The business end of footy season has arrived, and the AFL Draft Power Rankings are starting to stabilise.
With school footy wrapping up after the Under-18s Championships in recent weeks and players slowly filtering back to talent pathway programs, only a handful of new players have emerged on the scene and commanded attention, but there has been plenty of shuffling as clubs gain an increasing understanding of the sorts of selections they are likely to have access to.
30-26
| 30 RANK |  | Jackson Phillips Dandenong Stingrays Midfielder HEIGHT: 182cm |
A clean ball-winning midfielder or winger, Phillips has plenty of traits that transfer well to the next level and has shown potential consistently throughout 2026, but tends to float in and out of games. At his best, Phillips' ability to dash, break the lines and get involved in scoring chains - or finish on the run - makes him an enticing package. Got experience playing for Casey last month and has the competitiveness to match it at senior level.
| 29 RANK |  | Darcy Szerszyn Dandenong Stingrays Defender HEIGHT: 187cm |
Szerszyn is the sort of player who will be picked up as much for what he did last year and what he projects as, as for what he did in 2026. An injury-interrupted start perhaps robbed him of some rhythm, and it has been an up-and-down campaign, but he has moments where he looks so dangerous as a confident defender who is willing to come forward and can slingshot the ball with velocity. Also capable of floating across and intercepting, but can be outmarked one-on-one. Has great scope as a general third tall rebounding defender.
| 28 RANK |  | Harry Chapman Eastern Ranges Midfielder HEIGHT: 189cm |
The Eastern Ranges running midfielder/half-back is a smooth mover with a high damage factor when he gets the footy on the outside, as a bold decision-maker who can execute dangerous kicks going inside 50. His last game of the National Championships was a brilliant advertisement for what he can become, but having been exposed to midfield time for Eastern Ranges this year, some questions persist over his toughness and willingness to win his own footy; he has compelling tools at his disposal.
| 27 RANK |  | Harvey Spawton-Guy West Perth Utility HEIGHT: 196cm |
Has played most of his footy this year in attack but is also a capable defender, with his height, marking and underrated field kicking counted among his weapons. Was solid without being spectacular at the Under-18s National Championships, but nine goals in four league games for bottom-placed West Perth proved his significant upside and competitiveness, particularly once he has grown into his frame.
| 26 RANK |  | Lochie Burrows Sandringham Dragons Defender HEIGHT: 181cm |
Will be drafted; the only question which remains is whether he goes to a club which views his future in attack or defence. Made his mark at the championships in defence as a tough competitor who can break lines but has played most of his footy as a midfielder-forward. Is coming quickly and, with the tools at his disposal, could rise into the top 20 with a big September.
