The AFL mid-season draft is just under a month away and after the early rounds in the VFL, there are plenty of players who should or could find themselves on AFL lists.
For instance, Essendon have had their two first choice ruckmen in Sam Draper and Nick Bryan go down in recent weeks with long-term injuries, and it has opened the door for some of the best big men outside the AFL to come straight in and play a role – especially with the man they’ve been heavily linked to, Cooper Keogh, suffering a heartbreaking injury setback of his own.
Here are nine VFL names to keep an eye on when the draft comes around.
Brayden Crossley
The Southport skipper is the most imposing and in-form ruckman in the VFL. He recently had the opportunity to train with the Western Bulldogs over the preseason, and has enjoyed some great early season form, currently averaging 15 disposals and 38 hitouts a game for the undefeated Sharks.
Ajang Kuol Mun
The 21-year old Port Melbourne ruckman is a raw prospect with huge potential who could be too good to pass up.
At 206cm, his athletic traits make him so unique, and the opportunity to move into an AFL program might tempt some clubs to use a selection on the young man.
Dom Brew
After training with the Western Bulldogs over the pre-season he missed out on a AFL list spot for 2025, but returning to Werribee, he has again proved why he is the dominant midfielder in the VFL.
Averaging 30 disposals, 11 clearances and 8 tackles a game, in Round 3 against Footscray Brew showed what the Dogs missed out on, having 32 touches, 20 contested possessions, 16 tackles and 14 clearances.
Werribee had three players added to AFL lists after their VFL Premiership last season and have proven in recent years they can produce quality AFL talent.
Werribee coach Jimmy Allan and captain Dom Brew celebrate their VFL grand final win. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Jack Riding
At 23 Riding has become one of Werribee’s new stars after a breakout 2024 season. Playing a half forward/wing role where he showed he can win his own ball and push forward and hit the scoreboard, Riding has X-factor where he can break open a game very quickly.
Zac Banch
Small pressure forward Banch was a late-season recruit for Werribee in 2024 and has shown he belongs at the level over the past 12 months.
A smart footballer with great skills, Banch is an opportunist who is dangerous around the goals and doesn’t lead a lot of the ball to make a big impact on games, with six goals in the past fortnight in the VFL.
Charlie McCartin
The younger brother of Paddy and older brother of Tom has been the talk of many AFL clubs in recent months. After dominating at local level, he played three games for the Swans’ VFL team in 2024 before signing with Geelong VFL in 2025.
At 194cm Charlie has been averaging 17 disposals and just over eight marks a game, and is a strong chance to get picked up and follow his brothers to the highest level.
Luke Parks
After spending time at Carlton, Parks moved to Williamstown and established himself as one of the best defenders in the VFL.
In 2024 he won the Williamstown B&F, was named in the VFL Team of the Year and led the league in intercept possessions.
In 2025 Parks has continued to show how he is one of the best intercept defenders in the game, leading the VFL in marks while averaging 17 disposals a game.
Massimo Raso
The Western Jets graduate is a small forward and midfielder who has hit the ground running at VFL level. Raso has clean skills, can read the drop of the ball and is clever around the goals.
In five VFL games for Richmond he averages just over 15 disposals and has kicked nine goals, including a 14 disposal, three-goal game against Frankston.
Tom McCarthy
A 25 year old late bloomer who has only been involved at VFL level over the past 12 months after dominating at local level.
A 187cm defender, it is McCarthy’s running power and ball winning ability that stands out, currently averaging 22 disposals and nearly four marks a game.
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