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.
25-21
25 - George Dimer (Sandringham Dragons)
The most athletically gifted, selfless and cleanest small forward in the draft crop and he oozes leadership. His front and centre timing, too, is next level. The gap between him and touted small Marlon Neocleous has closed significantly - and some have him as the best small forward in the class. To succeed at AFL level at his size, you need to have a certain competitiveness and grit, which he showcased in his three games of the U18s Championships. Has hardly put a foot wrong for Sandringham all year and has done it off the back of no pre-season. Has great finishing polish which makes him dangerous in front of goals, but delivers the ball expertly inside 50. Captains Haileybury College and has excellent wraps about his character.
24 - Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons) (-4)
Pickett has been sidelined with an ACL injury virtually all year, but with scarce key forwards at the pointy end of this draft class, it is not out of the question he is the first of those taken. A mobile contested marking type, he finds ways to kick goals at every level he plays.
23 - Toby Krasna (Northern Knights) (NEW)
There's a groundswell of interest in the Northern Knights prospect after a productive Under-18s National Championships. Missed the last game of the carnival with a minor hamstring injury, but by that stage had already proven himself as a skilful, hard-running player who can link up in transition and push forward to hit the scoreboard. Athletically built and a calm decision-maker, he makes his disposals count.
22 - Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons) (-13)
A quieter carnival for Williams has slid him down the rankings, but he very much remains a player of interest for clubs as early as the middle of the first round. Is ultra competitive and does the hard stuff around the contest and is a clean distributor. While the more recent form of the 176cm talent has not been where he would like, has credits in the bank, named best afield in last year's Under-17s Futures game and the first AFL Academy game, and he co-captained Vic Country, underlining his character.
21 - Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays) (-5)
Had some moments at the championships without probably reaching his absolute best given he had played just one Talent League game in the lead-up. Was at times forced to play on taller opponents, as he will at the next level, but was at his best when he could come across and intercept. Attacks off the back of his defence and always looks to get things going quickly. Will be hoping the Stingrays go on a finals run to give him a few games to show his wares when the stakes are higher.
