In the world of Australian rules football, the 2026 AFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several clubs, with the first round set to take place on November 19th. The Carlton Blues, in particular, find themselves in a tricky situation as they navigate the father-son rule and the impending bid squeeze. The focus, however, is on the star prospects who are making waves in the lead-up to the draft, with players like Cody Walker and Ethan Drever shining brightly.
One of the most talked-about prospects is Cody Walker, a father-son selection tied to the Carlton Blues. Walker's performance against South Australia was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his core strength, AFL-like movement, and explosive speed. With 35 disposals, 18 contested possessions, five clearances, and five inside 50s, Walker solidified his standing as a top-three prospect. The Blues, however, face a challenge in matching a Pick 2 bid for Walker, as they only have two picks in this year's draft and are on a seven-game winning streak, pushing their picks further down the draft order.
Ethan Drever, a GWV Rebels midfielder, is another standout prospect. Drever's performance against South Australia was a four-quarter effort, showcasing his high-damage on-ball skills, acceleration away from stoppages, and cleanliness in tight spaces. With 25 disposals, six score involvements, six marks, and five inside 50s, Drever is in the top-end mix, alongside other prospects like Harry Van Hattum, Arki Butler, and Gus Teixeira.
The Western Australia team also had its share of standout performers, with Heath Mellody and Leo Steed making waves. Mellody, a full-time midfielder, capped off a strong four-game campaign with 30 disposals, 10 marks, and eight score involvements. Steed, a competitive and speedy forward-midfielder, averaged 24 disposals across his four games. Both players are top-10 prospects, with Steed now shaping as a top-10 bolter.
The South Australian team had its own share of standout performers, with Ethan Herbert and Kodah Edwards shining. Herbert, a ruck, showcased his spread and ability to impact around the ground with 20 disposals and 11 contested possessions. Edwards, a contested ball-winning midfielder, had eight contested possessions and five clearances. Both players are top-10 prospects, with Herbert potentially being better suited to a key forward role at AFL level.
The Hawthorn and Brisbane Lions also had their share of standout performers, with Cooper Hodge and Caylen Murray making waves. Hodge, the son of Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge, played a key role in the Allies' upset win over WA, while Murray, an aggressive defender-midfielder, had a team-high 26 disposals and six intercepts. Both players are on the national draft radar, with Hodge's future still uncertain.
The West Coast Eagles, meanwhile, face a tricky situation as they navigate the draft, with an array of club-tied players in the mix. NGA prospect Garrison Kenh and father-son eligible Noah Braun are standouts, with both players showcasing their composure, rebounding ability, and lethal left-foot kicks. The Eagles will have to make tough calls, as they did last year, when they opted not to match bids on NGA graduates Koby Evans and Charlie Banfield.
In the end, the 2026 AFL Draft promises to be a fascinating affair, with several clubs navigating the challenges of the father-son rule and the impending bid squeeze. The standout prospects, like Cody Walker and Ethan Drever, are making waves, and the draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several clubs as they look to build for the future.
