With trade week still to come the draft order is not set in stone, but here we take a look at how the first round might unfold on the big day.
1. David Swallow (East Fremantle): Is a complete midfielder who can do it all. At the age of 17 he finished fourth in the Liston Trophy (the VFL's best-and-fairest award) and won the Suns’ B&F.
2. Harley Bennell (Peel): Is a silky midfielder with a burst of speed who reads the ball off packs and finishes his work like a master craftsman. He moves like Daniel Wells.
3. Sam Day (Sturt): Is a key forward who takes hangers and kicks 60 metres without effort. His potential is enormous considering he’s never dedicated himself to footy.
4. Andrew Gaff (Oakleigh Chargers): Is a faultless midfielder, efficient and articulate, who increased his standing at the draft combine by ranking in the top few in endurance events. He is similar to Luke Power in a lot of ways.
5. Dyson Heppell (Gippsland Power): Is a midfielder and flanker who tested well in the endurance and clean hands categories at the draft combine. He is never rushed and yet never gets caught.
6. Jared Polec (Woodville-West Torrens): Is a smooth wingman who can break away from a pack and boot 60 metres on his left foot. He performed well at senior level in finals and plays like a better Clinton Young.
7. Josh Caddy (Northern Knights): Has jumped up the order after some sizzling performances at the draft combine on top of some great games for Vic Metro. He surprised many with his nippy sprint times.
8. Daniel Gorringe (Norwood): Is an intelligent ruckman who’s still growing and is the type of player you can build a team around.
9. Tom Lynch (Dandenong Stingrays): Is a key forward who takes strong marks, is Nick Riewoldt-like in his endurance and has really leapt up the rankings since mid-season.
10. Shaun Atley (Murray Bushrangers): Is a speedy midfielder who would help solve the Brisbane Lions’ pace problems. He has a great attitude and a Michael Voss-like determination.
11. Billie Smedts (Geelong Falcons): Tested well across all disciplines at the draft combine, runs straight and can play in any position.
12. Kieran Harper (Eastern Ranges): Is a richly-talented forward who runs to the beat of his own drum. His brilliance would complement the Demons’ hard-working young midfielders.
13. Brodie Smith (Woodville-West Torrens): Is a hard-running midfielder and flanker who breaks lines and would help provide leadership to a young group.
14. Ben Jacobs (Sandringham Dragon): Is a half-forward and half-back who performed well in the kicking test at the draft combine. He is thought to have improvement in him.
15. Pat McCarthy (Glenelg): Is a tall defender who plays more of a running role than a key-position role and would be another handy leader for a young group.
16. Scott Lycett (Port Adelaide Magpies): Is a hard-working ruckman who contests at stoppages and runs into space to provide a link. He is a known quantity at Alberton.
17. Jed Lamb (Gippsland Power): Is a small forward who would provide badly needed cheek and class to the Roos’ line-up. He put in an almost perfect performance in the kicking test at the draft combine.
18. Jack Darling (West Perth): Is a rambunctious forward who makes his presence felt and would alleviate the Blues’ pain at losing Aaron Hamill a decade ago.
19. Seb Tape (Sturt): Is a dedicated defender you could build a team around. He would complement Ben Stratton in a developing Hawks backline.
20. Cameron Guthrie (Calder Cannons): Is a strong-minded midfielder who would push Ryan Crowley out of the Dockers’ line-up. He kicked a few goals in the TAC Cup finals.
21. Luke Parker (Dandenong Stingrays): Is a midfielder whose standing dipped mid-year but returned again during the TAC Cup finals. He is a top leader and good inside and outside.
22. Tom Liberatore (Calder Cannons): Is an inside midfielder who is leaner and faster than his father Tony, but just as hungry. He is a solid father-son pick.
23. Mitch Hallahan (Dandenong Stingrays): Is a midfielder whose boxing credentials lend an edge. He is an impressive leader and has a great work ethic. He played injured late in the TAC Cup season.
24. Pat Karnezis (Oakleigh Chargers): Is a talented half-forward with x-factor who leads forward and back. He has only just given up soccer for footy.
25. Jamie Cripps (East Fremantle): Is a sure ball-handler with endurance who has kicked goals in senior footy this season. He is from the same area as Tarkyn Lockyer.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
