Murray Bushrangers' Tanner Armstrong is putting together an impressive junior career.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
A pair of Goulburn Valley young guns are likely to sit atop AFL clubs' draft rankings according to one of football’s most respected voices.
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Long-term AFL draft expert Kevin “Shifter” Sheehan released his 25 young footballers to keep an eye on for the 2026 AFL Draft on Code Sports’ website on May 1.
Among the talented crop of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed junior footballers is Shepparton United and Rumbalara product Tanner Armstrong.
The 176cm utility has shown his flair and skill as a defender, midfielder and forward in recent seasons.
His work culminated in selection in the Under-16 All-Australian team at last year’s national championships.
Armstrong has made a strong start to 2025, playing two games for his school Scotch College in the firsts (featuring in the best once) and one game for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League (again featuring in the best).
Sheehan said Armstrong made the most of his opportunities for Vic Country in 2024.
“At the under-16 national championships last year, he demonstrated his adaptability by playing a midfield-forward role in the first match of the tournament and then featuring as a lockdown and rebounding defender on the opposition’s most dangerous small forwards in the following two games,” Sheehan said.
“Armstrong averaged 21.3 disposals (10 contested) and three tackles during the championships, earning All-Australian honours.
“He also held his own during three matches for the Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League late last year, averaging 14 disposals and kicking three goals.”
Armstrong is part of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy, meaning the Tigers will have the chance to match a bid on him at next year’s draft.
Sheehan said despite the 17-year-old’s small stature, he is fierce in the contest.
“A versatile small, Armstrong excels in various roles whether forward, in the midfield or in defence,” he said.
“The Indigenous talent competes strongly and has an ability to win contested ball.
“A foot injury delayed Armstrong’s start to this season, but he returned in round three and logged 24 disposals (13 contested) and seven clearances to be among his side’s best players in (a) loss to the Geelong Falcons.”
Young gun Cody Walker has already impressed at senior level for Echuca.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Another Goulburn Valley young gun part of Richmond’s academy is potential number one pick Cody Walker.
The Echuca product seems to be following the trajectory of previous early first-round picks as he is already studious in his professionalism while his talent is overflowing.
Walker is the son of former number two draft pick and 202-gamer at Carlton, Andrew Walker.
Meaning Walker will also qualify to be a father-son pick for the Baggers next season.
Sheehan predicts old rivals Richmond and Carlton will be fighting tooth and nail for priority access to the Murray Bomber.
“A midfielder who is a stoppage star, Walker has a great ability to read the play, extract the footy from congestion and then use it effectively by both hand and foot,” he said.
“At the under-16 national championships last year, Walker averaged 28 disposals (13 contested), seven clearances and three marks to win Vic Country’s MVP award and finish runner-up in the Division One best-and-fairest count.
“He was also named captain of the All-Australian team.
“He began 2025 in similarly impressive touch, averaging 20 disposals (eight contested) in his first three matches and being among Bendigo’s best players in games against Tasmania and Gippsland.
“Walker’s huge potential was also on show with an impressive 18-disposal performance in a recent under-18 trial match for Vic Country.”
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