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Preview 2026 AFL Draft General Discussion

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Khaled el souki small forward for Western Jets (bulldogs academy), 4 goals against Geelong Falcons on the weekend. Where abouts in the draft is everyone expecting him to go?

Is he the best small forward of the 2026 draftees?
 
Khaled el souki small forward for Western Jets (bulldogs academy), 4 goals against Geelong Falcons on the weekend. Where abouts in the draft is everyone expecting him to go?

Is he the best small forward of the 2026 draftees?
hes bulldogs tied I believe?

kicked goals against Cannons recently too

looks very good, very small, but very good
 
Well there goes the Lions chance of topping Pool B. The two strongest teams don’t even play each other.

What a complete failure in the system. Practice match form showed the Lions were going to be far too strong fro Suns, Swans and GWS (NT always average) and yet they don't get fixtured against Tassie.

As for bottom agers going AA, I imagine Cody Walker might be a chance?
 

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With Champs now out of the road, what’s the view on each of the states for this year’s AFL Futures game? Selections must be underway.

For SA I reckon they might get 7 or 8 representatives based on previous numbers.

Locked in I would go with:
Cochrane - KPD/KPF
Van Dyk - Mid
Patterson - Fwd
Edwards - Mid/Fwd
Herbert - Ruck

In the mix:
Gordon - Def/Mid
Croker - Wing/Mid
Wilkinson - Fwd
White - Fwd/Mid
Florance - Fwd/Mid
Matthew’s-Hampton - KPD

Any thoughts on the other states from those in the know?
 
would think the Lions would have Caelyn Murray and Matt Owen as part of the futures game at a minimum. Murray played Allies as bottom ager and has been playing VFL. Owen played VFL on the weekend.

Suns don't have much talent in this age group, Archie Hill probably the only chance of getting a run in the futures game.

Cooper Hodge probably gets squeezed in thanks to the surname.
 
With Champs now out of the road, what’s the view on each of the states for this year’s AFL Futures game? Selections must be underway.

For SA I reckon they might get 7 or 8 representatives based on previous numbers.

Locked in I would go with:
Cochrane - KPD/KPF
Van Dyk - Mid
Patterson - Fwd
Edwards - Mid/Fwd
Herbert - Ruck

In the mix:
Gordon - Def/Mid
Croker - Wing/Mid
Wilkinson - Fwd
White - Fwd/Mid
Florance - Fwd/Mid
Matthew’s-Hampton - KPD

Any thoughts on the other states from those in the know?
Kale M-H is a lock for me

Called up as an underager in the recent 18's National Carnival, held his own and played his role - playing on class opponents.

Dominates for Sturt 18's with elite ball and marking ability

Averages 20 disposals, 7 marks and 80 ranking points so far this season
 
Kale M-H is a lock for me

Called up as an underager in the recent 18's National Carnival, held his own and played his role - playing on class opponents.

Dominates for Sturt 18's with elite ball and marking ability

Averages 20 disposals, 7 marks and 80 ranking points so far this season
Great Call......

Also heard he's a good chance for the 2026 AFL Academy after his impressive run in South Australia's success throughout the carnival. Coming in after missing out on selection in the original squad, stiff may I add after multiple 25+ BOG performances for the Double Blues. To be able to hold his own, and quickly adapt to the next level with multiple obstacles and distractions, was quite remarkable and a trait critical when progressing to higher levels. Thus was particularly impressive to coaching staff and talent pathways managers, who are likely to present him with the opportunity to wear the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, in the academy.
 
G'day folks. Can anyone tell me much about Jermaine Miller and Ivan Wilkinson, a couple of Crows NGAs which I believe are in this crop? I've seen some stats but no footage (I know Miller is a small fwd and Wilkinson more a medium?). Any insight, player comps, speculative draft ranges etc. would be highly appreciated.
 
G'day folks. Can anyone tell me much about Jermaine Miller and Ivan Wilkinson, a couple of Crows NGAs which I believe are in this crop? I've seen some stats but no footage (I know Miller is a small fwd and Wilkinson more a medium?). Any insight, player comps, speculative draft ranges etc. would be highly appreciated.

Jermaine Miller - Small forward for centrals been in and out of the side all year, did represent SA at the U/16's level

Ivan Wilkinson - Taller forward played consistently this year for Sturt a very strong side

Crows will be sure to key an eye on both lads
 
Jermaine Miller - Small forward for centrals been in and out of the side all year, did represent SA at the U/16's level

Ivan Wilkinson - Taller forward played consistently this year for Sturt a very strong side

Crows will be sure to key an eye on both lads

Miller, a special talent whom represented South Australia in the 2024 U16 National Championships, where he had some dominant performances kicking multiple majors, definitely put his name on the map as one of the premium small forwards in this crop. As of late Miller has been seen making appearances for Central Districts U18 (underage), where his impact was only minor. He wasn't involved with the South Australian Talent Hub this year, only involved in the Crows NGA (not much of a program) but hopefully looking to get back into such SANFL programs in the future. He has been playing in local leagues back home (Port Lincoln), where he recently made an A Grade debut. Ultimately, Miller is a rare forward talent, who has put up elite performances on many stages. As of right now, he isn't even a prospect in his respected draft crop. However, if he gets back into his previous form, and involved with the SANFL Dev. pathways again. He is definitely a talent to watch, and someone AFL clubs would love to get there hands on - huge upside.

Wilkinson, Lithuanian born and apart of the Crows Academy and Sturt FC, has put up multiple bags of majors at the 18's level. He's played consistently in the Double Blues forward line, averaging 2.8 goals, and 62 ranking points. Impressive considering his age and position (missing round 15 with a broken finger). However, Wilkinson was apart of the SANFL 16's NGA game, as well as the 16's state hub, not going on to represent South Australia. As of now he isn't involved in any SANFL programs either but definitely on the horizon as a forward prospect. As of now I wouldn't have him apart of the 2027 draft class. But he is definitely a chance to fulfill potential, especially if he is rewarded with a chance to represent SA in 2026, accompanied with his Lithuanian background, clubs can use to get him for nothing.

As of now Miller has the capabilities, just needs to find his way back to where he was on track to this time last year. Wilkinson is playing some consistent footy as an underager in a strong Sturt side. Both being apart of the Crows NGA, Adelaide will definitely be keeping tabs on their development and progress - keen to get them onboard. Both have plenty of potential and upside. Although as of now aren't apart of the draft crop for 2027.
 
Tom Neal is another one to watch. He is an exciting prospect that shows lots of potential. Playing some solid games as an underage for Norwood in the SANFL he sure can burst as a key player in next years draft.
 

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Dougie Cochrane pretty much a 196cm Wanganeen-Milera.

Lord help us if Port manage to get him and somehow trade in NWM this year.

Dougie Cochrane, an emerging talent playing for Central District in the SANFL, primarily in the Under-18s. At 196cm, he’s known for his versatility as a tall utility, able to impact games both as a key forward and an inside midfielder. Although still not draft eligible until 2026, he’s already gaining attention with elite performances, including a standout six-goal, 20-disposal game for Centrals. Cochrane represented South Australia in the U16 Championships, where he proved his worth as a potential lock for a top 5 pick. He recently suffered a hamstring injury during state training, where he was sidelined for 6 weeks, only recently returning and finding form. Dougie comes from a notable football family—he’s the younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Tom Cochrane and son of ex-AFL player Stuart Cochrane. Cochrane has been seen training out at alberton with Port Adelaide AFL squad, where he is gaining elite insight from the top level. Port Adelaide have been trying to claim Cochrane as a NGA linked player, but have struggled to reason why he is fully eligible. Nonetheless Cochrane is definitely happy to be apart of the footy club, as someone who has deep connection already at Alberton, and no doubt Port are happy to have the young star any time.

Also hearing whispers around Zak Butters future, telling the club he is in his final year or two, looking for a trade, where his compensation could be used to claim Cochrane early in the draft.
 

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