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.
10-6
10 - Marlon Neocleous - Gippsland Power
Some wouldn't go near him with a pick so high, while others believes he is every bit a talent that belongs in the upper echelon. The Gippsland pocket rocket has been compared to Nick Watson extensively, but there are some key differences, including his ability and willingness to get higher up the ground as a linking forward and deliver the ball inside 50. That work rate and poised decision-making has stood out at every level he's played this year. Like Watson, he's competitive for his size and able to take a grab, but is at his best as a dynamic ground level threat and is hard to stop at forward 50 stoppages. Has also been given midfield exposure which has shown his acumen around the ground and ability to impact at centre stoppages and on the spread.
9 - Noah Williams - Geelong Falcons
A hamstring concern cut short his first game of the Under-18s National Championships, but Williams is almost certain to feature on Friday. Feels harsh dropping him into the second half of the top 10 and it is little to do with anything he is doing and more to do with the upside and significant interest that has come in others who sit above him. Remains a brilliant candidate for a club seeking a hard-as-nails midfielder/half-back who packs a punch and moves it effectively.
8 - Ethan Matthews - GWS Academy
Has established himself as a genuine star of the draft class. Rarely has a player been so dominant in an individual under-18s National Championships game as what Matthews was in the Allies' opener. Has since been ruled out for the rest of the carnival due to injury, but that game, paired with his form for GWS' Academy where he routinely put up huge numbers. Kicks the footy with venom and moves with great mobility. Projects as a bona fide strong and athletic midfielder but has employable traits across a variety of roles.
7 - Ethan Drever - GWV Rebels
The big-bodied midfielder started the Under-18s National Championships with a bang, impacting at stoppage and with his running power enabling him to break the game open and move the ball forward with interest. Has carried a big load in the GWV Rebels midfield and has a profile which is appealing to clubs. Has drawn comparisons to GWS star Finn Callaghan and Hawthorn's Will Day.
6 - Clancy Snell - Gippsland Power
The best defender in the draft class, Snell offers competitiveness and a great set of dukes. Knows when to peel off and when to stay with his man and is too strong and smart to get beaten regularly. Has only had one day all season where he was beaten – against top 2027 prospect Jake Miller, and that came just weeks after he beat Miller. Works hard and embraces physicality.
