Champion Data black book: Eight players set to skyrocket in 2027

Champion Data has identified eight players who are threatening to explode in 2027.

This list is inspired by Melbourne’s Tom Sparrow who has rocketed up the Champion Data rankings this year.

Analyst Corey Mobilio laid it out on SEN Breakfast.

“The players you need to know before everyone else does,” Mobilio said.

See the list below:

Joe Richards (Port Adelaide)

“He’s out of contract at the end of next year.

“This is one who fits the crisis creating opportunity mould.

“Richards is turning midfield minutes into a rich return. You look at him since he’s gone into the midfield mix. Obviously Rozee, Butters and even Powell-Pepper could have eaten into his midfield time.

“He’s taken that and attending nearly one in every five centre bounces since Round 14.

“The game is all about how good can you get from inside to outside. From his limited opportunities at centre bounce his ability to go from inside congestion to pop outside that bubble has been significant.”

Leo Lombard (Gold Coast)

“There’s a dark cloud at the end of next year around Rowell, Anderson and Miller being unsigned.

“Something needs to change at Gold Coast this off-season in terms of their midfield mix.

“I think he can go into the midfield. 2026 form, tick. Inside to out, tick. Competitor, tick.

“He’s done an apprenticeship from a forward standpoint and I think he’s been really good. He’s won the third most forward 50 ground balls.”

Connor Macdonald (Hawthorn)

“He started the season in really good form. After Round 10 he was just outside the top 50-rated players in the competition.

“He’s come off the scent a little bit, but when Macdonald gets involved mid-chain as the meat in the sandwich, Hawthorn scores 35% of the time.

“That’s the third best return of any player in the competition.

“It’s now about building consistency.”

James O’Donnell (Western Bulldogs)

“Promising project to premier stopper.

“He needs a running mate behind the ball, whether it be Jordon Butts or Charlie Ballard potentially.

“Since Round 14 he’s the fourth highest rated key defender in the competition which has coincided with him going for his marks.

“The spoiling is clearly in his arsenal, but I want to see him go to the next level by really going for his marks and be really aggressive."

Lachie Cowan (Carlton)

“I think he is one of Carlton’s best kept secrets who is finally start to get a bit of recognition.

“2027 will be his fifth year in the competition. You look at since Round 10 which coincided with Josh Fraser taking over, he’s recorded the fourth most intercept marks of any general defender.

“He’s two behind Darcy Wilmot, he’s one behind Tom Stewart.

“He can play on a variety of sizes. He’s played on Rankine, Nasiah, Jeremy Cameron, Charlie Cameron. He’s got that in his arsenal.

“I want to see him go a bit more aggressive and continue to take the game on.”

Joe Fonti (GWS)

“‘Fontempelli’. He looks destined to graduate from defence into the midfield.

“He’s missed one game since Round 8 last season which was through suspension earlier this year.

“He’s a staple in that side. Progression, tick. His ability to leg drive, tick. Inside to out game - it’s a small sample size but he clearly has that ability to go from inside to outside the contest.”

“Out of contract next year. I look at the Giants’ midfield mix of Tom Green, Clayton Oliver, Finn Callaghan - is there room for a bit of Font in there?”

Joel Freijah (Western Bulldogs)

“I think we went 12 months too early on Freijah. Next year is his fourth year in the system.

“He’s starting to attend more centre bounce. It’s a theme - your ability go from inside to outside at a centre bounce - he’s miles clear of what’s expected across the competition.

“His ability to impact forward centre, tick. Centre bounce impact, tick.

“I think the question mark around his game is his ball use and just consistency.”

Tanner Bruhn (Geelong)

“He’s a player that I really admire. Watching him live this year, his running power in real life really stands out.

“He was being thrown around in multiple positions, you adapt. Post bye he’s settled permanently in defence under Bucks (Nathan Buckley).

“His impact as a defender since Round 17 is top six in the competition. Averaging close to 500 metres gained.

“I think he’s a smokey for next year.”