The shallow perception of the 2025 AFL Draft crop puts clubs in a position where they may be more likely to look for a diamond in the rough rather than a proven asset with a pick later in the AFL Draft.
Held from November 19, the AFL Draft headlines have been dominated by the likes of Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler - but there are several others who, if given the opportunity were well placed to rise before injury intervened.
We have compiled nine names who could be added to AFL lists despite significantly limited output in 2025.
Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Academy, utility)
Perhaps would go pick 1 if the Gold Coast Academy prospect was openly available thanks to the dynamic skillset he showed last season, where he earned All Australian honours as a bottom-ager. A back injury kept the younger brother of AFL Sun Bodhi to just four late season VFL games as he has been cautiously managed, but he has the professionalism to transition seamlessly onto an AFL list.
Koby Evans (Perth, forward/midfielder)
One of Western Australia's most hyped prospects entering 2025, the AFL Academy member has great power in the contest and is a dangerous asset in the front half, with his explosiveness, gung-ho skillset and scoreboard impact all attractive attributes. The West Coast Next Generation Academy prospect has plenty of flair, but a back stress fracture kept him to just four games in 2025.
Draft range: Late-rookie
Jevan Phillipou (Woodville-West Torrens, midfielder)
Has probably received more fanfare than the others on this list bar Uwland, and rightly so, but still would likely have been discussed in a higher regard had he played at the U18s National Championships. "He's going to go in and just be a hard nut,” South Australian teammate Dyson Sharp said of Phillipou. “He's really good at running, really great overhead, and can kick on both feet.” A competitive, silky-skilled midfielder, lock him into the first round, and don't be surprised to see the brother of St Kilda-listed Mattaes push the fringes of the top 10.
Draft range: 15-20
Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers, key forward)
The powerful forward shapes as the bargain of the AFL Draft. Put himself on the map with his marking and ability to generate scoring shots last season - and looked promising early in 2025, too. In a struggling Murray Bushrangers side, he kicked 11 goals in the first three games while also showing his wares as a relieving ruck, with his mobility and strength in one-on-one contests his standout traits. A back injury then cut his season short which makes him a wildcard of the 2025 AFL Draft class but he looks a player with great upside in a draft oft-criticised for its lack of depth.
Draft range: 25-45
Sam Allen (Oakleigh Chargers, midfielder)
Cruelly suffered an ACL rupture on the eve of the National Championships, denying the balanced midfielder the opportunity to showcase what he could do at the top level. A hard runner who was a constant threat on the wing for Oakleigh as a bottom-ager, he also has a ridiculous vertical leap, with that sound athletic base underpinning his skill with ball in hand.
Draft range: Late-rookie
Felix Kneipp (Calder, halfback)
The Calder Cannons prospect did not get the opportunity to play at the U18s National Championships but showcased his great running game at Coates League level either side of that in 2025. Professional and disciplined, he'll likely start his game off halfback if he gets a list spot at the next level. "His running, contest running, and ball use drove us forward so much,” Cannons coach Sam Willatt said of Kneipp. “I think he showed exactly what he needed to for the end of the year."
Draft range: Late-rookie
Will Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers, tall defender)
Hasn't been injured, but warrants a spot on this list given his significantly limited exposure to talent pathway footy. Missed Oakleigh Chargers' list in pre-season before a massive growth spurt has him now standing at 200cm, and with his bloodlines, the younger brother of Sam Darcy and Western Bulldogs father-son prospect has piqued draft interest. Speaking to Western Bulldogs Media during the trade period, Player Acquisition and Strategy Manager Michael Regan described him as a player with “some really unique and special attributes.” "We're working through all of our options," Regan said. "Obviously we need to make sure that we cover ourselves through the draft. The important part with Will is that he has a long-term focus on his career which we do too.” Has showcased what he can do particularly behind the footy for Scotch College in the APS competition and played four games for Oakleigh as a late list addition.
Draft range: Late-rookie
Harrison Bridge (Brisbane Academy, defender)
A smooth mover and neat kicker out of the backline, the Brisbane Lions Academy prospect has a strong CV dating back to U16s, where he was part of the All Australian squad. Was a consistent contributor for the Lions in their early season Coates League stint, but featured just once for the Allies so is a relatively anonymous prospect to casual draft followers. Brisbane's priority will be getting Dan Annable, so he could be one another club could nab if they bid before pick 54.
Draft range: Late-rookie
Tom Matthews (Gippsland Power, small forward)
The athletic forward was lauded for an enormous pre-season and a big start to 2025 earned him selection in the Vic Country squad at the U18s National Championships. Remarkably, though, he did all that with a PCL knee injury, suffered early in 2025 which meant he hardly trained, working hard just to get himself on the park on Saturdays. Eventually, the injury worsened and he featured in only half a game after early game - a wildcard round final for Gippsland where he showed his point-of-difference - forward 50 pressure - on a treacherous day for footy. The stymied year was highlighted by a four gaul outing in a Vic Country trial game against the Young Guns in May.
Draft range: Late-rookie
