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.
10-6
| 10 RANK |  | Mitch Harris Woodville-West Torrens Defender HEIGHT: 196cm |
The Woodville-West Torrens prospect has been afforded league exposure and has looked reliable. A tall defender who can float in from the side and take an intercept mark or use his strength to outmanoeuvre opponents under high balls, his upside is considerable given his sticky hands and athleticism.
| 9 RANK |  | Leo Steed Swan Districts Midfielder HEIGHT: 176cm |
One of Western Australia's best at the Under-18s Championships, Steed is a game-breaking midfielder who plays above his weight-grade with his near-reckless attack on the footy. Can bust his way out the front of stoppages and steadies before he kicks, able to seize up his options and choose the right one. Has a great tank which allows him to cover the ground, has leadership qualities with his willingness to do the hard stuff and can kick goals as both a forward and midfielder.
| 8 RANK |  | Ethan Matthews GWS Academy Midfielder HEIGHT: 185cm |
How high will a bid come for Matthews? Can GWS get two top 10 talents, or will they have to use their first-round pick to ensure they can match a bid for one of the most promising players to ever come through their academy? A burst midfielder with a damaging kick and nice size, Matthews has been sidelined since midway through the Under-18s Championships, but has performed at every level he has played at, including in the VFL.
| 7 RANK |  | Ethan Drever GWV Rebels Midfielder HEIGHT: 188cm |
Is there a realistic chance Drever could be the first open pool player selected? As a big-bodied transition midfielder who wins clearances and kicks goals, he is the sort of modern player AFL clubs salivate over. It is impossible to overstate just how well he played for a GWV Rebels midfield which did not have the star power of previous years and had a championships filled with wow moments.
| 6 RANK |  | Heath Mellody Claremont Midfielder HEIGHT: 184cm |
Many already had him in the top 10, but he absolutely ensconced himself with a 33-disposal performance in Claremont's senior side last week. His kicking skills are well-renowned as being game-breaking, but he's complemented that with a willingness to compete and greater game awareness, which enables him to go through the gears. Not far below the top echelon of openly available talent.
