AFL Draft Power Rankings: Victorian Dominance and Rising Prospects
For the first time in 2026, Craft of the Draft has released its top 30 AFL Draft prospects, revealing a compelling mix of talent across various positions. The rankings highlight a significant trend: a notable number of AFL Academy members—ten in total—did not make the cut this year.
Fewer Club Ties at the Top
While the top two prospects are linked to AFL clubs, the overall number of club-tied players in the top 30 is lower than in recent years, with only four in total. Notably, none of these prospects originate from the traditionally strong northern academies.
Victorian Strength Continues
Victoria continues to be the dominant force in AFL talent production, with 20 players on the list hailing from the state. South Australia and Western Australia follow with six and four representatives, respectively.
Prospects on the Cusp
Sturt’s Kale Matthews-Hampton was a difficult omission from the list, having demonstrated his intercepting skills and versatility at the SANFL Under-18s level and within the AFL Academy. Oakleigh Chargers key forward Seb Marsic, a recent addition to the talent pathway, also came close, showcasing strong hands and athletic ability. His teammate, Flynn Woolhouse, has also improved his standing after a strong performance in a Victorian trial game, highlighting his marking prowess.
Injury and Intrigue
Aidan McCartney, tied to both North Melbourne and Sydney, faces an uncertain path due to a season-ending injury, but remains a potential draft pick. South Australian duo Harry Franz and Jake Eime, along with Western Australian pair Leo Steed and Finlay Yeo, are also closely watched prospects. Left-footed Northern Territory prospect Sonny Smiler, recently added to the AFL Academy, is generating excitement due to his speed and development potential.
Dark Horse to Watch
Sandringham forward George Dimer is emerging as a dark horse, captivating observers with his clean skills and watchability despite a pre-season injury setback. He is considered one of the cleanest players in the draft class.
Spotlight on the Top 30
Sam Tassone: Rising Half-Back
Sam Tassone (North Adelaide, half-back) has quietly emerged as a rising prospect. His speed, ball-use, and willingness to take on the game make him a prototype half-back. He is relied upon as his side’s distributor on counter-attack and drives the ball forward with strong legs. He was not initially part of South Australia’s summer academy but is now a key member of the squad for the Under-18s National Championships.
Albert MacGowan: Composed Midfielder
Albert MacGowan (Sandringham Dragons, midfielder) stands out for his composure, vision, and skill execution in traffic. He is capable of playing off half-back or on the wing, adding versatility to the midfield mix. He will be a key player for St Kevin’s College in the APS competition.
Wil Malady: Versatile Forward
Wil Malady (Gippsland Power, forward) has consistently demonstrated his ability to find scoring opportunities. He projects as either an athletic third forward or a winger, and his leadership has been praised by both Caulfield Grammar and Gippsland Power. He is a reliable set-shot goal kicker.
Marcus Prasad: Small Forward with Impact
Marcus Prasad (Dandenong Stingrays, forward) is a small forward who impacts stoppages with his quick hands and burst of power. He kicks goals and overworks his opponents with his proactiveness.
Harvey Spawton-Guy: Versatile Utility
Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth, utility) has demonstrated competitiveness as a ruckman but is expected to develop into a key-position forward or defender at the next level. He is mobile and skillful and featured in the Under-17s Futures game.
Looking Ahead
This list will be updated monthly, with the next release scheduled for the first day of June. The AFL Draft landscape is constantly evolving, and these rankings provide a snapshot of the current top prospects.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of the AFL Academy?
A: The AFL Academy is a program designed to develop the best young AFL talent. Not making the list doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of potential, but it does suggest other players are currently rated higher.
Q: Why is Victoria so dominant in AFL talent production?
A: Victoria has a large population base and a well-established football infrastructure, contributing to its consistent production of high-level AFL prospects.
Q: What does it indicate if a prospect is “club-tied”?
A: A club-tied prospect has a connection to a specific AFL club, often through a Next Generation Academy or family ties, which may influence the club’s drafting decisions.
Did you know? The number of AFL Academy members not featured in the top 30 suggests a deeper pool of talent emerging outside the established academy system.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players who are consistently improving their performances in state league competitions, as they are likely to rise in future rankings.
What are your thoughts on these rankings? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!
