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.
20-16
20 - Jack Pickett - Geelong Falcons
Should arguably be higher in these rankings and if not for an ACL injury, there is every chance he would have made a case to get selected in the top 10 as a strong marking forward. His upside is clear with all the tools to become a star modern day key forward, but could he be one that slips given the uncertainty that not having a proper top-aged season brings amid plenty of players building strong cases?
19 - George Gale - Claremont
Has star factor. Looks strong and adept every time he gets the footy and behind fellow Western Australian co-captain Leo Steed, no player has had as consistent a pair of games as Gale. Brushes off tackles and does not panic in traffic and sends the ball forward with vigour and venom. Wherever he plays, Gale finds a way to impact and finds a way to rack up the footy and has carried his pre-eminent trial game form into the National Championships proper. Projects as a prototype winger in his early days at the next level.
RUN DOWN ON CLAREMONT TOP PROSPECTS
18 - Harry Chapman - Eastern Ranges
A modern day marvel who seems to always generate scoring chains if given time and space. Chapman is at his best when he is getting overlap possession and then has space in front of him to take off and dart a pass into the forward half, drawing forwards into dangerous spaces. Has been given the opportunity to grow his contested game and that remains an area of growth but is highly-skilled and has attributes akin to Sydney's Justin McInerney.
17 - Caylen Murray - Brisbane Academy
Bolted firmly into the top 20 mix with an unbelievable second game of the Under-18s National Championships. A speedy, precise-kicking player who runs all day, he truly has the capacity to play across all three lines. Importantly, in that game, proved he had the ability to defend first and punish team on turnover with his damaging counterattack and bold decision-making. Was a key contributor through the Lions Academy's Talent League series.
16 - Darcy Szerszyn - Dandenong Stingrays
This masthead has maintained faith in his top 20 status even through his injury-interrupted start to 2026 and he has proven those credentials weren't misplaced since returning. His willingness to come forward to defend, attack off half-back and hit the ball at speed and break away with his pace have all been on show since his return. A third tall defender who blends ball use, athleticism and defensive application, he offers plenty of upside.
