WHAT HAPPENED
The AFL has published the final draft order for the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft, with Essendon set to open proceedings at pick No.1. The league’s order shows the Bombers also holding later selections at No.17, No.25 and three further late picks. AFL.com.au says the draft will be held on November 19-20. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1640440/final-draft-order-your-clubs-picks-for-2026-telstra-afl-draft/))

Essendon’s top selection comes amid a draft landscape shaped by academy and father-son rules. AFL.com.au and Fox Sports both report that the Bombers are expected to consider a bid on Port Adelaide NGA prospect Dougie Cochrane at No.1, while Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker could also influence the early part of the order if a bid is made and matched. Fox Sports also reports that a matched bid in these circumstances could trigger a compensatory pick under the AFL’s new rules for bottom-five clubs whose first-round selection slides because of matched bids on concessional players. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1640440/final-draft-order-your-clubs-picks-for-2026-telstra-afl-draft/))

WHY IT MATTERS
The finalised order matters because it defines how clubs can use both their own selections and trade-acquired picks before the draft begins. Essendon’s position at No.1 gives it the first call on the player pool, while the club’s later selections mean it may also influence bidding dynamics for other clubs with academy or father-son ties. AFL.com.au’s published order and Fox Sports’ reporting together show that the Bombers’ draft hand could have ripple effects beyond their own recruitment. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1640440/final-draft-order-your-clubs-picks-for-2026-telstra-afl-draft/))

WHO SHOULD CARE
Essendon supporters, recruiting staff across the competition, and clubs with linked prospects — especially Port Adelaide and Carlton — should be following the order closely. Richmond, West Coast, North Melbourne and other clubs affected by matched bids or compensation rules also have reason to watch how the opening picks unfold. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1640440/final-draft-order-your-clubs-picks-for-2026-telstra-afl-draft/))

WHAT AIM IS WATCHING
AIM will be watching whether Essendon uses pick No.1 on an open-pool prospect or opens the draft with a bid that changes the shape of the first round. We will also be tracking whether any matched bids activate the compensation mechanism reported by Fox Sports, and whether the order changes again before the draft begins on November 19. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1640440/final-draft-order-your-clubs-picks-for-2026-telstra-afl-draft/))