The silly season has arrived and with it rises the intrigue surrounding the 2025 AFL Draft.
Craft of the Draft has followed the talent pathways all season, with this the latest instalment of our monthly rankings.
There is a standout seven players who have created a gap on the rest of the draft class, with plenty of variety across what will be a highly compromised first round that could extend towards 30 picks.
Several bolters have emerged late in the season, headlined by Sullivan Robey and also including Oskar Taylor, Avery Thomas, Blake Thredgold and more.
The 2025 crop has widely been discussed as a weak draft and there is a school of thought among many that, after the established talents, clubs may be more likely to take a speculative punt than go after a known commodity.
Xavier Taylor is a big riser after a sterling finals series capped a big season, while Jack Ison, too, continues to capture attention late in the season.
Taj Murray was the unluckiest omission - a mobile tall who fits the profile perfectly of being high upside, but less proven players who could be selected earlier than typical.
Others around the mark included Fremantle Next Generation Academy prospect Toby Whan, West Coast-tied Charlie Banfield and Western Jets forward Oskar Ainsworth.
SEE: 2025 PROSPECT POWER RANKINGS FOR SEPTEMBER
7. 20-16
20. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves - Dandenong Stingrays
A half forward who always seizes his moments. His skill execution, polish and match-winning ability are almost unmatched, which was on show during Vic Country's game against Western Australia. Injury and concussion contributed to some inconsistency, but at his best he is a smooth-mover who can take a mark and change the game.
| 25 RANK |  | Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves Dandenong Stingrays Midfielder/Forward HEIGHT: 186cm | ▶+ |
19. Oskar Taylor - Eastern Ranges
The Eastern Ranges bolter offers a point-of-difference with his kicking off half-back, with his left foot opening the game up given its sizzle, penetration and boldness. Has also improved his ability to defend one-on-one throughout 2025, so he projects as a well-balanced half-back who can generate offence and is hard to beat in the air and composed and dynamic at ground level. After just five games as a bottom-ager for Eastern Ranges, he has had an extreme rise this year.
| 15 RANK |  | Oskar Taylor Eastern Ranges Defender HEIGHT: 182cm | ▶+ |
18. Jevan Phillipou - Woodville-West Torrens
Missed the U18s National Championships with an arm injury but has quietly built a very strong draft case playing SANFL U18s footy for Woodville West Torrens. His athletic profile, smooth-moving and competitiveness have all captured attention as a natural midfielder with an appetite for the contest and knack for finding space.
| 18 RANK |  | Jevan Phillipou Woodville-West Torrens Midfielder HEIGHT: 183cm | ▶+ |
17. Lachy Dovaston - Eastern Ranges
The agile small forward has been remarkably consistent for Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro across 2025. Has a nose for goals, has lifted his pressure as the season has progressed and has a tank and IQ that allows him to play a higher half forward role effectively. Dynamic and mobile, he's got several different avenues to goal and will seamlessly fit into life on an AFL list.
| 14 RANK |  | Lachy Dovaston Eastern Ranges Forward HEIGHT: 177cm | ▶+ |
16. Jacob Farrow - West Perth
The U18s All-Australian was a big riser through the National Championships, proving his talent as a strong and powerful midfielder who will start his career as a damaging left-footed halfback. Offers a point-of-difference with his linebreaking, physicality and willingness to take the game on. Is hard to pin down in traffic and can apply great pressure in the clinches.
| 13 RANK |  | Jacob Farrow West Perth Midfielder/Defender HEIGHT: 188cm | ▶+ |
