While the top 10 has remained stable across recent months, there’s been big moves in the draft rankings among players in the mid to late first-round mix.
There’s now four Tassie stars in the top 20, while a talented Eagles academy prospect and the brother of a Hawthorn gun have shot up the order too.
After last weekend’s national combine, foxfooty.com.au presents its top 30 2023 AFL Draft Power Rankings ahead of the 2023 AFL Draft, which will be held across two nights: Monday November 20 (first round) and Tuesday November 21 (second round onwards).
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30. LOGAN MORRIS
July Ranking: 26
Position: Medium forward/defender
Size: 192cm
Clubs: Western Jets/Werribee Districts
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.
29. MITCH EDWARDS
July Ranking: 13
Position: Ruck
Size: 205cm
Clubs: Peel Thunder/South Mandurah
A slide down the rankings for Edwards, who didn’t have a lot of luck at times during this year. One of the best pure rucks in the draft, Edwards has been likened to Tim English in terms of looks and playing style due to his ruck craft and aerial competitiveness. 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. 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.
28. TEW JIATH
July Ranking: Not ranked in top 30
Position: Medium defender
Size: 187cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Morwell
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. Jiath – the younger brother of Hawks defender Changkuoth 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 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.
27. GEORGE STEVENS
July Ranking: 24
Position: Midfielder/medium defender
Size: 189cm
Clubs: GWV Rebels/South Warrnambool
Couldn’t have done much more on the field this year to boost his prospects. Only slips a little in these rankings as a few bolters have passed him. Still, 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. 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. He plays with great presence when he goes on the ball and is hard to push over in the contest.
26. CHARLIE EDWARDS
July Ranking: Not ranked in top 30
Position: Midfielder/medium defender
Size: 190cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Sandhurst
A genuine late-season bolter, Edwards’ shift from defence to the midfield has paid big dividends. He missed out on playing for Vic Metro at the national champs, but exploded in his final seven Coates Talent League games for the Dragons, booting seven goals and averaging 21 disposals and five inside 50s per outing. Edwards’ ability to burst away from congested stoppages has impressed recruiters, while his 190cm frame also appeals.
25. ARCHIE ROBERTS
July Ranking: 27
Position: Medium defender
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Hampton Rovers
Some clubs would have him much higher on their rankings, others would have him lower. After starring for the AFL Academy against Carlton in May, Roberts found plenty of the ball during the national carnival for Vic Metro, averaging 21 disposals and six rebound 50s while going at 75 per cent by foot. He then played three crucial finals to help the Dragons to the Talent League premiership, collecting 19, 25 and 16 disposals respectively. AFL recruiters have remained split over Roberts right throughout the season. His rebounding, ability to gain territory and aerobic capacity (6:08 2km time trial) is unquestionable, but scouts also have doubts over his kicking efficiency, decision-making and defensive accountability. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him taken on the first night of the draft.
24. WILL GREEN
July Ranking: 25
Position: Ruck
Size: 204cm
Clubs: Northern Knights/Northcote
Might now be the second-best ruck prospect in the draft. Green elevated his standing after an excellent carnival for Vic Metro where he showed off his running power, mobility, ruck craft and competitiveness. Green’s best game came against Ethan Read and the Allies, working himself into the game and finishing with 11 disposals, four clearances and a game-high 30 hit-outs. The Knights co-captain was then named as the starting ruck in the Coates Talent League team of the year after averaging 11 disposals, three marks an 23 hit-outs from 13 games.
23. KOEN SANCHEZ
July Ranking: 19
Position: Small forward/midfielder
Size: 176cm
Clubs: East Fremantle/Applecross Mt Pleasant
This will be too high for some, but we’re big fans of Sanchez — a pocket rocket 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. Looms as a likely second-round pick.
22. ARCHER REID
July Ranking: 17
Position: Ruck/key forward
Size: 203cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Inverloch-Kongwak
An uber talented yet polarising key-position prospect with an enormous ceiling, Reid endured an inconsistent draft campaign. He entered this season as a possible top-10 pick, probably dipped across the first few months, found form and confidence for Gippsland after the champs then went goalless in his final four games. Reid, the brother of Essendon’s Zach Reid, is a mobile forward-ruck who’s exceptional overhead yet great below his knees and possesses good goal sense. His Round 11 Talent League game — 4.0 from 17 disposals, eight marks and 17 hit-outs against the Dragons — was Reid at his best. Will require patience from fans at AFL level, but if it clicks, he could be a tantalising player. Whether a club is prepared to use a first-round pick on him remains uncertain.
21. RILEY HARDEMAN
July Ranking: 20
Position: Medium defender
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Swan Districts/Caversham
A hard-running defender and WA’s carnival captain, Hardeman had several standout games throughout his draft year. He racked up 23 disposals, nine marks and eight rebound 50s for WA against SA in the carnival, while he had 26-plus disposals in four of his seven colts games. Scouts have been pleased to see Hardeman’s growth in confidence to come forward and intercept mark this year to complement his strong rebounding traits, which include speed and a booming left-foot kick.
20. ARIE SCHOENMAKER
July Ranking: Not ranked in top 30
Position: Wing/key defender
Size: 194cm
Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Launceston
A first-round bolter who’s impressed AFL clubs with his rapid on-field growth and off-field dedication to improve. Schoenmaker was hit with a 10-game ban at the start of the year for a training camp indiscretion involving alcohol with a group of his teammates. He didn’t play for the Tassie Devils until Round 8 of the Coates League and was only a late call-up into the Allies squad. But he couldn’t have been more impressive upon return, averaging 27 disposals and 10 rebound 50s for the Devils, while also averaging 16 disposals and eight marks for the Allies. Schoenmaker is the definition of a line-breaker, with the ability to change the course of matches by using his run and carry then thumping the ball forward with his long, raking left boot. He has the size to be a third tall defender, but admits he needs to regain his ability and confidence to intercept before moving into that role at AFL level. Clubs were keen to interview him at last week’s combine – and they were impressed with his willingness to own and learn from his early-year mistake. Now likely to be taken on the first night of the draft.
19. KOLTYN THOLSTRUP
July Ranking: 18
Position: Medium forward
Size: 184cm
Clubs: Subiaco/Newtown Condingup
A high impact and score involvements player, Tholstrup has been in the first-round mix all season. After missing WA’s first national champs game with a back issue, Tholstrup had several key moments during an impressive outing against SA, including a standout smother, a good contested mark and a classy late-game goal as he finished with 1.1 from 20 disposals, eight marks and four inside 50s. just as importantly, Tholstrup had consistent WAFL league exposure at Subiaco, kicking seven goals from 10 matches against bigger bodies. He also tested well at the combine, finishing equal-ninth in the 2km time trial (6:17) then second in the agility test (8.194). Tholstrup is a natural leader who brings ample energy to the footy field and prides himself on “leaving it all out on the field”. He’s drawn comparisons to North Melbourne star Cam Zurhaar – but he arguably has more polish and composure. Would be a shock if he isn’t taken in the first round.
18. LANCE COLLARD
July Ranking: 30
Position: Small forward
Size: 179cm
Clubs: Subiaco/North Beach
A few months ago, Collard would’ve been outside the top 40 of some club draft boards. Now he looms as genuine first-round chance – some scouts believe he’s WA’s most talented prospect – after an outstanding finish to his draft year. Collard had just one standout performance in a quiet national carnival for WA – 2.2 against Vic Country – although clubs were sympathetic to the fact he had asked to spend more time with his family during that period. But the Subiaco goalkicker – who’s blessed with an enormous leap, electric speed and great goal nous -produced a stunning back-end to his draft year at WAFL colts level, booting 10.1 in two finals to finish with 32.13 from 11 games for the season. Collard then impressed at the combine with a solid 2km time trial result of 6:32 before recording the fastest agility test of any prospect (8.157 seconds) and finishing fourth in the 20m sprint (2.923 seconds), while clubs were just as impressed by how he carried himself during the interview process. Collard, who grew up a Fremantle supporter, is tied to the Eagles via their Next Generation Academy. Yet West Coast can only match a bid on him if it lands outside the top 40 picks – and any hopes the Eagles had Collard wouldn’t be picked up in the top 40 are now surely dashed.
17. WILL McCABE
July Ranking: 16
Position: Key defender
Size: 197cm
Clubs: Central District/Tanunda
Recruiters widely believe McCabe remains SA’s best first-round chance – yet he has ties to a Victorian club. While McCabe has endured an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign, his glimpses have put him in the first-round mix. He played most of his junior footy as a forward, but starred as a defender this year, averaging 22 disposals and six marks for Central District in the SANFL Under 18s. A mobile and athletic prospect who has great endurance, McCabe can play on either tall or small forwards due to his competitiveness in the air and at ground level. He’s also a precise user by foot, going at 86 per cent kicking efficiency during the national champs. McCabe is father-son eligible to the Hawks as his dad, Luke McCabe, played 138 games for Hawthorn between 1995 to 2004. He was due to meet with Hawthorn last week to chat through his nomination process, but the expectation is he’ll join the club under the father-son rule after the Hawks match a mid to late first-round bid.
16. CALEB WINDSOR
July Ranking: Not ranked in top 30
Position: Wing
Size: 184cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield
The best winger in the draft class a year where there aren’t too many wingers at the top. Windsor’s fan club has grown across the back-half of the season. After averaging 16 disposals and five inside 50s for Vic Metro at the national carnival, Windsor starred for the Ranges, averaging 19 disposals from his final eight Coates Talent League games. Bug what scouts were most impressed with was Windsor’s ability to push forward and consistently hit the scoreboard, kicking at least one goal in all of those eight matches. His electric speed as on display at the national combine, placing third in the 20m sprint (2.916) while also finishing inside the to 10 of both vertical jump tests. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au last week Windsor looms as an “early teens pick”.
15. JAMES LEAKE
July Ranking: Not ranked in top 30
Position: Medium defender/forward
Size: 188cm
Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Launceston
Hello and welcome to the first round mix, James Leake. And it’s richly deserved after a breathtaking back-end to his 2023 campaign. Leake earned a call-up to the Allies squad after a solid start to his Coates Talent League season across half-back – and he delivered on the national stage, playing all four games and averaging 16 disposals and five marks while going at 79 per cent efficiency by foot. But recruiters really took note where Leake was shifted forward late in the season for the Devils – a move that saw Leake kick 15 goals from his last five games, including a haul of five against the Stingrays and a match-turning three against the Falcons. Leake has an excellent leap and strong pair of hands, which helps him at both ends of the field. He’s composed with ball in hand and an excellent interceptor in defence, but lethal around goal inside 50. Should be a top-20 pick.
14. OLLIE MURPHY
July Ranking: 12
Position: Key defender
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/East Brighton Vampires
Prior to this year, Murphy was “hopeful” he’d be an AFL player come draft night. Several months later, he looms as a near-certain first-round pick after a captivating rise. Murphy claimed Vic Metro’s MVP award across the champs. One of his more impressive games was against the Allies where he did a great job on Jed Walter – after being moved onto him after quarter-time – while also finishing with 10 touches and five marks. After school footy commitments, Murphy settled back in defence for the finish of Sandringham’s premiership campaign, with his preliminary final performance against the Falcons (18 disposals, 8 marks) a standout. Murphy has great size and athletic ability — he ran a PB 2km time trial at the combine (6:18) — as well as a pinpoint left-foot kick, while he’s an aerial threat and not afraid to put his body on the line. Might’ve slid down a few boards in recent months but is still expected to be taken on the first night.
13. JORDAN CROFT
July Ranking: 15
Position: Key forward
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Calder Cannons/Maribyrnong Park
One for Dogs fans to get excited about. Despite a quiet end to his Coates Talent League campaign, Croft still booted 23.17 from 11 games, with 21 of those goals coming across a scintillating seven-game stretch during the middle of the season. While he didn’t quite have the same impact in the national carnival, he was still a standout in Vic Metro’s win over South Australia, booting 3.2 from 10 disposals and three marks. An athletic 200cm prospect who covers the ground superbly – he ran the fourth-best 2km time at the combine (6:05) – Croft prides himself on his competitiveness, both in the air at ground level. He’s looked up to Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton in that area – and he’s now almost certain to be training with Naughton at Whitten Oval later this year after Croft – the son of Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the Western Bulldogs – officially nominated the Bulldogs under the father-son rule. He’s highly likely to attract a bit in the mid to later stages of the first round.
12. DARCY WILSON
July Ranking: 14
Position: Medium forward/midfielder
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta Rovers
The quiet achiever of this year’s class. Not a big talker off the field, but Wilson is a classy, hard-working prospect who lets his footy do the talking. He starred at every level he played at this season. Wilson kicked 4.3 and averaged 16 disposals and four inside 50s for Vic Country in the recent carnival after two solid games for the AFL Academy against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side (19 disposals) and Carlton’s VFL team (1.0, 12 disposals, 6 marks). Wilson also kicked 16 goals and averaged 25 disposals and four inside 50s for the Bushrangers from 11 Coates Talent League games. His three-goal, 21-disposal performance in the wildcard game against the Rebels was eye-catching. Classy yet exciting, zippy yet can run all day – he finished second in the 2km time trial (5:52) at the combine – daring with the ball yet still efficient — it’s no wonder Wilson is in the first-round mix.
11. JAKE ROGERS
July Ranking: 9
Position: Midfielder
Size: 172cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach
A speedy, agile and tenacious prospect with great decision-making ability, Rogers is one of the cleanest players in the draft class who’s thrived at all levels this season. He averaged 26 disposals for the Suns academy in the Coates Talent League before winning the medal for the AFL Academy’s best player across its two matches against state league opposition. Rogers then earned All-Australian honours for his terrific national carnival for the Allies where he averaged 23 disposals, six clearances and five tackles. And he played three games for the Suns’ VFL side. Not only is Rogers clean, his creativity and vision allows him to set up scores for his team. He’s drawn comparisons with Suns co-captain Touk Miller – and, coincidentally, Rogers has worked closely with Miller across the past year in transforming himself from a small forward to a genuine on-baller. In fact Rogers, through the Suns academy system, believes he’s been treated as a first-year AFL player and, therefore, ready to go for next season. Taller Suns prospects Jed Walter and Ethan Read will likely attract top-10 bids before him, but Rogers won’t be too far behind the pair.
10. NATE CADDY
July Ranking: 11
Position: Medium forward/midfielder
Size: 192cm
Clubs: Northern Knights/Yarrambat
Could be a bit higher than No. 10 on club draft boards, such is the growth left in him — both in his game and in his body. Caddy – the nephew of dual premiership Tiger Josh Caddy – is a unique goalkicker in that he has strong high-marking ability and plays with key-forward like power, dynamism and presence, but isn’t as tall as some of other key forwards in this year’s draft class. To make up for that, he’s shown ominous explosiveness when pinch-hitting at centre bounces. There were three Coates Talent League games this year where he kicked at least four goals from 20-plus disposals. He competed hard without much scoreboard reward for effort for Vic Metro, kicking six goals from three national carnival games. Likely to first come under consideration when it’s the Giants’ turn to pick – and the sense is he won’t slide too far past that pick.
9. CONNOR O’SULLIVAN
July Ranking: 10
Position: Key defender
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Albury
There’s a long queue of clubs interested in O’Sullivan, whose remarkable rise across 2023 has put him in the top-10 mix. He was named the Allies’ MVP – a big honour considering his team’s famous undefeated carnival campaign – after averaging 18 disposals and a competition-high eight marks. O’Sullivan started the Coates Talent League season as a forward but quickly settled down back, averaging 20 disposals and seven marks across nine games. A competitive and hard-working beast with a terrific set of hands – both in the air and at ground level – O’Sullivan is a genuine tall utility who can play inside either arc or even in the midfield – although he’s thrived this year playing predominantly as a key defender. He knows when to stay on his man and when to peel off and intercept – and he’s equally adept at both arts. Likely to come into the mix from Geelong’s first pick.
8. RYLEY SANDERS
July Ranking: 8
Position: Midfielder
Size: 186cm
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/North Launceston
Few players in this year’s pool showed metronomic consistency across all levels like Sanders did in 2023. The Tasmanian product, who’s boarding at Melbourne Grammar and playing for the Sandringham Dragons, barely plays a bad game, thanks to his competitiveness, inside-outside balance and clean hands. He took out the prestigious Larke Medal for the best player of the championships, averaging a whopping 36 disposals, 15 disposals, six inside 50s, six marks and five tackles for the Allies. A brilliant goal against WA — where he sharked a hit-out off WA’s Mitch Edwards, sprinted forward, took a bounce and nailed a kick from just inside the centre square — showcased his burst, power, class and composure in the one passage of play. He also averaged 31 disposals for the Dragons, racking up at least 25 touches in all of his nine games. North Melbourne pushed to have exclusive access to Sanders as part of its special assistance package, but that request was denied. He’s still a Kangaroos North Generation Academy prospect, but there’s little chance he’s still on the board come Pick 10, let alone Pick 40, on draft night. Despite the Kangaroos’ attachment to Sanders, it’s unlikely they’ll use a top-three pick on him. The Western Bulldogs and Melbourne a few picks later, though, is when he’s expected to be in the mix.
7. NICK WATSON
July Ranking: 7
Position: Small forward
Size: 170cm
Clubs: Eastern Ranges/East Ringwood
Aka ‘The Wizard’ — and for good reason, for he’s as fun and dynamic a prospect as we’ve seen for a while. And he’ll bring AFL fans through the turnstiles for many years. Watson finished as the leading goalkicker of the national carnival, booting 14.6 for Vic Metro. He also showed he could play further up the field during several games for the Eastern Ranges, including some impressive performances behind the ball. Watson describes himself as an “Energizer Bunny”, in that he likes to apply defensive pressure and get under the skin of his opponents. Unsurprisingly, he’s a big Tom Papley fan. With the ball, he has unbelievable goal sense, speed, finishing ability and cleanliness at ground level. The Western Bulldogs recently acquired Pick 4 in the trade period, with Watson undoubtedly in their mix. But whether he gets past Hawthorn remains unclear.
6. ETHAN READ
July Ranking: 6
Position: Ruck/midfielder
Size: 200cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin
Suns academy teammate Jed Walter said it best: “Ethan is a freak.” For there aren’t too many 200cm prospects who can run a 5:56 2km time trial while also having the pinpoint skills and reflexes of a classy midfielder and the ability to play across all three lines. But that’s what Damien Hardwick and the Suns will be getting in Read next year. Read’s bonkers workrate and professionalism set him up for a big draft year. He starred for the Allies during the champs, averaging 22 disposals, three clearances, three tackles and 13 hit-outs to be named the All-Australian ruck. Before the carnival, Read averaged 20 disposals, 20 hit-outs and six marks for the Suns academy in the Coates Talent League before one VFL game for the Suns, in which he booted 0.4 from 12 touches. Allies coach Mark McVeigh reckons Read could play a Mark Blicavs-style role at AFL level and fill chasms wherever needed. A bit too early to know where a bid on Read could come, but surely the Suns will be forced to match by the time the Cats pick.
5. DANIEL CURTIN
July Ranking: 4
Position: Key defender/midfielder
Size: 195cm
Clubs: Claremont/West Coast
If Harley Reid is the draft prospect who’s attracted the most media attention this year, Curtin isn’t far behind him. That’s because of West Coast’s interest in the local WA product. The professional Curtin showed great versatility across his four carnival games to win WA’s MVP award, averaging 24 disposals, nine contested possessions and five tackles while going at 82 per cent by foot. Most clubs see him developing into a composed intercept defender at AFL level. They were thrilled they got to see him take on Jed Walter when WA faced the Allies, while he played behind the ball in his six WAFL league games for Claremont. But Curtin showed in two carnival games against SA and Vic Metro that he can be a damaging tall midfielder as he covered the ground with a Marcus Bontempelli-like presence. Where Curtin lands on draft night, though, remains a mystery. If West Coast trades Pick 1, it’s highly like the club gets a pick back that allows it to take Curtin early. If the Eagles hold Pick 1 and take Reid, there’s every chance Curtin slides down the order as several clubs with early picks are after ball-winners or hybrid forwards.
4. ZANE DUURSMA
July Ranking: 5
Position: Medium forward
Size: 189cm
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Foster
Moves into the top four after an awesome finish to his Coates Talent League season. Duursma’s late surge was kickstarted by a dynamic, game-changing performance for Vic Country, kicking four goals – three in the third quarter to swing the game in his team’s favour – from 22 disposals, 10 marks and five inside 50s. He then turned it on for Gippsland Power, booting 20 goals and averaging 26 disposals from his final six games. After an indifferent start to the season, Duursma produced a timely reminder as to why he deserves to be taken at the pointy end of the draft. He’s competitive and strong in the air, explosive out of stoppages, crafty around goal and composed with ball in hand. Should the draft order remain as is, it’s hard to see North Melbourne passing on Duursma. If the Roos do, he won’t get past Hawthorn.
3. COLBY McKERCHER
July Ranking: 3
Position: Midfielder
Size: 182cm
Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Launceston
The best pure midfield prospect in a draft where most of the top prospects are outside the centre square – so you can understand why McKercher is in hot demand. McKercher, who’s been likened to Essendon captain Zach Merrett, finished second in the Larke Medal voting after averaging 33 disposals, six marks, six clearances and five inside 50s across four national championships games for the Allies. He also claimed the Morrish Medal – the award given to the best and fairest player of the Coates Talent League – after kicking 11 goals and averaging 31 disposals from just eight games. McKercher is a speedy, clean and damaging on-baller with a lovely inside-outside balance. He loves to take the game on to break open games and create scores – and he isn’t afraid to take the risky option during a match, for he has the kicking skills to often pull it off. Could be taken by North Melbourne with one of its top-three picks, otherwise one of Hawthorn or the Western Bulldogs should pounce soon after.
2. JED WALTER
July Ranking: 2
Position: Key forward
Size: 195cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin
A few AFL clubs – and some of his draft class peers – would have Walter ahead of Harley Reid on their draft boards, for there hasn’t been a key forward prospect like him come through the system. After beating up on a few lower-ranked Coates Talent League teams earlier in the year, Walter showed his wares on the national stage for the Allies, booting 11.10 to earn All-Australian selection for the second straight season. A genuine power forward who loves the physicality of the game, Walter prides himself on his competitiveness in the air, ridiculous want to apply forward pressure and speed when running back to goal. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au seeing Walter chase an opponent was like “watching a lion chase a zebra” and that there’d never been a key forward prospect so willing to apply relentless defensive pressure. North Melbourne should bid on Walter with one of their first two picks – and the Suns are well placed to match it. The prospect of him and Ben King teaming up in the same forward 50 – under the leadership of new coach Damien Hardwick – is tantalising.
1. HARLEY REID
July Ranking: 1
Position: Midfielder/forward
Size: 185cm
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Tongala
Came into the season as the No. 1 draft prospect – one recruiter told foxfooty.com.au at the start of this year Reid was the best talent they‘d ever seen come through the pathway system – and will finish it in the same spot. An explosive, mid-sized prospect who’s drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin and plays with an infectious attitude, Reid can play across any line — and win games from any line. He has power at stoppages, great overhead marking ability, a penetrating kick and a knack for hitting the scoreboard consistently. Reid showed off his versatility and power across four national carnival matches, booting 5.6 and averaging 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions and a competition-high seven clearances to win Vic Country’s MVP award. Reid this year also played for the AFL Academy, Bendigo Pioneers, Carlton’s VFL side, Essendon’s VFL side and Tongala – and he admits he struggled to adapt to the different teams. But you wouldn’t have known that from the outside. It’s hard to think of a draft prospect who’s attracted as much attention and headlines as Reid had this year – he was even ‘papped’ at Perth airport then seen signing Eagles gear after a carnival game against WA – but he’s taken it in his stride. Reid should be taken at Pick 1. It’s just a case of which club will hold that pick, with North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Melbourne all set to make more offers to West Coast over the next month.
