In the first week of every month throughout 2025, Craft of the Draft will drop an updated and expanded prospect power rankings, taking into consideration a combination of form and potential.
Our July rankings are a list of the 30 best prospects, with plenty of South Australian talent making the cut following the Croweaters' charge to the U18s National Championships triumph.
This edition is the fourth released, featuring 10 club-linked players, while Central Districts forward Aidan Schubert is the big mover.
130th-26th
30 – Toby Whan (-10)
The powerful lefty from Western Australia is a great size and has the perfect athletic profile for the modern game. He's given himself an unbelievable platform for the second half of the season with his brilliant WAFL Colts form, and while he hasn't had a complete game at National Championships level, he's had some moments which showcase his brilliant upside as a midfielder/high halfback.
29 - Hussien El Achkar (NEW)
The Essendon-tied prospect kicked six goals in Calder's most recent game, a long overdue big bag. About the only thing which has held him back so far has been poor conversion, with his craft, power and hard work continually putting himself in positions to impact the scoreboard as a small forward.
28 – Xavier Taylor (NEW)
The Ranges defender finally breaks into our power rankings. Has been nothing short of incredible for the Eastern Ranges this year. His speed, composure, clean skills at ground level, aggression in marking contests and willingness to back himself to take grabs rather than spoil are on show game after game. Had an enticing duel with Mitch Marsh in Vic Metro's first game and kept him to 1.3 with the pair splitting the honours as Marsh was well serviced by his midfielders but struggled to capitalise. At Talent League level, he's proven that, at 191cm, he can play taller and nullify key forwards, has the pace and athleticism to contain small forwards and has the offensive attributes to be a menace on counterattack as a rebounder. He is a versatile and complete defender.
27 – Tom Burton (-3)
Appointed Vic Metro co-captain, Burton has had a very bankable month at Coates League level, but like most of his teammates, would have liked a better start to his nationals campaign. That he was given some on-ball minutes, though, in that match was a big positive, given his burst speed and work rate lends itself well to playing in the midfield, but his athleticism and run and carry also lends itself well to a halfback role, which he's accustomed to.
26 – Harley Barker (NEW)
Much like teammate Matt Leray, Barker's discipline, running, scoring threat and footy IQ are other traits that make up his game. His pace and will to seek overlap possessions helped him burn direct opponents and set him apart. Like Leray, Barker is the modern day wing prototype, with the main question being how early a club will go on a specialist winger when top picks tend to be reserved for midfielders and talls.
