Twenty kids. Twenty dreams. But only about half of them will actually hear their name called for Round 1 in 2026.
We’ve spent the summer watching training sessions, talking to people at clubs, and digging through junior stats to work out which 2025 draftees are genuine SuperCoach options — and which ones you should leave on the shelf. Here’s every pick in the top 20, rated with a traffic light.
🟢 = Lock for Round 1 | 🟡 = Likely but needs confirmation | 🔴 = Unlikely Round 1
Pick 1 — Willem Duursma | West Coast Eagles | MID | 🟢
The verdict first: You don’t spend Pick 1 on a kid and then don’t play him. Duursma is in the team. Full stop.
The data point nobody’s talking about: Duursma’s contested possession rate in the NAB League was 58% — meaning more than half his possessions came under direct pressure. For context, the AFL average is around 42%. The kid doesn’t just find the ball in space. He wins it when blokes are trying to take his head off.
What we’re hearing: West Coast have been giving him first-choice CBA time ahead of players with 50+ games experience. One Eagles staffer told us they haven’t seen a first-year player this physically ready since Nic Naitanui walked through the door.
SuperCoach impact: $113,500. Non-negotiable pick. Full profile →
Pick 2 — Zeke Uwland | Gold Coast Suns | MID | 🟢
Why he plays: Gold Coast have never — not once — held back a top-5 pick from Round 1. Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Mac Andrew. The Suns play their kids from day one. Uwland won’t be different.
The obscure stat: In his final NAB League season, Uwland averaged 7.2 clearances per game. That would have ranked inside the top 20 in the actual AFL. Clearances are worth 8 SuperCoach points each. Do the maths.
The whisper: Hearing he’s been matching Rowell at stoppages in match sims. If even half-true, that’s extraordinary for an 18-year-old.
SuperCoach impact: $113,500. Lock alongside Duursma. Full profile →
Pick 3 — Harry Dean | Carlton Blues | DEF | 🟢
Why he’s a lock: Carlton used Pick 3 on a key defender because they need one yesterday. Jacob Weitering’s workload has been a talking point for two years, and the Blues need someone to share the intercept marking load. Dean is that player.
The data point: Dean is 194cm and had the second-best intercept mark rate in the entire NAB League last year. He reads the ball in flight like a 10-year veteran. At Carlton, where the defensive system is already established, he slots into a defined role immediately.
What clinches it: The AFL.com fantasy tracker has specifically named Carlton’s young defenders as ones to watch this preseason. Dean is 194cm of job security.
SuperCoach impact: Defender rookies are unicorns. If Dean plays 15+ games and averages 45+, he’s one of the best value picks in the comp purely because of position scarcity.
Pick 4 — Cooper Duff-Tytler | West Coast Eagles | RUC | 🟢
The case: A ruck at Pick 4 is a statement. West Coast’s ruck stocks are thin — Bailey Williams departed and the Eagles need a long-term number one ruckman. At 201cm with genuine tap craft, Duff-Tytler is it.
Why this matters for SuperCoach: Ruck rookies essentially don’t exist. You might get one every 3-4 years. Even if CDT plays a 50/50 ruck split, the cash generation from basement price is obscene because there’s literally nobody else.
The concern: 201cm at 18 means he’s still growing into his body. Ruck development timelines are longer than midfielders. But West Coast’s desperation overrides the development timeline.
SuperCoach impact: The rarest pick in the pool. If he gets 12+ games, he’s potentially the steal of the season.
Pick 5 — Dylan Patterson | Gold Coast Suns | DEF | 🟡
The situation: Another Sun, another kid they’ll want to play. But Patterson is a small defender, and Gold Coast’s backline is more settled than their midfield. He needs someone ahead of him to get injured or traded for a Round 1 spot.
The detail that matters: Patterson is 184cm — small for a key defender but perfect for the intercept/rebound role Gold Coast like to play. The issue is Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins have that locked down.
Preseason watch: If Patterson is named in any practice match team, upgrade him to green immediately. The Suns’ track record of playing kids is too strong to ignore.
SuperCoach impact: Monitor. Another DEF rookie would be gold, but job security is the question mark.
Pick 6 — Daniel Annable | Brisbane Lions | MID | 🔴
The hard truth: Brisbane are a premiership contender. Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft. Where does an 18-year-old fit?
The obscure factor: Annable was actually the most contested player in the draft by some metrics — his gut-running capacity tested elite at the combine. But Brisbane manage their midfield rotation carefully and rarely throw first-year players into senior footy.
Historical precedent: Brisbane’s last three first-round picks averaged 4.3 games in their debut season. The Lions develop through the VFL first.
SuperCoach impact: Not for Round 1. Revisit mid-season if injuries hit Brisbane’s midfield.
Pick 7 — Sam Cumming | Richmond Tigers | MID | 🟢
Why he plays: Richmond are in the deepest rebuild phase of any club. Their midfield has been systematically stripped. Cumming walks into a team that is actively looking for young midfielders to give game time to.
The Richmond factor: The Tigers played more debutants in 2025 than any other club. Their coaching staff have publicly stated 2026 is about development, not wins. That’s a blank cheque for Cumming.
The data point: At 184cm, Cumming is a prototypical inside-mid build. His tackling rate in the NAB League was elite — top 5 in the comp. Tackles = 4 SuperCoach points each. From basement price, that’s cash.
SuperCoach impact: $113,500. Strong buy at a club that guarantees opportunity.
Pick 8 — Samuel Grlj | Richmond Tigers | MID | 🟡
Two Tigers in a row: Richmond had two first-round picks and used both on midfielders. That’s telling — they’re rebuilding from the engine room out.
The distinction: Where Cumming is the inside-mid, Grlj (pronounced “Girl-ee”) is the outside player. More disposed to running, linking, kicking. That’s a slightly less SuperCoach-friendly profile — outside mids score less than inside mids on average.
Why 🟡 not 🟢: Richmond can play both, but one might start in the VFL. If they stagger the introductions, Cumming gets first crack. Grlj might need to wait until Round 3-5.
SuperCoach impact: Basement price, so low risk. But Cumming is the safer Tiger.
Pick 9 — Sullivan Robey | Essendon Bombers | MID | 🟡
The Essendon dilemma: The Bombers’ midfield is stacked. Zach Merrett (despite the trade drama — he’s staying), Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell. Where does Robey fit?
What works in his favour: Robey is 192cm — he’s enormous for a midfielder. Essendon have specifically targeted size in their midfield, and Robey gives them something different to what they already have.
The Merrett angle: Interesting timing with Merrett’s failed Hawthorn trade. There were whispers the Bombers were prepared to open a midfield spot if Merrett left. He didn’t. That might push Robey to the VFL initially.
SuperCoach impact: Monitor. Essendon’s depth is the obstacle, not Robey’s talent.
Pick 10 — Jacob Farrow | Essendon Bombers | DEF | 🟡
Another Bomber, another crowded list: But Farrow has one thing Robey doesn’t — he plays defence, and Essendon’s backline is thinner than their midfield.
The stat: 188cm intercept defender who also ran a 2.95-second 20m sprint at the combine. That’s elite speed for a defender. Essendon’s defence needs athleticism, and Farrow has it.
The path: If Jordan Ridley or Mason Redman miss any preseason, Farrow’s path opens wide. Even without injury, he’s a chance for Round 3-5.
SuperCoach impact: Another DEF rookie option. Lower certainty than Dean but higher ceiling if he plays.
Pick 11 — Xavier Taylor | Melbourne Demons | DEF | 🟡
The AFL.com signal: The official AFL Fantasy tracker specifically flagged Taylor as “impressing” at Melbourne during preseason. When the AFL’s own site calls out a first-year player, people inside the game are talking.
The Melbourne context: The Demons lost Steven May’s leadership and are reshaping their defence. Taylor at 192cm fits the athletic intercept mould Melbourne have been moving toward.
Why 🟡: Melbourne are still a top-8 side. They won’t blood youth just for the sake of it — Taylor needs to genuinely beat someone for a spot. But the early reports are very encouraging.
SuperCoach impact: If he plays, DEF rookie with upside. The AFL.com mention is a genuine insider signal.
Pick 12 — Latrelle Pickett | Melbourne Demons | FWD | 🟢
The age factor everyone’s ignoring: Pickett is 20. Not 18. He’s two years more physically mature than most of this draft class, and at Melbourne, where they need forward depth, that matters enormously.
Why he’s a lock: Mature-age draftees with size (182cm, but built like a tank) at clubs with forward-line gaps historically play immediately. Melbourne need scoring options, and Pickett kicked goals in the VFL like they were going out of fashion.
The family connection: Yes, he’s from the Pickett football family. Marlion is at Melbourne, which means Latrelle knows the club, the system, and the culture already. That’s an underrated advantage for a draftee.
SuperCoach impact: Forward rookie who kicks goals. Goals = 8 SuperCoach points. At basement price, even 0.8 goals per game generates solid cash.
Pick 13 — Dyson Sharp | Essendon Bombers | MID | 🔴
Three Essendon picks in five selections. The Bombers went hard at the draft, but they can’t play them all. Sharp is behind Robey and Farrow in the queue, and Essendon’s midfield is the most congested in the league.
The reality: Third first-round midfield pick at a contending club. He’ll play VFL first and earn his way in. Possibly mid-season.
SuperCoach impact: Skip for now.
Pick 14 — Harry Kyle | Sydney Swans | DEF | 🔴
Sydney’s defence is elite. Jake Lloyd, Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin — Kyle is joining one of the best defensive units in the competition. Breaking in as an 18-year-old is near-impossible.
The long game: Kyle is a project pick. Sydney draft for the future, not the present. Expect VFL development for most of 2026.
SuperCoach impact: Not this year.
Pick 15 — Oskar Taylor | GWS Giants | DEF | 🟡
The GWS factor: The Giants have historically been aggressive with playing draftees. They’re also in a transition phase — not quite rebuilding, not quite contending — which creates opportunities.
What helps: Taylor is 182cm, athletic, and can play multiple defensive roles. GWS like versatility in their backline. If he shows something in the practice matches, he’s a genuine chance.
SuperCoach impact: Speculative. Worth monitoring through February practice matches.
Pick 16 — Lachy Dovaston | North Melbourne Kangaroos | FWD | 🟡
North’s forward line question: The Kangaroos have been trying to find a consistent small forward for three years. Dovaston at 178cm is the prototype they’ve been chasing.
The intriguing stat: Dovaston kicked 32 goals in his final NAB League season. That’s an elite return for a small forward. If even half that translates, he’s a 1-goal-per-game AFL player.
Why 🟡: North have Nick Larkey and Cameron Zurhaar up forward, so the key spots are filled. But the small forward role is vacant. Dovaston just needs to outperform the other options in practice matches.
SuperCoach impact: Forward rookies who kick goals are rare. If he plays, he’s interesting.
Pick 17 — Jai Murray | Gold Coast Suns | MID | 🔴
Third Sun, third midfielder. Gold Coast already have Uwland coming in at Pick 2, plus Anderson and Rowell. Murray is behind Uwland in the midfield queue.
The counter-argument: The Suns play kids (as we’ve established). But three debutant midfielders in Round 1 is a stretch even for them.
SuperCoach impact: Mid-season watch. Not Round 1.
Pick 18 — Beau Addinsall | Gold Coast Suns | MID | 🔴
Four Gold Coast picks in the top 18. The Suns went all-in at the draft. But even the most youth-friendly club in the league has limits. Addinsall is fourth in the queue.
SuperCoach impact: VFL development year likely.
Pick 19 — Josh Lindsay | West Coast Eagles | DEF | 🟡
The Eagles’ third pick. West Coast also went heavy at the draft, and their list is thin enough to play multiple debutants. Lindsay is a 183cm defender who can rebound — a role the Eagles need.
The case for 🟢: West Coast’s defence is as depleted as their midfield. If Lindsay impresses in practice matches (and we’re hearing he has), he could start alongside Duursma and Duff-Tytler. Three Eagles debutants in Round 1 isn’t crazy.
SuperCoach impact: DEF at a rebuilding club. If he plays, the position scarcity makes him valuable.
Pick 20 — Cameron Nairn | Hawthorn Hawks | MID | 🔴
Hawthorn are the opposite of West Coast. The Hawks are a genuine top-4 contender in 2026. Their midfield features Jai Newcombe, James Worpel, and Will Day. Nairn is joining a queue, not skipping it.
The Hawthorn way: The Hawks develop through the Box Hill system. Nairn will learn his craft in the VFL and push for a spot mid-season if injuries hit.
SuperCoach impact: Not for 2026.
The Summary Card
| Pick | Player | Club | Pos | Traffic Light | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willem Duursma | West Coast | MID | 🟢 | Pick 1 at rebuilding club |
| 2 | Zeke Uwland | Gold Coast | MID | 🟢 | Suns always play kids |
| 3 | Harry Dean | Carlton | DEF | 🟢 | Fills immediate need |
| 4 | Cooper Duff-Tytler | West Coast | RUC | 🟢 | Only ruck option at Eagles |
| 5 | Dylan Patterson | Gold Coast | DEF | 🟡 | Backline more settled |
| 6 | Daniel Annable | Brisbane | MID | 🔴 | Premiership midfield too deep |
| 7 | Sam Cumming | Richmond | MID | 🟢 | Deepest rebuild in AFL |
| 8 | Samuel Grlj | Richmond | MID | 🟡 | May start behind Cumming |
| 9 | Sullivan Robey | Essendon | MID | 🟡 | Size is unique, depth is obstacle |
| 10 | Jacob Farrow | Essendon | DEF | 🟡 | Thinner backline = path |
| 11 | Xavier Taylor | Melbourne | DEF | 🟡 | AFL.com flagged him |
| 12 | Latrelle Pickett | Melbourne | FWD | 🟢 | Mature-age, fills forward need |
| 13 | Dyson Sharp | Essendon | MID | 🔴 | Third Bomber mid pick |
| 14 | Harry Kyle | Sydney | DEF | 🔴 | Elite defence, no room |
| 15 | Oskar Taylor | GWS | DEF | 🟡 | Giants play youth |
| 16 | Lachy Dovaston | North Melb | FWD | 🟡 | Small FWD role vacant |
| 17 | Jai Murray | Gold Coast | MID | 🔴 | Behind Uwland in queue |
| 18 | Beau Addinsall | Gold Coast | MID | 🔴 | Fourth Sun, fourth in line |
| 19 | Josh Lindsay | West Coast | DEF | 🟡 | Depleted defence |
| 20 | Cameron Nairn | Hawthorn | MID | 🔴 | Contender, deep midfield |
The SuperCoach Cheat Sheet
Must-have basement picks: Duursma, Uwland, Duff-Tytler Strong buys: Dean, Cumming, Pickett Preseason watch: Patterson, Taylor (Xavier), Lindsay, Dovaston Leave alone (for now): Annable, Sharp, Kyle, Murray, Addinsall, Nairn
We’ll update this as practice matches reveal more. The traffic lights will shift — that’s the point. Bookmark this page and check back weekly through February.
Last updated: February 12, 2026