# 2026 AFL National Draft prospects

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-afl-national-draft-prospects
> Updated: 2026-11-04T01:03:28.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

As the 2026 AFL national draft approaches, scheduled for November 19 and 20, several key prospects have gained attention. 

Arki Butler, a forward for the Sandringham Dragons, has emerged as a highly anticipated prospect. He is expected to be selected within the top ten, potentially as high as the top five, and has been compared to Sydney Swans player Tom Papley. Butler recently played in the APS grand final for Brighton Grammar despite a broken collarbone.

Other notable players identified include Gus Teixeira, an All-Australian honouree, Ethan Drever, who is being considered by Essendon, and Wil Malady, described as one of the most exciting players available.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: AFL 2026 National Draft scheduled for November

The 2026 AFL national draft will be held on November 19 and 20, featuring top prospects such as Gus Teixeira, Arki Butler, and Ethan Drever.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-2026-national-draft-scheduled-for-november

### 2026-10-27: Arki Butler emerges as top prospect for 2026 AFL Draft

Sandringham Dragons forward Arki Butler is a top contender for the 2026 AFL draft, with experts projecting a top-ten selection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arki-butler-emerges-as-top-prospect-for-2026-afl-draft

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Cite as: 2026 AFL National Draft prospects. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-afl-national-draft-prospects