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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5 - Gus Teixeira (Sandringham Dragons) (-)
A midfielder who is always going at 100 per cent, the pleasing element of Teixeira's Championships was his ability to impact forward of the footy. He has long established himself as being in the top threshold of midfielders in the draft class, and by proving his forward acumen for Vic Metro, he is now in the top handful of players. Has innate goal sense and always finds a way to impact, with his touches generally turning into scores. The attacking work also gives confidence he can impact quickly at AFL level rather than having to learn a new role as he awaits a midfield chance.
4 - Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights) (-2)
Van Hattum's last game of the National Championships was a necessary showcase of what he can produce, as he showed his skill by foot, clearance-winning and ability to take marks around the ground. Won All Australian honours, but it felt like he had another gear to go to, notwithstanding that he entered the carnival off the back of limited preparation due to a minor injury. His upside is unquestionable and the tapwork throughout his time with Vic Metro was elite, so remains at the very pointy end, even if his grasp on the top open pool prospect has loosened.
HARRY VAN HATTUM FEATURE STORY
3 - Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers) (-)
Was a strong performer at the Under-18s Championships, earning All Australian honours and continues to set himself a high standard. Has the competitiveness to fit straight into an AFL system and has shown an ability to impact at senior level, for the Academy, Carlton VFL and Echuca, though as has been well-documented, his kicking remains an area of growth. Regardless, his positional flexibility, tenacity and burst make him an attractive proposition worth getting excited over.
2 - Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons) (-)
At a minimum, Butler should return from his collarbone fracture for the Talent League finals. He himself wants to play in the APS final for Brighton Grammar on 15 August, but that is looking a steep task. Regardless, being named All Australian despite playing just two and a half games at the nationals underlines his quality. A front half force regardless of whether he is playing isolated deep, as a front and centre option, as a high forward or pushing forward in the midfield, he can find the goals and will have the capacity to play AFL early next year. Aerobically, he's taken a big step forward this year and his field kicking is exemplary.
1 - Dougie Cochrane (Central District) (-)
The star Port Adelaide-tied prospect will make his return this week from a knee injury which has sidelined him all year. That will give him four games to show his talents and likely confirm his status as the best prospect in this year's draft class. A forward-midfielder with size and athleticism, the chance to be immersed with the Power this year has expedited his development after he showed he could match it with big boys, kicking four goals on league debut last year.
