10 of the VFL's leading Mid-Season Draft prospects for 2025

Half a dozen VFL players earned AFL contracts via the Mid-Season Draft last year, with that number potentially beaten come next week's talent intake. 2023 saw six players selected also, while the year prior had five players drafted out of the VFL in what continues to be a steady trend for the state league. The leading prospects coming out of the VFL this year could make up a large contingent of those picked in the 2025 Mid-Season Draft, with Richmond and Collingwood boasting some of the best names of the year to date. Here are 10 of the leading Mid-Season Draft prospects out of the VFL for 2025... Charlie McCartin (Geelong) The brother of Paddy and Tom, McCartin has enjoyed a stellar year-to-date with the Cats' VFL program, having made the move back down to the Geelong area after a stint with Sydney's reserves in 2024. McCartin played a pair of games for the Swans' state league side to impress, growing interest from AFL clubs after already showing his mettle in the Colac & District Football & Netball League with local side Lorne. Geelong came calling over the off-season to invite McCartin to their VFL squad, with the 26-year-old not looking back since, averaging 15.6 disposals, 7.4 marks and 1.7 tackles per game in 2025. [caption id="attachment_151833" align="alignnone" width="1190"] Sydney pair Tom McCartin and Paddy McCartin with brother Charlie (Image via Instagram, Tom McCartin)[/caption] McCartin might not be the only VFL Cat to earn interest heading toward the Mid-Season Draft, with teammates Nathan Kreuger, Ajang Kuol Mun and Marcus Herbert also worthy of attention. Donovan Toohey (Coburg) The 185cm defender has been a breakout star for Coburg in 2025, averaging 31.3 disposals per game as a rebounding backman to give with means of 5.0 marks and 4.3 inside 50s each week. He earned best-afield honours for the Lions' showcase clash against the AFL Academy - a side stacked with this year's best teenagers, a good yardstick for AFL scouts, with plenty in attendance. http://gty.im/2212173337 Toohey is one of many reasons why the standalone club is also in the mix for a finals finish this year, sitting just one win outside the cut-off after finishing 18th in 2024. Mutaz El Nour (Richmond) The Richmond VFL defender has been in the Mid-Season Draft mix for multiple years now, having garnered AFL interest during his time with the Northern Bullants and Tiger in recent years. El Nour's game as an intercepting and lockdown 192cm defender has only continued to grow, with the 23-year-old taking his game to new heights since the arrival of senor coach Jake Batchelor. [caption id="attachment_160661" align="alignnone" width="1638"] Richmond Tigers VFL's Mutaz El Nour in 2025 (Image: Richmond FC)[/caption] One of four names from Richmond's VFL side to make this list, El Nour could join the likes of Sam Durham, Massimo D'Ambrosio and James Trezise in earning a promotion out of Punt Road via the Mid-Season Draft. Riley Mason (Collingwood) The first-year Magpies forward has flourished in his debut VFL campaign, booting 17 goals in seven games this year. Mason, a Seymour product, linked up with Collingwood's program this year and has quickly become a player of interest to AFL recruiters thanks to his damaging craft in the front third of Andy Otten's side. The 195cm attacker booted four goals in his maiden match against Sydney in Round 1 before a five-goal haul the week after against Coburg. He kicked goals in his next four matches, including a four-goal display in a large win over the Northern Bullants. [caption id="attachment_162693" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Riley Mason of the Collingwood Magpies VFL in 2025 (Image via Collingwood FC)[/caption] Mason leads a strong crop of key forwards from the VFL, with former Magpies-listed tall Liam McMahon another name clubs will consider given his strong 18-month run with Carlton. Josh Browne (Collingwood) Another VFL Magpie to keep an eye on is midfielder Josh Browne, who has gained headlines this year after making the move over from Williamstown. The Western Australian's journey started with Applecross and East Fremantle before he earned interest from West Coast's WAFL side, making the move to Lathlain Park ahead of the 2022 season. He spent two years with the Eagles before heading to Victoria to join the Seagulls, with his 12-month spell with the standalone side coming to an end over the most recent off-season. [caption id="attachment_162749" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Josh Browne of Collingwood's VFL program in 2025 (Image via Collingwood FC)[/caption] Plying his trade alongside AFL-listed trio Lachie Sullivan, Ed Allan and Finlay Macrae this year, Browne has shown he has the traits to take the next step in his career. Tom McCarthy (Richmond) A Pick 1 contender come next Wednesday night, with the hard-working McCarthy emerging as a potentially ready-made prospect for AFL clubs. The Dingley-tied defender has enjoyed a career-best season at Punt Road in 2025, averaging 22.6 disposals, 4.1 marks, 3.3 tackles and 3.0 rebound 50s a game. McCarthy is often the attacking runner out of defence for the Tigers given his mix of speed and decision making, placing him in the mould of a player who could immediately step into an AFL side. [caption id="attachment_162300" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Tom McCarthy of the Tigers kicks during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at RSEA Park on April 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] His role as a rebounding defender could be ideal for Pick 1 holder West Coast, while fellow MSD options in North Melbourne and Carlton could also be keen. Sam Toner (Richmond) The Narre Warren product gained strong interest ahead of last year's National Draft after a strong run at the local level and in the Coates Talent League with Dandenong. He kicked 50 goals in 13 games in the Outer East Football Netball League for Narre Warren and added a further nine majors from his quartet of appearances for the Stingrays to earn a State Combine invite. In 2025, Toner has shown his versatility as a wing-forward hybrid, featuring further up the field given Richmond's deep stocks of emerging tall forwards. [caption id="attachment_159361" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Sam Toner for the Richmond Tigers VFL side in 2025 (Image via Richmond FC)[/caption] He reminded onlookers of his goalkicking knack against Vic Metro last month, booting three goals for the Young Guns in a strong display. Massimo Raso (Richmond) Another breakout star enjoying their first season in the VFL, Raso has seamlessly slotted into the state league scene with Richmond this year. The 19-year-old is a development list talent at Punt Road but has quickly made a name as a leading force for the Tigers, kicking 12 goals in seven games. He has four bags of multiple majors and has also shown his ability further up the field around the ball, highlighted by a 24-disposal Round 2 outing against Sandringham. [caption id="attachment_160382" align="alignnone" width="1638"] Massimo Raso for Richmond Tigers VFL in 2025 (Image: Richmond FC)[/caption] Clubs keen on a small forward option won't need to look too far beyond Raso, who is quickly growing as an ace in the pack. Brayden Crossley (Southport) One of the premier players not listed with an AFL club, the former Gold Coast tall could earn a second chance in the top flight by the end of the Mid-Season Draft. Crossley has continued to dominate the VFL since returning to Queensland after being denied a list spot with the Western Bulldogs over the summer. He could be in Essendon's sights amid a ruck crisis for the Bombers, who have lost Sam Draper and Nick Bryan for the rest of the year. [caption id="attachment_158193" align="alignnone" width="1638"] Brayden Crossley during his training stint with the Western Bulldogs in 2025 (Image via Western Bulldogs FC)[/caption] The Dons were linked with Coburg's Cooper Keogh, however a foot injury to the Lions ruckman could have opened the door for Crossley instead. Caleb Lewis (Casey) The Demons-listed forward has made just the one appearance for Casey and four since the start of last year, with some of his best form coming elsewhere. He did kick two majors in his only VFL showing of 2025, doing so in Round 1 against North Melbourne, adding to his 11 prior goals in seven games with Casey and Footscray. The 21-year-old has flourished for Dingley in the Southern Football Netball League, booting five goals in a strong outing against reigning premiers Cheltenham, while Lewis managed a further three majors in his showing against Vic Metro for the Young Guns. The high-flying 198cm forward might not get a chance with the Demons giving their long list of tall forward and lack of open list spots, but Collingwood, North Melbourne and West Coast could all come calling.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	COLL	16	14	2	56	139
2	BL	16	11	4	46	114.7
3	ADEL	16	11	5	44	138.2
4	GEEL	16	11	5	44	132.3
5	HAW	16	11	5	44	118.9
6	WB	16	10	6	40	133.2
7	GC	15	10	5	40	122.5
8	GWS	16	10	6	40	112

10 of the VFL’s leading Mid-Season Draft prospects for 2025

The names out of Victoria’s state league competition to keep an eye on👇

2. Donovan Toohey (Coburg)

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