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Top 15 AFL Draft Prospects in 2026 Ranked Right Now

Jesse Mclure

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Last updated: Fri 08 May 2026 09:21

Jesse Mclure 08 May 2026

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True Footy's Top 15 prospects for the 2026 AFL Draft revealed.
Headliners include Harry Van Hattem (Richmond link) and Cody Walker (Carlton father-son).
Rankings likely to change, but clubs already closely monitoring these rising stars.

The Top 15 AFL Draft Prospects (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Top 15 AFL Draft Prospects in 2026 Right Now

It’s early. Very early.

The Top 15 AFL Draft Prospects in 2026 Right Now
1. Harry Van Hattem
2. Cody Walker
3. Douggee Cochran
4. Ari Butler
5. Noah Williams
6. Gus Tasher
7. Maron Neocleous
8. Ethan Herbert
9. Heath Melody
10. Jackson Phillips
11. Clancy Snell
12. Ethan Drether
13. Harry Chapman
14. Coby Edwards
15. Gabriel Patterson

The National Championships haven’t even started yet, half these rankings will change, and there will absolutely be bolters later in the year.

But AFL fans are obsessed with the draft earlier than ever, especially supporters of rebuilding clubs already staring at the ladder and wondering who arrives next.

So based on the latest True Footy discussion, here are the top 15 AFL draft prospects in 2026 right now.

1. Cody Walker

Midfielder | Carlton Father-Son

Walker is explosive, powerful and already physically developed enough to compete at higher levels.

There’s a reason clubs are expected to bid on him immediately. He wins contests, breaks tackles and has genuine star midfielder traits.

Carlton supporters are already watching nervously.

2. Harry Van Hattem

205cm Ruck | Potential Club: Richmond

Right now, Harry Van Hattem feels like the clear headline act of the draft.

A genuine modern ruck prospect with size, mobility and elite ball use is incredibly rare. The recent ruck rule changes have only increased the value of dominant big men, and Van Hattem looks capable of becoming one quickly.

Richmondbeing linked to him already makes sense.

3. Douggee Cochran

Key Forward | Port Adelaide NGA

Cochran is the player attracting Jeremy Cameron comparisons.

Tall, athletic and capable of creating goals out of nothing, he looks like the type of forward clubs spend years searching for.

Port Adelaide matching a bid could completely reshape their future.

4. Ari Butler

Midfielder/Forward | Sandringham Dragons

Ari Butler might be the most exciting player in the entire draft.

Electric speed, midfield burst, scoreboard impact. He’s the type of player who changes momentum instantly and feels built for modern AFL footy.

Essendon were heavily linked in the discussion and honestly, the fit is perfect.

5. Noah Williams

Midfielder | Geelong Falcons

Noah Williams is not flashy.

That’s exactly why clubs will love him.

Competitive, clean by foot and relentless defensively, he feels like the kind of player every good midfield needs. West Coast were discussed as a logical fit because he brings professionalism and two-way effort.

There’s a bit of Errol Gulden stylistically in the way he uses the ball.

6. Gus Tasher

Midfielder/Forward | GWS Linked

One of the major risers already.

Tasher dominated recent trial games with his explosiveness, running power and ability to hit the scoreboard. He looks like another modern forward-mid hybrid who can rotate through centre bounce and hurt teams inside 50.

Exactly the type of player GWS tends to develop well.

7. Maron Neocleous

Small Forward | Western Bulldogs Linked

Small forwards matter more than ever and Neocleous looks AFL-ready stylistically.

Quick, dangerous and capable of impacting immediately, he could help a club like the Bulldogs far sooner than a developing key position player would.

That gives him huge value.

8. Ethan Herbert

Ruck | North Adelaide

“Big Sauce” is already building a cult following in South Australia.

Herbert is a genuine high-production ruckman who accumulates possessions and impacts around the ground. The next step is adding more forward craft, but the tools are obvious.

In another era, two rucks in the top 10 would have seemed ridiculous.

Not anymore.

9. Heath Melody

Wing/Midfielder | North Melbourne Linked

Melody is one of the cleaner users in the draft pool.

He doesn’t dominate physically, but his composure, decision-making and ability to connect chains make him incredibly valuable. North Melbourne were discussed as a strong fit because they still lack elite wing talent.

He feels like a player coaches trust very quickly.

10. Jackson Phillips

Midfielder | Dandenong Stingrays

Balanced midfielders always rise.

Phillips wins contests, runs hard and uses the ball well enough to play early AFL football. There’s a bit of Sid Draper stylistically in how he moves around stoppages.

St Kilda were heavily linked and it makes sense.

11. Clancy Snell

Key Defender | Collingwood Linked

Key defenders are gold.

Snell can intercept, defend one-on-one and rebound aggressively. He feels exactly like the type of player Collingwood need long-term as they look to replace ageing defensive pieces.

Expect his stock to rise during the championships.

12. Ethan Drether

Midfielder | GWV Rebels

Drether is one of the best athletes in the draft.

Big numbers, explosive movement and genuine stoppage intelligence make him a fascinating prospect. Melbourne were floated as a potential landing spot because he fits the Demons’ preference for athletic midfielders.

13. Harry Chapman

Tall Utility | Eastern Rangers

Chapman is a projection pick.

Tall, mobile and highly athletic, he has traits clubs love even if the consistency is still developing. There were Justin McInerney comparisons in the discussion because of his running ability and versatility.

These are the types of players that often rise rapidly late in the year.

14. Coby Edwards

Forward/Midfielder | Brisbane Linked

Edwards feels built for Brisbane’s system.

Pressure, speed and scoreboard impact. He can play forward, rotate midfield and create chaos at ground level.

The kicking still needs polish, but the upside is obvious.

15. Gabriel Patterson

Half Forward | South Australia

Patterson plays with intensity.

Fast, aggressive and relentless defensively, he looks like the type of high-half forward every contender wants. Hawthorn were linked heavily because he fits their pressure-based style perfectly.

He might not be the biggest name yet, but recruiters will love him.