Indigenous footballer Toby Krasna has emerged as a potential top-20 selection in the 2026 AFL Draft after a breakthrough season with the Northern Knights and Vic Metro.

The 18-year-old previously spent time with Carlton's Next Generation Academy through his Indigenous background, but will enter the draft without being tied to the Blues.

Krasna spent time with Carlton across two years, although he told AFL.com.au he remained unsure about the circumstances that ended his involvement.

His area had been rezoned to Collingwood, but now Krasna is available to any club through the open draft pool.

"Carlton had said that I just wasn't in its zone anymore and my name wasn't with them anymore or something like that," Krasna told AFL.com.au.

"It was a bit confusing, it was quite weird (but) it is what it is.

"I'm in the open pool and I'm open to any team."

That uncertainty has done little to slow his progress.

Krasna began the season needing to establish himself in the Knights' side, having received limited opportunities throughout his bottom-age year.

A strong performance on the wing in a practice match earned him selection for the opening round of the Talent League, while another successful trial then secured his place in Vic Metro's team.

"I actually said to mum and dad, all I needed was a trial," Krasna told AFL.com.au.

"Once I got the trial to make the Vic Metro squad, I knew I'd play well.

"I feel like I'm someone who can play better the higher the game is, or the quicker or stronger it is - I feel like that makes me feel better and I've noticed that myself."

The winger averaged more than 21 disposals across 12 Talent League appearances for the Knights, while also kicking seven goals.

He also made an impact during Vic Metro's National U18 Championships campaign, averaging 19 disposals and a goal across three matches before a hamstring injury ended his carnival.

His performances helped Metro claim the title and brought increased attention from AFL recruiters.

Krasna backed up his season at the national draft combine, completing the two-kilometre time trial in six minutes and 10 seconds to finish seventh.

After spending much of his junior career outside the leading representative squads, he is now preparing for the possibility of joining an AFL list.

"It's so exciting, sometimes it doesn't feel real," he said.

"Obviously, I know that I've put the work in to be here (and) for it to maybe become a reality would be unreal."