With constant chat about the compromised nature of the National Draft, and with a potential 30 academy or father/son selections, it is worth evaluating the talent available for clubs in the 2025 pool ahead of this year’s draft.
Unsurprisingly, it’s Brisbane and Gold Coast once again set to have a significant boost to their ranks from their controversial – but undeniably well-run – Academies.
Honourable mentions
Harrison Bridge – Brisbane NGA
A dashing defender whose value comes in metres gained. Bridge missed most of the season through injury but recruiters won’t forget about his junior campaign, in which he received All-Australian selection at Under 16 level in 2023 after dominating for the Allies.
Toby Whan – Fremantle NGA
Whan is a reliable on-baller who possesses a penetrating left boot. The South Fremantle midfielder had one of the biggest games of the season in Round 18 of the WAFL Colts, when he racked up 41 disposals and kicked four goals.
Kye Fincher – St Kilda NGA
Fincher’s versatility was on show this year as he moved from half-back to the midfield and then forward later in the season for the Sandringham Dragons. An exceptional late-season VFL performance for the Zebras, St Kilda’s VFL affiliate, was a wake-up call to many as to his AFL-calibre talents.
Koby Coulson – Gold Coast Academy
The agile and aggressive inside ball-winner didn’t put a foot wrong for any side he lined up fo in 2025. Coulson averaged 24 disposals across his four games for the Allies, and was one of their most reliable players of the Championships. He was simatly prolific in the Coates Talent League, while also impressing at VFL level for Gold Coast.
#15: Zac McCarthy (Collingwood NGA)
The Magpies have been desperate for a player like McCarthy. The ruck-forward showed glimpses of dynamism on-ball and inside 50 for Oakleigh Chargers and VIC Metro throughout 2025.
He will be a project player for the Pies, so fans will need to be patient.
Predicted pick: 30-40
#14: Koby Evans (West Coast Academy)
The forgotten man of the draft, Evans impressed forward as a bottom-ager last year for WA and looked ready to dominate in the midfield for Perth in the Colts until he was struck down by injury. He could be a steal on night two of the draft.
Predicted pick: 30-45
#13: Harry Kyle (Sydney Swans Academy)
Loping out of defence and across the wing and delivering powerfully on the left boot – the Finn Callaghan’s comparison are apt for the soon-to-be Swan.
Kyle is more of an outside runner and rebounding defender than the GWS tyro, but has significant scope for improvement.
Predicted pick: 25-35
#12: Hussein El Achkar (Essendon NGA)
The zippy small forward was one of the Coates Talent League’s most prolific goalkickers, and he could have been even more impressive if he had managed to kick straight. El Achkar should pair well with Isaac Kako for the Bombers.
Predicted pick: 25-35
#11: Tylah Williams (West Coast Academy)
Williams impressed at the National Combine, where he registered the second fastest 20-metre sprint and the fourth best agility test time. He is likely to be the first Eagles NGA taken, and they will welcome a small forward of his calibre.
Predicted pick: 20-30
#10: Jai Murray (Gold Coast Academy)
A classy goal-kicking midfielder with plenty of upside. Murray isn’t as well-known already as some of the other Gold Coast Academy midfield prospects, but should command a relatively high pick regardless given his scoreboard impact and silky skills.
Predicted pick: 25-30
#9: Lachlan Carmichael (Sydney Swans Academy)
An incredibly consistent half-back who has the potential to play on the ball, Carmichael was so reliable for the Allies in the National Championships that he was subsequently named their MVP for 2025. He deserves to go high in the draft based on this steady output, and is a sneaky first-round chance.
Predicted pick: 20-35
#8: Jack Ison (Carlton NGA)
Ison finished the season well for the Oakleigh Chargers, meaning the Blues will probably have to match a bid higher than they’d like. The powerful midfielder-forward is an intriguing prospect whose size and clean hands stand out among this year’s crop.
Predicted pick: 20-30
#7: Adam Sweid (Essedon NGA)
The hard-running midfielder missed the entirety of 2024 with a knee injury, but hit the ground running this year for the Calder Cannons. Sweid knows how to find the ball and has plenty of scoreboard impact – think Dion Prestia.
Predicted pick: 20-30
#6: Max King (Sydney Swans Academy)
King came into the year with high expectations but the 192cm forward-midfielder didn’t quite deliver on his sizeable potential. The Swans will be somewhat relieved that they won’t have to match a bid earlier in the draft, considering the glut of talent they have coming through this year. King could be anything, given his size and athleticism.
Predicted pick: 20-25
#5: Beau Addinsall (Gold Coast Academy)
A smaller inside mid who proved he can accumulate at the next level via a couple of strong showings in the VFL, with his cleanliness by hand a hallmark of his game.
He has a chance to be snapped up by an opposition side, given Gold Coast will have at least four Academy prospects in consideration.
Predicted pick: 20-25
#4: Harry Dean (Carlton Father/Son)
The son of dual premiership player Peter is the best intercept markeamongst his peers and boasts a tidy left boot. He will be a best-22 replacement for Jack Silvagni, and is a great long-term defensive prospect.
Predicted pick: 7-9
#3: Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions Academy)
Probably the premier midfielder in this year’s draft crop. Annable proved he was ready for senior footy in his appearances for the Lions’ VFL side, when he looked assured beyond his years. Annable isn’t an elite kick, but he compensates for that through his tireless work rate and clean hands at ground level.
Predicted pick: 4-6
#2: Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Academy)
An electric rebounding half-back with a hard edge, when Patterson bounds out of defensive 50 with ball in hand, he’s exhilarating.
He embarrasses oncoming opponents with swift lateral movement and is capable of burying them with punishing tackles. He should go very high in the draft.
Predicted pick: 2-4
#1: Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Academy)
The brother of defender Bodhi was beleaguered by injury throughout 2025 but his body of work still sees him as the premier Academy prospect this year.
He enjoyed a superb bottom-age season with the Allies, where he was awarded All-Australian status. Uwland has been likened to Errol Gulden and for good reason. He is a damaging kick who has the potential to play across all three lines with equal effect.
Predicted pick: 2-4
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