The 2026 AFL Draft is shaping up to be a thrilling affair, with several standout prospects emerging from the Under 18 Championships. Among the most exciting is Carlton's Cody Walker, a father-son prospect who put in a dazzling display against South Australia, showcasing his speed, agility, and AFL-like movement. Walker's performance solidified his standing as a top-three prospect, and with his father's legacy at the club, he's a strong contender for the No.2 pick.
However, the Blues face a tricky situation as they need 2481 points to match the Walker bid, and with their picks pushed back later in the draft due to their winning streak, they must get creative at the trade table. The club's natural first-rounder and the Swans' first pick from the Charlie Curnow trade might not be enough, so they may have to take a short-term hit and go into draft deficit for 2027.
Another standout is GWV Rebels midfielder Ethan Drever, who had a four-quarter performance against South Australia, showcasing his high-damage on-ball skills, acceleration, and cleanliness in tight. Drever's performance enhances his top-end prospects, and with a strong draft year, he's in the conversation for the top five.
The Allies' upset win over Western Australia was led by Hawthorn's Cooper Hodge, who played a key role with 20 disposals and five score involvements. Hodge's performance puts him on the national draft radar, but his future club remains a mystery, as he's father-son eligible to Hawthorn and has the option to nominate Brisbane as a northern academy selection.
West Coast faces a second consecutive year of tough calls on Eagles-tied players, with NGA prospect Garrison Kenh, Harper Banfield, Noah Braun, Kyan Perera, and Lachlan McGlade all impressing in the national draft mix. Meanwhile, South Australia's Jack Slattery, Glenelg's Jacob McNicol, Central District's Jake Eime, and North Adelaide's Memphis Webb all boosted their draft chances with strong performances.
Vic Country's Klay Nicholls and Archie Elliott, and Western Australia's Finlay Yeo and Benji van Rooyen, also stood out with their polished and efficient performances. The 2026 AFL Draft promises to be an exciting affair, with several standout prospects emerging from the Under 18 Championships, and the competition for top picks is shaping up to be fierce.
