The phantom drafts are in ahead of Thursday night’s opening round of the 2018 AFL Draft in Melbourne.

With four clubs armed with multiple first round selections, predicting the order appears a difficult task as recruiters weigh up a variety of options. 

Here’s a compilation of who some of the top draft experts are tipping for Adelaide’s first three selections – currently No. 8, 13 and 16 – with many expecting the Crows to make several bids on Academy prospects including Nick Blakey (Sydney) and Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne). 

CALLUM TWOMEY, AFL MEDIA 

Pick No. 10 – Jye Caldwell (184cm midfielder, Vic Country)
Pick No. 16 – Zak Butters (181cm midfielder, Vic Metro)
Pick No. 19 – Ned McHenry (178cm midfielder/small forward, Vic Country)

On Adelaide’s first selection…
Caldwell is an explosive, tough, competitive midfielder who wins a nice balance of his own touches plus providing run on the outside. He'd be a nice player to get through to the Crows. Ben King could be a chance to be available, while Chayce Jones, Jackson Hately and Jordan Clark are also contenders. 

MATT BALMER, FOX FOOTY

Pick No. 10 – Jye Caldwell (184cm midfielder, Vic Country)
Pick No. 16 – Jackson Hately (190cm midfielder, South Australia)
Pick No. 19 – Xavier Duursma (185cm midfielder, Vic Country)

On Adelaide’s first selection…
The Crows have long been linked to Chayce Jones, but Caldwell is one of the best midfielders in the draft pool. If the Dogs grabbed Caldwell, it could leave the door ajar for Bailey Smith to be selected, while they may consider Ben King.

Chayce Jones

DANIEL CHERNY, THE AGE

Pick No. 10 – Chayce Jones (180cm midfielder, Tasmania)
Pick No. 16 – Xavier Duursma (185cm midfielder, Vic Country)
Pick No. 19 – Ned McHenry (178cm midfielder/small forward, Vic Country)

On Adelaide’s first selection…
Versatile Tasmanian state captain Jones has been linked to this selection and talk continued to rage on Wednesday that he could be the man. But Jye Caldwell has firmly been in discussions as well.

SAM LANDSBERGER, JAY CLARK – HERALD SUN

Pick No. 9 – Jye Caldwell (184cm midfielder, Vic Country)
Pick No. 16 – Riley Collier-Dawkins (193cm midfielder, Vic Metro)
Pick No. 20 – Ned McHenry (178cm midfielder/small forward, Vic Country)

On Adelaide’s first selection…
The dynamic midfielder will add some zest to the Crows’ onball operation. Helps plan for life after Sloane and Gibbs. Like Joel Selwood, injury-hit but talented in draft year.

CHRIS DOERRE, ESPN

Pick No. 9 – Jye Caldwell (184cm midfielder, Vic Country)
Pick No. 16 – Chayce Jones (180cm midfielder, Tasmania)
Pick No. 19 – Ned McHenry (178cm midfielder/small forward, Vic Country)