Resource 2025 AFL Draft prospects and discussion.

[Mutineer]

Mutineer probably covered this already multiple times but where do you think he goes in the draft order? What's his speed and fitness like?

Well he's mostly played midfield so you can gather from that he's one fit solid little unit and he's very quick with a very penetrating kick.

It was obvious to me that he was unlikely at his size to get drafted as a midfielder despite his hardness at the contest and his overhead marking but I'd seen enough when he rested forward for the Rebels that he had small pressure forward written all over him which has now been proven to be correct after yesterday.

I suspect recruiters might have seen what I had and requested to the VC coaches and Rebels coach David Loader to see him played in the small defensive forward role...the rest is history. Be assured Talor Byrne is most definitely not a one-trick pony.

 

[Mutineer]

in the oppo best is that the same Tyler Brown who was listed by Pies and Crows?

No

 

[Mutineer]

Remember that name Ethan Drever for 2026 draft watchers, well built midfielder who you'll be hearing a lot more about in 2026, made the VC squad as an underager this year but didn't get a game after an upper body injury a couple of weeks ago...he's a serious talent. That's him on the left.

 

[Mutineer]

Scouting Notes: 2025 AFL U18s - Vic Country vs. Vic Metro

Vic Country upset their Metro counterparts to end the Under 18 National Championships in second spot, as a pick one contender shone.

central.rookieme.com

VIC COUNTRY 4.4 | 6.7 | 9.8 | 14.10 (94)
VIC METRO 2.2 | 3.6 | 6.8 | 9.10 (64)

GOALS:
Vic Country: T. Byrne 5, H. Mikunda 2, J. Pickett 2, W. Duursma, J. Mellor, Z. O’Keefe, J. Scapin, C. Walker
Vic Metro: L. Dovaston 2, C. Duff-Tytler 2, O. Ainsworth, H. El Achkar, L. Emmett, J. Ison, Z. McCarthy

BEST:
Vic Country: T. Byrne, W. Duursma, H. Dean, C. Walker, H. Mikunda, R. Onley
Vic Metro: C. Duff-Tytler, J. Dalton, A. Sweid, O. Greeves, M. Kondogiannis, X. Taylor

MVPs:
Vic Country: Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Vic Metro: Oliver Greeves (Vic Metro)

#1 Talor Byrne (GWV Rebels)
Small Forward | 174cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 5 goals

A real ‘pick me’ game from Byrne, who has been flying at Coates Talent League level as a midfielder but hadn’t quite replicated that form on the bigger stage until now. Byrne led the game for goals with five majors to his name, as well as contested marks despite standing at 174cm. Byrne’s usual pressure game was present throughout as he made desperate efforts to pressure opposition disposal, and thwart Metro’s attempts to exit defensive 50. Byrne slotted three of his goals from set shots, demonstrating good leading patterns and contested marking craft, but the highlight came from a fourth quarter speccy as he got onto an opponent’s back and held on. With his athletic base, deadly left foot, and now proven forward craft, look for Byrne to quickly rise up draft boards.

#5 Hugo Mikunda (Geelong Falcons)
Forward | 180cm | 13/03/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

The creative small was one of the main conductors for Country when heading forward with six inside 50s. Mikunda was one-touch throughout the day at ground level or in the air to complement his typically clean disposal, with only a few attempts not finding their target when under pressure. Mikunda looked to push further up the ground to give his side an option out of the defensive half, utilising his speed and darting kicks on the way back to goal. Mikunda hit the scoreboard with two majors, one from a free kick on the quarter time siren, and the second coming as he positioned well for the crumbs off a marking contest, collected cleanly and dribbled it through.

#6 Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons)
Defender | 183cm | 07/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Whilst it was Lindsay’s least productive National Championships game to finish off the carnival, in part due to not taking as many kick-ins, the classy defender was still able to impact with ball in hand as he constantly looked to get his side moving through the corridor. There were times where Lindsay perhaps committed too much further afield and struggled to get back to perform his defensive duties, which will remain a development point for the season.

#7 Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Midfielder | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Arguably saving his best until last, Duursma was able to impact all across the ground with his cleanliness at ground level and in the air, displaying a more composed approach to his ball use than has been usual lately. Duursma was still prone to some inconsistencies by foot when under pressure, but executed well over the mark around the ground, particularly when heading forward, leading the game for inside 50s and registering eight score involvements. Perhaps most impressive from this display was Duursma’s confidence in the contest and defensive application, both areas of his game that have had question marks, being at a really good level. Duursma capped off the game with a goal, as he cleanly grabbed a ball off the ground and snapped truly in the final term.

#15 Harry Dean (Murray Bushrangers)
Tall Defender | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Carlton F/S

The Carlton father-son prospect has cemented himself as the best key defensive prospect in the draft throughout the series and finished his campaign strongly with another intercepting masterclass. Dean’s craft in marking contest is extremely good for a junior prospect as he regularly put himself in the best position to launch at the footy, or force an opponent to giveaway a free kick to stop him marking it. He followed up with typical clean left-foot kicks, bar a couple that went into the man on the mark in the first quarter. Dean displayed his closing speed on numerous occasions to get a fist in, lay a tackle, or create an outnumber aerially and rarely let anything past him.

#21 Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Carlton F/S

Another reason for Carlton fans to get excited, the bottom-ager was one of his side’s better players just days after announcing his intention to nominate for father-son status 18 months out from his draft. Walker’s cleanliness at ground level and overhead was a standout feature of his game, as he was regularly seen grabbing the ball at speed and handballing quickly on the up to keep his side moving forward. Walker’s kicking was a feature for the most part, able to rip some bullets heading forward when in space, but suffering a little bit when there was pressure on the pass.

#22 Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers)
Midfielder | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s

The AFL Academy member has certainly increased his draft stocks throughout the championships after a slow start to the season, finding moments to exhibit his ability to burst away from opponents with ball in hand. That was best demonstrated when he received a kick out of the defensive 50 and went for a three-bounce run before delivering forward, along with some creative handballs from congestion to release runners. Onley worked hard in the offensive phase to be an option as his side headed forward throughout the day, running to receive from teammates into dangerous space.



VIC METRO:

By: Michael Alvaro

#4 Adam Sweid (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 14/09/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 clearances, 8 score involvements

Essendon NGA

Sweid was at his productive best on Sunday, proving lively around the packs and clean with his distribution by hand. The diminutive onballer helped conjure link-up play between the arcs, finding stoppage exits and helping the team most as a primary distributor, prising a game-high six clearances. He went at nearly 100 per cent efficiency by hand and was neat when kicking in straight lines, but was sometimes made to wheel wide and kick around the corner less effectively. Sweid was again prominent in the way of score involvements, posting an equal team-high of eight.

#7 Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 178cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 11 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Dalton led all comers on Sunday in a truly industrious effort, proving his running ability is second to none. He was utilised on either side of midfield, positioning smartly at the packs to either win his own ball or be the receiver, playing both roles well. Dalton also got stuck in with 11 tackles, an inside midfielder’s act which was complimented by plenty of running chains on the outside. There was balance in every facet. While his kicking was hit-and-miss, Dalton made some clever decisions and crafted useful improvisational passes on the move. His ground coverage allowed him to accumulate throughout the day as Vic Metro’s out-and-out workhorse. Expect his stocks to rise.


#14 Sam Grlj (Oakleigh Chargers)
Defender | 182cm | 26/07/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles

Touted as a potential top-end prospect after his blistering start to the year, Grlj found some confidence reverting to his role across half-back for Vic Metro’s final two games. The speedster was tested by Vic Country’s frontal pressure, but continued to turn and go at every opportunity. He was also made to defend by clever opposition forwards and proved an aggressive competitor when the ball was there to be one, or a tackle could be laid. His usual flashy forays through the corridor were fewer and further between, but Grlj’s ability to take the game on is a truly top trait.

#18 Kye Fincher (Sandringham Dragons)
Defender | 185cm | 18/11/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 marks, 8 rebound 50s

St Kilda NGA

Fincher is no stranger to racking up possessions and was again among a prolific group of Vic Metro defenders. While caught on more than one occasion, he looked to provide some run on the rebound and compliment the weapon that is his kicking. Fincher showcased good range on his passes and was willing to hit the switch kick when possible. The St Kilda NGA prospect also took a few strong intercept marks and was willing to contest the ball, although looked more dangerous when released on the overlap. With kick-ins to aid the stat, he notched a game-high 562 metres gained.

#22 Max Kondogiannis (Oakleigh Chargers)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Another of Vic Metro’s productive and versatile defenders, Kondogiannis trailed only Fincher in the way of metres gained for his side with 483. He was able to cut off Vic Country attacks in motion and wasn’t afraid to take on opponents with a side-step before finding his boot. The Oakleigh defender’s team-high nine intercept possessions included several marks, showcasing a strong aerial game to compliment his composure in possession. Kondogiannis was a little less efficient by foot than usual but displayed decent kicking range to help launch counterattacks from deep in defence.

#23 Xavier Taylor (Eastern Ranges)
Tall Defender | 191cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Taylor’s numbers may not quite meet that of his contemporaries from game to game but he arguably has the biggest impact. He ran at 100 per cent disposal efficiency as an interceptor who could double his threat on the rebound. Although, he was caught out a couple of times early in the piece thinking he had more time than was the case, forced to use his athleticism to escape danger. Taylor seemed to be in everything that entered Vic Metro’s back 50 and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to win the ball back for his side. He complimented that by then taking the game forward.


#27 Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 4 clearances

Greeves’ output was consistent throughout the day, though he proved a fast starter and typically hits full flight when his side is on top. He again led Metro for contested possessions (11) as a clean releaser by hand, but then proved he could also link up on the outside as his team surged forward in waves. Greeves tends to cruise with ball in hand and while he is capable of hitting slick passes by foot, also had a few of his low-percentage kicks cut off. His frustration also came out late in the piece as he lost a one-on-two marking contest and shoved his opponent to concede a 50m penalty.

#34 Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons)
Ruck/Key Forward | 200cm | 22/08/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Along with Duursma, Duff-Tytler used his final Champs game to serve a reminder of why he is considered a pick one contender. He was particularly impactful in the opening quarter, posting six of his 12 disposals and taking three marks to go with the first of his two goals. Duff-Tytler started in the ruck but spent plenty of time up forward where he showcased his improved marking craft, protecting the drop zone and extending nicely overhead. The athletic 200cm prospect also moved typically well around the ground and was slick below his knees, even applying defensive pressure to compound his impact. It was a performance full of presence and authority.

 

[FR0GGY]

Well he's mostly played midfield so you can gather from that he's one fit solid little unit and he's very quick with a very penetrating kick.

It was obvious to me that he was unlikely at his size to get drafted as a midfielder despite his hardness at the contest and his overhead marking but I'd seen enough when he rested forward for the Rebels that he had small pressure forward written all over him which has now been proven to be correct after yesterday.

I suspect recruiters might have seen what I had and requested to the VC coaches and Rebels coach David Loader to see him played in the small defensive forward role...the rest is history. Be assured Talor Byrne is most definitely not a one-trick pony.

Is he better than Watson at the same age?

 

[Mutineer]

 

[ams4crows]

Afternoon fellas and ladies, came here to ask a seperate question but if we get pick 2 compo for Oscar Allen I reckon SA based Duane Massey would love to pair Sharp and Cumming at WCE, they’d certainly be my picks. Credit to the SA development pathways such a fantastic and watchable squad this year.

Now to the question, have any posters heard recent news that the Crows are pretty big on drafting Cody Curtin to play with his older brother who is making a lot of clubs look like total dickheads?

Cody is looking like a late 2nd round pick now after the champs didn't go that well for him, doesn't have the same athletic traits that Dan has, but with Tex on the verge of retirement we could pull the trigger late..... I would assume a club in more desperate need of a big forward like Essendon or Melbourne would pull the trigger way before we'd ever consider him.

We probably did our due diligence but as Dan has already signed on till 2029 there isn't a huge need to get his brother so he'll stay

 

[Mutineer]

Rookie Me Central's highlight reel from the final Nationals game between Vic Country and Vic Metro

Click on it to start it.

 

[eaglevision]

Cody is looking like a late 2nd round pick now after the champs didn't go that well for him, doesn't have the same athletic traits that Dan has, but with Tex on the verge of retirement we could pull the trigger late..... I would assume a club in more desperate need of a big forward like Essendon or Melbourne would pull the trigger way before we'd ever consider him.

We probably did our due diligence but as Dan has already signed on till 2029 there isn't a huge need to get his brother so he'll stay

Just kicked 6.3 on the weekend but champs did him no favours at all.

 

[Cromulant]

Just kicked 6.3 on the weekend but champs did him no favours at all.

Kicking goals in colts when youre twice the size of everyone else doesnt really get you much attention though.

Tyler Welsh is a prime example.

 

[Mutineer]

Kicking goals in colts when youre twice the size of everyone else doesnt really get you much attention though.

Tyler Welsh is a prime example.

I think if Cody is there at our eventual 1st round pick we might look at him though depending on whether we get Draper or not? Cody is certainly big and strong enough to at least chop out in ruck and physically he shouldn't need too much development in that area to be AFL ready? Would seem he could be capable as a KPP at both ends. Will be interesting to see how he goes at the Combine that said re his tank and athleticism. Not too many talls to get really excited about in this draft even amongst those in the Academies that we could get a shot at with our picks.

 

[ams4crows]

Just kicked 6.3 on the weekend but champs did him no favours at all.

I'm sure there will be a few clubs that will want him, but I'm not sure he'd be high priority on our draft board..... Certainly not first round..... We don't have our 2nd pick until the 3rd round and I imagine he'll go somewhere between our two picks.


West coast should consider him though

 

[FR0GGY]

Is he better than Watson at the same age?

Anyone know the answer?

 

[Velvet George]

Anyone know the answer?

Don’t know

 

[Mutineer]

U18's All Australian team after the Nationals.

 

[spenze]

Is he better than Watson at the same age?

No

Watson was a standout in his draft year as a small forward, was always going top 5.

 

[noobermensch]

Full Champs highlights for Dyson Sharp who reminded everyone why he's been the standout prospect from this draft class for years coming up through the junior grades. He led his team brilliantly to a clean sweep at the Champs, dominating the competition, and Sharp duly took home a very much deserved Larke medal for his efforts.

 

[Viva la Mattner]

I think if Cody is there at our eventual 1st round pick we might look at him though depending on whether we get Draper or not? Cody is certainly big and strong enough to at least chop out in ruck and physically he shouldn't need too much development in that area to be AFL ready? Would seem he could be capable as a KPP at both ends. Will be interesting to see how he goes at the Combine that said re his tank and athleticism. Not too many talls to get really excited about in this draft even amongst those in the Academies that we could get a shot at with our picks.

We are 0 chance of getting a trade up for Sharp

Any chance Emmett is there? Rucks can slide

otherwise wouldn't shock if we went with Curtin Jr. or Phillipou Jr.

Might then have a crack at Mattaes

 

[Mutineer]

Mitch Stevens playing on the ball today since I started watching after half time.

Seb Murphy looking good for the Knights.

 

[Mutineer]

Looks like we might be scouting an an APS player from either Haileybury or St Kevins given we along with Melbourne and Geelong were the only clubs in attendance accordong to the Hun..
Looking at the players involved it can only be man mountain Forward/Ruck Tairon Ah-Mu I reckon who is of Samoan heritage but strangely not in the Dees NGA Axcademy. Don't think small forward Jack Lawrence would interest us a whole lot?

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aps-insider-top-performers-scouting-notes-from-st-kevins-v-haileybury-in-round-9/news-story/e0c0685cc369cd86277e24a7c521a800

There was only a small recruiting presence at the match, with spotters from Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne keeping an eye on proceedings to ensure no talent slips through the cracks.

 

[Banrock]

Looks like we might be scouting an an APS player from either Haileybury or St Kevins given we along with Melbourne and Geelong were the only clubs in attendance accordong to the Hun..
Looking at the players involved it can only be man mountain Forward/Ruck Tairon Ah-Mu I reckon who is of Samoan heritage but strangely not in the Dees NGA Axcademy. Don't think small forward Jack Lawrence would interest us a whole lot?

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aps-insider-top-performers-scouting-notes-from-st-kevins-v-haileybury-in-round-9/news-story/e0c0685cc369cd86277e24a7c521a800

There was only a small recruiting presence at the match, with spotters from Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne keeping an eye on proceedings to ensure no talent slips through the cracks.

Any chance of copy pasting the article to have a read as it is behind a paywall. Cheers

 

[Mutineer]

Any chance of copy pasting the article to have a read as it is behind a paywa

PM sent

 

[Mutineer]

Mitch Stevens a Vic State Combine invite which is good from an Adelaide point of view.

 

[Mutineer]

I might add it also signals several other AFL clubs have nominated Mitch so there is some other interest but likely only with later picks you would hope.

 

[Mutineer]

Full list of current National and State Combine Invitees​

​

2025 TELSTRA AFL DRAFT COMBINE LIST​

VIC METRO
Oskar Ainsworth (Western Jets)
Sam Allen (Oakleigh Chargers)
Thomas Burton (Western Jets)
Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons)
Will Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers)
Finn Davis (Western Jets)
Lachy Dovaston (Eastern Ranges)
Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons)
Hussien El Achkar (Calder Cannons)
Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers)
Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges)
Sam Grlj (Oakleigh Chargers)
Hunter Holmes (Oakleigh Chargers)
Jack Ison (Oakleigh Chargers)
Max Kondogiannis (Oakleigh Chargers)
Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons)
Zac McCarthy (Oakleigh Chargers)
Adam Sweid (Calder Cannons)
Xavier Taylor (Eastern Ranges)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Sam Ainsworth (Norwood)
Harley Barker (Sturt)
Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)
Louis Kellaway (Sturt)
Matthew LeRay (Central District)
Mitch Marsh (West Adelaide)
Cameron Nairn (Central District)
Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier (North Adelaide)
Zane Peucker (Woodville-West Torrens)
Jevan Phillipou (Woodville-West Torrens)
Noah Roberts-Thomson (Sturt)
Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Dyson Sharp (Central District)
Blake Thredgold (Sturt)

VIC COUNTRY
Tairon Ah-Mu (Dandenong Stingrays)
Talor Byrne (GWV Rebels)
Harry Dean (Murray Bushrangers)
Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays)
Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons)
Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons)
Hugo Mikunda (Geelong Falcons)
Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers)

QUEENSLAND
Beau Addinsall (Gold Coast Academy)
Daniel Annable (Brisbane Academy)
Koby Coulson (Gold Coast Academy)
Jai Murray (Gold Coast Academy)
Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Academy)
Tyan Prindable (Brisbane Academy)
Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Academy)
Isaac Waller (Brisbane Academy)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Cody Curtin (Claremont)
Koby Evans (Perth)
Jacob Farrow (West Perth)
Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle)
Sam Swadling (West Perth)
Wesley Walley (Subiaco)
Tylah Wiliams (Swan Districts)

NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT
Lachlan Carmichael (Sydney Academy)
Noah Chamberlain (Sydney Academy)
Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers)
Max King

Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]

(Sydney Academy)
Harry Kyle (Sydney Academy)

TASMANIA
Avery Thomas (Tasmania Devils)

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Taj Murray (NT Academy/North Adelaide)

2025 STATE DRAFT COMBINE LIST – PRELIMINARY​

Xavier Bamert (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Charlie Banfield (Claremont / Western Australia)
Harrison Bridge (Brisbane Academy / Queensland)
Jett Dahiltz (Sturt / South Australia)
Elliott Duffield (South Adelaide / South Australia)
Kye Fincher (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Zac Harding (Murray Bushrangers / Vic Country)
Jasper Hay (Tasmania Devils / Tasmania)
Tai Hayes (Southport Sharks / Queensland)
Jim Kelly (Norwood / South Australia)
Felix Kneipp (Calder Cannons / Vic Metro)
Marcus Krasnadamskis (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)
Ryda Luke (South Fremantle / Western Australia)
Jacob Marron (Western Jets / Vic Metro)
Thomas Matthews (Gippsland Power / Vic Country)
Thomas McGuane (Western Jets / Vic Metro)
Jack Miller (Tasmania Devils/ Tasmania)
Balyn O'Brien (Norwood / South Australia)
Thomas Phillips (East Fremantle / Western Australia)
Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle / Western Australia)
Sullivan Robey (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)
Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons / Vic Country)
Bryce Sanders (North Adelaide / South Australia)
Aaron Sharkie (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)
Callum Smith (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)
Mitch Stevens (Gippsland Power / Vic Country)
Latrelle Sumner-Pickett (Glenelg / South Australia)
Oskar Taylor (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)
Hudson Walker (Subiaco / Western Australia)
Toby Whan (South Fremantle / Western Australia)
Kalani White (Gold Coast Academy / Queensland)
Rory Wright (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)