Mid-Season Draft Preparations
With the Mid-Season Draft just over two weeks away, attention is beginning to focus on key players who are making a strong case for selection. Among them is a West Coast prospect who has been actively pushing for a state call-up. At the same time, several players have stood out in the Talent League, making this week’s AFL Draft Watch an essential read.
Latest Updates on the Mid-Season Draft
Clubs are intensifying their efforts as they prepare for the upcoming Mid-Season Draft. There is a growing consensus that the draft will feature more mature-age players rather than those from the Talent League.
Several names have emerged as top prospects. These include Tasmania’s Jaxon Artemis, North Melbourne’s Xavier Bamert, Frankston’s Jackson Voss, and Sandringham Dragon Ollie Griffin. Artemis delivered a standout performance in the Devils’ draw with Werribee, while Bamert, despite a minor injury, continues to attract interest from Melbourne and the Roos. Voss also remains a target for Melbourne, along with tall prospects Harrison Coe and James Tarrant, and defender Nick Staropoli.
Staropoli and Griffin made their VFL debuts for Essendon and Sandringham respectively, showcasing their potential. Richmond has shown interest in Geelong VFL performer Marcus Herbert and defender Mutaz El Nour. Coburg key defender Thomas Barnett and Richmond VFL’s Sam Toner are also being closely watched by clubs.
Standout Performances in the WAFL
Noah Braun, a Claremont midfielder, made headlines by breaking the WAFL Colts disposals record with an impressive 52 disposals, two goals, and six tackles. This performance came after he missed Western Australia’s squad for the Under-18s National Championships. As a West Coast father-son prospect, his performance was significant given the absence of state squad members due to a trial match.
Braun’s clean skills and athleticism were on full display as he helped Claremont secure a 66-point victory over Perth. His performance is a strong indicator of his potential moving forward.
Western Jets Continue Strong Form
Lachie Hicks, a midfielder for the Western Jets, continued his impressive 2026 season with four goals in a dominant win over Murray Bushrangers. His ability to split time between the midfield and forward line, combined with his overhead and contested marking, was particularly notable.
Khaled El Souki, a Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect, also had a solid game, finishing with 4.2. Despite some quiet moments, his performance was still impactful.
Northern Knights Make an Impression
Harrison Leeder, a forward for the Northern Knights, had a strong game against Gold Coast Academy, kicking 3.6 and generating nine scores. His lead-up marking, speed, and dynamism were on display, earning him attention from several clubs. Described as a Jack Gunston-type player, Leeder has the athleticism and upside to make a significant impact.
Bottom-Ager Shows Progress
Lincoln Brand, a Murray Bushrangers midfielder, took a step back towards his best form after recovering from an early-season injury. Known for his power and work at stoppages, Brand has been a consistent performer and is on Tasmania’s watchlist for pre-selection later this year. His ability to get involved in contests and cover ground makes him a valuable asset for the Bushrangers.
Griffin Barker and Oscar Henwood also stood out in their respective games, both being considered among the best players in next year’s crop.
Tasmanian Rising Stars
Hugh McCallum, a Tasmanian talent, was named among his side’s best players for the fifth time in six Talent League games. His disciplined play as a winger, combined with his running power, has caught the attention of AFL recruiters. McCallum is seen as a strong contender for the first round.
His teammate Jess Bula is expected to return from a finger injury in late May. The North Melbourne father-son prospect showed his power and aggression in the first fortnight of the season before a setback. The upcoming weekend includes an Allies trial match.
Ruck Ewan Dillon is 10-12 weeks away from returning after an MCL injury but has avoided surgery.
Fixtures Locked In
The schedule for the Under-18s National Championships has been confirmed. It will feature a double header at Marvel Stadium on Friday, 3 July, with Vic Metro vs South Australia and Vic Country vs Western Australia. The carnival will start on June 13 with a clash between Western Australia and South Australia, concluding on July 19 with a match between Vic Country and Vic Metro.
New Talent Emerges
Baxter Sruk, a star Eastern Ranges bottom-ager, made his Talent League debut on Saturday. The midfielder, who shone for Vic Metro at last year’s Under-16s National Championships, had a pre-season toe setback which kept him sidelined this year. He recorded 20 disposals and a goal, showing his trademark power and forward potency.
Notable Names in Vic Metro Pre-Selections
Three club-tied prospects have been pre-selected for Vic Metro at the Under-16s National Development Championships. Lukas Koutoufides, Henry Thornton, and Ben Richardson have all been informed they have made the squad and will not participate in the final trial game.
Koutoufides has been in strong form early in the APS football season. Finn O’Callaghan, a national track and field athlete, has also progressed through the ranks despite a shoulder injury.
