Phantom Draft Davo-27's 2026 Draft Thread

[#BallMagnet]

Steed.*




Has moved to Victoria and playing for the Knights.

Moir not even playing footy.

Playing NBL1 Basketball with Sth Adelaide

 

[Davo-27]

Moir not even playing footy.

Playing NBL1 Basketball with Sth Adelaide

thats a shame, he looked talented in the u16s champs

Lucas Robinson got 28 disposals for South Freo in the WAFL on debut, not a bad effort

 

[briztoon]

An early top 50 prospects i like for 2026 draft, not in order, but i have a top 5

1. Cody Walker - Bend (inj to Doug Cochrane puts him at 1)
2. Doug Cochrane - Cent D (clear best 2 players)
3. Arki Butler - Sand
4. Harry Van Hattum - North
5. Heath Mellody - Clare

VM
Lewis Houndsome
Max Downes
Lachlan Hicks
Jack Surkitt
Jack Poustie
Jordan Knapp
Hunter Ryan
Albert MacGowan
Blake Justice
Harrison Chapman
Seb Marsic
Khaled El Souki
Tate Hodgson

VC
Noah Williams
Marlon Neocleous
Xavier Ladbrook
Wil Malady
Jack Pickett
Darcy Szerszyn
Cody Templeton
Ethan Drever
Jackson Phillips
Marcus Prasad
Tanner Armstrong

SA
Archie Van Dyk
Ethan Herbert
Kodah Edwards
Cain Florance
Koby Moir
Jermaine Miller
Jack Gordon
Gabriel Patterson

WA
Garrison Kenh
Lucas Robinson
Koby LeCras
Leo Steed
Jai Debono
Kye Ormerod
Benji Van Rooyen

Allies
Guy Jenkin
Archie Hill
Matthew Owen
Caylen Murray
Aidan McCartney
Cooper Hodge

If Hodge's name was Smith, I doubt he would be on any draft watchers list. It's Owen and Murray, then daylight from our U18's. However Isaac Waller and Harrison Bridge have returned as over agers to our academy, and are a clear 3rd and 4th.

 

[Davo-27]

If Hodge's name was Smith, I doubt he would be on any draft watchers list. It's Owen and Murray, then daylight from our U18's. However Isaac Waller and Harrison Bridge have returned as over agers to our academy, and are a clear 3rd and 4th.

im not rating him off his name, im rating him off how he plays, he plays with aggression and has pace, 2 traits i like in a player...his kicking is OK, not terrible but not great like his fathers which is why he isnt higher, he is a competitor another good trait, he has potential, he is not a guarantee on traits to make it in the AFL so outside the top 30, he goes for marks bravely, he reminds me of the traits Jarman Impey plays with at the hawks who i like, so i like Cooper Hodge, im not a fan of Harrison Bridge never have been and Waller is OK but still a young ruck...

 

[Davo-27]

Harvie Cooke for Northern Knights has caught my attention playing good footy for one of the better teams in the Coates League this season, nuggety little mid, with a nice marking ability and nice kicking action.

 

[briztoon]

im not rating him off his name, im rating him off how he plays, he plays with aggression and has pace, 2 traits i like in a player...his kicking is OK, not terrible but not great like his fathers which is why he isnt higher, he is a competitor another good trait, he has potential, he is not a guarantee on traits to make it in the AFL so outside the top 30, he goes for marks bravely, he reminds me of the traits Jarman Impey plays with at the hawks who i like, so i like Cooper Hodge, im not a fan of Harrison Bridge never have been and Waller is OK but still a young ruck...

I respect that this is your opinion.

I wasn't high on Waller last year. But he really went to work on his body and game over the offseason, and was the starting ruck for the Lions B team during preseason, with most of our other rucks out injured. He was playing against Fort, and was giving him a bath at centre ball ups, leaping significantly over Fort, and showing an aggression I hadn't seen before. He's added a fair bit of lean muscle to his frame as well.

As for Hodge's kicking, it really is his big weakness, as the majority of time he just throws it on his boot and hoofs it as far as he can, even when he has time to assess and pick out a team mate.

 

[botts]

When does APS footy start? Or has it already started

 

[Jen2310]

When does APS footy start? Or has it already started

April 24

 

[Davo-27]

Jacob McNichol from Glenlg is getting big numbers, he moves well, left foot, doesnt seem to have a right peg, can sky a few kicks, but overall use is good, good lead in the forward half, goal kicker, one to watch for the season.

 

[Davo-27]

I will do an eatly top 40 prediction, its prior to the u18s champs, so its going to be a little speculative, but i really like these prospects, i might have missed a few, Jai Debono, Benji Van Rooyen, Tate Hodgson, Clancy Snell and Cooper Hodge unlucky not to be included...

2026 Top 40 Early Prediction, prior to u18s champs.

1. Dougie Cochrane 195cm Cent Dist KPD
2. Cody Walker 184cm Bend Mid
...................................... Elite
3. Harry Van Hattum 205cm North Ruck
4. Arki Butler 182cm Sand Sml Forw/Mid
5. Kodah Edwards 183cm Sth Adel Mid
6. Jack Pickett 194cm Geel KPF
7. Ethan Herbert 200cm Nth Adel Ruck
8. Heath Mellody 184cm Clare Wing/Mid
9. Gabriel Patterson 184cm Glenlg Sml Forw
10. Jackson Phillips 182cm Dand Mid
11. Noah Williams 174cm Geel Mid/Forw
12. Marcus Prasad 167cm Dand Mid
13. Wil Malady 190cm Gipps Med Forw
14. Xavier Ladbrook 201cm Gipps KPD
15. Caylen Murray 183cm Bris Mid
16. Ethan Drever 188cm GWV Mid
17. Matthew Owen 179cm Bris Mid
18. Koby LeCras 192cm West Perth Med Forw/KPF?
19. Marlon Neocleous 168cm Gipps Sml Forw/Mid
20. Seb Marsic 194cm Oak KPF
21. Albert MacGowan 187cm Sand Mid
22. Lachlan Hicks 183cm West Mid
23. Lucas Robinson 191cm Sth Frem Mid/hbf
24. Leo Steed 174cm Swan D Wing/Mid
25. Garrison Kenh 182cm East Perth hbf
26. Guy Jenkin 177cm Syd A Wing
27. Darcy Szerszyn 188cm Dand Med Def
28. Jordan Knapp 179cm East Mid
29. Archie Van Dyk 185cm Sth Adel Mid
................................... 1st rounders
30. Lewis Houndsome 198cm North KPF/Ruck
31. Khaled El-Souki 175cm West Sml Forw
32. Max Downes 182cm North Mid
33. Cain Florance 176cm Sth Adel Mid
34. Archie Hill 182cm GCS A Flanker
35. Tanner Armstrong 177cm Murr Mid
36. Cody Templeton 180cm Gipps Mid
37. Harvie Cooke 176cm North Mid
38. Jermaine Miller 171cm North (SA) Sml Forw
39. Aidan McCartney 192cm Syd A KPF
40. Jacob McNichol 177cm Glenlg Mid

 

[RedmanWasHere]

15. Archie Simpson

Is for 2027.

 

[HAWKS2016]

Bit toufh on khaled elaouki kicked 6 goals 2 behinds against the knights

 

[Donflicted]

I will do an eatly top 40 prediction, its prior to the u18s champs, so its going to be a little speculative, but i really like these prospects, i might have missed a few, Jai Debono, Benji Van Rooyen and Cooper Hodge unlucky not to be included...

2026 Top 40 Early Prediction, prior to u18s champs.

1. Dougie Cochrane 195cm Cent Dist KPD
2. Cody Walker 184cm Bend Mid
...................................... Elite
3. Harry Van Hattum 205cm North Ruck
4. Arki Butler 182cm Sand Sml Forw/Mid
5. Kodah Edwards 183cm Sth Adel Mid
6. Jack Pickett 194cm Geel KPF
7. Ethan Herbert 200cm Nth Adel Ruck
8. Heath Mellody 184cm Clare Wing/Mid
9. Gabriel Patterson 184cm Glenlg Sml Forw
10. Jackson Phillips 182cm Dand Mid
11. Noah Williams 174cm Geel Mid/Forw
12. Marcus Prasad 167cm Dand Mid
13. Wil Malady 190cm Gipps Med Forw
14. Xavier Ladbrook 201cm Gipps KPD
15. Caylen Murray 183cm Bris Mid
16. Ethan Drever 188cm GWV Mid
17. Matthew Owen 179cm Bris Mid
18. Koby LeCras 192cm West Perth Med Forw
19. Marlon Neocleous 168cm Gipps Sml Forw/Mid
20. Seb Marsic 194cm Oak KPF
21. Albert MacGowan 187cm Sand Mid
22. Lachlan Hicks 183cm West Mid
23. Lucas Robinson 191cm Sth Frem Mid/hbf
24. Leo Steed 174cm Swan D Wing/Mid
25. Garrison Kenh 182cm Def/hbf East Perth
26. Guy Jenkin 177cm Syd A Wing
27. Darcy Szerszyn 188cm Dand Med Def
28. Jordan Knapp 179cm East Mid
29. Archie Van Dyk 185cm Sth Adel Mid
................................... 1st rounders
30. Lewis Houndsome 198cm North KPF/Ruck
31. Khaled El-Souki 175cm West Sml Forw
32. Max Downes 182cm North Mid
33. Cain Florance 176cm Sth Adel Mid
34. Archie Hill 182cm GCS A Flanker
35. Tanner Armstrong 177cm Murr Mid
36. Cody Templeton 180cm Gipps Mid
37. Harvie Cooke 176cm North Mid
38. Jermaine Miller 171cm North (SA) Sml Forw
39. Aidan McCartney 192cm Syd A KPF
40. Jacob McNichol 177cm Glenlg Mid

Thanks for the list Davo sorry to ask but with Pickett sadly being out for the year now do you think he will slide similar to Barker in 2025?

 

[Davo-27]

Thanks for the list Davo sorry to ask but with Pickett sadly being out for the year now do you think he will slide similar to Barker in 2025?

He could slide in the first round, but he is a strong prospect, i expect he goes in the top 20 at least as he has runs on the board, it more depends on teams with a key forward need.

 

[EDFL follower]

2 VIC country/metro trial games this Sunday at Werribee. Really important game for those wanting to make the final teams

 

[Davo-27]

2 KPD being talked about Tate Hodgson and Clancy Snell, Tate has been on the scene since u16s and perhaps before then, so he is a more known commodity and has been given the captaincy at Northern Knights who are premiership favourites atm, last time they won a premiership was that great haul of kids from the North in the 90s, Clancy Snell is in good form for Gipps, good speed on the lead, good build for a KPP, seems to be confident in contests which AFL Clubs will love, good intercept and aerial ability, his use of the footy can turn over when he goes long, not the greatest user of the footy, but looks a talent, can go back and wait for a handball receive instead of contesting neutral ball or tackle which could lead to cheap goals? But minor issues...

 

[EDFL follower]

2 KPD being talked about Tate Hodgson and Clancy Snell, Tate has been on the scene since u16s and perhaps before then, so he is a more known commodity and has been given the captaincy at Northern Knights who are premiership favourites atm, last time they won a premiership was that great haul of kids from the North in the 90s, Clancy Snell is in good form for Gipps, good speed on the lead, good build for a KPP, seems to be confident in contests which AFL Clubs will love, good intercept and aerial ability, his use of the footy can turn over when he goes long, not the greatest user of the footy, but looks a talent, can go back and wait for a handball receive instead of contesting neutral ball or tackle which could lead to cheap goals? But minor issues...

Snell is co captain of gippy power with Cody Templeton.

 

[Davo-27]

Went to Werribee today, was lovely and warm in the sun, the first game was the best of the 2 and it was absolutely dominated by Vic Metro, vic country getting 3 of the first 4 goals and barely getting near it afterwards, the score ending up Vic Metro 119 - 35 Vic Country

Some players that stood out


Vic Country (without Drever) Game 1
Good
Clancy Stuart tried hard in the midfield, lacks a bit of athleticism, but was a light in the darkness for vic countrys midfield

Worth a mention
Jack Emerson tried hard as a leading target for vic country winning llenty of it and trying to link with fumbly team mates
Toby Hellesey as an underager showed a few glimpses, looks a good tall prosoect for the future
Charlie Hanegraaf was ok at hbf, contested hard all day under a lot of pressure

Vic Metro
Good
Gus Teixeira had a big second half, looked very good with some wayward disposal, got so much of it even resting forward, bog stats-wise
Jordan Knapp is a classy unit, good clearances and i50s, classy disposal, good composure, massive tick for AFL Traits imo
Angus Tippett was very good and flexible in positions for a tallish guy, good athleticism
Archie Fogarty was involved in a bunch of good plays on the wings
Harper McCulloch was good in spurts, good undedage performance

Worth a mention
Harvie Cooke came on after half time and provided plenty of run even if not always used on the outside
Angus Brown looked dangerous up forward for an underager
Judd Lemon linked up well in a dominant midfield
Chas Woodward had a good game out wide on the wings
Harrison Leeder played the 3rd tall forward well
Sam Gayfer also cashing in on the dominance
Jake Miller had a few good plays

Oliver Griffen kicked a couple goals or so, but didnt really stamp himself of the game
‐---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game 2 was a lot closer of a game, i left before the game ended so not sure who won, but vic ketro were in the lead when i left

Vic Country (Oliver Boddenberg inj early in 1st)
Good
Sonny Beasy looked good in midfield, tough little inside mid who provided run every now and then
Jackson Phillips another mid who played well in the trials, inside mid, provided a lot of clearance wins directly and indirectly

Worth a mention
Charlie Gray had to take a few tough marks and run hard into position on the wing
Max Thompson looked classy all day on the flanks, when he had it he made something happen
Jett Elek was good as the forward/ruck option with Dent backing him up in the ruck it gave him an option to fly for some hangers up forward

Vic Metro (El Souki i didnt notice DNP?)
Good
Lachie Hicks was a strong inside mid
Seb Maric took a lot of leading marks and i50s good all around KPF game, couldve kicked a few more goals, unless he kicked some late that i mightve missed

Worth a mention
George Dimer very small player but he plays with a lot if heart and spirit
Brodie Wilson looked great as a small forward
Mitch Gillan played well in the midfield
Griffin Barker i think he played a half underager, didnt get huge numbers, but absolute class with his depth and accuracy of kicking
Albert MacGowan not his best game, but still had a few good moments
Flynn Woolhouse, got fed the ball a lot by Marsic and kicked a couple at least i think, took a couple good hangers as well


Diappointed in
Cody Templeton
Marcus Krasnadamskis
Clancy Snell

 

[EDFL follower]

Went to Werribee today, was lovely and warm in the sun, the first game was the best of the 2 and it was absolutely dominated by Vic Metro, vic country getting 3 of the first 4 goals and barely getting near it afterwards, the score ending up Vic Metro 119 - 35 Vic Country

Some players that stood out


Vic Country (without Drever) Game 1
Good
Clancy Stuart tried hard in the midfield, lacks a bit of athleticism, but was a light in the darkness for vic countrys midfield

Worth a mention
Jack Emerson tried hard as a leading target for vic country winning llenty of it and trying to link with fumbly team mates
Toby Hellesey as an underager showed a few glimpses, looks a good tall prosoect for the future
Charlie Hanegraaf was ok at hbf, contested hard all day under a lot of pressure

Vic Metro
Good
Gus Teixeira had a big second half, looked very good with some wayward disposal, got so much of it even resting forward, bog stats-wise
Jordan Knapp is a classy unit, good clearances and i50s, classy disposal, good composure, massive tick for AFL Traits imo
Angus Tippett was very good and flexible in positions for a tallish guy, good athleticism
Archie Fogarty was involved in a bunch of good plays on the wings
Harper McCulloch was good in spurts, good undedage performance

Worth a mention
Harvie Cooke came on after half time and provided plenty of run even if not always used on the outside
Angus Brown looked dangerous up forward for an underager
Judd Lemon linked up well in a dominant midfield
Chas Woodward had a good game out wide on the wings
Harrison Leeder played the 3rd tall forward well
Sam Gayfer also cashing in on the dominance
Jake Miller had a few good plays

Oliver Griffen kicked a couple goals or so, but didnt really stamp himself of the game
‐---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game 2 was a lot closer of a game, i left before the game ended so not sure who won, but vic ketro were in the lead when i left

Vic Country (Oliver Boddenberg inj early in 1st)
Good
Sonny Beasy looked good in midfield, tough little inside mid who provided run every now and then
Jackson Phillips another mid who played well in the trials, inside mid, provided a lot of clearance wins directly and indirectly

Worth a mention
Charlie Gray had to take a few tough marks and run hard into position on the wing
Max Thompson looked classy all day on the flanks, when he had it he made something happen
Jett Elek was good as the forward/ruck option with Dent backing him up in the ruck it gave him an option to fly for some hangers up forward

Vic Metro (El Souki i didnt notice DNP?)
Good
Lachie Hicks was a strong inside mid
Seb Maric took a lot of leading marks and i50s good all around KPF game, couldve kicked a few more goals, unless he kicked some late that i mightve missed

Worth a mention
George Dimer very small player but he plays with a lot if heart and spirit
Brodie Wilson looked great as a small forward
Mitch Gillan played well in the midfield
Griffin Barker i think he played a half underager, didnt get huge numbers, but absolute class with his depth and accuracy of kicking
Albert MacGowan not his best game, but still had a few good moments
Flynn Woolhouse, got fed the ball a lot by Marsic and kicked a couple at least i think, took a couple good hangers as well


Diappointed in
Cody Templeton
Marcus Krasnadamskis
Clancy Snell

Metro won the second game by 35 points.
Agree that Snell didn’t have a great day. Thought Cody Templeton played reasonably well. One for metro that I thought played well was 16 in the backline - Will Johnson - took a heap of intercept marks in the second game.
Also thought Rodan played well for metro - assume he is the goal umps son?

 

[Davo-27]

Metro won the second game by 35 points.
Agree that Snell didn’t have a great day. Thought Cody Templeton played reasonably well. One for metro that I thought played well was 16 in the backline - Will Johnson - took a heap of intercept marks in the second game.
Also thought Rodan played well for metro - assume he is the goal umps son?

Yep son of David Rodan, he played 111 for Port Adel and a bunch for Richmond, so Port FS option for 2027 around top 10, might be headed to Tassie?

I heard them yell Will a lot, i think he did the kick ins as well

 

[Davo-27]

Top players for vic metro and vic country imo

Vic Metro - 30

Blake Justice
Baxter Sruk
Harrison Chapman
Arki Butler
Harry Van Hattum
Koby Bewick
Lewis Houndsome
Tate Hodgson
Kai Parker
Max Downes
Jordan Knapp
Gus Teixiera
Archie Fogarty
Angus Tippett
Jake Miller
Albert MacGowan
Lachie Hicks
Brodie Wilson
Seb Marsic
Khaled El Souki
Flynn Woolhouse
Griffin Barker
Mitch Gillan
Angus Brown
Harrison Leeder
Sam Gayfer
Harvie Cooke
Chas Woolward
Harper McCulloch
Judd Lemon?

Vic Country (Jack Pickett inj) - 21

Cody Walker
Max Thompson
Marlon Neocleous
Wil Malady
Noah Williams
Xavier Ladbrook
Darcy Szerszyn
Tanner Armstrong
Gus Kennedy
Ethan Drever
Sonny Beasy
Charlie Gray
Jackson Phillips
Jett Elek
Charlie Hanegraaf
Toby Hellessey
Jack Emerson
Clancy Stuart
Clancy Snell
Cody Templeton
Marcus Prasad

 

[EDFL follower]

Top players for vic metro and vic country imo

Vic Metro - 30

Blake Justice
Baxter Sruk
Harrison Chapman
Arki Butler
Harry Van Hattum
Koby Bewick
Lewis Houndsome
Tate Hodgson
Kai Parker
Max Downes
Jordan Knapp
Gus Teixiera
Archie Fogarty
Angus Tippett
Jake Miller
Albert MacGowan
Lachie Hicks
Brodie Wilson
Seb Marsic
Khaled El Souki
Flynn Woolhouse
Griffin Barker
Mitch Gillan
Angus Brown
Harrison Leeder
Sam Gayfer
Harvie Cooke
Chas Woolward
Harper McCulloch
Judd Lemon?

Vic Country (Jack Pickett inj) - 21

Cody Walker
Max Thompson
Marlon Neocleous
Wil Malady
Noah Williams
Xavier Ladbrook
Darcy Szerszyn
Tanner Armstrong
Gus Kennedy
Ethan Drever
Sonny Beasy
Charlie Gray
Jackson Phillips
Jett Elek
Charlie Hanegraaf
Toby Hellessey
Jack Emerson
Clancy Stuart
Clancy Snell
Cody Templeton
Marcus Prasad

Fairly sure max Thomson is a bottom ager this year

Top players for vic metro and vic country imo

Vic Metro - 30

Blake Justice
Baxter Sruk
Harrison Chapman
Arki Butler
Harry Van Hattum
Koby Bewick
Lewis Houndsome
Tate Hodgson
Kai Parker
Max Downes
Jordan Knapp
Gus Teixiera
Archie Fogarty
Angus Tippett
Jake Miller
Albert MacGowan
Lachie Hicks
Brodie Wilson
Seb Marsic
Khaled El Souki
Flynn Woolhouse
Griffin Barker
Mitch Gillan
Angus Brown
Harrison Leeder
Sam Gayfer
Harvie Cooke
Chas Woolward
Harper McCulloch
Judd Lemon?

Vic Country (Jack Pickett inj) - 21

Cody Walker
Max Thompson
Marlon Neocleous
Wil Malady
Noah Williams
Xavier Ladbrook
Darcy Szerszyn
Tanner Armstrong
Gus Kennedy
Ethan Drever
Sonny Beasy
Charlie Gray
Jackson Phillips
Jett Elek
Charlie Hanegraaf
Toby Hellessey
Jack Emerson
Clancy Stuart
Clancy Snell
Cody Templeton
Marcus Prasad

max Thompson is a bottom age player - great kick on him

 

[Davo-27]

Fairly sure max Thomson is a bottom ager this year

max Thompson is a bottom age player - great kick on him

Theres a few bottom agers in both teams

Sruk, Bewick, McCulloch, Miller, Barker for VM Thompson for VC

VC could play Oliver Boddenberg, Kyan Walters, Riley Travaglia or Lachlan Pring if they need an injection of quality from the 2027 draft, even Cohen Dent is good ruck depth from 2027 draft pool