AFL Draft 2022: Top 30 power rankings, expert consensus on the best prospects
Brisbane will match a bid very early for Will Ashcroft – but the position of other club-aligned prospects, like Alwyn Davey Jnr, is more intriguing. See the latest AFL Draft rankings.
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The under-18 season is coming to a close and draft boards are taking shape for AFL club recruiters.
Who are the top 30 prospects in the country, and who will be around the mark when your club is on the clock?
Our draft watchers Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten have been keeping tabs on prospects from across the country and have put their heads together to bring you their top 30 consensus power rankings – and there are plenty of points of contention!
See who made the top 30 and check out where they agreed and differed below.
1. Will Ashcroft
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/Brisbane father-son
Midfielder, 183cm, 79kg
The standout prospect of this year’s draft pool, Ashcroft is the complete midfielder, who will join Brisbane, the club his father Marcus played 318 games for, in November. The elite, well-rounded ball-winner has dominated at every level he’s played at this season and will be ready to go next year.
Jordan Pinto’s ranking – 1: And by some way, too. Has just been better than everyone else on the ground on most occasions this year at all levels – even the VFL. Looking forward to seeing what he can do next year already.
Dan Batten’s ranking – 1: The complete package as a midfielder: clean at ground level, a prolific ball-winner, great ball-user, relentless work-rate and good burst of speed. His staggering 29 disposals per game at VFL level epitomises his dominance this season – the top talent in the country by a fair margin.
2. Harry Sheezel
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Forward, 183cm, 74kg
Sheezel, described by recruiters as a “freak”, is, arguably, the draft pool’s biggest match-winner. The Sandy Dragons star can turn a game in a blink of an eye inside-50 ¬ in the way the player he looks up to, Toby Greene, does – and can have a serious impact through the midfield with his unrivalled skill and explosiveness.
JP – 3: Had him at No.2 for a while, and he may end up back there, but can the proven goalkicker become a match-winning mid at the top level? That’s the only question, because his kicking is sublime and he’s so assured with ball in hand, even when he’s dancing in and out of traffic.
DB – 2: Sheezel’s match-winning traits up forward and through the middle draw similarities to Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee. A nightmare match-up for defenders with his agility and uncanny knack to kick goals from all angles. Just ahead of Wardlaw and Tsatas for mine, but that could change.
FULL PROFILES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ON 86 PROSPECTS
3. Elijah Tsatas
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 188cm, 80kg
An injury-interrupted season hasn’t tempered the excitement around Tsatas, the line-breaking midfielder with serious speed. The 188cm teenager can win it on the inside and outside, but the way he takes the ball cleanly and explodes out of congestion is what has really caught the eye. Tsatas, who comes from an athletics background, impressed in his return from injury late in the NAB League season.
JP – 2: His breakaway speed from the contest is unrivalled in this draft, but the way he takes the ball cleanly at pace, before bursting out, is almost more impressive. If Tsatas isn’t finding a teammate by foot at full-tilt, he’s often setting one free with a swinging handball in traffic, highlighting the development of his all-round game.
DB – 4: Tsatas has proved his inside traits this year and his offensive game is arguably the best of any midfielder in this draft class. A strong championships finale later this month could see him surge higher in my rankings.
4. George Wardlaw
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 182cm, 82kg
Before hamstring injuries ruined his draft year, Wardlaw took the honours in a head-to-head NAB League battle with Ashcroft and was then named best afield for the Australian under-18s side against Collingwood VFL’s team in May. Despite the interrupted season, recruiters have seen enough of the competitive beast who has great speed and power, and models his game on Clayton Oliver.
JP – 4: There isn’t much separating the three after Ashcroft – you could argue all be the next player picked on draft night. Wardlaw’s attack on the ball and body is uncompromising – he stopped Ashcroft in his tracks in the opening five minutes of the NAB League season – but he’s still so clean and in control with the ball in those tight spaces.
DB – 3: Wardlaw isn’t just a bull-at-a-gate contested ball-winner and fierce tackler, he has exceptional power to burst through stoppages and fly high for marks. There is no knowing how high his standing would be if hamstring setbacks didn’t sideline him through the back-half of the year.
5. Aaron Cadman
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Key forward, 194cm, 88kg
The best tall forward in this year’s draft, Cadman is a skilful left-footer with a vice-like grip overhead and incredibly clean hands for a big man below his knees. Like the player he resembles at the top level, Jeremy Cameron, Cadman covers the ground well and he highlighted his talent further at national level, booting seven goals in three games for Vic Country.
JP – 6: Cleary the best tall forward in the draft, and, given his vast skill set, I’ve thought about placing him significantly higher, as a club could do come November. He’s just going to be a difficult match-up – if he’s not outmarking his opponent in the air, he can win it on the ground and get a teammate involved.
DB – 5: The top key forward available. Cadman has risen up the ranks with his consistent performance at national and NAB League level, setting tongues wagging with his overhead marking, coverage around the ground and ability to hit the scoreboard.
6. Jedd Busslinger
East Perth/WA
Key defender, 196cm, 82kg
Just like Denver Grainger-Barras two years ago, the best young intercept defender in the draft is from Western Australia, with Busslinger proving impenetrable at WAFL Colts level. He was just as good for WA at the national carnival, before season-ending shoulder surgery. Busslinger reads the play well, backs himself in the air and doesn’t look like a typical 196cm big man when he’s kicking, such is his control by foot.
JP – 5: Gets in great spots, and then uses his size and reach to win it back off the opposition. But he’s also a very compact and composed ball-user for a 196cm key-position player and that’s why I’ve got him just ahead of Cadman.
DB – 8: The intercept king of the draft class, who has performed strongly despite playing through injury at stages this season. Slightly further back on my rankings, but that’s more of a reflection of other prospects than the West Australian.
7. Jhye Clark
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Midfielder, 180cm, 77kg
The Geelong Falcons skipper is an aggressive, well-balanced midfielder, who distributes it neatly by both hand and foot on either side of his body. Clark is strong at the contest and uses his elite running ability to find the ball in space, often forward of centre to hit the scoreboard. He may not have the height of others, but there’s not a lot Clark, who has been likened to a young Joel Selwood, can’t do.
JP – 10: The more I think about the more I think maybe 10 is too low for a player who just gets it done in most facets of the game. I’ve just got others with a touch more upside ahead.
DB – 6: Clark has grown as a player as the year has gone on. He always seems to lift when the game is on the line and his inside-outside ball-winning, leadership, competitiveness edge and two way running make him a real safe bet.
8. Mattaes Phillipou
Woodville-West Torrens/SA
Midfielder, 192cm, 82kg
The son of former Eagles SANFL star and three-game Western Bulldogs forward Sam Phillipou, Mattaes looks set to be the first SA player taken in this year’s draft. His hands are great at the contest, but they’re even better in the air, with the 18-year-old switching between tough, clean on-baller to high-marking, goalkicking forward with damaging effect. And recruiters are excited about his scope for further improvement.
JP – 9: Phillipou is one of those players with more upside I mentioned above. He’s dominated SANFL under-18 footy for two years, in two areas of the ground, but he still appears to have plenty of room for growth. 192cm goalkicking midfielders, with clean skills and terrific ball-winning ability, don’t grown on trees.
DB – 7: A running goal from beyond the arc – while playing hurt – at nationals said it all about what Phillipou can produce. A midfielder with his size, clean hands in traffic and ability to hit the scoreboard suits the modern game perfectly – and I think he has the potential to surpass those above him on this list at the next level.
9. Cam Mackenzie
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/Saints Next Generation Academy
Midfielder, 187cm, 80kg
The St Kilda Next Generation Academy member has bolted into the top-10 mix after a standout 2022 campaign. He was a consistent ball-winner for Sandringham and Vic Metro through the midfield this season, with his decision making and ball use – by hand and foot – a highlight. Mackenzie is clean, composed and has a nice burst of acceleration.
JP – 7: Mackenzie is just smart. Smart in where he positions himself to win the ball, and smart in what he does with it, even under pressure. He’s got some nice speed away from the contest, but the way he slows the game down and often makes the right decision, even when forced to adjust, is what is most impressive.
DB – 11: Has the poise and composure in traffic that few in this draft class possess and is a nice size as a balanced midfielder. Would have loved to squeeze him into my top 10, but I had others marginally ahead.
10. Bailey Humphrey
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Midfielder/forward, 184cm, 86kg
Humphrey, a powerful midfielder-forward who takes a terrific mark overhead, is the late bolter of this year’s draft. He missed the national carnival after a knee injury in May, but he made a stunning 31-disposal, four-goal NAB League return shortly after, and is coming with a bullet. He is a real competitor who attacks the ball ferociously, has seriously quick breakaway speed from stoppages and is a neat kick on both feet.
JP – 8: While he’s been a force inside-50 this year, on potential and projection, Humphrey could be as good as any midfielder in the draft, given his mix of power, speed and skill. Then there’s that sidestep.
DB – 12: It’s tough to put him ahead of others who have stacked it up at national level, but Humphrey’s performances in the NAB League have been immense – both before and after his injury. Watch him bolt up the board even further if he has a big outing in his sole Vic Country outing in grand final week.
11. Elijah Hewett
Swan Districts/WA
Midfielder, 185cm, 84kg
Hewett is strong on the inside, but also damaging out in space, and has more than held his own in nine senior games for Swan Districts this year, following an impressive bottom-age season at Colts level. And all of the WA skipper’s top-end traits were on show during an impressive national carnival opener against Vic Metro – speed, explosiveness, ball-winning ability and a serious side step.
JP – 15: Changes direction as good as any in the pool, and has speed to match his creativity in tight. At his best offensively, Hewett is top-10 talent, but I’ve seen his defensive running and intent fall away a little too often.
DB – 9: Has showcased his skills as a forward in the WAFL and his stunning 29 disposals, two goals and five score assists against the might of Vic Metro underlined his credentials as a midfielder. Has the tools to play right away and his burst will excite.
12. Henry Hustwaite
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder/defender 194cm, 84kg
A silky left-footer, Hustwaite has come from nowhere over the past two years after a major growth spurt left him the ability to play a variety of roles. He started the year in defence with the Stingrays in the NAB League as a third tall, but has gone on to learn how to play as an inside midfielder. Hustwaite is an efficient ball user – particularly with his hands – who has good vision and footy nous and is extremely composed with the footy.
JP – 11: When you watch Hustwaite get the ball in traffic and find a teammate by hand, you can’t help but think of the way Scott Pendlebury slows down time in the midfield. That’s why I’ve thought about him even higher than 11, but he’s still got some way to go in learning to use his impressive size.
DB – 13: 194cm midfielder’s that can buy time like Scott Pendlebury in congestion don’t grow on trees. Always seems to find an option by hand in tight spots and his capacity to be used in defence, where he started the year, is an extra bonus.
13. Matthew Jefferson
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Key forward, 195cm, 78kg
A tall forward, whose marking, both on the lead and in a contested situation, is his weapon. A member of the NAB AFL Academy, Jefferson kicked six goals in four NAB League matches to start the year before a breakout national championships with Vic Metro. While still lightly-framed, AFL clubs are excited about his prospects when he fills out his body. Jefferson, who has a strong basketball background, looks up to Essendon forward Harrison Jones, who he has drawn comparisons to.
JP – 14: Couldn’t help but be impressed by what he did against WA at the national carnival and, with his hands and the way he presents as a target, it’s easy to get excited about what he could become, even if not right away.
DB – 10: Jefferson leads the national carnival goalkicking (with a game in hand) and has been held goalless in just one of his nine representative games this season – when he hauled in four contested marks and kicked an inaccurate 0.6. His hands are as good as any tall in this draft and while he has recently fractured his fibula, don’t expect it to deter clubs.
14. Reuben Ginbey
East Perth/WA
Midfielder/defender, 189cm, 85kg
After holding down a spot in East Perth’s senior side as a medium defender, Ginbey made a flawless transition to the midfield at national level, where he was crowned Western Australia’s MVP. As an inside midfielder, his elite speed-endurance mix and ball-winning came to the fore and, at 189cm, Ginbey is the modern day prototype, while his athletic traits and versatility give him an added point-of-difference.
JP – 12: Wins the ball – and even looks like – Giant Tom Green, and probably has a similar kicking concern. But, while his midfield craft may have not reached the heights of Green just yet, the versatile Ginbey has a better athletic profile.
DB – 14: He burst onto the radar with a round 1 debut in the WAFL in defence and captivated when thrown into the midfield at the national champs, where he was crowned as WA’s MVP. Has considerable upside with his speed-endurance mix, height and versatility.
15. Oliver Hollands
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Midfielder, 183cm, 73kg
The brother of Gold Coast’s Elijah Hollands, who burst onto the scene with Gold Coast this year, Oliver is a slightly different prospect to his older sibling. A damaging running player, Hollands uses his elite aerobic capacity – close to the best in the draft pool – to win the ball all over the ground. But, as he reminded recruiters during the national carnival, he is very clean and precise by hand in congestion.
JP – 13: Recruiters like prospects who are elite at something, and Hollands, with his running and clean hands, fits the bill.
DB – 16: Will fit in seamlessly in any position on the ground and brings a touch of class with ball in hand. A different type of player to Elijah, but could prove to be just as valuable at the next level.
16. Alwyn Davey Jnr
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Essendon father-son
Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 74kg
As the son of former Bombers small forward Alwyn Davey Snr, the 18-year-old is an exciting father-son prospect for the club. But it’s his uncle – former Melbourne midfielder Aaron Davey – that he likens his own game to. The classy, balanced teenager oozes class and can do things not many others can do, with his speed and the way he takes the game on wowing onlookers this year.
JP – 19: The Bombers are going to get a good one in Alwyn Jnr, who has more tricks than most.
DB – 15: Has speed to burn, is extremely agile and doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have a serious impact. Think Aaron, rather than Alwyn Sr – and expect to see more goals in the red and black like his first for Essendon’s VFL side.
Alwyn Davey Jnr has officially arrived ðŸ˜
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 14, 2022
The Father-son prospect kicks an absolute ripper on debut!
Watch the #VFL: https://t.co/3V9lTlahLkpic.twitter.com/Bz8Gk6FV4P
17. Jaspa Fletcher
Lions Academy/Allies/Brisbane father-son
Midfielder, 184cm, 73kg
The son of Brisbane Bears and Lions player Adrian Fletcher, Jaspa is another highly-touted Brisbane father-son prospect in this year’s draft. And, after an impressive national carnival for the Allies, where the dynamic and skilful midfielder spent more time on the inside, a first-round bid could come. The long-kicking right-footer showed promise for the AFL Academy on a wing against Collingwood’s VFL side and consistently hits the scoreboard.
JP – 16: The classy Fletcher’s ability to kick goals from the midfield sets him apart from a few others around this mark.
DB – 19: Fletcher showcased some promising inside traits at the national carnival to compliment his creativity and ball-use on the outside. The Lions have another quality father-son prospect here.
18. Isaac Keeler
North Adelaide/SA/Crows NGA
Forward/ruck, 198cm, 88kg
The athletic big man is one of the most-talented players in the draft. And the fears over his intensity, competitiveness and consistency heading into the year have been slightly allayed, with Keeler putting together a standout 2022 campaign. At his best, the Crows NGA prospect is an unstoppable forward – in the air and at ground level – with a brilliant eye for goal, and a Paddy Ryder-like ability to play as a mobile ruckman.
JP – 17: Is he a better prospect as an athletic ruckman or a pure key-forward at the top level? He's impressed as both, but that’s still a difficult question to answer. Talent was never a concern, and he’s addressed other areas of his game this year.
DB – 22: Incredibly athletic, both as a ruckman and a key forward, and he was able to impress on the national stage. Probably the third best tall forward in the crop, but it’s a fair gap between him and Cadman/Jefferson.
19. Olli Hotton
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Forward, 181cm, 77kg
A lively small forward, Hotton has great footy smarts and has emerged from nowhere to sit as a top draft prospect after an impressive national championships. Against SA, Hotton, who is clean, a good mark above his head and seriously quick, finished with 24 disposals, 3.2 and one score assist in an eye-catching outing. He is the son of former Collingwood and Carlton forward Trent Hotton, who played 78 AFL games.
JP – 18: A one-touch prospect, who is just very smart – around goal and through the middle. Might continue to surprise at the next level.
DB – 21: Super impressive championships from Hotton – the highlight a 24 disposal, three goal display in the wet against South Australia – and has taken that form into the NAB League. Deceptively quick and a very clever.
20. Mitch Szybkowski
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder, 186cm, 84kg
A medium midfielder with a sharp competitive edge, Szybkowski attacks the ball aggressively and lays strong tackles on the opposition. A good ball-winner with clean hands and great vision, he creates for his team with smart ball-use. His work rate both ways is one of Szybkowski’s standout traits, and the AFL Academy member backed up his solid start in the NAB League with a strong national carnival for Vic Country, where he averaged 27 disposals.
JP – 22: Szybkowski is strong, consistent and competitive – three desirable traits in a midfielder. I just think a few others have more upside.
DB – 18: Has produced high-end performances all season long and is a balanced midfielder with a hard-edge. Excels in the contest and works hard defensively.
21. Lachie Cowan
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Defender, 188cm, 81kg
The top Tasmanian prospect in the pool, Cowan has excelled at NAB League level and was among the Allies’ best at the national carnival across half-back, with his penetrating right-foot and line-breaking speed on full display. He’s a nice size for the modern game at 188cm and highlighted his intercepting qualities across the year, ranking third in the NAB League for intercept possessions. And only Will Ashcroft averaged more ranking points.
JP – 24: With his dash and long-kicking, Cowan is hard to miss. Add to that his size and ball-winning ability, and there is a lot to like.
DB – 17: Tasmanians are often underrated in draft circles, but what Cowan offers with his explosive speed, intercepting and penetrating kicking makes him a worthy top 20 pick in my view. Was a standout in the Devils’ elimination final win – with a play where he burnt off three would-be tacklers from a kick-in summing up his game-breaking play.
22. Lewis Hayes
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Defender, 197cm, 81kg
AFL clubs have long kept a close eye on the younger brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes, but they really took notice of his standout national championships for Vic Metro. A tall intercepting defender – one of only a few at the top-end of this year’s draft – Hayes tallied 19 disposals, eight rebound-50s and six intercepts against WA. The 197cm prospect has good endurance, is a strong mark above his head and reads the ball well.
JP – 25: Given the lack of high-quality key-defensive prospects, the rangy Hayes’ impressive national carnival has seen him shoot up the rankings – mine included.
DB – 20: Another who shot up at nationals, where his intercept marking was exceptional. He combines that part of his game with sublime footskills for a big man, and while he isn’t a traditional key back, I see him as the next best tall defender behind Busslinger.
23. Brayden George
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Forward, 185cm, 87kg
George will be sidelined for the next 12 months after suffering a ACL rupture in Murray’s wildcard round match. It’s a shame, given the powerful forward with exceptional spring and speed, was already one of the great unknowns of the draft class after battling an early-season knee injury. But there’s still no doubting his exciting potential as a match-winning forward, who is a threat in the air and at ground level. His skill around goal has drawn comparisons to former Cats star Steve Johnson.
JP – 23: Given the unknown even before the ACL tear, George’s place in November’s draft is fascinating. He’s top-20 on talent, but which club is in a position to take the risk?
DB – 23: A recent ACL rupture and his lack of exposure places him a bit further back on this list, but there’s no doubting his potential as powerful forward capable of breaking games open in the air or at ground level.
Worst fears have been confirmed for @MurrayBushiesFC forward Brayden George, who ruptured his ACL in a marking contest on the weekend in his second game back from injury.
— Dan Batten (@danbatten_) August 30, 2022
A real shame for the potential first-round prospect. @superfooty
24. Harry Barnett
West Adelaide/SA
Ruck, 202cm, 92kg
The strong-marking 202cm talent gives his midfielders first use in the ruck and has a strong presence as a forward, but it’s Barnett’s follow-up work at stoppages and hands at ground level that have really caught the eye. His development as a ball-winning offensive weapon was on full show in the SANFL under-18s before Barnett confirmed his place as one of, if not the, standout ruck prospect in the draft at national level.
JP – 20: Does a club taken Barnett with its first selection? Given his mixed skill set and the fact there’s not a lot of other big men around at the top end of the talent pool, it could be a good move.
DB – 25: Like what he was able to do at the national championships with his work around the ground, intercepting in the air and following up at stoppages. Looms as the top ruck available.
25. Sam Gilbey
Claremont/WA
Defender/midfielder 188cm, 71kg
Despite an injury-interrupted season, which ended with a broken leg in early August, the athletic Gilbey has put his name firmly on the draft radar. The 188cm Claremont product wins the ball back off the opposition and is creative and composed with it coming out of defence. Gilbey is slightly built, but has time with the ball in-hand and gets out of trouble through the midfield with ease.
JP – 21: Gilbey was robbed of any consistency this year by injury and Covid, but there’s no denying his class and composure – of which he has more than a lot of others in the draft.
DB – 27: Glandular fever and Covid marred his season and a broken tibia ended it, but what he was able to produce in an interrupted season was impressive. Brings classy ball-use, intercepting and ability to win 1-on-1s defensively: a nice combination as a defender.
26. Josh Weddle
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Defender, 191cm, 87kg
Weddle, a mid-sized defender, is another to have risen up AFL club draft boards on the back of a strong national championship – and a significant growth spurt over the past 18 months. The right-footer is athletically gifted, explosive with his speed and can play on talls or smalls. But, despite, his ability as an interceptor, AFL clubs see potential for Weddle to play a variety of roles, not just in defence.
JP – 28: At 191cm, Weddle needs to be versatile as a defender – and he is. There’s plenty to work with.
DB – 28: Doesn’t have the offensive attributes of Hayes but his defensive skill set is stronger, with the ultra-competitive defender able to play on a range of opponents.
27. Jakob Ryan
Glenelg/SA
Defender/forward, 189cm, 77kg
He can play forward, as he proved as bottom-ager, but the rapidly-developing teenager has been a standout in defence at all levels this season. Ryan was the No. 1 ranked in SANFL under-18s for intercept marks and rates elite for disposals, kicking efficiency, total intercepts and score involvements as a defender. The athletic playmaker, who attacks with flare and is decisive with ball in hand, was one of SA’s strongest performers at that national carnival.
JP – 26: The Croweater’s marking ability can be used with great effect at either end of the ground, but it’s the way he used his attacking mindset in the back-half that has really stood out this year.
DB – 30+: Just outside my top 30 with other small defenders ahead, but he showed promise at the national carnival for South Australia and has no trouble finding the footy.
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28. Darcy Jones
Swan Districts/WA
Midfielder/forward 175cm, 67kg
While size may be a barrier for some, Jones’ blistering speed, clean hands and silky skills can stack up against bigger bodies, with the 175cm prospect proving that against West Coast’s WAFL side late in the year after earning a senior debut. At the national carnival, Jones’ creative ball-use and footy smarts saw him finish as one of WA’s most consistent performers, kicking a goal and winning more than 17 touches in every game.
JP – 30+: Continues to defy his size, and break games open with his speed and footy brain. As they say, if you’re good enough, you’re big enough, and that could be true with Jones, but I’ve still got him a little further back than this.
DB – 26: It can take some extra convincing for recruiters recognise a smaller prospect, and Jones was no exception, but his height doesn’t hold him back in any way. His blistering speed, creative ball-use and clean hands at ground level can be used at either end of the ground at the next level, and he has already turned heads against men in the WAFL.
29. Max Michalanney
Norwood/SA/Crows father-son
Defender, 192cm, 78kg
The versatile, mid-sized defender, with a nice turn of speed, reads the play well and is very composed. As a bottom-ager in 2021, the 192cm prospect was the sixth-ranked player for intercept possessions at SANFL under-18 level and, this year, made his league debut for Norwood in June after impressing at reserves level. The Crows father-son prospect boasts excellent leadership skills and can play taller than his height suggests.
JP – 29: Michalanney does all the things you want a mid-sized defender to do – and he does them with a touch of class. And his leadership and character is just as impressive.
DB – 30+: Had a question mark on his competitiveness which he has dispelled somewhat with some eye-catching reserves form and a SANFL call-up. Another knocking on the door of my 30.
30. Harvey Gallagher
Bendigo Pioneers
Defender/forward, 179cm, 77kg
Gallagher has shown promise as a small forward – both in his draft year of 2021 and at the beginning of 2022 for the Pioneers – but he has been swung into defence with great effect this year, averaging 33.2 disposals, 6.8 score involvements and a whopping 158.5 ranking points across six matches. On the back of his superb ball-use, composure, endurance and line-breaking speed, the over-ager is right back on the AFL radar, scoring an invite to October’s state combine.
JP – 30+: Can’t deny what Gallagher has done in the back half of this season – but has he done enough to convince the clubs that passed on him last year?
DB – 30: As Bendigo Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree posited to the Herald Sun: “If he was one of the top prospects this year as an 18-year-old and having this data, would he be getting more articles written about him?” We’ll let you be the judge of that, but over-ager Gallagher, who is just four months younger than Ashcroft, deserves to be recognised in this range after putting up Nick Daicos-esque NAB League numbers since switching into defence.
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JP: I had hard-working SA ball magnet Billy Dowling at No. 30 on my list, while the footy smarts and versatility of Gippsland’s Coby Burgiel (27) will appeal to clubs in the first half of the draft. South Adelaide’s Jaiden Magor, whose goalkicking feats as a midfielder rival a few in the top-10 mix, is another smoky to watch for come draft night. And the clever Blake Drury couldn’t do much more to put himself in contention.
DB: It’s hard to fit 45 into 30. Charlie Clarke (24) has the Midas touch, slotting a host of miraculous goals this year and provides plenty of forward half spark. I have been impressed by what he’s been able to produce in the last two weeks, slotting seven goals in two do-or-die NAB League games. Giants Academy product Harry Rowston, who was crowned as the Allies’ MVP, is tough, works hard defensively and can impact the contest through the midfield or up forward. The Assumption College border’s three matches for the Calder Cannons in the past month have been a stern reminder of his talents, and he was his side’s clear best against Sandringham in their elimination final loss. Clever forward/midfielder Blake Drury and 192cm utility Jason Gillbee are others I would have liked to sneak in after standing out at different stages this season.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2022: Top 30 power rankings, expert consensus on the best prospects
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