With the 2026 AFL Draft now just over a week away, the shape of this year's intake is beginning to unfold as more whispers and intel surface, and it's time to deliver our third of four Mock Drafts for the year.
This Mock Draft is an evolution of our most recent exercise, which also included a total of 43 selections across the first two rounds of the count.
VIEW: FIRST EDITION MOCK DRAFT - PICKS 1-18
VIEW: SECOND EDITION MOCK DRAFT - PICKS 1-43
PLAY: AFL MOCK DRAFT SIMULATOR
Pick 2 - Essendon: Ethan Drever
Essendon has been most heavily linked to Essendon supporter Drever out of all the prospects in open pool Pick 1 discussions.
His speed ensures there is enough difference between the Ballarat boy and the big-bodied midfielders Essendon welcomed in last year, Dyson Sharp and Sullivan Robey.
The Vic Country MVP was ultra consistent across 2026, proving not only that he had contested ball-winning capabilities, but also that he was potent on the spread as a transition midfielder.
He is also an esteemed character in this draft class, which is important for a rebuilding club seeking standard-setters under a new coach.
