Let the impurity of the AFL Draft begin.
Many will say 'continue' is a more apt word to use in the above sentence; such has been the compromised nature of recent drafts.
Since Collingwood father-son prospect Nick Daicos did not receive a bid until Pick 4 of the 2021 AFL Draft, the compromised nature of the draft has been a prominent talking point of every draft crop.
While arguably the top two players in this year's crop are club-tied, there are just three other members of Craft of the Draft's top 45 who are linked to a club.
But with the 2027 AFL Draft compromised not only by a pool which contains a litany of tied prospects towards the top end, but also Tasmania's arrival, expect clubs to wrestle to get into this year's draft given there is an openness, purity and depth to the top end.
First round selections in next year's crop won't carry the same credence as most years in trade deals as clubs grapple with the limited access they will get to players - despite it being viewed as one of the strongest crops in recent years.
Learning from the list builds of Gold Coast and GWS Giants more than a decade ago, the league's concessions are designed to expedite the Devis' competitiveness.
Tasmania is expected to pre-select eight players from the 2027 draft this month, with formal offers to happen on September 15, before an event is held in Hobart in the week following the AFL Grand Final.
While it is far from a perfect guide, as selectors aim to reward players from a cross-section of the country and find 46 players who can fill the roles of the team, 25 of the squad members for the Under-17s Futures match being either club-tied or names Tasmania will access means it is not a good time to have draft capital.
Granted, the AFL has tightened measures to make clubs more accountable, but throw on top of that Tasmania's draft picks at the top end - notwithstanding some must be traded - and there is uncertainty about how much next year's draft can be relied upon.
Expect clubs to prioritise getting in picks for this year's crop, or even utilising the mechanism that allows picks two years into the future to swap hands, with next year's picks as potential sweeteners.
Hawthorn and Port Adelaide both have multiple prospects linked to them who are expected to be in the mix, but it will otherwise be a tussle to get hands on the other prospects at the pointy end, which Tasmania overlook.
Top club-tied prospects
Cooper French (GWS Giants Academy)
The creative and quick midfielder-forward was a barometer for a struggling Allies side through the Under-18s Championships. Got a late-season go in GWS' VFL side where he showed his ability to run and compete against senior bodies. Averaged 29 disposals in the Talent League this year as a forward half-threat.
Henry Allsopp (Hawthorn Next Generation Academy)
Made a statement in the Under-17s trial by putting on an intercepting spree. Has also played forward, with his sticky hands his standout attribute, which he couples with an innate ability to read the play. Also a high-level cricketer, he remains raw but has tools.
Charlie Fischer (Hawthorn Next Generation Academy)
A rebounding defender who flies for marks or small forward with creativity, Fischer has found form in the second half of the Talent League season for Gippsland Power after exciting at the Under-16s National Development Championships last year.
Koby Bewick (Essendon father-son)
The Essendon-tied prospect has had a 2026 season interrupted by injury but has class when he gets the footy and is dangerous when afforded time and space, able to break the game open either as a running midfielder or half-back. Advances the game forward quickly and uses the footy fearlessly.
Moustafa Darwish (Essendon Next Generation Academy)
A tough and dynamic ball-winner who was a key piece for Calder Cannons through 2026, Darwish. Is a hard-working player and makes good decisions quickly in close always looking to make things happen, often thinking outside the box to advance the game forward, with the execution to match his creative footy IQ. Has clean and quick hands, which he uses to great effect as well.
Tevita Rodan (Port Adelaide father-son, Essendon Next Generation Academy)
A 180cm half forward who hits up well and acts as a conduit and link player going inside 50. Has a nice field kick, works hard to get involved up the field and has had midfield exposure where he has shown his ball-winning.
Zemes Pilot (Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy)
The athletic phenom with a basketball background has hardly played this year but can play all three lines well, with his leap, speed and skill all separating him. An excitement machine with all the attributes.
Zane Adams (Hawthorn Next Generation Academy)
An intercept defender, it was a shock to many that the strong and athletic tall was not named in the Under-17s Futures squad. Locked down Jake Miller, keeping him goalless in a do-or-die final, with body positioning and physicality his major strength.
Louis Salopek (Port Adelaide father-son)
Works and works and works. The peroxide blonde Dandenong Stingray who never stops running is a silky midfielder who is competitive, humble and driven, able to impact the scoreboard, win his own footy and link up in possession chains. Repeated lung injuries are the only concern that have hampered his year, but he has shown his class when he has been able to get on the park.
