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.
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5 - Gus Teixeira - Sandringham Dragons
Had already proven by last month that he has the traits to become an elite AFL midfielder with his work rate, power and toughness, but took another step in June by proving what he can do as a forward. He won't simply be a player who bides his time inside 50 until he is experienced enough to become an on-baller; he can damage with his brilliant forward craft, finishing polish and willingness to hit up at the ball carrier and see the best option going inside 50. Was the best on ground in Vic Metro's second game against the Allies, kicking 4.3.
4 - Arki Butler - Sandringham Dragons
While he remains at four, where he was last month, he's now viewed as a prospect that is very much in the same echelon as the trio dubbed the ‘big three' entering 2026. Has played as a forward for all but a quarter of Vic Metro's two games, and sat out the last quarter on Sunday with a corkie, and has looked a class above with his finishing ability and skill execution as a link player going inside 50. His forward craft is unmatched in this year's draft class and his improved aerobic capacity has allowed him to show his acceleration through the middle. Ahead of the U18s National Championships, he played a legacy game as skipper of Brighton Grammar, kicking 8.7.
3 - Cody Walker - Bendigo Pioneers
The Carlton-tied prospect had his first game of the Under-18s National Championships cut short by injury but his CV speaks for itself. A competitive midfielder who has impacted for Carlton in the VFL this year as well as at AFL Academy and Talent League level, there have been some questions raised about his kicking under pressure at times, but has talent to burn and always finds plenty of the footy with the gap between his best and worst games minimal.
CAN THE BLUES MATCH A WALKER BID?
2 - Harry Van Hattum - Northern Knights
Has not necessarily stuffed the stats sheet at the Under-18s National Championships just yet, but his tap-work in the ruck has been first class, especially on Sunday when he got the better of Jonah Harris, a year his senior. Clearly gets grace given his status and that he is coming off a month off with a minor injury. Feels as though a statement game where he gets the footy and shows off his skill to complement the aerial and ruck power is just around the corner and is as readymade a big man that has come through the juniors in some time.
1 - Dougie Cochrane - Central District
The star Port Adelaide-tied prospect has been forced to watch from the sidelines in 2026 due to injury, but is a transformative player with size, skill and athleticism. Played senior footy last year and impacted in a big way as a marking and ground level threat and was the standout player of this crop at the Under-16s National Development Championships two years ago.
