AFL Draft Nominations are locked in, and a raft of the region’s highly fancied talents have thrust their name forward.

Almost 600 players constitute the 2026 nominations list, littered with State league stars, Talent League guns, and many more who have indicated their availability if an AFL club comes knocking.

Goulburn Valley hopefuls Tanner Armstrong (Shepparton United) and Cody Walker (Echuca) will shoulder the responsibility of headlining the region’s top prospects, the former tied to Richmond’s NGA program and the latter tipped to be picked in the top three with Carlton on account of the father-son link.

However, more have opted to throw their hat in the ring.

Mansfield’s Mahoney brothers, Harry and Max, split their time between Collingwood’s VFL outfit and the Eagles in 2026, with both opting to enter.

Meanwhile, five Murray Bushrangers have also opted to enter the draft.

Mackenzie Calleja (Mooroopna), Josh Porter (Seymour) and a trio of Shepparton players including Hunter Howells, Angus Williams and Archer Hueston have nominated.

Former Shepparton-Notre junior Boston Dowling’s name has also been in draft discussions after the ruckman’s strong season for Essendon in the VFL.

Dowling played 15 games for the Bombers this season and was offered an SSP train-on opportunity by Richmond in February.

The AFL National Draft will begin on Thursday, November 19 with the first round of selections.

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Wednesday, 24th January 2029

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