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.
15-11
15 - Mitch Harris - Woodville-West Torrens
A competitive defender coming with a rush, Harris has captivated with his intercepting and lockdown ability as the season has unfolded. At 196cm, his aerial game, both one-on-one and as a spare is a clear standout and his ball use has improved this year which has clubs bullish that he could become a prototype key defender.
14 - Ethan Herbert - North Adelaide
His best footy has come in the ruck this year, with his tap-work elite enabling the teams he plays for to take ascendancy around stoppages. But has started both of the Under-18s National Championships games South Australia have played forward which is where many believe he is better suited at the next level. Takes big contested marks and kick goals and has shown for North Adelaide he can anchor a forward line and is quite mobile.
13 - Heath Mellody - Claremont
One of the best kicks in the draft class, Mellody offers bounce off the half-back line and has great vision and decision-making to match. The slightly built AFL Academy member has had a strong start to the Under-18s National Championships and showed his competitiveness around the contest when he has been given the opportunity and is viewed by many as the best Western Australian in the draft class.
12 - Leo Steed - Swan Districts
The standout player of the Under-18s National Championships so far. Has averaged 27 disposals, six tackles and five clearances across the two games. At 176cm, you need to be elite as a midfielder to capture attention at the very pointy end and he has been just that. Has great fleet of foot which makes him hard to stop and allows him to cut through traffic with ease and has a dynamism about him which is difficult to defend. Can also push forward and hit the scoreboard. This ranking is probably at the peak of his range but it is hard to overlook his form.
11 - Kodah Edwards - South Adelaide
Bounced back from a quiet first game of the Under-18s National Championships with arguably a best afield win in the second game. Has a great ability to get first hands on the footy and can burst from traffic and take metres at the front of stoppage, while also proving a dynamic hybrid threat inside 50. The captain of the Croweaters' side at the carnival, he has averaged 21 disposals and six clearances so far in the Talent League.
