The majority of top-age campaigns are over, with prospects putting their best foot forward to show off for recruiters all season. Through club and state we've witnessed a draft class explode with depth across the year. 2026 offers a pool that runs 70 deep which clubs will be keen to take on in the national draft.
Jackson Phillips' Dandenong Stingrays will face Wil Malady's Gippsland Power in a south-west Victorian clash to decide the Coates Talent League premier. In WA, Heath Mellody and George Gale are into a WAFL Grand Final for Claremont against Peel.
Mellody headlines the movement in September's Power Rankings. His rise has come off the back of a brilliant stint at senior level after winning the Larke Medal at the National Championships. While not the favourite to be crowned pick one in the open draft he's amongst six named to still be in the most wide open race since Essendon last picked at the top in 2016.
With added player comparisons targeting the best traits of this year's prospects, this is ESPN's extended top 35 prospects in September for the AFL Draft.
Previous rankings: April | May | June | July | August | September
1. Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA) (previously: 1)
Central District/South Australia
FWD/MID, 195cm
SANFL: 4 games, 17.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.3 tackles
There was every chance Cochrane wouldn't play a game in his top-age season after undergoing patella surgery in the off-season. Instead we got to see him in a variety of roles for Port Adelaide's SANFL side late in the year with the athletic utility offering glimpses of class. He's been the 'pick 1 apparent' of his draft class since commanding performances at the U16s championships, backing it up with dominance beyond his years as a bottom-ager for club and state. Cochrane projects to become a key forward at the next level but holds ambitions of moving on-ball at 195cm. With Zak Butters pledging his future to the Western Bulldogs, Cochrane is all but assured of landing at Alberton.
Traits similar to: Charlie Curnow
2. Cody Walker (Carlton Father-son) (2)
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
MID, 184cm
National Championships: 3 games, 23.7 disposals, 3.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles
Walker's stints with Carlton VFL cemented his status in this draft pool. He's an athletic talent around the ball with speed and balance allowing him to shark loose balls on the fly and exit the contest shoulders out and toward goal. Walker's kryptonite has continually been the ball use and decision making, often biting off too much or scrubbing kicks under pressure which puts his side on the back foot. There will be positional versatility in his game given the ball-winning quality and athletic tools, and he may need to hone his skills on the outside of the contest before graduating on-ball for the Blues.
Traits similar to: Chad Warner
3. Arki Butler (4)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 182cm
National Championships: 3 games, 12.3 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.7 goals
Adversity hit Butler's airborne campaign with a broken collarbone during the National Championships. It put serious doubt into the remainder of his season but the goalsneak returned to captain Brighton Grammar to the first APS Grand Final win ever and put together an encouraging game on the weekend despite the Dragons losing out in a thrilling preliminary final. Butler has offered glimpses as a midfielder with his strength and acceleration -- attributes he can use to win his own ball, but he clearly projects as a powerful one-on-one goalkicker inside 50. The powerfully built teen is brilliant in the air, crafty at ground level and uses both feet around goals to pay full price. In a wide open race for the open pool No. 1 selection, Butler has his nose in front of a group of six.
Traits similar to: Toby Greene
READ: 'All damage' - Arki Butler is the 2026 draft's most watchable junior footballer
4. Heath Mellody (8)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID/DEF, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 28.2 disposals, 5.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Mellody has been on the scene for 12 months. He ripped apart a Colts Grand Final from the wing as a bottom-ager and now gets his chance at a senior premiership with Claremont after a sparkling finish to his junior career. Mellody's second half of the season has been the best of anyone in the draft; the Larke Medallist was a shining light through the midfield for WA and didn't play a single Colts game before making his League debut in the final two rounds of the year.
Mellody has been a key piece of Claremont's run. He's been thrown around the ground including stints at half forward, halfback and on a wing, but his best football has come as a true centre bounce midfielder. He possesses an insatiable work ethic, hitting top speed to find space and commanding the football with his dogged determination to provide an option. He can win his own ball with clean hands under pressure but is at his best on the fly with eyes scanning inside 50. Mellody's ball use can be wayward as he tries to do too much at times, but he offers lovely technique and it has been a strength of his through junior football before his move into the midfield. He plays above his size with strong hands in the air which we saw off halfback last year and can get forward to hit the scoreboard bursting inside 50. This six-game stretch at senior level after winning the Larke Medal will see Mellody drafted as the highest WA prospect since Luke Jackson, and could even see him taken as the top pick in the open pool. He is 2026's draft bolter and could rise all the way to the pinnacle this year.
Traits similar to: Lachie Ash
THE PICK 1 PIE: Who is in the running to be taken first from the open pool?
5. Harry Van Hattum (3)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
RUC/FWD, 205cm
National Championships: 4 games, 10.8 disposals, 2.5 marks, 22.0 hitouts
Few rucks possess the combination of traits Van Hattum is blessed with. A genuine ruck size with a top-heavy frame relied upon for his aggressive nature, the Knights star is an elite kick and strong presence at stoppages. If he isn't claiming the ball from ruck contests himself he's buttering up with craft in the clinches, getting on the burst to receive handballs and executing with ball use inside 50. He can get his contested marking game going around the ground and offers genuine presence as a target inside 50. Van Hattum's limitations come in his consistent efforts and fitness to spread from contests and run out games. He is clearly hampered by his tank and will need to become a strong runner in time to make it as an AFL ruckman because it doesn't come naturally to him.
Traits similar to: Brodie Grundy
READ: 'I just hate that' - Harry Van Hattum wants to end ruck disrespect
6. Ethan Drever (6)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
MID, 188cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 4.2 tackles
No one stops Drever on the burst out of a contest. The flying Rebel is at his very best on the move around stoppage, collecting loose balls and creating separation with a long striding gait entering the 50. He's an excellent defensive presence at stoppage, willing to dig in to chase down opponents, apply physical pressure at the drop of the ball and run hard in defensive transition. That separates him from a lot of the very best midfielders to come through the junior pathways. Drever's consistency has been a point of contention for draft watchers, fluctuating in both his impact on the game and his skill execution by foot. He can be haphazard in his ball use forward of centre which holds Drever back from being the most damaging player in the pool.
Traits similar to: Finn Callaghan
Fresh #AFLDraft rankings dropping tomorrow! Worth familiarising yourself with a name that'll feature prominently all season long - Rebels inside midfielder Ethan Drever.@ESPNAusNZ @FootyStuffYT pic.twitter.com/A2n7F5TOsX
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) May 12, 2026
7. Gus Teixeira (5)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.0 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 1.8 goals
Teixeira plays with authority. The Dragons star has split time through the midfield and up forward through a breakout top-age season, but there remain doubts over whether he cracks it as an inside midfielder at the senior level. Teixeira is powerful with ball in hand, creates space for himself efficiently and executes well by hand and foot. He's a threat around goals and has the speed to play off half forward at the next level, but doesn't play through contact well and isn't the cleanest player in the draft below his knees. He projects to become an excellent forward that can pinch hit through the middle but may lack the natural midfield craft to operate in the engine room full-time.
Traits similar to: Jordan De Goey
8. Mitch Harris (12)
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 8.8 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
There isn't a more intimidating aerial presence in the draft than Harris. A genuine contested marking threat at either end of the ground, he's honed his craft down back as a lockdown option and produced a stellar carnival to stake his claims as a top 10 pick. Harris does his work early and establishes position with his physicality, but also has a good vertical leap to come over the top of packs. He's offered glimpses of upside as a forward but will be drafted as a lockdown key defender.
Traits similar to: Sam Collins
9. Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy) (9)
Giants Academy/Allies
MID, 186cm
National Championships: 2 games, 25.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 6.0 tackles
Matthews is an excellent midfield prospect that will find his way to the Giants via their academy. He's a ball magnet, clean and clinical with his use but not as damaging as others at the top of the pool in his willingness to take the game on and exit stoppage forward of centre. There's scope for Matthews to play through the midfield, off a wing or on halfback with his cleanliness, running power and reliability.
Traits similar to: Sam Flanders
10. Wil Malady (10)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 10.7 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.3 goals
Malady is one of the best athletes this year, a powerful runner with high top-end speed mixed in with a ridiculous vertical leap. His spring gives him a chance to fly for every ball kicked his way and his dogged running patterns put him in the best position to impact ahead of the ball. It's an unsexy pick to target third tall forwards at this stage of the draft but Malady offers match-winning traits with reliability in his role at the next level.
Traits similar to: Ollie Henry
11. Clancy Snell (7)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
DEF, 196cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 7.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Snell reads the play superbly and backs himself always. He's an interceptor first and foremost, relying on his superior reach, closing speed and reading of the ball in flight to pluck marks and kickstart transition. He can give up a long leash on direct opponents and get caught out by quick ball movement, but he's also shown off strong one-on-one play that gives scope for him to be a reliable lockdown defender in time.
Traits similar to: Josh Worrell
12. Khaled El Souki (Western Bulldogs NGA) (11)
FWD, 174cm
National Championships: 1 game, 10.0 disposals, 5.0 tackles, 1.0 goals
El Souki may be the hardest player to tackle in the draft. With his short stature, power through the hips and willingness to twist and turn out of danger, the Jets forward has been a goalkicking machine all season and gives defenders headaches with his activity around the ball. He's elite in forward stoppages with craft and confidence, and has shown glimpses of genuine midfield minutes if he can build his tank.
Traits similar to: Kysaiah Pickett
Dogs fans should be pumped to watch Khaled El Souki develop this year. A dynamic small that wins his own ball up afield, came third in the Jets' b&f last year.
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) March 24, 2026
Finished with 23 and two goals, his second half was sensational vs Calder #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/45T9i2m9tJ
13. Sam Gayfer (13)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
FWD, 194cm
National Championships: 4 games, 11.0 disposals, 4.2 marks, 2.5 goals
The vertical leap and aggression of Gayfer through the air is a joy to watch, crashing packs and exerting his presence consistently through games. His big carnival vaulted him up the rankings but he's also a willing defensive presence with the speed and aggression to chase down opponents. At the very minimum Gayfer will be an excellent role player with his capacity to bring the ball to ground and impact at his size.
Traits similar to: Mitch Georgiades
14. Leo Steed (17)
Swan Districts/Western Australia
MID, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 23.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.0 tackles
Steed will be a fan favourite at the next level with a bucket of courage and bravery as a smaller midfielder. He accepts contact and plays through physicality, working himself into the ground to win his own ball and get it going forward. He's become a much better kick this year and, while still not a strength, found a role at senior level by hitting the scoreboard and setting up teammates inside 50. There's traits that will allow Steed to thrive as a midfielder at the next level if he can overcome middling athleticism.
Traits similar to: Caleb Serong
State 18s young gun Leo Steed ticking along nicely at senior level for @SwanDistrictsFC since his debut in Round 2. Steed had his best league game against West Coast WAFL on Sunday, kicking two goals from 15 disposals and three inside 50s to be among his side's best.
— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) May 1, 2026
AAMI WA... pic.twitter.com/YsFmxvlEI2
15. Jake Eime (18)
Central District/South Australia
DEF, 182cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1.2 tackles
As a pure role player, there are few better halfback prospects to come through the junior ranks in some years. Eime is an elite athlete with the confidence to take the game on. He thrives in transition where he can motor along a wing and link the chains, though often will take on the riskier kick and back himself to execute, sometimes to the detriment of the team. Eime has the chops to lockdown on smalls, can play above his size in the air and loves to get forward and be damaging.
Traits similar to: Darcy Wilmot
16. Harrison Chapman (14)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 18.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 2.0 tackles
There's something to unlock in Chapman's game at the next level. With his height and length he shouldn't be as natural below his knees and with ball in hand, expertly crafting attacking forays through the middle of the ground with multiple disposals in passages. He's a lovely quick and truly elite runner which gives him a chance of being an excellent wing at the next level, but it's the inside midfield upside that has clubs keen in the first round.
Traits similar to: Will Day
17. Caylen Murray (Lions Academy) (19)
Lions Academy/Allies
DEF/MID, 183cm
National Championships: 4 games, 24.0 disposals, 6.8 marks, 1.8 tackles
Murray is another in the line of excellent Lions academy prospects. One of the best ball users in the draft, he's willing to take on the kicks through the corridor but is equally adept at retaining possession and moving the ball methodically. Murray hasn't quite proved his midfield credentials but will become a reliable halfback quickly.
Traits similar to: Lachie Whitfield
18. Ethan Herbert (15)
North Adelaide/South Australia
RUC/FWD, 200cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.8 disposals, 3.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Herbert is a rare ruck archetype, with elite stoppage craft and the aerobic capacity to work opponents into the ground and win the ball on the outside. He's been a work in progress as a forward and some recruiters suggest he may be better suited to a key defence post where he can intercept, but there's untapped potential in what Herbert can produce at a genuine ruck size.
Traits similar to: Tim English
19. Kodah Edwards (16)
South Adelaide/South Australia
MID, 183cm
National Championships: 4 games, 22.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 3.2 tackles
Edwards is unique in this draft. He's an inside midfielder in the older fashion of tough, bullocking prospects. But he's also got an X-factor to his game in the forward 50, thriving in one-on-ones and kicking goals by the bunch if given open space to work with. His limitations include ball use and decision making but his excellent hands and upside as a forward target gives him a chance of landing in the first round.
Traits similar to: Matt Kennedy
Kodah Edwards is my favourite player to watch this draft cycle. 183cm mid that blends Sloane-esque doggedness with 1v1 ability in f50. Kicking is the question mark, but he consistently uses his left as he tries to round out his game.
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) April 7, 2026
Footage courtesy of @FootyStuffYT #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zXeGfJvjk2
20. Tyson Bradley (20)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 14.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Bradley is the third of a group of key defenders who could land in the first round. The Vic Metro MVP and captain of the Sandringham Dragons is a neat ball user and can act as a distributor out of defence, plus reads the play well to operate as a sweeper behind the ball. Bradley ticks a lot of boxes for clubs in the market for a key defender around this point of the draft.
Traits similar to: Jordan Ridley
21. Noah Williams (21)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
MID, 177cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.8 tackles
There's no questioning Williams' endeavour and desperation. He's a maniacal presence at the coalface and looks at home on-ball since a move from halfback in the pre-season. Unfortunately it's been a season full of niggles and inconsistencies, and recruiters don't see the weapons that other midfielders possess at the top of the pool.
Traits similar to: Tom Atkins
22. Marlon Neocleous (28)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD/MID, 168cm
National Championships: 2 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 0.5 goals
It's been a strong finish to the season for Neocleous, who no doubt is a very different prospect to others around him. A natural goal sneak, he loves the ball in his hands up afield and is at his best with some space to execute in the forward half. He's an adept crumber and finisher in the forward 50, but lacks the pace to separate from opponents and doesn't have the tricks to exit congestion like some others.
Traits similar to: Jack Higgins
23. Jack Pickett (24)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
FWD, 194cm
Pickett was a top prospect throughout his bottom-age campaign. He's a traditional key forward that presents full-chested at the kicker and marks with arms outstretched. He's also a lovely set shot for goal, but is rehabilitating a torn ACL this year.
Traits similar to: Jye Amiss
24. Gabe Patterson (27)
Glenelg/South Australia
FWD, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 2.5 tackles, 1.0 goals
After a tough championships it's been a truly brilliant second half of the season for Patterson. There's little doubt over the forward's impact with ball in hand, but finding enough of it has been a concern and showcasing his power and athleticism often enough has been something for Patterson to build towards. He's given recruiters something to think about towards the first round of the draft after blistering form in front of goals.
Traits similar to: Beau McCreery
25. Harvie Cooke (22)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.5 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.0 goals
Cooke is 2026's Morrish Medallist for best and fairest in the Coates Talent League. It's well deserved for the midfielder's excellent season at the Knights where he was roving to Van Hattum and hitting the scoreboard regularly. Cooke was forced into forward roles at Metro where he was equally as damaging and showed he didn't need midfield minutes to create space for himself and hurt the opposition by foot.
Traits similar to: Sam Switkowski
26. Koby LeCras (26)
West Perth/Western Australia
FWD/MID, 192cm
A best on ground performance for the AFL Academy sits firmly in the minds for all draft watchers despite LeCras partially tearing his ACL and sitting out the rest of the year. The nephew of West Coast's Mark is a taller but equally creative half forward who can roam up onto a wing with his engine. He's clinical and efficient in his disposals.
Traits similar to: Ollie Dempsey
27. Jackson Phillips (-)
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
MID, 182cm
National Championships: 4 games, 16.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.2 tackles
Phillips's Stingrays are grand final bound, aided by his excellent midfield play. He offers impact with every possession, not collecting huge numbers but getting the ball in dangerous spots and regularly hitting the scoreboard. He likely doesn't exhibit the tools to be a bona fide inside midfielder at the next level but has positional versatility in his ball use and running power and could play off a wing or half forward.
Traits similar to: Justin McInerny
28. Toby Krasna (28)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 3 games, 19.0 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.0 goals
Krasna does his best work in transition where he finds space and excels kicking inside 50. He won't be a centre bounce midfielder at the next level without winning more of his own ball and averaged under one clearance per game for Vic Metro, but he's a standout prospect with the ball in the forward half.
Traits similar to: Jake Soligo
29. Keenan Boi (-)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 180cm
National Championships: 3 games, 13.3 disposals, 4.7 marks, 1.0 goals
Boi plays with rare physicality for junior football, bodylining the ball and man and exerting his authority with an edge. He's clean and executes under pressure when he needs to but brings his best traits forward without the ball where he tackles and pressures with the best of small forwards. He's primed for a big grand final on the weekend.
Traits similar to: Sam Powell-Pepper
30. George Dimer (23)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
FWD, 173cm
National Championships: 3 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.0 goals
Dimer is an intelligent small forward with the runs on the board for clubs to be confident that he won't be held back by his size. His performances for Haileybury in the APS were undeniable, plus he was one of Vic Metro's better forwards throughout the carnival despite not being a focal point in attack. He crumbs well, uses the ball smartly and creates opportunities for others.
Traits similar to: Hussien El Achkar
31. Albert MacGowan (-)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 187cm
National Championships: 4 games, 22.8 disposals, 6.2 marks, 1.0 tackles
One of the hottest players to finish the year has been MacGowan, who ended the year with a bang as the Dragons best performed player. He has operated with great success off a wing thanks to his aerial presence and skills, but has ambitions of becoming an inside midfielder if he can add ball-winning to his repertoire. MacGowan's knack of hitting the scoreboard with lovely set shots would be a nice penchant to transition to senior level.
Traits similar to: Matt Johnson
32. Marcus Prasad (-)
Dandenong Stingrays
FWD/MID, 167cm
Prasad is undersized and hasn't demonstrated midfield craft to the level you'd be confident projecting it. It's his forward half craft that makes him a national draft candidate, supremely gifted below his knees to the point he may be the cleanest player in the draft. Prasad gathers and swivels like lightning, though lacks penetration in his kick and doesn't hit the scoreboard to the regularity of other half forwards.
Traits similar to: Arthur Jones
33. Lochie Burrows (-)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF/MID, 181cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.8 tackles
Burrows is brave and bold, with a blonde shock of hair you can't miss and endeavour at the coalface. He's played some of his best football as a hard-nosed midfielder with an appetite to tackle and pressure, but he appeals to clubs down back where he can lock down and intercept with good hands in the air.
Traits similar to: Max Michalanney
34. Benji Van Rooyen (30)
Claremont/Western Australia
RUC, 203cm
National Championships: 4 games, 14.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 20.5 hitouts
Van Rooyen was the best performing ruck at the carnival, and deserves consideration higher than this mark. He showed off strong positioning behind the ball in open play to mop up for WA countless times and he doesn't overuse the ball. There's scope for Van Rooyen to play forward at his size but his ruck craft has steadily improved this year.
Traits similar to: Darcy Cameron
35. George Gale (29)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 4 games, 27.8 disposals, 5.2 marks, 2.8 tackles
Gale will play in a senior grand final this weekend after a stellar finish to the year. He burst into top 30 calculations with a strong showing at the carnival for WA and his power running through midfield is a feature. Gale could be an excellent wing at the next level with his positioning and strength lending himself to auxiliary roles, but he's also shown quality as an inside midfielder.
Traits similar to: Bo Allan