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.
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| 5 RANK |  | Harry Van Hattum Northern Knights Ruck HEIGHT: 205cm |
The hyped tall bossing some Talent League games has been a welcome sight in recent weeks, franking his top five potential. Played at the Championships somewhat stymied by injury, but now that he's leaping, marking, hitting out to advantage, winning clearances and hitting dangerous kicks, the talent pathway world is getting a taste of what he will provide at the next level. How he goes when he does not have the size advantage he has become accustomed to might be about the only question mark.
HARRY VAN HATTUM FEATURE STORY
| 4 RANK |  | Gus Teixeira Sandringham Dragons Midfielder HEIGHT: 181cm |
As reported by this masthead last month, Teixeira has some chance of not playing again this year due to a calf concern he has been carrying for much of the season. Therefore, it is remarkable he has achieved what he has, despite being hampered. Proved his midfield capabilities early in the season, but what he has shown off half forward provides confidence he can impact early in his AFL career.
| 3 RANK |  | Cody Walker Bendigo Pioneers Midfielder HEIGHT: 184cm |
A 24-disposal game in the VFL Wildcard Round is the last time we'll see Walker in the navy blue this year. Across seven games, he gave a tantalising entree of what to expect, with his competitiveness and clean hands already making him a difference-maker at VFL level. Projects as a half-forward early in his career, with his work rate and ball-winning among the top-three prospect's most notable attributes.
| 2 RANK |  | Arki Butler Sandringham Dragons Midfielder/Forward HEIGHT: 180cm |
Butler is no guarantee to play again this year, and if it is the end of him at junior level, he has compiled a stunning resume: U18s All Australian, U16s All Australian, AFL Academy member and Brighton Grammar skipper among the high points. He played Brighton Grammar's grand final last month but was clearly hampered, yet still had moments of class. AFL clubs know what they are getting with Butler: a forward who gets it done in the air and on the ground, with a sharp step through traffic which he uses in the midfield and at forward 50 stoppages. Has composure, knows where the goals are and is ready to go at the top level next year.
| 1 RANK |  | Dougie Cochrane Central District Utility HEIGHT: 196cm |
It was positive to see him line up in four late-season games for Port Adelaide's SANFL, mostly in defence, allowing him to exert maximum influence for a struggling Power lineup. Has clearly put on size but retained his mobility and skill, and competes well at the level. His aerial presence complements his dynamic skills, and he has done everything he can, given the injuries, at junior levels, to inspire confidence that he is the best prospect in the pool.
