Remember: the draft order will change as the draft unfolds, as clubs make and match bids for northern academy and father-son players.
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ONE
CARLTON
Jacob Weitering
(Dandenong Stingrays. 195cm, 94kg)
Tall defender who out-positions opponents, intercepts play and then sets it up.
The rationale: The Blues have loved him all year. He's looked ready to go since April. Will come in with a professional attitude, elite endurance and a desire to get even better in every way.
The catch: Only an unlikely late switch to Josh Schache. It would be one of the biggest draft shocks ever if Weitering didn't become a Blue.
Josh Schache in his home town of Seymour. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer
TWO
BRISBANE
Josh Schache
(Murray Bushrangers. 199cm. 101kg)
Key forward with a sweet shot for goal.
The rationale: The best key forwards are picked early in the draft, or as father-son. Schache is a natural. His midfielders loved him this year because he would mark even the most hurried kick in towards him. He's added some crash and bash to his game, and then there's the kicking for goal….
The catch: Weitering will be off to the Lions if the Blues do something completely out of the blue.
Talent: Callum Mills playing for NSW/ACT under 18s in 2014. Photo: Pat Scala
THREE
SYDNEY (matching Melbourne's bid)
Callum Mills
(North Shore. 188cm. 80kg)
Hard-at-it, competitive and versatile midfielder.
The rationale: Some view Mills as the best player in the draft, despite his injury problems (shin and foot) this year. He's more than worthy of such an early bid, and the Swans will take about two seconds to match. They've seen him up close and know exactly how good he could be.
The catch: If the Demons don't bid, Mills won't last too much longer. But getting him through to pick 7 or 8 would see the Swans save valuable points, possibly to use later on Josh Dunkley.
Clayton Oliver at the 2015 AFL Draft Combine at Etihad. Photo: Scott Barbour
FOUR
MELBOURNE
Clayton Oliver
(Murray Bushrangers. 187cm. 86kg.)
Big, powerful midfielder who can burst from stoppages.
The rationale: Has been talked up as the bolter. He'll be the first player picked this high despite not playing nationals in some time - after building some excellent form in the second half of the season. He's big, strong and slotted in alongside Viney, Brayshaw and Petracca will give the Dees' midfield even more size and strength. Melbourne couldn't be confident of him getting past Essendon and Gold Coast and making it to pick 7.
The catch: The Dees would have done a lot of work before pursuing Gold Coast's pick 3 in a trade. Would Oliver really have been their man that far out? That's the big question. They were keen on Darcy Parish early doors, and he could easily go here. Aaron Francis and Sam Weideman are also legitimate chances. There was lots of early talk about Charlie Curnow and the Dees organised a late meeting with Wayne Milera in Adelaide on Monday. Could he go here or at pick 7?
Aaron Francis in action during the AFL Under 18 Championships match between Vic Metro and South Australia at Etihad. Photo: Pat Scala
FIVE
ESSENDON
Aaron Francis
(West Adelaide. 191cm. 92kg)
Versatile defender/forward who reads the play brilliantly. Could develop into a midfielder.
The rationale: The Bombers need to get some talent through the door, pure and simple. Francis is one of the best in it, and a very solid bet given the large amount of form he put on the board this year. Plays a variety of positions, plays them very well, gets involved and competes. He will need to improve his endurance to play midfield, but has shown a willingness to work.
The catch: Will Melbourne have taken him? Oliver, Wayne Milera, Darcy Parish are in the mix here if so, as are the taller trio of Charlie Curnow, Sam Weideman and Harry McKay.
Jacob Hopper at Punt Road Oval. Photo: Pat Scala
SIX
GWS (matching Essendon's bid)
Jacob Hopper
(North Ballarat Rebels. 185cm. 83kg)
Brutish midfielder who fights for the ball, gets it and takes his team with him.
The rationale: If Hopper was in the open draft he would be the absolute ideal fit for Essendon, which desperately needs more talent and numbers running through the midfield. They may not want to send the message that their first two selections are not top of their list. But Hopper is a genuine top five prospect in this draft.
The catch: If Hopper isn't bid for here, either the Suns, Carlton or Adelaide will do it, forcing the Giants to use their pick 10 to match the bid.
Darcy Parish in action. Photo: Pat Scala
SEVEN
ESSENDON
Darcy Parish
(Geelong Falcons. 180cm, 74kg)
Smart, gutsy midfielder who knows how to find the footy and uses it nicely.
The rationale: Same as above. It's hard to see the Bombers taking a huge risk at either pick given where the club's at, how important they are, and the fact they're picking again twice in the mid-20s and again late. Parish is a very good footballer and the Bombers will know exactly what they're getting with him. He's also a pure onballer, which they really need. He has had a very solid two years and will add energy, ball-winning ability and class to their depleted midfield group.
The catch: Melbourne taking Parish would bring Oliver, Milera, Curnow, Weideman or McKay into play.
Callum Ah Chee at Simonds Stadium. Photo: Pat Scala
EIGHT
GOLD COAST
Callum Ah Chee
(South Fremantle. 181cm. 72kg)
Brave, quick, classy forward. Can win his own ball and do all the eye-catching things.
The rationale: The Suns could do with another quick, smart forward. Ah Chee fits that bill and is a player who could spend plenty of time up around the midfield as he matures.
The catch: The Suns may have others ranked higher if someone does something unexpected just ahead of them. Any of Francis, Parish or Oliver could be expected to go here if available.
Sam Weideman formerly of Eastern Ranges. Photo: Pat Scala
NINE
MELBOURNE
Sam Weideman
(Eastern Ranges. 196cm. 94kg)
Leading forward who attacks the ball and is hard to budge in the air.
The rationale: The Dees have traded away their first pick in next year's draft. They'll also be expecting to improve, and hopefully not be picking in the top five again. They were interested in Paddy McCartin last year, and moving up the ladder would mean not getting another look at another highly-rated tall forward in a while. They're much harder to find later in the draft. Weideman is in the mix for their first pick but seems more likely than Oliver to make it to this point.
The catch: Essendon may grab him. Or, they might take Milera here, either as a back-up plan if Weideman is gone or because they want him more. Curnow is also a possibility.
Harry McKay playing at the AFL Under 18 Championships match between Vic Country and Western Australia at Simonds Stadium. Photo: Pat Scala
TEN
CARLTON
Harry McKay
(Gippsland Power. 200cm. 95kg)
Athletic, energetic tall forward who bounds around the ground.
The rationale: The Blues got their key back at pick one. McKay will come in as their marking forward-in-the-making. He is young, raw and will take some time, but the Blues will see huge scope in him. Picking him here would mean preventing the Crows from getting a look at him at pick nine.
The catch: Charlie Curnow is also in the Blues' thinking. If they want to be absolutely sure of getting Curnow, they might need to pick him here instead of McKay so that Adelaide doesn't get the chance to take him. That said, the Crows could also grab McKay if the Blues let him through. Games galore.
ELEVEN
BRISBANE LIONS (matching Adelaide's bid)
Eric Hipwood
(Aspley. 202cm, 84kg)
Super athletic tall forward, who looks just as comfortable down back. Wants to be involved in whatever's going on.
The rationale: The Crows are Hipwood fans, and could slot him in at either end. Not that they'll get the chance to: the Lions will happily match and pay what is a very fair price for him.
The catch: If Hipwood isn't bid for here, he won't get much further. Adelaide could use their next pick to bid. If not, either Richmond or St Kilda could be expected to bid.
TWELVE
ADELAIDE
Wayne Milera
(Central District. 183cm. 78kg)
Sharp, brave and often brilliant half-forward who'll move up into the midfield.
The rationale: Milera will add pace and polish to the Crows' line-up.
The catch: There's a few in the mix here. Adelaide could look at Harry McKay or Charlie Curnow. Harley Balic, Kieran Collins and Callum Ah Chee have also been linked to the club. Any of these players could come into play should Essendon or Melbourne snap Milera up.
THIRTEEN
CARLTON
Charlie Curnow
(Geelong Falcons. 191cm. 95kg)
An intriguing mix of tall forward/midfielder, who can run all day.
The rationale: He's too hard to pass up here. Curnow is an interesting player: he's a touch undersized for a key position player but before getting injured this year looked like he could evolve into a midfielder. Has top-level endurance and would be top three on some clubs' lists.
The catch: Overlooking Curnow for McKay at their first pick would open the door for Adelaide to grab him. In that case, Kieran Collins, Ryan Burton or Darcy Tucker could go here. They'll need to pick the player they like the most at their first pick and go from there, rather than try to second guess the Crows.
FOURTEEN
GWS (matching Richmond's bid)
MATTHEW KENNEDY
(Collingullie GP. 188cm, 88kg)
Gutsy midfielder who can win a big stoppage, or take a strong mark in the goal square.
The rationale: The Tigers would take Kennedy any day of the week if he were in the open draft. He has less exposed form than some of the other midfielders, but his size, strength, courage and ability to get forward, take marks and kick goals makes him an extremely promising prospect. The Giants will match the bid almost as quickly as they match the one that comes for Hopper.
The catch: Someone may already have got this job done. But this is as far as he gets.
FIFTEEN
RICHMOND
Daniel Rioli
(North Ballarat Rebels. 180cm. 69kg)
Spirited small forward-midfielder who wants the footy in his hands and to try to make things happen.
The rationale: The Tigers need some pace and excitement. Rioli brings that. He's someone they could start out in the forward line, then build into more of a midfielder.
The catch: Callum Ah Chee will likely go here, if he makes it past the Suns and Crows. Jade Gresham is another big chance, and names like Burton, Weideman and Milera could still be on the board.
SIXTEEN
ADELAIDE
Ryan Burton
(North Adelaide. 191cm. 88kg)
Bold, brash forward with midfield ambitions. Wants the footy, for good reason: he can get the job done.
The rationale: Burton looked a very high pick in the making before suffering a horrible leg injury late in his 2014 school season. He hasn't played since, but most clubs have seen buoyed by his progress and the medical updates they've received on him. At this pick, he's very good value.
The catch: Onballer Harley Balic is another the Crows have been linked to. He's also had injury issues, undergoing recent wrist surgery, but it would be no real surprise to see him slot in here. Kieran Collins is another in the mix, as is half-back Darcy Tucker, if Burton is off the board.
SEVENTEEN
ST KILDA
Darcy Tucker
(North Ballarat Rebels. 183cm. 80kg)
A generator who can set up play with his run and delivery from half-back.
The rationale: The Saints are looking for runners. That's what Tucker does. He's still working on his inside game but get him the ball and he will carry it, look for targets and find them.
The catch: Could the Saints go for full-back Kieran Collins? He, Jake Carlisle and Hugh Goddard would set their defence up nicely for the future. Jade Gresham, Brayden Fiorini, Riley Bonner and Harley Balic are others to consider.
EIGHTEEN
BRISBANE LIONS (matching Hawthorn's bid)
BEN KEAYS
(Morningside. 185cm, 82kg)
Busy, always-on-the go midfielder who racks up possessions.
The rationale: the Hawks need to keep replenishing their midfield. Clubs view Keays quite differently but he should slot in somewhere around the late teens. The Lions will match in a heartbeat.
The catch: If Keays isn't bid for here, North Melbourne would think seriously about doing it. If not, expect the Dockers or Eagles to call his name.
NINETEEN
HAWTHORN
Mitchell Hibberd
(Clarence. 190cm. 86kg)
A tall rebounder who doesn't panic and can steer his side forward.
The rationale: The Hawks have put plenty of time into Hibberd, who played mostly in defence this year but could end up on a wing. He sees the game well, runs, and sets things up.
The catch: Daniel Rioli is a big chance to go here if he gets past Richmond. The Hawks could also look at players such as Tom Cole, Rhys Mathieson and Jade Gresham. Picking Hibberd here would ensure the Suns don't grab him, but the Hawks could also take key back Kieran Collins at this pick.
TWENTY
GOLD COAST
Jade Gresham
(Northern Knights. 177cm, 74kg)
Quick, bouncy midfielder who loves to grab the ball and go.
The rationale: Gresham is a good player, who at this point would be hard to pass up. He is more midfielder than forward at this point but like Ah Chee would bring pace and goal sense.
The catch: The order gets a little unwieldy around here, with a lot of midfield types coming into the mix. Alex Morgan is another the Suns may look at. They're a big chance for Rioli if he gets past Richmond and the Hawks.
TWENTY-ONE
GWS (matching North Melbourne's bid)
Harry Himmelberg
(Eastlake. 194cm, 87kg)
Athletic forward who works up and down the ground.
The rationale: The Roos have a long list of forwards, but Himmelberg is quite a different type. He would complement that group nicely. That said, the Giants should have the points to match.
The catch: The Dockers are a big chance to bid for Himmelberg, if the Roos don't. The Roos could also bid for Ben Keays if no-one has called his name.
TWENTY-TWO
NORTH MELBOURNE
Harley Balic
(Sandringham Dragons. 187cm. 82kg)
Smooth-moving midfielder who gets involved all over the ground.
The rationale: The Roos have a strong crew of inside midfielders. Balic would provide a point of difference. He can move through all three parts of the ground and slides easily through traffic.
The catch: Obviously, the Roos will get Himmelberg if the Giants pass. Darcy Tucker is a big chance here if available, as are Gresham, Aidyn Johnson, Hibberd, Cole and David Cuningham.
TWENTY-THREE
Hawthorn
Kieran Collins
(Dandenong Stingrays. 194cm. 100kg)
Cool, calm and doesn't like getting beaten for the ball. What you want in a full-back.
The rationale: Too good to pass on. A strong, competitive defender who wins the ball back and has grown confident this year in his ability to set up play.
The catch: Do the Hawks need to get a pure onballer or two in? That's the nagging doubt here, especially if they pick Hibberd too. There's a bunch of midfielders they could look at, starting with Harley Balic or Jade Gresham should they make it through. Inside midfielder Rhys Mathieson is another chance, as is the speedy Aidyn Johnson. The Hawks could well take Collins with their first pick, taking the chance that Hibberd reaches them at this selection.
TWENTY-FOUR
CARLTON
David Cuningham
(Oakleigh Chargers. 183cm, 79kg)
Midfielder who likes to be around the stoppages but has the pace to get out in space.
The rationale: The Blues are fans of Cuningham, a teammate of father-son prospect Jack Silvagni at Oakleigh. All parts of their list need work. If they do end up with Weitering, McKay and Curnow (as well as Silvagni), they could do with getting a true midfielder in as well.
The catch: It's hard to see Darcy Tucker getting past this point. Jade Gresham and Harley Balic are others the club will consider here.
AND THE REST...
Western Bulldogs: If the players are listed above go, that would bring Riley Bonner and Alex Morgan into the frame. They'll grab Collins if available, and look at another key back in Sam Skinner. The Dogs are a very strong chance to bid for Sydney father-son nominee Josh Dunkley. If that happens, they could well get him, as the Swans could opt not to match. Midfielder Fiorini is another possibility.
Fremantle: Gresham and Cuningham are big chances here. Ben McKay, a tall defender or forward, is perhaps a bigger one. The Dockers seem likely to bid on Himmelberg if the Roos decide not to. Like Essendon, Sydney and St Kilda they've done lots of work on former Cat Mitch Brown.
West Coast: The Eagles will likely end up with a midfield type. Cole, Morgan and Ryan Clarke are all around the mark, as are Mason Redman and either Gresham or Cuningham, if one gets through.
Collingwood: Redman, Fiorini, Morgan and Brandon White are all possibilities here. The Pies could do with some run. West Australian Declan Mountford is another to consider.
Geelong: It's very hard to tip who'll be there when Geelong starts picking late. The Cats will sit back and wait for the sliders. Tasmanians Kieran Lovell (midfielder) and Ryan Garder (defender) may make it to them.
Port Adelaide: Aidyn Johnson's run and carry puts him in the mix for the Power's first pick at 32, as does Brandon White's pace and attack on the ball.
