AFL Draft 2020 power rankings: The top 30 prospects
Our talent watchers reveal how the Top 30 could take shape on draft night. See who your club could land.
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Who are the best young prospects in the 2020 draft class?
Talent watchers Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto have come together to rank the top 30 prospects in the pool.
This list does not consider where academy bids will come and is not a reflection of where players will be taken by clubs on draft night.
Instead it is a rating of the talent available, with plenty of sticking points between Dan and Jordan.
Check out the full Top 30 Draft Rankings including which players would suit your club.
Watch Dan and Jordan explain their rankings in the video player above
1. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Key forward, 195cm, 90kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country
Ranking points: 84 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, North Melbourne
Booted 24 goals in nine matches in a dominant bottom-age season alongside Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson for the Oakleigh Chargers. A generational key forward with spectacular athleticism, speed and velcro hands overhead who is tied to the Western Bulldogs’ Next Generation Academy.
Dan says: Not a standout number one pick like Matt Rowell last year, with Perth’s Logan McDonald close behind, but will be a nightmare match-up for defenders for the next decade.
Jordan says: Spectacular is the right word here. The Bulldogs have their poster boy for the next decade, one who is going to very hard to stop.
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2. Logan McDonald
Forward, 196cm, 86kg
Perth/Western Australia
Ranking points: 97 (WAFL 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Essendon, Sydney
McDonald earnt a place in the WAFL team of the year after ranking No. 1 for marks inside-50 and second for goals this season. The mobile forward has terrific hands and is equally as influential on the lead pushing up the ground as he is one-out deep inside-50. And his dramatic rate of improvement is the sealer.
Jordan says: It’s hard to be anything but impressed by McDonald and, while it’s safe to project him as one of the game’s best forwards later this decade, I’ve got another tall just ahead.
Dan says: The top performing draft hopeful across the year with his remarkable feats as an 18-year-old key forward against senior bodies.
3. Elijah Hollands
Midfielder/forward, 189cm, 85kg
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Ranking points: 92 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Sydney, Hawthorn
A serious knee injury sidelined the game-breaking midfielder/forward this season before the NAB League shutdown. He already had enough runs on the board, standing out last year for Vic Country as a bottom-ager and in the under-17s All Stars game on Grand Final day.
Dan says: Can turn a game on its head and with his sheer impact in the coalface and up forward.
Jordan says: Not only does he take the ball cleanly, he does it with speed and power – and it allows him to break the game open.
4. Riley Thilthorpe
Ruck/forward, 201cm, 100kg
West Adelaide/South Australia
Ranking points: 85 (SANFL 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Sydney, Essendon
A groin issue ended his season early but Thilthorpe had already proven he can match it with the big bodies, booting seven goals and taking 26 marks in his first five SANFL games last season, before spending more time in the ruck this year. His combination of size, athleticism, flexibility, speed and class is rare and it’s why his ceiling is higher than most.
Dan says: Athletic 200cm ruck/forward don’t grow on trees but I have Thilthorpe at No.5 in my personal rankings, as I rate the likes of Hollands and Grainger-Barras higher.
Jordan says: Consensus sees him land here but I’ve got him on par, if not slightly ahead, of McDonald and Hollands. He rucks as an extra midfielder like Brodie Grundy, but with the attacking threat of a Tom Lynch.
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5. Denver Grainger-Barras
Key defender, 194cm, 78kg
Swan Districts/Western Australia
Ranking points: 75 (WAFL 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Sydney, North Melbourne, Hawthorn
Grainger-Barras is an intercept king, putting himself on the map as a top pick at last year’s national carnival for Western Australia. He was a mainstay in Swan District’s defence in the WAFL this season, averaging 10.3 disposals, 7.4 intercept and a three intercept marks across eight matches, and was swung forward with great effect in the second WA All Stars game in October.
Dan says: The best key defender available and should break in for senior footy next year after proving himself at WAFL level.
Jordan says: Yes, he’s an intercept star but he’s brilliant one-on-one, too. He just does most things right, on and off the field.
6. Will Phillips
Midfielder, 181cm, 80kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 103 (NAB League 2020)
Clubs that would suit: North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Gold Coast
Phillips is one of the most well-credential midfielders of the draft, mixing a terrific ball-winning ability – at the contest and away from it – with clean hands and a burst of acceleration. The ready-made Phillips hits the scoreboard and was a standout for Oakleigh in the NAB League finals alongside Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson in 2019.
Dan says: A 200+ gamer and future captain in the making who does not play a bad game.
Jordan says: The strong ball-winner is ready to go and is about as safe as selections come in this year’s draft.
7. Braeden Campbell
Midfielder, 181cm, 75kg
Swans Academy/Allies
Ranking points: 123 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Sydney, North Melbourne, Hawthorn
A midfielder with blistering speed and a penetrating left foot kick who is eligible to be taken by Sydney as an academy prospect. Took out best-on-ground honours in the under-17 All Stars game, the last match pitting the top prospects of the pool against each other.
Dan says: The talent-laden Swans Academy has found another future star.
Jordan says: The skilful, goalkicking midfielder starred at every level he played at through a standout junior career.
8. Lachie Jones
Defender, 184cm, 87kg
Woodville-West Torrens/SA
Port Adelaide NGA prospect
Ranking points: 65 (SANFL 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Port Adelaide, GWS, Fremantle
The tough Port NGA prospect, who can play on talls and smalls, is quick, powerful overhead and possesses a penetrating right-foot kick. Jones’ stocks have continued to rise after an impressive season at SANFL level, where he took mark of the year and knocked around some of his more senior opponents.
Dan says: A ready-made defender who will slot into the Power defence sooner rather than later.
Jordan says: Close to the most ready-made prospect in the draft pool – and he’s got plenty of tricks.
9. Archie Perkins
Forward/midfielder, 188cm, 79kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 82 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Essendon, Adelaide, Gold Coast
Perkins was denied the chance to show recruiters his capabilities as a full-time midfielder in 2020 but the pieces are there. The all-round athletic beast screams X-Factor with his raking kick, burst from congestion and his forward presence – it will be a matter of doing this more consistently at AFL level.
Dan says: His potential is off the charts and his balanced lifestyle off the field should see him thrive at the next level.
Jordan says: The explosive Perkins has all the tools to become one of the best players of the draft, especially if he can take his kicking to the next level.
10. Tanner Bruhn
Midfielder, 183cm, 74kg
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Ranking points: 115 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Hawthorn
Bruhn only played two games due to injury last year but recruiters know how much class he has. At the under-16 national carnival in 2018, the well-balanced midfielder danced in and out of traffic and delivered with precision on his way to being named Vic Country’s MVP.
Dan says: Has had no luck over the past two seasons but is arguably the classiest midfielder of the draft class.
Jordan says: The year off hurt his draft position but Bruhn is a special talent.
11. Zach Reid
Key defender, 202cm, 83kg
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Ranking points: 68 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Essendon, GWS, North Melbourne
Reid is a unique key defender with strong intercept skills and a kicking weapon. The Gippsland product hit the target with 74 per cent of his kicks in the NAB League last season but will take time to develop his frame.
Dan says: You could mistake him for a wingman with his silky skills – the best tall on offer after the big four.
Jordan says: Reid makes great decisions coming out of defence and, more importantly, has the skills – many kids his size don’t have – to execute.
12. Reef McInnes
Defender/forward, 193cm, 86kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Collingwood Next Generation Academy
Ranking points: 84 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Collingwood, Essendon, Adelaide
Collingwood’s NGA prospect spent most of last year playing at either end of the ground, but it’s his projection as a tall inside-midfielder, with elite speed, which is likely to see the Magpies forced into matching a first-round bid.
Dan says: Have him here due to his enormous upside as a prospect born in December and his exceptional versatility, which will allow him to play all over the park for the Magpies in the future.
Jordan says: While there are still plenty of unknowns, the scope for improvement is huge. Collingwood should have no hesitation in matching – and rightly so.
13. Nikolas Cox
Key defender, 200cm, 87kg
Northern Knights/Vic Country
Ranking points: 75 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Essendon, GWS, Collingwood, Fremantle
Cox is a freakish athlete for his height, recording times of 6:03 in the 2km time trial (equal fourth nationally) and 2.95-seconds in the 20m sprint at the combine. Will need to add size but the versatile swingman can impact games at both ends, has nice skills and is a natural leader.
Dan says: His versatility and ridiculous running capacity mean he could be anything.
Jordan says: His size, skill and ability to play multiple positions is a rare combination.
14. Heath Chapman
Defender, 192cm, 81kg
West Perth/Western Australia
Ranking points: 132 (WAFL Colts 2020)
Clubs that would suit: GWS, Fremantle, Melbourne, North Melbourne
Chapman was the dominant defender at WAFL Colts level this year, leading the competition for intercept marks, intercept possessions and spoils, while also rating elite for score involvements. He reads the ball brilliantly and, given his attacking traits – and slight lack of height – should make a terrific rebounder at the top level.
Dan says: One of the better interceptors in the pool and can hurt the opposition with his attacking play.
Jordan says: He know when to spoil, when to mark and when to attack – and he does it all so well.
15. Oliver Henry
Medium forward/defender, 188cm, 77kg
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Ranking points: 67 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Fremantle, North Melbourne, Collingwood
Henry stamped his authority up forward and in defence as a bottom-ager, booting 12 goals across a three-game stretch – including 5.3 in just his third NAB League game – and hauled in six intercept marks among 24 disposals later in the season. His aerial ability is his main asset, and his special attributes pale in comparison to his no-frills brother, Geelong defender Jack Henry.
Dan says: I have Henry higher than this mark as a prospect in the James Sicily mould.
Jordan says: After some impressive moments in 2019, I would’ve really like to see what he could’ve done this year. His best is eye-catching.
16. Finlay Macrae
Midfielder, 186cm, 78kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 83 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: North Melbourne, Essendon, Richmond, Adelaide
Just like his half-brother Jackson, Finlay Macrae is clean and clever in traffic and makes great decisions with ball in-hand. The 186cm midfielder, who sees the game so well, was one who was tipped to take another big leap with more responsibility in 2020.
Dan says: Just about a carbon copy of his brother: balanced, consistent and creative.
Jordan says: You almost know what you’re going to get here – and why wouldn’t you want it!?
17. Tom Powell
Midfielder, 183cm, 74kg
Sturt/South Australia
Ranking points: 154 (SANFL U18s 2020)
Clubs that would suit: North Melbourne, Collingwood, GWS
Tore the SANFL U18s to shreds for Sturt after two injury-riddled seasons, averaging 33.5 disposals, 14.6 contested possessions and eight clearances. The ball-magnet won the league’s MVP award, impressing with his clearance-winning and his clean hands in congestion.
Dan says: One that clubs can plug in and play next year following his prolific top-age season.
Jordan says: Every time I’ve seen him play, he’s just always in the right spot. He’s smart, efficient and rarely fumbles.
18. Alex Davies
Midfielder, 191cm, 85kg
Gold Coast Academy/Cairns
Ranking points: 104 (NAB League 2019)
Davies is a strong first-possession winner with terrific hands in-close and a nice turn of foot. As a bid-bodied midfielder, the former junior basketball star has many desirable traits but he will join the Suns as part of the club’s draft concessions.
Dan says: The clearance specialist may well be the biggest steal of all given the Suns can list him outside the open draft.
Jordan says: If he was in the pool, a bid inside the top-20 would’ve been likely.
19. Nathan O’Driscoll
Midfielder, 187cm, 78kg
Perth/Western Australia
Ranking points: 72 (WAFL 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, St Kilda, Richmond, Essendon
The big-bodied midfielder managed to break in for five WAFL games for Perth and held his own, the highlight being his 20 disposals, 14 contested possessions and six tackles against Subiaco. O’Driscoll is a well-rounded midfielder; he tested strongly for endurance, agility and speed at the combine, can win his own ball and has a penetrating left foot kick.
Dan says: O’Driscoll’s draft range is vast, and I had him a bit later on the board. But overall, I feel he has been judged harshly and has a lot to offer as a prospect.
Jordan says: With his combination of attributes, l see O’Driscoll as one of the best all-round midfield prospects in the draft. He attacks the ball and body with ferocity, but he’s so clean. I see some Clayton Oliver.
20. Brayden Cook
Forward/wing, 188cm, 74kg
South Adelaide/SA
Ranking points: 120 (SANFL U18)
Clubs that would suit: GWS, Adelaide, Melbourne
After growing 7cm in the past 12 months, Cook has rocketed up draft boards after a number of eye-catching performances at under-18 level. The 18-year-old has real X-factor, speed can take a strong mark – as a forward target or behind the ball – and is dangerous around goal.
Dan says: When he is on, his impact is up there with the best of this draft class.
Jordan says: Cook can take the game away from the opposition – he won a number of games off his own boot this year. Not many can do that.
21. Jack Carroll
Midfielder, 187cm, 79kg
East Fremantle/Western Australia
Ranking points: 126 (WAFL Colts 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, Brisbane, GWS
Carroll enjoyed a strong WAFL Colts season, winning 60 per cent of his possession in a contest and averaging 23.1 disposals and five clearances. He’s got class on the outside but his work in congestion is now the major string to his bow and he can also be used across half-back.
Dan says: I have Davies and O’Driscoll just ahead in the midfield pecking order, but Carroll shapes as a promising candidate for a club searching for a contested ball-winner in the second round.
Jordan says: The Josh Kelly comparison has been made and the more I watch, the more I see it. Development of his contested game has been a real highlight this year.
22. Joel Jeffrey
Defender/utility, 192cm, 78kg
Gold Coast Academy/NT Thunder
Ranking points: 115 (NAB League 2020)
There are no shortage of clubs interested in Jeffrey, but the talented utility will automatically become a Suns player. He can play at either end of the ground and boasts a terrific mix of speed, composure and skill.
Dan says: Had him just inside the top 20 in my personal rankings due to his knack for producing magic at both ends – another quality pick-up for the Suns.
Jordan says: The Suns will welcome another huge talent on draft night.
23. Connor Downie
Defender/midfielder, 185cm, 82kg
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Hawthorn NGA prospect
Ranking points: 82 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmond
Downie made the outside his own for Eastern as a bottom-ager, providing scoring opportunities for his teammates with his penetrating kick and great work rate. A ready-made prospect with ties to Hawthorn as a Next Generation Academy graduate, Downie was set to play as an inside midfielder this season.
Dan says: The Hawks have a ripper here. A class act off the field and another who can push for senior selection next year.
Jordan says: He’s a great kick and has some serious speed, addressing two areas of need in Hawthorn’s engine room.
24. Errol Gulden
Forward/midfielder, 176cm, 71kg
Sydney Academy/UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Ranking points: 135 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Sydney, Richmond, GWS
The diminutive midfielder is a ball magnet who rarely fumbles, kicks goals and puts his teammate in better positions. Gulden has impressed at every level he’s played with 38-disposal, five-goal, 245 ranking-point performance in the opening round of the under-16 championships in 2018 a highlight.
Dan says: As consistent as they come and warrants a spot inside the top 25 in our rankings despite his small stature.
Jordan says: If you can do what he does with the football in-hand – and that’s often – does it matter how tall you are?
25. Caleb Poulter
Midfielder, 192cm, 79kg
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Ranking points: 130 (SANFL U18s 2020)
Clubs that would suit: Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn
A tall midfielder who is damaging with ball in hand, hurting opposition sides in the SANFL U18s with his raking left foot and vision. Capped off a superb season with a strong finals series and a starring role in the South Australia All Stars clash.
Dan says: It won’t just be his fluoro boots and hairstyle that catches the eye of footy fans. One of the big risers in 2020.
Jordan says: An attacking inside-midfielder, who is brilliant in traffic and boasts a damaging left-foot – I view him a little higher than this.
26. Bailey Laurie
Midfielder/forward, 180cm, 75kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 90 (NAB League)
Clubs that would suit: Richmond, GWS, Collingwood
With speed, skill and an outstanding footy IQ, Laurie can set up play from the midfield or put the finishing touches on inside-50 with equal effect. He’s hard to tackle and was a star in last year’s NAB League grand final, finishing with 17 disposals, two goals and 121 ranking points.
Dan says: His fantastic evasive skills and high footy IQ will make him a joy to watch in action.
Jordan says: He’ll create plenty more highlights that’s for sure and appears a nice fit to replace Jack Higgins at the Tigers.
27. Sam Berry
Midfielder, 181cm, 82kg
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Ranking points: 104 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: GWS, North Melbourne, Carlton
Berry carved out an impressive bottom-age season despite having his midfield time pinched by eventual Rising Star winner Caleb Serong and first round draftee Sam Flanders, tallying 17.7 touches, 6.5 tackles and 4.4 clearances across 10 NAB League games. The inside midfielder/forward showed off his endurance and power mix at the combine with top-five finishes across the country in the 2km time trial and running vertical jump test.
Dan says: Was perceived to be a nuggety midfielder by some and then ran a 6:12 2km time trial – proof there is more than meets the eye.
Jordan says: Might lack a touch of class but he dominated at times during his bottom-age year and could have an impact early.
28. Conor Stone
Forward, 188cm, 82kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 71 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: GWS, Collingwood, Adelaide, St Kilda
Stone burst onto the scene last year, booting five goals in his NAB League debut for Oakleigh. He’s got real acceleration and takes a nice mark – traits many expected him to further highlight in his draft year.
Dan says: Has plenty of potential with his athleticism and shapes as one who can play a variety of roles.
Jordan says: He highlighted his potential with some impressive moments in 2019.
29. Jake Bowey
Midfielder/forward, 175cm, 67kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country
Ranking points: 79 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Melbourne, Geelong, GWS
Bowey is one of the better kicks in the draft, using his poise and skill to great effect on the wing for the Sandringham Dragons last season. He also has eye-catching speed and vertical leap for a player his size, running a 2.95-second 20m sprint at the combine and taking a spectacular hanger in the All Stars clash on Grand Final day last year.
Dan says: Would Bowey be a first-round lock if he was 10cm taller? Perhaps, and his poise and elite kicking has drawn comparisons to Caleb Daniel.
Jordan says: He’s composed and often makes the right decision – especially by foot.
30. Eddie Ford
Forward, 189cm, 83kg
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Ranking points: 71 (NAB League 2019)
Clubs that would suit: Collingwood, GWS, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide
Clubs are looking for matchwinners and, from what we saw at NAB League level and on in the under-17 All Stars game on grand final day last year, Ford could be one of them. There is a bit of Connor Rozee in the 189cm forward, who has been trying to model his game on Nat Fyfe.
Dan says: A big game player who could be a value pick-up for a club when he adds midfield craft to his arsenal.
Jordan says: There’s no guarantees, but this kid could become something special if it all comes together.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2020 power rankings: The top 30 prospects
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