2026 Draft Thread

[dejavoodoo44]

Latest Fox draft rankings. McGroder gets a mention at 47. I tend to think that it'd be a huge bargain if we can take him in that range.

AFL Draft Power Rankings 2026, Fox Footy Top 50: Best prospects ranked 1 to 50, clubs who could take them, player comparisons https://share.google/TOwUdbO6KdAErD9fa

[KSAS]

Thanks Deja. Interestingly, the article has us linked to Gus Teixeira a 181cm forward-midfielder from Sandringham Dragons, who they've ranked 8th and plays lime Zac Bailey.

They have Mitch Harris (9) heavily linked to Melbourne with pick 4, but may slip to us.

[Tommy_Wolfe7]

As you may know, I've been running a series called Draft Chats, speaking with some of the prospects hoping to hear their names called at the 2026 AFL Draft.

The idea is to get beyond the usual questions about who they would draft, their favourite meals and who they barrack for. I wanted to find out more about the people behind the prospects, almost in a recruiting sense. I talked with them about their journeys, setbacks, sacrifices, motivations, lessons learned, and what makes them tick.

So far, I've been fortunate enough to chat with 17 of my top 60 rated players (there might be a couple more coming, but no promises as we’re close to draft night and there’s a bit going on). Those interviewed so far are:

Jackson Watkins, Xavier Ladbrook, Gabe Patterson, Cody Templeton, Harry Chapman, Jacob McNicol, Jackson Phillips, Sam Devers, Archie Spencer, Harry Franz, Jordan Knapp, Sam Tassone, Judd Burgiel, Billy Wigmore, George Dimer, Memphis Webb and Jack Slattery.

There are some terrific stories and insights in the interviews, and hopefully a different way for footy fans to get to know the next generation of AFL players.

You can find the full series here:

https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/draft-chats/

As always, I’m keen to hear what people think, and what sorts of questions you’d like asked in future editions of the series.

Hope you enjoy (or enjoyed if you followed along as each one dropped).

[KSAS]

With the new draft rules, it is predicted only 18 selections will be made on the first night (in previous years, it numbered in the early 20's).

With us making 5 list changes, can we assume we will make 5 selections in the draft with picks 6, 38, 39. 47 & 54? Not knowing where the bid for McGroder will come does complicate things a bit.

[KSAS]

Out of curiosity, i checked in value of points what 2 picks best equate to pick 6 if we decided to split it. Result: picks 17 & 18 (but slightly overs in points).

If as predicted pick 6 slides to 8 the best will be picks 20 & 22.

(Our remaining hand will also subsequently drop by at least 2 places taking into account matching bids).

[KSAS]

FWIW, ESPN Draft analysis has us taking Mitch Harris (KPD) or Gus Teixeira if he slides down, with our first pick. They describe Gus as a powerful foward half midfielder who will eventually become a full time on baller.

They predict the bid on McGroder will come in the 2nd round. Makes me think whether we may do pact with GWS in not bidding on Ethan Matthews with our first roumder, if they likewise don't bid on McGroder as they have picks 20 & 26.

Other players they have listed which could be in our range is 192cm key forward Jack Slattery, who they describe as making an immediate impact with his great seperation on the lead and a beautiful set shot. Not sure if he is our great need.

Their other possibility is Koby Lecras who is described as a hard running 192cm forward who can play a variety roles including on the wing or as a deep forward. He is more to our liking, but he is coming off a partial tear of his ACL which makes me wary.

[Tommy_Wolfe7]

Hi all, I'm participating in PommyinOz's big end of year live mock draft on Friday at: https://www.youtube.com/live/sOz-kW9ml-8

I've got Sydney as one of the three teams I'm drafting for. Tell me your deepest desires for draft night. Can’t promise I’ll follow your lead, but keen to hear your perspectives.

Let me know

[Tommy_Wolfe7]

Hi all,

My final Top 50 Power Ranking is now live at:

https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2026/11/04/2026-top-50-draft-power-rankings-v5-0/

I’ll be adding pocket profiles for another 50ish prospects next Monday, but this one has full extended profiles for all my top 50 players.

I’ll also be doing one final Mock Draft on Thursday (so as to avoid the really late mail intel) and then we’re into the home stretch!

As always, more than happy to answer any questions and hear any alternative views.

[dejavoodoo44]

Hi, Tommy,
The quote button doesn't seem to be working, so I'm replying here to your post about draft preferences.

For our first pick, I'd really like Mitch Harris. With Rampe retired and our other KPDs often injured, I think we might need another quality defender. He certainly impressed me in the footage of the SANFL finals. If he's gone, probably the best available option. Although I wouldn't be disappointed, if reached slightly for the next best KPD in Tyson Bradley. Also, if it turns out HVH is the best available at our first pick, trading that pick could be an option, as I'm not sure if we currently need another project ruckman, as the Green project is now bearing fruit, and Grundy and Ladhams are still on the list.

Then I'll be hoping that no other club gets too bullish on McGroder. That is, I've heard the occasional rumour that a club or two are considering a bid in the late first round. Hopefully that doesn't come about, as I don't think that we can match that with our current picks. Anything from the start of the second round onwards, I'd say we should immediately match.

If he slips a bit further, that would leave our picks in the late thirties intact. Some boards have Ethan Herbert around there. Which would please me, as I think that we need another forward who can ruck, as we currently only have McLean and perhaps the largely unseen Hetherton. I liked the look of Herbert when I saw him playing for SA, although that was mainly in the ruck, but reports say that he's a decent forward. Spawton-Guy might also be on option at that pick? If not, I'd like an inside mid, if a decent one is still there.

And finally a couple of academy options. After being injured in the VFL and subsequently not testing at the combines, Medved seems to have disappeared from discussions. Which makes me think that we can pick him up in the rookie draft. Something that we should do, because I thought he showed a lot of potential as a recent convert to the game. He could even be some sort of Blakey replacement. Lastly, I thought James O'Loughlin did enough in the VFL, before likewise getting injured, to make himself a realistic option for the indigenous cat b spot. Playing in the unfamiliar position of half back flanker, he showed the really quick decision making, that made me think that he sees the game really well. Which is a trait that I value highly.

[BRS328]

Hi, Tommy,
The quote button doesn't seem to be working, so I'm replying here to your post about draft preferences.

For our first pick, I'd really like Mitch Harris. With Rampe retired and our other KPDs often injured, I think we might need another quality defender. He certainly impressed me in the footage of the SANFL finals. If he's gone, probably the best available option. Although I wouldn't be disappointed, if reached slightly for the next best KPD in Tyson Bradley. Also, if it turns out HVH is the best available at our first pick, trading that pick could be an option, as I'm not sure if we currently need another project ruckman, as the Green project is now bearing fruit, and Grundy and Ladhams are still on the list.

Then I'll be hoping that no other club gets too bullish on McGroder. That is, I've heard the occasional rumour that a club or two are considering a bid in the late first round. Hopefully that doesn't come about, as I don't think that we can match that with our current picks. Anything from the start of the second round onwards, I'd say we should immediately match.

If he slips a bit further, that would leave our picks in the late thirties intact. Some boards have Ethan Herbert around there. Which would please me, as I think that we need another forward who can ruck, as we currently only have McLean and perhaps the largely unseen Hetherton. I liked the look of Herbert when I saw him playing for SA, although that was mainly in the ruck, but reports say that he's a decent forward. Spawton-Guy might also be on option at that pick? If not, I'd like an inside mid, if a decent one is still there.

And finally a couple of academy options. After being injured in the VFL and subsequently not testing at the combines, Medved seems to have disappeared from discussions. Which makes me think that we can pick him up in the rookie draft. Something that we should do, because I thought he showed a lot of potential as a recent convert to the game. He could even be some sort of Blakey replacement. Lastly, I thought James O'Loughlin did enough in the VFL, before likewise getting injured, to make himself a realistic option for the indigenous cat b spot. Playing in the unfamiliar position of half back flanker, he showed the really quick decision making, that made me think that he sees the game really well. Which is a trait that I value highly.

I am in general agreement with everything that you say, but would like to add that there are 2 defenders coming through the VFL system that the club has high expectations for and definitely would have played in 2026 if it was not for injury.
Riak Andrew in particular, and also Snell have had a good grounding in the VFL and are entering their fourth year at the club. Expectations are high for both.

I would not worry too much about McCrowder. If he came in at around pick 50 the club would probably match for him but I cannot see them using a second round pick for him.

For the record Collingwood made a second round pick for Joel Cochrane four years ago which the Swans did not match. I notice after 3 years he has been delisted, and I think this is a good indication that the club has a good handle on the academy players and will over bid for them.

I do like your suggestion on James O’Loughlin and a second tall forward.

[Auntie.Gerald]

The hard part is guessing who will be an unbeatable back 6 in the final series for the Swans in 2027

2028 is probably easier to guess