Plenty of risers and a plethora of new names.
September's Power Rankings has expanded to a list of the top 40 prospects in the country.
While the very pointy end is starting to take shape, there remains conjecture about exactly what the make-up of the latter parts of the first round and early second round looks like.
As we've done all year in our monthly Power Rankings, the list combines form and potential, with a stack of players using the back part of the season to put big performances on the board, making for a tight jostle.
Around the mark
South Fremantle pair Fred Rodriguez and Toby Whan are both right on the cusp, particularly the former, who took out the U18s National Championships MVP for the Black Swans. Western Jets skipper Tom Burton and Collingwood father-son Tom McGuane are also in the mix, both showing their traits consistently despite winning just four games each across several different teams in 2025. Tall utility Taj Murray has more upside than most but hasn't had the consistency of some others. Athletic Tasmanian defender Avery Thomas and Carlton Next Generation Academy prospect Jack Ison were also considered.
1. 40-31
40: Talor Byrne GWV Rebels, small forward
A powerful energiser bunny, Byrne has backed up a strong close to the U18s National Championships for Vic Country with some trademark showings in the Coates League. Is a hard matchup given he has different ways of hurting opponents in the forward line as both a ground level and aerial threat, and possesses a healthy combination of strength and speed. He's averaging 23 disposals and six tackles across the past month and has shown his capabilities higher up the ground.
39: Jack Dalton
Sandringham Dragons, utility
Dalton's form is as strong as any junior in the country. The Dragons prospect is making up for lost time after missing the first half of the season with an arm injury, averaging a whopping 30 disposals, one goal, six tackles and five marks per game. Is seizing the midfield opportunity he's been given at Sandringham, where his running power and ability to burst into space with his devastating athleticism have come to the fore. Looms as Sandringham's most important player on their quest for a four-peat.
38: Liam Hetherton
Murray Bushrangers, key forward
The Murray Bushrangers forward has been injured for much of the season, and there's a view he would be viewed among the top 20 players had he got a clear run this season. Looms as a bargain pickup for a club seeking a powerful key forward, having proven his talent late in 2024 and early in 2025.
37: Max Kondogiannis
Oakleigh Chargers, defender
The Oakleigh defender was among his side's best in its wildcard round victory over Calder Cannons. A raw interceptor with great poise and ball-use, the Carey Grammar captain was a real surprise packet for Vic Metro and has transferred that confidence back to Talent League level.
36: Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier
North Adelaide, midfielder
A well-balanced, clean and quick midfielder, Oudshoorn-Bennier has somewhat eluded mainstream attention but has his admirers among AFL clubs. Finished the National Championships for South Australia excellently and has had opportunities in recent weeks playing for North Adelaide's reserves side, getting best on ground on Saturday with 23 disposals and two goals. Impressively, has played all season with an injured shoulder that will require surgery in the off-season, and is noted for his leadership, having captained the Roosters U18s side both this year and last year.
https://x.com/JontyRalphsmith/status/1939565100245066087
35: Koby Coulson
Gold Coast Academy, utility
The bankable Gold Coast Academy prospect thrived with midfield minutes in his last VFL game of the year, registering 26 disposals and a goal. It capped off a brilliant season for Coulson, who has risen from a little-known prospect to one who could well hear his name called out late in an extended first round. Given the amount of interstate games he's played and previous injury history, his week-in-week-out consistency, highlighted by U18s All Australian selection, is impressive.
34: Oskar Taylor, halfback
Eastern Ranges, halfback
A halfback who brings great offensive firepower with his run and carry, and sizzling ball use, Taylor has risen sharply through the middle part of the Coates League season and has arguably found another level in the past month. Has composure when the ball hits the deck and is able to repel cleanly, and is difficult to beat in one-on-one contests. Despite not featuring at the U18s National Championships, Taylor looms as a smokey that could push into the first round.
33: Cam Nairn
Central Districts, forward
Announced himself at the U18s National Championships with a seven-goal performance, and an excellent August has reinforced his talent as a hard-working marking forward. Had 16 disposals and a goal when he broke through for a reserves opportunity, and has averaged 28 disposals and eight marks in his last three games.
32: Hugo Mikunda
Geelong Falcons, forward/midfielder
A hamstring injury on Saturday likely ended Mikunda's season, which started with the frustration of stress fractures but progressed quite nicely. His damage factor with the ball in hand has caught the eye, and he's also got plenty of untapped athleticism, which allows him to break away from packs and use his lethal kicking in the front half of the ground. He's also opportunistic and crafty inside 50.
31: Sam Swadling
West Perth, midfielder
Absolutely stuffed the stats sheet in the midfield for West Perth in a couple of recent games. Accumulated 47 disposals in his last home and away game, before backing it up with 34 disposals in a final against Swan Districts. Works hard to get to lots of contests and clinical at ground level, he also got four league opportunities after being rewarded for a strong U18s National Championships campaign with All Australian honours.
