GameDay Squad Mock Prize Card AFL Draft (2025)

As we head into the end of the season and the much-anticipated GameDay Squad Mock Prize Card AFL Draft (2025), we've taken a crack at a rough phantom draft. Now, while we’ve tried not to go full North Melbourne (only drafting midfielders), many of our top fantasy prospects are gun mids.

However, I have to consider positional scarcity and the point differentials available when selecting non-midfield options. This means it can be hard to lock down an exact order. Another factor is the cards managers already own, which will naturally influence draft strategies. For example, I’m fairly confident in my top five players, but outside of my pick one (humble flex), you could make an argument for a range of orders - all vying for pick 1.

Lessons from 2024: Avoid the Hype Picks

Learning from the 2024 draft, we’ve steered away from overhyped young guns. Picks like Philippou and Ried have disappointed in 2025, and even I was nervous that McKercher was headed that way before his move to full-time defence saved his scoring. For that reason, L. Ashcroft hasn’t made my list, although he still looks good — I wouldn’t hate the selection.

Drafting Strategy: Thinking Long-Term

Let’s reflect on my draft history. In 2023, I took NWM at 16 (after Smith’s ACL), targeting a non-mid option. I followed the same trend in 2024 by selecting Colby McKercher at 11. I really like non-midfield options — not rucks though, their scoring is too matchup-dependent for my liking.

I always factor in age — this is a dynasty comp, in my opinion, but I want to build a squad that can win another Prize Card in 2026 and dominate for a decade. So I prefer players aged 26 or under, ideally early 20s. That said, older players with plenty of meat left on the bone often slide further than they should or are overlooked despite being the clear choice in their position.

What Else Do I Consider?

• Long-term roles – I prefer guys who will be designated kickers or FWD/MID splits to maintain forward status.

• Actual footballing ability – not just fantasy output.

• Team composition – will they get fed or starved?

• Tag risk – and how they respond to attention.

All that being said, let’s get into my rankings and breakdowns.

GameDay Squad Mock Prize Card AFL Draft (2025)

1

Harry Sheezel

He is a gun since the day he joined the AFL and I fully expect him to be the F1 from 2026.

2

Bailey Smith

Smith should feel hard done by being second on this list after his season. I think he’s clearly the second most valuable card in the game. He has a safe role and is not the best user in his team’s midfield — lock it in.

3

Errol Gulden

Another gun mid who, following a slow start, returned to his best. He’s young and a gun.

4

Nick Daicos

I am a Daicos truther — he is one of, if not the best player in the league on his day. But he gets tagged hard and often and has not yet been able to break the tag with consistency.

5

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

This may seem low but I don’t like his move to the midfield. We have seen a clear trend with changes to designated kickers being the breadwinners. His scores in the last 2 weeks concern me greatly.

6

Jordan Dawson

The key cog to the Crows. Being 28 drops him down the list, but would be a great pick.

7

Connor Rozee

Will be a defender in 2026, but maybe only for 1 year. A gun on his day.

8

Marcus Bontempelli

He is a superstar that was impacted by injury to start the year but will be nudging 30 in 2026.

9

Jack Sinclair

Despite his age, Jack is high because of NWM’s move to the midfield. He has a clear trend of better scoring in defence.

10

Lachie Ash

Has shown huge scoring in 2025 but only done it for 1 season. Still love what I saw.

11

Tristan Xerri

Pick 1 in 2024 after a storming year, then regressed in 2025. Based on age and if he can recapture form, he could be great.

12

Colby McKercher

He’s here assuming his role in defence continues permanently. If so, he will be a top 7 DEF easily in 2026.

13

Max Gawn

God he's good, but he's getting old.

14

Will Ashcroft

God, he's good and geez he’s young. Must be nice getting free guns every year at your club.

15

Josh Dunkley

Dunks is a gun and seems to trend against and score best in tough matchups. Will continue to be great.

16

Noah Anderson

Very good key player in a team that’s on the rise on the background of being the AFL love child. Pick him with safety.

17

Matt Rowell

See above – except tackles and no tags.

18

Zac Butters

My god he’s good. Like Daicos, he is one of, if not the best player in the league on his day, but he too gets tagged hard and often and has not yet been able to break the tag with consistency.

19

Andrew Brayshaw

He’s here on history — this year and the end of the year has been poor, but he’s young and I can’t see him staying poor.

20

Tim English

Has had a great year and has been a stud — still improving as a ruck.

21

Zach Merrett

There does not seem to be an end in sight and thanks to Bad Scott playing him out of position, he moves down the list. He has the potential for a FWD or Defrole.

22

Finn Callaghan

Burst on the scene.

23

Tom Green

Young but less than last year.

24

Rowan Marshall

What happens with TDK?

25

Luke Jackson

Long-term FWD option.

26

Hugh McCluggage

Burst onto the scene.

27

Nic Martin

ACL but when fit, F2 in 2026. Would have been top 6 if fit.

28

Josh Daicos

Defender in 2026 and will be a regular starter.

29

Jason Horne-Francis

Looks to be a FWD option as he builds his tank.

30

Sam Walsh

I hope he leaves in the upcoming Carlton exodus. Love to seem him fit.

31

Max Holmes

Very good footballer, which means he cops attention.

32

Isaac Heeney

Like many of the Swans, when on is electric, but when he’s off it’s hard to watch.

33

Gryan Miers

Long-term FWD option.

34

Lachie Whitfield

So good but so old.

Building for Now & Next

This mock draft isn’t gospel — it’s my own strategy that balances youth, upside, proven scoring, and smart positional forecasting. I’m not just looking for flavour-of-the-month types or guys who dominate for six weeks and fall off a cliff. I want players who can hold a spot in your squad for 3–5 years and remain top-tier in their role.

With GameDay Squad Prize Cards becoming more valuable each year and competition getting tighter, choosing the right player is more than just about the biggest name. It’s about consistency, longevity, and role stability. Avoid the trap of hype. Look at team structure, player role trends, and durability. Don’t forget, dual-position players (FWD/MID or DEF/MID) will be like gold in the seasons to come, as the GDS meta continues to evolve.

If you're picking high in the draft — don’t waste it. Make a selection that gives you a clear edge in 2026 and beyond. If you're down the order, get creative. Find value. Think outside the midfield. Your future fantasy flags might just depend on it.