The next crop of AFL stars are about to get their chance to shine at the under-18 boys' championships, running from June 13 to July 19 between Vic Country, Vic Metro, South Australia, Western Australia and the Allies. But one of the biggest names won't be there.

Harvey Cochrane, the potential No.1 pick, will miss the entire championships — and possibly the rest of the season — while recovering from patella surgery after battling knee tendinitis. The kid can play at both ends or through the midfield, which has some recruiters comparing him to Jack Lukosius. Others rave about his versatility and skill set for his height. Port Adelaide scored a big win when the AFL approved Cochrane joining their Next Generation Academy once his Indigenous heritage was verified.

AFL talent ambassador Kevin "Shifter" Sheehan says Cochrane is "certainly in the top handful [of prospects]" and has been "outstanding" since he was 15. He's hoping to play later this year, but there aren't any guarantees.

"He is hopeful to play at the back end of the year, but he was well-exposed in his 16th and 17th years, and was even outstanding as a 15-year-old. He's strong overhead, a great user of the ball and decision-maker, and is still untapped at senior level as to where he might end up playing because he's capable in any zone."

Another big name missing is Luca El Souki, a Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy product, who broke his ankle. His draft range starts in the top 10, but the injury could see him slide by November. Shifter says he has "innate goal sense" and can kick goals in all sorts of ways. But he'll need to improve his running when he gets back.

Arki Butler is the grandson of St Kilda premiership player Allan Davis, who made 250 VFL/AFL appearances across four clubs. Butler is one of the most exciting and skilful players in this year's crop. He's playing mostly as a midfielder in the Talent League but projects as a forward at AFL level. Recruiters love his combativeness but want more consistency and defensive commitment. Shifter reckons he's a "chip off the grandfather's block" and does "freakish things" like a modern-day Stevie J.

Harley Drever is storming up draft boards. He's won at least 25 disposals in every game for the Rebels this year, regularly kicks goals, and reminds some scouts of star Roo Luke Davies-Uniacke. He's got good acceleration, a penetrating kick, and is strong in the contest. The knock is his stoppage work needs work, and he might start as a winger at AFL level. Shifter says he's "a bloke with the size to compete against the bigger boys" and his output has been "brilliant" this year.

South Australian Kodah Edwards has been named captain of his state's team. He's a hard-nosed, contested ball-winning midfielder who also impacts up forward — similar to Richmond's top-10 pick last year, Sam Cumming. He marks well overhead but isn't a great runner, which is his main criticism. Shifter calls him "the ultimate professional" and says he's been dominant since his 17th year.

This draft class is generally viewed as stronger than the 2025 crop, but it's also compromised by academy and father-son-eligible talent. Among the players considered for the list of 15 standouts but missed out were Caylen Murray, Gabe Patterson, Leo Steed, Wil Malady, Marlon Neocleous and Jackson Phillips.

Other prospects to watch include Kade Harris, who is likened to a combination of Harris Andrews and Sam Taylor — both gun key defenders. But the source cuts off there, so we'll have to wait and see how he goes.

The championships run over five weekends, and club recruiters will be watching closely. With a deep draft pool and some big names missing through injury, there's plenty of opportunity for others to jump up the order.