2025 Draft Thread

[GYoung]

Zero hangers lastest draft rankings for August

AFL Draft: 2025 prospect Power Rankings – August edition

Plenty of names have pushed their name up the order following the AFL National Championships.

www.zerohanger.com

19 - Jevan Phillipou​

Woodville-West Torrens, midfielder​

The forgotten name of this year's draft in some ways, given a broken arm has ruled him out of much of 2025 including the National Championships. He's seen as a certain first-rounder at minimum despite the limited exposure this season. The younger brother of St Kilda's Mattaes, Jevan is a brilliant athlete, with his speed, in particular, a wanted asset, which accompanies his x-factor and ball-winning capacity.

13 - Archie Ludowyke​

Sandringham Dragons, key forward​

A PCL injury sustained in Vic Metro's third game is a disappointing footnote to Ludowyke's season, particularly given he didn't put his best foot forward at the National Championships, but AFL clubs are aware of his talents. The Sandringham prospect was clearly the standout tall in the AFL Academy series and projects as a player that a club can build a forward line around, given his contested marking, work rate, athleticism and goal kicking.

 

[SainterEire]

Would be delighted with either, finishing 11th/12th would put us within range of both

 

[akaifu]

I presume happy with the tall forwards around King then?

Be interesting to see when Phillipou falls. If he slides to 13 or so and you’re dead keen on him WCE may be keen for a 13 and 21 for 8.

I think we need a key forward but not over a Grlj/MiniPou type midfielder

Ludowyke would be ideal later in the first round if we could somehow get a pick in that range

 

[Significant]

I think we need a key forward but not over a Grlj/MiniPou type midfielder

Ludowyke would be ideal later in the first round if we could somehow get a pick in that range

Marshall

 

[Broski]

Getting Jev and Archie would be an unreal outcome. Would have to be clever in the trade period to get an additional first rounder, but both players fit needs. The only way I see it is if Geelong was able give up their first rounder for Marshall.

 

[mighty_sainters]

Jev Phillipou will likely shoot up the rankings in the next few months.

 

[SainterEire]

What is worst case scenario for our first pick if we finish 11th?
Including all F/S, Academies, Compensation picks

 

[GYoung]

Code sports/ HeraldSun August Draft Rankings

No Cookies | CODE Sports

No Cookies | CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

 

[akaifu]

Lachie Dovaston with 1.3 from 18 touches in VFL today

Good small forward option in the first round if we opt to go there. Probably plays round 1 2026

 

[SaintsofSteel]

Lachie Dovaston with 1.3 from 18 touches in VFL today

Good small forward option in the first round if we opt to go there. Probably plays round 1 2026

We do need another tall strong marking forward, but if we can get a pick in the 20's Talor Byrne is a small forwards/mid I would love to target. He reminds me so much of Jamie Elliott, with a bit of attitude.

 

[ThomasR]

Lachie Dovaston with 1.3 from 18 touches in VFL today

Good small forward option in the first round if we opt to go there. Probably plays round 1 2026

i've been on this train for a while, not sure if it's just because he looks a bit like the wizard. certainly knows how to hunt the pill at speed and is the type of player we are desperately crying out for

he might not become a midfielder but there's more chance he becomes elite in his role than some of the better fancied prospects in theirs IMO

Dalrymple's philosophy of best available rather than puzzle pieces might count against him

 

[hangdog]

I feel dirty cheering for the Dees right now.

But will continue to do so for the next few rounds. Along with Port, Carlton, Essendon and Richmond.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

I wonder if we have a look at Tai Hayes, Lenny's nephew.
20 y.o, 193cm winger, playing for Southport Sharks this year.

 

[Sir Owens]

Jev Phillipou will likely shoot up the rankings in the next few months.

Jev who? I've heard rumours he may take up professional basketball?

 

[The Jack]

 

[akaifu]

Arki Butler 5.2 from 12 disposals for the Dragons today

Projected top 10 pick for next year

 

[SaintsofSteel]

Fincher got a great write up in todays HS -

ST KILDA LINES UP DRAFT TARGETS
PAUL AMY, JON RALPH

St Kilda NGA hope Kye Fincher firmed as an AFL draft candidate with an eyecatching Sandringham VFL debut.
Fincher, who was born overseas when his mother was working, is available as a next generation academy prospect.
St Kilda looks likely to take midfielder Fincher in the draft and is also evaluating Brett Voss

Brett Voss

Age

47

Ht

181cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.7

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

4.6

3star

M

4.1

4star

T

1.5

3star

No current season stats available

D

6.2

2star

K

3.8

2star

HB

2.4

3star

M

1.4

2star

T

0.8

3star

’s son, 23-year-old Jackson, after withering form in the VFL for Frankston.
“If I was St Kilda, I’d be taking him,’’ Sandy chief executive Mark Wheeler declared after Fincher’s 26-disposal effort against Essendon at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Sandringham Dragon laid six tackles and had four clearances to be named Sandy’s best player on the day.
“He kicks the ball really well and he’s got this little sidestep,’’ Wheeler, who put Fincher on the Dragons’ books last year, said.
“His challenge in the past was to build from being a small half-back. He’s about 186cm now and … he can definitely transition into an inside mid at the next level at an AFL club.”
St Kilda has been critical of father-son and NGA concessions to rivals but did secure Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager as NGA talents.
The AFL is considering tweaking its national draft rules and has a meeting with Fremantle officials this week, who are lobbying again for the abolition of the father-son rule.

 

[Lightsxo]

I have no problem posting this.

I boundary umpired nearly every week for APS/AGSV but mainly did Pegs and Yarra Valley Grammar games. Happy to DM a mod proof is needed.

Duff Tytler is a specimen but a lot of work in progress. Was the biggest player on every game I umpired which showed. Can take a decent mark but honestly just seemed to process the game a bit slow. Will improve with maturity but yeah honest feedback.

The best player I actually saw regularly was Aaron Sharkie from Yarra Valley/Oakleigh. He’s a half back flanker who racks up the ball like no tomorrow. Probably will be a later draft pick cause he’s a smaller player but he was essentially their Jack Sinclair

35

Jack Sinclair

Age

30

Ht

181cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.5

4star

K

8.1

3star

HB

8.4

5star

M

3.1

3star

T

3.2

5star

MG

235.0

4star

D

15.0

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

5.0

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.0

3star

MG

376.0

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

4.2

2star

HB

7.8

5star

M

1.6

2star

T

2.0

4star

MG

138.2

3star

. Gave it to him whenever they could and he ran the show.

Wouldn’t be opposed to taking a flyer on him.

​

​

 

[noobermensch]

One of the best VFL performances by a draft prospect in this pool, Fincher was put straight into the midfield from the opening bounce and rewarded the coaches trust by ending among Sandy's best for the game. He worked incredibly hard and proved how tough and competitive he is by matching it with grown men in the clinches. He found a lot of the footy, laid plenty of tackles, and showed some poise with the ball.

 

[Sir Owens]

One of the best VFL performances by a draft prospect in this pool, Fincher was put straight into the midfield from the opening bounce and rewarded the coaches trust by ending among Sandy's best for the game. He worked incredibly hard and proved how tough and competitive he is by matching it with grown men in the clinches. He found a lot of the footy, laid plenty of tackles, and showed some poise with the ball.

How is he not rated higher? Looks like a gun. Super competitive and nice kick.

 

[BrutThough]

One of the best VFL performances by a draft prospect in this pool, Fincher was put straight into the midfield from the opening bounce and rewarded the coaches trust by ending among Sandy's best for the game. He worked incredibly hard and proved how tough and competitive he is by matching it with grown men in the clinches. He found a lot of the footy, laid plenty of tackles, and showed some poise with the ball.

Going to be a bargain come draft night.

 

[Remboy]

One of the best VFL performances by a draft prospect in this pool, Fincher was put straight into the midfield from the opening bounce and rewarded the coaches trust by ending among Sandy's best for the game. He worked incredibly hard and proved how tough and competitive he is by matching it with grown men in the clinches. He found a lot of the footy, laid plenty of tackles, and showed some poise with the ball.

Ok, that’s enough. Time to start talking about his back ‘injury’. Don’t want him going too early.

 

[busso_mick]

One of the best VFL performances by a draft prospect in this pool, Fincher was put straight into the midfield from the opening bounce and rewarded the coaches trust by ending among Sandy's best for the game. He worked incredibly hard and proved how tough and competitive he is by matching it with grown men in the clinches. He found a lot of the footy, laid plenty of tackles, and showed some poise with the ball.

Very impressive. I see a bit of Max Hall about him with his quick hands, acceleration from the contest and classy disposal.

 

[jimjonesy1985]

Fincher got a great write up in todays HS -

ST KILDA LINES UP DRAFT TARGETS
PAUL AMY, JON RALPH

St Kilda NGA hope Kye Fincher firmed as an AFL draft candidate with an eyecatching Sandringham VFL debut.
Fincher, who was born overseas when his mother was working, is available as a next generation academy prospect.
St Kilda looks likely to take midfielder Fincher in the draft and is also evaluating Brett Voss’s son, 23-year-old Jackson, after withering form in the VFL for Frankston.
“If I was St Kilda, I’d be taking him,’’ Sandy chief executive Mark Wheeler declared after Fincher’s 26-disposal effort against Essendon at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Sandringham Dragon laid six tackles and had four clearances to be named Sandy’s best player on the day.
“He kicks the ball really well and he’s got this little sidestep,’’ Wheeler, who put Fincher on the Dragons’ books last year, said.
“His challenge in the past was to build from being a small half-back. He’s about 186cm now and … he can definitely transition into an inside mid at the next level at an AFL club.”
St Kilda has been critical of father-son and NGA concessions to rivals but did secure Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager as NGA talents.
The AFL is considering tweaking its national draft rules and has a meeting with Fremantle officials this week, who are lobbying again for the abolition of the father-son rule.

Fincher born overseas while mum was working in HK for a year. Technically he qualifies as an NGA for now but doesnt really meet the spirit of the NGA program. I believe the AFL has already rejected the Saints NGA application for Fincher for upcoming draft.

 

[akaifu]

Fincher born overseas while mum was working in HK for a year. Technically he qualifies as an NGA for now but doesnt really meet the spirit of the NGA program. I believe the AFL has already rejected the Saints NGA application for Fincher for upcoming draft.

He’s already in our NGA. Why do we need to apply again?