The dust has settled on the 2025 AFL national and rookie drafts, and the spotlight now swings towards the class of 2026. This emerging group of under-18 talent is being hailed as one of the most exciting pools of prospects this decade, boasting genuine star power and a diverse range of player types at the top end.
The Headline Acts
Leading the charge for the 2026 AFL draft are two names already destined for specific clubs. Cody Walker, a midfielder from the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country, is the son of Carlton great Andrew Walker. He enters the next 12 months as one of the most accomplished prospects and the hot favourite for the No.1 pick. Having already committed to Carlton as a father-son selection, Walker is set to wear the navy blue in 2027. However, due to recent rule changes, the Blues will need to use points from high-end first-round picks to secure him.
Walker is a damaging, all-around midfielder who kicks goals, bursts from stoppages, and possesses both blinding speed and a beautiful kick. His unique running style and dominance at the clearance have him playing on another level to his peers. He averaged 17.5 touches as a bottom-ager for Vic Country in the 2025 under-18 championships and is already considered a lock for Carlton's best 23 in Round 1, 2027.
Right alongside Walker in the frame for the top pick is Dougie Cochrane, a 196cm tall utility from Central District and South Australia. In a monumental win for the club, Port Adelaide were last week granted access to Cochrane through their Next Generation Academy (NGA), meaning he will be a Power player in 2027. An athletic freak, Cochrane can play as a key forward, key back, or in the midfield. He stunned recruiters with a four-goal effort on his SANFL debut for Central District before he had even turned 17. He is the reigning Kevin Sheehan Medal winner as the best player in the 2024 under-16s carnival.
A Deep Pool of Diverse Talent
Beyond the top two, the 2026 draft class is filled with remarkable talent from across Australia.
Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro) is a lightning-fast forward/midfielder who kicked 28 goals from 12 games for the Dragons this year. Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country), a 176cm midfielder, earned best-on-ground honours in the under-17s futures game with his classy ball use and pace.
At just 168cm, Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power/Vic Country) is an exceptional small forward/midfielder who slotted straight into Gippsland's best team and looked a class above. Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide/South Australia) is a courageous midfielder/forward with captaincy credentials, having already led South Australia at the under-16 level.
The talent extends to the key positions. Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia), nephew of Eagles great Mark, is a difficult 191cm match-up in the forward line. Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro) is the premier genuine ruck in the pool at 202cm, while Wil Malady (Gippsland Power/Vic Country) is a Jack Gunston-like key forward who is a deadly accurate set shot.
Academy Gems and Father-Son Dilemmas
As always, academy and father-son prospects add another layer of intrigue. Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle/Western Australia) is a genuine inside midfielder tied to Fremantle's NGA. Garrison Kenh (East Perth/Western Australia), a classy defender with a piercing left foot, is a member of West Coast's NGA.
The Brisbane Lions Academy is poised for another strong haul, featuring ball magnet Caylen Murray and Cooper Hodge, the son of Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge. Cooper faces a big decision on whether to nominate the Hawks as a father-son or remain with the Lions academy in his home state.
Other names to watch include Archie Hill, a smooth-moving defender from the Gold Coast Suns Academy, and Jack Pickett, a tall forward from the Geelong Falcons who came third in the Coates Talent League goalkicking as a bottom-ager with 31 goals.
With this depth of talent, the road to the 2026 AFL draft promises to be a fascinating journey for recruiters and fans alike.
