NAB AFL Draft selections: 14, 61, 84, 101, 118
Delistings and retirements: Nathan Bock (Gold Coast), Brett Burton, Brian Donnelly*, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin, Jon Griffin (Fremantle), Jarrhan Jacky, Andrew McLeod
Additions: Sam Jacobs (Carlton), Richard Tambling (Richmond)
Approach: The Crows, having lost Goodwin, McLeod and Edwards, will target midfield talent in the upcoming NAB AFL Draft. Rookies Ricky Henderson, Matthew Jaensch and Luke Thompson have all been elevated to the senior list, but none of these are capable midfielders at this stage in their careers. Tambling will help fill a need for speed, but more run-and-carry-type players are required.
Dream selection: Jared Polec is likely to be long gone by the club's first pick at No.14, but his SA under-18 teammate Brodie Smith ticks a lot of boxes and might still be around the mark. Coach Neil Craig also had a good chat to Sandringham ball magnet Ben Jacobs at the draft combine.
BRISBANE LIONS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 5, 25, 27, 31, 65 plus two end-of-round-one compensation selections (Michael Rischitelli and Jarrod Harbrow)
Delistings and retirements: Jared Brennan (Gold Coast), Michael Rischitelli (Gold Coast), Troy Selwood, Justin Sherman (Western Bulldogs)
Additions: Rohan Bewick (West Perth via Gold Coast pre-list)
Approach: Having lost four midfielders in the off-season and with stars Simon Black and Luke Power nearing the end, the Lions need to rejuvenate their engine room. With a minimum of two first-round picks, they should be able to snare at least one 200-game mid. The forward line also needs attention, but with Aaron Cornelius and Mitch Clark capable tall targets, it's a less pressing concern.
Dream selection: If West Coast overlooks the hard-running, versatile Andrew Gaff at No.4, expect the Lions to pounce with the next pick. However, Dyson Heppell's clean hands and excellent tank make him an ideal replacement for the ageing Black.
CARLTON
NAB AFL Draft selections: 18, 33, 41, 67, 70
Delistings and retirements: Richard Hadley, Shaun Grigg (Richmond), Sam Jacobs (Adelaide), Simon Wiggins
Additions: Andrew Collins (Richmond), Jeremy Laidler (Geelong)
Approach: The Blues love Paul Bower, but are starting to come around to the idea that he might be more-suited as third-tall defender rather than centre half-back. Mark Austin has been viewed as another option there but his body cannot be trusted at this point. At the other end of the ground Lachie Henderson is coming along nicely and Jarrad Waite will be better with a season under his belt following a knee reconstruction, but Setanta O'hAilpin's disappointing finish to the year will see him moved back into defence, leaving the Blues to shop for another tall target on draft day.
Dream selection: The Calder Cannons' Matt Watson would slot into centre half-back early on and is a reasonable chance to still be available at their first pick. The 195cm key prospect already weighs in at 98kg, has a strong left foot and is a composed decision maker coming out of defence. Will also consider SA lad Patrick McCarthy if Watson isn't on the board. WA forward Jack Darling could be a smokey if neither is available.
COLLINGWOOD
NAB AFL Draft selections: 44, 45, 60, 77, 78
Delistings and retirements: Josh Fraser (Gold Coast), Tarkyn Lockyer, Paul Medhurst, Shane O'Bree, Sean Rusling
Additions: John Ceglar (Murray Bushrangers via Gold Coast pre-list), Andrew Krakouer (Swan Districts via Gold Coast pre-list), Chris Tarrant (Fremantle)
Approach: There aren't too many holes in the Pies' list, so a tall or short would sit comfortably with recruiter Derek Hine's succession planning. This draft has plenty of good mids, so by the time pick 44 comes around it might be a case of take the best one left. Alternatively, a tall forward may be targeted to support the likes of Chris Dawes and Jack Anthony.
Dream selection: WA midfielder Ben Newton might be a nice choice if he lasts until pick 44. Calder Cannon Luke Mitchell, who missed much of the year with a shoulder injury, may be a target if the Pies go tall.
ESSENDON
NAB AFL Draft selections: 8, 30, 47, 64, 81
Delistings and retirements: Christian Bock*, Jason Laycock, Tyson Slattery, Michael Still, John Williams*
Additions: Nil
Approach: A quick, skilful midfielder is top priority - one who can also do his share of the dirty work would be especially welcome. Jobe Watson has too often been left to carry the burden alone, although Ben Howlett, who will be elevated from the rookie list, showed promise. Another ruckman wouldn't go astray either.
Dream selection: Midfielders Andrew Gaff and Dyson Heppell would top the list, but they are likely to be gone. Shaun Atley, a speedy and hard-at-it prospect from Murray Bushrangers, appears to tick most of the boxes.
FREMANTLE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 20, 43, 55, 72, 89
Delistings and retirements: Chris Hall, Steven Dodd, Ryan Murphy, Brock O'Brien, Tim Ruffles, Ben Bucovaz, Paul Hasleby, Des Headland, Dean Solomon, Scott Thornton, Chris Tarrant
Additions: Peter Faulks (Gold Coast pre-listed), Tendai Mzungu (Gold Coast pre-listed), Jonathon Griffin (Adelaide)
Approach: The extensive culling at Fremantle will make room for impressive rookies Michael Barlow, Matt de Boer, Alex Silvagni and Jay van Berlo on the senior list, while also allowing for mature-age recruits Faulks and Mzungu. It leaves Freo with four selections in the NAB AFL Draft, with the best available midfielder followed by key position players the likely priorities.
Dream selection: Victorian Luke Parker could go anywhere in the first and second rounds but, if available at 20, the inside midfielder would certainly complement Fremantle's young and dynamic runners. Would have an impact immediately, which would suit the club.
GEELONG
NAB AFL Draft selections: 15, 23, 36, 53, 58, plus end-of-round-one compensation selection (Gary Ablett)
Delistings and retirements: Gary Ablett (Gold Coast), Nathan Djerrkura (Western Bulldogs), Jeremy Laidler (Carlton), Max Rooke (retired)
Additions: Nil
Approach: The loss of superstar midfielder Gary Ablett and the impending retirement of many backline stars - Darren Milburn is 33, Matthew Scarlett 31 and David Wojcinski 30 - means the Cats have a few holes to fill. They probably have enough good young midfielders, but after trading reserves full-back Laidler, they desperately need a key defender. Their forward line could also use some fresh talent, with 31-year-old Cameron Mooney closing in on the end of his career.
Dream selection: Geelong traded one of its compensation picks for losing Ablett to Gold Coast in exchange for pick 15, meaning the Cats enter the draft quite early. South Australian young gun Pat McCarthy, a tall running defender, looks like just the type of player Geelong needs.
HAWTHORN
NAB AFL Draft selections: 19, 37, 54, 66, 88
Delistings and retirements: Trent Croad, Rhan Hooper, Campbell Brown (Gold Coast)
Additions: Kyle Cheney (Melbourne), David Hale (North Melbourne)
Approach: The Hawks went after fleet-footed forward Josh Hill and key defender Chris Tarrant during trade week and failed on both counts so it's fair to assume they'll look to address those needs at the draft instead. Rhan Hooper has departed and Carl Peterson's future is up in the air so a speedy forward/midfielder could be the answer at No.19. The inability of Ryan Schoenmakers to make centre half-back his own has left under-sized defenders like Josh Gibson, Ben Stratton and Tom Murphy to punch above their weight.
Dream selection: Gippsland Power's Jed Lamb is a smart small forward with a real nose for goal who would add extra class in attack and eventually through the midfield. He blitzed the Nathan Buckley kicking test at the NAB AFL Draft Combine with a near perfect score. Calder Cannons centre half-back Matthew Watson should also be there around the No.19 mark should the Hawks choose to bolster their defence.
MELBOURNE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 12, 32, 49, 52, 83
Delistings and retirements: Daniel Bell, Kyle Cheney (Hawthorn), James McDonald, Brad Miller
Additions: Nil
Approach: The Dees are well stocked on tall defenders and midfielders but may be looking at gaining a mid-sized or tall forward to complement Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah. They could also use a player of equivalent size and pace at the other end of the ground to take on mid-sized opposition forwards.
Dream selection: At 187cm, Kieran Harper looks to have potential as a dangerous mid-sized forward. He is classy and can break open games. At this stage he looks like falling somewhere between 10-15 and will be strongly considered for Melbourne's first pick.
NORTH MELBOURNE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 17, 69 and 71 plus end-of-round-one compensation selection (Campbell Brown)
Delistings and retirements: Warren Benjamin, David Hale (Hawthorn), Leigh Harding, Corey Jones, Conor Meredith*, Alan Obst*, Josh Smith
Additions: Ben McKinley (West Coast), Cameron Richardson (North Ballarat via Gold Coast pre-list)
Approach: A ready-made outside midfielder would just about balance North out and complement Liam Anthony in his return from injury. New half-back Cameron Richardson may free up Brady Rawlings or Sam Wright for roles up the ground. Talented players are in reserve on every line, but the reliance on Brent Harvey, Rawlings and Drew Petrie hasn't eased.
Dream selection: North would be warming to another player from its VFL affiliate North Ballarat, Isaac Smith. The 21-year-old is more a half-forward than a midfielder but his rising prospects may warrant pick 17. It will be a tough call if one of Shaun Atley or Brodie Smith is still around.
PORT ADELAIDE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 16, 34, 35, 51, 68
Delistings and retirements: Josh Carr, Cameron Cloke*, Glenn Dawson*, Scott Harding, Jordan Johns*, Nathan Krakouer (Gold Coast), Wade Thompson, Warren Tredrea
Additions: Simon Phillips (Norwood via Gold Coast pre-list)
Approach: The Power have recruited well in recent years and don't have any glaring holes in their list, but some more class midfielders and a good kicking defender couldn't hurt. Port Adelaide also appears short of a ruckman, but the coaches have big wraps on Matthew Lobbe, Jarrad Redden and Daniel Bass and the new interchange rules might put them off taking another developing tall.
Dream selection: Port Adelaide Magpies ruckman Scott Lycett has been mentioned at pick No.16, but the Power might surprise and take a small instead. SA under-18 MVP Brodie Smith could slip through, while Ben Jacobs (Sandringham Dragons), Luke Parker (Dandenong Stingrays) and Geelong's Jayden Pitt all possess the necessary kicking skills to lift the club's maligned efficiency rate.
RICHMOND
NAB AFL Draft selections: 6, 29, 46, 50, 63, plus end-of-round-one compensation selection (Nathan Bock)
Delistings and retirements: Andrew Collins (Carlton), Ben Cousins, Troy Simmonds, Richard Tambling (Adelaide)
Additions: Shaun Grigg (Carlton)
Approach: Having picked up Shaun Grigg from Carlton in trade week, and with disgruntled Essendon midfielder Bachar Houli expected to come on board in the pre-season draft, the Tigers have plenty of midfield depth. What they need most is a tall defender with good skills who can help out Chris Newman in the backline. With Tyrone Vickery taking time to prove himself, a young ruckman would be another handy addition.
Dream selection: Skilful South Australian wingman Jared Polec is a likely contender to be taken by the Tigers with pick six, but given that they need a ruckman, Norwood beanpole Daniel Gorringe shapes as another genuine possibility.
ST KILDA
NAB AFL Draft selections: 24, 42, 59, 76, 93
Delistings and retirements: Mark Hutchings*, Steven King, Andrew Lovett, Blake McGrath*, Jesse Smith
Additions: Nil
Approach: The main deficiency in the Saints' game plan seems to be leg speed. It was certainly an area highlighted in the grand final replay and St Kilda will be keen to stock up on quick players at the draft.
Dream selection: Tasmanian Josh Green has plenty of pace and knows how to back himself. He can play in front of goals and in the midfield and is sure to come into St Kilda's calculations if as expected he is still available towards the end of the first round.
SYDNEY SWANS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 21, 39, 56, 73, 107
Delistings and retirements: Ed Barlow, Taylor Gilchrist*, Brett Kirk, Matthew O'Dwyer, Jake Orreal*, Henry Playfair*, Kristin Thornton, Patrick Veszpremi (Western Bulldogs)
Additions: Andrejs Everitt (Western Bulldogs)
Approach: The Swans' successful list overhaul at the end of 2009 means they can afford to target specific needs to a larger degree than most. Expect them to add more height, particularly in defence, while another key forward wouldn't go astray. New coach John Longmire has also made no secret of his desire for more pace in the middle, hence the Swans' unsuccessful pursuit of new Dog Justin Sherman.
Dream selection: Mobile Glenelg defender Pat McCarthy would be an outstanding choice, provided he drops as far as the Swans' No.21 pick. Alternatively, SA U18 skipper Seb Tape is a likely type with excellent character. Another wildcard is talented WA forward Jack Darling - if he slides, the Swans could swoop.
WEST COAST
NAB AFL Draft selections: 4, 26, 28, 62, 79 and round-three compensation selection (Josh Fraser)
Delistings and retirements: Adam Cockie*, Tony Notte, Will Sullivan*, Beau Wilkes, Ben McKinley (North Melbourne)
Additions: Jacob Brennan (father-son selection)
Approach: The Eagles will take the best available player with their first pick and target positional needs thereafter, using picks 4, 26 and 28 only, with 62 committed to father-son selection Brennan. Quick midfielders with quality foot skills are a must, while key backmen Matt Spangher and Beau Wilkes haven't worked out and need to be replaced. Full-back Darren Glass is also nearing the end of his career.
Dream selection: The Eagles have used their prized first selection on local boys the past three years, but Victorian Andrew Gaff, a smart and skilful midfielder with elite endurance, has to be at the top of their list for 2010. West Coast would jump at Harley Bennell, but he appears bound for Gold Coast.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 22 (father-son, Mitch Wallis), 40 (father-son, Tom Liberatore), 74, 90, 91
Delistings and retirements: Jason Akermanis, Nathan Eagleton, Andrejs Everitt (Sydney Swans), Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast), Brad Johnson
Additions: Nathan Djerrkura (Geelong), Justin Sherman (Brisbane Lions), Patrick Veszpremi (Sydney Swans)
Approach: The Bulldogs entered trade week wanting to find some dash and crumbing forwards. By nabbing three players, they ticked those boxes. Grabbing Wallis and Liberatore - each of whom was considered a top-30 pick - was a huge bonus. Given the likely upgrading of small forward Andrew Hooper, the Dogs are likely to go tall.
Dream selection: In this draft, Wallis and Liberatore are the dream selections. But pick 74? What tall will be there at that stage? Could Max Otten, Andy's younger brother, still be sitting there?
* Denotes rookie-listed player
Follow our complete coverage of the 2010 NAB AFL Draft on November 18. Join the AFL draft conversation on Twitter: use #AFLdraft in your tweets.
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
