Vic Country wrapped up its carnival with a two and two record last week, with several prospects justifying the hype which has surrounded them, while other new names have emerged.
These are the main talking points from the squad's performance at the National Championships.
Harry Dean the best tall defender
Carlton father-son prospect Harry Dean left absolutely no doubt that he is the best key defender in this year's draft class, improving with every performance – an unbelievable effort given the high benchmark he set for himself in the first game.
He was arguably every bit as influential as MVP Willem Duursma, with the Murray prospect's intercepting, aerial confidence, read-of-the-play, athleticism and kicking making him a dream for the Blues.
As well as playing some shutdown roles, his understanding of when to peel off made him almost impossible for opposition to get past.
Dean averaged 15 disposals and 6 marks across a championships which could see him attract a bid inside the top 10 of the draft.
"He looks like he's ready to roll for AFL football right now," Vic Country coach Rhett McLennan said.
"I think he fits really well in a system and will drive standards.
"He's made for that role at a higher level."
Meanwhile, fellow Blues-linked player Cody Walker – son of Andrew – showed frightening potential as a bottom-ager, with his hard edge, marking and incredible skill making him a dangerous asset.
Viewed among the top five prospects for 2026, he was the only bottom-ager to feature in every game, averaging 18 disposals, 5 marks and 2 tackles.
Duursma stakes claim for Pick 1
Top Gippsland Power prospect Willem Duursma was forced to bide his time off halfback for the first three games of the National Championships before thriving when unleashed in the midfield against Vic Metro.
He had 27 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 2 clearances and 511 metres gained in a compelling reminder of his rounded attributes.
The complete performance sealed him the Vic Country MVP, having averaged 25 disposals, 5 marks and 3 tackles throughout the National Championships.
Duursma consistently showcased his aerial ability and hard running throughout the first three games, with his buy-in to the defensive role impressing those in the Vic Country camp, before his flashiness and athleticism showed out in game four.
“Not only did he show through sheer weight of numbers that he's good enough to be a high-level midfielder but he also showed the team based approach with how he goes about things," McLennan said.
“I think he's getting better.
“Most talented kids are instructed to get the footy and go nuts, so our education curve for someone like Willem is here is some other stuff you really need to do as well and put great highlights and praise around him when he does do the little things like the punches, chases and tackles.
“He's getting better week by week so to do it in the last game of the nationals is really promising for what is in store for him going forward.”
Mikunda the quiet achiever
Geelong Falcons forward-midfielder Hugo Mikunda didn't blow the stats sheet up in any of his four games, but showed the promise that those around him have long been aware that he has.
Stress fractures ruled the Bell Park teenager out of the early part of the season, but he still got a run of games for Geelong which allowed him to flourish at the National Championships.
He averaged 14 disposals, 4 marks and 2 tackles, and also kicked 2 goals, with his performance highlighted by a best afield 18-disposal, 11 score-involvement showing against South Australia.
His efficiency, decision-making and power all stood out, with that skillset complemented by a brilliant blend of athleticism and endurance which he'll look to show in the second half of the Coates League season.
He projects as a potential second round selection.
Get excited, Cats fans
The meteoric rise of medium Geelong Falcons forward Jesse Mellor continued at the National Championships, underlined by his selection in the U18s All-Australian side.
The Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy prospect averaged 2 goals, 5 marks and 11 disposals per game, continuing to show his deep bag of tricks and brilliance when presenting at the ball carrier.
His three-goal haul against South Australia was his most impressive, with that following 8 games for the Falcons where he has averaged 18 disposals and 5 marks to go with 14 goals.
He announced himself earlier in the season with a six-goal performance against the Young Guns in May.
Talor Byrne plays 'draft me' game
After missing the first game through injury, GWV Rebels small forward improved with each game he played, culminating in a five-goal performance to round off his carnival against Vic Metro.
"The goals were great but the smothers, chases and tackles to keep the ball inside 50 is what AFL recruiters will love," McLennan said.
The 177-centimetre prospect was one that the Rebels noted in pre-season, and his hard work paid off as a speedy midfielder-forward at Coates League level, and he took to a more full time small forward's role for Vic Country with aplomb.
His strength, power and aerial ability all impress, while his natural forward craft make him dangerous in multiple ways, which was on show in the final game of the championships which was a statement to recruiters.
