AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top defenders ahead of the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft.
This year’s Telstra AFL Draft will be held on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20. The 2026 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Monday, November 23.
Sheehan's player profiles will be released via positional group each week ahead of the Draft. This week’s edition highlights the defenders in this year’s Draft pool.
All players profiled attended the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft Combine or 2026 Telstra AFL State Draft Combine in October.
Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.
NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE
Wil Antrobus
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Edithvale Aspendale
Date of Birth: 18/04/2008
Height: 182cm
Profile: An extremely composed left-footed defender, Antrobus is more than often the designated kicker, using his lethal and penetrating disposal to break the lines and set up his team going forward. Had an impressive Talent League season with the Dandenong Stingrays, where he also demonstrated the ability to defend first on a range of different types of opponents. Averaged 22.3 disposals at 80% efficiency, including an outstanding 28-disposal and best on ground performance in the preliminary final win over reigning premiers the Eastern Ranges. His dynamic left foot was also productive for Victoria Country during the National Championships, averaging 16.2 disposals at 78% efficiency with 4.2 rebound 50s across four matches. Showed very good athleticism at the Draft Combine, with his running vertical jump (87cm) and 2km time trial (6:41 seconds) both strong performances.
Tyson Bradley
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Highett
Date of Birth: 16/09/2008
Height: 195cm
Profile: A super reliable tall defender with fast feet, Bradley emerged this year as one of the best performed players of his type and was always assigned to the opposition's most dangerous marking forward. Was superb at club and representative levels, being rarely beaten in a contest, taking intercept and contested marks and neatly using the ball by hand and foot. For Victoria Metro he averaged 14.5 disposals at 86% efficiency, with 6.5 marks and five rebound 50s. Was among his team’s very best against both South Australia and Victoria Country and was rewarded with All Australian honours as well as the title-winning team’s MVP award. His body positioning and aggressive spoiling meant he was rarely beaten one-on-one, which was consistently on display with the Sandringham Dragons at club level, where he averaged 13 disposals and five marks in eight matches to be named captain of the Talent League Team of the Year. His elite agility for a player of his size was on full display at the Draft Combine, being ranked sixth overall on the agility test (7.99 seconds), along with his running vertical jump (90cm) being a top-ten result.
Sam Devers
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Blackburn
Date of Birth: 27/03/2008
Height: 189cm
Profile: An attacking defender who can pinch-hit in the midfield, Devers was impressive as a bottom-aged player last year and was part of the Eastern Ranges premiership team. A shoulder reconstruction delayed his start to 2026, returning for his team’s final seven Talent League matches. Made the most of his return, averaging 17 disposals at 78% efficiency and five marks, which include solid performances in the finals against both the Oakleigh Chargers and Dandenong Stingrays with his run and creativity impressive. Despite coming off a limited preparation, he was good enough to earn selection for Victoria Metro in two matches at the National Championships, adding to his experiences this year. Really showcased his elite athleticism at the Draft Combine, with his speed (2.93 seconds for the 20m sprint) and natural leap (97cm running vertical jump) both top-ten finishes, as well as having a strong 2km time trial (6:34) to round off his impressive physical profile.
Jake Eime
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Golden Grove
Date of Birth: 29/07/2008
Height: 182cm
Profile: A dashing defender who uses his line-breaking speed to open up the game, Eime also penetrates with his precision kicking. The talented Indigenous youngster became an exciting prospect this year with his prolific ball-winning ability at club and state level. His dash and dare were outstanding for South Australia during the National Championships, averaging 20.2 disposals at an excellent efficiency rate of 76.5 %. Was often the preferred exit kicker, setting up many forward moves for his team and was rewarded for his elite performance with All Australian selection. At under 18s level with Central District he was similarly prolific, averaging 22 disposals at 75% efficiency in 12 matches. Also played a couple of games with the Adelaide Crows’ SANFL team, adding to his experiences this season. Was very prominent in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine, with his time of 6:13 a top-ten finish.
Harry Franz
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: Kadina
Date of Birth: 27/11/2008
Height: 193cm
Profile: A tall defender who is a progressive type with excellent physical assets, Franz held down a key defensive role across all four games for South Australia at the National Championships. Excelled one-on-one, showing a sharp competitive edge and composure with the ball. Was a mainstay for his club at under 18s level, playing a pivotal role in Glenelg’s premiership-winning team where he averaged 16 disposals at 76% efficiency, along with five marks across 10 matches. Showed his natural leap at the Draft Combine with a strong performance in the running vertical jump (83cm).
Mitchell Harris
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Kadina
Date of Birth: 01/07/2008
Height: 196cm
Profile: A consummate professional in his approach to his development, Harris’ stocks continued to rise this year, with his intercept marking and ability to control his position seeing him rarely beaten. Was among South Australia’s best against Western Australia, the Allies and Victoria Country during the National Championships, where he averaged 9.2 disposals at 73% efficiency and 3.5 marks to earn All Australian honours. He progressed from dominating under 18 football for Woodville-West Torrens to debuting at senior level, including playing finals, where he was again very impressive with his one-on-one ability and showed he was clearly up to the challenges of senior football. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to an ankle injury.
Tate Hodgson
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Park Orchards
Date of Birth: 24/07/2008
Height: 197cm
Profile: A tall and courageous defender, Hodgson's intercept and contested marking ability shone during the U16 National Championships in 2024, earning him All Australian honours. A back injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, but he returned to perform well this year at club and representative level, with his mobility and elite ball use features of his game. He was rock solid in defence for Victoria Metro’s title-winning team at the National Championships, averaging 16 disposals at 84% efficiency with five marks. Hodgson was composed in the air and used the ball well in 12 matches for the Northern Knights, looking both courageous and comfortable in defence and averaging 16 disposals across four matches. Showed he was rock-hard fit at the Draft Combine, with his 2km time trial (6:49 seconds) a strong performance for a player of his physique.
Gus Kennedy
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Carrum Patterson Lakes
Date of Birth: 21/02/2008
Height: 187cm
Profile: A powerfully-built defender, Kennedy is a consistent performer who brings a hard-at-it style which sees him win plenty of contested possessions, while his speed provides rebound from defence. An agile type and good decision-maker, he is an ultimate pro. Captained the Dandenong Stingrays and won their best and fairest award after averaging 19 disposals per game, while featuring among their better players in the Grand Final loss to the Gippsland Power. At representative level was a consistent ball winner for Victoria Country, providing drive and rebound from the back half, averaging 20 disposals at 76% efficiency and four marks. Was among his team’s best players against both Western Australia and Victoria Metro. Had a taste of VFL football with Collingwood and was rewarded for his excellent season with selection in the Talent League Team of the Year. Tested exceptionally well at the Draft Combine, with his 20m sprint (2.97 seconds) and running vertical jump (97cm) both top-ten finishes.
Xavier Ladbrook
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Nar Nar Goon
Date of Birth: 16/10/2008
Height: 203cm
Profile: A unique left-footed tall defender with massive upside, Ladbrook applied his craft both forward and back this year. Used his natural athleticism and smarts to win plenty of the ball at both ends of the ground. A one-touch player overhead and a neat distributor by hand or foot, he represented Victoria Country in all four matches at the National Championships and averaged 12 disposals at 76% efficiency, with six marks playing at both ends. Excelled down back late in the year for the Gippsland Power in their premiership winning team, finishing the season with an average of 14 disposals and six marks across 14 games. A member of the AFL National Academy, he also performed well in for the Australia U18 team in two matches against VFL opponents in April and awarded the medal as the team’s best player in the second match against Richmond’s VFL side. Had a top-ten finish in the running vertical jump (92cm) at the Draft Combine and performed exceptionally well for a player of his height in the 2km time trial (6:38).
Mason McGroder
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Community Club: Maroubra Saints
Date of Birth: 18/09/2008
Height: 195cm
Profile: A powerful and athletic tall defender who is aggressive in the air, McGroder also possesses excellent closing speed and intent to compete with his chasing and tackling at ground level. A dual-sport athlete who is a world-ranked long jumper, he has had limited exposure to high levels of football, having only played six matches this year. That tally included three games for the Sydney Swans Academy in the Talent League, as well as one game for the Allies at the National Championships. Won a silver medal in August at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships held in the USA, highlighting his elite athletic ability. Really showcased that elite athleticism at the Draft Combine by winning the 20m sprint (2.83 seconds) and being ranked second in the running vertical jump (107cm), highlighting unique attributes for a potential AFL defender. Being a member of the Sydney Swans Academy, they Swans can match a bid for his services at the AFL Draft.
Kai Parker
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: St Mary’s
Date of Birth: 17/10/2008
Height: 189cm
Profile: A medium defender whose ball use and rebound are features of his game, Parker was a star for Victoria Metro during the National Championships, averaging 15 disposals at 80% efficiency and seven marks in the four matches for the title-winners. A promising Indigenous talent, he also showed great potential for the Northern Knights in the Talent League, averaging 19 disposals at an elite 90% efficiency and five marks. His ability to nullify the opposition’s most dangerous forwards was a major asset. A shoulder injury curtailed his season with five games remaining and meant he did not test at the Draft Combine.
Clancy Snell
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Mirboo North
Date of Birth: 21/08/2008
Height: 197cm
Profile: A tall defender who knows how to nullify first and is strong overhead when the opportunity presents, Snell’s kicking from defence is also a feature of his game. He was a consistent player for Victoria Country during the National Championships, featuring among his team’s best in matches against the Allies, South Australia and Victoria Metro. Averaged 13 disposals at 73% efficiency and seven marks to be selected in the All Australian team. Also had a great season with the Gippsland Power, where he was forthright as a co-captain in their premiership year. Averaged 14 disposals at 82% efficiency with six marks to finish third in the Power’s best and fairest award and win selection in the Talent League Team of the Year. His endurance and competitiveness were both on full display at the Draft Combine, with an impressive performance in the 2km time trial (6:23).
Darcy Szerszyn
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Seaford
Date of Birth:20/05/2008
Height: 189cm
Profile: A powerful defender who intercepts well in the air, Szerszyn provides exciting run from defence and can match up on smaller or medium-sized opponents. He had an interrupted start to the season while recovering from a shoulder injury but still represented Victoria Country in four matches during National Championships, averaging 17 disposals at 81% efficiency, and looked composed at the level. An AFL Academy member, he had a solid back half of the year with the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 13 disposals and five marks in nine matches before getting a gauge of the next level with a match for North Melbourne’s VFL team. His exciting burst of speed was a feature he displayed at the Draft Combine, ranking sixth on the 20m sprint (2.91 seconds), with his running vertical jump (89cm) also a top-ten finish.
Billy Wigmore
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Yarraville Seddon Eagles
Date of Birth: 29/03/2008
Height: 188cm
Profile: A medium defender who reads the play superbly to intercept mark, Wigmore also shows great composure and uses the ball well by hand and foot on the rebound. Had an outstanding year at both representative and club level. Averaged 17 disposals and six marks for Victoria Metro at the National Championships to win All Australian selection and was dominant in the impressive win over Western Australia. He marked everything that came his way at club level for the Western Jets, with his ability to read the play and intercept impressive all season. Averaged seven marks and 19 disposals for the Jets and was recognised with Talent League Team of the Year selection. Rounded off an impressive year with a strong endurance performance in the 2km time (6:23) at the Draft Combine.
STATE DRAFT COMBINE
Oliver Bartal
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Old Haileybury
Date of Birth: 04/03/2008
Height: 191cm
Profile: A left-footed medium defender who intercepts well and makes good decisions with his ball use, Bartal had a dominant back half of the season for the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League. An impressive finals campaign earned him a late call up to the state Draft Combine in Melbourne. Played 14 games in the Talent League where he averaged 15 disposals at 77% efficiency and five marks, along with being an outstanding player with Haileybury College in APS football. Demonstrated a very good combination of speed during testing at the state Draft Combine, with strong results in the 20m sprint (2.95 seconds) and agility test (8.15 seconds).
Tom Brown
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Swanbourne
Date of Birth: 29/07/2008
Height: 189cm
Profile: A medium defender who can both lockdown his opponent as well as intercept in aerial contests, Brown was at his best against the best, named Western Australia’s best player against the title-winner Victoria Metro at the National Championships. An impressive one-on-one player who also provides good rebound, he grabbed seven marks (three contested), along with 10 disposals and showed he loves the physical side of the game. A premiership player at Colts level in his bottom-age year, he averaged 12 disposals in six matches this year, as well as playing all four matches at the National Championships. Has the capability of playing on taller and smaller opponents with athleticism to match them aerially and at ground level. His running vertical leap (81cm) was impressive at the state Draft Combine in Western Australia.
Jack Gordon
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Salisbury
Date of Birth: 05/01/2008
Height: 185cm
Profile: A medium defender who can play on both taller and smaller opponents, Gordon knows when to defend and when to attack. His speed and clean hands overhead and at ground level are other key assets. Won All Australian honours at the U16 National Championships in 2024 and this year progressed from being a dominant force at underage level to play some senior and reserves football for Central District, furthering his development. Gordon is a member of the AFL National Academy and will derive great benefit from the experience of representing the Australian U18 team in April. Was a strong performer for South Australia at this year’s National Championships, averaging 16 disposals in four matches with his ability to intercept and his courage in the contest clearly apparent. Did not test at the state Draft Combine due to a hamstring injury.
Archie Hill
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Broadbeach
Date of Birth: 04/03/2008
Height: 183cm
Profile: A powerful running defender, Hill has consistently provided his team with exciting rebound from the back half in the past three seasons. Won the Gold Coast Suns Academy’s MVP award and All Australian selection at the U16 National Championships in 2024 and the Suns Academy’s Player of the Year at under-18 level this year. A member of the AFL National Academy, he also worked extremely hard in defence playing for the Australia U18 team in two matches against VFL opposition in April. Was also a prominent member of the Allies, averaging 14 disposals in four matches during the National Championships. Played six matches at VFL level with the Suns, including having an impressive 26 disposals in his debut match against the Brisbane Lions, a season highlight playing on the wing. Showcased his competitiveness and endurance with an impressive 6:19 in the 2km time trial at the state Draft Combine held in Melbourne.
Garrison Kenh
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Perth
Community Club: Ellenbrook
Date of Birth: 19/04/2008
Height: 182cm
Profile: An exciting left-footed defender, Kenh is athletically gifted with an outstanding natural leap and dazzling speed to break the lines and create from the back half. At the U16 National Championships in 2024 his potential and performance were recognised with All Australian honours. Took a while to reach his best form this season but then grabbed his opportunity when presented. Was prominent in two games for Western Australia in the National Championships, averaging 23 disposals at 80% efficiency. With his family originally hailing from Liberia in West Africa, Kenh is part of the West Coast Eagles’ Next Generation Academy and he played two WAFL matches with the Eagles at senior level late this year. Demonstrated his impressive athletic profile at the state Draft Combine in Perth with strong performances in the 20m sprint (2.93 seconds), agility test (8.20 seconds) and running vertical jump (82cm).
Kale Matthews-Hampton
State: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Strathalbyn
Date of Birth: 19/05/2008
Height: 188cm
Profile: A classy, left-footed defender with exceptional footy IQ, Matthews-Hampton has consistently demonstrated the ability to read the play and take intercept marks. A dual-sport athlete, he has also excelled in basketball National Championships at an underage level for South Australia Country. This season he averaged 21 disposals and six marks across seven matches for Sturt's under-18s. He played all four matches for South Australia at the National Championships, where his exciting aerial abilities and ball use were on display, averaging 14 disposals and showing impressive dash off half back. Showcased his athletic abilities with his at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide with impressive results for the 20m sprint (2.98 seconds), agility test (8.25 seconds) and running vertical jump.
Jake Medved
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Community Club: Manly Warringah Wolves
Date of Birth: 02/06/2008
Height: 193cm
Profile: A dual-sport athlete who can explode from defence, Medved comes from a touch footy background where he excelled to win All Australian honours, before enticed into the Sydney Swans Academy only 12 months ago. Has developed quickly to become a genuine AFL prospect. A very competitive type, he intercepts very well and uses his speed to outnumber the opposition and link up in handball chains to rebound from defence. Averaged 16 disposals in six Talent League matches for the Sydney Swans Academy, before really impressing with a 30-disposal performance for the NSW-ACT team in a trial match against South Australia at under 18s level. Played all four National Championships matches for the Allies, showing his ability to play tall or small. He also had a taste at VFL level in two games for the Swans, which included gathering 19 disposals against the GWS Giants in another glimpse of his potential. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine due to ankle injury.
Charlie Nash
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Park Orchards
Date of Birth: 20/05/2008
Height: 194cm
Profile: A tall defender who is courageous in the air, with his intercept marking a feature, Nash has shown he can also be swung forward and provide a dangerous marking target in attack. A premiership player at a bottom-ager with the Eastern Ranges in 2025, he has neat foot skills and a sharp competitive edge. He consistently displayed those traits this year for the Eastern Ranges, averaging 13 disposals at 77% efficiency and five marks in 16 matches. An impressive all-round athlete, he showed very good agility (8.29 seconds) and endurance (6:32 in the 2km time trial) at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Klay Nicholls
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Portland
Date of Birth: 15/05/2008
Height: 188cm
Profile: A medium defender who defends first and then reads the cues exceptionally well to intercept mark, Nicholls also is an elite decision maker and can play on taller and smaller opponents. He displayed these features while representing Victoria Country in all its four National Championships matches, averaging 15 disposals at 82% efficiency. His 21 disposals against South Australia in the one-point loss at Mars Stadium made him one of Victoria Country’s best players, before another strong performance against the Victoria Metro in the final game. He was a consistent ball winner for the GWV Rebels this year, averaging 20 disposals at 79% efficiency in 14 matches. Presented well athletically at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, with his agility test (8.32 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:39) both solid performances.
Jake Soutar
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Perth
Community Club: West Coast
Date of Birth: 22/06/2006
Height: 192cm
Profile: A tall defender with a vice-like grip overhead, Soutar debuted at senior level in the WAFL last year but cemented a place in 2026. He had a breakout year, playing 20 games for East Perth, averaging 17 disposals, seven marks and three tackles to win his club’s best and fairest and become a genuine Draft prospect. Soutar intercepts very well and is both good in the air and at ground level, with the ability to launch attacks from the back half. Has also shown he can play on taller and smaller opponents and impressed with a solid 18 disposals and five marks for the Western Australian U20s team in their annual Challenge match against the state U18s earlier in the year. Tested very impressively at the state Draft Combine in Perth, with notable performances in the agility test (8.05 second) and 2km time trial (6:37) to round off a fine progressive year.
Cooper White
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Red Hill
Date of Birth: 05/11/2008
Height: 193cm
Profile: A tall defender who is rarely beaten one-on-one, White comes off his opponent extremely well to impact the contest, using his anticipation to great effect. A good decision-maker with ball in hand and neat with his disposal, he also looks to have plenty of upside with his physical development, noting he only turns 18 years of age in November. Progressed well this year, playing 13 matches with the Dandenong Stingrays and averaging 10 disposals and three marks to earn an opportunity to represent Victoria Country against the Allies. Rounded off his year by running a 6:45 in the 2km time trial at the state Draft Combine, which was a solid result for a player of his type.
Jasper Williams
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: East Brighton Vampires
Date of Birth: 19/08/2008
Height: 195cm
Profile: An athletic tall defender with a genuine aerial presence, Williams looks to have plenty of upside following a year when injury restricted him to only four matches at club level. He averaged 11 disposals and five marks in those appearances for the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League. Had been super impressive playing as a ruckman at school level, with his vice-like grip overhead and sound fundamentals, including being clean below the knees and a neat kick, features of his game. Sometimes seeing just a thin slice of elite talent is enough for an AFL club to select a player of Williams’ profile, knowing he has enormous upside. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine due to leg injury.
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Rucks and tall forwards