‘F1 car’ Blue’s ‘salivating’ fresh glimpse; ‘hard call’ for Swan after world athletics stunner — Draft Watch

The AFL draft race is heating up, with top prospects making statements at state league level, mature-age bolters emerging and a Swans star facing a huge cross-code call.

Foxfooty.com.au assesses the talent landscape in AFL Draft Watch ahead of the 2026 AFL national draft – with the first round to be held on Thursday November 19, followed by the remaining rounds on Friday November 20.

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DOUGIE’S ‘GLIMPSE’ … AND WALKER’S ‘F1 CAR’ STYLE TRAIT

They’ve consistently been rated as the top two prospects in this year’s draft class.

And on the weekend, club-tied stars Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker proved why with strong displays at state league level.

It was a particularly pleasing outcome for Port Adelaide and Cochrane, who played well in just his second game of the year after being sidelined due to a knee issue.

Port Adelaide has unleashed Cochrane at SANFL league level across the past two weeks after closely managing his rehabilitation and return to play timeline.

After a six-disposal performance against Norwood on return, Cochrane stuffed the stat sheet in a losing cause against West Adelaide on Sunday. Playing behind the ball, he finished with a team-high 30 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 10 intercepts, 10 rebound 50s, six marks and six tackles.

On a tough day from a weather and result perspective, Port SANFL coach Jacob Surjan said Cochrane was “one of the shining lights” for his team.

“Today was a little glimpse of what Dougie can do,” Surjan said post-match.

“There’s still a few little things in his game that we need to improve, but if that’s what he’s doing in his second game after a long stint out, it’s pretty positive for us.”

A tantalising, athletic and well-rounded utility, Cochrane has a high footy IQ, strong marking ability, great running capacity and neat kicking efficiency. His 196cm frame means he has the size and versatility to play across all thirds of the field.

The Power received a huge boost in November last year when they were granted Next Generation Academy access to Cochrane, whose older brother Tom is in his second season on Port Adelaide’s rookie list.

Cochrane is still widely regarded by scouts as the best player in this year’s draft class — despite barely playing in 2026 — and is being tipped to attract a Pick 1 bid.

Carlton father-son gun Walker, who isn’t expected to last much longer on the board after Cochrane on draft night, also caught the eye at state league level.

Playing in his fifth game of the season for the Blues’ VFL side, Walker racked up an equal team-high 29 disposals, eight marks, seven contested possessions, five inside 50s and five tackles in his side’s close loss to St Kilda.

The highlight of his performance was his goal in the second quarter. Inside Carlton’s forward 50, Walker received the ball on the outside of congestion, slipped a tackle, pulled off a speedy one-two with a teammate, sidestepped to avoid an opponent and snapped a classy right-foot goal while off-balance.

“Wowee, pretty impressive,” former Crows goalkicker Josh Jenkins said on Fox Footy’s VFL broadcast.

“This would absolutely have Blues fans salivating.

“They were pretty excited about the prospects of Jagga Smith, I think they might even be more excited about this young man’s prospects.”

Tied to Carlton under the father-son rule as his dad Andrew Walker played 202 games for the Blues, Walker impressed Jenkins with his low centre of gravity, elusiveness and evasiveness.

“His ability to cut through traffic on the angle is what stands out … it’s really sharp,” Jenkins said.

“Most of us have to really decelerate, change direction then accelerate again. But he feels like a bit of a Formula 1 car who can really change direction but still maintain that high level acceleration.

“It’s why he’s going to be an unbelievable stoppage player in time.”

Magpies AFLW best and fairest Jordyn Allen added: “You look at his activity, he just wants the ball. He’s always on the move through the contest and, as a defender, that’s so hard to stop.

“His ability to deceive the opposition, weave in and out, buy himself time and space … he’s definitely a smooth mover.”

Walker, who formally committed to joining the Blues as a 2026 father-son selection in July last year, is expected to line up for Carlton’s VFL side again this season when the Blues face Footscray at Whitten Oval. That would be his sixth state league game for the year — a high number for a Victorian-based draft prospect, who usually don’t receive VFL exposure to that extent.

TIED STARS MAKING THEIR STATE LEAGUE CASE — AND THE CLUBS FACING A HUGE CALL

Walker wasn’t the only club-tied player in the first-round mix to make a statement at state league level in the past week, with Western Bulldogs NGA forward Khaled El Souki turning heads on VFL debut.

After kicking a Talent League-high 36.11 from 11 games for the Western Jets, El Souki was named in Footscray’s side to take on the VFL Kangaroos.

And the 176cm talent adapted to the level with aplomb, booting 3.0 from 14 disposals, three tackles and two clearances.

The Bulldogs will have the right to match a bid on El Souki come November’s draft, but whether they’ll have the capital to ultimately match under the new bidding rules remains a talking point among clubs. That’s because if Port Adelaide restricted free agent Zak Butters officially nominates the Bulldogs as his preferred destination, the Power are being tipped to match the offer, which would force the Bulldogs to trade for Butters.

Seventeen other clubs, therefore, are on alert for the possibility of El Souki being taken in the open draft.

Another Vic Metro forward with recent VFL experience is Blake Justice, who lined up for Essendon against Coburg. Justice is a 190cm forward out of the Calder Cannons who could attract a draft night bid.

Elsewhere in the VFL, top Lions academy prospect Caylen Murray had his most prolific VFL game yet for Brisbane, collecting 17 disposals, seven marks and five intercepts against Southport. The Lions will almost certainly have to match a first-round bid on a tied player for the sixth time this decade, with Murray highly regarded by rival clubs – some suggesting he’s in the top-10 mix. An aggressive, line-breaking defender-midfielder, Murray claimed the Allies’ MVP award and was named in the Under 18 All-Australian side.

Adelaide has also had a first-hand look at top NGA talent Anthony Long at SANFL league level in the past two weeks. Long, a strongly-built 185cm forward who was named an Under 18 All-Australian after booting eight goals for SA, kicked a goal against Woodville West-Torrens.

The Eagles, in the same game, had 19-year-old draft bolter Jack Slattery making his SANFL debut. And it took him no time to impact, kicking the first goal of game within the opening 90 seconds. Slattery, a 192cm player with Logan Morris-like traits and goalkicking nous, got his league chance after a champs-high 16 goals for SA and seven goals from three SANFL reserves matches.

West Coast has also given NGA prospect Garrison Kenh and father-son gun Harper Banfield WAFL league opportunities in recent weeks.

Kenh, a 182cm defender renowned for his composure, rebounding ability and lethal left-foot kick, had 15 disposals on WAFL debut against Subiaco last weekend. He got his state league chance after averaging 23.8 disposals from six colts games for Claremont.

Banfield – the brother of Saint Charlie Banfield and son of dual premiership Eagle Drew Banfield – played in the previous two WAFL league matches for West Coast, collecting 20 disposals against West Perth on debut then backing it up with one goal from 17 touches against South Fremantle. Known for his competitiveness, workrate and cleanliness in tight, Banfield (181cm midfielder) was a crucial member of WA’s Under 18 national carnival team, averaging 23 disposals, six tackles and five inside 50s across four games.

LEAGUE EXPOSURE FOR TOP SA TALENTS … AND WA BOLTERS

Scouts were also pleased to see several highly-rated open-pool players get a taste of state league action.

Woodville-West Torrens’ Mitch Harris — considered by some to be the best key defender in this year’s class — has played the past two SANFL league matches for the Eagles. He had 12 disposals and eight intercepts on debut against Glenelg then another seven disposals and four intercepts against Adelaide last weekend. A tough, courageous and close-checking 196cm defender, Harris was named at full-back in the Under 18 All-Australian team.

Harris on Sunday came up against SA teammate and fellow All-Australian Jake Eime, who’s featured in the Adelaide Crows’ two most recent matches. Eime had six kicks against the Eagles after a 13-disposal, six-intercept debut outing against South Adelaide. Eime has AFL-like run-and-carry ability and the confidence to back his speed and take the game on to break lines.

Speaking of South Adelaide, inside on-baller Kodah Edwards has played three consecutive SANFL league games for the Panthers, averaging 14.0 disposals, 3.7 marks and 3.0 tackles. After playing as a half-forward who pinch-hit in the midfield on league debut against Glenelg, Edwards has continued to play close to goal in the past few weeks, leading to 1.2 against Adelaide in Round 16. While Edwards has been a prolific inside ball-winner at SANFL Under 18s and national Under 18s level, scouts believe his best role at AFL level would be as a high half-forward.

And keep your eye out for a couple of large lads in the west.

Claremont’s Benji van Rooyen – the brother of Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen – made his WAFL league debut last weekend against Swan Districts, collecting nine disposals, four tackles and 12 hit-outs. It comes after an excellent Under 18 carnival, where he thrived as the Black Swans’ No.1 ruck, averaging 14 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.8 tackles and 20.5 hit-outs from four games, proving he has potential as a 203cm AFL ruck rather than a pure forward.

Then there’s 196cm West Perth forward Harvey Spawton-Guy, who looms as a late draft bolter. Spawton-Guy’s past three games have been at WAFL league level — and he’s kicked two goals in each match. It comes after he kicked 6.7 from four Under 18s games for WA where his mobility and strong pair of hands were on full display.

MATURE-AGE WATCH: FREAK STREAK SET TO EXTEND

One of footy’s great feel-good streaks seems destined to continue this off-season.

For not only is Werribee’s Brady Wright a red-hot favourite to claim the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the most promising VFL player aged 24 or under, he looms as a possible mid-to-early national draft pick.

In a remarkable streak, the past 19 consecutive Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winners have been drafted onto AFL lists. Some of those players include Michael Barlow, Michael Hibberd, Kane Lambert, Nic Newman, Luke Ryan, Bayley Fritsch, Sam Davidson and, most recently, Tom Blamires.

And scouts believe the 195cm Wright will be in the early national draft considerations come November after a strong 2026 campaign for footy factory Werribee.

The 22-year-old has booted 45.18 and averaged 10.4 disposals and 6.0 marks from 14 VFL matches this year. He’s kicked three goals or more in 10 of his past 12 matches, including a bag of seven against Footscray a fortnight ago.

That form has earned Wright an invite to the state draft combine in October where he’ll take part in testing alongside other AFL hopefuls in front of 19 clubs. He was the only mature-age VFL player to receive an invite when the AFL released its initial lists earlier this month.

A product of the GWV Rebels and close friend of Giant Aaron Cadman, Wright was initially draft eligible in 2022 but ultimately wasn’t picked. He played for Darley in the Ballarat FNL before arriving at Werribee ahead of the 2025 season. He endured a patchy, injury-interrupted campaign last year, but has thrived in 2026 after a full pre-season.

A plumber by day, Wright has already had interviews with AFL clubs, according to his manager Scott Lucas, who said his client had shown “red-hot” form in the back-half of the year.

“You can easily look in the rearview and say a club should’ve done this and that. But in fairness, he (Wright) has really caught fire,” Phoenix Management Group agent Lucas told Gettable earlier this month.

“Had a couple (of AFL club interviews), got a couple more lined up. I’d expect interest to be realised over the next month or six weeks.

“I’d be extremely surprised if he wasn’t drafted.”

Wright kicked three goals in his most recent game against in-form Tasmania, which has a couple of players on the draft radar.

One of those is 179cm midfielder-forward Brandon Leary, who kicked 2.0 from 28 disposals and six inside 50s in the 12-point win over Werribee. The 23-year-old has been a key member of the Devils’ VFL rise in 2026, playing in all 17 games and averaging 18.3 disposals, 4.9 inside 50s and 3.7 tackles.

Leary told SEN Tassie this week he’d spoken to “a few (AFL) clubs” this year, but wasn’t focused on his footy future at this stage.

Asked if he’d consider moving interstate if an AFL club wanted him for 2027 or would rather play another VFL season in Tasmania to target a spot on the Devils’ inaugural AFL list in 2028, Leary said: “That’s a good question and I haven’t thought about it much. I know people talk about that sort of stuff … I honestly try not to focus on that stuff too much.”

As well as Leary, speedy 177cm half-forward Lachy Hay is also being monitored closely by AFL clubs, per The Mercury and AFL Media.

Plucked from obscurity playing country footy in Victoria last year, Hay has been a consistent performer for the Devils in the VFL this year, booting 14.15 and averaging 16.0 disposals from 17 games.

AFL Media reported this week “a handful of teams” were circling Hay as a potential mature-aged draftee, while he’d also be a chance for an express pass into Tasmania’s AFL program.

And could Zach Stevens be the latest local footy recruiting stunner?

The Geelong Advertiser reported this week that South Barwon’s Stevens was “in the sights of AFL clubs” after an impressive 19th year.

After a 51-goal Under 18 season last year, Stevens starred for South Barwon’s senior side before linking up with Geelong’s VFL side, where he played six games. He also joined the Falcons in the Talent League as a 19-year-old, booting 1.3 in each of his two games.

South Barwon coach Mark Neeld, the former Melbourne senior coach, told CODE Sports the speedy Stevens “would be one of the most talented athletes in Geelong”.

TOP OF THE OPEN POOL

Don’t discount Ethan Drever from the ‘best prospect in the open pool’ discussion.

After taking out Vic Country’s MVP award and earning Under 18 All-Australian selection thanks to a dazzling carnival, Drever produced arguably his best game of the season on the weekend. The GWV Rebels captain amassed a whopping 39 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and six inside 50s in testing conditions against the Geelong Falcons.

While Drever, at times, showed off his trademark line-breaking speed, it was his power at stoppage that stood out in the draw with the Falcons.

Drever’s all-round profile makes him one of the most complete open-pool prospects. He’s strong and agile in the contest, versatile, aerobically powerful, clean with ball in hand and has a penetrating kick — traits that have seen him draw comparisons to Giants star Finn Callaghan.

Other players in ‘best in the open pool’ contention are Northern Knights ruck Harry Van Hattum, who impressed with 16 disposals, six marks, one goal and 26 hit-outs against the Stingrays a fortnight ago, as well as Sandringham Dragons forward-midfielder duo Arki Butler and Gus Teixeira — the latter recently kicking seven goals in a school game for St Kevin’s.

Butler is a chance to return from a collarbone injury for Brighton Grammar’s APS grand final against Caulfield Grammar on Saturday, but won’t be risked unnecessarily. That game will feature several first-round draft chances in Vic Metro MVP defender Tyson Bradley (Brighton), high-flying forward Wil Malady (Caulfield) and disciplined forward-midfielder Marlon Neocleous (Caulfield). Neocleous enters the game in strong form after booting three goals from 32 disposals against Melbourne Grammar last week to inspire his team’s grand final berth.

Elsewhere in the Talent League, Eastern Ranges winger Harrison Chapman has racked up 24 disposals in each of his last two games. Some scouts rate Chapman at the pointy end of the pool due to his aggressive transition ability, outside run and powerful kicking.

With Van Hattum sidelined, Northern Knights ruck-forward Lewis Houndsome produced a dominant aerial display against the Sandringham Dragons, finishing with 18 disposals, seven inside 50s, six marks and 37 hit-outs. He was well supported by bolter teammate Sam Gayfer, who kicked 3.3 from 15 disposals, while Harvie Cooke continued his dazzling season with two goals from 25 disposals and five inside 50s. The Dragons welcomed back Vic Metro star George Dimer from school duties — and the hard-working small forward didn’t disappoint, finishing with 19 disposals and nine tackles in a slick display.

In Gippsland Power’s 122-point demolition of the Murray Bushrangers, Hawthorn NGA prospect Keenan Boi — a dynamic 182cm forward with speed and elite pressure — dominated, booting 3.1 from 29 disposals and six marks. He was well supported by Cody Templeton (4.3), who was a surprise omission from the national combine invite list released earlier this month.

‘A BIG DECISION’: SWANS PROSPECT’S CROSS-CODE CALL JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HARDER

The big decision between footy and athletics just got a whole lot harder for Mason McGroder, who stunned the world with his recent feats at the Under 20 World Athletics Championships.

The 17-year-old has long been viewed as one of Australia’s most intriguing dual-sport athletes. On the footy field, he’s a speedy and physical defender with a high vertical lead who’s developed through the Swans academy, leading to selection in the Allies squad for this year’s national championships.

But McGroder’s talents on the football field are matched by his potential on the track.

This was on display last week in the US where McGroder claimed a silver medal in the long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships. He qualified for the final with a personal-best jump of 7.83m — then bettered it in the final with a brilliant 7.96m effort, which was just 1cm short of gold medallist Daniele Inzoli of Italy in one of the tightest finals of the championships.

“I’m over the moon,” McGroder told Australian Athletics social channels post-event. “It’s a bit disappointing to miss by literally 1cm — which is something you have nightmares about — but can’t be any happier with the result.

“I was absolutely buzzing out there … I do have that competitor in me — and with that Aussie spirit, the team behind me in the stands, it doesn’t get any better.”

It’s McGroder’s second long jump medal at the Under 20 champs after he claimed a remarkable bronze in 2024 … as a 15-year-old.

Legendary athletics and footy commentator Bruce McAvaney watched McGroder’s silver medal performance live in Eugene, Oregon.

“He’s an elite AFL prospect — and he’s got a big decision to make,” McAvaney told Channel 7 on Monday.

“Does he go into the draft or does he stay in athletics? It’s going to be a hard call.”

Athletics offers McGroder the chance to pursue an individual sport in which his natural gifts could take him to the highest level. The AFL pathway, though, remains hugely appealing given his football pedigree and the opportunities that come with his rare athletic profile.

For now, McGroder has the enviable problem of having two sports fighting for his attention.