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.
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15 - Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide) (-4)
A powerful and tough contested player who can push forward to kick goals, Edwards was solid without seeming to play at his absolute best at the National Championships, but still earned All Australian selection. His dynamism and competitiveness were on show last week in his SANFL senior debut, which reinforced his credentials as a prospect in top 10 consideration. Has been likened to Zak Butters and has similarly clean hands and aggression.
14 - Jake Eime (Central District) (+13)
One of South Australia's best across the carnival, he has speed to burn and is the sort of player who gains 100 metres in one chain by driving his legs, finding a target and getting the overlap handball. A prototype game-breaking high half-back, he has also grown his defensive intensity in recent times and is a modern footballer. Will get a chance to play for Adelaide's SANFL side this weekend, which will be an excellent showcase of how he competes against senior bodies.
THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY FOR ADELAIDE
13 - Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide) (+1)
Could hardly have done much more this season, continually putting up big numbers at every level he plays at. Has been exposed forward of the footy and, by admission, consistently impacting there remains a growth area of Herbert's, but in the ruck he is the whole package as a hard competitor who becomes a fourth midfielder after ruck contests. At 199cm, his size has been questioned as a starting ruck at the next level, but he has shown great upside, while some clubs view him as a defender long term.
12 - Clancy Snell (Gippsland Power) (-6)
Falls back a few spots despite a National Championships which earned him All Australian honours. A key defender who can crash packs and take big contested marks, he positions himself well and will continue to improve as he puts more size on his frame. Has natural defensive nous and is a trusty one-on-one matchup.
11 - Heath Mellody (Claremont) (+2)
Many have him well inside the top 10 by now after a Larke Medal-winning National Championships, but we've got him just outside. His kicking is as elite as there is in this year's draft class and his game-swinging move into the midfield at Marvel Stadium is front of mind when determining where he sits in the pecking order. A half-back who punches above his weight grade as a slightly built player, he has deceptive aggression and is athletic, performing at every level in 2026.
