Andrew McGrath Photo: Getty Images

1 ESSENDON

ANDREW McGRATH

(179cm, 77kg. Sandringham Dragons)

Tough, versatile onballer who can win the ball in the middle and set play up from defence.

The rationale: He can play in all parts of the ground. He is brave and bold. He can shape games with his powerful run. He can shut others down. He's the best one in it. Just.

The complication: There are two others well and truly in the mix here, Hugh McCluggage and Giants Academy Will Setterfield. McCluggage is a massive chance to be called out first.

Tim Taranto. Photo: Jesse Marlow

2 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

TIM TARANTO

(186cm, 76kg. Sandringham Dragons)

Tall midfielder who kicks goals, hauls in overhead marks and steps up in big moments.

The rationale: The Giants rate him highly. Looks equally adept winning the ball in the middle or taking marks as a forward.

The complication: Andrew McGrath will go here, if available. Ben Ainsworth has also come under serious consideration. If the Bombers go ahead with bidding for Will Setterfield, the Giants will have to decide whether or not to match the bid, and take him over McGrath.

South Warrnambool and Ballarat Rebels player Hugh McCluggage. Photo: Rob Gunstone

3 BRISBANE LIONS

HUGH McCLUGGAGE

(186m, 76kg. North Ballarat Rebels/South Warnambool)

Classy, goalkicking midfielder who glides through traffic.

The rationale: He's simply too good to leave sitting there. They'll snap him up in a second.

The complication: Ben Ainsworth will seriously tempt the Lions, as will Andrew McGrath or Tim Taranto if available. Hugh McCluggage seems destined to be pick 1 or pick 3.

Ben Ainsworth during the 2016 AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium. Photo: Pat Scala

4 GOLD COAST

BEN AINSWORTH

(178cm, 76kg. Gippsland Power)

Brilliant small forward who can make games revolve around him.

The rationale: He is a top-end talent. He's a chance to get through to their next pick or even the one after, but if he is the one the Suns want most they'll have to pick him first to be sure that the Blues don't grab him.

The complication: Others in the mix include Tim Taranto, Griffin Logue, Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie, Tim English and academy player Jack Bowes. Hugh McCluggage won't get past here, in the unlikely event he remains available. The Lions aren't expected to place a bid for Bowes at 3 given the other talent available but if they do the Suns would need to use this selection to secure him.

Will Setterfield from the Sandringham Dragons. Photo: Getty Images

5 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

*Bid by Carlton matched

WILL SETTERFIELD

(190cm, 80kg. Sandringham Dragons/Caulfield Grammar/Albury)

Tall midfielder who is moves well in traffic and is tough to tackle.

The rationale: Setterfield is a bona fide top five prospect and a player Carlton could really do with adding to their midfield, which still needs a considerable amount of work. But the Giants will match the bid, and get the first of their academy players for this year through the door.

The complication: Setterfield is in the mix for Essendon at pick 1 and may already be taken. If the Blues don't bid for him, expect Sydney or North Melbourne to force the Giants' hand.

Sam Petrevski-Seton during the 2016 AFL Draft Combine. Photo: Pat Scala

6 CARLTON

SAM PETREVSKI-SETON

(180cm, 73kg. Claremont)

Clever midfielder who can win the tough balls and set up play in space.

The rationale: Carlton needs to add to every area but their midfield needs the most immediate attention and Petrevski-Seton is the best onballer available. He'll bring hardness and class.

The complication: Could the Blues consider Will Hayward at this high pick? It's not entirely out of the question. Tim Taranto will appeal to them too, but he seems unlikely to get through. Jack Scrimshaw is another contender.

Impressive running back Griffin Logue should be picked up early. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

7 GOLD COAST

GRIFFIN LOGUE

(191cm, 94kg. Swan Districts)

Unrelenting competitor, who can play all over the ground.

The rationale: The Suns' key defensive group is good, but small. Logue looks ready to play. Picking him here means keeping him away from Fremantle at the next pick.

The complication: Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie and Tim English are others the Suns could consider. They'll be trying to get the two highest on their list with this pick and pick 9.

Jy Simpkin. Photo: Pat Scala

8 FREMANTLE

JY SIMPKIN

(182cm, 75kg. Murray Bushrangers)

Smart, sharp half-forward with one of the best kicks in the draft.

The rationale: The Dockers have a need for his pace and skill in the forward line, and he's a player who could move into the midfield over time for them.

The complication: The Dockers have just as a big a need for Will Brodie, and could easily pick him. Griffin Logue, Jack Scrimshaw and Sam Petrevski-Seton are in the mix, and they could bid for Gold Coast Academy player Jack Bowes. Then there is Ben Ainsworth. He seems unlikely to get to here, but strange things have happened.

Jack Scrimshaw playing for Vic Metro Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

9 GOLD COAST

JACK SCRIMSHAW

(193cm, 84kg. Sandringham Dragons)

Defender who, with his anticipation, vision and skill, is able to control play nicely.

The rationale: The Suns love him. With his size and skill set, he has enormous scope.

The complication: They might take him earlier, at 4 or 7. Fremantle could also take a look. Having the Dockers' pick squeezed between two Gold Coast picks makes this part of the draft tricky to predict.

Isaac Cumming. Photo: Scott Barbour/AFL Media

10 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

*Bid by Sydney matched

ISAAC CUMMING

(184cm, 74kg. Broken Hill/GWS Academy)

Defender who likes to take off and open games up with his kicking.

The rationale: Sydney needs some run and carry, and Cumming would fit that bill. He has some big fans in the teens, and might not reach their second pick. The Giants really want to get him and will match the bid if they can.

The complication: This seems an early bid considering who else could be available, and Cumming might well be a back-up plan for the Swans. The other question is whether the Giants can afford to match bids for Setterfield, Cumming and Harry Perryman inside the first round.

AFL draft prospect Jack Bowes. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

11 GOLD COAST

*Bid by Sydney matched

JACK BOWES

(187cm, 78kg.Cairns Saints)

Classy midfielder who creates time and space.

The rationale: The Suns will match any bid for Bowes. Getting three other players in first is the dream scenario for them.

The complication: Carlton and Fremantle have the chance to bid before the Swans come in.

Will Brodie. Photo: Getty Images

12 SYDNEY

WILL BRODIE

(188cm, 82kg. Murray Bushrangers) Determined midfielder who excels at clearances and other tough stuff.

The rationale: He's just too good to overlook. Could fill the spot Tom Mitchell has left.

The complication: Brodie is in contention for Fremantle and Gold Coast; he and Jy Simpkin could switch spots in this order. Other possibilities are Griffin Logue and Oliver Florent.

Harry Perryman. Photo: Pat Scala

13 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

*Bid by North Melbourne matched

HARRY PERRYMAN

(184cm, 80kg. Collingullie)

A smart, instinctive and versatile player with great vision and nous.

The rationale: Perryman fits in around here on talent and would be a legitimately good addition to the North Melbourne midfield. He's a priority for the Giants and they'll match the bid.

The complication: Fremantle and Sydney could bid before North has the chance.

Oliver Florent of the Sandringham Dragons fends off a tackle. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

14 NORTH MELBOURNE

OLIVER FLORENT

(182cm, 74kg. Sandringham Dragons)

Creative half-forward who proved his midfield credentials by the end of the year.

The rationale: The Roos have made clear their desire for some run, skill and polish. Florent has those things, as well as a natural attack on the ball.

The complication: He could be gone, taken by Sydney. Will Brodie will be strongly considered if available and Jy Simpkin is another possibility, with Cedric Cox an outside chance. If Florent isn't gone by here, he could make it all the way to Essendon's next pick.

Jarrod Berry at the combine. Photo: Pat Scala

15 WEST COAST

JARROD BERRY

(191cm, 82kg. North Ballarat Rebels)

Courageous defender who some see developing as a big midfielder.

The rationale: The Eagles are fans, and could do with his size, shape and long kicking out of defence or through the midfield.

The complication: Others in the mix here include Jy Simpkin and Will Brodie. Berry seems more likely than that pair to reach them.

Will Hayward. Photo: Pat Scala

16 ADELAIDE

WILL HAYWARD

(185cm, 77kg. North Adelaide)

Bouncy, energetic half-forward who can kick a lot of goals.

The rationale: He's a bargain at this point for Adelaide, who could do with adding to their midfield but might see Hayward playing a part down the track in there for them anyway.

The complication: The Crows could bid for Isaac Cumming here, if Sydney haven't. Other chances are Jarrod Berry, Jordan Gallucci, Jy Simpkin and Cedric Cox as well as Will Brodie, in the unlikely event he gets this far.

Alex Witherden. Photo: Wayne Taylor

17 PORT ADELAIDE

ALEX WITHERDEN

(187cm, 80kg. Geelong Falcons)

Cool and composed half-back who gets things moving by foot.

The rationale: Witherden is a reliable kick, which is just what the Power need. The Lions have some interest; if he's the one Port most wants they may have to pick him here to be safe.

The complication: Will Brodie or Jy Simpkin are a slight chance. Todd Marshall is too, and Will Hayward would be hard to pass up. Jordan Gallucci is another possibility, as is a bid for Cumming or Harry Perryman.

Daniel Venables. Photo: Eddie Jim

18 BRISBANE LIONS

DANIEL VENABLES

(185cm, 82cm. Western Jets)

Midfield bull, who puts his power and strength to good use in the forward line too.

The rationale: The Lions are fans. Venables is an honest, competitive player who'll help give them some grunt. They need some guys who can play forward and through the middle.

The complication: Jarrod Berry, Alex Witherden and Will Hayward are other possibilities. The Lions like Isaac Cumming and could bid for him if he gets this far down. Venables may get to their next pick, which is only a few away, but Essendon could grab him before then.

Todd Marshall. Photo: Pat Scala

19 PORT ADELAIDE

TODD MARSHALL

(197cm, 86kg. Murray Bushrangers)

Athletic key forward who can twist, turn and do some special things.

The rationale: Port's tall forward stocks need some bolstering. Marshall is highly talented and well worth snapping up at this point, particularly given they have two picks so close together.

The complication: Another tall forward, Josh Battle, could be considered here for the same reasons. Will Hayward is a chance - as he is at pick 17 - on the off chance he's available.

It's bird, it's a plane. No, it's Tim English. Photo: Getty Images

20 WESTERN BULLDOGS

TIM ENGLISH

(205cm, 90kg. South Fremantle)

Nimble, athletic ruckman with one of the best kicks in the draft.

The rationale: He could-should-would have been drafted already and is too good to overlook. The Dogs can let him develop and in time could have a very special player on their hands.

The complication: Todd Marshall and Jordan Gallucci are two contenders here. The Dogs have been linked to two dashers - Cedric Cox, Josh Williams - but have a pick in the 20s to come. English is in the top 10 mix for Gold Coast, and could be gone.

*Note: the original draft order will change live on the night as bids for academy and father-son players are made and matched.

AND SOME MORE....

21 SYDNEY

BRENNAN COX

Key defender from Woodville-West Torrens

22 ESSENDON

JOSH BATTLE

Hard-running forward from Dandenong Stingrays.

23 BRISBANE

JORDAN GALLUCCI

Crafty midfield utility from the Eastern Ranges.

24 BRISBANE

JACK GRAHAM

Rugged midfielder from North Adelaide.

25 ST KILDA

SAM POWELL-PEPPER

Bull-at-a-gate onballer from East Perth.

26 GEELONG

SHAI BOLTON

Crafty, clever midfielder from South Fremantle.

27 CARLTON

JORDAN RIDLEY

Poised utility from the Oakleigh Chargers

28 BULLDOGS

CEDRIC COX

Speed machine from Halls Creek, via Camperdown and North Ballarat.

29 RICHMOND

ELLIOTT HIMMELBERG

Athletic key forward/defender from Redland, Queensland.

30 COLLINGWOOD

JACK MAIBAUM

Highly competitive key defender from Eastern Ranges.