handball to make his teammates better. If you want to nitpick, his kicking is not at the level of some top prospects.

6. Dylan Patterson

Palm Beach Currumbin/Gold Coast Suns

Academy/Allies

Defender/wingman, 183cm, 1/9/2007

VFL stats (avg): 16 disposals, 3.8 rebound 50s, 5 intercept possessions

U18 champs stats (avg): 19.8 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 400 metres gained

2025 All-Australian

Patterson has more weapons than any player in this class and will be box-office viewing for the Suns, who are certain to match any bid on him. His wicked goose step owes to his rugby league background, and his attacking style generates opportunities others are unwilling to attempt. That said, Patterson sometimes tries to do too much, which he may need to curb somewhat at AFL level. But recruiters loved his more measured approach in a VFL game against Carlton, which proved he can play composed football while still using his strengths.

7. Sullivan Robey

Rowville/Eastern Ranges

Forward/midfielder, 192cm, 4/10/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 19.7

disposals, 4.7 inside 50s, 2 goals

This year's bolter, after starting the season playing in Rowville's senior side. Robey missed the cut in the under-16s at Dandenong Stingrays, who continued to overlook him before Eastern Ranges added him mid-year. He has transformed physically, thanks to a substantial home gym set-up and professionalism that endeared him to recruiters. Robey initially made his mark as a lead-up forward, then exploded with 40 disposals, five clearances and three goals as a midfielder against Western Jets, where his strength and power came to the fore. He has not stopped impressing since, and starred up forward with four goals in the Ranges' grand final win.

8. Dyson Sharp

Barossa District/Central District/South Australia

Midfielder, 188cm, 23/5/2007

SANFL seniors stats (avg): 14.3 disposals, 7.9 contested possessions, 3.1 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 27 disposals, 3.3 centre clearances, 6.5 inside 50s

2025 All-Australian (captain)

Sharp is more harshly judged than most top-10 contenders. He proved himself during South Australia's championships title run, culminating in him winning the Larke Medal as the best-performed player. Sharp has a rare thirst for the contest, and uses his strength, power and physicality to win a stack of contested ball. His leadership skills also suggest he could be a future AFL captain.

Sharp can rush disposals under pressure, and his kicking could be better, but he is consistent and already playing senior football.

9. Xavier Taylor

East Ringwood/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro

Defender, 191cm, 30/1/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 18.3 disposals, 2.7 intercept marks, 7 intercept possessions

U18 champs stats (avg): 15 disposals, 1.5 intercept marks, 5.8 intercept possessions

One of the year's climbers, and deservedly so, to the point many think he is certain to be a top-10 selection. Capped his season with a best-on-ground performance in Eastern Ranges' grand final win over Sandringham, where he set up play from defence with 25 disposals and four intercept marks. There are still some heart-in-the-mouth kicks at times, but Taylor became a much quicker and better decision-maker as the season progressed. He is consistent, reliable and competitive, and there is confidence he will stand up defensively in the AFL.

10. Aidan Schubert

Gawler Central/Central District/South Australia

Forward/ruckman, 198cm, 21/12/2007

SANFL U18s stats (avg): 19.2 disposals, 4.4 clearances, 2.2 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 3.3 F50 marks, 2.5 goals

2025 All-Australian

Schubert not only shone at the championships, but finished the SANFL season strongly - including making his senior debut - as a ruck-forward to stamp himself as a potential top-10 pick. He benefits from the dearth of quality talls in the 2025 draft crop, but has genuinely earned this ranking.

Schubert is competitive, strong, works hard, has good endurance for a big man, and impacts the game aerially and on the ground.

His set-shot kicking, particularly his ball drop, is not aesthetically pleasing, but the results are generally good.

11. Sam Cumming

Wentworth/North Adelaide/South Australia

Midfielder/forward, 186cm, 27/7/2007

SANFL U18s stats (avg): 24.2 disposals, 13.2 contested possessions, 1.6 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 1 goal

2025 All-Australian

Cumming has admirers in the top 10, and it is a shame a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season. However, the tough teenager did plenty enough to show he has a bright future, and has even been likened to Crows great Mark Ricciuto for his physical and aggressive approach. Dual-position players with strength, power and endurance are in vogue, so that bodes well for Cumming. He marks well for his size, can play as a deep forward and his follow-up work is good. Cumming still has room to grow as a midfielder.

12. Mitch Marsh

Kangarilla/West Adelaide/South Australia

Forward, 191cm, 15/2/2007

SANFL U18 stats (avg): 12.5 disposals, 6.1 marks, 2 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 8.5 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

2025 All-Australian

Another player with lots of fans, but his quiet finish to the year may slightly impact his draft spot. Don't rule out a club grabbing him in the top 10. Marsh kicked more goals than anyone at the championships - which has not been forgotten - and he is most effective playing as a third tall in attack. There was some disappointment among recruiters that he did not get the chance to show his positional versatility in the SANFL, but part of his projection is that he could be more than a forward. Marsh is skilful and good overhead.

13. Josh Lindsay

Newtown & Chilwell/Geelong Falcons/Victoria

Country

Defender/midfielder,

183cm, 7/4/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 7 contested possessions, 3.7 intercept possessions

U18 champs stats (avg): 22.3 disposals, 4.8 intercept possessions, 414 metres gained

2025 All-Australian

There is little between many of these prospects, and Lindsay's silky left-foot kicking and sharp decision-making - arguably the best in this draft class - could appeal to a club with a top-10 pick. He is a safe selection, and should have a long AFL career. The question scouts are asking themselves is whether Lindsay can play any different roles beyond being stationed at half-back. There are also some queries on his athleticism and speed, but he has shown a willingness to immerse himself in contests.

14. Jacob Farrow

Joondalup Kinross/West Perth/Western Australia

Defender/midfielder, 188cm, 21/9/2007

WAFL seniors stats (avg): 17.7 disposals, 5.7 contested possessions, 6 intercept possessions

U18 champs stats (avg): 19 disposals, 1.8 intercept marks, 464 metres gained

2025 All-Australian

Farrow and Lindsay are interchangeable for some recruiters, and each has admirers.

Farrow produced a strong championships, then mostly dominated in the WAFL colts before stepping seamlessly into senior football, which was another tick for his AFL prospects. He projects as a defender at the top level, but has played some good midfield matches. Farrow is an excellent kick, reads the play well to impact the game as an interceptor, and makes quick decisions.

15. Sam Grlj

Old Camberwell Grammarians/Oakleigh Chargers/Victoria Metro

Defender/midfielder, 182cm, 26/7/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.3

disposals, 7 contested possessions, 3.9 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 12.3 uncontested possessions, 2.3 intercept possessions

Grli started the season superbly and was once viewed as a potential top-five selection, but he won't be picked that high now. His elite athletic attributes, attacking mindset and upside mean he won't drift too far, with his VFL performances at half-back for Richmond solidifying his first-round standing. Grlj will start in the AFL as a defender who can also play on a wing, but there is optimism he will thrive in an elite environment and could become an inside midfielder in time.

16. Lachy Dovaston

Blackburn/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro

Forward, 177cm, 29/5/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 16.1

disposals, 5 tackles, 2.4 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 12.8 disposals, 5 contested possessions, 2.3 goals

2025 All-Australian

Dovaston is almost universally regarded as the best small forward up for grabs in this year's draft. He works hard up and down the ground, kicked multiple goals in 13 of his 16 Talent League outings, and his defensive commitment and selflessness have improved considerably. Dovaston's excellent VFL performance for Box Hill Hawks only added to his appeal, so don't be surprised if he makes an instant impact in the AFL.

17. Max King

Cardiff Hawks/Sydney Swans Academy/Allies

Forward/midfielder, 192cm, 1/9/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 14 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.3 tackles

U18 champs stats (avg): 7.3 disposals, 2.7 marks, 0.7 goals

King is a highlight reel waiting to happen, but there is a lot of projection when it comes to his AFL stocks. His marking and athleticism are as good as anyone in this draft, but he still has a lot to learn about playing the game and needs to find more ways to stay involved. Some recruiters believe King's "coachability" will help him flourish as a full-time footballer.

The upside is tantalising, but there is genuine risk he ends up as a bust.

18. Harley Barker

Mount Barker/Sturt/South Australia

Wingman, 187cm, 2/5/2007

SANFL U18 stats (avg): 16.8 disposals, 6.8 marks, 3.2 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 16 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 5.8 score involvements

2025 All-Australian

Barker would be a higher pick - likely in the top 15 - if not for his ACL rupture playing for Sturt after his All-Australian-recognised championships. He is a genuine winger with athletic traits and kicking skills suitable for that role at AFL level, and had shown improvement across the board before his season ended abruptly. There is now a risk attached to picking Barker, but he has enough fans that he looms as a top-20 selection.

19. Oskar Taylor

South Belgrave/Eastern Ranges

Defender, 187cm, 2/5/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 3.2 rebound 50s, 5.1 intercept possessions

The draft's other bolter. Like Robey, Taylor did not play at the championships, but is at least well-exposed at Talent League level. The first thing you notice is his acceleration off the mark and willingness to get moving quickly as soon as he has the Sherrin, and he is the ideal prototype for the modern game. Taylor's kicking can improve, particularly at his position, and there are question marks on his defending, particularly aerially.

20. Oliver Greeves

Vermont/Eastern Ranges/Victoria Metro

Midfielder, 191cm, 7/2/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25.5

disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 1.1 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 25 disposals, 11.8 contested possessions, 4.5 clearances

2025 All-Australian

Greeves has slid throughout the season, in large part because of concerns around his in-game running and defensive efforts, but there is still a lot to like here. He could end up being a bargain if he commits to improving as a runner because he has no trouble winning the football, distributes well by hand and foot, and has repeatedly shown he can impact the game as a forward, too.

21. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves

Mornington/Dandenong Stingrays/Victoria

Country

Forward, 186cm, 16/11/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 16.3 disposals, 1.9 F50 marks, 1.5 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 12 disposals, 8.8 uncontested possessions, 1.5 goals

Hibbins-Hargreaves boasts a splash of class, is silky skilled and had some standout performances this year. Twice for the Stingrays he won 29 disposals, while adding five goals in one and four in the other, while he kicked four goals against Western Australia at the championships. His good is very good, but inconsistency is an issue - and he needs to improve his contest work.

22. Adam Sweid

Pascoe Vale/Calder Cannons/Victoria Metro

Midfielder/forward, 175cm, 14/9/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25 disposals, 11.8 contested possessions, 7.3 score involvements

U18 champs stats (avg): 17 disposals, 4.3 clearances, 1 goal

2025 All-Australian

Sweid recovered well from an ACL rupture that sidelined him for much of the 2024 season, and the Essendon next-generation academy prospect is poised to be snapped up somewhere in the 20s. He is small, but that did not stop him at any of the levels he played at this year. Sweid's toughness, competitiveness, defensive commitment, and penchant for kicking goals while playing at half-forward endeared him to scouts.

23. Hussien El Achkar

Pascoe Vale/Calder Cannons/Victoria Metro

Forward, 171cm, 16/1/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 12.7

disposals, 5.6 contested possessions, 2.5 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 10.5 disposals, 5.3 contested possessions, 1.5 goals

Like Sweid, El Achkar is tied to Essendon as a next-generation academy prospect, so he could be running around next to Isaac Kako next year. He is generally considered the second-best small forward in this year's class, behind Dovaston, but they have different strengths. El Achkar is quick, powerful and generates scoring shots with ease - and in various ways. He will need to improve his running capacity.

24. Beau Addinsall

Burleigh/Gold Coast Academy/Allies

Midfielder, 180cm, 9/3/2007

VFL stats (avg): 18.2 disposals, 7.6 contested possessions, 2.2 Clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 16 disposals, 9 contested possessions, 7 clearances

There is no such thing as a sure thing, but Addinsall is a rock-solid prospect who thrives in the contest, uses his hands to release teammates and has an enormous work-rate. A hamstring injury kept him to just one championships game, but he capped his season with 26 disposals and eight clearances against the Giants in the VFL. Addinsall is considered a readymade AFL player.

25. Cameron Nairn

Willaston/Central District/South Australia

Forward/midfielder, 189cm, 15/10/2007

SANFL U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 7.1 score involvements, 1.7 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 10 disposals, 5.3 marks, 2.3 goals

Nairn's versatility is his calling card. He is not overly quick but is smart, a good size, a neat left-foot kick, and can impact the game as a forward - including seven goals against Western Australia at the championships - and in the midfield, or on a wing. He proved late in the season with back-to-back 30- then 31-disposal games that he can find a heap of the Sherrin.

26. Jack Ison

Parkside/Oakleigh Chargers/Victoria Metro

Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 26/3/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 20.5 disposals, 4.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles

U18 champs stats (avg): 13.3 disposals, 4.7 score involvements, 3.7 tackles

The Carlton next-generation academy prospect had an injury-marred start to the season, but finished strongly - winning 57 disposals across his last two matches - to surge into first-round calculations. Ison's height helps him be effective in various roles beyond just the midfield, and he is good aerially and at ground level. Recruiters want to see more consistency from him, but his high-end glimpses hint at a promising future.

27. Arche Ludowyke

East Sandringham/Sandringham Dragons/Victoria Metro

Forward, 197cm, 19/11/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 9.3 disposals,

3.3 F50 marks, 3.3 goals

U18 champs stats (avg): 4 disposals, 1 mark, 1.7 score involvements

Ludowyke has as wide a draft range as almost anyone in the pool. He struggled at the championships - going goalless in all three of his matches - and suffered a season-ending PCL injury in Metro's win over the Allies. But Ludowyke produced strong performances for the Dragons and AFL Academy that highlighted his aerial ability and upside. Recruiters are unsure if he can develop into a No.1 target.

28. Sam Swadling

Whitford/West Perth/Western Australia

Midfielder, 187cm, 16/1/2007

WAFL seniors stats (avg): 17.5 disposals, 5.5 contested possessions, 3 tackles

U18 champs stats (avg): 19 disposals, 12 uncontested possessions, 2.8 clearances

2025 All-Australian

Finds the ball with ease - albeit mostly on the outside - demonstrated by his obscene average of 35.4 disposals in the WAFL colts this year, and how seamlessly he transitioned to senior level. He is clean at ground level, powerful and boasts a high football IQ, but handballs more than he kicks. Swadling can be an aggressive decision-maker, but scouts have no major concerns with his kicking.

29. Riley Onley

Shepparton United/Murray

Bushrangers/Victoria Country

Midfielder, 194cm, 30/3/2007

Talent League U18 stats (avg): 25.5

disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7.5 clearances

U18 champs stats (avg): 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 6.8 score involvements

2025 All-Australian

Onley is another polarising player, but performed well before suffering a season-ending hamstring tendon injury in the last championships game against Vic Metro. That injury means he was unable to heighten his cause in recent months. Onley's defensive efforts and consistency can improve, but his size for a midfielder is a big plus, and he is athletically gifted. The upside is obvious.

30. Jevan Phillipou

PHOS Camden/Woodville-West

Torrens/South Australia

Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 30/3/2007

SANFL U18 stats (avg): 22.7 disposals, 9.7 contested possessions, 4.9 clearances

The brother of St Kilda's Mattaes has a decathlon background and is one of this draft's best and most dynamic athletes, which is his major appeal. There are some clubs that won't consider Phillipou here, but there is also a chance he goes far earlier. Iniurv kept him out of the championships, and has interrupted his career, and he struggled at SANFL senior level but dominated against his under-18s peers, so he remains an intriguing prospect.

Progressive voting to end of AFLW RD 8

106. Tyla Hanks

85. Kate Hore

69. Maeve Chaplin

51. Tayla Harris

49. Elizabeth McNamara 

47. Megan Fitzsimon

24. Eden Zanker

16. Shelley Heath

15. Olivia Purcell

14. Paxy Paxman

12. Ryleigh Wotherspoon

4. Lauren Pearce Saraid Taylor

2. Maggie Mahony

1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir

Not much news coming out of yesterday’s combine. Dan Batten tweeted that Sandringham Dragons midfielder Jack Dalton took out the 2km time trial in 5:53. That’s a decent time even if it’s a fair bit behind the record which our very own Harry Sharp set at 5:28 in October 2020.

Most of the top prospects who took part ran well. Willem Duursma (6:19), Dan Annable (6:21) and Cooper Duff-Tytler (6:22) were right at the pointy end.

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