On the first day 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.
Due to 1 June coinciding with the first game of the U18s National Championships, the June list has been delayed until June 2.
This edition is the third released, with nine club-linked players, including Gold Coast Academy prospect Dylan Patterson, who is the big mover.
READ: MAY 2025 DRAFT POWER RANKINGS
Others in the mix
There are plenty of players knocking on the door. Carlton father-son Harry Dean's stocks continue to rise and he wouldn't look out of place on the list as a marking defender.
South Australian wingers Harley Barker and Matt LeRay are both athletic, dangerous-kicking hard workers, while fellow Croweater Mitch Marsh's stocks continued soaring with a four-goal game for SA on Sunday.
There is plenty to like about Bendigo utility Hunter Wright, Richmond father-son midfielder Louis Kellaway, Gold Coast Academy midfielder Koby Coulson, interceptor Xavier Taylor and Essendon NGA duo Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar, who were all considered.
1. 25th-21st
25 - Rory Wright
Sandringham Dragons, midfielder
His attack on the footy put him firmly on the map early in the Coates League season, and he's since been plying his trade for Caulfield Grammar. Wins clearances with composure and hits his targets by foot. The question mark around him is his speed, but he's won plenty of admirers with his ball-winning, combativeness and stoppage craft, with several viewing him in and around the top echelon of openly available midfielders in this draft crop.
24 - Tom Burton
Western Jets, half-back/midfielder
The Western Jets skipper's form is flying under the radar but ought be recognised after his start to the season. Has gears to his running and is strong through the hips which makes him hard to track down when he gets into space, and he has the smarts to find his way out of contested situations. Is creative off half-back, with his run and carry and vision making for a lethal combination.
23 - Zac McCarthy
Oakleigh Chargers, forward/ruck
The Carey Grammar student has been in action in the APS competition across the past month, but maintains his top 20 status given his upside. The Collingwood NGA prospect will likely spend more time in the ruck for Oakleigh this season than he will when he reaches the next level as the Chargers' coaching staff juggle exposing him and Louis Emmett across the forward line and midfield. His running power, leap, marking and skill for a player of his size make for a great package.
22 - Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Dandenong Stingrays, forward/winger
At 22nd, Hibbins-Hargreaves feels a touch low, and is a player whose ranking could boost considerably after an early season shoulder injury ruled him out for a month, which included the AFL Academy games. Four goals in his return game for Dandenong Stingrays was a reminder of his class as a strong marking, smooth-moving half-forward/winger. One of just two Vic Country members in 2025 who was part of the squad as a bottom-ager highlights the regard he's viewed in.
21 - Lachy Dovaston
Eastern Ranges, small forward
The livewire small forward continues to piece exciting performances together at Coates League level. With most of the top small forwards being club-tied in 2025, he looks set to be a man in demand for clubs targeting that area of the ground and has the prototype skillset. Is dynamic at ground level, has athleticism, clean hands, natural forward craft and is capable of impacting higher up the ground.
