Top AFL draft prospects ranked; November naming approaches
The AFL released top-30 September rankings for the 2026 draft, with on-field competition now complete.
The on-field draft campaign is over for this year's prospects. The AFL has released its September Phantom Form Guide covering the top 30 prospects in the pool, though the rankings do not account for father-son or Academy bid expectations.
The Telstra AFL Draft Combine is next month, followed by interviews ahead of the November draft. Rankings will be updated twice more before names are called.
Dougie Cochrane leads prospects despite missing much of this season with a knee injury; he impressed in limited SANFL appearances with 30 and 23 disposals in separate games. Cody Walker finished his VFL stint with Carlton, gathering 24 disposals in a wildcard game.
Arki Butler returned from a broken collarbone to lead his school team Brighton Grammar to a grand final win.
- Top 30
- Prospects ranked
- 30
- Cochrane's best game disposals
- 24
- Walker's wildcard game disposals
- Late November
- Draft timing
Why it mattersSeptember rankings signal which prospects likely to hear their names called early in November, shaping draft day strategy.
AustraliaAustralian football's next generation is being ranked and readied for the professional stage.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 d ago
