AFL Draft: The top 10 midfielders in the 2025 pool

In a draft class with some uncertainty, one thing which appears locked in is that Willem Duursma will be selected at Pick 1. But behind him, there are plenty of attractive midfield options. Here are the 10 best midfielders from the class of 2025. Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power) Has become the consensus best player in the pool. Describes himself as a Marcus Bontempelli-like inside midfielder at his best, but given his all-around star-power and proven X-factor, was given every opportunity to flourish in other areas of the ground and prove the balance of his skillset. Explosive, athletic and match-winning, his exceptional work ethic to cover the ground and pressure defensively is often overlooked but stood out in 2025. Also reads the game earlier than most, allowing him to burst away from contest or win intercept possessions, while his overhead marking adds another string to the rangy athlete's bow. A humble and well-liked person who looks likely to deal with the pressure of being a No.1 pick with aplomb, West Coast will hope he can have a transformative effect at the struggling club. The complete package. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Willem Duursma"] Dan Annable (Brisbane Lions Academy) The bid will come in the second half of the top 10, but there is little doubt Annable belongs with the top echelon of talent in the 2025 draft crop. Led Brisbane's VFL midfield in the second half of the season, with his contest work, inside-outside balance, overhead marking, ability to cover the ground and leadership all shining through. His season started with a best afield effort for the AFL Academy, and he's hardly looked back. AFL-ready, Annable is in the Josh Dunkley mould and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the Ashcroft brothers in getting games early in his time in the AFL system. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Dan Annable"] Sam Grlj (Oakleigh Chargers) Some had him pushing towards the top five mid-year before a quieter U18s National Championships, where he skippered Vic Metro, brought him back to the pack. A strong stint for Richmond VFL, where his tenacity showed through, and a return to his devastating, overlap-running, speedy best late in the Coates Talebt League season reinforced what he could offer. Suits a lot of clubs in this range of the draft and could be selected as high as Richmond's opening two picks. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Sam Grlj"] Dyson Sharp (Central District) The big-bodied South Australian midfielder led his side to an undefeated U18s National Championships and won the Larke Medal for the best-performed player. A beast at stoppages, Sharp has crucially grown other areas of his game, able to impact in transition and capable of pushing forward to kick goals. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Dyson Sharp"] Jevan Phillipou (Woodville West Torrens) Has plenty of suitors as a fleet-footed and competitive midfielder. The supremely confident South Australian missed the U18s National Championships due to an arm injury, but is a skilful midfielder who distributes soundly and has great balance. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Jevan Phillipou"] Harley Barker (Sturt) An ACL injury has sidelined Barker after an All-Australian U18s National Championships had the winger firmly in top 20 calculations. There remains a strong chance he is selected in that range given his speed, ball use and marking are all attractive traits and he is the best pure winger in the draft class. Has also looked adept playing in other positions across the field. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Harley Barker"] Ollie Greeves (Eastern Ranges) The most polarising player in the pool. The positive spin on his skillset is that he's a contested ball-winning, big-bodied midfielder whose kicking on the outside can be a weapon, as highlighted at a Vic Metro MVP-winning U18s National Championships. But some hold concerns over his running capacity and how his skillset translates to the next level. Is a hard one to get a read on. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Ollie Greeves"] Beau Addinsall (Gold Coast Academy) A hard-working midfielder who finds the footy at will, Addinsall was a strong performer for the AFL Academy earlier in 2025 in its pair of matches against VFL sides. Played just one game at the U18s National Championships due to a hamstring injury, but has plenty of runs on the board as a high-production, consistent player since 2023. One of five Gold Coast Academy prospects expected to attract National Draft bids. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Beau Addinsall"] Matt LeRay (Central District) A South Australian U18s All-Australian winger, Leray's strong frame allows him to compete well aerially, which complements his running power and excellent kicking. An ideal package for a club seeking a smooth-mover, with Leray also afforded the opportunity to spend time playing elsewhere, including proving his contested ball-winning, in the latter parts of 2025. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Matt LeRay"] Jai Murray (Gold Coast Academy) The forgotten member of the Gold Coast Academy quintet, Murray is a hard-running, strong-bodied and versatile talent who split his time between the wing and midfield early this year before a foot injury cut his season short. Murray looks set to start his AFL career on a wing and is an outside chance of receiving a bid as high as late into night one. [draft_top10_widget player_id="Jai Murray"]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

AFL Draft: The top 10 midfielders in the 2025 pool

The best out of the engine room from this year’s draft class.

4Dyson Sharp (Central District)

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

The NINE biggest snubs from AFL Origin

“Like a new recruit”: Geelong pair impress in return to pre-season...

Code wars to reach new ground as AFL stars revealed for...

Sydney youngster sidelined for six months

Track watch: May’s absence sparks concerns as Gawn returns to main...

FOLLOW US