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.
Max Thompson (Bendigo Pioneers, utility)
Wherever he plays, Thompson finds a way to impact. Projects as an exciting small forward at the next level, with his goal nous and dynamism attributes he showed in spades at last year's Under-16s National Development Championships.
Has been given the chance to play off half-back for Bendigo Pioneers so far this season, with his electric ball-use breaking the game open as well as his frequent ability to kick long range goals or pick the eyes out of an inside 50 pass.
Plays with competitiveness and works hard which are employable traits across the field.
