thatfootyguy

thatfootyguy 2026 #AFLDraft rankings: May

@RedditSANFL Definitely not a knock on Walker, I’m just that hot on Cochrane. The best prospect I’ve seen by a long way.

@footydeepdive What's the reasoning behind Cochrane at 1, since he has been injured all year and Walker is more than holding his own in the VFL?

thatfootyguy 2026 #AFLDraft rankings: May

@tronalddump96 Just need to be convinced about his speed and ball use. No doubt he’ll make it at AFL level and I’m sure he’ll dominate for W.A. Also got the little slide last year from Dyson Sharp and big slide from Oli Greeves (both similar types in my opinion) in the back of my mind.

@footydeepdive What’s the knock with Lucas Robinson? He’s playing seniors and playing well in there

@sammymate99xo Big fan of Clancy Stuart! Wouldn't say he has the same ceiling at this stage but definitely plays in that Petracca mould in the talent league and has a similar frame.

@footydeepdive 86 ranked player, comparison Christian Petracca not sure how that works

Really liking the depth of this year's draft, which is being held up by a strong key position contingent that last year really didn't have. So many hybrid forward/midfielders this year with fewer pure on-ballers is another interesting element.

Just need to acknowledge how good Jim Houston is in the Talent League. Far and away the best contested and/or intercept mark I've seen at the level. Side note, we're overdue for some advanced statkeeping like contested marks and intercept possessions in the Talent League, surely.

6. Lachlan Hicks 7. Ethan Matthews 8. Sam Gayfer 9. Thomas Bearman 10. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves Honourable Mentions: Griffin Barker, Toby Jeffs, Lachlan Price

TFG Top Pathways Performers of the Week: 1. Max Thompson 2. Cooper Collins 3. Kobe Williams 4. Miller Young 5. Jim Houston

Just as GWV’s Ethan Drever has steadily climbed the rankings, so too has Tasmania’s Hugh McCallum, and it’s not being talked about enough. Top drawer in just about every aspect with awesome positional versatility. Needs to be in top echelon conversations.

Keep an eye on Northern’s Chas Woodward and Bendigo’s Jack Bell. Both have shown blistering speed on the wing, with Woodward showing an ability to win the ball on the inside and Bell using his size to make himself a forward option. Keen to see how they continue to progress.

SANFL U18s vs U20s Game Top Performers: 1. Sam Waltham 2. Lincoln Pitt 3. Mitch Harris 4. Jack Slattery 5. Noah Daw Honourable Mentions: Ned Atkinson, Jack Leys, Jack Cook, Jake Eime

WAFL U18s vs U20s Game Top Performers: 1. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves 2. Jake Soutar 3. Leo Steed 4. Blake Kelly 5. Heath Melody Honourable Mentions: Archie Caldow, Axel Walsh, George Gale

16. Caylen Murray vs Gippsland 17. Clancy Snell vs Brisbane 18. Benjamin Pignatelli vs Eastern 19. Gus Teixeira vs Brisbane 20. Mason Tambe vs West Adelaide

11. Thatcher Simmons vs South Fremantle 12. Ethan Matthews vs Murray 13. Billy Wigmore vs Calder 14. Calvin Jones vs Norwood 15. Jordan Knapp vs Sydney

TFG Top Pathways Performers of the Fortnight: 1. Khaled El Souki vs Calder 2. Noah Braun vs Perth 3. Sam Gayfer vs GWV 4. Kodah Edwards vs North Adelaide 5. Ethan Drever vs NT Academy

My #44 ranked prospect in the 2024 draft class. Was very surpised he wasn't picked up. W.A's champs MVP with speed and skills. A gamestyle that suits the modern game with great versatility and a mindset to take the game on using his pace to break lines.

Essendon need to keep getting the ball in Caddy’s hands, which they’ve done in the last few games, and Port would be missing a huge trick playing Cochrane deep forward. This kid is seriously special and needs a forward half role with the freedom to thrive.

Players with Cochrane and Caddy’s level of skill and athleticism will see their impact on the game directly relate to their disposal count. With 10 touches, they can kick goals and flash brilliance. With 15+ they can change the game.

I see a lot of similarities between Dougie Cochrane and Nate Caddy, and I’ve started to see Cochrane listed as a key forward prospect in recent draft rankings which is totally inaccurate. It would be a travesty to see Cochrane forced to play as a deep key forward.