The conclusion of the 2026 AFL National Championships has crystallised which players are at the top end of this year's draft crop and given cause for excitement about the depth of players on offer.
Several players have ensconced themselves in top 10 discussion off the back of an eye-catching carnival, with four club-tied prospects in that mix. But there is plenty of compelling talent in the next tier for the rest of the competition to choose from.
Three key defenders in the top 15 is a noteworthy feature with no more than one typically taken in the first round across the past decade.
There is also a mix of enticing inside and outside midfielders, half-backs and small forwards, with athleticism, as has become the way, a common denominator among the very best.
Claremont defender Tom Brown, South Australian pair Gabriel Patterson and Jacob McNicol, Sandringham Dragons interceptor Ollie Bartal, Essendon-linked Blake Justice, West Coast father-son prospect Harper Banfield and Eastern Ranges utility Sam Devers are among the names on the periphery of the top 40.
30-26
30 - Jackson Phillips (Dandenong Stingrays) (-5)
A powerful midfielder who has great burst and clean hands, he has done his best footy in the midfield this year, but with those opportunities limited at the Championships, his ability to impact in transition with his running power was just as impressive.
29 - Jack Slattery (Woodville-West Torrens) (NEW)
An undersized forward with excellent craft who finds a way to escape his direct opponent, Slattery was a big riser at the Under-18s Championships. Kicked 16 goals across the carnival with his ability to pop up in space inside 50 uncanny. Is a raw talent, late to the pathway systems but has made every post a winner since last year and finds ways to beat opponents, including at SANFL reserves level. Has been compared to Logan Morris and would suit a club seeking a hybrid connecting forward.
28 - Khaled El Souki (Western Jets) (-6)
A speedy recovery from an ankle injury allowed him to play the last game of the Under-18s Championships, where he was dynamic, finishing with one goal and three direct goal assists. His Talent League form has been exemplary as a prototype small forward who hunts the footy, consistently puts himself in the right spots and has insane finishing ability. Has x-factor which you can't teach, but there are some athletic flaws which his detractors will point to. Western Bulldogs tied, the Dogs will have a tough time matching a bid if they acquire Zak Butters.
DRAFT DILEMMA FOR WESTERN BULLDOGS
27 - Koby Lecras (-1)
An ACL sprain has kept him sidelined since May,y but he had an impressive start to the season to reinforce his draft calculations as a mobile running and marking forward with dynamic flair who could play on the wing. The nephew of former West Coast legend Mark, Koby has plenty of attributes suited to the top level.
26 - Sam Gayfer (Northern Knights) (NEW)
Had two separate quarters at the Under-18s Championships where he kicked three goals and showed he could grab a game by the scruff of the neck. Took seven contested marks at the carnival - more than any other 2026 prospect - at the carnival and can take big grabs both by standing under a high ball and leaping when given the freedom to run and jump at the footy. The nephew of former Collingwood player Mick Gayfer, he is a penetrating set shot goal kicker and regularly hits the scoreboard.
