The 2025 AFL Draft Class: Key Players Poised for a 2026 Breakout

The 2025 AFL Draft Class: Key Players Poised for a 2026 Breakout 

The 2025 AFL National Draft was a pivotal moment for clubs across the league, focusing heavily on securing talent ready to make an immediate impact in the 2026 AFL season. This class is defined by its excellent blend of versatile athletes, powerful midfielders, and exceptional Academy prospects, all eager to skip the VFL apprenticeship. 

We look at the top contenders whose skills and club circumstances align perfectly for a breakout debut season, before examining their standing in the early betting markets for the Rising Star award. 

The Immediate Difference Makers: Pick 1 & Key Tall Talent 

The spotlight shines brightest on Willem Duursma (West Coast Eagles, Pick 1). The 193cm utility is built for the modern game: athletic, strong overhead, and capable of holding down multiple positions. For a West Coast side in desperate need of elite talent, Duursma is a foundational piece who must contribute from day one. His ability to intercept and rebound from half-back, or provide drive on the wing, makes him a definite starter in Round 1. 

West Coast quickly secured more top-end talent with Cooper Duff Tytler (Pick 4). At 200cm, this ruck/forward is a rare find—a big man with the speed and goal sense of a medium forward. While key position players typically take time, Duff Tytler’s unique athleticism allows him to impact games straight away as a third tall forward, adding a dynamic aerial threat to the Eagles' attack. His versatility and clear path to senior opportunities make him highly appealing. 

Midfield Power and Endurance 

Essendon’s draft night was a clear statement about building contested ball winners. Sullivan Robey (Essendon, Pick 9) is a prime example: a tough, contested midfielder with a mature body and explosive burst from the contest. The Bombers need clearance winners who can also drive the ball forward, and Robey's competitive spirit should see him challenging for engine room rotations early on. 

His new teammate, Dyson Sharp (Essendon, Pick 13), provides the necessary midfield consistency and reliability. The South Australian is known for his relentless work rate, high tackle pressure, and clean ball distribution. Sharp's game is built on sheer trustworthiness, a crucial quality for any senior debutant. 

Richmond’s youth movement focused on speed and versatility with Sam Grlj (Richmond, Pick 8) and Sam Cumming (Richmond, Pick 7). Grlj is an athletic mid with explosive pace, fitting the Tigers' running game style. His speed allows him to transition quickly from the inside to the outside, a trait that translates well to the rapid pace of the AFL. Cumming, meanwhile, is a high-impact midfielder/forward whose immense endurance suggests he has the tank to endure the physical rigours of senior football. 

(Dyson Sharp pictured above)

The Academy Aces: Gold Coast’s Ready Made Duo 

The Gold Coast Suns executed a masterful draft, successfully matching bids on four high calibre Academy players, two of whom stand out as immediate senior threats. Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast Suns, Pick 2) is the ultimate composed ball user. This medium defender or wingman is smooth, decisive, and possesses elite foot skills that will immediately add polish and rebound to the Suns’ defensive unit. His maturity and clean delivery make him a strong early contender. 

The other Suns standout is Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Suns, Pick 5). Known as 'The Rocket,' Patterson offers pure, line-breaking speed and daring run-and-carry. His lightning pace will be used off half back or the wing to rapidly shift momentum, making him an electric inclusion who must be played immediately. 

Up north, the Brisbane Lions secured Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions, Pick 6). Annable is a slick, powerful midfielder-forward from their Academy. Despite the Lions' stacked roster, Annable's natural football intelligence, strength, and goal sense mean he is an immediate option to rotate through the midfield and forward line, adding another layer of class and speed to a premiership contender. 

Defensive Reliability and Forward X Factor 

On the defensive front, Harry Dean (Carlton, Pick 3), the talented father son selection, is a smart, competitive key defender. Dean's excellent intercept marking and positional discipline provide the youthful stability Carlton’s defence can utilise. While key defenders can take time to adjust, Dean's innate reading of the play may see him fill in admirably during any early-season injury crisis. 

Melbourne’s recruiting delivered a superb defensive asset in Xavier Taylor (Melbourne, Pick 11). Taylor is a rebounding half back known for his attacking mindset, daring run and carry, and intercept ability. He fills a high-value role for the Demons, who crave dash and creativity from defence. 

In the forward line, the X factor is Latrelle Pickett (Melbourne, Pick 12), cousin of Kysaiah Pickett. Latrelle is an electric small forward with explosive speed and an innate ability to impact the scoreboard. His flair and finishing ability mean he is perfectly suited for modern small forward rotations, making him an ideal player to introduce early for bursts of manic energy and goal-kicking acumen. 

Finally, keep an eye on Mitchell Marsh (Adelaide, Pick 22). The medium forward, whose great aerial prowess and genuine forward craft were honed in the SANFL, is ready to be a reliable target, complementing the Crows’ taller forwards. 

(Latrelle Pickett pictured above)

The 2026 Rising Star Verdict: Where the Money Talks 

The betting market provides the ultimate reality check for debutant potential, confirming which 2025 draftees are expected to play enough senior football to contend for the prestigious award. 

While the favourite in the market is still the eligible, but previously injured, Jagga Smith (Carlton) at $5.00, the 2025 class dominates the serious contenders, validating the high hopes of recruiters. 

Willem Duursma is the clear top draftee in the market, priced at $6.00, reflecting the urgency and confidence West Coast has in him. The Suns' Academy talents are right behind him, with Zeke Uwland paying $8.00 and the speedster Dylan Patterson listed at $13.00, both expected to earn senior time immediately. 

The tight odds for other highly touted picks demonstrate their immediate value: Cooper Duff Tytler and Essendon’s grunt midfielder Dyson Sharp are both sitting at $15.00, a strong indicator of their senior prospects. Meanwhile, a shrewd outside bet is Richmond’s fast-paced midfielder Sam Grlj at $21.00, a player whose speed and burst could quickly translate into crucial game time. 

The 2025 class is an exceptional vintage, packed with polished, physically ready talent. The transition from the junior leagues to the senior competition is always fraught with challenges, yet the sheer depth of this draft means that the 2026 AFL season promises a thrilling race for the Rising Star. Whether it's the high-priced Duursma, the Academy polish of Uwland, or an unexpected bolter from the later picks, the performances of these draftees will undoubtedly shape the ladder and capture the imagination of the league for years to come.