The 2025 AFL Draft is being regarded as one of the most compromised in history, with a likely record number of Northern Academy, Next Generation Academy and father-son talents to join AFL lists.

Craft of the Draft last week named the top 13 prospects to watch, with four members of the top 10 tied to AFL clubs.

While the AFL has tightened rules to ensure clubs have to pay a greater price to secure their talent, the pedigree of many names listed this year will likely incentivise lots of dealings in the trade period as clubs attempt to match points.

Highlighting the strength of the tied-talent, every club has at least one player genuinely on the radar entering 2025.

VIEW: CURRENT AFL DRAFT ORDER

These are the names you might need to familiarise yourself with ahead of this year's AFL Draft.

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Essendon

After going close to two decades without a quality small forward, the Dons could welcome two top-enders within 12 months.

Following the Isaac Kako hype last year, Hussien El Achkar looms as a powerful, creative small to watch at Calder in 2025. El Achkar may not have the widespread plaudits of his predecessor, but he is set to play a similar role to Kako in 2025 and was part of the Metro Summer Hub, so will be given every opportunity.

Adam Sweid, returning from an ACL injury, stood out in Calder's practice match last week, while Olu Olulaken, Jad Naim and bottom-ager Blake Justice are also at the Cannons.

Elsewhere, Alijah Davey, the younger brother of Alwyn junior and Jayden Davey is listed at Oakleigh and eligible as a father-son player.

A high defender, Geelong Falcon Noah Caracella will return to the Coates League as a 19-year-old after completing a VFL pre-season and increasing his strength.

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