Northern Academy clubs Gold Coast and Sydney are set to lead the way for club-tied prospects in 2025, likely matching bids for at least four of their own junior pathway players at this month's AFL Draft.
The Suns' ties to multiple top five draft prospects has been well documented across the course of the year, with Zeke Uwland - the younger brother of Gold Coast defender Bodhi - entering 2025 as a Pick 1 contender.
Despite spending almost his entire draft season on the sidelines, the 2024 U18s All-Australian remains viewed as arguably the best player in his draft class.
Academy teammate Dylan Patterson could earn a bid ahead of Uwland, with the duo both likely to fetch interest from West Coast (Picks 1 and 2) and Richmond (Picks 3 and 4) come the count.
Gold Coast's night one bidding may not conclude with those two, as Beau Addinsall and Jai Murray may also be in the first 30 picked, while Koby Coulson is a likely selection for night two.
Sydney could have a trio of first-round bids, with Max King, Lachy Carmichael and Harry Kyle each having a chance to join the Swans on the opening night of the draft. Noah Chamberlain is another who is set to join the Swans out of their Academy later into the piece.
Brisbane is another Northern Academy club that will have access to one of this year's best draft names, with Dan Annable a potential top five selection following a strong year with the Lions Academy, the AFL Academy, the Allies and in Brisbane's VFL program.
The reigning premiers will also have access to ruckman Isaac Waller, while midfielder-forward Tyan Prindable and defender Harry Bridge are other names of promise coming out of the Queensland capital.
GWS are one of several sides unlikely to have club-tied talent to match bids for at this year's AFL Draft, joining the likes of North Melbourne, GWS, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
The polarising father-son rule will see approximately half a dozen prospects follow in the footsteps of the dads, headline by Carlton father-son Harry Dean.
Dean, a 193cm key defender, is the standout player for his position, and could be the forth player to earn a rival bid in the top handful of selections at this year's draft.
Other father-son prospects for 2025 include Louis Kellaway (Richmond, son of Duncan), Kalani White (Melbourne, son of Jeff), Charlie Banfield (West Coast, son of Drew), Will Darcy (Western Bulldogs, son of Luke) and Mitch Stevens (Adelaide, son of Mark).
The Blues, Eagles and Demons will also have access to Next Generation Academy prospects to add to their father-son guns.
West Coast's potential haul comes as the club looks to fill four further rookie list spots, with NGA prospects Koby Evans and Wes Walley potentially in the mix for those spots.
Swan Districts forward Tylah Williams is expected to earn a bid in the midriff of the draft following a strong U18s National Championships for Western Australia and an eye-catching combine performance.
Carlton have confirmed NGA forward Jack Ison's nomination, while another product of their Academy - Ty Gresham - could be considered.
Melbourne have ties to Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country wingman Toby Sinnema, who has a piercing left foot.
Collingwood NGA talent Zac McCarthy is one of the leading key forwards at this year's draft, while the Magpies will also weigh up a selection for Jai Saxena after turning down a nomination for father-son option Tom McGuane.
Essendon have two potential top 30 picks in NGA boys Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar, while Geelong (Jesse Mellor and Ren Rongdit) and Fremantle (Toby Whan and Ryda Luke) also have multiple prospects to consider from their repsective programs.
St Kilda have access to potential top 30 prospect Kye Fincher out of their NGA, however the Moorabbin club will likely need to bolster their draft hand to ensure they can match a bid for the Sandringham Dragons midfielder-defender.
The 2025 AFL Draft will take place on November 19-20, with the Rookie and Pre-Season Drafts to be held on November 21.
