The AFL season is done and the trade and draft season has arrived.
If you have not followed our rankings throughout 2026, this Power Rankings is for you as we overview the key information about the top players in AFL clubs' sights.
For the first time this year, the list extends to 50, with the crop characterised by a great evenness after the first round.
There is a nice blend of the types of players available
Among the players to just miss out were: Andrio Sousa, Harry Franz, Kaie Sullivan and Lachie Hicks.
20-11
20 - Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons)
| 20 RANK |  | Jack Pickett Geelong Falcons Forward HEIGHT: 194cm |
ACL and MCL injuries sidelined him for basically his entire top-aged campaign and that he remains one of the first key forwards who will be picked up speaks to how strong his bottom-aged season was. Kicked bags of goals at school and Talent League level as a strong-marking forward.
19 - Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide)
| 19 RANK |  | Kodah Edwards South Adelaide Midfielder HEIGHT: 183cm |
Started the year in top 10 considerations before a, by admission, inconsistent National Championships despite getting All-Australian honours. Has drifted somewhat but late season senior opportunities for South Adelaide was a reminder of what he could do as a hard-as-nails goal-scoring and clearance-winning midfielder. Skippered South Australia at the U16s and U18s Championships - and has long been seen as the state's best 2008-born footballer.
EDWARDS CHASING AFL STAR'S RUTHLESSNESS
18 - Toby Krasna (Northern Knights)
| 18 RANK |  | Toby Krasna Northern Knights Midfielder HEIGHT: 181cm |
A classy outside midfielder who can zig and zag his way through traffic and always looks cool and effective when streaming forward with ball in hand, Krasna's game is underpinned by an elite running capacity. Has similar attributes to Hawthorn's Massimo D'Ambrosio as a disciplined winger who holds his width and helps his side shape the ball going forward. Has risen meteorically in the second half of the year.
17 - George Dimer (Sandringham Dragons)
| 17 RANK |  | George Dimer Sandringham Dragons Forward HEIGHT: 173cm |
A bona-fide small forward. A clean, quick goal-scorer whose front-and-centre timing is as good as anyone small forward prospect since Nick Watson. Competitiveness and selflessness are other key attributes and he makes excellent decisions when linking between half forward and deep inside 50. Is also one of the most highly-rated characters in the draft class.
16 - George Gale (Claremont)
| 16 RANK |  | George Gale Claremont Midfielder HEIGHT: 190cm |
The Western Australia co-captain was one of his side's standouts, proving his utility value this year as a hard-running player with great size who can perform at whatever level he plays at. Is a dangerous transition player, has the ability to make time slow down and assess his options. Likely starts as a winger and has attributes which suggest he could become a midfielder.
15 - Jake Eime (Central District)
| 15 RANK |  | Jake Eime Central District Defender HEIGHT: 182cm |
The speedster starred at the Under-18s National Championships off half-back, taking the game on and using the ball effectively to advance the ball towards goal with purpose. Has grown the defensive side of his game and is becoming increasingly competitive as he adds size to his lean frame. Has Indigenous heritage but Adelaide was unaware so he is ineligible for the club's Academy.
14 - Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons)
| 14 RANK |  | Tyson Bradley Sandringham Dragons Defender HEIGHT: 196cm |
A competitive defender, Bradley took out Vic Metro's MVP with his capstone performance coming against South Australia on Marvel Stadium. Had some excellent battles at all levels with top-10 prospect Wil Malady and did a job on Sam Gayfer in the Talent League finals series. Backs himself to take his marks and is a neat kicking player for someone of his size. Also has leadership attributes as Sandringham's captain.
13 - Sam Gayfer (Northern Knights)
| 13 RANK |  | Sam Gayfer Northern Knights Forward HEIGHT: 194cm |
The sort of player who can kick goals in a hurry. When he's on a roll, he has the capacity to turn a game, able to outmanoeuvre opponents and use his ruthless competitiveness and strength to take contested marks and kick goals. The nephew of former Collingwood player Mick Gayfer, Sam has risen strongly through 2026 and been aided by having Knights coach Anthony Rocca at his disposal.
12 - Wil Malady (Gippsland Power)
| 12 RANK |  | Wil Malady Gippsland Power Forward HEIGHT: 190cm |
A five-goal performance in the Talent League grand final capped off a promising season for the athletic marking forward. Has battled some minor injuries but competes hard one-on-one and can take a leap to grab a mark. The AFL Academy member thrives on the responsibility and has stood up at all levels this year. His first game of the National Championships was another good showcase of what he can do getting high up the ground and working his opponent over.
11 - Caylen Murray (Brisbane Lions Academy)
| 11 RANK |  | Caylen Murray Brisbane Academy Defender HEIGHT: 183cm |
An electric speedster who can be played across any line, Murray played his best footy as a pacy half-back who took the game on. Played something of a lone-hand for an under-strength Allies line-up. As it stands, it will be tricky for Brisbane to match a bid for a player expected to attract a bid in the top 10 - so expect them to do some work in the trade period to be equipped to land a player with modern-day AFL attributes.
