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.
2. 30-21
30: Kye FincherSandringham Dragons, halfback/midfielder
The St Kilda Next Generation Academy prospect is in a rich vein of form, with a positional switch into the midfield proving a masterstroke. He first got a run through the middle on VFL debut for Sandringham Zebras, and was named best afield, finishing with 24 touches. He has been similarly influential with his natural ball-winning and athleticism, making him a dangerous player capable of getting on the move at stoppage and advancing the ball forward with venomous speed and efficiency.
29: Hussien El Achkar
Calder Cannons, small forward
Small and powerful, El Achkar has a nose for the goals and has continued a consistent season after proving a menace at the U18s National Championships. Has kicked 10 goals across his last three games, showing off his speed, ability to burst through stoppage and beat opponents in one-on-ones. The Essendon NGA will add great presence to the Bombers' forward line.
28: Sullivan Robey
Eastern Ranges, forward/midfielder
Sensational Sully is coming with a rush. Has been Eastern Ranges' best on ground in each of the past two weeks, playing a mix of midfield and forward. Has the perfect blend of strength, skill, size, and power at 192cm, which will translate well to the big league. After being cut by Dandenong Stingrays as a 16-year-old, Robey has grown 15cm and become more athletic, with eight goals across five games for Eastern League premier club Rowville catching the Ranges' eye. After a promising first month at the level, he missed four weeks with a trap injury, but has gone to another level since returning in the past fortnight, highlighted by his 40-disposal, three-goal game on Saturday.
27: Zac McCarthy
Oakleigh Chargers, key forward/ruck
Announced himself as a player of real promise at the National Championships. Has great reach, which makes him tough to outmark, works hard up and back and has athleticism, which allows him to impact in different ways. Has also shown his capacity to impact as a relieving ruck.
26: Beau Addinsall
Gold Coast Academy, midfielder
After a hamstring injury kept Addinsall to just one game at the U18s National Championships, he reminded the industry of his talents with some late-season VFL games. His last game of the season netted 26 disposals, and he showed his ability to match it with the senior bodies and clean hands, which have long been features of his game.
25: Max King
Sydney Academy, forward/midfielder
A natural athlete, King has all the ingredients to be a very good player, given he also has great size, which he can use to bust out of packs or to take big marks up forward. Others have had more consistent campaigns, but it's the untapped potential that has clubs interested in the Swans-tied youngster.
24: Lachy Carmichael
Sydney Academy, defender
Has a stacked CV, winning Sydney's U16s MVP, the Allies U18s MVP, being named All-Australian and being part of the AFL Academy. Has the ability to create run and carry, gaining metres off halfback, and has also shown his lockdown capabilities. His scintillating form resulted in midfield opportunities at the U18s National Championships, where he was able to win the footy around the contest and push forward to be a scoring threat.
23: Louis Emmett
Oakleigh Chargers, forward/ruck
Has had an interrupted month with a hip injury, but showcased his talent in Oakleigh's Wildcard Round match against Calder, his first back at Coates League level since the conclusion of the school footy season. The ability to take big marks on a wet day was impressive and complements his athletic profile well.
22: Matt Leray
Central Districts, utility
The hard-working Leray has had a consistent campaign for Central Districts and South Australia, showing a variety of skills. Has been largely played on the wing, where his precise ball-use has been important in connecting the midfield and forward line, but with great strength and overhead marking ability, he's got the flexibility to play elsewhere.
21: Adam Sweid
Calder Cannons, midfielder/forward
The Essendon Next Generation Academy prospect continues putting strong performances on the board as a key member of the Calder Cannons midfield. Good offensively and defensively, his speed, power and strength all stand out, and he's also importantly shown a capacity to play in attack.
