While there’s ample focus on the first round of this year’s AFL draft, there are dozens of talented prospects that loom as steals for clubs.
Foxfooty.com.au presents the first part of the final 2023 AFL Draft Power Rankings, with players rated 26 to 50 (presented in reverse order).
Note: This is not a ‘phantom draft’ predicting where players will be taken across the draft nights.
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50. VIGO VISENTINI
Position: Ruck
Size: 204cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Brighton Beach
AFL player comparison: Rhys Stanley
The brother of Port Adelaide’s Dante Visentini, who was taken with Pick 56 in the 2021 draft. But two years later, you could argue younger brother Vigo is ahead of Dante at the same age. The athletic ruck played in both of the Dragons’ Coates Talent League premierships, averaging 12 disposals and 20.6 hit-outs across 11 games this season. He also played a couple of games for Vic Metro in the national championships. One of the most impressive aspects about the former volleyballer’s game is how ambidextrous he is — especially in the clinches — with the ability to dispose of the ball with both hands and feet with aplomb. But he’s also a good overhead mark with an eye-catching leap. The fact he’s one of five rucks in foxfooty.com.au’s 2023 draft power rankings shows how deep the ruck pool is in this year’s class.
49. JOEL FREIJAH
Position: Wing
Size: 190cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/Horsham Saints
AFL player comparison: Jason Johannisen
Was much higher on draft boards at the start of the year, but Horsham product still has big upside. Freijah started his 2023 campaign with a bang, averaging 22 disposals and one goal from his first eight games for the Rebels. His six-goal, 26-disposal display against the Stingrays in Round 4 was mesmerising. But he was a little quiet at the carnival for Vic Country – he kicked 3.1 and averaged 12 disposals from four games – and didn’t quite kick on for GWV in the back-half of the year. Still, Freijah is quick, agile, classy with his hands on the inside and can hit the scoreboard. He’s inside a unique size, so he can play as a tall midfielder, wing or even third forward/defender, which excites scouts. Could be a late bargain if it clicks for him at AFL level.
48. CLAY HALL
Position: Midfielder
Size: 189cm
Clubs: Peel Thunder/Harvey Brunswick Leschenault
AFL player comparison: Jack Crisp
A shining light in a tough mid-season national championships campaign for WA and showed great consistency across his draft campaign. Hall had more AFL clubs interested in him after his consistent carnival where he averaged 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances and five inside 50s to earn All-Australian honours. He returned to WAFL league level and averaged 18.6 disposals from six games for Peel Thunder playing alongside Fremantle-listed players, although his output dipped later in the year. Hall – the son of former Eagles and Cats forward Derek Hall – is an appealing midfielder for AFL clubs considering his professionalism, size and outstanding aerobic capacity, although scouts would like to see an improvement in his kicking efficiency.
47. JACK CALLINAN
Position: Small forward
Size: 179cm
Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Clarence
AFL player comparison: Tyson Stengle
A dynamic forward who knows where the goals are and is dangerous both in the air and at ground level. After a dominant start to his draft year in the Coates Talent League with 14.1 from his first four games for Tassie, Callinan — the son of former Crow Ian Callinan – was exciting for the Allies across half-forward across the carnival, booting 5.3 and averaging 11 disposals. Callinan showed off impressive footy nous, class and finishing ability, hence he finished with a competition-high eight score assists. He then produced two three-goals in Tassie’s last two finals against the Gippsland Power and Eastern Ranges. Doesn’t have a long list of clubs interested in him, but the ones that are have significant interest, so he should go in the national draft.
46. JOE FONTI
Position: Medium defender
Size: 188cm
Clubs: Claremont/East Fremantle
AFL player comparison: Trent Rivers
A late bolter who’s attracted interest from several clubs throughout the back-half of the year. After starting the year as a raw wingman, Fonti was moved to half-back for Claremont’s colts team where he thrived, impressing with his run and intercept marking. It led to a late call-up to WA’s national carnival squad where he played three games. After playing a key role in Claremont’s colts flag, Fonti tested superbly well at the WA state draft combine, running the 20m sprint in 2.88 seconds and the agility test in 7.97 seconds. Those times were ranked first and second respectively among all players who tested at the three state draft combines.
45. SHAUN MANNAGH
Position: Small forward/midfielder
Size: 175cm
Clubs: Werribee (VFL)/Lavington
AFL player comparison: Jordan De Goey
The best mature-age prospect up for grabs after a mighty VFL campaign full of eye-catching performances. He won the Norm Goss Medal for the best player in the VFL grand final — despite Werribee’s loss to Gold Coast — after kicking six goals from 28 disposals. But it wasn’t his only standout game for the year. He kicked four goals from 40 touches against Southport in Round 3 then slotted a lazy seven majors from 25 disposals against Sandringham in Round 15. From his 21 games, he’s kicked 40.32 and averaged 25 touches per outing. AFL clubs in recent years have preferred to take mature-age players via the SSP after having a close look at them as train-on players. But Mannagh’s form has been so good that a club surely has to take him in the national draft.
44. ASHTON MOIR
Position: Medium forward
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Glenelg/Plympton
AFL player comparison: Bayley Fritsch
Moir told foxfooty.com.au “it kills me” he’s not in the top-five mix ahead of the draft, but he also believes the adversity he’s faced this year will help him in the long run. After entering the season as a top-10 prospect, Moir endured a rollercoaster draft year where he struggled for consistency across all levels, primarily due to a nagging hip issue while some clubs believed his cause wasn’t helped by spending so much time deep inside 50. Moir kicked three goals and averaged 10 disposals from his four carnival games for SA — and while he was solid in the SANFL Under 18s, clubs were hoping he’d kick on at reserves or league level. Yet recruiters are well aware of the mid-sized forward’s incredible, freakish talent, which he displayed as a bottom-ager for South Australia last year with his high marking, goalkicking nous and kicking efficiency using both feet. Has worked hard in recent months to get his body right, which helped him run a time of 8.24 seconds on the agility test. No doubt a big slider, but could he be a big bargain?
43. AIDEN O’DRISCOLL
Position: Wing
Size: 175cm
Clubs: Perth/Northern Saints
AFL player comparison: Hayden Ballantyne
The draft combine MVP — but he’s more than just an athlete. O’Driscoll – the brother of Fremantle AFL/AFLW duo Nathan and Emma O’Driscoll – recorded top-10 finishes in all five combine tests, producing the quickest 20m sprint time (2.871 seconds) and finishing sixth in the 2km time trial (6:06), seventh in the running vertical jump (92cm), ninth in the standing vertical jump (73cm) and ninth in the agility test (8.302). But clubs all year have been well aware of O’Driscoll’s elite running capacity, neat ball use and discipline to keep his width on the wing. O’Driscoll was a consistent performer in his six WAFL colts matches for Perth, averaging 16.5 disposals per game, but his standout performance was for WA against South Australia, booting one goal from 19 disposals and 12 marks.
42. BODIE RYAN
Position: Medium defender
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Glenelg/Brighton
AFL player comparison: Zach Guthrie
Could be taken a lot earlier than this ranking suggests, as Ryan has ample fans at AFL club level. Speedy, agile and an excellent interceptor, Ryan averaged 19.6 disposals and 5.3 marks at SANFL Under 18s level. His standout game was for SA against Vic Country in the carnival, where he curtailed Harley Reid’s influence after the Pick 1 favourite’s hot start at Ikon Park. Fellow SA prospect Ashton Moir told foxfooty.com.au that 187cm Ryan “can play any role in the backline”, adding: “He reads the ball really well, whether that’s in the air or at ground level, and he’s a really good lockdown defender.” Ryan is the cousin of Jakob Ryan, who was drafted by Collingwood 12 months ago.
41. CAIDEN CLEARY
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Sydney Swans Academy/Sydney University
AFL player comparison: Josh Dunkley
The Swans are likely to use two picks at the draft: One on a prospect with their first-rounder and another on matching a bid on Cleary, who couldn’t have done much more to push his prospects throughout 2023. Cleary thrived in the star-studded Allies midfield to produce a consistent champs campaign where he increased his disposal count with every game – 24, 28, 29 and 36 – while also being a consistent tackler. Then he went on to impress for the Swans’ VFL team, averaging 17.7 tackles across six matches against bigger bodies. Cleary is everything you want in a young inside midfielder: Ferocious attack on the ball, clean in congestion and powerful in how he covers the ground, which was punctuated by his 6:06 effort in the 2km time trial at the national draft combine. A bid could come on him as early as the 20s, but it’s more likely he’ll go on night two – and the Swans will be prepared to match that bid.
40. COOPER SIMPSON
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Mt Martha
AFL player comparison: Luke Davies-Uniacke
An ankle injury in his first champs game meant he missed the remaining three matches for Vic Country, but recruiters certainly haven’t gotten the AFL potential of this well-balanced on-baller. He averaged 24 disposals across his first three Talent League games for the Stingrays, while also finishing with 11 touches, seven contested possessions and three centre clearances for the AFL Academy against Port’s SANFL side. He then finished with three strong games for Dandenong: 2.1 from 22 touches against the Bushrangers, 28 disposals and eight marks against the Devils then 2.1 from 20 disposals against Gippsland. Speedy, cool under pressure and clean with ball in-hand, Simpson is also a big moments player that steps up when his team needs him most. Add in his ultra professionalism, elite burstaway speed and evasive step in traffic and you’ve got yourself an AFL player. He could be taken a lot earlier on draft night.
39. WIL DAWSON
Position: Key defender
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Leongatha
AFL player comparison: Esava Ratugolea
A 200cm prospect who’s played across all three lines and doesn’t turn 18 until December: Everything about Dawson screams ‘upside’ at AFL level. After starting as a ruck-forward for Gippsland, Dawson was moved into defence and thrived in his new role. While he didn’t win a lot of the footy, his intercept ability and aerial competitiveness was strikingly impressive. Remarkably, he’s grown 20cm in the past two years — but he’s maintained his cleanliness below his knees. Scouts wouldn’t be surprised if a club took a punt on Dawson with a late first-round pick.
38. JACK DELEAN
Position: Small forward
Size: 181cm
Clubs: South Adelaide/Reynella
AFL player comparison: Jack Ginnivan
A genuine goalsneak at every level he’s played at. Delean was a constant threat inside 50 at the national championships — despite South Australia’s poor carnival — finishing with 9.3 playing predominantly close to goal. He then slotted into South Adelaide’s SANFL league team with aplomb, booting two goals in each of his three games. Most notably, he showed a willingness to work up the ground and provide a link option for South Adelaide, while also directly impacting the scoreboard with his excellent goal nous. Was then rewarded with a premiership medallion as part of South Adelaide’s Under 18s premiership, with Delean finishing with 38 goals from 13 games at that level. Scouts do have doubts over his running capacity and defensive pressure, but he’s quick on the lead, has an exciting leap and strong hands.
37. ANGUS HASTIE
Position: Medium defender
Size: 190cm
Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Geelong West Giants
AFL player comparison: Mitchell Hinge
The Falcons footy factory’s best prospect this season. Hastie started his year strongly, averaging 24.6 disposals fro his first five Coates Talent League matches before his volume of disposals dropped slightly during the back-half of the year. Still, Hastie is a great interceptor, always looks to stay involved in the play and has impressive run and dash, which allows him to set up play off half-back. He also showed off his lockdown ability in the national carnival, shutting down Vic Metro star Nate Caddy at Ikon Park in a fascinating match-up. He then produced the third best time (8.20 seconds) in the agility test at the national combine, too.
36. ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY
Position: Key defender/ruck
Size: 196cm
Clubs: Claremont/North Beach
AFL player comparison: Noah Balta
A raw yet athletic talent with enormous upside — and he’s a December baby. After starting his colts year as a ruck, Zakostelsky caught the eye as an intercept defender for WA after getting a call-up to play the final two games. He then went back to Claremont colts where he finished the season with three brilliant finals performances as a ruck, capped off by a 22-disposal display in the grand final that won him best on ground honours. Zakostelsky then did his draft bolter status no harm at the combine with top-10 finishes in the standing vertical jump (1st), agility test (5th), 20m sprint (6th) and running vertical jump (6th). Speaking about Zakostelsky, Claremont teammate Daniel Curtin told foxfooty.com.au: “He’s got a lot to offer and crazy athletic. I’m extremely proud of his growth.”
35. WILL GRAHAM
Position: Medium defender/midfielder
Size: 186cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin
AFL player comparison: Jarrod Berry
Jed Walter, Ethan Red and Jake Rogers have been all the rage this year, but Graham is the fourth Suns academy prospect that can’t be forgotten. In fact he’s been invited to attend the first night of the draft, suggesting a club could bid on him in the 20s. Graham averaged 16.5 disposals and 5.0 marks while going at 79.5 per cent efficiency by foot for the Allies during the national championships playing primarily as a defender with a few midfield stints. He also had VFL exposure, playing four games for the Suns and averaging 9.7 disposals. Graham then finished second in the 20m sprint (2.915 seconds) and third in both vertical jump tests at the national draft combine. Graham is quick and powerful, yet also clean and composed with ball in hand.
34. PHOENIX GOTHARD
Position: Small forward
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Albury
AFL player comparison: Jamie Cripps
Gothard has several traits that have AFL clubs excited. He’s a clean, one-touch player who’s also quick and agile. He’s a two-way player, in that he impacts the scoreboard yet also applies relentless pressure. Plus he has a great vertical leap and maximises his disposals in the forward half of the ground. Gothard really put himself on the radar during the national champs where he averaged one goal a game. He was also impressive for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League, booting nine goals and averaging 16 disposals and 3.7 tackles across 10 matches. No wonder clubs are excited.
33. LOGAN MORRIS
Position: Medium forward/defender
Size: 192cm
Clubs: Western Jets/Werribee Districts
AFL player comparison: Oscar Allen
A consistent goalkicker over the past two years with the potential to be a damaging third tall at AFL level. After booting 31 goals from 14 games as a bottom-ager for the Jets, Morris kicked 30 majors from 10 games this year, including seven hauls of at least three goals. He also showed showing off his versatility for Vic Metro, playing the first two carnival games in defence before being swung forward for the final two games. Morris against WA kicked 4.1 from 16 disposals, while he also plucked 11 marks (five contested) as he showed off his elite hands and improved his aerobic capacity. Also kicked two goals in a one-off VFL game for Werribee.
32. TAYLOR GOAD
Position: Ruck
Size: 206cm
Clubs: South Adelaide/Willunga
AFL player comparison: Max Gawn
Another ruck seemingly destined to be taken at the national draft. Goad upped the ante after the national championships, averaging 15 disposals, 24 hit-outs, five clearances and four inside 50s in South Adelaide’s final three SANFL Under 18s home and away games. He then played an integral role in the team’s premiership, with 13 disposals, three contested marks, five clearances and 17 hit-outs in the grand final triumph. The former basketballer at the combine then showed off his insane athleticism for a player of his height, running a 2.97-second 20m sprint to go with a 74cm standing vertical jump. Goad prides himself on staying involved in the game post-ruck contests, even if it’s at ground level. SA coach Tony Bamford told AFL Media Goad has “the most upside of any player in our state”, adding: “He’s got a midfield mindset in a Max Gawn body.
31. TEW JIATH
Position: Medium defender
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Morwell
AFL player comparison: Nick Vlastuin
Didn’t play for Vic Country and didn’t get a national combine invite, but Jiath is an outside chance to be taken in the first round of this year’s draft. Jiath has surged up draft boards during the back-end of Gippsland Power’s Coates Talent League campaign, providing eye-catching dash, dare and intercept ability off half-back. His 29-disposal wildcard round display against the Stingrays was particularly noteworthy. Jiath is the younger brother of Hawks defender Changkuoth Jiath. While ‘CJ’ breaks lines with his run and carry, Jiath is more of a creator and neat distributor off half-back. He’s part of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, meaning the Hawks have rights to match a bid on him if it comes after Pick 40. But Hawthorn appears increasingly likely to miss out on its top NGA prospect, who’s now expected to be drafted within the first 40 selections.
30. MITCH EDWARDS
Position: Medium defender
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Morwell
AFL player comparison: Tim English
A slide down the rankings from the start of the year for Edwards, who didn’t have a lot of luck at times during this year. After impressive outings for the AFL Academy, Edwards copped a corky against South Australia then suffered a concussion against Vic Country, which meant he missed the last game against Vic Metro. He finished the season in Peel Thunder’s reserves side, playing six games. One of the best pure rucks in the draft, Edwards has great ruck craft and aerial competitiveness, while his running vertical jump of 94cm — ranked fifth overall — proved how good is leap is. Edwards is linked to Fremantle via its Next Generation Academy, but the Dockers can only match a bid on him if it comes outside the top 40 — and even though there’s been a cooling regarding top-10 calculations, it’s unlikely Edwards is getting picked that late.
29. HARRY DEMATTIA
Position: Midfielder/medium forward
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Edithvale-Aspendale
AFL player comparison: Jack Sinclair
Eleven months after running drinks and Kookaburra bats out to Marnus Labuschagne — and copping a sledge from Proteas captain Dean Elgar — during the Boxing Day test, DeMattia could be on an AFL list. After being appointed Stingrays captain for 2023, DeMattia put all his focus into footy — and that decision has paid off, impressing across all three lines at different levels. He kicked five goals from his first three Coates Talent League game playing as a high half-forward then had 30 touches in his last home and away game against the Devils. And in Vic Country’s final national carnival game, DeMattia played on Nick Watson and clamped him when the game was up for grabs. DeMattia has genuine speed, clean hands and versatility, while his pressure game, competitiveness and elite ball use also appeals to AFL clubs
28. LUAMON LUAL
Position: Medium defender
Size: 182cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/South Warrnambool
AFL player comparison: Lachie Ash
There’s ample excitement around this defender, who got better with every champs game he played and finished on a high with a spectacular performance against Vic Metro, including a breathtaking third-quarter goal. He also had a crack on the ball at the Rebels during the second half of the season, but his 21-disposal elimination final performance against the Falcons reminded scouts how damaging he can be as a backman. He was runner-up in the Rebels’ best and fairest and earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A speedy and balanced prospect who provides explosive run off half-back yet is just as adept when defending one-on-one, Lual looms as an ideal mid-sized backman for AFL clubs. The Western Bulldogs, who are linked to Lual via their Next Generation Academy, are hoping that club will be them. But they can only match a bid on him if it comes within the top 40 picks — and considering the post-champs hype around Lual from clubs, it seems highly unlikely he’ll still be on the board by then.
27. KOEN SANCHEZ
Position: Small forward/midfielder
Size: 176cm
Clubs: East Fremantle/Applecross Mt Pleasant
AFL player comparison: Sam Flanders
This will be too high for some, but we’re big fans of Sanchez — a pocket rocket and natural footballer who booted 6.8 and averaged 18 disposals and nine contested possessions for WA at the carnival. Sanchez played in the midfield for two champs games and as a forward for the other two. Clubs were particularly thrilled by Sanchez’s output when he played closer to goal in the champs as he showed off his powerful kick, goal sense, speed and agility. He was a ball magnet at WAFL colts level, averaging 25 disposals from six games. The reality is if he joins an AFL club, he’ll start as a small forward — and could play early. After being hampered by hip and groin issues for several years, Sanchez delivered at the right time of the year.
26. GEORGE STEVENS
Position: Midfielder/medium defender
Size: 189cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/South Warrnambool
AFL player comparison: Ollie Wines
Couldn’t have done much more on the field this year to boost his prospects. Stevens was a standout for Vic Country across the carnival and starred for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League, averaging a whopping 29 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50. Just as impressive were his outings for Geelong’s VFL side, racking up 16 touches against Coburg then 29 against Collingwood. He finished third in the Morrish medal voting and was named captain of the league’s team of the year. A powerfully-built 189cm prospect, Stevens spent some time in defence this year, but clubs preferred seeing him as an on-baller where he showed off his cleanliness, decision-making skills and natural ball-winning ability. While there are question marks on Stevens’ athletic profile and whether he has AFL-level speed and agility, he plays with great presence when he goes on the ball and is hard to push over in the contest.
Note: The top 25 will be revealed on Sunday night on foxfooty.com.au.
