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.
15-11
| 15 RANK |  | Sam Gayfer Northern Knights Forward HEIGHT: 194cm |
The best key forward in the draft crop? He's coming with a bolt, having shone for Northern Knights this season and showing promise for Vic Metro. Absolutely hates being beaten, which is evident in the way he plays - difficult to beat one-on-one, and his tackling pressure, if he does not take a trademark contested grab, is phenomenal. Is a real momentum player, able to kick multiple goals in a rush and kicks through the footy.
| 14 RANK |  | Kodah Edwards South Adelaide Midfielder HEIGHT: 183cm |
Competitive, composed in traffic and able to burst away from stoppage and make himself a forward half threat, Edwards has played quite well in five league games for South Adelaide. It comes after he was crowned with All-Australian honours after a strong championships skippering South Australia, where his clearance-winning and clean skills were on display. Has a verve to his game which makes him hard to stop at full flight.
| 13 RANK |  | Wil Malady Gippsland Power Forward HEIGHT: 190cm |
On talent, he's asserting himself as a top 15 prospect, but at a slightly awkward height, it will be fascinating to see where the 190cm forward lands on draft night. Has had some niggles throughout a season in which he represented Gippsland, AFL Academy, Caulfield Grammar and Vic Country. A three-goal first half in the APS Grand Final showcased his trademark athletic leap, dynamic traits and marking capacity.
| 12 RANK |  | Clancy Snell Gippsland Power Defender HEIGHT: 196cm |
The Gippsland defender had a particularly strong first half of the season where his excellent contested and intercept marking, body positioning and reading of the play put him in the top 10 frame. He remains every chance of being selected in that range, with him and Mitch Harris vying for the title as the best key backman in the pool. Both have different strengths, with Snell still having another gear to reach with his ability to clamp down once he puts on size.
| 11 RANK |  | Caylen Murray Brisbane Academy Utility HEIGHT: 183cm |
The athletically built utility plays with genuine vigour and venom, impossible to catch when he hits top speed. Plays his best footy as a rebounding defender where he can slingshot the ball and help effect score from turnover, but his sheer pace, speed and ball-use make him employable across the ground. Positively, alongside his ability to start counter-attacks, he is also reliable in one-on-one situations and composed when he gets the ball on the last line, with the confidence to break out of defence with his drive.
