The final opportunity for prospects to elevate their draft stock was on show at the AFL Draft Combine. Through athletic testing there were risers and sliders, but even more importantly was the opportunity for clubs to meet face to face and properly evaluate the talent in the 2026 draft crop.
The overwhelming consensus from recruiters is that this year's crop runs deeper than the 2025 edition. Clubs will be more confident picking through the second round and into the third, which is reflected in the value of those selections at the trade table.
With rule changes, you can expect a much shorter first round with higher picks required to match early bids. That's despite the top two talents in the draft being club-tied and a further two to three being snapped up in the first round. There could be as little as 18 to 20 selections on the first night of the draft in direct contrast to the 25 and 27 players taken in the previous two drafts.
As opposed to last year when Willem Duursma separated himself as the pick 1 apparent, there is no concrete news on which way Essendon is heading in the open pool. A group of five leading prospects are all still genuine chances despite the buzz around a Vic Country midfielder. Port Adelaide NGA star Dougie Cochrane is all but assured of having his name read out first come November 19th.
These top 40 draft rankings reflect where prospects are expected to be taken based on exposed form, upside at AFL level and club intel after a week where every recruiting team gets together and consolidates draft boards.
Just six weeks out from the 2026 AFL Draft, this is ESPN's post-combine power rankings for October.
Full combine wrap and results here
Previous rankings: April | May | June | July | August | September | October
1. Dougie Cochrane (Port Adelaide NGA) (previously: 1)
Central District/South Australia
FWD/MID, 195cm
SANFL: 4 games, 17.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.3 tackles
Cochrane has stuck at one all season long despite only playing four games at the tail end of 2026. The Port NGA gun has sat at the top of the crop since his exploits in the U16s national championships. In his return to the SANFL he played in defence, taking kick ins and collecting gaudy numbers in trying conditions at times. He's a do-it-all tall with elite aerial prowess, strong running numbers and a booming kick. Cochrane will be drafted at no. 1 by Port Adelaide through a matched bid, and the key forward possesses midfield ambitions in time.
Traits similar to: Charlie Curnow
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 is one of the more impressive footballers to come through the pathways in some time. He's effectively been part of the Carlton squad while playing in the VFL side this year, attending line meetings and team dinners while living full-time in Melbourne. The Echuca native is a natural ball-winner and excellent athlete with fast twitch lateral movement through congestion. He breaks tackles, drives his legs and showed his aerobic power with a 6:04 minute 2km at the combine. Walker's knocks have, and continue to be, his ball use and decision making. He bites off a lot on most of his touches and his rushed disposal can be detrimental at times.
Traits similar to: Chad Warner
3. Arki Butler (4)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 182cm
National Championships: 3 games, 12.3 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.7 goals
Butler's season was impacted by a cracked collarbone at the championships and a hamstring that ruled him out of combine testing. That all came after some of the biggest performances you'll see this year. Butler had a game of 33 disposals, eight goals and seven behinds for Brighton Grammar, and a 26-disposal, four-goal outing in Sandringham's opening game this year. He's powerfully built and thrives in one-on-ones ahead of the ball where his strong hands in the air and speed off the mark at ground level sees him kick goals in a variety of ways. It will take a brave team to read out Butler's name in the top three of this draft given his position as a small forward and late-season injuries, but it may take an even braver team to pass up the most high-impact player in this year's draft.
Traits similar to: Toby Greene
READ: 'All damage' - Arki Butler is the 2026 draft's most watchable junior footballer
4. Ethan Drever (6)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
MID, 188cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 4.2 tackles
Coming into the season Drever loomed as a potential first round prospect. He's now the most likely to have his name read out first in the open pool. Drever is the ideal modern day midfielder, with leg-driving burst out of the front of stoppage and a penchant for kicking long-range goals. He has a want to chase and pressure that comes through in his tackle numbers, and has put together consistent performances in wins and losses across an injury-free year. It's all come together for the Ballarat local to potentially be Essendon's choice at the top of the board.
Traits similar to: Finn Callaghan
5. Harry Van Hattum (5)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
RUC/FWD, 205cm
National Championships: 4 games, 10.8 disposals, 2.5 marks, 22.0 hitouts
There hasn't been a prospect quite like Van Hattum to come through the draft in decades. Rucks have been drafted this high in recent years, but not possessing the mature body and physicality that defines Van Hattum's game. He's an enforcer through the middle of the ground and loves to follow up with strength through the contest. On the outside the Knights star is a beautiful kick on his preferred right and has scope to be a genuine goalkicker in the forward 50. Inconsistency and concerns over his ability to cover the ground means Van Hattum has dropped from pick one contention, but he's a probable top 10 pick and has all the talent in the world to become the next great ruckman in the AFL.
Traits similar to: Brodie Grundy
READ: 'I just hate that' - Harry Van Hattum wants to end ruck disrespect
6. Heath Mellody (4)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID/DEF, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 28.2 disposals, 5.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Larke Medal, All-Australian captain, WAFL Grand Final. It was a magnificent finish to 2026 for Mellody, who has risen into pick one calculations following a league debut that was undeniable. The hard-running Claremont product graduated on-ball for WA and starred with big numbers and a balanced style, blending inside grunt work with elite spread. His kicking suffered under pressure but it's one of his weapons streaming off halfback so recruiters won't be concerned with his inefficiency through the midfield, and he showed he can mix it with senior bodies. Mellody will be right in the mix for West Coast's pick three come November and won't be available much later given his exposed form, though he clearly ran out of steam towards the end of the season and wasn't a standout at the combine with a 6:30 minute 2km and 3.042 second 20m sprint.
Traits similar to: Lachie Ash
7. Gus Teixeira (5)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.0 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 1.8 goals
The power, composure and skill Teixeira plays with gives him a great platform to explode at the next level. There's little doubt he can become a midfielder but his best football for Vic Metro came as a half forward where he took the game on and hit the scoreboard consistently. Teixeira doesn't have the tricks of the game's best small forwards but he plays with the aggression befitting the most damaging mid-forwards in the AFL. His draft range is entrenched in the top 10.
Traits similar to: Jordan De Goey
8. Sam Gayfer (13)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
FWD, 194cm
National Championships: 4 games, 11.0 disposals, 4.2 marks, 2.5 goals
The biggest riser out of the weekend, but not just through his testing. Gayfer is an elite athletic prospect with the highest leap of any prospect to test at the national combine. It comes through in the tape; Gayfer took one of the great hangers out of the goal square earlier in the year, a moment that will be replayed throughout his career. He's become the leading key forward prospect and was a talisman for Vic Metro's undefeated campaign, plus impressed in club interviews and with his attitude towards his footy future. The nephew of Collingwood premiership defender Mick, Gayfer is right in the sights of the Pies and Saints at the end of the top 10, and could even be a consideration for North Melbourne and Melbourne earlier in the piece.
Traits similar to: Mitch Georgiades
9. Mitch Harris (8)
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 8.8 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Amongst a crop of three excellent key defensive prospects this year Harris has separated himself. He played impressively at league level for WWT including three finals outings, but didn't test at the combine after an ankle injury playing basketball the week prior. Clubs know that Harris is an old school lockdown defender that rarely gets beaten, but are keen to see him take on more responsibility intercepting in the air and even make good on opportunities forward of the ball. Harris values defence highly and has the size to take on genuine key forwards at the next level.
Traits similar to: Sam Collins
10. Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy) (9)
Giants Academy/Allies
MID, 186cm
National Championships: 2 games, 25.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 6.0 tackles
Matthews has been out of sight since a blistering start to the national championships for the Allies, but the Giants know they have their best academy prospect since Tom Green. He's a balanced midfielder with elite hands in the contest and the want to spread and link up in transition. GWS is in an interesting spot with a bid expected around their pick seven on draft night - they could find more points and trade up to snare two top 10 talents, or even take him with their live selection.
Traits similar to: Sam Flanders
11. Wil Malady (10)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 10.7 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.3 goals
Malady had a litany of brilliant moments late in the season. For Haileybury in the APS Grand Final he was a clear standout for his side in a losing effort, and he ripped the Talent League Grand Final apart with a flurry of goals in the third term. His excellent aerial craft is aided by a monster leap and he has the speed and agility to wow at ground level. Malady plays a difficult role as a third tall that can also start on a wing, but he makes his moments count and possesses all the tools to become an impactful forward at the next level.
Traits similar to: Ollie Henry
12. Clancy Snell (11)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
DEF, 196cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 7.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Snell is the best intercept mark in the pool. An excellent reader of the play that backs himself to roll off his man and kickstart transition, there have been moments where it can backfire and his direct opponent gets off the chain. It's a style of play that can suit the modern game but Snell hasn't convinced clubs he can be more disciplined in his defending. He ran a strong 6:23 minute 2km in a sign he can get involved offensively up field and there's little doubt he will become a weapon out of the backline, but the concerns around his capacity to defend one-on-one are real.
Traits similar to: Josh Worrell
13. Leo Steed (14)
Swan Districts/Western Australia
MID, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 23.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.0 tackles
Steed isn't the most naturally gifted footballer but he gets the absolute best out of himself. Over the off-season he transformed his kicking action and has become a reliable ball user, and his engine was on show all year as a pure midfielder at colts level and for WA. At league level he played heavy forward minutes and was able to impact, but there are concerns around his positional versatility at the next level. Steed's clean hands, dogged defensive running and professionalism will see him taken in the first round with hopes that he makes it as a genuine inside midfielder despite his size.
Traits similar to: Caleb Serong
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
14. Caylen Murray (Lions Academy) (17)
Lions Academy/Allies
DEF/MID, 183cm
National Championships: 4 games, 24.0 disposals, 6.8 marks, 1.8 tackles
There's a real chance that Lions Academy star Murray is a top 10 pick in November. That would put a significant points crunch on Brisbane with a 20% Grand Final loading meaning they would need to find an additional first round pick for the Allies MVP. Offering silky ball use and smooth movement out of the backline, Murray looks an excellent halfback option in the crop. He works hard to the right spots and is reliable by hand and foot, plus has provided flashes of upside as a centre bounce midfielder. Clubs are keen on the Maroochydore product who knows his future may not be with the Lions.
Traits similar to: Lachie Whitfield
15. Jake Eime (15)
Central District/South Australia
DEF, 182cm
National Championships: 4 games, 20.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1.2 tackles
The speed that Eime plays with plus his penchant to take the game on and break lines gives him a great chance at being a first round pick. He recorded a 6:12 minute 2km and 3.001 second 20m sprint in a showing of his athleticism on the weekend. The Crows were knocked back in their bid to have him added to their NGA program this year, but would be right in the mix for him in the first round regardless.
Traits similar to: Darcy Wilmot
16. Khaled El Souki (Western Bulldogs NGA) (12)
FWD, 174cm
National Championships: 1 game, 10.0 disposals, 5.0 tackles, 1.0 goals
El Souki just kept kicking goals and making defenders look silly. A natural footballer with the power to play through contact, the Dogs NGA product is a lovely left foot user and has enjoyed successful midfield minutes across the season. He's worked hard on his fitness and ball skills to prove to recruiters he can step into a professional environment and thrive.
Traits similar to: Kysaiah Pickett
17. Jack Pickett (23)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
FWD, 194cm
Clubs haven't forgotten that Pickett was the leading key forward prospect heading into the season. Unfortunately he tore his ACL before playing a game and has been rehabilitating it ever since. Pickett has presence down the line, playing at his best with hands outstretched on the lead. He's an accurate set shot and kicked 31 goals from eight games last year.
Traits similar to: Jye Amiss
18. Tyson Bradley (20)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF, 195cm
National Championships: 4 games, 14.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Bradley is the third key defender in the first round mix. He's the best ball user of the group and has been a leader through his junior career, plus took out Vic Metro's MVP in an undefeated championships. Concerns around his athleticism may be warranted, but Bradley also recorded a top 10 time in the agility test this weekend. He will need to add size through pre-seasons before taking on the AFL's key forwards.
Traits similar to: Jordan Ridley
19. Koby LeCras (26)
West Perth/Western Australia
FWD/MID, 192cm
LeCras partially tore his ACL after a best on ground performance for the AFL Academy. Six months on and he took part in the 2km, posting a 6:23 despite only training fully for six weeks. It was an impressive return and showed his diligence in rehab. LeCras can play on a wing or through the forward line, seeing himself as a third tall that can kick goals in a variety of ways. The nephew of Eagles premiership small forward Mark deserves consideration towards the back end of the first round.
Traits similar to: Ollie Dempsey
20. Ethan Herbert (18)
North Adelaide/South Australia
RUC/FWD, 200cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.8 disposals, 3.0 marks, 2.5 tackles
Herbert operates as another midfielder when the ball hits the deck with good hands below his knees and an appetite to spread and be an option around the ground. Clubs also see upside in him at either end of the ground. He doesn't have great ruck craft and has been beaten by others at times this year, but his strengths are encouraging and there's real upside in his game at senior level with time.
Traits similar to: Tim English
21. Kodah Edwards (19)
South Adelaide/South Australia
MID, 183cm
National Championships: 4 games, 22.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 3.2 tackles
Edwards's positional versatility will help him come November. The SA captain was a beacon of consistency at the championships in a tough year for the Croweaters and put up massive numbers in the SANFL U18s. He's a contested midfielder first and foremost, but has had great success winning one-on-ones and kicking goals up forward. Edwards's lack of pace and haphazard kicking are the main concerns going into the draft.
Traits similar to: Matt Kennedy
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
22. Noah Williams (21)
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
MID, 177cm
National Championships: 4 games, 15.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.8 tackles
Williams has slid this year after a hot start for the Falcons and AFL Academy. He's a smaller midfielder that doesn't use the ball particularly well, but his tackling pressure and endeavour to play defence is a highlight. Williams works himself into the ground and if not for a torrid stretch of injuries he would have shown more in his top-age campaign.
Traits similar to: Tom Atkins
23. Harvie Cooke (25)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID/FWD, 176cm
National Championships: 4 games, 17.5 disposals, 7.0 marks, 1.0 goals
Cooke couldn't have done much more this year. He took out the Talent League best and fairest and showed he can play good football as a forward when required for Vic Metro. He's clean and quick to process the game around him, moving the ball at tempo. Preventing him from moving up the board is doubts about his midfield proficiency given his size and lack of standout athletic traits.
Traits similar to: Jake Soligo
24. Toby Krasna (28)
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Championships: 3 games, 19.0 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.0 goals
Krasna has fans in the first round. There's some X-factor in his forward-half game, able to zig and zag around opponents while picking out teammates further afield with neat ball skills. If he doesn't stick as a midfielder at the next level it may be difficult for him to impact off half forward after a season where he was at his best with heavy on-ball clock.
Traits similar to: Jake Soligo
25. Marlon Neocleous (22)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD/MID, 168cm
National Championships: 2 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 0.5 goals
There's no doubting Neocleous has the tricks befitting the game's best small forwards. He looks up to Nick Watson and similarly has some extraordinary moments that catch the eye, but he doesn't possess the pace to separate from the best lockdown defenders which limits his upside. Neocleous loves to get up the ground and is incisive with his ball use.
Traits similar to: Jack Higgins
26. Harrison Chapman (16)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 3 games, 18.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 2.0 tackles
Chapman will likely slide on draft night in comparison to the talent he possesses after an inconsistent season. He can play a variety of roles and as of now looks most at home on a wing where he can work in space because of his skinny frame limiting the contested ball he wins. If he can put the running, class and ball use together while adding to his frame there's real upside in what he presents as a midfielder in time.
Traits similar to: Will Day
27. Gabe Patterson (24)
Glenelg/South Australia
FWD, 184cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 2.5 tackles, 1.0 goals
Patterson has been difficult to place in the overall rankings for clubs. The forward ran a 7:05 minute 2km and was trailing his group, but is clearly a burst athlete with the power to win his own ball. Patterson has had massive games including a five goal outing late in the season but has also been inconsistent and didn't impact at the championships. Clubs know his talent is worthy of a first round pick.
Traits similar to: Beau McCreery
28. Keenan Boi (Hawthorn NGA) (29)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 180cm
National Championships: 3 games, 13.3 disposals, 4.7 marks, 1.0 goals
Boi is a cult hero in waiting - the attack on the man and ball, flowing locks and forward-half power all stand out when you watch him in action, but there's a steeliness to his game that will ensure he can transition up a level. Boi can play a variety of selfless roles as a medium forward and makes quick decisions under pressure that are typically good.
Traits similar to: Sam Powell-Pepper
29. Lochie Burrows (33)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF/MID, 181cm
National Championships: 4 games, 13.0 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.8 tackles
There are clubs who rate Burrows as a first round pick this year. The hard-nosed midfielder played some of his best footy as a defender at the national championships and showed off his versatility through all three areas of the ground. He runs hard, competes defensively and gets his hands dirty, but may be pigeonholed into lockdown defensive roles in the AFL.
Traits similar to: Max Michalanney
30. Albert MacGowan (31)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 187cm
National Championships: 4 games, 22.8 disposals, 6.2 marks, 1.0 tackles
MacGowan led all comers in the 2km time trial in a stellar 5:59 minutes. That engine is on show through games off a wing and in minutes on-ball he's held his own too. The questions remain around his pace at the next level, but MacGowan's overhead marking, footy IQ and running power will give him a chance of becoming a good wingman.
Traits similar to: Matt Johnson
31. George Dimer (30)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
FWD, 173cm
National Championships: 3 games, 16.0 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.0 goals
Dimer is full of energy and creativity, always on the move at stoppages and at the drop of the ball, ready to impact with clean hands and a turn of pace. He offers good forward craft and can use his size advantageously to draw free kicks or flash through packs and emerge with ball in hand.
Traits similar to: Hussien El Achkar
32. Sam Devers (-)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
DEF, 189cm
National Championships: 2 games, 12.0 disposals, 2.5 marks, 1.0 tackles
Devers tested well at the combine and is in that second round frame for some clubs. He ran a blistering 2.925 20m sprint which comes across in his willingness to tuck the ball and run out of defence. He can be scrappy by foot but the size to play on a range of forwards and attacking mindset shines through in-game.
Traits similar to: Tom McCarthy
33. George Gale (35)
Claremont/Western Australia
MID, 190cm
National Championships: 4 games, 27.8 disposals, 5.2 marks, 2.8 tackles
Gale was an inside beast for WA this season and finished his year in a WAFL Grand Final with Claremont. Showing he matched up with senior bodies was important, but his lack of pace will be a detriment in the AFL system. Gale is professional, competes hard and is a good kick in space so could stick as a wingman.
Traits similar to: Bo Allan
34. Darcy Szerszyn (-)
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
DEF, 190cm
National Championships: 4 games, 16.8 disposals, 5.0 marks, 1.0 tackles
Szerszyn had a strong combine and that comes across in the tape, with speed off the mark and a good leap at his size. He has matched up on key forwards in the past but will be a third tall option at the next level with the want to run and carry off halfback, and can be entrusted as a ball user out of defence.
Traits similar to: Bodhi Uwland
35. Lachie Hicks (-)
Western Jets/Vic Metro
MID, 183cm
National Championships: 16.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.0 tackles
Possibly the biggest winner out of the combine was Hicks. He went fifth all-time in the agility test, ran the second best 2km and was top 10 in the sprint. Hicks is a ball magnet through the midfield with elite spread from congestion, but needs to become a better ball user and make better decisions in dangerous areas to warrant on-ball minutes.
Traits similar to: Joe Richards
36. Jackson Phillips (27)
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
MID, 182cm
National Championships: 4 games, 16.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.2 tackles
Phillips's Stingrays are Grand Final bound, aided by his excellent midfield play. He offers impact with every possession, not collecting huge numbers but getting the ball in dangerous spots and regularly hitting the scoreboard. He likely doesn't exhibit the tools to be a bona fide inside midfielder at the next level but has positional versatility in his ball use and running power and could play off a wing or half forward.
Traits similar to: Brayden Cook
37. Marcus Prasad (32)
Dandenong Stingrays
FWD/MID, 167cm
Talent League: 10 games, 18.6 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 2.0 goals
Prasad didn't garner enough interest to attend the national combine but he has some serious traits. The small forward gets up the ground to impact and has fantastic hands under pressure, executing skills quickly and stepping out of trouble with composure. His size means he'll be limited to the inside 50 but Prasad's agility and quickness hand to foot is an intriguing mix.
Traits similar to: Isaiah Dudley
38. Xavier Ladbrook (-)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
DEF, 201cm
National Championships: 4 games, 11.5 disposals, 5.5 marks, 0.8 goals
Rated as the fourth key defender in the draft class, Ladbrook is a good runner that has spent time up on a wing or roaming forward as well. He plays within himself with safe ball use and doesn't have the intercepting prowess of Power teammate Snell but offers interesting traits for teams to invest in with the running power at his height. He will need to build size to play down back in the future.
Traits similar to: Ethan Read
39. Benji Van Rooyen (35)
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 national championships. Working against him is the time he may take to develop his conditioning and aerial presence on an AFL list. He's a competitor that, while lacking brother Jacob's athleticism, has safe hands and a selflessness that works alongside his midfielders.
Traits similar to: Jordon Sweet
40. Cody Templeton (-)
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
FWD, 180cm
National Championships: 3 games, 10.3 disposals, 1.3 tackles, 1.7 goals
Templeton didn't earn a national combine invite but it didn't stop him from ripping apart the Talent League Grand Final in a reminder of his skillset. The powerful forward can be a difficult matchup; always on the move and able to separate quickly, Templeton kicked five goals from 18 disposals to propel Gippsland to the premiership. His draft range may not begin much earlier than this point but he should get an opportunity on an AFL list.
Traits similar to: Ben Long