The first eight selections of the 2026 AFL Draft order have been locked following the conclusion of the home-and-away season, with Essendon to open this year's count at Pick 1.
With these selections in mind, Craft of the Draft ran through how the opening to the 2026 AFL Draft might unfold with a 'mini mock draft' on this week's episode.
Analyst Jonty Ralphsmith made picks for Essendon (Pick 1), West Coast (Pick 3), Melbourne (Pick 6, via Gold Coast) and GWS (Pick 7), with host Mitch Keating holding selections for Richmond (Pick 2), Port Adelaide (Pick 4), North Melbourne (Pick 5) and St Kilda (Pick 8).
By the end of the mock draft, a total of nine selections and three bids were made. Here's how it unfolded...
Pick 8 - Melbourne: Ethan Drever
| 6 RANK |  | Ethan Drever GWV Rebels Midfielder HEIGHT: 188cm |
Ralphsmith: I will take the boy from Ballarat, Ethan Drever, who has carried GWV's and Vic Country's midfields. Was named Vic Country MVP. I've talked about the Finn Callaghan comparisons throughout the season. His ability to be that polished mover on the outside would certainly complement that midfield mix.
