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.
3. 20-11
20: Jacob FarrowWest Perth, utility
Has risen onto the scene this year as an explosive halfback and adept midfielder, offering a point of difference with his size and athleticism. Has had 27 and 26 disposals in the last two weeks, where he has continued to show off his trademark traits. At 188cm, he projects as a third tall defender capable of generating offence out of the backline, who could develop into a midfielder in time.
19: Jevan Phillipou
Woodville West-Torrens, midfielder
Was given extended league opportunities in the second half of 2025, where he showed glimpses of his upside, damaging when given time and space with the footy, before returning with a bang to the U18s competition on Saturday. Had 25 disposals, 3.2 and seven clearances, where his confidence to break free and dare with the footy stood out.
18: Harley Barker
Sturt, winger
Has been sidelined with an ACL injury since the National Championships, but has shown enough to prove his status as a first-round contender. Combines speed, ball-use, work rate and aerial capabilities excellently, with his decision-making and execution slicing teams open on transition. All of that was on show at an All Australian-winning U18s National Championships
17: Archie Ludowyke
Sandringham Dragons, key forward
A hard one to place, given a PCL injury limited him to just over half a season in 2025. Athletic, strong marking and hard working, he's got the assets clubs look for in key forwards and thrives with the responsibility of being his side's main forward. Led the AFL Academy forward line with great conviction earlier in 2025 in a clear showcase of his talent, craft and strength.
16: Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Dandenong Stingrays, utility
Talent has never been the question for Hibbins-Hargreaves, but has bounced around in this list given a lack of continuity in 2025 – and with it some inconsistency. But August was arguably his best month, averaging 26 disposals across three games for Dandenong Stingrays and being influential in each contest. Looked a stratosphere above his contemporaries during a season-best 29-disposal, five-goal effort in the midfield in Round 18 against GWV Rebels.
15: Lachy Dovaston
Eastern Ranges, small forward
Has continued on his fine vein of form in the last few weeks as a goal-kicking crumbing forward. The big lift in Dovaston's game in 2025 has been his pressure and ability to impact the game in ways beyond just his mercurial ability with ball in hand. Always seems to find a pocket of space on his opponent, with his excellent forward craft assisted by playing across the ground in 2024.
14: Xavier Taylor
Eastern Ranges, halfback
Has turned himself into a genuine hybrid defender in 2025. Having successfully locked down on medium-tall forwards such as Max King and Mitch Marsh and nullified the smaller players such as Wes Walley and Arki Butler, his ability to quell is proven. What he can also do now is hurt opponents on turnover, with his clean hands, speed and ability to read the flight of the ball and bravery to peel off, enabling him to turn defence into offence in an instant.
13: Sam Grlj
Oakleigh Chargers, midfielder
Has put a quieter National Championships behind him, with his two games for Richmond VFL mightily impressive. A clean and quick midfielder who can hurt you with multiple possessions in a chain, he's also shown a ruthless aggression throughout August, taking fellow prospect Zeke Uwland down in a big tackle in the VFL and doing likewise on multiple occasions in the Talent League in recent times.
12: Aidan Schubert
Central Districts, key forward
The regard he's held in by his SANFL club was underlined by their confidence in giving him a senior debut in a final on the weekend - and he showed plenty of promise. His first kick of the game was a goal from outside 50, and while that was his only major, Schubert presented well all game. Has shown a lot of components as a contested-marking, athletic forward with a reliable set shot and capable of competing well as a second ruck.
11: Mitch Marsh
West Adelaide, forward
The strong-marking, neat-kicking 189cm forward has had a solid six-week stretch off the back of a huge National Championships, kicking two goals in all but one game and breaking through for a reserves opportunity. Has a skillset that will translate well to the next level.
