Burgatron's Draft watch: the 17 most likely (afl site)

[one-eyed]

Draft watch: the 17 most likely
By Matt Burgan 8:48 PM Sun 04 October, 2009

Aaron Black (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)
Now looms as a genuine first-round pick. The athletic, high leaping, tall forward has shot into calculations in the second half of the season – akin to Geelong's Mitchell Brown last year. He was strongly sounded out at the NAB AFL Draft Camp.

John Butcher (Vic Country/Gippsland Power)
Earlier this season the key forward was regarded as a potential No.1 and almost certain top three pick. He has slipped in the pecking order, although he still looms as a first-round pick, it will be fascinating to see where he gets picked.

Jake Carlisle (Vic Metro/Calder Cannons)
The key defender/forward had an outstanding finish to the season, which has lifted his status in the pecking order. Carlisle possesses strong hands and good foot skills. But it is his ability to play at both ends, which makes him a strong first-round prospect.

Travis Colyer (Western Australia/Claremont)
An extremely quick small man, Colyer has been likened to John Platten in his style of play. He is also a clever goalkicker. An All-Australian in this year's NAB AFL under-18 championships, he has risen up the rankings in recent times.

Ben Cunnington (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
Recruiters love Cunnington, a tough-as-nails utility who appears to have risen again and now looks set to be a top five selection. It's hard to see him slipping past No.5 (North Melbourne). He is regarded as a genuine AFL player.

Lewis Jetta (Western Australia/Swan Districts)
The 20-year-old is a monty to be the first 'mature' age player selected in this year's pool. His stocks keep rising and it would not surprise if he was selected by West Coast Eagles at No.7. He is related to Essendon's Leroy and Melbourne's Neville.

Kane Lucas (Western Australia/East Fremantle)
The midfielder had an outstanding finish to the year and now looks certain to be claimed in the top 10. He played seniors in the WAFL this year and was one of the standouts at the draft camp. Lucas looks set to be taken between eight and 10 in the draft.

Dustin Martin (Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers)
Improved significantly following the under 18 champs – even though he received All-Australian honours – and he is now right in the mix to be claimed at No.3 by Richmond. The midfielder's draft camp results were outstanding.

Jake Melksham (Vic Metro/Calder Cannons)
The ball-winning, stoppage midfielder had an excellent end to the season, winning the TAC Cup Grand Final Medal in Calder's premiership win. He had 24 disposals and seven inside 50s on the big stage. Melksham's overall finals series have pushed him back up.

Andrew Moore (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges)
He is one of the most versatile players in the draft, having been likened to Adelaide's Andy Otten. Moore, who is the younger brother of Richmond's Kel, has been hovering around the first-round for much of the season and now looks to have firmed even more.

Anthony Morabito (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)
Although he can't be dismissed at No.2 (Melbourne) or Richmond (No.3), at this stage it appears the run-and-carry midfielder will remain in the west with Fremantle (No.4). Some recruiters believe he would not be out of place as this year's No.1 draft pick.

Gary Rohan (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
The forward's stocks have risen throughout the year – and with good reason – he is one of the draft's most exciting prospects. Although his form dipped a little late in the season, he impressed at the draft camp, topping the new kicking drill with 77 per cent efficiency.

Brad Sheppard (Western Australia/East Fremantle)
Solid and consistent, Sheppard's prospects have continued to gain momentum throughout the season. He had an excellent under-18 championship and was back-pocket in the All-Australian team. Sheppard also has the ability to play onball.

Tom Scully (Vic Metro/Dandenong Stingrays)
The hard-running midfielder has been touted as the No.1 pick for quite some time now, but at absolute worst will not slip past No.2. Either way, expect Scully to be wearing the red and blue in 2010 and beyond. A recent knee injury limited his draft camp activities.

Luke Tapscott (South Australia/North Adelaide)
Still regarded as the best kick in this year's draft, Tapscott has been compared to Brisbane Lions 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star Daniel Rich. He is a strongly-built midfielder/forward who could be a top 10 selection. He has been very consistent in 2009.

Jack Trengove (South Australia/Sturt)
Did not attend last week's draft camp due to SANFL finals, but his recent form has several recruiters now thinking he should be taken at No.1, ahead of Scully in the draft. The tough midfielder/forward now appears to be one of Melbourne's top two picks.

Troy Taylor (Northern Territory Thunder)
Taylor has immense talent and has been likened to Daniel Motlop. He was right in the mix for Gold Coast – he could've been claimed under its Northern Territory catchment – but at this stage he is in the mix for all clubs, putting him back into the top 17 mix.

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