AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top midfielders 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 midfielders 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
Lochie Burrows
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Bentleigh
Date of Birth: 11/04/2008
Height: 180cm
Profile: A powerful and strong midfielder and forward who brings energy and personality to the locker room, Burrows added another string to his bow when swung back during Victoria Metro trials. He starred in the new role which he carried through the Championships, playing all four matches and being part of an impenetrable defensive unit for the title-winning team. A contested beast who is clean at ground level and strong aerially, he’s not afraid to take the game on with his speed and step through congestion both weapons. He averaged 14 disposals at 82% efficiency for Victoria Metro and played nine Talent League matches for the Sandringham Dragons, playing predominantly in the midfield and forward. Averaging 15 disposals and five tackles for the Dragons and finished in third place in their best and fairest award. Looked impressive in both the 2km time trial (6:28) and agility test (8.21 seconds) at the Draft Combine.
Harrison Chapman
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Boronia
Date of Birth: 06/01/2008
Height: 191cm
Profile: A long striding and athletic winger with clean hands, Chapman set a solid foundation for his Draft year as a prominent member of the Eastern Ranges premiership team as a bottom-ager in 2025, with his two-way running a feature of his game. His ability to link up and use his speed to break open the play was again on display this year, using his foot skills on the run to great advantage. Averaged 21 disposals at 70% efficiency in 15 Talent League games, as well as averaging 19 disposals in three matches for Victoria Metro at the National Championships. Is capable of hitting the scoreboard, which he did brilliantly with a goal from deep in the pocket to help the Ranges to victory over the more fancied Northern Knights. Was a member of the 2026 AFL National Academy who would have taken great benefit from that experience early in the year. Tested soundly at the Draft Combine with impressive performances in the 2km time trial (6:41) and agility test (8.18 seconds).
Ethan Drever
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Ballarat Swans
Date of Birth: 10/07/2008
Height: 189cm
Profile: An exciting midfielder with speed to burn, Drever has clean hands, makes good decisions with the footy and is generally very neat and penetrating with his disposal. Performed exceptionally at club and representative levels throughout the year. Was awarded Victoria Country’s MVP at the National Championships after averaging 20 disposals at 79% efficiency, four tackles and five inside 50s. Was among their best against the Allies, South Australia and Victoria Metro and was rewarded with All Australian honours for his elite performances. He was consistently prolific and dominant for the GWV Rebels in the Talent League, with his trademark bursts from stoppages on regular display. Averaged 28 disposals (14 contested), seven clearances and seven tackles to win the Rebels’ best and fairest and selection in the Talent League Team of the Year. Confirmed his elite athleticism at the Draft Combine with top-five performances in the 20m sprint (2.90 seconds) and running vertical jump (96cm).
Kodah Edwards
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Willunga
Date of Birth: 25/07/2008
Height: 182cm
Profile: A midfielder-forward who excels at stoppages as a contested ball winner, Edwards possesses clean hands, great vision and creates plays with his strong game sense and precise kicking. He captained South Australia at the National Championships and showed the way, averaging 22 disposals (nine contested), four clearances and three tackles to win All Australian honours, highlighted by dominant performances against the Allies and Victoria Metro. A member of the AFL National Academy, he was particularly impressive with his stoppage work, composure and ball use in the match against North Melbourne’s VFL team, having 23 disposals to feature among the Australia U18 team’s best. Progressed to play five matches at senior level with South Adelaide, averaging 16 disposals and looking very comfortable and influential at the level. Missed testing at the national Draft Combine due to illness but was able to perform a week later at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide, recording 2.91 seconds for the 20m sprint and an equally impressive 8.18 seconds for the agility test.
George Gale
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Swanbourne
Date of Birth: 06/09/2008
Height: 191cm
Profile: An athletic midfielder with elite running capacity and one-touch hands who plays on the inside and outside, Gale captained Western Australia at the National Championships. Performed with a high level of consistency, averaging 28 disposals (nine contested) and five inside 50s to be named among his team’s best in all four matches and was rewarded with All Australian team selection. A courageous player overhead who reads the game exceptionally well, he progressed to play senior football with Claremont in the WAFL, featuring in six matches including the Grand Final, averaging 15 disposals and looking very capable at the level. Is the son of former St Kilda and Fremantle player Mark Gale, who played 84 AFL games, but doesn’t qualify as a father-son selection for either club under father-son rules. His impressive sporting bloodline also includes his grandfather Terry Gale, a former international golfer. Showed his grit and competitiveness at the Draft Combine with his performance in the 2km time trial (6:12) a top-ten finish.
Lachie Hicks
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Altona
Date of Birth: 19/01/2008
Height: 184cm
Profile: A hard running and agile midfielder, Hicks is known for his one-touch hands, ability to read the play and contested ball-winning ability. Has been a ball magnet at all levels throughout the past three years. Won Victoria Metro’s MVP at the 2024 U16 National Championships and was again a very consistent performer for Victoria Metro this year, averaging 17 disposals as part of their midfield rotation. Had a magnificent season with the Western Jets in the Talent League, averaging 29 disposals, five clearances and four tackles, as well as kicking 21 goals in 15 matches. Was duly rewarded with Talent League Team of the Year selection, as well as winning the Jets’ best and fairest award. Really showcased his elite athletic prowess at the Draft Combiner by being ranked first in the agility test (7.80 seconds) and second in the 2km time trial (6:01).
Albert Macgowan
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Brighton Beach
Date of Birth: 27/07/2008
Height: 186cm
Profile: A relentless winger whose repeat efforts and work rate up and down the ground were real feature throughout the season. Macgowan capped off his year by winning All Australian honours after a dominant National Championships campaign for Victoria Metro, before winning the Sandringham Dragons best and fairest and Talent League Team of the Year selection. His best on ground performance against Victoria Country at Mars Stadium was a highlight, proving him to be a great connector for the title-winning team. At club level he was also a star, averaging 28 disposals in 10 matches for the Dragons, highlighted by a 50m goal on the final siren to clinch an unlikely victory over the Northern Knights in the Quarter Final. Is the son of former SANFL star Rick McGowan, who played more than 200 games for Central District and also was a prominent coach at Sturt and part of Hawthorn’s coaching panel for several seasons. Reminded the scouts of his elite running capacity by finishing first in the 2kn time trial at the national Draft Combine with a time of 5:59.
Ethan Matthews
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: GWS Giants Academy
Community Club: Ingleburn
Date of Birth: 04/09/2008
Height: 186cm
Profile: A left-footed midfielder who is a prolific ball winner, Matthews uses his elite running ability and footy nous to gather the ball and use it constructively with his effective disposal. A smooth-mover with great vision and composure, he started the season in brilliant form, averaging 35 disposals in three games for the GWS Giants Academy before being among the combined NSW-ACT Academies best player with 28 disposals against South Australia. Won the Hunter Harrison Medal as the best young player from the Allies cohort of states and territories leading into National Championships. Produced one of the best individual games of the National Championships in the Allies’ loss to Victoria Country, racking up 35 disposals, 11 clearances and eight tackles before succumbing to a foot stress fracture in the following game which brought his outstanding season to a premature close. Still took out the GWS Giants Academy’s Player of the Year award at season’s end. A member of the AFL National Academy, he gained benefit playing two matches against VFL opponents in April, as well as also played six matches for the GWS Giants’ VFL team over the past two seasons. Was unable to test at the Draft Combine as he completes recovery from his foot injury.
Heath Mellody
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Wembley Downs
Date of Birth: 27/07/2008
Height: 185cm
Profile: A beautifully balanced and classy midfielder, Mellody had an outstanding season at club and representative level. Showcased his high-quality footy smarts and ball use either side of his body right throughout the campaign. During the National Championships he used his elite kicking and decision making to set up the play from defence for Western Australia, as well as running through the midfield at times. Averaged 28 disposals per match to win his team’s MVP award as well as claiming the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player of the carnival. Was also presented the honour of being named captain of the All Australian team. After dominating for Claremont’s colts team earlier in the year, he went on to play six WAFL senior matches, averaging 20 disposals. This included a remarkable performance against the West Coast Eagles in his second match at the level, where he collected 34 disposals (17 contested), 10 clearances and 10 tackles. His senior level experience included playing in four finals and although his team went down to Peel Thunder in the premiership decider, he would have benefited enormously from the opportunity in preparation for next year. Preformed impressively at the Draft Combine with his time of 6:30 for the 2km time trial being a great indication of his endurance.
Jackson Phillips
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Langwarrin
Date of Birth: 30/01/2008
Height: 183cm
Profile: A beautifully balanced and skilful winger, Phillips is an outstanding kick on both sides of his body and capable of hitting the scoreboard when he pushes forward. With the ability to play both on the inside and outside, he reads the play very well and was a consistent performer for Victoria Country in the National Championships, averaging 16 disposals and featuring in the best players against the Allies and Western Australia. Had an excellent season for the Dandenong Stingrays at club level, averaging 19 disposals per game and kicking 11 goals to win selection in the Talent League Team of the Year. Was restricted to just the speed and jumps tests at the Draft Combine while hampered by a back injury.
Archie Van Dyk
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Port Noarlunga
Date of Birth: 28/07/2008
Height: 190cm
Profile: A prolific ball-winning midfielder, Van Dyk is a stoppage star who uses his clean hands, footy nous and courage to win the ball consistently for his team. Won All-Australian honours at under-16s level in 2024 and continued to impress last year as a bottom-age player. A stress-related back injury curtailed his start to 2026 but he returned with a vengeance. Made it back South Australia’s final game of the National Championships and had an immediate impact with 21 disposals (11 contested) at 76% efficiency against Victoria Country. Played two SANFL senior matches for South Adelaide, where he impressed with his contested ball winning and aerial ability. Was eligible to play in the reserves finals series and dominated in three games, which including winning the Bob Lee Medal as the best player in the drought-breaking Grand Final win over Glenelg after accumulating 34 disposals. Tested exceptionally well in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine, with his time of 6:11 ranked eighth overall.
Cody Walker
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers
Community Club: Echuca
Date of Birth: 26/01/2008
Height: 186cm
Profile: A genuine stoppage star, Walker has a great ability to read the play, extract the footy from congestion and then burst away with speed. A powerful midfielder, he played just the three games for the Bendigo Pioneers this year, averaging 30 disposals, before playing the remainder of his club football with Carlton’s VFL team, where he was also impressive and averaged 22 disposals in seven games. Was one of the Australia U18 team’s better players in matches against VFL opponents North Melbourne and Richmond, again winning plenty of contested ball and averaging 23 disposals across the two games to cement his reputation as one of the elite talents in this year’s Draft pool. Recovered from a shoulder injury sustained in Victoria Country’s opening game of the National Championships against the Allies to return with a best on ground performance against South Australia, picking up 35 disposals before toiling hard in the heavy loss to Victoria Metro. Averaged 23.7 disposals (10 contested) and 3.7 clearances at the Championships to win All Australian honours. Is set to join Carlton under the father-son rule at this year’s Draft, with his father Andrew a 202-game player with the Blues. Reminded the scouts of his competitive edge with an eye-catching 2km time trial at the Draft Combine, ranking third with a time of 6:04.
Memphis Webb
State: South Australia
State League Club: North Adelaide
Community Club: Tea Tree Gully
Date of Birth: 04/06/2008
Height: 183cm
Profile: A composed midfielder who overcame an ACL injury in his bottom-age year, Webb had an outstanding season in 2026. Represented South Australia at the National Championships, where he averaged 25 disposals (10 contested) at 76% efficiency, five clearances and three tackles to be among his team’s best players in every match. A player who always looks to have time and can win the ball both on the inside and outside, he also showed he could get forward and hit the scoreboard. Kicked 11 goals and averaged 24 disposals in nine matches at under-18 level for North Adelaide. Missed the national Draft Combine due to illness but was able to show some of his athletic ability at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide, with his 80cm running vertical jump a positive indicator of his power.
STATE DRAFT COMBINE
Max Downes
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: St Mary’s
Date of Birth: 09/07/2008
Height: 183cm
Profile: A medium midfielder who is quick and agile, Downes started the season with dominant performances in the opening two rounds for the Northern Knights in the Talent League, averaging 26 disposals. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the next match which put him on the sidelines for a couple of months. Returned mid-year and showed enough to earn an opportunity with Victoria Metro, playing one National Championships game against South Australia before breaking his leg in Round 17 while playing for the Knights and missing the remainder of the season. Represented Victoria Metro at under-16 level in 2024, impressing with both his contested ball winning and creativity, which included having 25 disposals against Victoria Country in an early indication of his potential. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne as he recovered from his leg injury.
Hudson Graham
State: Western Australia
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Fremantle City Dockers
Date of Birth: 28/05/2008
Height: 195cm
Profile: Tall winger who is very athletic and strong aerially, Graham is a late developer who competes fiercely and can also go forward. Showed exciting promise of what’s to come as he matures with his performances at colts level for South Fremantle, averaging 16 disposals and four marks in 14 matches as his team made it through to a Grand Final, where they went down to East Fremantle. Also participated in the Western Australian under-18 state program and gained further experience playing National Championships matches against South Australia and Victoria Metro in his first taste of representative football at a higher level. Is the son of former West Coast Eagles defender and recently appointed North Melbourne coach Jaymie Graham but isn’t eligible as a father-son selection. Tested soundly at the state Draft Combine in Perth, with his result on the agility test (8.38 seconds) impressive for a player of his size.
Cooper Hodge
State: Queensland
State League Club: Brisbane Lions Academy
Community Club: Morningside
Date of Birth: 26/07/2008
Height: 181cm
Profile: A versatile player with a real competitive streak, Hodge has shown an ability to play in all three areas of the ground across the past two seasons. His ability to win the contested ball and his appetite to tackle are key strengths of his game. Captained the Brisbane Lions Academy this year and showed he can also explode out of contest with power, averaging 21 disposals in seven matches. Continued to impress with the Allies during the National Championships and was an important contributor in the win over Western Australia, logging 20 disposals (nine contested) and three tackles. Also had the invaluable experience of playing six VFL matches for the Brisbane Lions to round out his development. Although eligible for the Lions under the AFL’s Northern Academy rules, he has opted to nominate Hawthorn as his chosen destination, where he is eligible as a father-son selection as the son of Hawks champion Luke. Showed very good athleticism during testing at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, with his 20m sprint (2.94 seconds), running vertical jump (85cm) and 2km time trial (6:36) all impressive results.
Blake Justice
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Greenvale
Date of Birth: 29/09/2008
Height: 192cm
Profile: An athletic midfielder/forward with dazzling speed and endurance, Justice had an impressive bottom-age year before being sidelined for the opening half of this season with a thigh injury, returning to the field in Round 13. Creative by hand and powerful on the inside, he can also be damaging with his kicking. Had an immediate impact for the Calder Cannons when he returned, averaging 22 disposals (50% contested) and seven clearances in six games, while also making his VFL debut for Essendon. Was super impressive for the Cannons in their Wildcard Round loss to the Sandringham Dragons, having 24 disposals and 11 clearances and displaying real X-factor. Of Indonesian heritage, he is a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy program, allowing the Bombers the opportunity to match any bid at Draft time. Showcased his elite speed at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne with a blistering 2.81 seconds in the 20m sprint before injuring his hamstring, which cut short his opportunity to further demonstrate his athletic ability.
Jack Leys
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Henley
Date of Birth: 11/05/2008
Height: 183cm
Profile: Winger with a very good combination of speed and endurance, Leys progressed through the grades at club level for Woodville-West Torrens this season to be on the verge of senior selection until he injured his quad late in the year. Starred at under-18 level, averaging 21 disposals at 72% efficiency and kicked seven goals in 10 games. Progressed to play five games at reserves level, where he averaged 16 disposals, before the injury setback. Was a solid performer for South Australia at the National Championships, averaging 15 disposals at 75% efficiency. Is the son of former Richmond player and four-time Port Adelaide SANFL premiership star Brian Leys, who played 110 games for the Tigers which qualifies Jack as a father-son candidate for Richmond. Was restricted at the state Draft Combine in Adelaide as he continued to rehab from injury, but it didn’t stop him being extremely impressive in the 2km time trial, with his time of 6:30 the quickest at that event and showing not just his endurance but also his competitive nature.
Henry Meaney
State: NSW-ACT
State League Club: Sydney Swans Academy
Community Club: Manly Warringah Wolves
Date of Birth: 23/08/2008
Height: 185cm
Profile: Composed inside midfielder with clean hands and sharp vision, Meaney has good lateral movement and finds space in congestion. A very good decision maker and very courageous, he was a consistent ball winner for the Sydney Swans Academy in six Talent League matches, averaging 23 disposals, before playing a handful of games at VFL level for the Swans. Was one of the better players for the Allies at the National Championships, averaging 18 disposals, which included a standout 27-possession game against Victoria Country in the opening game of the tournament. Showcased his slick change of direction with an impressive 8.09 seconds on the agility test at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Jack Nelson
State: South Australia
State League Club: Sturt
Community Club: Glenunga
Date of Birth: 29/09/2008
Height: 186cm
Profile: A medium midfielder who is a stoppage star, Nelson excelled in the first half of the year at under-18 level for Sturt, averaging 27 disposals, six clearances and five tackles, showing poise and composure with ball in hand. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe groin injury which restricted him to just two matches for South Australia at the National Championships and sidelined him for the entire back half of the year. His dynamic form in the early part of the season was clearly noticed by AFL clubs, hence the invite to the state Draft Combine for further assessment, but he was unable to test due to the groin injury.
Lucas Robinson
State: Western Australia
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Lake Grace Pingrup
Date of Birth: 13/02/2008
Height: 191cm
Profile: A hard-edged midfielder who thrives in the contest, Robinson wins plenty of ball by dominating stoppages and is also a good decision maker who constantly drives his team forward. Was outstanding for Western Australia during the U16 National Championships in 2024, winning his state’s MVP award and earning All Australian honours. Continued to develop in his bottom-age year in 2025 and started this season at senior WAFL level for East Fremantle, racking up 27 disposals on debut in Round 1, before averaging 17 disposals in 11 matches. At representative level he played two National Championships matches for Western Australia, being restricted by an injury but averaging 20 disposals and making a valuable contribution in the midfield. Of Zimbabwean descent, Robinson is a member of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, providing the Dockers priority access to him. Completed his Draft preparation at the state Draft Combine in Perth with a strong performance in the 2km time trial (6:38).
Angus Tippett
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Point Cook
Date of Birth: 12/02/2008
Height: 195cm
Profile: A tall midfielder who wins contested ball as a stoppage specialist, Tippett was prolific for the Westen Jets in the Talent League, averaging 24 disposals (10 contested), four clearances and four tackles. Also showed he could push forward and have an impact, kicking nine goals to add to his value. Was rewarded for his consistency with selection in the Talent League Team of the Year. A one-touch player who is strong overhead, he made an excellent contribution to Victoria Metro’s midfield group for the title-winning team, averaging 20 disposals at 68% efficiency across four matches. Showed his strong work ethic and running capacity for a player of his size and type with an impressive 6:32 on the 2km time trial at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Jackson Watkins
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Aberfeldie
Date of Birth: 04/10/2008
Height: 187cm
Profile: A medium midfielder/forward with sharp speed and a quick step through congestion, Watkins really hit his peak in the back half of the season for the Calder Cannons after showing good promise in his 16th and 17th years. Had a ‘pick me’ game against the Sandringham Dragons in the Wildcard Round, collecting 23 disposals (17 contested) in a standout performance. Finished the year averaging 19 disposals in 11 Talent League matches. Earned a late call up to the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, where he impressed with his speed and agility with strong performances in the 20m sprint (2.91 seconds) and agility test (8.07 seconds) to round off a progressive season.
Chas Woodward
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Montmorency
Date of Birth: 08/01/2008
Height: 187cm
Profile: Winger who takes the game on with his blistering speed, Woodward keeps his width extremely well and runs hard both ways to support his team by outnumbering the opposition. A good decision-maker who is neat by foot, he was a consistent performer all year for the Northern Knights, averaging 18 disposals in 15 games, often playing with dare and flair to break the game open. Gave a glimpse of this athletic prowess at the state Draft Combine in Melbourne, with his performances in the 20m sprint (2.90 seconds) and agility test (8.11 seconds) both in the top bracket.
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Smalls
Rucks and tall forwards
Defenders
Small and medium forwards