Ethan Drever: Rising Star in the 2025 AFL Draft Class
GWV midfielder Ethan Drever has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the 2025 AFL Draft class, drawing comparisons to established stars within the league. His performance in the Talent League has been nothing short of impressive, and he currently sits at 11th overall in Craft of the Draft’s May Power Rankings.
Drever’s dominant year in the Talent League has caught the attention of analysts and scouts alike. On a recent episode of Craft of the Draft, analyst Jonty Ralphsmith highlighted the similarities between Drever and GWS midfielder Finn Callaghan, noting his unique combination of traits.
“The comparison that keeps coming up for Ethan Drever is Finn Callaghan,” Ralphsmith said. “He’s got that ability with the repeat effort running, he’s got the agility, and he’s that type of midfielder who can win contested ball but can get you on the spread as well. He just keeps working and looks to link up possession in chains.”
Ralphsmith also praised Drever’s size, which he believes gives him a compelling edge. “His body of work has been really impressive in a GWV midfield that doesn’t necessarily have the strength of the other Talent League teams. On top of that, he’s got a profile that you could see bolt because of the size. [Callaghan] was one who really bolted in his draft year. Those bigger-bodied midfielders who have the traits that he does are ones that are often taken earlier than you’d expect.”
Craft of the Draft host Mitch Keating echoed these sentiments, comparing Drever to Hawthorn sensation Will Day. “To sum up his season so far, he’d have to be one of the more impressive prospects through what he’s done for GWV in midfield this year,” Keating said. “I’ve thought of Will Day a few times when I’ve seen him this year. You talk about the size he brings to that midfield, it’s something Will Day does too with his evasiveness inside as a bigger guy, and his spread from contest to the outside as well.”
Keating added that Drever has had a strong start to the season. “There’s been big raps on him for the start of his season.”
Harvey Spawton-Guy: A Versatile Talent
Another standout prospect this season has been West Perth tall Harvey Spawton-Guy, who has shown a remarkable ability to contribute across all three lines of the field. Known for his clean-kicking key forward skills, Spawton-Guy has also demonstrated an ability to play in defense as an aerial threat while still offering support in the ruck.
His versatility and athleticism have helped elevate his stock in the 2026 draft class. The 196cm teenager currently sits at 26th overall in the power rankings.
“We put him on the radar a few weeks ago, and his form has continued to soar as either a key forward, down back – as we’ve seen recently – and can also pinch-hit in the ruck,” Keating said. “It’s that versatility and balance of traits that have him coming in at 26th in the rankings.”
Ralphsmith also highlighted Spawton-Guy’s emergence as one of the standout key position players in a draft class filled with promising talls. “He’s competing well and taking marks,” Ralphsmith said. “He’s someone who, I think, is one of the more impressive key positional talents in a draft that is laden with more key position talent than what we’ve seen for some time.”
Ralphsmith added that Spawton-Guy’s athletic ability makes him a compelling prospect. “There’s certainly a lot to get excited about with Harvey Spawton-Guy. That athletic ability to launch is compelling.”
