After the completion of the 2025 AFL Draft, which saw 84 players selected by top-flight clubs, many fans and analysts have begun evaluating the potential of these draftees to leave an early mark.
While a pre-season is still ahead of us, there are already several prospects who are considered ready for the elite level of competition.
We highlight eight of the top candidates likely to make their debut in the early stages of the 2026 season.
Lachy Dovaston (North Melbourne)
The Nick Watson-esque player was quickly hailed as the premier small forward of the 2025 draft crop, which is why the Kangaroos were desperate to move up the draft order.
Dovaston will look to immediately jolt some life into the supporting cast around spearhead Nick Larkey.
The 18-year-old from Blackburn arrives at Arden Street having already had a taste of senior football, featuring at VFL level for the Box Hill Hawks in Round 20 this year.
He averaged 16 disposals and kicked 38 goals across his 16 games for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, and has an extremely high ceiling.
"I play with a bit of swagger and a bit of confidence, which I think is good," he has said. "I'm a pest … but I also bring the goalkicking and defensive pressure and being clean."
The Kangaroos open their season with a clash against Port Adelaide.
READ: Dovaston on goal celes, hairstyle and advice from a premiership Pie
