This is it. Our final say. The cream of the crop, the best of the best. With the AFL Draft now less than three weeks away, Craft of the Draft has released its definitive top 50 power rankings after following the talent pathway all year and releasing an expanding list each month.
The 2025 crop is expected to be a shallow pool with roughly 55 names expected to be taken in the National Draft. Despite conjecture about the strength of the Victorian crop, it remains the talent hotspot, with 17 players from Vic Metro programs and six from Vic Country programs.
The U18s National Championships winning South Australia are well represented with 11 members of the top 50, including eight in the top 21. Another major narrative of the AFL Draft in 2025 has been the compromised nature of the pool, with 14 members of the top 50 tied to clubs, including four players in the top seven.
To be clear: This is not a mock draft. This masthead has released two separate first-round mock drafts ahead of the AFL Draft and will release another, expanded one in the week immediately prior to the big day; but this story does not attempt to correspond the ranking with a suited club or interested suitor. This is simply a ranking of the top 50 best prospects available in this year's intake.
Around the mark
Rory Wright is unlucky to miss the list after a brilliant finish to his season across half-back resulted in him drawing widespread comparison to champion Luke Hodge, though clubs question his lack of pace. GWV Rebels small forward Talor Byrne is also stiff after a strong season highlighted by a five-goal game for Vic Country. Sam Swadling is thereabouts as a proven ball winner, but his disposal efficiency is causing some hesitation about where he sits in the pecking order. Swadling's Western Australian teammate Cody Curtin has a wide range, with some viewing him in the 30s and others much further back. Fremantle Academy prospect Toby Whan is also close after an excellent season for South Fremantle as a powerful midfielder in the vein of Hayden Young. Western Jets pair Oskar Ainsworth and Finn Davis are also around the mark. Brisbane Academy prospect Tyan Prindable could attract a bid after a strong season for the Allies and Brisbane VFL as a pressure forward, while Harry Scott and Tom Blamires are viewed as the leading VFL prospects in a shallow pool.
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5 - Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons)
West Coast and Essendon loom as the two most likely destinations for Duff-Tytler, who entered the season in Pick 1 contention and has remained right around that mark throughout. Was named in the U18s All-Australian squad and had a strong start to the season as a ruck, where his follow-up work was notable, before late-season games for the Bombers' VFL side and Calder showcased his forward presence and marking.
| 5 RANK |  | Cooper Duff-Tytler Calder Cannons Ruck/Forward HEIGHT: 200cm | ▶+ |
4 - Sullivan Robey (Eastern Ranges)
The best draft story of the year. Robey's rise from local footy at Rowville to the Eastern Ranges after missing Dandenong's list as a 16-year-old has been well told. Powerful, explosive, strong and exciting, he's most comfortable as a connecting, marking half-forward who takes his chances in front of goals. At the time of writing, the gut feel is Richmond is Robey's most likely destination, but could be selected by West Coast with their second selection if the draft order remains the same, which would be incomprehensible.
MORE: SULLIVAN ROBEY REFLECTS ON RIDICULOUS RISE
| 4 RANK |  | Sullivan Robey Eastern Ranges Forward/Midfielder HEIGHT: 192cm | ▶+ |
3 - Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Academy)
At the time of writing, it looks most likely Patterson will attract a bid from Richmond after a devastating season where he has entertained and impressed in equal measure. The rugby league convert slices the game open with his bold game-breaking ability and creativity. Does things most players wouldn't think of and charges forward with ferocity and vigour. Likely starts his career off half-back but is dangerous in each third of the ground.
MORE: "I LIKE THAT PEOPLE WANT TO WATCH ME": SUNS PROSPECT'S STUNNING RISE
| 3 RANK |  | Dylan Patterson Gold Coast Academy Utility HEIGHT: 183cm | ▶+ |
2 - Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Academy)
Only featured four times in 2025, all at VFL level, after injury scuppered most of his 2025 season. That won't concern Gold Coast, which, through his training with the club and an U18s All-Australian-winning bottom-aged season, is well aware of his talent. A powerful left footer who can impact in all positions, he's set up well to seamlessly integrate into an AFL environment.
| 2 RANK |  | Zeke Uwland Gold Coast Academy Utility HEIGHT: 180cm | ▶+ |
1 - 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.
| 1 RANK |  | Willem Duursma Gippsland Power Utility HEIGHT: 191cm | ▶+ |
