AFL Draft 2025: Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan reveals and rates his top 75 prospects

In a draft pool recruiters have labelled as an ‘interesting’ one, AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan reveals what the first round could look like. See his top 15, plus intel and stats on every name to watch.

He’s the inside midfielder who looks up to Zak Butters and has bolted into top-10 draft calculations.

Oakleigh Chargers product Sam Grlj wasn’t part of the AFL Academy squad entering this year but has certainly made a splash in a new role.

Taking on increased midfield minutes after playing mostly across half-back last year, Grlj has showcased his speed, agility and ball-winning ability in the early part of the season.

He was Vic Metro’s equal-leading disposal winner with 27 touches in an eye-catching trial match last month, setting himself for a big under-18 national championships campaign.

Performances during the championships – which kick off on June 1 – hold plenty of weight among recruiters, who describe this year’s draft pool as an “interesting” one.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE TOP 75 PROSPECTS FOR THE 2025 DRAFT

The depth isn’t there like it was in 2024 and the pool is compromised by a large number of first-round draft prospects who are linked to clubs through Academy and father-son programs.

While the likes of Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Suns), Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions), Max King (Sydney) and Thomas McGuane (Collingwood) all look off the table to rivals given their links, there is plenty of excitement around others.

Mobile ruckman Cooper Duff-Tytler shapes as one of the first players picked in November as he continues to display “extraordinary” potential, while silky half-back Josh Lindsay could also be a top-five selection and the versatile Willem Duursma has some tricks as he looks to become the fourth member of his family to play football at the top level.

Inside midfielder Dyson Sharp is South Australia’s leading prospect, while Western Australia’s draft hopes are headlined by midfield talent Fred Rodriguez.

The Allies face South Australia in the first match of the championships on June 1, with the tournament running through until July 20.

Ahead of the carnival, AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan has put together this exclusive list of the top-75 draft prospects to watch this year.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2025: Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan reveals and rates his top 75 prospects