Most AFL clubs have had a rolling draft board this year — and they could be tweaking it right up until draft night.

Foxfooty.com.au presents its own top 50 2022 AFL Draft Power Rankings, with every player ranked 1 to 50 and compared to an AFL star.

Note: This is not a ‘phantom draft’ predicting where players will be taken across the draft nights.

Watch the first round of the 2022 AFL Draft on Fox Footy and Kayo on Monday November 28. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

1. WILL ASHCROFT

Position: Midfielder

Size: 182cm, 76kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Old Brighton Grammarians/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Sam Walsh

The standout player of the draft class who’s barely put a foot wrong during his 2022 campaign – to the point where one recruiter told foxfooty.com.au mid-year Ashcroft “could play AFL this week” as he was on a “different level”. Ashcroft oozes professionalism both on and off the field and is the complete midfielder as he’s just as adept at bursting away from stoppages as he is winning the ball on the inside. He won almost every award possible – Larke Medal, NAB League premiership captain, best on ground in the NAB League grand final and NAB League Team of the Year captain – and dominated at every level he played, including a couple VFL games for Brisbane. As the son of triple premiership Lion Marcus Ashcroft, the 18-year-old has already nominated Brisbane under the father-son rule and signed a four-year contract. He’ll officially become a Lion at either Pick 1 or 2 when the Lions match a bid from either the Giants or Kangaroos, with growing speculation the Giants will opt for their top player Aaron Cadman first.

2. GEORGE WARDLAW

Position: Midfielder

Size: 182cm, 82kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/St Peter’s/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Clayton Oliver

Powerful, competitive and combative, Wardlaw is the quintessential inside midfielder. He thrives in the contest, is regularly first to the ball and, importantly, makes smart decisions in congestion. Wardlaw began his 2022 campaign in breathtaking fashion for the Chargers before announcing himself as a Pick 1 candidate against Collingwood’s VFL side in May, winning the Australian Academy best on ground medal with 18 disposals and eight tackles. Several hamstring setbacks and a conservative recovery approach meant he was barely sighted for the rest of the year, but he was assured it wouldn’t hinder his draft range. It’d be a major shock if North Melbourne didn’t select Wardlaw with one of their first two picks, otherwise Essendon – the club he passionately barracks for – will pounce.

3. ELIJAH TSATAS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 80kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Surrey Park/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Chad Warner

Touted externally as a top-five prospect all year, Tsatas oozes a healthy confidence both on and off the field, declaring if he was at the club that had Pick 1, he’d take himself. A speedy mover that can break lines with clean hands and an efficient kick, Tsatas is a prototype athlete and everything a club is looking for in a wing/midfield prospect. He’s significantly improved his inside game this year to complement his already strong outside traits. A foot injury sidelined him for a couple of months in the middle of the year, but he was able to get back for the last two months of the season, firstly via Wesley College – where he kicked three goals in one game – then the Chargers where he was a standout in his final two NAB League matches. He finished with 38 disposals and 13 inside 50s against the Sandringham Dragons in a stunning return game before booting 1.2 from 34 disposals and eight marks against the Bendigo Pioneers. It also meant Tsatas was able to play in Vic Metro’s national carnival decider against Vic Country, in which he produced an eye-catching 30-disposal, five-clearance display. Essendon is considering taking Tsatas with its first pick. If he slips past the Bombers, he’ll land at one of Hawthorn, Geelong or St Kilda.

4. HARRY SHEEZEL

Position: Small forward

Size: 184cm, 77kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Toby Greene

The best pure hybrid forward prospect in the draft class at 184cm who’s been in top-five draft pick calculations all year. Competitive, skilful, agile, clean and driven, Sheezel is so damaging forward of centre, either kicking goals himself or setting teammates in a better position to score up. Sheezel was named in the Under 18 All-Australian team after booting eight goals and averaging 15 disposals from four national championships games for Vic Metro. He also finished with the most goals in the NAB League this season (36), including five bags of four majors or more, with recruiters particularly pleased with his back-end to the season as he booted 10 goals from four finals against quality opposition. All signs point to North Melbourne – which wants a player with high skill level, speed, agility and cleanliness – taking Sheezel with one of its two picks.

5. AARON CADMAN

Position: Key forward

Size: 194cm, 88kg

Clubs: GWV Rebels/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Jeremy Cameron

In a draft stacked with midfielders and hybrid types, Cadman is the clear best key-position prospect – which is remarkable in itself considering he entered his draft year as a promising, athletic, tall wingman with a long left-foot kick and a strong tank but without the genuine strength needed to be a dominant key forward. Now he’s 15kg heavier yet still has the same elite aerobic capacity, workrate and high leap, meaning he beats defenders in the air, one-on-one and on the run – at any stage of the game. Put simply, he’s a nightmare match-up for opposition sides. From Round 1 of the NAB League – when he kicked 4.3 from 15 disposals and seven marks – to his final Under 18 national championships game for Vic Country – he kicked 3.3, including two fourth-term goals – Cadman had a consistent and elite 2022 campaign, which included All-Australian honours, NAB League Team of the Year selection and the Rebels’ best and fairest award. The four-way mega deal during last month’s trade period saw the Giants acquire Pick 1 – a selection they’ll use to draft Jeremy Cameron clone Cadman, two years after losing Cameron to the Cats.

6. JHYE CLARK

Position: Midfielder

Size: 180cm, 77kg

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Joel Selwood

One recruiter labelled Clark a “bit of a beast” for his competitive nature and thirst for the contest, which has naturally led to the Selwood comparisons. A highly-regarded leader coupled with a desire to work both ways, Clark captained the Geelong Falcons for the 2022 NAB League Boys season, as well as Vic Country during the national championships where he finished runner-up to Will Ashcroft in the Larke Medal. He averaged 23 disposals for Vic Country and 25 touches for the Falcons – the latter leading to his team’s best and fairest award and NAB League Team of the Year honours. He’s ready-made and could make an immediate impact at AFL level. Clark is right in the mix to be taken by Hawthorn or Geelong, with the Cats no doubt hopeful the local product will still be on the board by the time they pick.

7. BAILEY HUMPHREY

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 184cm, 86kg

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Isaac Heeney

A top-10 bolter that has recruiters mightily excited, Humphrey is a powerful forward-midfielder and a genuine impact player with his penetrating kick, terrific footy smarts and an excellent overhead mark for a player of his size. He had three eye-catching NAB League games, highlighted by his performance against the Northern Knights: 4.5 from 31 disposals, 12 marks and five tackles. He then got the chance to shine at national championships level for Vic Country – and while he didn’t have his kicking boots on, he was a constant threat forward of centre throughout the game. Clubs believe he’ll start his AFL career as a forward, but Humphrey is keen to push into the midfield. Essendon has done work on Humphrey, but the Gold Coast Suns have shown most interest in him and are tipped to take him. If not, he won’t get past the Hawks or Cats.

8. MATTAES PHILLIPOU

Position: Midfielder-forward

Size: 191cm, 83kg

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/PHOS Camden/SA

AFL player comparison: Marcus Bontempelli

A genuine top-five bolter who’s in-demand from several rival clubs after an impressive 2022 campaign at various SANFL levels and the national championships. A high-impact, versatile and competitive player, Phillipou can play either inside or outside and has the nous to push forward and hit the scoreboard. He was brilliant at SANFL Under 18 level - he booted 12 goals and averaged 28 disposals from eight games – then had a standout champs game for SA against the Allies, booting two goals from 24 disposals and five clearances. Outside of Phillipou’s eye-catching on-field ability, clubs are circling the left-footer due to his late-year birthday – he doesn’t turn 18 until December 27 this year – as well as his confidence and self-belief. He’s the son of Sam Phillipou, who kicked 250 goals from 150 SANFL games for the Eagles and Magpies while also playing three AFL games for Footscray. Where he goes remains a mystery, although Essendon has done significant work on him and rival teams believe the Bombers are leaning towards taking Phillipou with their first pick. Otherwise, he won’t get past Hawthorn – unless the Bulldogs or Demons find a way to trade into the top five and pinch him.

9. REUBEN GINBEY

Position: Midfielder-defender

Size: 188cm, 81kg

Clubs: East Perth/Dunsborough/WA

AFL player comparison: Jack Crisp

WA’s top prospect with an outstanding all-round athletic profile with WAFL league experience. Not necessarily a ‘wow’ player, but possesses excellent vision around stoppages and can play in various roles. After playing predominantly in defence at WAFL level, Ginbey moved into the midfield during the national champs for his state and impressed recruiters with his consistency, attitude and grit at the contest. He won WA’s MVP award after averaging 20.8 disposals and 9.8 contested possessions before testing well at the national combine earlier this month, placing in the top 10 in all of the standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 2km time trial and 20m sprint. West Coast will be hoping local product Ginbey slides to its first pick, but the three clubs picking before the Eagles – Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Geelong – are all considering taking him.

10. CAM MACKENZIE

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 80kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Callum Mills

He might be the most balanced prospect of this year’s AFL draft class – both on and off the field. Mackenzie is a reliable, well-rounded on-baller with the ability to win the ball on the inside and outside equally. He has excellent vision, poise and neat disposal, yet also possesses a strong contested ball game and a great burst from stoppage – a trait he’s worked meticulously on over the past 12 months. At his height, he can also play in any third of the ground, too. Mackenzie’s surge into top-10 calculations began to gather serious momentum after his strong start to his 2022 campaign, averaging 21.8 disposals from his first four matches. Mackenzie’s output only improved from there, averaging 25 touches for Vic Metro to win All-Australian honours then kicking two goals from 26 disposals in Sandringham’s comprehensive NAB league grand final win. He’s tied to St Kilda as he’s part of the club’s Next Generation Academy, but the Saints can’t match a bid on him before Pick 40. However there’s a chance he could still be on the board at the Saints’ first selection – should the Hawks, Cats and Eagles overlook him before Pick 9 (not including the Will Ashcroft bid). If he slips past the Saints, he’ll be in the Blues and Bulldogs’ sights.

11. JEDD BUSSLINGER

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm, 82kg

Clubs: Peel Thunder/South Mandurah/WA

AFL player comparison: Darcy Moore

Widely regarded as one of the best key defensive prospects in this year’s talent pool and expected to be one of the first WA-based players to be taken in November’s national draft. A rangy 195cm defender who reads the ball superbly in the air and has great defensive nous and composure, Busslinger had 18 disposals and eight marks against Vic Metro before collecting 25 disposals and six marks against the Allies, going at 70 per cent by foot across both games. He was then booked in for season-ending shoulder surgery, but his performances were still enough to earn him All-Australian selection. Busslinger, who said he’s preparing to move interstate, is expected to come into consideration from Geelong’s first pick. Expect him to be taken within the six-pick range that includes the Cats, Eagles, Saints, Blues and Bulldogs.

12. OLIVER HOLLANDS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 71kg

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Andrew Brayshaw

Arguably the hardest working and best two-way on-baller of the class, Hollands applies great pressure yet has the versatility to push forward if needed. He has the ability to win contested possessions but is also classy by hand and foot, while his composure in traffic means he doesn’t panic and makes every disposal count. He averaged 24 disposals (at 75% efficiency) throughout the national championships for Vic Country to earn All-Australian honours, highlighted by his game against WA that saw him rack up 33 disposals, 11 contested possessions and six score involvements. Hollands, the brother of Elijah Hollands who was taken by the Suns with Pick 7 in the 2020 draft and the son of Ben Hollands who played eight games for Richmond, was also the joint winner of the 2km time trial at the draft combine. Most rival clubs are linking Hollands to Carlton’s first pick, although Sydney also has interest in him and would be tempted to trade up the order for him. If the Blues bypass him and the Swans stay where they are in the first round order, the Western Bulldogs will have a look.

13. ELIJAH HEWETT

Position: Midfielder

Size: 185cm, 84kg

Clubs: Swan Districts/Caversham/WA

AFL player comparison: Christian Petracca

He has the tools to be a special player, if it clicks, at AFL level. After a slow start to his 2022 campaign, Hewett announced himself as one if Western Australia’s top prospects with a terrific carnival showing against Vic Metro, showing off breathtaking power at the coalface and finishing with a game-high 29 disposals, 11 inside 50s, six marks, five clearances and two telling goals. He also played nine WAFL league matches for Swan Districts this year, averaging 14 disposals and kicking one goal in each of his last four games. The explosive and agile prospect, however, is polarising AFL clubs. Hewett recently met with St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, with the Saints (Pick 9) doing work on him, while he’s also been linked to the Eagles and Giants. But some recruiters also wouldn’t be surprised if he slipped to the second round.

14. MATTHEW JEFFERSON

Position: Key forward

Size: 195cm, 78kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Harry Jones

One of the best key forwards of the 2022 class, Jefferson is a classic example of how a strong showing at national championships level can significantly boost your draft prospects. Jefferson surged into the top-10 draft mix after starring for Vic Metro and producing a consistent NAB League campaign, kicking 27 goals in 10 matches across both competitions – including a seven-goal bag against WA. A former Victorian basketball rep champion, Jefferson possesses outstanding overhead marking ability, great forward craft and competitiveness in the air – the latter trait being one recruiters were pleased to see develop this year. Jefferson has been consistently linked to Melbourne’s first draft pick, although West Coast – which holds a selection before the Demons – is also considering taking the goalkicker with its second pick.

15. ED ALLAN

Position: Utility

Size: 194cm, 82kg

Clubs: Claremont/Mosman Park/Western Australia

AFL player comparison: Nick Blakey

Four months ago, Allan was considered a second-round prospect at best. Now he’s being linked to draft picks as high as No. 8. A versatile and speedy 194cm prospect that can play in any third of the ground, Allan is the son of former Hawthorn and Fremantle midfielder Ben Allan but not eligible to either the Hawks or Dockers as his dad played 98 games for Hawthorn — two short of the 100-game minimum requirement for the father-son rule — and 47 for Fremantle. He was a standout at October’s national combine after an injury-interrupted 2022 campaign, turning heads in the 20m sprint with a time of 2.81 seconds – the fifth-fastest 20m sprint time in combine history – and presenting impressively during club interviews. Many clubs are excited about the scope he has to develop at AFL level. The Eagles and Giants had put significant work into Allan and were considering selecting him with their respective early-teen picks. But it’s now considered unlikely Allan will be on the board when the Eagles have their second first-round selection, with Geelong, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs all linked to him.

16. JASPA FLETCHER

Position: Wing-midfield

Size: 184cm, 73kg

Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Sherwood/Queensland/Allies

AFL player comparison: Hugh McCluggage

Another father-son prospect for Lions fans to get excited about. Known for his agility, willingness to take the game on and ability to penetrate the lines, Fletcher loves to run and carry the footy. But Fletcher, the son of former Lion Adrian Fletcher, is also skilful and a great decision-maker, using the ball shrewdly between the arcs. Those traits were all on display during both the Academy series – when he won the Hunter-Harrison medal for the carnival’s best player – then the national Under 18 championships — when he made the All-Australian team after booting three goals and averaging 22.7 disposals and 9.7 contested possessions. Those high contested possession numbers were a result of playing against bigger bodies at QAFL level for the Sherwood Magpies as an inside midfielder. The consensus among recruiters is Fletcher will be the second prospect to attract a rival club bid after the Lions‘ other father-son prospect Will Ashcroft, with Michael Voss’ Carlton the earliest club tipped to launch a bid.

17. BRAYDEN GEORGE

Position: Medium forward

Size: 185cm, 87kg

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta Rovers/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Jake Stringer

Had a wretched run with injury in 2022 – including an unfortunate ACL rupture in the Bushrangers’ wildcard final against the Dragons – but recruiters had already seen enough from the talented George, who possesses explosive power, class and great forward craft. George booted 17.9 from his first five NAB League games this season before a knee injury ruled him out of the national championships in the mid-year, followed by the ACL rupture that will sideline him for most of 2023. Yet he’s a prodigious talent with enormous long-term potential, so he remains in the first-round mix. The Giants have interest with their late first-round picks, while the Demons and Swans have also been linked to George.

18. LEWIS HAYES

Position: Key defender

Size: 197cm, 81kg

Clubs: Eastern Ranges/South Belgrave/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Jake Lever

One of the most highly-rated key-position prospects in this year’s draft, Hayes possesses the size to beat key forwards one-on-one, the defensive nous to intercept, the skills to set his team up out of the backline and the versatility to match up on players smaller than him. He averaged 17 disposals (91% efficiency) and six marks for Vic Metro to earn All-Australian honours, while he also averaged 21 disposals and five marks for Eastern in the NAB League. The Western Bulldogs and Carlton will consider Hayes – although that might be too early in the draft – while Collingwood has been linked to him too.

19. OLLI HOTTON

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 181cm, 77kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Hampton Rovers

AFL player comparison: Archie Perkins

After a slow start to 2022 – due to injury, Covid and patchy form – Hotton began his surge up draft boards mid-season. He earned Vic Metro selection with a strong trial game then impressed on the national stage, finishing with 17 disposals and two goals against the Allies before a 24-disposal, three-goal game against South Australia that really made the scouts take notice. Most importantly, eight of his 24 touches turned into Vic Metro scores, while he went at 77 per cent by foot in miserable Geelong conditions. Hotton’s school footy coach Matthew Lloyd described Hotton as “one of the cleanest and best stoppage players I’ve seen at school level”, while he also has great speed, composure, athleticism, strong overhead marking ability and the desire to make every disposal count. He’s the son of former Collingwood and Carlton tall forward Trent Hotton – and there’s a chance he could get to the Pies with one of their second-round picks, although the Bulldogs are also eyeing Hotton.

20. LACHIE COWAN

Position: Medium defender

Size: 188cm, 81kg

Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Devonport/Tasmania/Allies

AFL player comparison: Bailey Dale

The young gun defender is Tasmania’s top 2022 draft prospect and could be taken as early as the first round. A strong and powerful rebounding defender with a long kick and terrific dash, Cowan produced a stunning 2022 campaign at all levels he played. Cowan made the Under 18 All-Australian after averaging 22 disposals and going at 70 per cent by foot in four games for the Allies. He then became just the third player from a non-Victorian side after St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes (NSW/ACT Rams) and fellow Tasmanian Luke Shackleton to win the NAB League Boys best and fairest award, polling 18 votes to finish equal-first alongside Dandenong’s Taj Campbell-Farrell. Only six Tasmanian prospects since 2007 – none since 2018 – have been selected in the first round of a national draft. But Cowan, who’s been linked to Collingwood, Sydney and GWS that all have multiple late first-round picks, might break that trend this year. If not, the Bulldogs and Kangaroos could pounce in the second round.

21. DARCY JONES

Position: Midfielder

Size: 174cm, 63kg

Clubs: Swan Districts/Kalamunda/WA

AFL player comparison: Josh Daicos

A versatile prospect with speed, skill and great footy nous, Jones was named in the Under 18 All-Australian team after strong performances for WA, booting four goals and averaging 20 disposals. He also showed rapid growth at Swan Districts, playing three WAFL league matches after dominating in the colts, which saw him win the team’s best and fairest. Then he turned heads at the draft combine, breaking a 14-year record in the agility test with a time of 7.70 seconds at Margaret Court Arena. Jones broke the previous record of 7.77 seconds, which was set by ex-Fremantle star Stephen Hill in 2008. Jones was also a standout performer in the standing vertical jump test, finishing equal-first with 75cm. Could go as early as the first round – the Giants have interest – but more likely to be picked from the second-round onwards.

22. CHARLIE CLARKE

Position: Small forward

Size: 182cm, 75kg

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons

AFL player comparison: Tom Papley

Looms as a fan favourite at AFL level. Renowned for his energy, competitiveness, goal sense and linking ability between the arcs, Clarke surged up draft boards as the year progressed after an ultra-consistent NAB League campaign and impressing at national championships level. He booted six goals in four games for Vic Metro and played a crucial role in the Dragons’ premiership success, kicking 29 goals for the season – including 10 from four finals – while averaging 18.6 disposals and 4.1 inside 50s per game to earn NAB League Team of the Year honours. The Giants, which hold two late first-round selections and the first pick of the second round, have strong interest in Clarke and put work into him across the past month. Collingwood has also been linked to him, while the Western Bulldogs would also consider selecting him should he slip through to their early second-round selection. Clarke also indicated this month North Melbourne had also shown interest in him.

23. JOSH WEDDLE

Position: Key defender

Size: 192cm, 89kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Templestowe/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Brayden Maynard

One of the class’ most versatile defenders, for he has the size and ability to play on opponents both taller and smaller than him. He’s strong one-on-one, is a confident interceptor and can also provide dash from defence. Weddle shot up draft boards as the year progressed, particularly after his strong national championships campaign for Vic Metro, averaging 15 disposals and four marks to earn All-Australian honours. He now looms as an early second-round, potentially late first-round, prospect. Weddle is in the mix at Collingwood, while he’s also been linked to the Swans and Giants who both have picks around the same mark. North Melbourne is reportedly also interested.

24. JAKOB RYAN

Position: Utility

Size: 189cm, 77kg

Clubs: Glenelg/Brighton/SA

AFL player comparison: James Sicily

Primarily a high defender, but has shown an ability to play either on the wing or even up forward during his impressive 2022 campaign. He possesses great aerial ability, while his excellent two-way workrate and footy nous allows him to rack up big numbers. Ryan’s first three champs games for SA were excellent as he averaged 20.0 disposals out of defence for the tournament. He played eight SANFL Under 18 games in which he accumulated between 25 and 30 disposals in each one of them, including a 28-disposal, 10-mark performance in Glenelg’s grand final triumph over North Adelaide. Ryan has been strongly linked to Collingwood, while rival teams believe the Crows really like him and would consider him if they can trade back into the early stages of this year’s draft.

25. JACOB KONSTANTY

Position: Small forward

Size: 176cm, 70kg

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Drouin/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Dylan Moore

The soccer convert’s remarkable rise could end up in him having an immediate impact at AFL level in 2023. Konstanty is a lively small forward that brings ample defensive intensity yet possesses a deep trick bag that makes him dangerous around goal. He was a standout for Gippsland Power at NAB League level this year, kicking 17 goals and averaging 15 disposals and six tackles from 14 matches to earn Team of the Year honours and finish runner-up in the Power’s best and fairest award. He also kicked four goals in three matches for Vic Country at national championships level. Konstanty seemingly has a wide draft range. He’s long had interest from the Giants, but Carlton might consider him too should the club trade down the order and end up with multiple early picks. Other clubs have linked Konstanty to North Melbourne and the Bulldogs in the second round.

26. MAX MICHALANNEY

Position: Key defender

Size: 192cm, 78kg

Clubs: Norwood/Glenunga/SA

AFL player comparison: Dane Rampe

A mobile yet disciplined defender with strong intercept ability, Michalanney was named in this year’s Under 18 All-Australian team after an impressive campaign for South Australia. He played three SANFL league games for the Redlegs this year as a lockdown defender, while he also showed off his ability to rebound off half-back at reserves and, most prominently, Under 18s level. The Crows recently struck a couple of trades to give themselves the best chance of securing Michalanney, who’s father-son eligible to Adelaide as his dad Jim played in four SANFL flags across 211 games for Norwood. Could receive a rival club bid late in the first round from a club like Collingwood – if not, the Dogs might be the first to launch with their second-round pick.

27. HARRY ROWSTON

Position: Midfielder-forward

Size: 181cm, 78kg

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Calder Cannons/Griffith Swans/NSW-ACT/Allies

AFL player comparison: Tim Taranto

The top Giants Academy prospect elevated himself from a mid to late draft chance to an early standout during this year’s national championships. A competitive and shrewd inside midfielder that finds the footy and pushes forward to hit the scoreboard, Rowston was named the Allies’ MVP and was the team’s leading ball-winner, averaging 23.0 disposals, 11.0 contested possessions, 5.8 inside 50s and 5.0 clearances while also booting three goals. The Giants are hopeful he’ll slip into the second round, but there’s a sense other clubs could pull the trigger in the first round. Rivals believe the Magpies like the look of Rowston and might be the club that bids on him – but whether that’s in the first or second round remains unclear.

28. ALWYN DAVEY JR

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 180cm, 74kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Ashburton/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Tyson Stengle

One for Bombers fans to get excited about. Davey is renowned for his speed, evasion, cleanliness at ground level and goalkicking nous, with recruiters excited by his ability to run and burst. He can also pinch-hit in the midfield, which he showed for Vic Metro in the national Under 18 championships when he kicked two goals from 19 disposals and five inside 50s against Western Australia at Ikon Park. Davey is the son of former Essendon forward Alwyn Davey Sr, who kicked 120 goals from 100 games for the Bombers. He’s already been nominated as a father-son selection for Essendon this year, with rival clubs set to bid his value on draft night. In an ideal world for Essendon, Davey would receive a bid after the Bombers’ second-round pick, meaning they could use their first two picks to select players in the open draft. That prospect now appears more likely.

29. HENRY HUSTWAITE

Position: Utility

Size: 194cm, 84kg

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Rosebud/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Scott Pendlebury

Perhaps the most polarising and fascinating prospect of this year’s draft with the biggest range. Recruiters are quick to point out Hustwaite’s deficiencies, such as his questionable impact on games, lack of speed, inconsistent kicking efficiency and uncertainty around his best position. But there’s also so much upside with Hustwaite – an agile, smooth-moving, one-touch stoppage player with elite hands in traffic that has the size to play as a tall midfielder or as a third tall defender. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Hustwaite go as early as the first round or even slide to the back-end of the second round.

30. COBY BURGIEL

Position: Midfielder-forward

Size: 183cm, 76kg

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Maffra/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Zac Bailey

There’s a lot to like about Burgiel, whose speed and versatility should help him quickly adapt at AFL level. The Maffra product was a consistent and prolific performer at NAB League level, booting 12.11 and averaging 21.6 disposals and 4.3 inside 50s from nine games. He was also a consistent performer for Vic Country, averaging 17 disposals per outing at the national championships. Looms as a second-round prospect.

And the rest …

31. MAX GRUZEWSKI

Position: Key-position utility

Size: 193cm, 84kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Surrey Park/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Noah Balta

32. HARRY BARNETT

Position: Ruck

Size: 202cm, 93kg

Clubs: West Adelaide/Goodwood Saints/SA

AFL player comparison: Brodie Grundy

33. SAM GILBEY

Position: Medium defender

Size: 188cm, 71kg

Clubs: Claremont/Wembley Downs/WA

AFL player comparison: Luke Ryan

34. ETHAN PHILLIPS

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm, 94kg

Clubs: Port Melbourne (VFL)/De La Salle

AFL player comparison: Sam Taylor

35. ISAAC KEELER

Position: Forward-ruck

Size: 198cm, 88kg

Clubs: North Adelaide/South Augusta/SA

AFL player comparison: Paddy Ryder

36. MITCH SZYBKOWSKI

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 84kg

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Beaconsfield/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Matthew Kennedy

37. JAIDEN MAGOR

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 185cm, 79kg

Clubs: South Adelaide/Myponga Sellicks/SA

AFL player comparison: Connor Rozee

38. HARVEY GALLAGHER

Position: Utility

Size: 179cm, 77kg

Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Sandhurst/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Daniel Rich

39. ADAM D‘ALOIA

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 86kg

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/Henley/SA

AFL player comparison: Jack Graham

40. BAILEY MACDONALD

Position: Wing-small defender

Size: 182cm, 74kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Surrey Park/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Changkuoth Jiath

41. BILLY DOWLING

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 79kg

Clubs: North Adelaide/Walkerville/SA

AFL player comparison: Tarryn Thomas

42. JAXON BINNS

Position: Wing

Size: 182cm, 73kg

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Aaron Hall

43. KALEB SMITH

Position: Small defender-midfielder

Size: 180cm, 77kg

Clubs: East Fremantle/Melville/WA

AFL player comparison: Adam Saad

44. JED HAGAN

Position: Small defender

Size: 175cm, 73kg

Clubs: East Fremantle/Brigades/WA

AFL player comparison: Liam Baker

45. TOM MCCALLUM

Position: Key defender

Size: 193cm, 84kg

Clubs: Tasmania Devils/Clarence/Tasmania/Allies

AFL player comparison: Paddy McCartin

46. JASON GILLBEE

Position: Utility

Size: 191cm, 77kg

Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Balranald/NSW-ACT/Allies

AFL player comparison: Isaac Smith

47. BLAKE DRURY

Position: Small forward-midfielder

Size: 178cm, 73kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vermont/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Jack Higgins

48. LUKE TEAL

Position: Medium defender

Size: 190cm, 81kg

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Ryan Burton

49. TED CLOHESY

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 76kg

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/St Joseph’s/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Josh Dunkley

50. ARCHIE LOVELOCK

Position: Midfielder-small forward

Size: 178cm, 72kg

Clubs: Glenelg/PHOS Camden/SA

AFL player comparison: Jye Caldwell