One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on June 27, 2025, 07:43:17 PM
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Richmond is planning a heist on Carlton father-son Cody Walker, son of high-flying Andrew, and it thinks it’s in with a chance.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GuWeHzRbEAMcaDo?format=jpg&name=small)
Paywall: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tug-of-war-over-richmond-nga-player-blues-fatherson-cody-walker-as-richmond-faces-big-call-on-louis-kellaway/news-story/8b1df3ff1ff38c45a4adc42530e53a37
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Isn’t walker in next years draft?
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Isn’t walker in next years draft?
Yes, he is TK.
Cody is the son of former high-flying Blue Andrew Walker, who retired in August 2016, and an exciting father-son prospect in the 2026 national draft.
But that’s not the end of the story. Because of the NGA eligibility rules, Walker is also a member of Richmond’s academy and could, under those rules, nominate the Tigers as his preferred club. In that scenario, Richmond would have priority access to him, ahead of the Blues and other clubs.
He qualifies for the Tigers because he is an Echuca resident of Indigenous heritage. Echuca sits within Richmond’s Sunraysia NGA zone.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/why-this-son-of-a-carlton-gun-has-the-option-to-join-the-tigers-20250504-p5lwdr.html
I'll split this off into a new 2026 Draft thread to avoid confusion.
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While it's funny to make their fans sweat for 18 months, there's no way in the wide world Walker is not choosing the Scum - old man played for them & he idolises Cripps & Walsh. Not like Blakey who grew up in Sydney and didn't want to move interstate. :shh
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Yeah can’t see it happening.
Are Blakey and Murphy the only 2 examples of a F/S turning down playing for the clubs their dad played for?
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While it's funny to make their fans sweat for 18 months, there's no way in the wide world Walker is not choosing the Scum - old man played for them & he idolises Cripps & Walsh. Not like Blakey who grew up in Sydney and didn't want to move interstate. :shh
See what another year does to him.
Carltank looked deadset dreadful vs Port and 12 months from now will likely see them slipping further down the ladder while our draftees continue to develop and look better by the month hopefully.
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He's picked Carlton unsurprisingly
What a twatt.
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He's picked Carlton unsurprisingly
What a twatt.
Not officially I don't think, but we can expect him to.
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He's picked Carlton unsurprisingly
What a twatt.
Not officially I don't think, but we can expect him to.
Officially he has, was quoted during the week.
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He's picked Carlton unsurprisingly
What a twatt.
Not officially I don't think, but we can expect him to.
Officially he has, was quoted during the week.
Yeah you're correct.
Oh well, sour grapes here, stuff him. Have fun rebuilding the Blues for another preliminaryship in 10 years.
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From the AFL website:
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Carlton has received a massive draft boost heading into 2026, with next year's potential No.1 pick Cody Walker informing the club this week that he intends to nominate the Blues under father-son rules.
Walker, whose father Andrew played 202 games for Carlton, had also been eligible to join Richmond as part of its Next Generation Academy program.
However, AFL.com.au understands the highly rated teenager told both Carlton and Richmond officials earlier this week that he intends to head to Ikon Park as part of next year's draft where he will follow in his father's footsteps.
Walker, who is Indigenous, had qualified for the Tigers as a Next Generation Academy member given he lives in Echuca, which sits within the club's Sunraysia zone.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1366834/carlton-blues-get-huge-draft-boost-as-no1-contender-cody-walker-opts-into-father-son-rule
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The Father-son rule may well change in the future, but it’s going nowhere this year.
@FootyonNine @9NewsMelb
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/1954830580061032703
Not going to happen, but if the AFL were to abolish the F/S rule next year then Cody Walker would be free to go to us under the NGA.
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The Father-son rule may well change in the future, but it’s going nowhere this year.
@FootyonNine @9NewsMelb
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/1954830580061032703
Not going to happen, but if the AFL were to abolish the F/S rule next year then Cody Walker would be free to go to us under the NGA.
As much as that would work out great for us, i would hate to see them abolish it. 1 of the great unique traditions of the AFL.
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The Father-son rule may well change in the future, but it’s going nowhere this year.
@FootyonNine @9NewsMelb
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/1954830580061032703
Not going to happen, but if the AFL were to abolish the F/S rule next year then Cody Walker would be free to go to us under the NGA.
As much as that would work out great for us, i would hate to see them abolish it. 1 of the great unique traditions of the AFL.
Agree
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I wouldn't get rid of it.
In fact I would actually consider an adjusted games requirement for the entitlement, possibly with a sliding scale of draft point discount.
Maybe like this:
50-99 games, eligible, 5% discount
100-149 games, 10% discount
150-199, 15% discount
200+ 20% discount
Plenty of players have had great, storied careers of less than 100 games.
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I like the sliding scale Andy. Don’t think they will consider sub 100 if clubs are wanting rid of it as it stands. It used to be a 50 game minimum for a period but got bumped to 100.
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Yzes press conference sounds like we will trade one of our first two picks
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Trade 2&3 for Butters and a second rounder back.
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Yzes press conference sounds like we will trade one of our first two picks
I’d hope not unless it’s for a pick you would be almost certain would be around the same mark next year taking into account the concessions Tassie will get.
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Yzes press conference sounds like we will trade one of our first two picks
Wtf
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Hell no.
Keep 2+3
Future deficit for Kellaway
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Would love to split pick 3 for two later picks in first round.
You could literally throw a blanket over the talent fro pick 3 (which will end up being around 6 anyway) and pick 18.
Take Lyndsey or Sharp with our first pick then have a crack at Greeves, Grlj or Taylor with our split pick would be a massive win.
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A quirky one as news filters out of AFL House re. changes to the 2026 national draft. Clubs told if you match a FS or academy bid you will need to do so using only two draft picks. So you can't accumulate multiple later selections. Some restrictions on top 4 and 8 clubs bidding
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/1969998383436939682
Clubs were not given any further indication on their rezoned Next Generation Academy regions, while Tasmania's list concessions are also expected to be formalised in the next week.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1427583/no-father-son-draft-lockout-but-afl-set-to-tighten-bidding-rules
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A quirky one as news filters out of AFL House re. changes to the 2026 national draft. Clubs told if you match a FS or academy bid you will need to do so using only two draft picks. So you can't accumulate multiple later selections. Some restrictions on top 4 and 8 clubs bidding
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/1969998383436939682
Clubs are aware to match a bid at No.1 next year, for instance, they might need to secure picks No.2 & 12, as an example. It's going to be hard to match bids but the door will be left open if a club is willing.
They've been told they will be given rules next week before trade.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/1970000088375423470
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This is the new DVI which could be tweaked again. So if clubs are only allowed two picks to match a bid and they strip the current 10 per cent discount Blues would get exactly 3000 points (equal to pick 1) with picks 5 and 11. So challenging but not impossible to get Cody Walker
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G10fz01b0AEnfc8?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Clubs were told they could find out next week what will happen with the 2026 rules. Then Greg Swann said on Monday night they afl would assess any changes after this years draft. So we are still waiting for clarity
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/1971767194578280546
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If Cody Walker gets Bid at pick 1 next year and Carlton can only match with 2 selections then only 7 pick combos can make up the 2700 points required.
2+41
3+27
4+20
5+16
6+13
7+11
8+10
https://x.com/Feelingood02/status/1971774361024844193
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Would make bidding absolutely worthwhile
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Lot of whispers the guy who is talked about as probable pick one will do a JHF and force his way back to port.
If the afl don't academy him there initially
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Would make bidding absolutely worthwhile
Yep. Imagine if we finished last and the Blues had another middling year. We could pick him up as an academy pick lol
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Would make bidding absolutely worthwhile
Yep. Imagine if we finished last and the Blues had another middling year. We could pick him up as an academy pick lol
Absolutely.
I'm really warming to this rule change.
Prevents clubs like Brisvegas getting their F/S Ashcrofts for a handful of crap picks. Doesn't impact F/S entitlement but definitely makes a club pay closer to market value.
And then imagine if another club bids early...could really stuff an eligible team up.
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Can someone explain in simple terms how we get walker and blues miss out?
Would love to bend them over.
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Can someone explain in simple terms how we get walker and blues miss out?
Would love to bend them over.
We finish last, they finish in the vortex of mediocrity- say 7-11th.
We bid with our pick 1 which is 1400 points more than pick 7 (for finishing 11th) and they need to effectively trade for pick 8 to get the points to match it.
The difference is you only get 2 picks whereas in years gone past you could use as many picks necessary.
It’s a great adjustment
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I’m not so sure we finish last. Melb could be us last year ?
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I’m not so sure we finish last. Melb could be us last year ?
Maybe but was explaining how we might get Cody Walker
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Can someone explain in simple terms how we get walker and blues miss out?
Would love to bend them over.
We finish last, they finish in the vortex of mediocrity- say 7-11th.
We bid with our pick 1 which is 1400 points more than pick 7 (for finishing 11th) and they need to effectively trade for pick 8 to get the points to match it.
The difference is you only get 2 picks whereas in years gone past you could use as many picks necessary.
It’s a great adjustment
perfect HRT, thanks for that.
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If we finish last in 2016 we could also claim a priority pick a la WCE……
But we won’t finish last IMO
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Not so sure about not finishing last.
Reckon we are the only club not in a position yet (still busy getting as many high picks as we can onto the list) than other clubs.
We have a heavy reliance on 30 plus year olds who wont be getting any better. We have a very ordinary 24 - 28 core who kids have to replace and it wont happen over night.
wce started their rebuild before us but are in a similar position to us and NM now have games into most of their better draftees and will rise.
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if we finish last or second last next season do we hit the AFL for a hand out like the eagles hahah...
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Walker and Cochrane maybe best two players in draft.
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I'm sorry but Cochrane approval at 17 is a disgrace.
So as it stands
Cochrane Academy
Walker F/S
Tasmania Pick 3
18th place team Pick 4
Tasmania Pick 5
17th played team Pick 6.
Awful for anyone starting their rebuild. History will look back and the decisions of trading Bolton and Rioli for picks will have saved us being bottom 4 for 6-8 years.
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Tassie don’t have any picks next year. They start drafting in 2027 in preparation for their entry to the comp in 2028.
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I'm sorry but Cochrane approval at 17 is a disgrace.
So as it stands
Cochrane Academy
Walker F/S
Tasmania Pick 3
18th place team Pick 4
Tasmania Pick 5
17th played team Pick 6.
Awful for anyone starting their rebuild. History will look back and the decisions of trading Bolton and Rioli for picks will have saved us being bottom 4 for 6-8 years.
I think Tassie is the next year.
Sounds like it will take a lot of work for port and Carlton to match under the new rules.
Only being allowed to use two picks.
Arki Butler sounds the best player so far by some accounts. As the open player.
Sandringham Dragons
Forward-Midfielder
#6
Arki Butler
height: 180cm
weight:
D.O.B: 23-04-2008
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Stars of the future: 10 draft prospects to watch in 2026
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Nov 22, 2025
Below are 10 names (not in any order) to start tracking ahead of a big 12 months.
Arki Butler
Forward/midfielder
180cm
23/4/08
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Get ready for one of the better under-18 highlights packages as Butler prepares for his draft year. The forward is highly talented and able to produce some magic in attack, but does it using his excellent football IQ and ability to read the game. As a small forward he can mark, win the ball at ground level and outbody opponents, and next year he will likely play a bit more up the field around the ball.
Dougie Cochrane
Utility
196cm
2/5/08
Central District/South Australia
Cochrane heads into 2026 as the leading No.1 pick contender. After dominating the under-16s carnival, Cochrane unfortunately missed South Australia's under-18 championships this year with a hamstring injury. But he returned shortly after and made his debut for Central District's league side, where he kicked four goals in the first half as a 17-year-old. Cochrane is a unique player who can be used as a key position option at either end of the ground but also through the midfield, and his sublime kicking, turn of pace and natural instincts set him apart.
Cody Walker
Midfielder
184cm
26/1/08
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Walker starred on Grand Final morning as part of the under-17s futures game, gathering 25 disposals, seven clearances and six inside-50s, and showing his speed and dash away from the contest. As a midfielder he can also hit the scoreboard, and Walker has been touted for some time as a likely very early pick. Walker had the choice of nominating between Carlton as a father-son, where his dad Andrew played 202 games, or Richmond as a Next Generation Academy player, but has already decided on the Blues.
Gabriel Patterson
Forward
182cm
26/3/08
Glenelg/South Australia
It was a productive year in front of goal for Patterson this season, with the Glenelg forward booting 28 goals from 13 games for the Bays' under-18 side. Patterson is a lively forward prospect who can climb high for marks but is also dangerous when the ball hits the ground. He is the son of former Magpie Stephen Patterson, but will not be eligible to join Collingwood as a father-son given his dad played 96 games in the black and white.
Harry Van Hattum
Ruck/key forward
202cm
1/7/08
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
There's going to be plenty of discussion about Van Hattum as one of the leading talls in next year's crop. The 202cm prospect can also play as a key forward and got a taste of the under-18s system this year playing for Vic Metro late in the championships. Van Hattum is athletic and uses his body frame well to be an exciting prospect.
Caylen Murray
Midfielder
183cm
3/1/08
Brisbane Academy/Allies
Murray is hoping to follow a similar path as other recent graduates of the Lions' Academy, including Dan Annable, Ty Gallop and Sam Marshall, in heading to Brisbane at the end of next year. The classy midfielder has also been used across defence where his ball use and kicking stands out. He played for the Allies this year whilst also representing Brisbane's VFL side too.
Marlon Neocleous
Small forward
168cm
26/2/08
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
'The Nuke' was close to best afield on Grand Final day in the future game, booting three goals from 23 disposals, including a brilliant shot from the boundary line. Neocleous is a small forward with power, smarts and creativity and he works on his craft to a high level so that when he gets his opportunities inside-50, he makes them land. The Power product will be fun to watch next year.
Lewis Houndsome
Key forward/ruck
199cm
29/5/08
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Houndsome's ability to play as a forward and a ruck makes him an exciting prospect for clubs to track through next year. He played well in big finals games for his school, Parade College, last season and is comfortable roaming around the ground to make an impact – be in in attack or even as an interceptor in defence when required. Plays with some presence.
Koby LeCras
Tall forward
191cm
26/4/08
West Perth/Western Australia
The mobile tall forward booted 15 goals from 10 games this year at colts level with West Perth, including two games of four goals. Named as one of only four West Australians in the Marsh AFL National Academy squad, LeCras shapes as a promising forward prospect. He is the nephew of West Coast flag-winner Mark LeCras and son of former Roo Brent LeCras, and his kicking strength is one of his key attributes.
Archie Van Dyk
Midfielder
185cm
28/7/08
South Adelaide/South Australia
A composed midfield prospect who averaged 26 disposals and nearly a goal a game in his 13 appearances for the Panthers' under-18 side. His year included some big performances, such as his 37-disposal and 2.2 effort against Glenelg. Van Dyke's capacity to shift forward and use his height against other midfielders is a strength and he should be a key member of South Australia's championships midfield next season.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1451032/stars-of-the-future-10-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-2026
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Had a dream that we finished the season 8th
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I’m not getting caught up in drafts anymore. That was such a drainer of a few weeks leading up to Wednesday lol
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I’m not getting caught up in drafts anymore. That was such a drainer of a few weeks leading up to Wednesday lol
Last one for me too
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Had a dream that we finished the season 8th
Lock it in !!!
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Had a dream that we finished the season 8th
Lock it in !!!
Technically we only need to make it to tenth and then play wildcard round for finals. So let's keep dreaming :thumbsup
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AFL Draft: 10 of the leading prospects for 2026
Jonty Ralphsmith
Zerohanger.com
24 Nov 2025
Craft of the Draft has named the 10 best players to watch next season, as well as a series of others on the precipice.
Worth a mention:
Athletic defender Darcy Szerszyn and his Dandenong Stingrays teammate Gus Kennedy are both highly regarded after impressive 2025 campaigns. Key defender Tate Hodgson was included in the AFL Academy squad despite not playing a game this year due to stress fractures, highlighting where he sits, while midfielder Cody Templeton and Essendon NGA prospect Blake Justice are other Victorians worth tracking. Defender Kale Matthews-Hampton and midfielder Archie Van Dyk are among the best South Australians, while key-position player Benji van Rooyen and livewire Koby Lecras are among the best openly available Western Australians. Of the club-tied talent, West Coast NGA prospect Garrison Kenh put himself on the map in the U17s Futures Game as a dynamic half-back, Fremantle NGA Lucas Robinson is highly regarded as an inside midfielder, while Brisbane-tied Caylen Murray and Gold Coast Academy rebounder Archie Hill are others who are touted.
Early word on the 2026 draft class:
Headlines will be rampant again about the compromised nature of the draft if the two headline names for 2026 continue on their current trajectory, which has them on course to be top five selections. Both players are the face of draft class, but the best openly available talent remains quite open. There are several talls at the pointy end which will be intriguing to track given key-position talent has slipped down the order in recent years due to the lower strike rate. Word in the industry is that the 2026 class is stronger than the 2025 crop, but given we are 12 months out, so much can change. All four northern clubs have one player in the AFL Academy, with Carlton, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, West Coast, Fremantle and Essendon other clubs which have a well-regarded club-tied talent.
Early Top 10
Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Dougie Cochrane (Central District)
Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights)
Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power)
Gabe Patterson (Glenelg)
Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons)
Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons)
The Geelong Falcons key forward kicked 30 goals across eight games in the Coates Talent League in 2025, stunningly only failing to kick multiple majors twice, with a game-high bag of seven.
He also fit in eight games for Geelong Grammar, kicking 25 goals, and managed two appearances for Vic Country as a bottom-ager.
Mobile, athletic and aerially sound, he's the perfect package for a modern-day key forward.
Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons)
The hard-running Geelong Falcons prospect announced himself in the AFL Futures Game, where he took out best afield honours, impressing with his incisive kicking and work rate.
Has a high footy IQ and chains the ball well in transition.
Played 10 games for Geelong Falcons and Vic Country's last game of the U18s National Championships on the wing.
Aidan McCartney (Sydney Academy)
McCartney will have a decision to make next year about whether to nominate as a father-son for North Melbourne, where dad Jason played 109 of his 182 games, or Sydney, which has developed him through the talent pathway as part of its Academy.
A modern-day key forward who still has some growth remaining, McCartney's hands above his head are sound.
He leads up and covers the ground well and has the athletic traits needed to succeed.
Heath Mellody (Claremont)
Mellody slices and dices his way through opposition teams with his punishing ball use and willingness to take the game on off both feet out of the backline.
Was a key member of Claremont's U18s premiership side this year, and as well as his ball use, he plays taller than his listed 181cm height.
Still has some filling out to do, but is already showing what he can do.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/afl/afl-draft-10-of-the-leading-prospects-for-2026/ar-AA1R09ws
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Cannot see us finishing above 15th. Another top 5 pick coming our way and id be looking at ways of getting into the draft.
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2026 AFL Draft spotlight: Rucks to run rampant
Michael Alvaro
Central.RookieMe
December 5, 2025
THE BUDDING draft crop of 2026 shapes as one with a bit of everything and the ruck department is certainly not short on talent. A standout group of 200cm-plus prospects has already emerged, with the National Academy set to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to key position options. After West Coast selected Cooper Duff-Tytler with pick four this year, many similar types may soon hit those lofty heights. We profile a handful of ruckmen to watch for next year, including an over-age wildcard.
Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide/SA)
Ruck | 200cm | 01/11/2008
Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/VM)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008
Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle/WA)
Ruck | 203cm | 09/01/2007
Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/VM)
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 01/07/2008
Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/WA)
Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008
Full write-ups about each ruckman here: https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2025/12/05/2026-afl-draft-spotlight-rucks-to-run-rampant/
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Blimey van Rooyen 203cm already and he's just turned 17
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Scouting notes and profiles of the top 31 2026 draft prospects to watch
Club recruiters have already turned their attention away from last month’s national draft towards next year’s crop of future stars. Check out 31 players to watch, including 11 tied to AFL clubs.
Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten
HeraldSun
December 11, 2025
Tanner Armstrong
Midfielder/Defender | 176cm | Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
A tough, ball-winning midfielder, Armstrong brings some run, good pressure, clean hands and is a groundball specialist.
In one game in the Coates Talent League in late August, Armstrong collected a whopping 18 groundball gets and 11 clearances among 32 disposals for the day.
He also finished as the equal-leading disposal winner on the ground with 25 touches for Team Boak in the under-17 Futures game in September.
An All-Australian at under-16 level in 2024, Armstrong has been used as a rebounding defender at times in addition to midfield roles.
A boarder at Scotch College, he is part of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy due to his Indigenous heritage.
Arki Butler
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Butler is a talented forward-half player who creates scoring opportunities. He reads the play well, is clean in the air and at ground level, and has a strong goal sense.
An under-16 All-Australian in 2024, Butler kicked three goals on debut for Sandringham and booted 28 goals from 12 games in 2025, including two bags of five. He also played school football for Brighton Grammar.
Butler is looking to improve his fitness and transition into a midfielder-forward role in his draft year. He is the grandson of St Kilda premiership player Allan Davis, who played 250 AFL games across four clubs.
Harrison Chapman
Midfielder | 189cm | Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
A hard-running midfielder who has some good speed and works hard up and down the ground, Chapman was used mostly on a wing this year.
However, he has also had some stints as a taller inside midfielder and has been able to have an impact around clearances as well with his clean hands and link-up play.
Chapman featured in 18 games as a bottom-age player for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, including the side’s premiership triumph in September.
Additionally, he played for Team Boak in the under-17 Futures game, collecting 10 disposals and two clearances in a wing role.
Kodah Edwards
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | South Adelaide/South Australia
Edwards was a standout bottom-age player for South Adelaide’s under-18s this year, showing quickness, cleanliness and tenacity.
He is particularly strong at extracting the ball from clearance situations and pushing forward to hit the scoreboard.
In one late-season match, Edwards recorded 19 disposals, seven marks and five goals.
He was named one of Team Docherty’s best players in the under-17 Futures game in September, with 13 disposals and two goals, mainly playing as a forward.
Edwards captained South Australia at the under-16 national championships in 2024 and also represented his state in the same tournament as a bottom-ager in 2023.
Ethan Herbert
Ruck | 200cm | North Adelaide/South Australia
A competitive ruck, Herbert had more hitouts than any other big man as a bottom-age prospect in the SANFL under-18s this year.
He played 16 games for North Adelaide, averaging 26.4 hitouts and 17.9 disposals.
Herbert follows up well post-contest, covers the ground nicely, works back to support his defence and is a strong mark in the air.
He has also shown some ability as a forward.
An All-Australian at under-16 level, Herbert did not feature for South Australia at the under-18 national championships as top-age prospect Sam Ainsworth shouldered the load.
But he shone on another big stage in the under-17 Futures game in September, gathering 16 disposals and 17 hitouts for Team Boak.
Tate Hodgson
Defender | 196cm | Northern Knights/Vic Metro
A key defender who showed plenty of promise in 2024, Hodgson had his 2025 season wiped out due to a stress fracture in his back.
He had been an All-Australian at under-16 level in 2024, showing himself to be a player with an impressive intercept game and strong hands overhead.
When he wins the ball back he is composed, makes good decisions and has sound foot skills.
Hodgson had been one of only four bottom-age players included in Vic Metro’s squad for the under-18 national championships but did not feature due to his injury.
He returned to training late in the season as he prepares for 2026.
Lewis Houndsome
Forward/Ruck | 199cm | Northern Knights/Vic Metro
A key forward and reliable back-up ruck, Houndsome has strong mobility, a natural leap, contested marking ability, sound kicking skills and can play effectively at ground level.
He played 13 games for the Knights in the Coates Talent League this year, averaging 10 disposals, 7.4 hitouts and kicking 12 goals.
Houndsome also played school football for Parade College, winning the best on ground medal in the Herald Sun Shield Division 1 Grand Final in August.
He featured in the under-17 Futures game for Team Boak in September, recording 11 disposals and six hitouts.
Xavier Ladbrook
Utility | 200cm | Gippsland Power/Vic Country
An emerging tall who still has some filling out to do, Ladbrook played a range of positions in his bottom-age season at Gippsland.
He featured as a key defender, key forward and part-time ruckman, showing some impressive signs across all areas of the ground.
Ladbrook moves well, defends strongly one-on-one and has good hands overhead.
He played 15 games for the Power in the Coates Talent League, along with featuring in three senior games for local club Nar Nar Goon in the West Gippsland Football League.
Ladbrook also played for Team Boak in the Under-17 Futures game in September, gathering seven disposals and three marks as he spent time at both ends of the ground.
He had represented Vic Country at the under-16 national championships in 2024.
Cody LeCras
Forward | 191cm | West Perth/Western Australia
A mobile marking forward with sticky hands, LeCras presents as Western Australia's top prospect in the 2026 draft.
The son of former North Melbourne player Brent LeCras has plenty of tricks around goal — just like his uncle, West Coast great Mark LeCras.
Koby has a strong aerial presence and also hurts sides at ground level, regularly turning his opponent inside out and snapping it through the big sticks off his precise and penetrating left boot.
The West Perth product slotted 15 goals in 10 WAFL Colts games this year and showed his X-Factor during his All-Australian under-16 championships campaign for Western Australia, kicking seven goals including three in 13 minutes against Vic Country.
LeCras was among Team Docherty’s better players in the Under-17 Futures game on AFL Grand Final day, taking six marks to go with 10 touches.
Will Malady
Forward | 190cm | Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Malady is a dangerous forward who is strong overhead. While lightly-framed, he is athletic and has excellent aerial ability, as well as being a proficient set-shot kick from various angles.
He made a significant impact in his first game of the season for Gippsland, kicking four goals from eight disposals and five marks. He continued to perform well for Gippsland Power and Caulfield Grammar, including a five-goal performance for Team Boak in the under-17 Futures game at the MCG in September.
Malady also featured in the under-18 national championships as a bottom-ager, playing two games for Vic Country. He was named an All-Australian in 2024 after a standout showing at the under-16 national championships.
Heath Mellody
Wing/Defender | 181cm | Claremont/Western Australia
Mellody was the second-highest rated bottom-age player in the WAFL Colts in 2025.
He played mostly off halfback for Claremont and is a good runner who wins his own footy, is strong in the air and reads the play well to gather intercepts.
Mellody played three games for Western Australia during the under-18 national championships and impressed during Claremont’s finals campaign — particularly in the Grand Final, where he had 28 disposals, eight marks and a goal.
He also played for Team Docherty in the Under-17 Futures match in September, primarily on the wing, showing agility and two-way running to collect 19 disposals and eight marks.
Marlon Neocleous
Forward/Midfielder | 168cm | Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Neocleous is sure to be a favourite of draft followers in 2026. What the 168cm livewire lacks in height he brings in pure excitement and he showcased his X-Factor on AFL Grand Final day in the Under-17 Futures match.
Neocleous slotted a spectacular goal on the run from the boundary — celebrating with a chef’s kiss — and provided several other eye-catching moments as he finished with three goals, 23 disposals and seven inside 50s.
The Gippsland Power prospect was also best afield in an Under-17 Futures trial for Vic Country against New South Wales with 26 disposals, five tackles and two goals as his speed, agility, and pressure came to the fore.
He made his Under-18 national championships debut for Vic Country as a bottom-age player — kicking a goal to go with eight touches — and demonstrated his high-impact per possession game in a strong bottom-age season for the Power, averaging 19 disposals, five score involvements and just under a goal per game.
Gabriel Patterson
Forward | 182cm | Glenelg/South Australia
A quick and agile forward who is clean at ground level and in the air, Patterson has a great goal sense which makes him a serious threat inside the attacking arc.
He kicked 28 goals from 13 games for Glenelg in the SANFL under-18s this year, highlighted by a haul of seven majors in a round 13 match against West Adelaide.
Patterson was part of the South Australia under-18 squad but did not play a game for the title-winning side. He did feature for Team Docherty in the under-17 Futures game in September, though, kicking two goals from 10 touches.
Patterson is the son of former Collingwood rover Stephen but is not father-son eligible given his dad played just 96 games in the black and white. Gabriel’s sister, Violet, plays for the Magpies’ AFLW side.
Jack Pickett
Forward | 193cm | Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Pickett was one of the most accurate and dangerous forwards in the Coates Talent League this year.
He kicked 31 goals and seven behinds from eight matches for the Geelong Falcons — a 59 per cent accuracy rate from kicks — and showed good forward craft, mobility and overhead marking.
Pickett booted seven goals against the Western Jets and finished the season with back-to-back bags of five, including a match-winner against the Bendigo Pioneers.
He also kicked 25 goals from eight games for Geelong Grammar in the APS competition, including five against Geelong College.
Pickett represented Vic Country at the under-18 national championships, kicking three goals, and added two more in the Under-17 Futures game in September.
Darcy Szerszyn
Defender | 188cm | Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
A medium defender who intercepts and shuts down opponents, Szerszyn held down a spot in defence for Vic Country across three games at the under-18 national championships.
The Dandenong Stingrays prospect averaged 11.7 touches, 4.3 intercepts and four marks, showcasing his reading of the play and burst against South Australia with 15 touches, seven intercepts and five marks.
Szerszyn plays taller than his height suggests and flies for his grabs, clunking 25 intercept marks in his last eight games for the Stingrays in the Coates Talent League.
His best came in wet conditions against the Oakleigh Chargers where he had 16 disposals at 87.5 per cent efficiency, nine intercepts, four intercept marks, four spoils and 136 SuperCoach points.
Cody Templeton
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | Gippsland Power/Vic Country
An X-Factor player, Templeton showed a great ability to impact games both when playing onball and forward during his bottom-age season.
He is a natural midfielder who cracks in hard, has one-touch hands, is quick and agile and can drive through traffic.
However, Templeton also finished as Gippsland’s leading goalkicker in the Coates Talent League in 2025, booting 21 goals from 17 games including two bags of five as he spent significant time forward.
When in attack, he presents well, is a strong mark and brings good energy and forward pressure.
Templeton featured mostly as a forward for Team Docherty in the Under-17 Futures game in September, but registered only two behinds from nine disposals.
Archie Van Dyk
Midfielder/Defender | 185cm | South Adelaide/South Australia
Only three players averaged more SuperCoach points than Van Dyk in the SANFL under-18s this year — Jack Cook, Dyson Sharp and Aidan Schubert.
Van Dyk averaged 25.8 disposals, 14.4 contested possessions, six marks, six score involvements, 5.2 tackles and 153 SuperCoach points from 13 matches.
His standout performance came against Glenelg, where he recorded 37 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 15 intercepts and two goals.
Van Dyk is versatile in defence and has strong aerial ability.
He was selected in the under-16 All-Australian side alongside MVPs Cody Walker and Lucas Robinson.
Harry Van Hattum
Ruck/Forward | 202 cm | Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Van Hattum is an imposing and athletic presence who looms as one of the leading talents in the 2026 draft crop.
He played five games for the Northern Knights, averaging 16.2 disposals, 12.2 contested possessions, 4.8 marks (2.8 contested) and 0.8 goals. His standout performance came in a finals loss to the Sandringham Dragons, where he had three contested marks, one goal, 15 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six clearances and 130 SuperCoach points.
Van Hattum trained with Vic Metro’s squad and debuted against Vic Country. He also played for Ivanhoe Grammar in the AGSV grand final, where he competed against West Coast No. 3 pick Cooper Duff-Tytler.
In the under-17 Futures match at the MCG, Van Hattum had 11 hitouts, two leaping marks, seven touches and one goal.
Benji van Rooyen
Ruck | 203cm | Claremont/Western Australia
Van Rooyen got his chance to ruck for Western Australia at the under-18 national championships due to injuries to others and held his own against some of the top 2025 draftees, including Cooper Duff-Tytler.
He had a strong season with Claremont in the WAFL Colts, averaging 12.5 disposals and 30.1 hitouts across 14 games and was part of a Grand Final win in September.
Van Rooyen also played in the Under-17 Futures game for Team Docherty, recording five disposals and 15 hitouts.
He is the younger brother of current Melbourne forward Jacob.
Noah Williams
Midfielder | 176cm | Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Williams took out the medal as Team Boak’s best player in the Under-17 Futures match, underlining his forward-half impact with 17 disposals and seven inside 50s playing mostly on the wing.
The 176cm prospect is damaging, quick, defensively-minded and skilful, with the Geelong Falcons using his traits in a variety of different roles this year.
Williams was a tackling machine in Geelong’s finals win over the Pioneers, laying 12 tackles to go with 15 disposals and six clearances.
The St Joseph’s product debuted as a bottom-ager at the under-18 national championships and was solid with nine touches.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/scouting-notes-and-profiles-of-the-top-31-2026-draft-prospects-to-watch/news-story/ba516b6b46298e6c83dde3052e1f18d1