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.
510th-6th
10 – Archie Ludowyke (+1)
The key forward doesn't know how to play a poor game. Was starved of opportunity in Vic Metro's opener but has otherwise kicked multiple goals in every game he's played at all levels – AFL Academy, Brighton Grammar, Sandringham Dragons – since Round 1. Has always been a goalkicker who can take big marks but has now built a big body of work to prove his brilliant ability to get up the ground and provide an option, and take big contested marks, with his athleticism also setting him apart in the key forward race.
9 – Sam Grlj (-1)
It's hard to get a gauge on Grlj's current form, given he's turned out for Yarra Valley Grammar in recent times in the AGSV competition, viewed as a tier below the APS standard. Got his hands on the ball in Vic Metro's opener but was part of an engine room that was soundly beaten. Clean, hard-running and with a chiselling kick at his best, the way he is viewed was underlined by his appointment as Vic Metro co-captain.
8- Max King (+1)
It was brilliant to see the Sydney Academy player kick the match-winner for the Allies on the weekend, having had plenty of almost moments in June, but being let down at times by his finishing polish. That was most evident in his VFL debut, when he kicked 1.4 in an otherwise clean performance. An athletic freak, King has mostly played as an ominous forward threat this year, but also has the skillset to be a menacing, energetic presence in the midfield.
7 – Zeke Uwland (-)
The Gold Coast Academy prospect has been sidelined with injury all season, but has plenty of credits in the bank as a powerful left-footed half forward. Will turn into a brilliant front-half x-factor for the Suns.
6 – Josh Lindsay (-1)
His two National Championships games for Vic Country have been very strong, using his damaging left foot to great effect. He is arguably the best kick in the draft class and sees the game well, which allows him to get into position early, and his acceleration and overlap are other elements that complement his skillset.
