The top 40 prospects of this year’s AFL draft class

The industry consensus is that North Melbourne or Carlton, rather than Richmond, will bid on Ashcroft, who some recruiters rate as the best-performed player this year. Whatever eventuates, the young gun onballer will join his Norm Smith Medal-winning brother Will at the Lions and help continue his father Marcus’ legacy at the reigning premiers. Ashcroft, who did not test at the combine because of shoulder surgery, is a dual under-18 All-Australian and already well known for his ultra professionalism and expert midfield craft. He will likely have to start his AFL career more at half-forward, but he has the confidence and ability to make his mark quickly.

3. Alix Tauru (North Melbourne)

Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Tall defender, 193cm, 16/11/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.5 disposals, 3.7 intercept marks, 7.3 intercept possessions
The Age’s August top 30: 19 October top 30: 3
Agility test: 8.196 seconds 20m sprint: 3 seconds 2km time trial: 6:36 minutes

This will be the draft-shaping selection. O’Sullivan, Sid Draper or Jagga Smith could go here instead, but Tauru is a wonderful fit for the Roos, who have spoken with other clubs about trading down. There is a perception that selecting the intercept defender would be a considerable reach, but he will almost certainly be snapped up in the top 10 regardless of what North decide. There is risk involved in picking Tauru, particularly this high, given his game sense is still raw, but there is genuine star quality here. He shows great courage in the way he aggressively flies for marks, and is an excellent athlete, including winning the running vertical jump at the combine.

4. Finn O’Sullivan (Carlton)

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 182cm, 30/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 17.3 disposals, 5.3 inside 50s, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 3 October top 30: 7
Agility test: 8.14 secs 20m sprint: 2.99 secs 2km time trial: 6:28 mins

It would be tough for the Blues not to draft O’Sullivan here, but Sid Draper and possibly Jagga Smith are other options. O’Sullivan – who some argue is the most talented player in this year’s class – could even be the No.1 pick, so may not be available. He is a strong runner, skilful, a very good decision-maker and athlete, marks the ball well, and is not a huge ball-winner but regularly kicks goals, which recruiters love from midfielders. Similarly to Lalor, injuries curbed O’Sullivan’s impact in his draft year and left some question marks, but he was the best player at the under-16 carnival two years ago and an under-18 All-Australian in his bottom-age season in 2023.

5. Harvey Langford (Adelaide)

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder, 191cm, 15/3/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.9 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 11 October top 30: 5
Agility test: 8.642 secs 20m sprint: 3.24 secs 2km time trial: 6:24 mins

Langford is one of the biggest risers from the start of the season, and shared the Larke Medal with Leo Lombard as the two most outstanding players at this year’s under-18 championships. That honour was the highlight of a consistently dominant year for a player who put the Stingrays on his back at times. Langford is tall for an onballer and that gives him an edge when he pushes forward, where his marking strength is another tick. His toughness and relentless running help him win a stack of the Sherrin, and talent scouts are mostly willing to overlook his lack of leg speed and the odd bad kicking decision. The Crows could opt for local boy Sid Draper.

6. Jagga Smith (Melbourne)

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 182cm, 28/1/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 33.8 disposals, 13.9 contested possessions, 7.9 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 1 October top 30: 4
Agility test: 8.484 secs 20m sprint: 3.038 secs 2km time trial: 6:27 mins

Smith is a lightly framed midfield marvel who is an expert ball-winner with quick feet and rare agility that he uses to escape tight spots. He gathered an incredible 50 disposals and 24 contested possessions against Western Jets in a game this season, and is renowned for almost always hitting his target, particularly by hand. Smith has performed against boys and men, and recruiters were pleased to see him kick more goals and be more damaging with his disposals towards the end of the season. He is the safest pick in the draft, but recruiters believe his ceiling as a player is lower than some peers. If it’s not Smith here, the Demons may take Sid Draper instead.

7. Josh Smillie (Richmond)

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 195cm, 17/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.5 disposals, 11.3 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 4 October top 30: 8
Agility test: 8.391 secs 20m sprint: 3.09 secs 2km time trial: 6:38 mins

Smillie was once a pick one contender, but an up-and-down season left him a polarising prospect. His physical traits and playing style as a midfielder provoke comparisons to Carlton’s dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps. Smillie’s admirers rave about his stoppage work and how he can hang tough in a tackle before finding a teammate by hand, while he has also proven he can step up in crunch moments. Tigers list manager Blair Hartley and performance boss Tim Livingstone both have links to Smillie’s junior club Park Orchards. Whether that connection is being overblown will soon be known. Richmond could take a key forward here instead.

8. Leo Lombard (Gold Coast match St Kilda’s bid)

GC Suns Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 179cm, 5/10/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 24.7 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 5.7 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 14 October top 30: 9
Agility test: 7.81 secs 20m sprint: 2.851 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins

The Saints could be bidding disruptors after their president Andrew Bassat slammed the AFL’s drafting system, in particular the price clubs pay for academy and father-son talent. That said, co-Larke medallist Lombard warrants being taken at this part of the draft. He is a force at stoppages, where his power, speed and competitiveness come to the fore. Lombard ran the fastest 20-metre sprint time at the combine, finished second in the agility test and also performed well in the two-kilometre time trial, rounding out a fantastic draft year. His height is not a concern, and he could be tidier with his disposals at times, but he promises to be a strong addition to the Suns’ on-ball rotation.

9. Isaac Kako (Essendon match St Kilda’s bid)

Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Forward, 176cm, 7/3/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 18.7 disposals, 1.7 goals, 7.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 12 October top 30: 6
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Will the Saints bid again? The Bombers might actually want them to, given they offloaded their in-demand No.9 selection to Melbourne during the trade period with a Kako bid in mind. Some rival clubs believe they should have waited until draft night to maximise the deal. Kako – who qualifies for Essendon’s NGA because his parents were born in Iraq – roared into top-10 contention with a sparkling under-18 championships where his goalkicking brilliance stood out. The pint-sized and elusive small forward has a knack for producing something out of nothing, and promises to be a fan favourite who will entertain Bomber fans for the next decade-plus.

10. Sid Draper (St Kilda)

South Adelaide/South Australia
Midfielder, 182cm, 5/7/2006
SANFL seniors stats (avg): 22.2 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 6.2 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 6 October top 30: 10
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Draper could go as early as the second pick, in a sign of how even this draft is. His point of difference with his power and speed off the mark reminds recruiters of Patrick Dangerfield and Jason Horne-Francis, and he puts it to great use at stoppages. That quality is why Draper’s fans believe he has more “hurt factor” than some of his midfield peers in this draft class, whereas others query his decision-making and kicking in general. Another knock is Draper not being much of a goalkicker. However, the dual under-18 All-Australian is super competitive and finished the season well in the SANFL seniors after a shin stress injury delayed his season start.

11. Xavier Lindsay (St Kilda)

Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Midfielder, 183cm, 3/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.4 disposals, 5.4 clearances, 5.2 inside 50s
The Age’s August top 30: 10 October top 30: 13
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Lindsay’s sublime left boot projects as a serious weapon for whichever AFL club chooses him, and he is not afraid to be aggressive with his kicking. There is a belief among recruiters that the Saints will pick back-to-back midfielders to upgrade a ho-hum on-ball unit, with Lindsay, Tobie Travaglia and Murphy Reid among the possibilities. Lindsay likely starts as a winger and may remain there, but is more than capable performing an inside midfield role. He is a smart footballer, remains mostly unflustered, works hard, and his leadership is an intangible that only heightens his draft stock. A PCL knee injury ended Lindsay’s season prematurely.

12. Harry Armstrong (Melbourne)

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Tall forward, 195cm, 14/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 9.9 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 8 October top 30: 11
Agility test: 8.132 secs 20m sprint: 3.09 secs 2km time trial: 6:50 mins

Armstrong’s been linked with Richmond, St Kilda and Melbourne, and is viewed as the best key forward in the draft – a status he earned with a terrific under-18 championships. The Demons are also big fans of Dandenong Stingrays bull Cooper Hynes, while some talent scouts think Jobe Shanahan would complement Jacob van Rooyen better than Armstrong. Melbourne used a first-round pick on fellow tall forward Matt Jefferson two years ago, but he is yet to make his AFL debut. Likened to Jeremy Cameron, Armstrong is a good athlete with a mix of speed and endurance who works up the ground and is strong aerially, but his quiet nature is a talking point.

13. Tobie Travaglia (Richmond)

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Defender/midfielder, 187cm, 26/10/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.6 disposals, 11.6 contested possessions, 6.4 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 13 October top 30: 12
Agility test: 8.261 secs 20m sprint: 3.19 secs 2km time trial: 6:13 mins

This might be too low for a player who is universally loved by recruiters and improved in leaps and bounds this year. Melbourne could even take him at the previous pick. There are talent scouts who rate Travaglia inside the top 10, but he is typically considered to be narrowly outside that company. Only Sydney academy prospect Joel Cochran ran a quicker 2km time trial at the combine. That endurance makes him an early candidate to fill a wing or play off half-back, but there is confidence he could develop into an inside midfielder. Travaglia is highly competitive, hates being beaten, dependable and one of the safer picks in the first round.

14. Jobe Shanahan (Richmond)

Bendigo Pioneers/Allies
Tall forward, 195cm, 2/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 12.9 disposals, 8.5 contested possessions, 2.1 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 21 October top 30: 17
Agility test: 8.77 secs 20m sprint: 3.1 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins

Shanahan just kept getting it done this year, from the Talent League to the under-18 championships then in the VFL for Essendon, where he kicked 11 goals in three appearances. He is an endurance athlete, an excellent field and set-shot kick, constantly presents in the right areas (including being a smart judge of aerial balls) and makes good decisions. Many recruiters believe there is little between Shanahan and Harry Armstrong, and the former has the added appeal of proving he can play at the other end of the ground.

15. Bo Allan (West Coast)

Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Defender/midfielder, 191cm, 16/2/2006
WAFL seniors stats (avg): 11.5 disposals, 3.9 contested possessions, 3.3 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 9 October top 30: 19
Agility test: 7.94 secs 20m sprint: 2.99 secs 2km time trial: 6:37 mins

The Eagles are a good chance to grab the best Western Australian prospect, who demonstrated his athleticism and power across several draft combine tests, including placing top four in the vertical jump and agility. West Coast originally did not have a pick in this range, but traded down from three in a trade period deal that helped net them Liam Baker – and now find themselves in a great spot for Allan. He will likely start at half-back or on a wing, but the hope is he will develop into a big midfielder, where he played some good games at senior level in the WAFL. Allan’s kicking could be better, but he competes hard, is quick, diligent and brings leadership.

16. Jack Whitlock (Port Adelaide)

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Tall forward, 200cm, 16/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.4 disposals, 2.5 F50 marks, 2.1 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 22 October top 30: 22
Agility test: 8.912 secs 20m sprint: 3.1 secs 2km time trial: 6:39 mins

There is a scenario where the taller of the Whitlock twins is a Saint, Demon or Tiger and already off the board. Instead, we have the athletic forward heading to Alberton, after Charlie Dixon’s retirement and with concerns about Todd Marshall’s concussion history. Luke Trainor could be an option as well for Port, who could easily go for a smaller type, too, such as Murphy Reid. Whitlock moves well for a player of his size, kicks goals from marks and at ground level, can serve as a relief ruckman and has plenty of upside. Some query his competitiveness.

17. Joe Berry (Fremantle)

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Forward, 181cm, 18/4/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.4 disposals, 1.9 goals, 6.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 16 October top 30: 15
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Berry is a beauty, and someone recruiters rave about for his speed, running power, agility and goalkicking nous. He runs hard defensively, too. The common belief is Berry will develop quickly once he joins an AFL club, and his skill set and physical assets are ideal for the modern high half-forward role. He could also push up onto a wing, and talent scouts can envision him providing some midfield minutes as well. The Dockers’ list is in good shape without any glaring weaknesses, so they can pick the best player available here. Taj Hotton is also an option.

18. Taj Hotton (GWS Giants)

Sandringham Dragons
Midfielder/forward, 182cm, 17/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 28.7 disposals, 7.3 marks, 1.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 15 October top 30: 16
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Hotton was on track to be a top-10 selection before suffering an ACL rupture at training in May that ended his season, meaning he will still be recovering when he is drafted. A pre-draft knee reconstruction is enough to make any recruiter nervous, given the risk of a repeat. However, Hotton is an exceptional athlete, strong aerially, and a multi-position player who was the best-performed prospect before his injury. His games for Sandy and the AFL Academy were obscenely good. Hotton did not receive a draft-night invitation, so there is a chance he slides.

19. Ollie Hannaford (GWS Giants)

GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Forward, 180cm, 1/9/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.7 disposals, 9.5 contested possessions, 1.2 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: 20
Agility test: 7.92 secs 20m sprint: 2.95 secs 2km time trial: 7:26 mins

Hannaford’s draft stocks rocketed in the last two months of the year, with his mid-season switch to attack unlocking his potential after he started down back. He is tough as nails, ultra-competitive and boasts a great combination of speed and power – as evidenced at the Victorian combine – that makes him a match-up nightmare. Hannaford’s 2km time was underwhelming, but recruiters largely dismissed it as an issue and were confident he would improve in an AFL system rather than living in a boarding house.

20. Murphy Reid (Western Bulldogs)

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 30/7/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 25.1 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions, 4.1 clearances
The Age’s August top 30: 17 October top 30: 18
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

This masthead has consistently ranked Reid lower than other outlets based off recruiters’ concerns, including but not limited to his lack of size and speed. They still speak glowingly about his football brain, class and how good he was at all levels. Some scouts think Reid will make his living more outside the centre square at half-forward, whereas others rate him a top-10 talent and believe he can be a midfielder at AFL level. There is another group who view his draft range closer to 12-15. Non-Victorian clubs are wary he might want to remain in Melbourne.

21. Luke Trainor (Richmond)

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Tall defender, 194cm, 10/4/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 19.8 disposals, 2.4 intercept marks, 6 intercept possessions
The Age’s August top 30: 7 October top 30: 14
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Trainor was once considered a potential top-five pick after a fast start to the season, but fellow intercept defender Alix Tauru went up, whereas he has tumbled, including not being invited to the first night of the draft. Recruiters would have liked to see him play on an opponent more and believe he can be shaky deep in defence, while there are also concerns about his concussions. But it is easy to forget all the positives Trainor would bring to an AFL team, from his strong hands to his aggressive kicking out of defence and ability to play at both ends.

22. Sam Marshall (Brisbane Lions match Sydney’s bid)

Sandringham Dragons/Allies/Brisbane Lions Academy
Midfielder, 185cm, 19/1/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.1 disposals, 5.9 contested possessions, 6.5 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 28 October top 30: 21
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

The Lions’ academy prospect attended Melbourne Grammar on scholarship and played for the Dragons in the Talent League, while still representing the Allies at national level. He is a running machine who runs 2km in under six minutes and is still going strong deep in games when others are slowing down. Marshall’s prolific end to the season, including winning the best-in-ground medal in Sandringham’s latest flag triumph, increased the likelihood of an early bid. Whether he will be more than just an accumulator at AFL level remains to be seen.

23. Jesse Dattoli (Sydney)

Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 179cm, 7/8/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.1 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 1.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 23 October top 30: 25
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Dattoli is a confident and competitive kid – and that has shone through in club interviews, with a mixed response to it, but more believe it is a positive, particularly given what it takes to succeed at his height. A natural footballer, it would not surprise if Dattoli was snapped up in the teens. He will spend time in the midfield and up forward in the AFL, with his improved endurance, toughness and power combining to make him a good stoppage player, and he is a good mark for his size.

24. Jasper Alger (Richmond)

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country
Forward, 183cm, 17/12/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 10.8 disposals, 2.7 tackles, 1.3 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.141 secs 20m sprint: 2.931 secs 2km time trial: 6:28 mins

The newest draft bolter, and could even sneak inside the top 20. The Giants, Tigers and maybe even the Dogs could fight it out for him. Alger tested very well at the national combine and is a good athlete who performs well aerially for his height and in one-on-one situations. The zippy small forward from Warragul makes quick and smart decisions under pressure, presents well and with a purpose on the lead, and is typically a sound set shot. Alger has played various roles, but his future looks to be in attack.

25. Jonty Faull (GWS Giants)

GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Tall forward, 195cm, 1/2/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 13 disposals, 2.5 goals, 6.7 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 26 October top 30: 23
Agility test: 8.34 secs 20m sprint: 3.12 secs 2km time trial: 6:53 mins

It is difficult to imagine Faull lasting longer than this, and he could be well gone by this pick. Faull is most commonly rated as the fourth key forward behind Harry Armstrong, Jobe Shanahan and Jack Whitlock, but he is the most competitive and aggressive of the bunch. What he lacks in athleticism, Faull makes up for with physicality, smart bodywork and strong hands overhead, while he boasts a powerful set shot that gives him range beyond 50 metres. A back stress fracture delayed his season start. Tom Gross is a chance at this pick, too.

26. Matt Whitlock (Sydney)

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Tall forward/defender, 198cm, 16/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 14.2 disposals, 5 marks, 1.9 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 29 October top 30: 26
Agility test: 8.545 secs 20m sprint: 3.05 secs 2km time trial: N/A

The second of the Whitlock twins is a couple of centimetres shorter, but proved himself more than capable at both ends this year. Like his brother, he is athletic, works hard and is a good mover for his size – demonstrated by his 20m sprint time. Whitlock’s key-position appeal for clubs is obvious, even beyond his height: He kicked multiple goals eight times in the Talent League, but his season also includes three games with four or more intercept marks. His set-shot kicking could improve.

27. Alex Dodson (Richmond)

Sturt/South Australia
Ruckman, 201cm, 15/6/2006
SANFL U18 stats (avg): 20.8 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7.4 hit-outs-to-advantage
The Age’s August top 30: 20 October top 30: 24
Agility test: 9.08 secs 20m sprint: 3.25 secs 2km time trial: 7:06 mins

The first ruckman drafted is certain to be Dodson, a basketball convert who represented Australia at underage level and could have accepted a development spot with NBL club Adelaide 36ers. Now fully invested in becoming an AFL footballer, the teenager has great upside and plays like an extra midfielder once the ball hits the ground, but recruiters would like to see his marking develop. Most recruiters expect the Tigers to take the plunge on Dodson.

28. Cooper Hynes (Richmond)

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 28/2/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.7 disposals, 4.7 clearances, 1.5 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: 27
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

This might be far too low for Hynes, who could go as high as Melbourne’s second pick, with West Coast and Port Adelaide among his admirers. The common retort about the powerful Stingrays product is that he has the widest draft range of any player. Formed a great one-two punch with Harvey Langford, and they often switched between the forward line and midfield. There are some lofty AFL comparisons for him, from Cam Zurhaar to even Clayton Oliver. Hynes’ endurance needs to improve, but his forward and clearance craft are rated highly.

29. Tom Gross (Western Bulldogs)

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder/forward, 181cm, 15/9/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 22.3 disposals, 8.3 contested possessions, 6.5 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 24 October top 30: 28
Agility test: 8.62 secs 20m sprint: 3.19 secs 2km time trial: 6:54 mins

Gross would be a good pick-up here for the Dogs after they traded Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel this off-season. Some rate him higher, others lower, but the consensus is he should enjoy a long AFL career without being the most spectacular player from this draft. Gross is tough, accelerates quickly and is equally effective as a midfielder and forward, where his overhead marking and smart leading patterns make him a challenging match-up.

30. Noah Mraz (West Coast)

Dandenong Stingrays
Tall defender, 198cm, 20/2/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 19.5 disposals, 2.5 intercept marks, 6 intercept possessions
The Age’s August top 30: 30 October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.47 secs 20m sprint: 3.25 secs 2km time trial: 6:32 mins

A stress fracture in the navicular bone of Mraz’s left foot kept him to only two matches this year, but recruiters have not forgotten the athletic and competitive key defender. Doctors gave him the all-clear in August to resume running and his work ethic was evidenced in his 2km time at the combine. There is a chance a club grabs Mraz earlier than this, but he could also slide further. He marks the ball well, but can improve his kicking. The Eagles could do with another tall defensive prospect after Tom Barrass’ exit and with Jeremy McGovern in his twilight.

31. James Barrat (Port Adelaide)

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Tall defender/forward, 194cm, 23/11/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.5 disposals, 3.5 intercept marks, 1.7 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.29 secs 20m sprint: 3.01 secs 2km time trial: 6:52 mins

A second straight key defender comes off the board. Barrat continues to climb the draft order after his mid-season switch to the backline after kicking at least two goals in each of his first six Talent League games. His competitiveness and versatility endear him to recruiters – some of whom rank him inside the top 30 – but they wish he was a few centimetres taller. Barrat’s kicking skills are also rated highly, particularly for a player at his height.

32. Hamish Davis (Fremantle)

Claremont/Western Australia
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 2/5/2006
WAFL seniors stats (avg): 14.3 disposals, 5.1 score involvements, 1 goal
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.55 secs 20m sprint: 3.13 secs 2km time trial: 6:18 mins

Davis’ athletic profile at his height makes him an intriguing prospect, and he has recruiters’ attention – but the asterisk on him is his kicking, which will stop some clubs taking him. There is an outside chance he goes inside the top 30, but he is more likely to land somewhere in the 30s. Whether a club’s recruiting team believes he can develop into a genuine midfielder at AFL level could be the deciding factor in where he is taken, but this is a chance for Freo to pick local.

33. Ben Camporeale (Carlton match St Kilda’s bid)

Glenelg/South Australia
Midfielder/defender, 186cm, 21/7/2006
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 31.7 disposals, 6.7 clearances, 6 inside 50s
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

The Saints again? This one would set tongues wagging if St Kilda list boss Stephen Silvagni places a bid on his former club’s father-son prospect, whose father Scott played alongside the all-time great in the Blues’ 1995 premiership. Ben is the right-footer of the twins and an inside midfielder, whereas his brother Lucas is more of a winger/half-back-type. Neither is a great kick, and that could limit their AFL ceiling, as could a lack of speed, but Ben knows how to find the footy and works hard.

34. Thomas Sims (St Kilda)

Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Tall forward, 199cm, 12/5/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 11.5 disposals, 1.5 goals, 6 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: 27 October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.136 secs 20m sprint: 3.15 secs 2km time trial: 6:55 mins

The Saints’ decision with their top-10 picks could impact what they do here. If they go for two midfielders there, as rivals suspect, then they might take a punt on Sims here, a key forward prospect who had some big individual games – including a seven-goal, 10-mark performance against Western Jets – but faded in the second half of the season. He has great height for a forward and can also go into the ruck.

35. Charlie West (Essendon)

Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Tall forward, 194cm, 1/2/2006
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 16.8 disposals, 6.4 marks, 1.9 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.568 secs 20m sprint: 2.957 secs 2km time trial: 7:04 mins

The Bombers could do with another developing tall forward, and West is competitive, good overhead and very quick for someone of his height. Not everyone would pick him this high, and at this stage of the draft, everyone will have their flaws – as is the case with West, whose kicking and endurance are not a strength. Some recruiters would also like to see him work harder.

36. Harrison Oliver (Hawthorn)

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Defender, 181cm, 15/6/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 15.4 disposals, 5.5 intercept possessions, 2.2 tackles
The Age’s August top 30: 25 October top 30: 29
Agility test: N/A 20m sprint: N/A 2km time trial: N/A

Oliver has done nothing wrong to slip into the 30s, and is tipped to play a lot of AFL games, but the position he plays and the suspicion he has a lower ceiling than others could result in him sliding. However, he is the standout small defender in the draft, won All-Australian honours, kicks the ball well and offers a good mix of attack and defence. Could be develop into a wingman?

37. Christian Moraes (Western Bulldogs)

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 183cm, 8/11/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 23.8 disposals, 4.1 clearances, 1.5 goals
The Age’s August top 30: 18 October top 30: 30
Agility test: 8.35 secs 20m sprint: 3.09 secs 2km time trial: 6:25 mins

Moraes is a great talent who had some enormous performances in the past two years, but has fallen from a one-time top-10 contender to someone who could be available in the 30s. He is a strong offensive player who runs hard that way, although recruiters want him to work on his defensive game. Moraes projects as a winger and half-forward at AFL level and may need the right environment to thrive.

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38. Angus Clarke (Port Adelaide)

Glenelg/South Australia
Defender, 189cm, 2/11/2006
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 16.7 disposals, 1.4 intercept marks, 7.2 intercept possessions
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.9 secs 20m sprint: 3.12 secs 2km time trial: 6:16 mins

Clarke, the nephew of ex-Adelaide ruckman-turned-AFLW coach Matthew, regularly made the nine-hour round trip from Mt Gambier to train. He has played at both ends of the ground, but AFL recruiters believe he is a better prospect as a defender, where he reads the play well and rarely wastes a possession. Sydney and Fremantle have also shown interest in Clarke.

39. Rhys Unwin (GWS Giants)

GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder, 179cm, 11/10/2006
Talent League stats (avg): 16.8 disposals, 9.1 contested possessions, 5.1 score involvements
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.012 secs 20m sprint: 2.88 secs 2km time trial: 6:54 mins

The Giants are among the clubs who like Unwin, a lightning-fast forward who also spent time in the midfield for the Rebels. The belief is he will need to iron out some of his flaws if he is to make it at AFL level, and he can be a bit careless with his kicking – which is why some rank him outside the top 40 – but he has assets others do not.

40. Charlie Nicholls (Sydney)

Central District/South Australia
Key forward, 197cm, 8/6/2006
SANFL U18s stats (avg): 15 disposals, 7.5 marks, 2 goals
The Age’s August top 30: N/A October top 30: N/A
Agility test: 8.423 secs 20m sprint: 2.96 secs 2km time trial: 6:41 mins

Nicholls was viewed as a potential first-rounder as recently as before the under-18 championships, but is now more likely to be taken in this draft range – or even later. He is lightly framed, will take time to develop and might never be a No.1 forward, but there is potential here. Nicholls is quick and marks the ball well, and a club that is willing to be patient with him might be rewarded.

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