AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has revealed his top 40 prospects for the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.

Sheehan has produced profiles on all 119 players who attended the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft Combine, with the profiles released in positional groups over the past month.

He has now unveiled his top 40 prospects, which includes each player’s major weapons and a comparison to the AFL player their game is modelled on.

Players are listed in alphabetical order and not ranked.

The AFL this year celebrates 40 years of the Draft, following the introduction of the national Draft in 1986.

This 2025 Telstra AFL Draft will be held on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. The 2025 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Friday, November 21.

Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.

KEVIN SHEEHAN’S TOP 40 PROSPECTS

Beau Addinsall
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Burleigh
Date of Birth: 09/03/2007
Height: 182cm
Weapons: Ball-winning ability and game sense
AFL player comparison: Caleb Serong
Player ranking points (Coates Talent League): 139.0 points (average per game)

An uncanny midfielder/forward, Addinsall possesses prolific ball-winning ability and an innate goal sense. He was a standout during his underaged years, including winning the McLean Medal as the best and fairest player in Pool B at the 2023 U16 National Championships, before starring for Team Sloane in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures match at the MCG last September, where he collected 34 disposals at 76 percent efficiency to win the medal as his side’s best player. Addinsall started this 2025 season in great form for the Gold Coast Suns Academy and recorded a game-high 28 touches in his first match for the Marsh AFL National Academy against Richmond’s VFL team in another impressive performance. However, after just one game with the Allies in the National Championships he suffered a debilitating hamstring injury but returned to full fitness and form with several strong VFL performances for the Suns. Presented in great order at the Draft Combine being ranked in the top five for the 2km time trial with a time of 6:15 and in the top ten in the running vertical jump with an effort of 88cm, showcasing his endurance and power.

Daniel Annable
State: Queensland
State League Club: Brisbane Lions Academy
Community Club: Redland-Victoria Point
Date of Birth: 05/04/2007
Height: 184cm
Weapons: Clean hands and work rate
AFL player comparison: Lachie Neale
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 109.5 points

A hard-working midfielder/forward, Annable used his strong work rate and contested ball-winning ability to impact games. Has produced dominant performances for three years at both underage and VFL levels. Was a star for the Allies in the National Championships this year, particularly against both South Australia and Western Australia. He averaged 24.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances and 3.8 tackles across four matches to win selection in the All Australian Team. His selection topped off a great underage career after earlier in the year captaining the Australia U18 team in a match against Richmond’s VFL side, where he won the best player medal. Annable handled the step up to VFL level comfortably with the Brisbane Lions, averaging 21.3 disposals in eight matches. A member of both the Marsh AFL National Academy and the Brisbane Lions Academy, he is eligible to join the Lions in the Draft under Northern Academy rules. Rounded off his year with a top ten finish in the 2km time at the national Draft Combine with a time of 6:21.

Harley Barker
State: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Mount Barker
Date of Birth: 02/05/2007
Height: 188cm
Weapons: Speed and ball use
AFL player comparison: Ed Langdon
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 86.8 points

A wingman whose weapons include his speed, overhead marking and penetrating kick. Barker is a beautifully balanced player who has impressed playing under 18 representative football for South Australia over the past two years. This year he excelled, averaging 16 disposals at 73% efficiency across the National Championships and featured among his team’s best players in wins over both Western Australia and Victoria Country. Barker’s reward of All Australian selection was well earned and became some compensation after unfortunately injuring his ACL playing for Sturt immediately after South Australia’s title-winning campaign had ended. However, AFL clubs won’t need reminding of Barker’s elite speed, completing the 20m sprint in a time of 2.86 seconds to rank in the top 10 nationally at pre-season testing. He was also a member of the Marsh AFL National Academy and impressed with his classy ball use when he picked up 17 disposals in the win against VFL side Coburg in April.

Lachlan Carmichael
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Community Club: North Shore Bombers
Date of Birth: 27/08/2007
Height: 184cm
Weapons: Clean hands, decision-making and marking
AFL player comparison: Lachie Whitfield
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 118.8 points

A composed interceptor across half back who can also push into the midfield, Carmichael is strong overhead for his size, prolific in winning the ball, creative with his decision making and an excellent distributor. Has been a standout player at underaged level and won All Australian honours and the Sydney Swans Academy’s MVP award at the U16 National Championships in 2023. This year he continued his great form at under 18s level, averaging 26.6 disposals in five matches for the Swans in the Coates Talent League before winning the Allies’ MVP award and All Australian honours after averaging 24.8 disposals at 81.8 percent efficiency, five marks and 3.8 tackles at the National Championships. A member of both the Marsh AFL National Academy and the Sydney Swans Academy who is eligible to join the Swans via the AFL’s Northern Academy rules.

Sam Cumming
State: South Australia
State League Club: North Adelaide
Community Club: Wentworth District
Date of Birth: 27/07/2007
Height: 183cm
Weapons: Ball-winning at stoppages, work rate and contested marking
AFL player comparison: Josh Dunkley
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 89.4 points

A medium-sized midfielder with an enormous work rate and appetite for the contest, Cumming also has clean hands and is both strong and brave overhead. He excelled as a bottom-aged player last year, winning the SANFL’s U18 MVP award after averaging 27 disposals per game with North Adelaide. This year in the National Championships he was consistently in the action, whether forward or midfield, averaging 17 disposals at 76 percent efficiency, 3.5 marks, 3.3 tackles and a goal a game to be one of South Australia’s most consistent players and earn All Australian honours. At club level he progressed to play four senior games and looked very comfortable at the level, picking up 21 disposals against South Adelaide, before a shoulder injury cut short his season.  Originally from Wentworth District in the Sunraysia Football League, Cumming moved to Adelaide for school and was part of the Marsh AFL National Academy this year.

Cody Curtin
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: West Coast
Date of Birth: 18/05/2007
Height: 200cm
Weapons: Contested marking and accurate goal kicking
AFL player comparison: Josh Treacy
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 69.4 points

A powerful key position player, Curtin showed outstanding promise at both ends of the ground in his bottom-age season last year. His intercept marking in defence and contested marking and accurate goalkicking in attack were hallmarks of his game at club and representative level, which saw hm play all four games for Western Australia at the 2024 National Championships. Curtin’s physical presence, strong one-on-one marking and accurate conversions were again features of his game this year, kicking 45 goals and just 12 behinds in 17 matches at club and representative level. This included kicking six goals in Claremont’s Colts Grand Final win. He was the target man for Western Australia at this year’s National Championships, kicking three goals against both Victoria Country and Victoria Metro in impressive outings. Was a member of the 2025 Marsh AFL National Academy and is the young brother of Adelaide Crows youngster Daniel Curtin, who finished on the podium in the prestigious AFL Rising Star award this year.

Jack Dalton
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: East Malvern Knights
Date of Birth: 05/04/2007
Height: 176cm
Weapons: Kicking, ball-winning ability and endurance
AFL player comparison: Zach Merrett
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 100.3 points

A prolific left-footed ball winner, Dalton brings a great work rate and is strong around the contest. Was a standout as a 16-year-old, winning MVP honours for Victoria Metro at the 2023 U16 National Championships. Despite a broken wrist sidelining him in the early part of this year, Dalton had an immediate impact upon return, averaged 27.9 disposals across nine games in the Coates Talent League to earn selection in the Team of the Year. He also won the Sandringham Dragons best and fairest award, as well as being one of their best in the Grand Final loss to the Eastern Ranges. Dalton showcased his class for Victoria Metro in the final three games of the National Championships and featured among the best players against both Western Australia and Victoria Country. Produced the fastest 2km time trial of the Draft Combine, with an elite 5:53.

Harry Dean
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Lavington
Date of Birth: 13/11/2007
Height: 194cm
Weapons: Intercept marking, spoiling and ball use
AFL player comparison: Callum Wilkie
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 92.4 points

A left-footed tall defender, Dean intercepts well with his great ability to read the cues and instinctively know when to mark or spoil. Rarely beaten in one-on-one contests, he uses the ball neatly on the way out with his good decision-making and precise kicking. Had been impossible to rate until this year after missing the U16 National Championships in 2023 due to injury then breaking his arm on debut with the Murray Bushrangers in his bottom-aged year in 2024. He burst onto the scene early in the 2025 season with his overhead marking and clean ball handling outstanding for the Bushrangers. Dean had an outstanding National Championships campaign for Victoria Country, averaging 15.2 disposals at 85 percent efficiency and 6.2 marks to be named at full back in the All Australian Team after being amongst his team’s best players in all four matches. He continued an extremely promising year in the Coates Talent League, averaging 17.4 disposals and seven marks to also win Team of the Year honours. Did not test at the Draft Combine while managing a shoulder injury. He is the son of Carlton dual premiership player Peter and is eligible to join the Blues as a father-son selection.

Lachy Dovaston
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Blackburn
Date of Birth: 29/05/2007
Height: 178cm
Weapons: Agility and goal sense
AFL player comparison: Kosi Pickett
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 93.6 points

A midfielder-forward with speed and evasiveness, Dovaston uses his high footy IQ to read the play and find the loose ball, making him the most highly regarded small forward in the Draft pool. Had an outstanding 2025, kicking 53 goals in 23 matches across all competitions, including 38 majors for the Eastern Ranges to steer the club to premiership success. Was named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year and earned selection in the Marsh AFL National Championships All Australian Team after kicking nine goals for Victoria Metro. Dovaston presented in the elite category at the Draft Combine, recording a time of 7.79 seconds in the agility test to rank number one nationally in what was the fourth-quickest time ever recorded on the test at a national Draft Combine.

Cooper Duff-Tytler
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Woodend-Hesket
Date of Birth: 22/08/2007
Height: 201cm
Weapons: Elite athleticism, overhead marking and goal kicking ability
AFL player comparison: Luke Jackson
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 93.0 points

An exciting dual-sport athlete, Duff-Tytler won an gold medal playing under 16 basketball for Australia at the 2023 FIBA Asian Cup. However, last year he opted to pursue a football career after impressing as a potential future star through the Victorian talent pathway programs in recent years. A gifted athlete, Duff-Tytler covers the ground extremely well and becomes an extra midfielder after taking the ruck contest. He dominated for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League, averaging 20.4 disposals, 5.6 marks and 17 hitouts in five matches. He played a combination of ruck and forward for Victoria Metro, averaging 14.5 disposals, four marks and 14 hitouts to earn All Australian honours. Was given a taste of VFL football with Essendon and showcased his potential by kicking three goals from 13 disposals playing as a forward in the final round clash with Sandringham. To cement his standing as an elite prospect, Duff-Tytler excelled in testing at the national Draft Combine with top ten finishes in the 20m sprint (2.92 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:21).

Willem Duursma
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community: Foster
Date of Birth: 21/06/2007
Height: 193cm
Weapons: Aerial ability, versatility and kicking
AFL player comparison: Will Day
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 128.9 points

A versatile defender/midfielder, Duursma had an outstanding Draft year at every level with his aerial strength, precise kicking and versatility all great strengths. An All Australian at under 16 level in 2023, he produced an exciting bottom-aged year at club and representative levels in 2024. Didn’t miss a beat this year, producing a dominant campaign for the Gippsland Power, averaging 23.5 disposals, to win their best and fairest award as well as being selected as captain of the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. At representative level he was a playmaker for Victoria Country, averaging 24.2 disposals at 75 percent efficiency and 5.2 marks across the National Championships to win All honours. Duursma’s best on ground performance in his team’s win over Victoria Metro in the final game of the Championships not only guaranteed him Victoria Country’s MVP award, but set him apart from most others in Draft contention. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine with his 6:19 seconds for the 2km time trial ranking sixth and his running vertical jump of 87cm ranking inside the top ten. He will become the fourth sibling from the Duursma clan to make it to the top level, joining older brothers Xavier (Essendon) and Zane (North Melbourne) and sister Yasmin (Carlton). Another graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy.

Louis Emmett
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Glen Iris
Date of Birth: 23/03/2007
Height: 199cm
Weapons: Aerial ability, kicking for goals
AFL player comparison: Rowan Marshall
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 73.7 points

A ruck and tall forward, Emmett uses the ball effectively on his preferred left foot while his overhead marking is a real weapon. A very mobile player, he is still developing his ruck craft but had a major influence at the U16 National Championships in 2023, where he averaged 18 disposals, six marks and 15 hitouts to earn All-Australian selection. After a very promising bottom-age year in 2024, Emmett again caught the eye early this year with the Oakleigh Chargers and when representing the Australian U18 team. He showcased some of his abundant talent against VFL side Coburg, recording 15 disposals, five marks and a goal while splitting his time between ruck and forward duties.  Despite some injury challenges with a hip flexor issue, Emmett was prominent for Victoria Metro during the National Championships, averaging 12.7 disposals in three matches. A former rower, he showed his elite aerobic capacity with a time of 6:07 for the 2km time trial at the national Draft Combine, which ranked third overall and was a special result for a player of his size.

Jacob Farrow
State: Western Australia
State League Club: West Perth
Community Club: Joondalup Kinross
Date of Birth: 21/09/2007
Height: 187cm
Weapons: Game sense and precision kicking
AFL player comparison: Hayden Young
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 107.8 points

A smooth-moving defender/midfielder, Farrow emerged as a future star as the season unfolded, with his performances impressive on all fronts. He was composed with the ball in hand throughout the National Championships and used it precisely on his preferred left foot, showing a touch of class in averaging 19 disposals at 89 percent efficiency and 3.5 tackles to win All Australian selection. He was particularly outstanding against the Allies with 29 disposals and nine marks at Marvel Stadium. After producing dominant performances at under 18 level for West Perth, Farrow played three senior WAFL matches and impressed immediately, averaging 17.7 disposals, to round off an amazing year. His performance in the agility test at the Draft Combine was impressive, recording a time of 8.03 seconds.

Oliver Greeves
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community: Vermont
Date of Birth: 07/02/2007
Height: 191cm
Weapons: Contested ball winning ability, clean hands and power
AFL player comparison: Ollie Wines
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 112.5 points

A big-bodied midfielder/forward, Greeves is strong in the contest with his sharp competitive edge, prolific with his ball winning and creative by hand and foot. Greeves starred for Victoria Metro throughout the National Championships, averaging 25.2 disposals at 71% efficiency, 4.5 clearances and 2.8 tackles. He won Vic Metro’s MVP award, finished runner-up in the Larke Medal as the carnival’s best and fairest and secured All Australian honours. Greeves was a star all year at club level for the Eastern Ranges, earning Coates Talent League Team of the Year honours after averaging 25.5 disposals and kicking 11 goals in their premiership winning season, including having 35 disposals and kicking four goals in a stunning preliminary final performance against the GWV Rebels. Did not test at the national Draft Combine due to illness. Another graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he is a great nephew of Geelong legend Carji Greeves, the first winner of the Brownlow Medal.

Sam Grlj
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Canterbury
Date of Birth: 26/07/2007
Height: 182cm
Weapons: Elite speed and ball use by hand and foot
AFL player comparison: Zak Butters
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 72.8 points

A medium defender or midfielder, Grlj possesses dazzling speed and a neat step through traffic, which allow him to break the lines and set up the play. A model of consistency with the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, he averaged 20.3 disposals at 72% efficiency, five tackles and 3.9 clearances playing predominantly in the midfield. Held a leadership role with Victoria Metro, with his acceleration again a feature during the National Championships, where he averaged 17 disposals across the four matches. Grlj grasped the opportunity to play two VFL games for Richmond late in the year, including having 18 disposals on debut against the Gold Coast Suns. His strong form at all levels contributed to him earning Coates Talent League Team of the Year honours. Was most impressive at the national Draft Combine, where he showcased his speed and endurance with a time of 2.93 seconds for the 20m sprint and finished second overall for the 2km time trial with an elite 5:59.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Mornington
Date of Birth: 16/11/2007
Height: 186cm
Weapons: Game sense, forward craft, goal kicking
AFL player comparison: Jack Gunston
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 74.0 points

A midfielder/forward who is classy and creative, Hibbins-Hargraves is a real threat in the front half. He is very strong in the air, has good speed and generally makes the right decisions by foot. Captained the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League this year and continued to display his enormous potential, averaging 16.3 disposals and kicking 16 goals in 11 matches. This included a standout performance against the GWV Rebels when he picked up 29 disposals and booted five goals. Hibbins-Hargraves started the National Championships in a similar vein, putting in a best on ground performance with four goals from 18 disposals in Victoria Country’s narrow loss to Western Australia. A collarbone injury interrupted his season at various stages, but he still was a worthy selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Illness kept him out of Draft Combine testing.

Jack Ison
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Parkside
Date of Birth: 26/03/2007
Height: 191cm
Weapons: Kicking, vision and clean hands
AFL player comparison: Jack Macrae
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 81.0 points

A left-footed inside midfielder and forward, Ison has shown slices of his elite AFL traits over the past three years, with injury hindering his ability to string games together. He gave glimpses of his undoubted talent with his size, speed and neat kicking very AFL-like in his three matches for Victoria Metro at the National Championships. He averaged 13.3 disposals and 3.7 tackles for Metro but looked to have enormous scope for rapid improvement. Continuity of playing and high performance didn’t come until his final four games for the Oakleigh Chargers this year, where he finally was able to put on display his unique talent. This included having 30 disposals and 10 clearances against the Calder Cannons, following it up with 27 disposals against the Sandringham Dragons in eye-catching finals performances. He did not test at the Draft Combine due to a tibial bone stress issue. An Indigenous talent, Ison is a member of Carlton’s Next Generation Academy program and is certain to attract attention on Draft night.

Max King
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Community Club: Cardiff
Date of Birth: 09/01/2007
Height: 191cm
Weapons: Vertical leap, speed and goal sense
AFL player comparison: Isaac Heeney
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 41.5 points

A tall forward/midfielder, King is athletically elite with his vertical leap and speed real weapons. Is an exceptional overhead mark, combining his incredible leap with great hands. Looked a real AFL prospect playing for the Sydney Swans Academy at the U16 National Championships in 2023, before starring for NSW-ACT in an U17 Futures match against Vic Country last year, picking up 21 disposals, nine marks and four clearances to build a reputation leading into this year. Showed promising glimpses for the Swans Academy this year, averaging 14.2 disposals and four marks and kicking six goals in six matches. Represented the Allies at the National Championships and was influential in the win over Western Australia, kicking 2.3 and taking the mark of the day early in the match before kicking the winning goal in the dying stages. Also played three VFL games for the Swans during the year. His elite athletic ability was on display at the Draft Combine with his standing vertical jump of 80cm ranked first, while his time of 2.93 seconds on the 20m sprint ranked in the top five. Is a member of the Sydney Swans Academy, with the Swans eligible to match a rival club’s bid during the Draft to secure his services.

Matthew Leray
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Golden Grove
Date of Birth: 22/02/2007
Height: 188cm
Weapons: Two-way running, aerial ability and kicking
AFL player comparison: Ollie Dempsey
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 87.1 points

A well-built and powerful wingman, Leray possesses the ability to read the game extremely well and consistently find the footy. Very strong and courageous overhead, as well as a penetrating kick on both feet, Leray was one of seven South Australians to be awarded All Australian honours at the National Championships. He averaged 16.8 disposals at 67 percent efficiency along with 5.8 marks to provide great drive for his team in their unbeaten title-winning campaign. Leray was also dominant at under 18s level with Central District in the SANFL, averaging 22.3 disposals and 3.9 clearances in 12 matches. Another graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he is a dual-sport athlete having represented South Australia in cricket at the U17 National Championships as a leg spinner.

Josh Lindsay
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Newtown & Chilwell
Date of Birth: 07/04/2007
Height: 183cm
Weapons: Kicking and elite decision making
AFL player comparison: Liam Duggan
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 94.4 points

A left-footed defender with a lethal boot, Lindsay has been a strong performer across recent years. Won the medal as Team Heppell’s best player in the Marsh AFL National Futures match last year and then added the medal as the Australia U18 team’s best player in its win over VFL side Coburg this year. He continued his excellent form into the National Championships with Victoria Country, using his speed and crisp decision making to set up the play from the back half. Courageous in the air and a standout leader, he averaged 21.8 disposals at 76 percent efficiency and was among his team’s best players against both Western Australia and South Australia. Capped his year by winning All Australian honours and being named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year.

Archie Ludowyke
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: East Sandringham
Date of Birth: 19/11/2007
Height: 197cm
Weapons: Aerial ability and goal kicking accuracy
AFL player comparison: Aaron Cadman
Player ranking points (Coates Talent League): 104 points

A left-footed tall forward, Ludowyke has spectacular ability in the air with his natural leap and clean hands. He won All Australian honours at under 16 level in 2023 and showed more glimpses of his talent as a bottom-age player last season. Made a promising start to 2025, which included a five-goal haul against the Eastern Ranges in Round 2 of the Coates Talent League before booting five majors in two games for the Australia U18 side against VFL opponents Richmond and Coburg. Unfortunately Ludowyke succumbed to a PCL injury during Victoria Metro’s third match of the National Championships which ruled him out for the remainder of the year. Nearing the end of a successful rehab program, he was unable to test at the Draft Combine with just thin slices of his elite potential left to evaluate his Draft position.

Mitch Marsh
State: South Australia
State League Club: West Adelaide
Community Club: Kangarilla
Date of Birth: 15/02/2007
Height: 190cm
Weapons: Goal kicking accuracy, anticipation and strong hands overhead
AFL player comparison: Bayley Fritsch
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 100.2 points

A left-footed forward, Marsh has become one of the most exciting prospects to emerge this year. His elite work rate and one-touch hands are real strengths as a marking target inside the forward half. Was outstanding first up for South Australia in the National Championships in a hard-fought win over the Allies, kicking four goals and taking eight marks. Was also superb in its victory over Victoria Country, kicking five goals in a best on ground performance to be a key player in his state winning the title and was rewarded with All Australian honours. Marsh continued his dominance at U18 level for West Adelaide, kicking 30 goals in 15 matches while averaging 12.5 disposals and six marks to help his team to the Grand Final. His running vertical jump of 84cm was a top ten result at the national Draft Combine, demonstrating why he is difficult to contain on the burst. He is the son of former Adelaide and Richmond player Ben Marsh, who featured in the Crows’ 1998 premiership team. However, Mitch is not eligible to join either club under father-son rules given his dad was limited to 55 AFL games due to injury.

Zac McCarthy
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Old Carey
Date of Birth: 27/10/2007
Height: 199cm
Weapons: Athleticism, marking and goal sense
AFL player comparison: Tom De Koning
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 62.6 points

A tall forward/ruck, McCarthy has raw athletic talent, being extremely mobile with an impressive natural leap and strong hands overhead. Neck and hip issues, along with school football commitments, kept him to just three games in the Coates Talent League with the Oakleigh Chargers but he impressed by averaging 17 disposals, 3.7 marks and nine hitouts. Played all four games with Victoria Metro at the National Championships, hitting the scoreboard with three goals against Western Australian and two majors against the Allies, with his composure, marking overhead and speed for his size all on display. Is a member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy as his mother was born in Vietnam, meaning the Magpies can match a bid in the Draft.

Jai Murray
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Burleigh
Date of Birth: 09/03/2007
Height: 185cm
Weapons: Work rate, clean hands and game sense
AFL player comparison: Andrew Brayshaw
Player ranking points (Coates Talent League): 134.0 points

A medium midfielder/defender, Murray wins the ball one-on-one and is a fierce competitor, tidy ball user and strong decision-maker. At the 2023 U16 National Championships he averaged 22 disposals (nine contested) and a tournament-high eight tackles on his way to earning All Australian selection. Murray set a solid foundation as a bottom-age player last year, starring for the Gold Suns Academy and even getting a taste of the tempo at VFL level. It was no surprise he had an excellent start to 2025 with the Suns Academy, averaging 23 disposals (81 per cent efficiency) in five matches in the Coates Talent League, including a dominant game as an inside midfielder against the Dandenong Stingrays, gathering 29 disposals. The following week he suffered a season-ending foot injury right on the cusp of representing the Allies at the National Championships. He missed testing at the Draft Combine while still recovering from foot surgery.  The Gold Coast Suns are eligible to match a bid on Murray on Draft night given he is a member of their Academy.

Taj Murray
State: Northern Territory
State League Club: Northern Territory Academy/North Adelaide
Community Club: Nightcliff
Date of Birth: 05/02/2007
Height: 201cm
Weapons: Overhead marking, size and mobility
AFL player comparison: Max Gawn
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 81.4 points

An athletic ruckman, Murray covers the ground extremely well and competes fiercely. He was a standout player for the Northern Territory at the U16 National Championships in 2023, averaging 13 disposals, seven contested possessions, four tackles and 16 hitouts to win his side’s MVP award and earn All Australian honours. Murray relocated to South Australia last year and split his commitments between North Adelaide, the Northern Territory Academy and the Allies, while also playing school football. Murray starred for the Northern Territory Academy in three matches in the Coates Talent League, averaging 11.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 3.7 tackles and 22.7 hitouts to win the Hunter Harrison Medal as the best player from Queensland, NT, NSW-ACT and Tasmania in the lead up to Allies selection. Began the National Championships in outstanding form and was among the Allies’ best with four goals,11 disposals and 15 hitouts in the narrow loss to South Australia in the opening game. Unfortunately illness interfered with his ability to further impact the Championships.

Cameron Nairn
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Willaston
Date of Birth: 15/10/2007
Height: 188cm
Weapons: Overhead marking and accurate kicking
AFL player comparison: Mitch Owens
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 82.0 points

A left-footed medium forward, Nairn burst onto the scene by producing one of the best games of the National Championships, booting seven goals in a standout individual performance in South Australia’s win over Western Australia at Alberton Oval. He has an elite work rate presenting as a leading forward, which is complemented by his natural leap, strong hands overhead, accurate kick for goal and good footy nous. Nairn regularly hit the scoreboard at club under 18s level, kicking 22 goals in 13 games for Central District. He also averaged 20.5 disposals as he also pushed up into the midfield. His impressive 6:15 for the 2km time trial was ranked fourth at the national Draft Combine and provided a good indicator of his willingness to compete against the best.

Riley Onley
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Shepparton United
Date of Birth: 30/03/2007
Height: 195cm
Weapons: Reach at stoppages, kicking and speed for size
AFL player comparison: Elliott Yeo
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 111.0 points

A tall midfielder, Onley uses his height and reach to excel around stoppages and has a good burst of speed to break the game open. A powerful player who covers the ground extremely well, he divided his playing time this year between Scotch College, the Murray Bushrangers and Victoria Country. Was at his dominant best in the final two games of the National Championships against the Allies and Victoria Metro, with his bursts through the midfield and ball use superb. Onley averaged 23 disposals (9.8 contested), 4.8 marks and four clearances for Victoria Country to win All Australian honours, as well as being named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he missed testing at the Draft Combine due to hamstring injury.

Dylan Patterson
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
Date of Birth: 01/09/2007
Height: 183cm
Weapons: Lateral movement, speed and composure
AFL player comparison: Jordan Clark
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 98.8 points

A super quick half back or wingman, Patterson excites with his powerful bursts and ability to step his opponents to consistently break the lines. Had some breathtaking moments with the Allies at the National Championships and was at his absolute best with his match-winning flair on full display in the Allies exciting win over Western Australia. Averaged 19.8 disposals at 73.4% efficiency across the Champs to win All Australian honours. Patterson continued to develop his craft and showcase his enormous potential with the Gold Coast Suns, initially at under 18s level before also playing some excellent games at VFL level over the past two years. Didn’t test at the Draft Combine due to hamstring injury. As a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy he is eligible to join the Suns under the Northern Academy rules. Is also a graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy.

Jevan Phillipou
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville West-Torrens
Community Club: PHOS Camden
Date of Birth: 30/03/2007
Height: 183cm
Weapons: Contested ball winning ability, ball use and lateral movement
AFL player comparison: Jordan Clark
Player ranking points (SANFL U18): 127.0 points

A medium forward/midfielder, Phillipou is capable of winning contested ball both in the air and at ground level and is a skilful kick on both feet. He has a high work rate, allowing him to get from contest to contest, with a very good natural leap and strong hands overhead as well as an elite step to get him through congestion. A former state level decathlete, Phillipou had started the season well at under 18s club level for Woodville-West Torrens before breaking his arm and missing the National Championships. Returned impressively to play nine matches at under 18s level, averaging 22.7 disposals. He finished his year playing some very exciting football at SANFL senior level, featuring in six games with the Eagles where he showcased his undoubted potential. His good leap was confirmed with his 90cm running vertical jump at the national Draft Combine ranked third overall. He is the younger brother of St Kilda young star Mattaes, who was the number 10 pick in the 2022 Draft.

Sullivan Robey
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Rowville
Date of Birth: 04/10/2007
Height: 192cm
Weapons: Clean hands, kicking and ball winning ability
AFL player comparison: Harvey Langford
Player ranking points (Coates Talent League): 107.7 points

A tall midfielder/forward, Robey has emerged in the back half of the year with some outstanding performances for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League. After only making his club debuting in Round 12, he has become a potential Draft bolter in nine matches, averaging 19.7 disposals and kicking 18 goals. Among his outstanding performances was a 40-disposal and three-goal haul against the Western Jets in Wildcard Round, along with kicking four goals in the Ranges’ Grand Final victory over the Sandringham Dragons. A powerful player with one-touch hands, as well as being a beautiful set shot for goal, Robey has been a late physical developer, growing 16 centimeters after being overlooked by the Dandenong Stingrays in his 16th year. Was one of a handful of players to earn a late invite to the national Draft Combine, with AFL clubs eager to find out more about the potential hidden gem.

Fred Rodriguez
State: Western Australia
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Fremantle City Dockers
Date of Birth: 10/07/2007
Height: 184cm
Weapons: Lateral movement and kicking
AFL player comparison: Chad Warner
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 107.8 points

A beautifully balanced midfielder, Rodriguez’s distribution on both feet is elite and he’s also very creative with his clean ball-handling skills, along with overall composure. A hard two-way runner, he was outstanding for Western Australia at the National Championships, no more so than in the thrilling win over Victoria Country and also in the loss to Victoria Metro. Averaged 18 disposals at 78 percent efficiency to win his team’s MVP award and All Australian honours. Dominated for South Fremantle at under 18 club level all year, averaging 25.3 disposals, as well as having a taste of WAFL senior level and also playing a reserves game. Impressed in the 2km time trial at the national Draft Combine, ranking seventh overall with a time of 6:20. A graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy.

Aidan Schubert
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Gawler Central
Date of Birth: 21/12/2007
Height 196cm
Weapons: Marking, endurance and goal kicking
AFL player comparison: Mitch Georgiades
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 132.9 points

An athletic tall forward, Schubert presents well as a target in attack with his clean hands overhead a feature of his game, along with his conversion in front of goal. Had an outstanding season at club level, kicking 28 goals in 13 matches for Central District to win the SANFL U18 MVP Award. Was also one of the stars in South Australia’s title-winning team at the National Championships, finishing fourth in the Larke Medal voting and earning All Australian honours. Averaged 17 disposals and seven marks across the carnival, booting four goals against the Allies and three in the big win over Victoria Metro. Made his SANFL senior debut late in the year and then showed his elite competitive edge and endurance at the national Draft Combine, recording 6:21 for the 2km time trial, which was ranked eighth overall.

Dyson Sharp
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Barossa District
Date of Birth: 23/05/2007
Height: 188cm
Weapons: Power and contested ball winning ability
AFL player comparison: Jason Horne-Francis
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 155.0 points

A strong-bodied midfielder, Sharp knows how to dominate clearances, using his strength, power and footy nous to win contests. A competitive beast, he was the star player of the National Championships, averaging 27 disposals at 76.6 percent efficiency, along with 11 contested possessions, five tackles and six clearances to lead South Australia to the title. Won his team’s MVP, as well as the Larke Medal for the best and fairest player overall at the Championships. Already a dual All Australian at under 16s level, he was named captain of the under 18s All Australian Team to complete a remarkable underage career, having represented his state with great distinction. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to illness. Another graduate of the Marsh AFL National Academy.

Sam Swadling
State: Western Australia
State League Club: West Perth
Community Club: Whitford
Date of Birth: 16/01/2007
Height: 189cm
Weapons: Elite ball use and lateral movement
AFL player comparison: Connor Rozee
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 98.3 points

A medium midfielder/forward, Swadling is a prolific ball winner who has elite kicking skills on both sides of his body and is very composed with ball in hand. At club level he dominated under 18s football winning Team of the Year recognition after averaging 35.4 disposals and 6.6 clearances in nine matches for West Perth. He debuted at senior level later in the year, showcasing his potential in averaging 17.5 disposals in four matches. Swadling was one of Western Australia’s best at the National Championships, averaging 19 disposals at 74 percent efficiency, 2.8 clearances and 2.5 tackles. He was among his team’s best performers against both South Australia and Victoria Metro and was rewarded with All Australian selection.

Adam Sweid
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Pascoe Vale
Date of Birth: 14/09/2007
Height: 176cm
Weapons: Clean hands, agility and toughness
AFL player comparison: Dion Prestia
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 101.0 points

A small midfielder with explosive speed and strength, Sweid missed last year with an ACL injury but really has made a spectacular return this year. He averaged 25 disposals in 13 games for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League to earn Team of the Year selection. He doubled up the honours by being named in the Marsh AFL National Championships All Australian Team after impressing for Victoria Metro. His best performances were a four-goal haul against the Allies and a 24-disposal effort against Victoria Country. Sweid emerged from the Bachar Houli Academy and is also a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, earning a taste of senior football with the Bombers’ VFL team this year.

Oskar Taylor
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: South Belgrave
Date of Birth: 01/08/2007
Height: 183cm
Weapons: Speed and lateral movement
AFL player comparison: Darcy Wilmot
Player ranking points (Coates Talent League): 96.7 points

Medium defender and midfielder with explosive speed and a penetrating left foot who went from strength to strength as the year unfolded. Taylor is a strong one-on-one player with a defend first mindset who grew in confidence as the season progressed to earn a late call-up to the national Draft Combine with a string of outstanding performances. Played a major role in the Eastern Ranges premiership win in the Coates Talent League, averaging 20.5 disposals in 17 matches. Had a great final series to top off a breakout year and finished runner-up in the Ranges’ best and fairest award. Showed elite athletic qualities at the Draft Combine, producing the quickest 20m sprint with a time of 2.82 seconds and ranking second on the agility test with a time of 7.84 seconds.

Xavier Taylor
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: East Ringwood
Date of Birth: 30/01/2007
Height: 192cm
Weapons: Intercept marking, competitiveness and pinpoint kicking
AFL player comparison: Jordan Ridley
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 84.4 points

An attacking defender who had an outstanding Draft year, Taylor is strong overhead and a fierce competitor who is rarely beaten one-on-one. Loves to take the game on with his preparedness to back his neat kicking. He’s also an aggressive tackler and a fine intercept mark who grew in confidence as his performances and the occasions went up a notch. It culminated in a best on ground showing for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League Grand Final, where he accumulated 25 disposals and 15 marks to steer his side to premiership victory. Capable of playing on various types of opponents, Taylor also impressed with Victoria Metro in the National Championships. He played all four matches, averaging 15 disposals, and was among his team’s best in their loss to eventual title winner South Australia. His fine season was rewarded with selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year, as well as winning the Ranges’ best and fairest award. Produced an outstanding 7.97 for the agility test at the national Draft Combine, which ranked third overall.

Blake Thredgold
Club: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Payne Norwood Union FC
Date of Birth: 27/08/2007
Height: 194cm
Weapons: Intercept marking and one-on-one defending
AFL player comparison: Sam Taylor
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 67.0 points

Tall defender with the ability to play one-on-one against the opposition’s most dangerous marking forward and use his own marking ability to intercept and have a real impact. Thredgold missed the early part of the season with a hand injury but returned for South Australia’s final match of the National Championships, where he made his presence felt with several contested marks and logging 13 disposals. Played a major role for Sturt at under 18s level and won the Alan Stewart Medal as best on ground in their Grand Final win, where he took 12 marks and picked up 14 disposals to end his year on a high. His running vertical jump of 89cm at the Draft Combine showcased one of his assets.

Zeke Uwland
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Burleigh
Date of Birth: 24/04/2007
Height: 179cm
Weapons: Left-foot kicking, game sense and lateral movement
AFL player comparison: Errol Gulden
Player ranking points (2024 U18 National Champs): 105.0 points

A skilful wingman or half back, Uwland reads the play superbly and uses his left foot to great effect, including hitting the scoreboard. An All Australian at U18 level in 2024 after an outstanding National Championships campaign for the Allies, he was sidelined by a stress fracture in his lower back for much of 2025. Returned at VFL level for the Gold Coast Suns late in the season and averaged 16.5 disposals in four matches. Uwland is the younger brother of Gold Coast Suns young star Bodhi and is certain to follow his brother into AFL ranks after his dominance at underaged level, which included winning the Hunter Harrison Medal in 2024 as the best emerging player from Queensland, NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania. Demonstrated he is in excellent physical condition with both his running vertical jump of 95cm and agility test of 8.11 seconds at the Draft Combine, with both ranked inside the top ten. A member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy and the Marsh AFL National Academy, he is certain to attract an early bid on Draft night.

Tylah Williams
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Swan Districts
Community Club: Redcliffe
Date of Birth: 22/02/2007
Height: 175cm
Weapons: Speed and agility
AFL player comparison: Tyson Stengle
Player ranking points (U18 National Champs): 58.0 points

An exciting Indigenous small forward, Williams showed his talent when he lit up the forward line for Western Australia during National Championships matches against the Allies and Victoria Metro. He emerged from Colts football with Swan Districts to show some distinct potential in two senior games late in the year for the Swans. Williams has dazzling speed and agility which was confirmed during Draft Combine testing, when he ran a slick 2.89 seconds in the 20m sprint (ranked second) and an elite 7.88 seconds in the agility test (ranked fourth). Is a member of the West Coast Eagles’ Next Generation Academy.

Kevin Sheehan’s 2025 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects

Smalls
Midfielders
Defenders
Medium forwards
Rucks and tall forwards