The pool is feeling deeper.
That was a major takeout as I undertook the monthly task of Zero Hanger's AFL Draft Power Rankings.
Releasing a top 30 in the middle of the Under-18s National Championships is naturally challenging, given the sides have played an unequal number of games, so a more accurate synopsis will crystallise following the conclusion of the carnival.
But what is clear is that across the board, plenty of players have made irrepressible cases for inclusion in the top 30 with their upside and form so far, and many players from last month's top 30 have continued playing strong footy. That has caused more than 30 players to feel like top 30-calibre talent, creating a squeeze and providing optimism about the depth of the class.
It is, however, worth pointing out that many of the known quantities entering 2026 have been less consistent than those who have bolted which will need to be weighed up.
There are mitigating reasons for some such players. Harry Van Hattum missed a month with injury leading into the Under-18s National Championships, Wil Malady has been battling niggles and Xavier Ladbrook is raw and has been thrown around positionally. Yet the upside of each of those players, in particular, is eye-catching.
It's also worth highlighting that clubs are increasingly willing to seek mature-aged talent with the industry getting a glimpse of what readymade players can provide which will be a factor in the decision-making of clubs considering longer term propositions.
A frustrating factor to weigh up for recruiters is that many of the prospects around the top 30 mark – Dougie Cochrane, Darcy Szerszyn, Hugh McCallum, Ethan Matthews, Khaled El Souki, Archie Van Dyk, Jack Pickett, Koby LeCras, Blake Justice – have missed or will miss significant chunks of the year through injury.
With many of those who have had full seasons putting up compelling cases for selection, clubs may think twice before speculating on certain injured prospects.
Depth is a positive in any draft, but is particularly pleasing in 2026, given clubs will be desperate to land A-Grade talent given the subsequent drafts will be compromised due to Tasmania's arrival.
George Dimer, Toby Krasna, Jordan Knapp, Hawthorn Next Generation Academy prospect Keenan Boi and Lachie Hicks are among the players on the precipice. Dimer and Boi are small forwards, the former arguably the cleanest player in the crop, the latter impressing with his ability to power through stoppages and both impressing so far at the Under-18s National Championships.
Krasna is rising as an athletic winger who runs all day and has great skill, Knapp remains around the mark as a balanced ball-winner and Hicks has traits employable as an inside or outside midfielder or forward at the next level.
Essendon Next Generation Academy talent Blake Justice is another to keep an eye on who could come quickly after an impressive first fortnight back after missing the early part of the season with a hamstring injury. An athletic 191cm wunderkind, he offers great utility value and skill. South Australian midfielder Memphis Webb is another worth tracking.
30-26
30 - Hugh McCallum - Tasmania Devils
As broken by this masthead last month, McCallum suffered an ACL rupture earlier in the season, robbing recruiters of the opportunity to see him at the Under-18s National Championships, but he proved in the games he did play that he is Tasmania's leading prospect by some distance. The younger brother of Port Adelaide's Tom, Hugh covers the ground well and uses his neat foot skills to open the game up, with his best footy coming off half-back.
29 - Xavier Ladbrook - Gippsland Power
An interesting one to place. The crowning moment of his season was a best afield performance in the second AFL Academy game as he proved hard to pass and competed hard in the air despite his slight frame. Remains some time away from being a regular AFL contributor as he builds size, but moves well and isn't afraid of physical contact and his kicking for a player of his size is high end. Played the first game of the Under-18s National Championships as a forward, which is where he is likely to stay given the team's lack of forward stocks but his best footy, undoubtedly, is as a marking defender.
28 - Albert MacGowan - Sandringham Dragons
Has been a strong contributor in both of Vic Metro's first two games, with his aerobic power a real feature. Holds his width when he needs to as a winger but isn't afraid of getting into aggressive positions in the corridor and setting up dangerous attacking thrusts as a smart decision-maker and good user by foot. Has Scott Pendlebury-like composure with his ability to buy time in traffic and presents as a balanced prospect who will start his career as a silky outside user that can go inside in time. Also put up big numbers for St Kevin's College at school level prior to the carnival.
RUNDOWN ON TOP SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS PLAYERS
27 - Jake Eime - Central District
Has been a fine contributor as a rangy half-back for South Australia so far in the Under-18s National Championships, proving to be a high metres-gained player with his speed, agility in tight spaces and punchy kicking. As broken by this masthead, he has been part of Adelaide's Academy in recent months, but the Crows will not have priority access at the AFL Draft as he has not been within the club for long enough to qualify.
26 - Koby Lecras - West Perth
Feels low in this rankings given what he showed in the second AFL Academy game as a marking high forward/winger who connects well in possession chains and takes ground with his running power, but it speaks to the depth of the pool. Despite the clear upside given his size and athleticism, he does not have the body of work of some of his contemporaries given he sprained his ACL just as he was hitting his straps and appeared to be rocketing well into the top 20. Is he one that therefore slips and proves a bargain pickup?
