There are a number of reasons that makes this perhaps the most uncertain NAB AFL Draft ever. 

With a lack of football due to COVID-19, combined with the most compromised pool in history, recruiters who have watched games from afar and no NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, there are many varied views on players.

DRAFT HUB Latest news, profiles, highlights, more

Add to that the presence of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at the top end of the pool as a Next Generation Academy pick, injury concerns over other No.1 pick contenders, six clubs having multiple first-round selections and plenty of potential pick swaps lined up, and clubs will go into Wednesday night's draft with little clarity how it will unfold.   

 
 
 
 
04:36MINS
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Phantom Draft show: Top 10 sneak peek

AFL.com.au's Draft guru Cal Twomey reveals the first 10 picks in his 2020 Phantom Draft

Here is our Phantom Draft top 30, as we predict where players will go, who will make bids on Academy prospects and how the top group will shape up. Note the draft order has changed in line with predictions on clubs moving up the order to match bids. 

Below the top 30, AFL.com.au has also listed club-by-club whispers on who each team could target in the back half of the draft. 

NAB AFL DRAFT NIGHT LIVE will be streaming on the AFL LIVE OFFICIAL APP and AFL.com.au on Wednesday, December 9, from 6.30pm AEDT. But before that, WATCH/LISTEN to NAB AFL DRAFT COUNTDOWN on Tuesday and Wednesday (December 8-9) from 12-2pm AEDT

(Matching Adelaide's bid)

JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN

POS: Key forward
Ht 195cm, Wt 90kg, DOB 4/4/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country

Widely considered the best player in the draft pool, Ugle-Hagan's freakish athleticism, combined with his brilliant football craft, will thrill fans for many years. Even players at rival clubs are already excited about watching the key forward at AFL level, with Ugle-Hagan's bottom-age season for the Oakleigh Chargers, when he booted 24 goals from nine games, rocketing him into the top slot despite having this season wiped out. He's tall, he's fast, he sits on heads in packs and accumulates shots at goal. The Western Bulldogs have prepared to have enough points to match a bid for Ugle-Hagan at pick one and now actively want it to happen for the prestige it would bring. 

If not him? The Crows have intimated to rivals they will bid on Ugle-Hagan at the top choice, and it would take a last-minute backflip from the club for them not to pull the trigger. North Melbourne (No.2) or Sydney (No.3) at the latest would otherwise bid. If Adelaide keeps the first pick Riley Thilthorpe and Logan McDonald are the main contenders. 

 
 
 
 
01:57MINS
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Class of 2020: Why Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be a future star

The best player in this year's draft pool talks about his journey with the Western Bulldogs' Next Generation Academy

RILEY THILTHORPE

POS: Key forward/ruck
Ht 201cm, Wt 100kg, DOB 7/7/02
From West Adelaide/South Australia

An athletic forward who can also play in the ruck, Thilthorpe spent most of this season at senior level in the SANFL. The hard working key position prospect endured some injury battles with his groins, with clubs receiving their full medical checks on the 18-year-old only at the end of last week, but his versatility appeals to many. Many clubs think the way the young tall plays will suit the modern game and he believes he can also play as a midfielder in time. He recently had an hour-and-a-half catch-up with Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks and has been in the club's mix for a long time.  

If not him? The Crows have tossed up between Thilthorpe, Logan McDonald and Elijah Hollands for some time, with the call finally coming down to Thilthorpe and McDonald. It wouldn't surprise at all if they went with McDonald given his draft CV and links to South Australia.

 
 
 
 
01:45MINS
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Class of 2020: Why Crows are considering Riley Thilthorpe with top pick

The South Australian and potential No.1 draft pick reveals why he's ready to step straight into an AFL club

ELIJAH HOLLANDS

POS: Midfielder/forward
Ht 189cm, Wt 85kg, DOB 25/4/02
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

A game-changing midfielder and forward who excites with his penetrating kicking, clearance work at stoppages and ability to take a grab and kick a goal inside 50. The question from clubs is around Hollands' ACL injury, which he suffered while training at local level in February and ruled him out of this season. He probably won't be ready to play again until about midyear in 2021 but Hollands is big, has some strut and confidence, and backs himself when the ball is in his hands. North have long been fans. 

If not him? North would bid on Ugle-Hagan if the Crows don't at pick No.1. But putting him aside, the Roos have been bracing for how they shape their order of Hollands, Logan McDonald and Riley Thilthorpe. Whichever the Crows select, the Roos are tipped to take one of the remaining two. The Roos are also looking at their options in splitting their first pick, with a trade not ruled out.

DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS

POS: Key defender
Ht 195cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 17/4/02
From Swan Districts/Western Australia

The best key defender in the draft. It's as simple as that when assessing Grainger-Barras' credentials, with some clubs also viewing him as the best player in the open pool. It is easy to see why Grainger-Barras has plenty of fans: he's a powerful tall back who takes his marks, backs himself with his reading of the play, shuts down opponents and can even switch forward periodically. The Swans are looking to add a tall to their squad with their first pick and Grainger-Barras is well in their sights. 

If not him? It would be a fascinating call if the Swans have to choose between Grainger-Barras and Logan McDonald, which is a legitimate possibility if Elijah Hollands is nabbed ahead of them. Will Phillips, Hollands and Tanner Bruhn have also been strongly considered.

 
 
 
 
02:28MINS
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Class of 2020: Denver Grainger-Barras' push to be the best player in the AFL

The best key defender in this year's draft pool speaks about what motivates and drives him to succeed

LOGAN MCDONALD

POS: Key forward
Ht 196cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 4/4/02
From Perth/Western Australia

McDonald pushed himself into contention for the top of the draft with an impressive season. The hard-working key forward willed himself into games and to contests with an excellent work rate and competitive edge. Many recruiters would take McDonald with the No.1 pick because of that, as well as his senior experience, with the 18-year-old kicking 21 goals for Perth at WAFL level this year. He converts his shots, gets away on the lead and will be a consistent forward option for many years. 

If not him? With their earliest pick since 2005, Hawthorn has done plenty of work at the top end. There's a chance Denver Grainger-Barras or Riley Thilthorpe gets through instead of McDonald, depending how the cards fall, while Elijah Hollands is also a chance. The Hawks have put in time on Archie Perkins and Nik Cox, including interviewing Cox last week and Perkins again on Monday, but they are the wildcard options. Many believe the Hawks could also call out Braeden Campbell's name here, but the Swans would match that bid.

 
 
 
 
02:21MINS
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Class of 2020: What makes Logan McDonald a No.1 contender

The WA key forward and potential No.1 draft pick speaks about his draft journey in 2020

WILL PHILLIPS

POS: Midfielder
Ht 180cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 22/5/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder has been viewed as a top-10 player in this year's group for some time now, having starred for Vic Metro at the under-16s championships and then last year averaging 22 disposals and four tackles in the NAB League. Phillips is a midfield bull who extracts the ball at will, is sharp by hand and can also push forward and hit the scoreboard. He's tough, consistent and ready to play, and has been closely monitored throughout this season by clubs with early selections. 

If not him? The Suns will sit and wait to see which member of the 'Fantastic Five' – Logan McDonald, Riley Thilthorpe , Denver Grainger-Barras, Elijah Hollands and Phillips – slips through and nab them. A tall would be the priority if they had a choice, hence their previous interest to trade up to pick No.2, but Gold Coast now will wait and see who is there. If Hawthorn did take a wildcard and the choice was between Phillips and Hollands for the Suns it would be a big call.

 
 
 
 
02:14MINS
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Tough midfielder Phillips could be top-10 pick

Oakleigh midfielder Will Phillips could be one of the first-picked midfielders in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft.

TANNER BRUHN 

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 27/5/02
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

A top-end talent who reminded scouts of his classy skills and poise in last week's training run in Victoria, Bruhn sits comfortably among the best midfielders in the crop. The catch is that he just hasn't played much since under-16s level, meaning clubs are having to dig even further back to assess his vision and talents. The Geelong Falcons midfielder injured his knee last year and missed out on playing with Vic Country as a bottom-ager but uses the ball well, is crafty with his disposals and has the frame that clubs believe can make him a potent midfielder at AFL level. 

If not him? The Bombers are keen to use at least one of their selections on a pure midfielder and Bruhn is in that basket. They met Reef McInnes last week so they could be tempted to bid on him, while Finlay Macrae may also come into their thinking. Last week they also interviewed WA prospect Jack Carroll, but it would be a surprise if they grabbed him at these spots.

 
 
 
 
01:29MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Tanner Bruhn shapes as a top-15 pick

Classy Victorian midfielder Tanner Bruhn shows why he's a top-15 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft

ZACH REID

POS: Key defender
Ht 202cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 2/3/02
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Reid is the modern key defensive prototype with his height, athleticism and also rebound ability. He has clubs inside the top rungs of the draft clamouring to pick him given his smarts and ball use out of the back line, with the Gippsland Power defender showing a calm head under pressure. Reid may take some time to develop his lean frame but has a lot of the tools clubs are searching for. Key forwards will rarely outmark him. The Bombers like to build from spine out, and Reid met them over the weekend. They need more young talls at the club. 

If not him? Nik Cox is the other tall in real contention with the Bombers' picks, and they could choose both of them. Heath Chapman is another option as a running third tall back who they have been linked to.

 
 
 
 
01:47MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Zach Reid is a top-10 contender

Versatile tall Zach Reid reveals where he sees his best position on the footy field

(Matching Essendon's bid)

BRAEDEN CAMPBELL

POS: Midfielder/forward
Ht 181cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 4/2/02
From Sydney Academy/Allies

The Swans will claim another top talent from their Academy in Campbell, with the sharp left-footer impressing in the build up to this year's NAB AFL Draft. Campbell is an explosive player with genuine speed – he ran 2.9 seconds over 20 metres at the Combine – and has shown he can play as a forward option, which he highlighted on Grand Final day last year with three goals and a best-afield honour in the NAB AFL All Stars clash. He has spent time at Sydney as part of the Academy program and also through the NEAFL.

If not him? The Swans have stocked up on points to match a bid for Campbell and are keen to add his kicking and line-breaking speed to their line-up. Hawthorn has also been strongly linked as a possible bidder at its first pick.

 
 
 
 
02:46MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Braeden Campbell is Sydney's next Academy star

Top prospect Braeden Campbell shares the lessons he's learnt from his time in the Swans Academy

OLIVER HENRY

POS: Medium forward
Ht 188cm, Wt 77kg, DOB 29/7/02
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Henry's quality comes in his ability to produce something eye-catching and special in the front half. He has real spring and can jump in a pack and come down with the ball in his hands. He played 15 games for the Falcons last year, including a five-goal haul in one game, while he also has the ability to shift into defence. The younger brother of Geelong defender Jack.

If not him? The Bombers have spent plenty of time digging into what Archie Perkins brings to the table, and he also fits as a hybrid type like Henry. They also like Conor Stone, another half-forward who could transition into the midfield. If the Bombers are going to trade a pick it will be this one – with Collingwood a suitor at the right price. 

 
 
 
 
02:08MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Brotherly advice to help Oliver Henry tread same path as Jack

Oliver Henry talks about his draft journey and reveals what advice his brother, Geelong defender, Jack Henry has given him

REEF MCINNES

POS: Midfielder/utility
Ht 193cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 12/12/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The appeal in McInnes is what he can become. McInnes has played stints as a third tall forward or defender, but clubs also see him as an inside midfielder in the future, with his size, height, and sharp instincts holding him in good stead after he played in Oakleigh's NAB League premiership last year. He was also a star in the speed test at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, running the 20-metre sprint in 2.78 seconds. The Crows are after a midfielder with their second pick and are keen on McInnes, the Collingwood Next Generation Academy prospect. If a bid comes here the Magpies may not match.

If not him? Others in this range for the Crows are Finlay Macrae, who is strongly in their thoughts, as well as local midfielder Luke Pedlar and classy on-baller Tanner Bruhn. They like Brayden Cook but it may be a touch early, while they have had a close look at Connor Stone.

 
 
 
 
02:00MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Star Magpie takes Reef McInnes under his wing

Speedster Reef McInnes reveals which Collingwood players have mentored him during his time with the Pies' Next Generation Academy

NIK COX

POS: Key defender/forward
Ht 200cm, Wt 87kg, DOB 15/1/02
From Northern Knights/Vic Metro

What is drawing clubs to Cox is his mix of athleticism and genuine football ability. The versatile key position player put in a stunning showing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, running 2.95 seconds for the 20 metres and 6:05 minutes for the 2km time trial, ranked third overall. But adding to that are his on-field capabilities, with Cox a brilliant and long kick on both feet, a strong overhead mark and an exciting play-anywhere type of option. The could-be-anything of this year's group and a player many clubs are keen to add to their list.

If not him? The Giants have had Cox in their sights for some time, but also like fellow defenders Heath Chapman and Zach Reid. They are somewhat at the mercy of Essendon's three selections with the same group of players in the mix. Tanner Bruhn and Archie Perkins are others they have tracked closely. Could they take Chapman here and hope Cox is available at their next spot?

 
 
 
 
02:15MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Nik Cox is a recruiter's dream

Versatile tall Nik Cox talks about his attributes as a player, and reveals his preferred position

TOM POWELL

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 2/3/02
From Sturt/South Australia

Powell is the highest production player in this year's draft. The Sturt ball-getter averaged 35 disposals, nine clearances and six inside-50s at under-18 level in South Australia to be the competition's premier player. The midfielder does what he does so well: get the ball in his hands at stoppages and then feed it out to runners. Powell is great in tight spaces and is also able to push forward and kick a goal, having kicked three in a game this year.

If not him? It would be a very tight call if it came down to Powell and Archie Perkins, with both players in considerations at this choice. Tanner Bruhn is another who is on the radar here. 

BRAYDEN COOK

POS: Forward/midfielder
Ht 190cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 18/7/02
From South Adelaide/South Australia

It has been a meteoric rise for Cook this season, with the clever forward rocketing up draft boards around the AFL. He kicked 26 goals from 13 games with South Adelaide, including some match-winning performances. The right-footer knows his way around goal, is a good overhead mark and is very smart one-on-one when the ball is in his area. He can also be played up the ground as a wingman. The Dockers have done their work on Cook and he would bring a new dimension to their forward half with his upside.

If not him? A choice between Heath Chapman and Cook would be interesting if both are available, although the Dockers do have a lot of Chapman's type already at the club. Oakleigh midfielder Finlay Macrae is a shot and Glenelg midfielder Luke Pedlar is also in the mix here, as would be Nik Cox if he's available. 

 
 
 
 
00:52MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Brayden Cook is this year's draft bolter

South Australian Brayden Cook talks about his rise through the draft ranks in 2020

HEATH CHAPMAN

POS: Key defender
Ht 193cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 31/1/02
From West Perth/Western Australia

The West Perth product averaged 23 disposals at colts level this year and proved himself as perhaps the best of his kind in the crop: a rebounding, leaping, intercepting third defender. Chapman enjoys taking the game on and dashing through the centre of the ground, but his mobility and aerial exploits also hold him in good stead against taller key forwards. He proved his endurance with a strong 2km time trial at the WA Combine, and the Giants have watched him closely throughout this year.

If not him? The Giants could flip things and take Chapman earlier and hope another tall like Nik Cox or Zach Reid gets through. Archie Perkins might be too good for them to ignore if still on the board, while they have an interest in SA goalkicker Brayden Cook. They could also register a bid for Lachie Jones from this stage.

 
 
 
 
01:14MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why recruiters love WA defender Heath Chapman

WA defender Heath Chapman talks about his dominant U18 season in the WAFL

ARCHIE PERKINS

POS: Forward/midfielder
Ht 188cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 26/3/02
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

One of the buzz players of the draft because of what he can do that others can't. Perkins is a half-forward who showed some very promising signs last season for the Sandringham Dragons with his overhead marking, goal sense and creativity with the ball. He was due to play as a midfielder this season before COVID-19 got in the way of a campaign for Victorian prospects, but Perkins has clubs buoyed by his size, strength and power. Think of a Connor Rozee type. Perkins could go a lot higher than this – having met with Hawthorn on Monday and had plenty of links to Essendon, the Giants and Roos – but Collingwood may sit back and swoop. 

If not him? The Pies would like one of the talls – Heath Chapman, Nik Cox or Zach Reid – to be available, while Conor Stone and Tom Powell would also be considered, as would Brayden Cook if he gets through.  

 
 
 
 
02:22MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: What makes Archie Perkins the buzz player of this year's draft

Find out why recruiters are comparing Archie Perkins to the likes of Power young gun Connor Rozee and Melbourne star Christian Petracca

(Matching Greater Western Sydney's bid)

LACHIE JONES

POS: Defender
Ht 186cm, Wt 88kg, DOB 9/4/02
From Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

There aren't many more prepared players in this year's pool than Jones, who seamlessly fitted into Woodville West Torrens' senior premiership side at SANFL level this year. The half-back can lock down on opponents and shut them out of games, but is also adept at providing some run and rebound out of the back half with his penetrating kick. Port Adelaide can all but lock Jones into a back pocket from round one next year, with the Power ready to match the bid for the Next Generation Academy player. 

If not him? Essendon has liked Jones, however it is considered unlikely the Bombers would bid on him with their trio of picks. The Giants, having lost Heath Shaw and Zac Williams from their back half, appear the most likely bidders, potentially even earlier.  

BAILEY LAURIE 

POS: Midfielder
Ht 179cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 24/3/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

There's been a lot of love for Laurie from clubs within the first round of the draft and with good reason. Laurie is a lively half-forward who also pushes into the midfield, and he has very high football IQ – he makes the right decisions, he finds and creates space, and he doesn't waste his touches. Laurie played in last year's NAB League premiership with the Oakleigh Chargers and proved he has good endurance at the Combine (6:24 minutes in the 2km time trial). 

If not him? The Giants like Laurie's dash and he shapes as a good culture fit as well. They could look at Luke Pedlar here, or fellow Oakleigh prospects Conor Stone and Finlay Macrae if they're still available.  

 
 
 
 
01:46MINS
Published on 

Classy Laurie has plenty of tricks

Oakleigh midfielder Bailey Laurie could be an early pick in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft with his precise kicking and evasiveness sure to please recruiters.

CONOR STONE

POS: Forwards/midfielder
Ht 189cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 22/2/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

There's been a late rush on Stone, who has pushed into the minds of clubs early in the draft due to his versatility, upside and character. Stone kicked five goals on debut in the NAB League last year and played in the Chargers' flag as a forward, with scouts remembering his deeds in the finals series. But others see him as a robust half-back and also as a taller midfield option who is yet to blossom. Stone isn't afraid to take a risk and try his luck but usually his decision is the right one.   

If not him? Finlay Macrae would be tough to pass up here, but the Pies may also look to deal these picks and move up the board if they can. SA midfielder Caleb Poulter will also be in the mix, while they have been linked to a bid for Brisbane Academy prospect Blake Coleman here as well.  

FINLAY MACRAE

POS: Midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 13/3/02
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Macrae averaged 17 disposals a game in the NAB League last year playing mainly off a half-forward flank, and was due for far more time in the midfield in 2020. Everything Macrae does has polish: he can use the ball well on both feet and is also handy when he shifts forward. The younger brother of Western Bulldogs star Jack, Macrae is a very good size for a midfielder and impacts games with his touches. Ran 6:17 minutes in the 2km time trial. The rich would get richer if this one comes off. 

If not him? The Tigers can sit pretty and see if Macrae is available. They have been linked as possible bidders on Swans Academy prospect Errol Gulden, while Conor Stone is another who looms as a chance. Max Holmes is a tiny chance if things fall a certain way. 

 
 
 
 
02:07MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Why Finlay Macrae edges out brother Jack in draft stakes

Victorian draft prospect Finlay Macrae talks about his football journey and reflects on advice from his brother, Western Bulldogs star, Jack Macrae.

JACK CARROLL

POS: Midfielder
Ht 187cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 20/12/02
From East Fremantle/Western Australia

There are plenty of clubs who are fans of Carroll, with the talented West Australia turning heads with his decision making ability and capacity to dodge and weave through traffic. The midfielder is adept at winning his own disposals – noted by his place atop the colts' competition's contested disposal count – but also can get into space. At his height he also offers a bigger presence than some others around his mark in the pool. 

If not him? The Demons would be looking to see if Bailey Laurie is available, while Finlay Macrae would also be wiped off the board if still available at the Dees' pair of picks. 

(Matching Melbourne's bid) –

ERROL GULDEN

POS: Midfielder
Ht 175cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 18/7/02
From Sydney Academy/Allies

Hard-working, consistent, relentless, skillful and always busy, Gulden is a death by a thousand kicks type of prospect. He has a good motor and just works his way into games to be a regular ball-getter. He doesn't waste his touches and has a steady left foot, and can also play as a small forward, which he showed for the Allies last year and the Swans' Academy. The Swans haven't guaranteed they will match a bid for Gulden but it is considered the likely outcome. 

If not him? Sydney hasn't guaranteed it would match the bid for Gulden if it comes in the first round, and the Dees have an interest in him.  

 
 
 
 
02:40MINS
Published on 

Class of 2020: Swans set to nab Academy gun Errol Gulden

NAB AFL Draft prospect Errol Gulden speaks about his experience in the Sydney Swans Academy

MAX HOLMES

POS: Midfielder
Ht 189cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 29/8/02
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

There's always room for a smokey. Holmes would be a genuine surprising inclusion in the top-30, but it is not beyond the realms. The excellent athlete shapes as a real bolter given he has played so little football in the talent pathway, but he put himself on the map with his testing, when he ran 2.8 seconds in the 20-metre sprint and 6:25 in the 2km time trial. He played one game for Sandringham last year having given away an athletics career, with his mother Lee Naylor a former Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. 

If not him? The Dees have been linked to Holmes for his running power and he would get a look under certain scenarios. Caleb Poulter is another who may be in their thoughts as the first round stretches out.  

LUKE PEDLAR

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 17/5/02
From Glenelg/South Australia

Pedlar has come into first-round contention as a surprise given some injury issues have seen him miss significant periods. But the hard-edged midfielder has shot up for a reason, and it's his competitiveness around the ball, his stoppage work, bullocking approach in traffic, tenacity and toughness and also capacity to push forward and kick a goal with his left foot. Has been likened to Freo's NAB AFL Rising Star Caleb Serong.

If not him? The Giants could place a bid on Connor Downie, with Hawthorn having first option to match it on the Next Generation Academy prospect. If they want to pair him up with close mate Bailey Laurie and rank him in the range, it is not a bad option. 

(Matching St Kilda's bid)

CONNOR DOWNIE

POS: Midfielder/defender
Ht 185cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 31/5/02
From Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Downie's weapons are his line-breaking running and long left-foot kicking. The Eastern Ranges prospect played last season mainly as a half-back, but had aspirations of being a powerful midfielder and wingman this season in his draft year. He is a player who penetrates: when he has the ball he gains important meterage and can bust through zones. Of Chinese descent, he is eligible to join the Hawks as a Next Generation Academy player. 

If not him? The Hawks haven't made a commitment to Downie either way – given it's so close to their second pick at this point they could choose not to match. If St Kilda doesn't bid, Geelong would with its opening pick. 

NATHAN O'DRISCOLL

POS: Midfielder
Ht 187cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 17/5/02
From Perth/Western Australia

O'Driscoll has risen through every level he's played, making clubs confident they know what type of player they'll be getting if they select him. He was an All Australian at under-16s level and last year played a critical role in WA's championship team at the under-18 carnival in the midfield. He played for Perth's senior side late in the year and has tested terrifically well for speed (2.93 seconds), agility (8.12 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:23 minutes). O'Driscoll is a competitive player who works himself into the ground. 

If not him? The Saints have an interest in WA midfielder Jack Carroll, while Zane Trew could also be contention around this mark. Running option Caleb Poulter may also appeal, along with inside brute Luke Pedlar. Jake Bowey is another in the Saints' range. 

CALEB POULTER

POS: Midfielder
Ht 192cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 12/10/02
From Woodville West Torrens/South Australia

With a sweeping left foot, an ability to keep finding the ball and the height of a key position player, Poulter presents as an exciting option for clubs. He pieced together a very consistent season, averaging 25 disposals for Woodville West Torrens' under-18 season with his power and size giving him the advantage over opponents. 

If not him? While Luke Pedlar getting through to a later Crows selection would be a handy result for the club, it appears unlikely. Jack Carroll would be looked at if he slips through. 

LIAM KOLAR

POS: Key forward
Ht 195cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 23/4/02
From Northern Knights/Vic Metro

Another prospect who benefited by the advent of the Vic Metro NAB AFL Draft Combine late in the year. Kolar shot the lights out with his performance, with the versatile tall completing a rare double of finishing third in the 2km time trial (6:03 minutes) and also running the 20 metre sprint in a (wind assisted) time of 2.87 seconds. Although it would be a pick based on potential rather than production, Kolar's athletic make-up will appeal to some clubs. 

If not him? Watch for one of these picks to be traded by the Crows on the night. 

JAKE BOWEY

POS: Midfielder
Ht 175cm, Wt 67kg, DOB 23/5/02
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Bowey is one of the better kicks in the draft, with his pinpoint passing and brilliant skills putting him into the frame as a second-round selection. The Sandringham Dragons small can be used on a wing or in attack, and he is a smart player. Bowey's size will count against him for some clubs but he packs some punch with his key attributes. Is the son of former Saints cult hero Brett Bowey.  

If not him? If Jack Carroll was there at this pick the Lions would take a very strong look at the West Australian. Don't be surprised if this selection is a little left-field. 

SHANNON NEALE

POS: Ruckman
Ht 202cm, Wt 91kg, DOB 25/7/02
From South Fremantle/Western Australia

Neale is a raw ruckman who has caught the eye of clubs given his athletic abilities for a tall prospect. The 18-year-old has proven his running credentials – he clocked in at 3.04 seconds over 20 metres and 6:35 minutes in the 2km at the Combine – and also has a good vertical leap. Neale will be given time to develop physically but possesses some AFL qualities. 

If not him? Victorian key forward Matt Allison is a chance at this pick for the Giants. The Calder Cannons tall is athletic and tested well at the Combine.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE LATER PICKS? 

This year the top 30 of the draft will account for more than 50 per cent of the draft pool. But there are some clubs who will be starting their night in the back half of proceedings. 

Here are the whispers for picks after the first 30. We have listed every pick in the official AFL draft order and also predicted how many selections each club plans to use, with the smallest total in history expected. 

In contrast to the Phantom Draft top 30, where the order is adjusted based on potential Academy bids, the below pick numbers are listed according to the official order.

ADELAIDE

Picks: 1, 9, 22, 23, 40, 80, 97, 109 (likely to use four selections)

Adelaide's night might be done inside the first 30 selections, with plenty of activity at the top end for recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie. But stand by for some potential pick swaps. The club has looked at moving up the order by packaging its two second-round picks, and is also keen to see if it can move one of them out into next year's draft for a future second-round selection. Adelaide is hopeful that Next Generation Academy talents Tariek Newchurch, an exciting small forward, and James Borlase, a strong marking key utility, get through to be category B rookies. If the Crows do make a trade and end up using pick No.40 as their fourth and last choice, then Tasmanian swingman Jackson Callow could come into contention.

ADELAIDE

Picks: 1, 9, 22, 23, 40, 80, 97, 109 (likely to use four selections)

Adelaide's night might be done inside the first 30 selections, with plenty of activity at the top end for recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie. But stand by for some potential pick swaps. The club has looked at moving up the order by packaging its two second-round picks, and is also keen to see if it can move one of them out into next year's draft for a future second-round selection. Adelaide is hopeful that Next Generation Academy talents Tariek Newchurch, an exciting small forward, and James Borlase, a strong marking key utility, get through to be category B rookies. If the Crows do make a trade and end up using pick No.40 as their fourth and last choice, then Tasmanian swingman Jackson Callow could come into contention.