Seven WA draft prospects to watch in 2026
Because it's never too early for a good list.
JUSTICE FOR FRED!
G’day again punchers and congratulations to West Coast for doing the sensible thing and making Fred Rodriguez an AFL footballer.
The rookie draft wrapped up today and made it 10 WA players selected this year, which is a good result all considered. We break them down below.
The unlucky one was Wes Walley, who the Eagles overlooked despite nominating him under NGA rules. He has all the talent, he just didn’t have a great season. One to watch next year.
Speaking of ones to watch, that’s what today’s newsletter is all about.
If you’re a paid subscriber, below we break down the leading prospects out of WA for next season’s AFL draft. There’s a long way to go, but these are some of the early leading lights.
If you’re not a paid subscriber, it’s never to late to join the Jumper Punches community. You can gain access to all of our content, plus member-only events and giveaways once they kick into gear early next season.
Coming towards the end of the season, we’re really thankful to launch partner Lightning Minds for supporting us. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely, or taking a breather this festive season, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance. Brightening minds one drink at a time.
AFL ROOKIE DRAFT
Fred Rodriguez - Rookie pick No.1, West Coast
Rightly, Fred was the first person picked up in the rookie draft. Our admiration for this kid is no secret, and he’s exactly the type of player Eagles fans were bemoaning a lack of. Leave Harley and Willem to do the flashy stuff, Fred will do the grunt work. A dual-sided inside mid who runs hard defensively and can kick goals. Well done Eagles.
Leon Kickett - Rookie pick No.8, Fremantle
It feels right to have a Kickett at Fremantle. The Dockers end up with three small forwards out of this year’s drafting, and Kickett has plenty of upside. He made a significant jump this season at Swan Districts and ended up in the seniors thanks to a combination of speed, agility and goal smarts.
Toby Whan - Category B rookie, Fremantle
Whan was the dominant player of the WAFL colts this year and should develop nicely on a wing at Peel next year. He’s got a booming left foot, great hands and can run all day. He and Fred have been a 1-2 (whan-two lol) punch across multiple programs for years now, so if they one day face off in a derby it will be a match-up to watch.
Ryda Luke - Category B rookie, Fremantle
Ryda is all raw potential, he jumped off the page early in the season with eight goals from eight kicks in the South Freo colts and has an incredible athletic profile. If everything comes together he will be a very good mid-sized power forward capable of pinch-hitting in the midfield. But there’s a lot of work to do to get there.
SEVEN TO WATCH IN 2026
It’s never too early for a good list. And AFL draft prospect lists are some of the best lists going around.
The fortunes of good 17yo footballers can rise and fall dramatically in their draft years, but here are the prospects we’re big on going into next season.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Jumper Punches to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.