It's finally here.
For the first time in 2026, Craft of the Draft has revealed its top 30 AFL Draft prospects, which entails a strong mix of positional prospects.
The standout feature of the list is the number of AFL Academy members missing, with 10 not making the list.
While the top two prospects are both club-tied, there are far fewer club-linked prospects at the top-end than recent years, with just four in the top 30, none of which are from the traditionally strong northern academies.
Victorians lead the way as usual, with a whopping 20 on the list from the home of football, alongside six South Australians and four Western Australians.
This masthead will release an updated list on the first day of each month.
Around the mark
Sturt's Kale Matthews-Hampton was the hardest name to leave off this list having proven his intercepting aptitude and versatility at SANFL Under-18s and AFL Academy level so far in 2026. Oakleigh Chargers key forward Seb Marsic was also close as a high-upside player with strong hands who has never been in the talent pathway before this year. His athletic forward teammate Flynn Woolhouse enhanced his stocks at the Victorian trial game and can take a good grab. Aidan McCartney, tied to both North Melbourne and Sydney, is exceptionally hard to place given he will miss the year with injury, but could have made the list. South Australian pair Harry Franz and Jake Eime both have their fans. Western Australian pair Leo Steed and Finlay Yeo were also right on the precipice after strong starts to the season. Left-footed Northern Territory prospect Sonny Smiler has speed and was added to the AFL Academy, underlining the intrigue around him. A dark horse who has garnered plenty of eyeballs despite not having a pre-season due to injury is diminutive Sandringham forward George Dimer who is arguably the cleanest player in the draft class and among the most watchable.
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15 - Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons, forward)
The Geelong Falcons key forward had his year ended by an ACL injury early in the season, but has plenty of credits in the bank and looked set for an enormous year so maintains his first round status. Kicked 6.4 in three quarters of a practice match for the Falcons against the Rebels in early March. Was part of the Vic Country squad last year as a bottom-ager and kicked 30 goals in eight Talent League games last year and 25 majors in the APS competition from eight games. Mobile, quick on the lead, skilled and competitive, he has a well-rounded profile.
14 - Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays, defender)
It's always tough to place players who haven't played due to injury, as has been the case for the Dandenong Stingrays defender. Had shoulder surgery in pre-season which has delayed his start to the season, but will return before the U18s National Championships and has plenty of credits in the bank. Played three games for Vic Country as a bottom-ager last year and proved tricky to beat in one-on-one contests and is bold with his decision-making when he has the footy. An athletic medium defender who is poised at ground level and competitive in the air, he was well ensconced in the top 20 coming into the season and is very highly regarded.
13 - Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide, tall utility)
Has played most of his talent pathway career as a ruck, looked dangerous forward in the AFL Academy games and there is a prevailing belief from some that he could be a defender at the next level? That level of flexibility highlights the North Adelaide product's utility value. Jumps confidently at ruck contests, and follows up, able to either win clearances by grabbing it from the ruck and gaining metres, calmly feeding it to his runners, or tackling if the opponents get first hands on the footy. His aerial strength has been noteworthy early in the season, able to take marks around the ground and crash packs inside 50. Has the necessary competitiveness to be a successful key-position player, and has good athleticism too.
12 - Cody Templeton (Gippsland Power, midfielder-forward)
Templeton is proof there is still a place in the game for pure skilled, hardened footballers. Might not possess speed, athleticism or size like many others, but is a tough, dynamic match-up in his own way. Has played senior country footy since he was 15 and it shows with his fearless willingness to throw himself at the contest. Has added forward craft to his game in the last 12 months, and is hard to beat one-on-one given his strength, but can also crumb a pack and snap a goal. Steps up when the game is there to be won and always seizes his moments. Few if any players you would rather run out alongside.
11 - Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels, utility)
A powerful, bullocking inside midfielder who runs a 2.90 20-metre sprint is compelling for all clubs. He was hyped throughout pre-season as a potential riser and has delivered in spades. A prolific ball-winner, Drever has carried significant responsibility in the GWV midfield and shown an ability to power out the front of clearances and find space and buy time in congestion. The comparison which keeps coming up is GWS' Finn Callaghan who bolted significantly in his draft year and Drever is following a similar trajectory. Has great aerobic power and traits transferrable across the field.
