There are four names in the race to be the 'open pool top pick' in this year's AFL draft, but they're behind a pair of club-tied prospects, with ESPN's No. 1 delivering his first starring performance of the year.
Dougie Cochrane has returned to SANFL level after a year out due to patella surgery. His exploits in his second game back -- including 30 disposals from defence in sopping conditions -- confirmed his status as the biggest name in the draft pool.
There's a ruckman in Essendon's pick 1 race, alongside two Sandringham Dragons who have dominated all year. Rounding it out is the dark horse: Ethan Drever continues to stack big games for the GWV Rebels and has all the traits befitting the game's best midfielders.
Draft boards around the league have been consolidated and the names are starting to take shape. This is ESPN's top 30 AFL Draft power rankings for August.
Previous rankings: April | May | June | July | August
1. Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA) (previously: 1)
Central District/South Australia
FWD/MID, 195cm
SANFL: 3 games, 16.0 disposals, 2.7 marks, 2.0 tackles
Cochrane returned to footy after nearly a full year on the sidelines in August. The hybrid tall has previously shown his extraordinary talent up forward where his athletic prowess and aggression stands out, but the clinical skill and bravery have been standout qualities in defence for Port Adelaide. The 195cm swingman is showing it at both ends of the ground, with a 30-disposal performance from deep defence in the sopping wet his standout game from 2026. The Magpies are struggling this season but Cochrane's return has been a shining light, and his game against West Adelaide may have sewn up the no. 1 overall pick come November.
2. Cody Walker (Carlton father-son) (2)
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
MID, 184cm
National Championships: 3 games, 23.7 disposals, 3.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles
Walker has offered different elements of his game at VFL level, including a blinding game off a wing for the Blues in the past fortnight. His ability around contest is unmatched in this draft; Walker swoops on loose balls and explodes from congestion like few others, able to tuck the ball and bound away with lightning speed. His undoing - as has been the case through his entire junior career - is his ball use. Walker continues to struggle by foot and was the worst rated player at the national championships by ball use metrics.
3. Harry Van Hattum (3)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
RUC/FWD, 205cm
National Championships: 4 games, 10.8 disposals, 2.5 marks, 22.0 hitouts
There is no one quite like Van Hattum at AFL level. A bruising 205cm ruckman with a leap bigger than Nic Naitanui and the ball skills to run around as a midfielder. It's putting it all together that the Knight is coming to terms with. He's experienced niggles including achilles bursitis which meant he came into the championships underdone, but is clearly hampered by his fitness levels and his around the ground work doesn't befit a number one pick. The upside remains tantalising but clubs have doubts on Van Hattum's ability to reach his peak.
READ: 'I just hate that' - Harry Van Hattum wants to end ruck disrespect
4. Arki Butler (4)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 182cm
National Championships: 3 games, 12.3 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.7 goals
Butler returned from six weeks on the sideline with a broken collarbone on the weekend to feature in Brighton Grammar's big win in the inaugural APS Grand Final. Butler is a savant in the forward 50 with the body work, hands and skill to dominate in every facet of gameplay. He is yet to prove it as a midfielder but clubs have raved about his upside in the modern game.
READ: 'All damage' - Arki Butler is the 2026 draft's most watchable junior footballer
5. Gus Teixeira (6)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.0 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 1.8 goals
Appreciate the moments of brilliance Teixeira provides. The powerful midfielder doesn't stuff the stat sheet, but his crafty ball use is so valuable. Teixeira creates space with an arch of the back and makes good use of the time available, creatively picking out targets inside 50 to rack up score assists. He hits the scoreboard himself, has proved his midfield wares and is the no. 1 rated player on some recruiters' draft boards of the open pool at this point of the season given his consistent performances.
Editor's note: Teixeira has suffered a calf injury and could miss up to four weeks.
THE PICK 1 PIE? Who is in the running to be taken first from the open pool?
6. Ethan Drever (5)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
MID, 188cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 4.2 tackles
Drever demands attention. The smooth mover is only a moment's notice away from collecting the ball on the run, burning off his opponent and kicking a long range goal when given the opportunity. His supreme athleticism stands out on the field, able to create separation at a whim and execute by foot in that space. He's got his hands dirty at Talent League level with big clearance numbers over the past month but remains at his best receiving clean ball on the outside.
Fresh #AFLDraft rankings dropping tomorrow! Worth familiarising yourself with a name that'll feature prominently all season long - Rebels inside midfielder Ethan Drever.@ESPNAusNZ @FootyStuffYT pic.twitter.com/A2n7F5TOsX
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) May 12, 2026
7. Clancy Snell (8)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
DEF, 196cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 7.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Snell is one of the most aggressive interceptors to come through the elite pathways in some time. He plays a key defensive role with similarities to Tom Stewart, setting himself to mark high balls and backing himself in the air against any opponent. Snell will opt to mark over punch most times, and boats the closing speed and size to play on true key forwards. He is one of three key defenders in the first round frame in 2026.
8. Heath Mellody (7)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID/DEF, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 28.2 disposals, 5.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
The silky halfback got his shot in the midfield against Vic Country and hasn't looked back. Mellody is a dogged runner that thrives on the end of uncontested ball. He links chains with class and precision, picking out targets further afield off either foot. Mellody has been tough to grade for recruiters given his lack of exposure in the WAFL but he has dominated at school level for Hale and was the Larke Medallist at the national championships, leading allcomers for disposals.
9. Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy) (14)
Giants Academy/Allies
MID, 186cm
National Championships: 2 games, 25.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 6.0 tackles
The run, clean hands and safe ball use of Matthews makes for a strong combination through the midfield. He was clearly the Allies' best in a campaign hampered by injury and will likely end up a top 10 pick in November, meaning GWS will be shopping their first round selection in the trade period.
10. Wil Malady (13)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 10.7 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.3 goals
Malady's three first half goals weren't enough for Caulfield Grammar in the APS Grand Final, but it was a showing that reflects his enormous upside ahead of the ball. The skinny tall is a fantastic runner to provide outlets and has a pogo stick vertical to sit on defenders' heads. Malady can be inconsistent in his performances but he is clearly a first round talent with projections to become a matchup nightmare in the air.
11. Khaled El Souki (Western Bulldogs NGA) (18)
Western Jets/Vic Metro
FWD, 174cm
National Championships: 1 game, 10.0 disposals, 5.0 tackles, 1.0 goals
There's no avoiding El Souki's talent for the Bulldogs anymore. A quick return from a fractured ankle gave the small forward a look at Vic Metro's final game for the carnival and he debuted with Footscray in the VFL to the tune of 14 disposals and three goals before turning his attention to a finals campaign with the Western Jets. El Souki can be near impossible to tackle with his core strength and low centre of gravity, and he has become an exceptional ball user in the forward half. He leads the Talent League goal kicking as a half forward pinch hitting through the middle.
Dogs fans should be pumped to watch Khaled El Souki develop this year. A dynamic small that wins his own ball up afield, came third in the Jets' b&f last year.
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) March 24, 2026
Finished with 23 and two goals, his second half was sensational vs Calder #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/45T9i2m9tJ
12. Mitch Harris (16)
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 8.8 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Harris is an elite aerial presence but does his most effective work as a lockdown defender. He's attentive and physical in his body work early, establishing position to nullify contests and win one-on-ones. There's scope for Harris to play up forward as he's done at school level this year.
13. Sam Gayfer (12)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
FWD, 194cm
National Championships: 4 games, 11.0 disposals, 4.2 marks, 2.5 goals
The vertical leap and aggression of Gayfer through air is a joy to watch, crashing packs and exerting his presence consistently through games. He was the best performed key forward for Vic Metro and is spearheading the top-of-the-ladder Knights heading into Talent League finals.
14. Harrison Chapman (10)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 18.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 2.0 tackles
Chapman has some elite traits that excite recruiters. He's a transition midfielder with the engine to burn off opponents throughout the day and the skill to carve up defensive zones. He lacks the contested game to be projected as an inside midfielder but he could eventually transition on-ball with a frame and style similar to Will Day.
15. Ethan Herbert (11)
North Adelaide/South Australia
RUC/FWD, 200cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.8 disposals, 3.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Herbert is an excellent contested ball winner at a true ruck size. He extracts the footy with deft hands around the contest and uses his frame to protect the ball in congestion. Herbert has some skill around the ground and likes to take it on by foot, but hasn't produced his best ruck craft this season.
16. Kodah Edwards (9)
South Adelaide/South Australia
MID, 183cm
National Championships: 4 games, 22.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 3.2 tackles
The issues in Edwards' game haven't been rounded out this year and it leaves question marks over his midfield proficiency at the next level. At his best the SA captain is dynamic up forward and a bull through the contest, able to win hard balls and hit the scoreboard. Edwards' issues centre around ball use, with the SA skipper going at 55 per cent by foot and clearly choosing to kick long instead of retaining the ball with short hit ups.
Kodah Edwards is my favourite player to watch this draft cycle. 183cm mid that blends Sloane-esque doggedness with 1v1 ability in f50. Kicking is the question mark, but he consistently uses his left as he tries to round out his game.
— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) April 7, 2026
Footage courtesy of @FootyStuffYT #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zXeGfJvjk2
17. Leo Steed (15)
Swan Districts/Western Australia
MID, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 23.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.0 tackles
Steed has gotten the absolute best out of himself this year and deserves to ride the wave of momentum into the first round of the draft. His small statute belies his attack on the ball and man, willing to cop physical punishment and dish it out when he can. Steed's ball use continues to be a concern but excellent hands in the stoppage and hard running both ways have him in the top 20 mix.
State 18s young gun Leo Steed ticking along nicely at senior level for @SwanDistrictsFC since his debut in Round 2. Steed had his best league game against West Coast WAFL on Sunday, kicking two goals from 15 disposals and three inside 50s to be among his side's best.
— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) May 1, 2026
AAMI WA... pic.twitter.com/YsFmxvlEI2
18. Jake Eime (19)
Central District/South Australia
DEF, 182cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1.2 tackles
Eime proved to be an excellent halfback dasher in the championships and carried that form into a SANFL debut. He loves to run and carry with ball in hand and takes the game on with deliberate ball use through the corridor, but can be undone by his aggression at times. Eime hasn't been asked to lock down on opponents much this season.
19. Caylen Murray (Lions Academy) (21)
Lions Academy/Allies
DEF/MID, 183cm
National Championships: 24.0 disposals, 6.8 marks, 1.8 tackles
The Lions have another academy gun on the way. Murray is a beautiful ball user and plays with wonderful balance, never looking overwhelmed and working his way through decisions well. He makes the right call with ball in hand and executes in space, though hasn't shown great proficiency on ball and looks more at home as a distributor off halfback.
20. Tyson Bradley (25)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 14.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Bradley is the third of a group of key defenders who could land in the first round. The Vic Metro MVP and captain of the Sandringham Dragons is a neat ball user and can act as a distributor out of defence, plus reads the play well to operate as a sweeper behind the ball. Bradley ticks a lot of boxes for clubs in the market for a key defender around this point of the draft.
21. Noah Williams (20)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
MID, 177cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.8 tackles
There's no questioning Williams' endeavour and desperation. He's a maniacal presence at the coalface and looks at home on-ball since a move from halfback in the pre-season. Unfortunately it's been a season full of niggles and inconsistencies, and recruiters don't see the weapons that other midfielders possess at the top of the pool.
22. Harvie Cooke (22)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.5 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.0 goals
Cooke really caught the eye of draft watchers with performances as a small forward for Vic Metro having been forced out of the midfield. But the unrewarded work he does as an inside midfielder for the Knights is superb and it's part of the reason why he's in this range despite not possessing elite athletic traits. Cooke is smart and crafty with the ball, digs in to win the footy and can spread from stoppage and create opportunities.
23. George Dimer (-)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
FWD, 173cm
National Championships: 3 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.0 goals
Dimer is an intelligent small forward with the runs on the board for clubs to be confident that he won't be held back by his size. His performances for Haileybury in the APS was undeniable; plus he was one of Vic Metro's better forwards throughout the carnival despite not being a focal point on offence. He crumbs well, uses the ball smartly and creates opportunities for others.
24. Jack Pickett (24)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
FWD, 194cm
Pickett was a top prospect throughout his bottom-age campaign. He's a traditional key forward that presents full-chested at the kicker and marks with arms outstretched. He's also a lovely set shot for goal, but is rehabilitating a torn ACL this year.
25. Koby LeCras (26)
West Perth/Western Australia
FWD/MID, 192cm
A best on ground performance for the AFL Academy sits firmly in the minds for all draft watchers despite LeCras partially tearing his ACL and sitting out the rest of the year. The nephew of West Coast's Mark is a taller but equally creative half forward who can roam up onto a wing with his engine. He's clinical and efficient in his disposals.
26. Toby Krasna (-)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 3 games, 19.0 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.0 goals
Krasna does his best work in transition where he finds space and excels kicking inside 50. He won't be a centre bounce midfielder at the next level without winning more of his own ball and averaged under one clearance per game for Vic Metro, but he's a standout prospect with the ball in the forward half.
27. Gabe Patterson (23)
Glenelg/South Australia
FWD, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 2.5 tackles, 1.0 goals
Patterson will be a small forward at the next level with some power to his game. While he made the most of opportunities for SA he was starved of many chances at the carnival and returned to form when he came back to the SANFL U18s.
28. Marlon Neocleous (17)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD/MID, 168cm
National Championships: 2 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 0.5 goals
It's been a trying year for Neocleous, missing Vic Country opportunities with gameday back spasms and searching for consistency in-game. He's found most of his success up the field where he operates in more time and space. But his lack of genuine pace to create separation is an issue that will be exacerbated at the next level given his size.
29. George Gale (27)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 4 games, 27.8 disposals, 5.2 marks, 2.8 tackles
Gale is a big body that moves well around the ground, able to rack up uncontested touches with powerful running patterns. He struggles with his kicking under pressure and doesn't have big contested ball numbers but looks at home on a wing and projects to play a variety of roles at the next level.
30. Benji van Rooyen (-)
Claremont/Western Australia
RUC, 203cm
National Championships: 4 games, 14.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 20.5 hitouts
Van Rooyen was the best performing ruck at the carnival, and deserves consideration higher than this mark. He showed off strong positioning behind the ball in open play to mop up for WA countless times and he doesn't overuse the ball. There's scope for Van Rooyen to play forward at his size but his ruck craft has steadily improved this year.