AFL phantom draft: Shock calls, bids galore as top 29 picks predicted in MEGA late mail

Hello and welcome to the 2025 Fox Footy AFL Phantom Draft! These don’t get any easier.

After 29 first-round picks in 2023 and 27 in 2024, a similar number of players are expected to take place on night one of the AFL Draft, which will commence at 7pm (AEDT) on Wednesday November 19.

Foxfooty.com.au predicts how the first 29 picks of the draft will pan out, including 10 rival-club bids, plus the inside word on which prospects your club could take on both nights of the two-day event.

Watch live coverage of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft on Kayo Sports 19-20 Nov | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

EARLY DRAFT TRADES

— Expect Carlton to part with its two first-round selections (Picks 9 and 11). Scroll to Pick 3 of the Phantom Draft for more information on why. Essendon is set to secure Pick 9, with a combination of Picks 21, 27 and 30 going back to the Blues. North Melbourne should receive Pick 11, with one of its selections in the second round (Picks 25 or 26) plus a future second-rounder being sent to Carlton.

— Gold Coast (Picks 15 and 18) and Brisbane (Pick 17) could also trade out their first-round selections, but no clear suitors have emerged at this stage. Hence, we’ve left those potential deals out of the phantom draft.

FOX FOOTY AFL PHANTOM DRAFT 2025

PICK 1: WEST COAST EAGLES — WILLEM DUURSMA

Position: Utility

Size: 191cm

Clubs: Foster/Foster Secondary College/Gippsland Power

AFL player comparison: Will Day

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 1

He didn’t necessarily enter 2025 as the clear top prospect, but Duursma – the brother of Xavier, Yasmin and Zane Duursma – for many clubs has earned the title of the draft class’ No.1 player after an outstanding campaign where he showed impressive growth. The silky utility has an elite kick, great lateral movement and the versatility to play in multiple positions on the field, which has seen him draw comparisons with dual All-Australian Brendon Goddard. Duursma claimed Vic Country’s MVP award at the recent carnival, averaging 24.3 disposals, 4.5 intercepts and 128 ranking points, with his final game against Vic Metro (1.1 from 27 disposals, 8 score involvements, 6 inside 50s and 511m gained) a stunning statement to his doubters. He’s a player with big-ceiling potential at AFL level — and his combination of polish and grunt have helped put him in the Pick 1 conversation.

In the mix/trade watch: Essendon would’ve loved to have traded up to West Coast’s picks to get Duursma. But West Coast’s link is so strong now that we’d be stunned if the Eagles didn’t take the kid from Foster with Pick 1.

PICK 2: GOLD COAST SUNS — ZEKE UWLAND (EAGLES’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Wing/Medium Defender

Size: 178cm

Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh

AFL player comparison: Errol Gulden

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 2

The first — and best — of several Suns academy graduates that’ll officially join Gold Coast on draft night. For the Suns won’t hesitate matching a bid. Hopefully, for their sake, they’ll be able to strike a trade at the start of the night and part with Pick 15 and/or 18 to help them match. While Uwland — the brother of Suns defender Bodhi Uwland — was hampered by a back injury in 2025, clubs have never forgotten his brilliant bottom-age year. He was the only player in his 17th year selected in the 2024 Under 18 All-Australian team — a fair achievement considering how stacked last year’s draft class was — averaging 23 disposals and six rebound 50s. Uwland, the brother of Gold Coast’s Bodhi Uwland, is a brilliant, left-footed winger with great game sense who’s been likened to dual All-Australian Errol Gulden. He’s a great decision-maker and pinpoint by foot, while his leadership has also come on in leaps and bounds.

In the mix/trade watch: It’s highly unlikely now the Eagles will use Pick 2 to take a player in the open pool and, therefore, leave all the early bidding to Richmond. If it isn’t Uwland that attracts the first bid, it could be Carlton father-son prospect Harry Dean.

PICK 3: CARLTON — HARRY DEAN (TIGERS’ FATHER-SON BID MATCHED)

Position: Tall Defender

Size: 193cm

Clubs: Lavington Panthers/The Scots School/Murray Bushrangers

AFL player comparison: Cal Wilkie

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 6

Another Dean is Blues-bound — and there’s a chance he plays AFL footy very early in 2026. Dean — the son of Peter Dean, who played 248 games for Carlton including the 1987 and 1995 premierships — this season thrived on the national stage for Vic Country, named at full-back in the Under 18 All-Australian side after averaging 15.3 disposals and a competition-high 3.5 intercept marks, while he went at 89 per cent efficiency by foot. He played on a variety of forwards, including WA’s Charlie Banfield (190cm), SA’s Mitch Marsh (191cm), Allies’ Max King (191cm) and Vic Metro’s Zac McCarthy (199cm), showing off his versatility. Against Vic Metro in a 22-disposal, 11-intercept, eight-mark display in the final game of the carnival, he looked like a man against boys, playing with a presence and confidence that personified his rise. Dean impressed recruiters all season with his power, toughness, competitiveness and intercept ability.

In the mix/trade watch: This is why Carlton has moved out of Picks 9 and 11, for the Dean bid is set to come a lot earlier than the Blues had hoped. Yet the Eagles genuinely want Dean as he is no doubt the type of player that would fill a list need, so they’ll ask the Blues to pay up. While it’s meant the Blues have had to move quickly in recent days to find more draft points from other clubs, sources spoken to by foxfooty.com.au believe the Eagles’ move is justified, with Dean ranked at the pointy end of many club draft boards. This all means Cooper Duff-Tytler will now likely wait another pick before being officially drafted.

PICK 4: WEST COAST EAGLES — COOPER DUFF-TYTLER

Position: Ruck/Tall Forward

Size: 200cm

Clubs: Calder Cannons/Woodend Hesket/PEGS

AFL player comparison: Luke Jackson

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 4

The Eagles appear destined to land one of the more promising ruck-forward prospects to come through the AFL talent pathways system in many years. A potential AFL unicorn at 200cm, Duff-Tytler has impressed draft watchers with his unique athleticism, aerial ability, competitiveness, speed, strong overhead marking skills and cleanliness with ball in hand, especially below his knees for a player of his size. Crucially, he can play as an extra midfielder around the ground, prompting recruiters to draw comparison to gun rucks like Luke Jackson and Tim English. Duff-Tytler showed off his athleticism at the national combine, finishing eighth in both the 2km time trial (6:21) and 20m sprint (2.922 seconds).

In the mix/trade watch: After forcing the Suns and Blues to match for Uwland and Dean, there’s a slight chance the Eagles bid again on Dylan Patterson (Suns academy), but that now seems unlikely. There had been early speculation last month the Eagles might be prepared to trade back to land a prospect like Dyson Sharp or Sullivan Robey, but for a while now they’ve been set on holding their pick and taking Duff-Tytler.

PICK 5: GOLD COAST SUNS — DYLAN PATTERSON (TIGERS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Medium Defender/Wing

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin

AFL player comparison: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera/Chris Yarran

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 5

If it clicks for Patterson at AFL level, he could end up being the best player from this draft pool. As the explosive, speedy Suns academy utility noted last month, there’s only “a limited amount of people that’d be able to catch me” on the field — and if someone did, “it’s a pretty good effort”. He attempts bold kicks most of his fellow draft prospects wouldn’t even dare to comprehend. And with his nimble sidestep, running power, composure in congestion and right-foot kicking capabilities – plus the fact he wore No. 7 for the AFL Academy and Allies this year – the comparisons to superstar Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera seem apt. With that lethal athletic combination of speed, agility and power, Patterson is going to be a lot of fun to watch at AFL level.

PICK 6: BRISBANE LIONS — DANIEL ANNABLE (TIGERS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Redland-Victoria Point

AFL player comparison: Josh Dunkley

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 3

The prospect of Annable joining the reigning premiers next season – and linking up with Will and Levi Ashcroft, as well as academy graduate Sam Marshall, in the midfield for years to come – would be tough for opposition scouts and fans to stomach. In fact, there’s a school of thought that if Annable was on back-to-back premier Brisbane’s AFL list this year, he would’ve been a regular member of the line-up. A strong-bodied, well-balanced on-baller, the courageous Annable has excellent stoppage craft, is strong in his attack on the ball and clean. He’s a beast at the coalface but also finds a way to cause damage in transition as he’s a high metres gained player. He only solidified his top-five contender status during the national champs then stepped up to VFL level with aplomb, averaging 21.3 disposals, 4.9 inside 50s, 4.3 clearances and 3.6 tackles in eight matches for the Lions.

In the mix/trade watch: It’s unlikely the Tigers pick a player in the open pool first up — and bidding on a prospect like Patterson makes ample sense, considering his athletic profile and potential at AFL level. They might, however, opt to bid on Annable first. Either way, Essendon almost certainly won’t have to do any bidding on the top-end club-tied prospects — and the players will all end up at the teams they’re already linked to.

PICK 7: RICHMOND — SULLIVAN ROBEY

Position: Midfielder/Medium Forward

Size: 192cm

Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Rowville

AFL player comparison: Jordan De Goey

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 7

From Rowville Under 19s to Pick 7 in eighth months? The biggest bolter in an AFL draft since Clayton Oliver. After a gruelling pre-season, Robey earned his way onto the Eastern Ranges’ list mid-season after strong outings for Rowville in the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division. What followed was a wild rise up draft boards, starring in the Coates Talent League firstly as a forward before pushing into the midfield. His jaw-dropping late-season burst was capped off by four goals from 13 disposals and five marks in the Ranges’ premiership triumph over the Sandringham Dragons. But the standout Robey game came against the Western Jets in a wild Wildcard Round game: Three goals from 40 disposals, nine marks and seven inside 50s. Robey has all the attributes required to be a strong AFL player. He’s super competitive with an infectious willingness to hunt the ball. He spreads well from congestion and he’s a good kick. He’s powerful, energetic and confident.

PICK 8: RICHMOND — SAM CUMMING

Position: Midfielder/Medium Forward

Size: 186cm

Clubs: North Adelaide/Wentworth/Prince Alfred College

AFL player comparison: Rory Sloane/Isaac Heeney

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 10

SA Under 18s coach Tony Bamford this week dubbed Cumming “the silent assassin”, while one talent-watcher this year labelled Cumming “the prototype AFL midfielder”. Highly regarded for his class, power, speed, agility and competitiveness — both in the air and at ground level — Cumming has a terrific all-round profile. Cumming kicked four goals and averaged 17.0 disposals in SA’s championship-winning campaign to earn All-Australian honours. He then made a splash for North Adelaide’s SANFL league team, racking up 16 disposals against Sturt before a brilliant display against South Adelaide where he kicked 3.1 from 21 disposals, six inside 50s, five clearances, five tackles and five marks.

In the mix/trade watch: Right, my word, this is where the mystery surrounding this year’s draft really begins. The Tigers have been strongly linked to four players at these selections: Robey, Cumming, Xavier Taylor and Sam Grlj, with some late whispers around Jacob Farrow too. And when you ask around about what Richmond might do with these two picks, seemingly every person has a different combination. Many sources spoken to by foxfooty.com.au would be flabbergasted if the Tigers overlooked Taylor — a gun versatile defender who’s seen by some as potentially the final piece in the Richmond backline puzzle. Others have long linked the Tigers to midfielder Grlj, who played for Richmond’s VFL side and would bring a unique, tantalising athletic profile — the combination of speed, power and endurance — to the Tigers’ list. One thing is for certain: Whichever two players the Tigers select at Picks 7 and 8 will shape arguably the next 10 to 15 picks.

PICK 9: ESSENDON — DYSON SHARP

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm

Clubs: Central District/Barossa District/Xavier College

AFL player comparison: James Worpel

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 9

A bankable, ready-to-play midfielder, but also a strong character and leader who you could build a club culture around. It’s why this Essendon selection makes sense, for Sharp could have an immediate impact both on and off the field. Many scouts earlier this year were hesitant to put Sharp too high on draft boards, citing other players in the pool could have a higher ceiling at AFL level. But you sensed Sharp stuck it up his doubters during the national carnival with a brilliant four-game campaign for South Australia, leading his state to a drought-breaking title and winning both the Larke Medal and the SA MVP award. Sharp is renowned for being a big-bodied on-baller who’s a beast at the coalface and clean with ball in hand, while scouts have been impressed by his leadership and improved outside game.

PICK 10: ESSENDON — JACOB FARROW

Position: Medium Defender/Midfielder

Size: 188cm

Clubs: West Perth/Joondalup Kinross

AFL player comparison: Jordan Dawson

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 13

Farrow’s elite consistency this year has seen him break clear as the cream-of-the-crop West Australian prospect at November’s intake. Farrow averaged 19.0 disposals and 4.8 marks and went at an impressive 87 per cent efficiency by foot from his four matches for WA. In nine WAFL colts games for West Perth this year, Farrow averaged 24.7 disposals and 5.4 marks as a talented midfielder-defender hybrid — and the back half is where he seems likely to start his professional career. Farrow has been trialled in the midfield where he’s shown off his strength and composure under pressure. But his kicking, running and rebounding are his biggest weapons.

In the mix/trade watch: If one of Sullivan Robey or Sam Cumming were still on the board — especially Robey — the Bombers would pounce, with rivals expecting Essendon to target midfielders at the top of the draft considering their post-season list changes. The Bombers were one of the first clubs to show interest in Robey — a Bombers supporter — before the entire league got in front of him. There’s also a scenario where the Bombers take a combination of Farrow and Xavier Taylor with their first two picks then bank on Sharp being available at their next selection — after Melbourne’s back-to-back picks — as the Demons are being tipped to overlook Sharp. Whether the Bombers would take Taylor, however, remains a big talking point among scout circles, for many regard Taylor as a genuine top-10 talent but question whether Essendon would opt for a defender.

PICK 11: MELBOURNE — XAVIER TAYLOR

Position: Medium Defender

Size: 191cm

Clubs: Eastern Ranges/East Ringwood/Rowville Sports Academy

AFL player comparison: Josh Weddle/Nathan Broad

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 8

A serious defensive talent who deserves his place in top-10 calculations — and could be a long-term replacement for some of Melbourne’s experienced defenders. Taylor impressed with his one-on-one ability and defensive positioning in the national champs for Vic Metro then showed off his improved offensive game late in the carnival, finishing with 16 disposals and two intercept marks against Vic Country. And he was a picture of consistency for the Eastern Ranges, culminating in a best on ground showing in the Ranges’ grand final win over Sandringham, finishing with 25 disposals and 15 marks before also claiming the club’s best and fairest award. As well as Josh Weddle, some scouts have likened him to three-time premiership Tiger Nathan Broad as a hybrid third defender who has the athleticism and versatility to either lock down or intercept while playing on forwards of different sizes. Taylor also loves to take the game on with his love to run and carry, plus he’s neat by foot.

PICK 12: MELBOURNE — CAMERON NAIRN

Position: Medium Forward

Size: 188cm

Clubs: Central District/Willaston/Kapunda High School

AFL player comparison: Mason Wood

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 37

A late bolter for some — he only received an invite to night one of the draft last week — but Nairn has been in the top bracket of many club draft boards this season … especially Melbourne’s. Nairn was a key member of South Australia’s undefeated national champs campaign — and he produced one of the best individual performances of the carnival, booting 7.0 from 10 disposals and five marks against WA playing as a mid-sized forward. Crucially, after kicking 19 goals from his first nine SANFL Under 18 games, Nairn finished the season in Central District’s midfield brigade, with hauls of 30 and 31 touches in his final two games. Nairn has a great footy IQ, while he possesses a big tank, personified by his 2km time trial result of 6:13 (ranked 4th) at the national combine. Clubs believe Nairn has the size, skills and versatility to play across any third of the ground at AFL level.

In the mix/trade watch: The Demons have no choice but to sit and wait to see which of the top-end players will remain on the board. They would love it if Sullivan Robey slid to them after showing so much early interest in him. They’ve also been linked to both Sam Cumming and Jacob Farrow, with rivals tipping the Demons to select the prospect that slips through to their pick, should that come to fruition. This is also where the draft range of small forwards Lachy Dovaston and Latrelle Pickett start, although scouts scoured in recent days believe it might be a touch early.

PICK 13: ESSENDON — AIDAN SCHUBERT (AFTER TRADE WITH CARLTON)

Position: Tall Forward/Ruck

Size: 198cm

Clubs: Central District/Gawler Central/Trinity College

AFL player comparison: Shannon Neale

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 12

Arguably the best key forward in the draft — a title that was enhanced after a standout champs for SA. Schubert was a constant forward-half presence, kicking 10 goals for the carnival — ranked second behind teammate Mitch Marsh. Remarkably, Schubert ran the 2km time trial in 6:21 — ranked equal eighth across the whole national combine. He was also a powerful presence at SANFL Under 18s level, kicking 28 goals and averaging 19.2 disposals, 7.5 marks and 4.4 clearances from 13 matches. Schubert’s mobility, aerobic capacity, competitiveness and ground-level cleanliness – which helped him rack up 21 and 19 disposals respectively in his final two SA games – is widely admired. Schubert has been strongly linked to the Bombers for several weeks …

In the mix/trade watch: A third top-end pick for Essendon! Another player linked to this selection is small forward Lachy Dovaston, who would bring even more flair to an exciting young forward line that already includes Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako. It’s also where the Bombers could take Dyson Sharp, should they opt to run the risk of picking other players with their first two selections and hoping Sharp slips past Melbourne — or other clubs looking for a trade up to get the South Australian.

PICK 14: SYDNEY SWANS — HARRY KYLE (HAWKS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Medium Defender/Midfielder

Size: 188cm

Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs/The Scots College

AFL player comparison: Finn Callaghan

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 24

Asked if he knew if the Swans would commit to matching a bid on him. Kyle told reporters at the CDG Sports training session on Saturday: “I know nothing, I’m in the dark.” Well, it looks like Kyle could be thrown into the draft spotlight early on night one, with a mid first-round bid a genuine chance. An exciting 188cm rebounding defender with potential to play in the midfield, Kyle’s run and dash is a big feature of his game — and the in-game hunched shoulders have drawn comparisons to Giants star Finn Callaghan. Kyle attracted attention with a strong start to his year, averaging 20.8 disposals and 4.3 rebound 50s for the Swans academy in the Coates Talent League. He then played all four games for the Allies in the national champs, averaging 12.5 disposals before a standout national combine where he ranked No.1 in the running vertical jump (98cm), as well as equal-eighth for the standing vertical jump (71cm) and 10th for the agility test (8.116 seconds).

Who else could bid: If the Hawks don’t pull the trigger, all of the Giants, Bulldogs and Cats will strongly consider bidding on him, while it feels like he won’t get past Fremantle at the latest. While clearly the Swans would like a later Kyle bid than this, all signs point to Sydney matching.

PICK 15: HAWTHORN — SAM GRLJ

Position: Midfielder

Size: 182cm

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Old Camberwell Grammarians/Camberwell Grammar

AFL player comparison: Max Holmes/Ed Richards

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 11

Before we go any deeper, it’s pronounced ‘grill’. And if Richmond does overlook the versatile on-baller in the top 10, there’s a good chance he slips to this selection, where the Hawks will strongly consider him after doing more late work on him. Few 2025 AFL draft prospects have an athletic profile like Grlj, whose combination of speed, power and endurance has clubs excited about his AFL potential. This was on display at the national combine, finishing second in the 2km time trial (5:59) before producing a 2.926-second 20m sprint — ranked ninth overall — two days later. While he was disappointed with his Vic Metro campaign, he looked at home in the defensive half during his two matches for Richmond’s VFL side in early August with hauls of 18 and 15 disposals. It’s expected Grlj will begin AFL career in defence, with scope to push into the midfield as he develops.

In the mix/trade watch: The Hawks, as per usual, are meeting with several prospects over the next couple of days to help them firm up their draft plans. If one of Jacob Farrow or Sam Cumming were available at this pick, expect Hawthorn to take that prospect still on the board. Other players linked to this selection include South Australian duo Cameron Nairn and Latrelle Pickett, Eastern Ranges small forward Lachy Dovaston — imagine him and Nick Watson in the same forward line?! — while it’s probably where Geelong Falcons defender Josh Lindsay’s range starts. This Hawks pick, too, has been mooted as a potentially obtainable selection for the right price, but whether the Hawks would be prepared to slide back in the order remains unclear.

PICK 16: NORTH MELBOURNE — LACHY DOVASTON (AFTER TRADE WITH CARLTON)

Position: Small Forward

Size: 177cm

Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Blackburn/Rowville Sports Academy

AFL player comparison: Nick Watson

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 15

Describes himself as “the classic small forward” with “a bit of swagger, a bit of a pest” — and that’s apt. Dovaston just knows where the goals are, kicking 38 majors in the Ranges’ premiership campaign — to earn Coates Talent League team of the year honours — and nine goals from four national carnival games for Vic Metro to be named All-Australian. He was then one of the best all-round performers at the draft combine. The highlight was his agility test result of 7.794 seconds – the fastest time of the 2025 national combine and the fourth-fastest ever recorded — while he also recorded top-five finishes in both the running vertical jump (89cm) and standing vertical jump (74cm). One of the doubts around Dovaston at the start of the season was how consistent he could be game-to-game, but he answered that question with an outstanding season to earn the status as the best small forward in the draft class. The Roos really need another small goalkicker to support Paul Curtis — and Dovaston could be their man.

In the mix/trade watch: Rival clubs are struggling to get a read on what the Kangaroos might do with the fresh first-rounder they’ll get off Carlton. There’s a good chance Dovaston is off the board by now, so the Roos would have a few plans in place to ensure they make the most of the trade. If they want a key forward — and he’s still on the board — it’s highly likely Aidan Schubert. If they want a key defender, it’s a good chance it’s Blake Thredgold — although the Roos traded back into last year’s draft for Matt Whitlock.

PICK 17: GWS GIANTS — LATRELLE PICKETT

Position: Small Forward

Size: 170cm

Clubs: Glenelg/Tumby Bay

AFL player comparison: Tyson Stengle/Kysaiah Pickett

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 25

One of the best stories of this year’s draft. After a strong SANFL reserves campaign with Glenelg — which saw him kick 32 goals from 18 games, including four in the grand final — Pickett was unleashed at league level for three matches. And the 20-year-old’s four-goal, 16-disposal debut against Central District gave scouts a glimpse of his high-end talent and further incentive to put more work into him. He’s never afraid to use his explosive pace to take the game on, while his forward craft and smarts around the goal have been on display all year. He earned a state combine invite, Pickett is the cousin of superstar All-Australian Kysaiah Pickett, who’s like a big brother to Latrelle. With Darcy Jones set to be sidelined for most of next year, the mature-age Pickett has the potential to have an immediate impact at the Giants, who’ve done a lot of work on the Glenelg gun in recent times.

In the mix/trade watch: The Giants are one of the best clubs in the land at keeping their draft plans close to their chest. It’s why an array of players have been linked to them over recent weeks. Outside of Pickett, the most common Giants link is Eastern Ranges defender Oskar Taylor – the quintessential modern-day attacking half-back player. Some believe Sam Grlj wouldn’t get past the Giants if he was available on the night. But South Australian duo Harley Barker and Jevan Phillipou, as well as forwards like Cameron Nairn, Archie Ludowyke, Mitch Marsh and even West Coast NGA prospect Tylah Williams are also said to be in the Giants’ mix.

PICK 18: GOLD COAST SUNS — JAI MURRAY (EAGLES’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Midfielder/Medium Defender

Size: 185cm

Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Burleigh

AFL player comparison: Murphy Reid

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 34

A composed, smooth-moving player with great endurance and line-breaking ability. Murray is another Suns Academy prospect — although one we didn’t see as much of in 2025 due to a foot injury. Murray set a solid foundation as a bottom-age player last year, starring for the Gold Suns Academy and even getting a taste of the tempo at VFL level. Murray appeared prime for a big draft year before he suffered a season-ending foot injury in May, just prior to the Allies’ national carnival campaign. With the Eagles possibly looking at the best available midfielder at this selection, a Murray bid could come here, which would be much earlier than the Suns would like. Yet they’re still expected to match and secure Murray.

Who else could bid: Murray has lots of fans in the first round. If the Eagles don’t pull the trigger, the Western Bulldogs would be a good chance one pick later. Geelong will also ponder a bid, while it’s highly likely Murray’s name would be called by Fremantle should he still be on the board.

PICK 19: WEST COAST EAGLES — JEVAN PHILLIPOU

Position: Midfielder/Medium Forward

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/PHOS Camden/Henley High School

AFL player comparison: Sam Flanders

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 21

Another Phillipou is poised to join the AFL ranks — and he’s not short of confidence! Asked to describe his best traits, Phillipou said: “My all-round athleticism and my dual-sided kicking. I’ve got really good skills and I’ve got smarts as well … I feel like I can be utilised straight away. I’m very versatile.” Phillipou – the brother of young Saint Mattaes – missed South Australia’s champs win with a broken arm, but the Woodville-West Torrens player received great exposure at SANFL league level with a six-game stint. He then returned to the Eagles’ Under 18s side for finals, featuring a 25-disposal, seven-clearance, three-goal outing against Central District.

In the mix/trade watch: Again, clubs are struggling to get a read on the Eagles at this selection. They’d love Dyson Sharp but would likely need to trade up for him — and that’d be tough to pull off. So if it’s a midfielder they’re after and it’s not Phillipou and can’t be Sharp, could they go ‘bid, bid’ and ask Gold Coast to match for Beau Addinsall after bidding on Murray? If they do, it’s almost certain the Suns wouldn’t match. Arguably the best WA midfield prospect is South Fremantle’s Fred Rodriguez, but it could be a bit early for him. Winger Harley Barker is another name to watch here, while small forwards Latrelle Pickett and Lachy Dovaston would be strongly considered if still on the board.

PICK 20: WESTERN BULLDOGS — JOSH LINDSAY

Position: Medium Defender

Size: 183cm

Clubs: Newtown & Chilwell/Geelong Grammar/Geelong Falcons

AFL player comparison: Christian Salem

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 14

The designated distributor — and arguably the best kick in the draft. The Bulldogs have long been linked to Lindsay, who’s a great decision-maker and rarely wastes a disposal with that precise left boot. He can play off half-back or on a wing, given he loves to use his run and carry to generate plays out of defence. Lindsay had a consistent champs campaign for Vic Country, averaging 21.8 disposals and going at 74 per cent efficiency by foot to earn All-Australian honours. He’s a big-game player too, named best on ground for Team Heppell in the Under 17s Futures match at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year then named the AFL Academy’s best player for his 25-disposal game against VFL side Coburg this year.

In the mix/trade watch: Sources believe the Bulldogs are targeting a rebounding defender at this selection. It’s why they’ve also been strongly linked to Swans academy duo Lachlan Carmichael and Harry Kyle. The Bulldogs’ pick is said to be the earliest selection in which a Carmichael bid would come — and the Dogs would be a good chance of landing Carmichael, considering Sydney’s points situation. But Sam Grlj would be hard to ignore if he was still on the board, while it’s also viewed as the very latest pick Cameron Nairn would be available at.

PICK 21: ADELAIDE CROWS — MITCH MARSH

Position: Medium Forward

Size: 191cm

Clubs: West Adelaide/Kangarilla

AFL player comparison: Jack Gunston

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 16

Get ready for more Mitch Marsh sixes … because this Marsh knows where the goals are. The exciting forward spearheaded SA in its title-winning campaign, booting five goals against Vic Country in SA’s final match to finish with a competition-high 12 majors for the tournament. Standing at 191cm, Marsh’s speed, athleticism, mobility and elite footy IQ make him difficult to contain close to goal. His competitiveness in the air, strong marking on the lead, forward craft and accurate kicking – combined with his speed and athleticism – make him a tantalising prospect. Marsh could be the long-term replacement for Taylor Walker at Adelaide, although some clubs believe he could become a handy third defender at AFL level.

In the mix/trade watch: Lots of names here. If the Crows want a taller key forward, they could look to Archie Ludowyke or local product Aidan Schubert, but they’re also big fans of small goalkicker Lachy Dovaston. Local products Jevan Phillipou and Blake Thredgold, as well as speedy defender Oskar Taylor are also in the Crows’ mix. Adelaide has also been trying to get up the draft order. If successful, expect the club to target the likes of Dyson Sharp or Cameron Nairn.

PICK 22: CARLTON — JACK ISON (CATS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Midfielder/Medium Forward

Size: 191cm

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Parkside

AFL player comparison: Callum Ah Chee

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 26

Ison’s strong finish to the season putting him in the late first-round mix. After showing glimpses of his potential across three games for Vic Metro, Ison finished his Coates Talent League campaign with Oakleigh a bang, kicking 1.3 from 30 touches, 10 clearances and five tackles in a wildcard game against Calder before racking up a team-high 27 touches in a loss to Sandringham. Ison is speedy and a good size for an inside midfielder who can also pinch-hit forward and impact games with his neat kicking.

Who else could bid: This is probably the earliest an Ison bid would come. Fremantle would be a chance too, while it’s unlikely he’d slip past North Melbourne. The extra picks Carlton got from North Melbourne and Essendon will help it match and secure Ison.

PICK 23: GEELONG CATS — HARLEY BARKER

Position: Wing

Size: 187cm

Clubs: Sturt/Mount Barker/Heathfield High School

AFL player comparison: Ollie Dempsey

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 19

This guy has a lot of tools and AFL-ready athleticism. After starting the year in a half-forward/inside midfielder role for Sturt, Barker quickly returned to his natural habit on the wing. He quickly proved across multiple levels why he’s arguably the best natural winger in the class with his breakaway speed, as well as his ability to gain territory and keep his width. A damaging, run-and-carry winger with an athletics background, Barker kicked four goals and averaged 16.0 disposals, 5.8 score involvements, 5.5 marks and 335m gained in SA’s championship-winning campaign. Unfortunately for Barker, he ruptured his ACL returning for Sturt earlier this month, but not before making a champs statement.

In the mix/trade watch: The Cats would be stoked if local product Josh Lindsay is still on the board and would highly likely take him. Otherwise they could go tall at either end of the field, with forward Archie Ludowyke, defender Blake Thredgold and ruck-forward Louis Emmett linked to the club. Although the Cats do have a tendency of going against the status quo on draft night … hence late first-round links to rebounding defender Max Kondogiannis and even Oakleigh’s Hunter Holmes — the brother of dual Geelong best and fairest star Max Holmes.

PICK 24: WEST COAST EAGLES — TYLAH WILLIAMS (DOCKERS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Small Forward

Size: 175cm

Clubs: Swan Districts/Redcliffe

AFL player comparison: Malcolm Rosas Jnr/Lindsay Thomas

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 35

After a good start to his WAFL colts campaign, Williams had some standout moments for WA in the national carnival. He kicked one goal from 12 touches against the Allies then one major from 19 touches against Vic Metro. That ultimately led to two WAFL league games for Swan Districts, including a one-goal, 12-disposal outing against East Perth. At the national combine, Williams showed off his speed, speed and leap with three top-10 finishes, with his best being a 2.892-second 20m sprint — ranked second. He also finished fourth in the agility test (7.878 seconds) and equal-seventh in the running vertical jump (88cm).

Who else could bid: The absolute earliest a bid would come on Williams would be at the Giants’ first-round selection, but that seems unlikely at this stage.

PICK 25: ESSENDON — ADAM SWEID (DOCKERS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Midfielder/Small Forward

Size: 175cm

Clubs: Calder Cannons/Pascoe Vale/Islamic College of Sport

AFL player comparison: Dion Prestia/Dylan Moore

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 20

Sweid has impressed with his natural ball-winning ability, cleanliness, class and composure at stoppages, but scouts also love his willingness to apply pressure at all levels. After being sidelined for all of 2024 due to an ACL injury, Sweid picked up where from where he left off in a midfield-forward role. He set the tone with 2.0 from 25 disposals against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 1 of the Coates Talent League, with a recruiter saying Sweid just “looked like an AFL player” during his strong outing. Sweid only got better from there, averaging 25.0 disposals from 13 games for the Cannons. He then stepped up on the national stage, averaging 17.3 disposals, 6.3 score involvements, 4.8 tackles and 4.3 clearances from four matches, with a four-goal, 16-disposal outing against the Allies a clear standout performance.

Who else could bid: If the Dockers don’t bid on Sweid, Hawthorn could pull the trigger a pick or two later. We have Essendon matching a Sweid bid, which means they could go into a slight deficit if they can’t find more points. But the big watch is if the Bombers take Lachy Dovaston with one of their first three picks, Sweid’s Bombers future looks a little more uncertain.

PICK 26: FREMANTLE — BLAKE THREDGOLD

Position: Tall Defender

Size: 194cm

Clubs: Sturt/Payne Norwood Union FC

AFL player comparison: Sam Collins

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 31

A strong, competitive and well-balanced defender who’s soared up draft boards in the back-half of the season. Thredgold only managed one national champs game for South Australia due to a hand injury but starred for Sturt in the SANFL Under 18s competition. He saved his best performance until last, winning the Alan Stewart Medal as best on ground in Sturt’s Under 18s grand final win, hauling in 12 marks with 14 disposals in a commanding performance across half-back. Thredgold then tested well at the national combine with three top-10 results: Equal-fourth in the running vertical jump (89cm), seventh in the 20m sprint (2.918 seconds) and equal-eighth in the standing vertical jump (71cm).

In the mix/trade watch: The other club-tied players Freo would likely bid on would be Harry Kyle and Jai Murray, but it seems other clubs will do that ahead of them. Also keep an eye on Beau Addinsall and Lachlan Carmichael, who the Dockers could bid on and, ultimately, take due to the Suns and Swans’ respective points situations. Although the Dockers would also love it if one of Aidan Schubert or Mitch Marsh slipped to their mid-20s pick

PICK 27: HAWTHORN — NOAH HIBBINS-HARGREAVES

Position: Medium Forward/Wing

Size: 186cm

Clubs: Mornington/Dandenong Stingrays

AFL player comparison: Xavier Duursma

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 28

A real wildcard prospect who has top-10 talent and match-winning traits, yet has split scouts all season with his game-to-game consistency. The silky, smooth-moving 186cm prospect has had a rollercoaster, injury-impacted year — but his best was brilliant. That was on display at the national carnival in Vic Country’s tight loss to WA, booting four goals from 18 disposals as he hit the scoreboard when the game was up for grabs. Hibbins-Hargreaves then had a strong finish with the Stingrays, highlighted by a breathtaking five-goal, 29-disposal, eight-mark display against the GWV Rebels. He also has serious speed, as well as the ability to hit the scoreboard in different ways.

In the mix/trade watch: A good chance the Hawks go for Eastern Ranges midfielder Ollie Greeves, who they unsuccessfully tried to get onto their NGA program earlier this year. Harley Barker would also be considered if on the board, while it also seems to be the beginning of GWV Rebels small forward Talor Byrne’s draft range.

PICK 28: SYDNEY SWANS — MAX KING (KANGAROOS’ ACADEMY BID MATCHED)

Position: Medium Forward

Size: 191cm

Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/Cardiff Hawks/Warners Bay High School

AFL player comparison: Cameron Zurhaar

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 22

His upside at AFL level is enormous but, by his own admission, “never really reached my potential” during his rollercoaster 2025 campaign. King had the best national combine standing vertical jump result of 80cm – 5cm better than the next best result — while he also finished equal-fourth in the running vertical jump (89cm) and 10th in the 20m sprint (2.929 seconds). A powerful, freakishly athletic prospect who’s strong overhead and clean at ground level, clubs haven’t forgotten King’s best footy.

Who else could bid: Hard to get a read on where King gets a bid. The Swans will be hoping the later, the better. The industry feeling is the Swans would more likely match a bid on King rather than Carmichael if the duo attracted interest within a similar pick range.

PICK 29: NORTH MELBOURNE — ARCHIE LUDOWYKE

Position: Tall Forward

Size: 197cm

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham Rovers/Brighton Grammar

AFL player comparison: Aaron Cadman

Foxfooty.com.au Draft Power Rankings: 23

An exciting key-position talent who presents strongly, loves flying for marks and is crafty around the big sticks, Ludowyke had some standout games this season. He kicked bags of four and five goals for the Sandringham Dragons, while he booted five majors across two AFL Academy games against VFL opposition. But Ludowyke went goalless against SA and WA in his first two national champs games for Vic Metro before suffering a knee injury against the Allies that ruled him out for the rest of the season.

In the mix/trade watch: Hard to see Blake Thredgold getting past this selection if still on the board. Another tall option would be ruck/forward Louis Emmett, while middle-third options include Beau Addinsall and Harley Barker.

MORE DRAFT INTEL …

There’s a couple of notable names not in the top 29.

Perhaps the biggest one is Eastern Ranges defender Oskar Taylor, who’s every chance to be taken in the first round still considering his range begins at the Giants.

Taylor is viewed by some scouts as the quintessential modern-day attacking half-back player with his speed, left-foot kicking ability, one-on-one strength and defence-first mindset.

Ranges teammate Ollie Greeves, one of this year’s most polarising prospects despite claiming Vic Metro’s MVP award and finishing runner-up in the Larke Medal, also has fans in the first round, but there’s just as much chance he slips to the second night of the draft.

Greeves is a standout at the coalface with his footy smarts, clean hands and toughness in congestion, although recruiters have some questions around his defensive transition and ceiling at the top level.

As aforementioned, doubt remains over whether the Suns and Swans would match bids on Beau Addinsall and Lachlan Carmichael, respectively, with both clubs’ points tallies stretched should they struggle to strike trades.

A reliable and consistent midfielder who stuffed the stats sheet at nearly every level he played at in 2025, Addinsall’s range for some starts at West Coast, while the likes of Geelong, Fremantle and North Melbourne will consider him. Melbourne would also be a chance to take him in the second round, with new coach Steven King familiar with Addinsall’s talent having seen him up close during King’s time at Gold Coast.

With fellow Suns academy prospect Jai Murray set to attract a bid in the first round — and Gold Coast tipped to match it — Addinsall appears more likely to be squeezed out.

But the on-baller insists he’s “ready for anything”.

“We (the Suns and Addinsall) have had talks throughout the year,” Addinsall told reporters at Saturday’s CDG Sports training session.

“Obviously there’s plenty of talented boys in (the academy) this year. It’ll be a struggle to get all five of us (staying).

“I’d be excited to move, I’d be excited to stay. Whatever happens, happens.”

Like Addinsall, Carmichael’s range starts in the middle of the first round , with the Western Bulldogs strongly linked to him. A Bulldogs bid there would make it tough for the Swans to match, especially if Harry Kyle’s name is called by one of Hawthorn or the Giants.

Carmichael has been described as one of the most bankable prospects of this year’s class. While there are some question marks around his speed, there’s a view his elite footy IQ and positioning offsets it, while he also possesses composure, toughness, balance and natural leadership skills.

While there’s a chance Sydney’s draft contribution this year is taking its top three academy players, Brisbane appears prepared to pick in the open draft.

The Lions are preparing to match a top-six bid on Daniel Annable, but intrigue surrounds the club’s commitment to its other academy prospects in midfielder Tyan Prindable, 204cm ruck-forward Isaac Waller and defender Harrison Bridge. Of the trio, Prindable is seen as the player most likely to receive a national draft bid, but whether the Lions would match remains uncertain.

It’s understood the Lions will provide more clarity to the trio in the days before the draft.

St Kilda isn’t due to enter the draft until Pick 50 — a selection that will clearly come in significantly due to bids — but rival clubs wouldn’t be shocked if the Saints traded back into this year’s draft. They had been linked to a move into the first round for Jevan Phillipou — the brother of young gun Saint Matteas Phillipou — in recent weeks.

However, it’s understood the Saints also have interest hard-running Oakleigh Chargers winger Sam Allan — who’s 2025 campaign was ruined by an ACL rupture — while they’ll also consider matching a bid on NGA prospect Kye Fincher. Sources suggest the Saints would be less likely to match for Fincher if his name was called before Pick 35.

Collingwood, too, at this stage isn’t a big draft player with Picks 39 and 45. But multiple sources on the weekend said they remained on alert for the Pies to attempt a move back into the early stages of the draft.

Port Adelaide has been transparent around its strategy to not have a significant say in the 2025 draft. But rivals expect the Power to draft at least one player this week, with the club doing lots of late work on prospects.

The Power have been strongly linked to Liam Hetherton — an agile and competitive 198cm forward from the Murray Bushrangers — while lockdown Norwood defender Balyn O’Brien is another player the club has shown interest in.

Other players, according to sources, in Port’s mix include:

— Oakleigh Chargers defender Max Kondogiannis, who’s also been linked to Geelong, Richmond, West Coast, Essendon, Sydney and Collingwood —

— GWV Rebels small forward/midfielder Tayor Byrne, who also has interest from Hawthorn, Carlton, Fremantle, Brisbane and Richmond, and

— Geelong VFL small forward Tobyn Murray, who’s reportedly toured the Blues’ facilities as well.

The Dockers have been linked to a couple of left-foot midfielders with their second pick: Sandringham Dragons’ Jack Dalton and North Adelaide’s Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier.

Both Dalton and Oudshoorn-Bennier also have interest from the Cats, who’ll again look to find a diamond in the rough late in the draft. Mature-age prospects Tom Blamires (Frankston) and Tai Hayes (Southport), as well as Oakleigh Chargers speedster Hunter Holmes — the brother of dual best and fairest Cat Max Holmes — have all been linked to Geelong.

Swan Districts small forward Leon Kickett — a late national combine invitee — sis a good chance to be picked up in the second round, with Richmond strongly linked. A 173cm prospect, Pickett plays with great energy and life, while his speed an elusiveness is eye-catching.

And then there’s Marcus Krasnadamskis, who some clubs believe could be the best pure ruck in the draft class outside of Cooper Duff-Tytler, due to his enormous upside at AFL level. He received a state combine invite and had four top-five finishes, performing well in the vertical jump tests and 20m sprint. Not only is Krasnadamskis a competitive, physical ruck and a great size at 202cm, he also has slick disposal skills, mobility and ground level cleanliness. Most clubs expect Krasnadamskis to be picked on night two of the draft, with the Western Bulldogs still strongly linked to him.

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