The Surprise AFL Draft Prospects That Could Steal the Show in 2025

The 2024 AFL Draft may have come to a close, but for those who can't get enough of the draft hype, it's never too early to start looking ahead to next year's crop of talented young players. As we start to turn our attention to the 2025 AFL Draft, one thing is clear: this draft class is shaping up to be an exciting one.

With a host of talented prospects already making waves in the junior ranks, it's difficult to predict just who will be the top picks come draft time. But one thing is for certain – the competition is going to be fierce.

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 prospects in the 2025 AFL Draft, based on current form and potential for future growth. Keep in mind that these rankings are way too early, and a lot can change between now and draft time. But for now, let's dive in and see who's making waves in the AFL draft watch.

1. Key Forward Prospect, Harry Sheezel. Sheezel is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 AFL Draft, and for good reason. At 194cm, he has the size and athleticism to dominate in the air, and his clean hands and footy smarts make him a threat in front of goal.

2. Midfielder, Liam Hocking. Hocking is a 180cm midfielder who plays much bigger than his size would suggest. With elite speed and agility, he's a nightmare to match up on, and his clearance work is second to none.

3. Power Forward, Bailey Laurie. Laurie is a 190cm forward who can play both in the air and at ground level. With a strong work rate and the ability to kick goals from anywhere on the ground, he's a serious threat to any defence.

4. Tall Forward, Ollie Warner. Warner is a 196cm forward who is still learning the game, but his raw talent is undeniable. With a strong marking ability and the capacity to kick long goals, he's a prospect to watch in the 2025 AFL Draft.

5. Balanced Midfielder/Forward, Harley Reid. Reid is a 183cm midfielder/forward who can play both roles with aplomb. With a strong inside game and the ability to kick goals from outside 50, he's a versatile prospect who could go high in the draft.

6. Versatile Key Position Player, Jasper Chellappah. Chellappah is a 191cm key position player who can play both back and forward. With a strong marking ability and the capacity to use the ball effectively by foot, he's a prospect who will likely generate a lot of interest in the 2025 AFL Draft.

7. Ruckman/Forward, Ethan Hunt. Hunt is a 201cm ruckman/forward who is still learning the game. But with a strong marking ability and the capacity to dominate in the ruck, he's a prospect to watch in the 2025 AFL Draft.

8. Inside Midfielder, Jake Smith. Smith is a 179cm inside midfielder who is built in the mould of a Patrick Cripps-type player. With elite clearance work and the ability to win his own ball, he's a prospect who could go high in the draft.

9. Wingman/Half-Forward, Mason Charles. Charles is a 185cm wingman/half-forward who is built for pace. With elite speed and the ability to use the ball effectively by foot, he's a prospect who could generate a lot of interest in the 2025 AFL Draft.

10. General Defender, Kane Dudek. Dudek is a 187cm general defender who is built for intercepting. With a strong marking ability and the capacity to use the ball effectively by foot, he's a prospect who could go high in the draft.