Thirteen junior footballers have received invitations to attend the first night of the AFL Draft which will be held on November 19 at Marvel Stadium.
Port Adelaide Academy member Dougie Cochrane and Carlton father-son Cody Walker headline the baker's dozen of draftees invited.
They are followed by midfielder Ethan Drever, half-forward Arki Butler, ruck Harry Van Hattum, forward Gus Teixeira and midfielder-defender Heath Mellody as fellow likely top 10 selections.
Rounding out the initial group of 13 are Brisbane academy member Caylen Murray, GWS-linked Ethan Matthews, key defender Mitch Harris, high-leaping key forward Sam Gayfer, midfielder Leo Steed and mid-sized forward Wil Malady.
In 2025, 15 players received invites to the first night of the draft. More players can be added to the invite list as the draft draws nearer.
The AFL likes to make near certainties of the fact players invited to the first round of the draft will be picked up that night by clubs.
The move came after Western Australian Matthew Johnson was left heartbroken on the broadcast after he was invited to the first round but didn't get selected in 2021.
Johnson was then drafted by Fremantle with the first pick of night two.
The first round of the draft will be held on the Thursday, followed by the rest of the national draft rounds continuing on the Friday night.
The rookie and pre-season drafts will be held on Monday, November 23.
