Famous names and exciting prospects: We name the top 25 prospects for this year's AFL draft
1. Zeke Uwland
Gold Coast Academy/Allies
Midfielder/defender, 180cm, 24/4/2007
2024 U18 champs stats (avg): 23 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, 6 rebound 50s
2024 All-Australian
The brother of current-Sun Bodhi made his much-anticipated return from a back stress fracture in the VFL last weekend. Uwland's first involvement was to expertly cut in front of his opponent for an intercept mark before lacing out a teammate. He is a smooth mover, classy, elusive, creative by hand and rarely misses a target. Likened to Errol Gulden, Uwland was the only 2025 prospect to make last year's under-18 All-Australian team – and his absence only made recruiters' heart grow fonder. The belief is he is a future Gold Coast captain, and it is just a matter of whether likely wooden-spooners West Coast bid on him at No.1 or not.
2. Willem Duursma
Gippsland Power/Victoria Country
Midfielder/defender, 191cm, 21/6/2006
U18 champs stats (avg): 24.3 disposals, 13.5 uncontested possessions, 2 clearances
2025 All-Australian
The latest AFL/W prospect from the Duursma clan – behind Xavier, Yasmin and Zane – is arguably the most talented player in this class. Duursma tends to take too many risky kicks, but that is purely about decision-making because he is technically excellent, which is why he regularly took kick-in duties for Country.
Some recruiters see Duursma's bold play as another tick rather than a red flag, but would like to see his contested game improve. He saved his best for last at the championships, producing a 27-disposal effort against Vic Metro before impressing for Casey last weekend, too. Duursma is in the No.1 mix, but not everyone has him in the top five.
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