Overview of the 2026 Mid-Season AFL Draft
As the 2026 Mid-Season AFL draft approaches, Essendon is set to have the top pick. Before the draft takes place, it’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on the previous year’s mid-season draft and reassess where players stand today based on their performances.
Zac Walker – Originally Pick 12
Zac Walker, originally selected with the 12th pick, has not yet made his debut for the Western Bulldogs. His performance in the VFL as a forward has been underwhelming, with only three goals scored in 2026. He hasn’t shown the impact expected from a top-tier player at this stage.
Caleb Lewis – Pick 14
Caleb Lewis, picked 14th in the 2025 mid-season draft, has yet to make an appearance for Gold Coast. However, he remains on the club’s list and has been performing well in the VFL. Playing four games so far this season, he has delivered solid defensive performances and may soon get a chance at the senior level.
Harrison Ramm – Pick 3
Harrison Ramm, who was selected third in the 2025 mid-season draft, has seen his stock drop in my re-draft. The key defender has only played one game for Port Adelaide, managing just five touches. While he’s still considered a prospect, his performance in the SANFL hasn’t been impressive, and he has time to improve.
Noah Howes – Pick 15
Noah Howes, picked 15th, has not yet debuted in senior football but is close to making his mark for the Magpies in 2026. Although he hasn’t scored many goals in the VFL, his marking ability has been exceptional, including a recent game where he took 10 marks. His switch to defense has been positive, and he may soon get a chance to showcase his skills on the big stage.
Oskar Smartt – Pick 17
Oskar Smartt, selected 17th, had limited impact in the 2025 season, averaging only five disposals per game. Despite a few chances to score, he managed only five behinds and no goals. He has since been delisted from the Bombers and is now playing in the WAFL, where he has kicked 12 goals in six games.
Flynn Young – Pick 4
Flynn Young, originally taken fourth in the mid-season draft, has had a tough 2026 season, featuring mainly in the VFL. However, in 2025, he had a standout performance with 19 disposals and two goals in round 24. This year, he has been performing well as a forward in Carlton’s VFL side, and with Voss gone, he may soon get a shot at the senior level.
Mani Liddy – Pick 16
Mani Liddy, picked 16th, was a solid performer for Port Adelaide last year, averaging 14 touches per game. After the coaching change, he hasn’t played senior-level football in 2026 but continues to perform in the SANFL for Port Adelaide.
Liam McMahon – Pick 18
Liam McMahon has climbed higher on the list due to his strong performances at the end of last season with the Bombers. In seven games, he kicked 12 goals, including a double and a three-goal haul. Now playing in the VFL for Essendon, he continues to kick bags of goals and hopes to earn another shot in the lineup.
Jacob Newton – Pick 9
Jacob Newton, selected ninth, has featured in a few games this year but hasn’t stood out for the Eagles. In three games, he averaged seven touches as a forward and only scored once. He hasn’t played since round three.
Zac Banch – Pick 2
Zac Banch, originally taken second, hasn’t had many opportunities under Alastair Clarkson, playing only six games, including two this year. When on the field, he has been noticeable as a pressure forward, with his defensive work being his specialty. He remains a close option for selection every week.
Oscar Adams – Pick 7
Oscar Adams, picked seventh, has played 15 games over two seasons with the Suns. As a key defender, he has been a solid contributor for Damien Hardwick. His performance in round 10 against the Power was particularly impressive, proving his reliability in the team. At 22, he has a bright future with the Suns.
Ewan McKinlay – Pick 11
Ewan McKinlay, selected 11th, only played one game last year but has been a standout pressure forward for the Power this season. His consistent pressure has kept him in the side for all 10 games, and he has kicked five goals. His recent performances have been great, showing that he is hitting his stride.
Roan Steele – Pick 8
Roan Steele, picked eighth, has been a quiet contributor for the Pies, mainly playing as a winger and outside midfielder. After five games last season, he has featured in every game this season, averaging 14 disposals as the winger. He has been crucial for Craig Mcrae and his system on both offensive and defensive sides.
Lachlan Blakiston – Pick 13
Essendon found another solid player in the mid-season draft with defender/ruckman Lachlan Blakiston. He has played in every game since joining the club and has been versatile, playing in multiple positions over his 21 games. After starting the season as a ruckman, he has returned to form and is a solid young player for the Bombers’ future.
Archer May – Pick 6
Archer May has exploded onto the scene this season for the Bombers. In eight games, he has kicked 11 goals and averages over three marks per game. Considering how the Bombers have performed this season, his contributions have been impressive. His strength and forward craft are ultra-impressive, and Essendon have found a good one in this draft.
Michael Sellwood – Pick 5
Michael Sellwood, picked fifth, was a key part of the Dogs’ 2025 VFL Premiership. At 22, he has found his stride in 2026, showcasing his skills on a high level. Sellwood has been a pillar in defense in all 10 games thus far for the Dogs. His one-on-one defense and intercepting ability have been solid for a rookie, and he is a good tackler.
Tom McCarthy – Pick 1
West Coast found a nice gem in McCarthy during last season’s mid-year draft. Since joining the Eagles at this point last season, he has played in 20 total games, playing every game since his debut. He averages 22 disposals for the Eagles and has turned into a key distributor by foot off half-back.
Cooper Trembath – Pick 10
Cooper Trembath, selected 10th, has been a very good target up forward for the Kangaroos in 2026. Playing in all 10 games this season, he has kicked 14 goals and averaged over four marks per game. The 20-year-old’s presence as a second option forward for the Kangaroos has made him the best player from this draft. If he didn’t have Nick Larkey as his number one option, how many goals could he realistically kick for a team?
