The first day of the month means Craft of the Draft's latest power rankings have dropped.
The list is headlined by a big riser in the top 10 and five changes to May's 30. Club-tied duo Cody Walker and Dougie Cochrane still occupy the top two spots, while there are a further three club-tied prospects in the top 30.
With many players currently taking part in schoolboy footy, the quality of talent pathways footy around the country has been diluted, but the cream of the crop has still risen to the top.
Trial matches in South Australia and Western Australia in May have lifted the stocks of several players, which is reflected by greater representation of those states in this ranking.
The top half of the rankings have remained largely unchanged, save for some minor shuffling, while several new names have been included in the later sections of the top 30.
Albert MacGowan was the most difficult name to leave out, but has been usurped by players who have performed at a higher level than the APS competition he is currently playing in. His Vic Metro teammates Sam Gayfer and Seb Marsic were also around the mark - the latter currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
Sam Tassone looks set for a big Under-18s National Championships and was unlucky to just drop out, while Croweaters teammate Harry Franz is also right there.
4. 20-16
20) Mitch Harris (Woodville-West Torrens)
Is coming with a bullet. Was a clear standout in South Australia's trial game against an Under-20s representative side in mid May and backed it up against NSW/ACT the following week. An interceptor who backs himself to takes marks, he is not afraid to assert himself physically on a contest and use his 195cm frame to full effect. A general in defence, he has the athleticism to launch, reads the cues early and is neatly skilled which has propelled his stocks. Will be a key piece of South Australia's backline at the Under-18s National Championships.
19) George Gale (Claremont)
The Western Australian people are just starting to talk about. His trial matches across the past month have been compelling, with his hard running and kicking on the wing – and through the midfield - standing out. Will be a staple on the outside for the Black Swans at the Under-18s National Championships, and has the speed, ball-winning and game-breaking ability the role in the modern game demands. Was also part of the squad last year giving him valuable experience and was rewarded with state captaincy off the back of his strong form.
18) Ethan Matthews (GWS Giants Academy)
One of the form junior players in the country, Matthews was electric for GWS Academy during its Talent League stint, finding the footy at will, with his speed and skill standing out as he relished the midfield responsibility. Played for the Allies and GWS VFL as a bottom-ager last year off half-back, which is also where he played for the AFL Academy, and will likely start his career at the next level. His contest work and offensive flair have propelled him up draft boards and he has significant upside.
17) Heath Mellody (Claremont)
A 30-disposal, three-goal game for the AFL Academy member in Western Australia's trial game against East Fremantle was the high point of a strong month for Mellody. His kicking out of defence has been well regarded for some time, and he's rounding out his game by showing greater contest work, gut-running and defensive intent in the clinches. Is also proving he can push forward, hit the scoreboard and find targets inside 50 giving him greater scope to play higher up the ground.
16) Khaled El Souki (Western Jets)
Is doing everything he can to surge up draft boards, kicking goals for fun in the Talent League. He's up to a staggering 27 goals after seven games and looks well above the level each time he steps foot on the field. A member of Western Bulldogs' Next Generation Academy, his craftiness, power and deep bag of tricks are what stand out to the naked eye, and he has gone through the midfield at times in 2026, earning comparison to star Melbourne Demon Kysaiah Pickett. The question mark that will continue to hover over him will be his relative lack of athleticism in a game that increasingly demands just that, but on natural footballing ability, there are few who are better.
