The AFL Talent Pathway industry is getting an increasingly crystallised sense of the prospects on offer in 2026 - but what about next year?
With Tasmania allowed to pre-list up to 12 17-year-olds across the next two draft cycles, clubs will have a keen eye on the depth of talent and overall strength of the pool.
Tasmania has expressed interest in several members of the crop as the young club considers its list build, with the below names, in no particular order, among some in consideration.
Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges, midfielder)
Did as he liked at last year's Under-16s National Championships, with his toughness and ability to break away from contest in Vic Metro's midfield making him one of his side's most prominent playmakers.
Has a knack of getting his hands on the footy, and few have better finishing ability than the Eastern Ranges product. Both of his older brothers have gone on to VFL lists, giving him strong tutelage to lean on.
A toe injury delayed the Rowville Sports Academy student's start to 2026, but when he gets on a roll, he has the ability to turn a game and put the team on his back, as he showed in Eastern Ranges' most recent game on Saturday night against Dandenong.
