Preview 2026 AFL Draft General Discussion

[Haggas]

Port fans really up and about for Cochrane considering it’s him or Butters, not both.

Incorrect

 

[Shueygod]

Incorrect

How so?

Are you predicting Port will finish bottom 4 next year?

 

[Haggas]

How so?

Are you predicting Port will finish bottom 4 next year?

We will be below 8th most likely. and we have 2x 2nd Rounders & 2x 3rd Rounders, we will get enough points if Butters stays (most likely not)

 

[Shueygod]

We will be below 8th most likely. and we have 2x 2nd Rounders & 2x 3rd Rounders, we will get enough points if Butters stays (most likely not)

The AFL are changing matching to just two picks. You’d need 7 and 8 to match pick 1.

 

[Haggas]

I’m interested to see your 51- 100 rankings if you indeed go out that far.

Would be good to also track the top 10 or so from each of the states or by championship squad representation if you have that intel.
If not, I’m sure we can help fill in the gaps through this forum.

 

[Haggas]

The AFL are changing matching to just two picks. You’d need 7 and 8 to match pick 1.

That's not official

 

[Shueygod]

That's not official

I’d say it’s all but guaranteed, particularly with the extra outrage this year.

 

[Haggas]

I’d say it’s all but guaranteed, particularly with the extra outrage this year.

Wouldn't surprise me the AFL overreact and **** Carlton and Port just after they let GC and Bris clean up and build dynasties

 

[weltschmerz]

Levi West and Hok Marial quiet so far, hope they keep it up

 

[Haggas]

Levi West and Hok Marial quiet so far, hope they keep it up

West didn't play that often in the Coates Talent League but could come into rankings will more games next year

 

[Michaels]

Apologies if the wrong spot, the 2025 thread was closed.

I'm not sure how much interest this might be to non Richmond supporters (have heard a few say it will be of interest), but today I had a chat with Richmond's National Recruiting Manager Rhy Gieschen to ask a heap of fan questions we were sent going a bit more in depth into the draft and how things work.

Video below, obviously it does have a Richmond flavour to it but he still chatted about Duursma, Robey, Kickett etc and a bit more about the process of it all.

 

[THE_GUN]

Apologies if the wrong spot, the 2025 thread was closed.

I'm not sure how much interest this might be to non Richmond supporters (have heard a few say it will be of interest), but today I had a chat with Richmond's National Recruiting Manager Rhy Gieschen to ask a heap of fan questions we were sent going a bit more in depth into the draft and how things work.

Video below, obviously it does have a Richmond flavour to it but he still chatted about Duursma, Robey, Kickett etc and a bit more about the process of it all.

Good work Chris
Great Interview

 

[Don_The_Sash]

The AFL are changing matching to just two picks. You’d need 7 and 8 to match pick 1.

I’ve been suggesting for this “two picks to match” change for years. Funny it only pops up now… it really should’ve come in this year alongside the new DVI points system, but of course the AFL needed GC and Brisbane to be able to match their academy kids first. Convenient timing as always.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out next year and then further in 2027 draft once Tasmania’s concessions kick in, and how bid-matching works under this new setup if it is put in place.

 

[briztoon]

I’ve been suggesting for this “two picks to match” change for years. Funny it only pops up now… it really should’ve come in this year alongside the new DVI points system, but of course the AFL needed GC and Brisbane to be able to match their academy kids first. Convenient timing as always.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out next year and then further in 2027 draft once Tasmania’s concessions kick in, and how bid-matching works under this new setup if it is put in place.

If this was the case, they'd have waited until 2029 for us.

 

[THE_GUN]

I’ve been suggesting for this “two picks to match” change for years. Funny it only pops up now… it really should’ve come in this year alongside the new DVI points system, but of course the AFL needed GC and Brisbane to be able to match their academy kids first. Convenient timing as always.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out next year and then further in 2027 draft once Tasmania’s concessions kick in, and how bid-matching works under this new setup if it is put in place.

Might have been on another account ?

You have only made 2 posts in 5 years

 

[KillaKanga]

I’ve been suggesting for this “two picks to match” change for years. Funny it only pops up now… it really should’ve come in this year alongside the new DVI points system, but of course the AFL needed GC and Brisbane to be able to match their academy kids first. Convenient timing as always.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out next year and then further in 2027 draft once Tasmania’s concessions kick in, and how bid-matching works under this new setup if it is put in place.

Which of the Academy kids have turned out to be the best in their draft? Or even top 10? Not many. Not counting Ashcrofts and Fletcher they are FS's.

Collingwood pick up Nick Daicos at pick 1 and is obviously the best of his draft and top 3ish in comp. People didn't/aren't losing their minds to conspiracy over that?

Personally the teams should have to pay higher. If the kid is rated/bid on top 5 they should have to pay handsomely for him. But it's not just 'academy's' it's NGA and father son too.

Lotta gun father suns out there. So the teams will gun FS's are benefitting as much as when gun academy kids come through.

 

[KillaKanga]

Don't get me wrong, it's flawed. And it'll benefit some teams some of the time, some teams a lot and some teams almost never.

But academy is only a part of the problem.

 

[#BallMagnet]

View attachment 2485536

I'm sure many of these boys will elevate during next season.
It might just be an oversight (or maybe not), but I don't see the other Jenkin twin (Guy) in your overall top 100?

 

[Miller1971]

Which of the Academy kids have turned out to be the best in their draft? Or even top 10? Not many. Not counting Ashcrofts and Fletcher they are FS's.

Collingwood pick up Nick Daicos at pick 1 and is obviously the best of his draft and top 3ish in comp. People didn't/aren't losing their minds to conspiracy over that?

Personally the teams should have to pay higher. If the kid is rated/bid on top 5 they should have to pay handsomely for him. But it's not just 'academy's' it's NGA and father son too.

Lotta gun father suns out there. So the teams will gun FS's are benefitting as much as when gun academy kids come through.

It's all about timing.

Pies got Daicos the year they finished 17th, so he came after their first natural pick anyway!

Lions happened to get 3 x F/S stars in the middle of a Premiership run.

Nobodies fault, but timing creates perception. People don't think critically at all.

I have no issue if people don't like the F/S rule, I personally really like it. But lets not have it, but then cry about it if a son comes along when Dad's team is cooncidentally good.

It's like sooking that a club happened to be shit when there was a strong draft. Some things can't be controlled.

 

[THE_GUN]

I think it was Cal Twomey that mentioned the AFL are looking at matching with only 2 picks and the discount was also being looked at and could go.

Would make it extremely had matching pick #1 for clubs

 

[tigs2010]

I think it was Cal Twomey that mentioned the AFL are looking at matching with only 2 picks and the discount was also being looked at and could go.

Would make it extremely had matching pick #1 for clubs

Said 2 picks but can go into deficit lmao

 

[Rancid Trogs]

Reading the Play were pretty good through the draft period - they've released a 30 to watch for 2026 at:

30 Prospects to Watch in 2026

With the 2025 draft season finally run and done, the spotlight has already begun to drift towards the next wave. It always happens quicker than we expect. One crop graduates into the AFL system, an…

readingtheplay.wordpress.com

Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
176cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A nuggety and quick small defender or midfielder who loves to take the game on. Armstrong plays with power and agility, bursting out of congestion with real intent. His kicking still needs polish, but the drive and speed he brings to chains of play is unmistakable.

Arki Butler
180cm – Medium Forward / Midfielder
A classy small forward with ambitions to push into the midfield. Butler is clean overhead, sharp by foot and a natural goal kicker. He is a genuine livewire and shapes as an early selection as the season unfolds.

Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA)
196cm – Utility
Port Adelaide’s newly tied prospect might well be the best player in the pool. Cochrane can play tall forward, big-bodied midfielder or roaming utility. He is skilful, evasive, powerful overhead and classy on the move. A genuine match winner with elite versatility.

Kodah Edwards
183cm – Midfielder
A powerful clearance midfielder who thrives in the crush. Edwards is a tough customer who loves the contest and can rest forward to become a genuine scoring threat.

George Gale
187cm – Medium Defender / Wing
A smooth mover in space with size, balance and quality ball use. Gale reads the play well, can intercept, and offers rebound through measured, composed distribution.

Ethan Herbert
200cm – Ruck
A ruck who wins hitouts and gets his hands dirty. Herbert is clean at ground level and offers impressive follow up at stoppage. Adding forward craft is the next step for a player with a promising all-round ruck profile.

Archie Hill (Gold Coast Academy)
182cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A high-endurance rebounding defender who gives constant run and carry. Hill’s footskills are tidy and his decision making usually ensures retention. Plenty of upside as he fills out.

Lewis Houndsome
199cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A powerful and imposing key forward with strong marking hands and real aerial presence. Houndsome has the potential to provide ruck support but looks most dangerous as a leading forward.

Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
190cm – Midfielder / Medium Forward
Raw but full of power and intent. Justice brings toughness to the contest, clean hands and breakaway speed. At 190 centimetres he profiles as a damaging mid-forward once his frame matures.

Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA)
182cm – Medium Defender
An athletic, springy defender who intercepts above his height. Kenh accelerates play with leg speed and is always looking to surge forward.

Koby LeCras
190cm – Medium Forward
A smooth left-footer who creates matchup problems. LeCras is clever on the lead, mobile for his size and one of the top WA forwards in the class.

Wil Malady
190cm – Medium Forward
A marking forward who loves to leap at the ball. Malady is an aerial threat with goal sense and projects as a genuine scoreboard presence.

Kale Matthews-Hampton
198cm – Key Defender
A dual-sport talent choosing between football and basketball. Matthews-Hampton already has National Championships exposure and shows real potential as a strong marking defender who reads it early.

Aidan McCartney (North Melbourne F/S + Sydney NGA)
191cm – Key Forward
An athletic tall who looks most likely to settle as a key forward, though his mobility and skill set leave the door open for experimentation. Early signs suggest Sydney may be in the box seat.

Lachlan McGlade (West Coast NGA)
173cm – Small Forward
A powerful, high-speed small forward with serious x-factor. McGlade is explosive and dangerous inside 50. If it all comes together, he fits the modern prototype perfectly.

Caylen Murray (Brisbane Academy)
183cm – Medium Defender / Midfielder
A smart ball user off half back with the ability to transition into midfield. Murray balances decision making with clean kicking and has the composure to become a genuine rebound threat.

Marlon Neocleous
168cm – Small Forward
A sharp, skilful small forward who plays with real edge. Neocleous is creative with ball in hand and penetrative with his kicking. Exactly the type of player who can flip momentum in bursts.

Gabriel Patterson
182cm – Small Forward
An explosive small forward who flies at the ball and is equally dangerous at ground level. Patterson kicks goals, creates chaos and fits the modern AFL forward mould.

Jack Pickett
193cm – Key Forward
A deep leading forward who does his job with reliability. Pickett marks well and kicks goals consistently, though adding variety to his game will be the next step.

Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
188cm – Midfielder
A big-bodied midfielder who thrives inside. Robinson is a clearance winner with marking ability around the ground and projects as a strong interior presence.

Harvey Spawton-Guy
194cm – Key Forward
A raw tall forward with mobility and a lovely kicking action. Still putting it all together, but there are enough flashes to suggest a high ceiling.

Darcy Szerszyn
188cm – Medium Defender
A hybrid defender who can lock down, intercept and rebound. Szerszyn fills multiple roles and offers significant flexibility in the back half.

Gus Teixeira
179cm – Midfielder / Small Forward
A creative small midfielder who had a strong season with the Sandringham Dragons. Teixeira makes things happen through craft and clean disposal and is a threat near goal.

Cody Templeton
179cm – Midfielder
A dynamic small midfielder capable of posting big stat lines. Templeton can win it, run with it and hit the scoreboard in bursts. Very smart with ball in hand.

Angus Tippett
192cm – Midfielder
One of the new breed of tall midfielders. Tippett finds the ball easily and competes well. Improving composure and kicking will be the key to unlocking his full upside.

Archie Van Dyk
185cm – Midfielder
A well balanced onballer who wins contested footy and hits the scoreboard. Van Dyk is rounded, clever and impacts in multiple phases.

Harry Van Hattum
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A strong and athletic tall who can ruck or play deep forward. Van Hattum is an aerial force with mobility and shapes as a powerful hybrid at the next level.

Benji van Rooyen
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
Raw but competitive, van Rooyen got early exposure at National Championships level. He is learning the craft quickly and carries real athletic upside.

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S + Richmond NGA)
184cm – Midfielder
The best performed bottom ager in the crop and a near lock for pick one or two. Walker dominated the Coates League with size, power and skill. He can play anywhere and impact immediately.

Noah Williams
176cm – Defender / Winger
A smooth moving distributor who looks at home on a wing or across half back. Williams has lovely footskills and profiles as a high quality outside option as he develops.

 

[THE_GUN]

Reading the Play were pretty good through the draft period - they've released a 30 to watch for 2026 at:

30 Prospects to Watch in 2026

With the 2025 draft season finally run and done, the spotlight has already begun to drift towards the next wave. It always happens quicker than we expect. One crop graduates into the AFL system, an…

readingtheplay.wordpress.com

Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
176cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A nuggety and quick small defender or midfielder who loves to take the game on. Armstrong plays with power and agility, bursting out of congestion with real intent. His kicking still needs polish, but the drive and speed he brings to chains of play is unmistakable.

Arki Butler
180cm – Medium Forward / Midfielder
A classy small forward with ambitions to push into the midfield. Butler is clean overhead, sharp by foot and a natural goal kicker. He is a genuine livewire and shapes as an early selection as the season unfolds.

Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA)
196cm – Utility
Port Adelaide’s newly tied prospect might well be the best player in the pool. Cochrane can play tall forward, big-bodied midfielder or roaming utility. He is skilful, evasive, powerful overhead and classy on the move. A genuine match winner with elite versatility.

Kodah Edwards
183cm – Midfielder
A powerful clearance midfielder who thrives in the crush. Edwards is a tough customer who loves the contest and can rest forward to become a genuine scoring threat.

George Gale
187cm – Medium Defender / Wing
A smooth mover in space with size, balance and quality ball use. Gale reads the play well, can intercept, and offers rebound through measured, composed distribution.

Ethan Herbert
200cm – Ruck
A ruck who wins hitouts and gets his hands dirty. Herbert is clean at ground level and offers impressive follow up at stoppage. Adding forward craft is the next step for a player with a promising all-round ruck profile.

Archie Hill (Gold Coast Academy)
182cm – Small Defender / Midfielder
A high-endurance rebounding defender who gives constant run and carry. Hill’s footskills are tidy and his decision making usually ensures retention. Plenty of upside as he fills out.

Lewis Houndsome
199cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A powerful and imposing key forward with strong marking hands and real aerial presence. Houndsome has the potential to provide ruck support but looks most dangerous as a leading forward.

Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
190cm – Midfielder / Medium Forward
Raw but full of power and intent. Justice brings toughness to the contest, clean hands and breakaway speed. At 190 centimetres he profiles as a damaging mid-forward once his frame matures.

Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA)
182cm – Medium Defender
An athletic, springy defender who intercepts above his height. Kenh accelerates play with leg speed and is always looking to surge forward.

Koby LeCras
190cm – Medium Forward
A smooth left-footer who creates matchup problems. LeCras is clever on the lead, mobile for his size and one of the top WA forwards in the class.

Wil Malady
190cm – Medium Forward
A marking forward who loves to leap at the ball. Malady is an aerial threat with goal sense and projects as a genuine scoreboard presence.

Kale Matthews-Hampton
198cm – Key Defender
A dual-sport talent choosing between football and basketball. Matthews-Hampton already has National Championships exposure and shows real potential as a strong marking defender who reads it early.

Aidan McCartney (North Melbourne F/S + Sydney NGA)
191cm – Key Forward
An athletic tall who looks most likely to settle as a key forward, though his mobility and skill set leave the door open for experimentation. Early signs suggest Sydney may be in the box seat.

Lachlan McGlade (West Coast NGA)
173cm – Small Forward
A powerful, high-speed small forward with serious x-factor. McGlade is explosive and dangerous inside 50. If it all comes together, he fits the modern prototype perfectly.

Caylen Murray (Brisbane Academy)
183cm – Medium Defender / Midfielder
A smart ball user off half back with the ability to transition into midfield. Murray balances decision making with clean kicking and has the composure to become a genuine rebound threat.

Marlon Neocleous
168cm – Small Forward
A sharp, skilful small forward who plays with real edge. Neocleous is creative with ball in hand and penetrative with his kicking. Exactly the type of player who can flip momentum in bursts.

Gabriel Patterson
182cm – Small Forward
An explosive small forward who flies at the ball and is equally dangerous at ground level. Patterson kicks goals, creates chaos and fits the modern AFL forward mould.

Jack Pickett
193cm – Key Forward
A deep leading forward who does his job with reliability. Pickett marks well and kicks goals consistently, though adding variety to his game will be the next step.

Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
188cm – Midfielder
A big-bodied midfielder who thrives inside. Robinson is a clearance winner with marking ability around the ground and projects as a strong interior presence.

Harvey Spawton-Guy
194cm – Key Forward
A raw tall forward with mobility and a lovely kicking action. Still putting it all together, but there are enough flashes to suggest a high ceiling.

Darcy Szerszyn
188cm – Medium Defender
A hybrid defender who can lock down, intercept and rebound. Szerszyn fills multiple roles and offers significant flexibility in the back half.

Gus Teixeira
179cm – Midfielder / Small Forward
A creative small midfielder who had a strong season with the Sandringham Dragons. Teixeira makes things happen through craft and clean disposal and is a threat near goal.

Cody Templeton
179cm – Midfielder
A dynamic small midfielder capable of posting big stat lines. Templeton can win it, run with it and hit the scoreboard in bursts. Very smart with ball in hand.

Angus Tippett
192cm – Midfielder
One of the new breed of tall midfielders. Tippett finds the ball easily and competes well. Improving composure and kicking will be the key to unlocking his full upside.

Archie Van Dyk
185cm – Midfielder
A well balanced onballer who wins contested footy and hits the scoreboard. Van Dyk is rounded, clever and impacts in multiple phases.

Harry Van Hattum
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
A strong and athletic tall who can ruck or play deep forward. Van Hattum is an aerial force with mobility and shapes as a powerful hybrid at the next level.

Benji van Rooyen
202cm – Ruck / Key Forward
Raw but competitive, van Rooyen got early exposure at National Championships level. He is learning the craft quickly and carries real athletic upside.

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S + Richmond NGA)
184cm – Midfielder
The best performed bottom ager in the crop and a near lock for pick one or two. Walker dominated the Coates League with size, power and skill. He can play anywhere and impact immediately.

Noah Williams
176cm – Defender / Winger
A smooth moving distributor who looks at home on a wing or across half back. Williams has lovely footskills and profiles as a high quality outside option as he develops.

Very good chance we get a top 3/4 player in the draft next year and the Rucks will slide with a good crop of draft kids in 2026. Might be our chance to get a Ruck with our 2nd selection but could be at the expense of Armstrong which im fine with

 

[scooter600x]

Us with the Phillipous, the De Konings, Georgiades, Hanneberry, Ben and Sam Reid, and I think a few others

Rance

 

[RedmanWasHere]

It happens almost every year.

There's surely a Josh coming through next year.