By Matt Burgan
3:40 PM Thu 27 August, 2009
Aaron Black (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)The athletic tall could be the bolter in this year's top 16. He has a basketball background and has been likened to Geelong's Mitchell Brown, who shot up the rankings in last year's draft and was taken in the first round.
John Butcher (Vic Country/Gippsland Power) Of all the key forwards in this year's mix, Butcher still looks set to be the leading contender and a top-five selection. His most recent outing for Gippsland produced three goals and some impressive work against Gold Coast.
Allen Christensen (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)The nephew of Damien and Marty remains a fascinating player in terms of his positioning in this year's draft. He looms as a top 20 selection.
James Craig (South Australia/North Adelaide)After an impressive carnival, the ruckman was named in the All-Australian side and has since risen in stocks. Although he is not a definitive top 16 pick, the fact there are few ruckmen available puts him in the mix.
Ben Cunnington (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons) Last month, the tough-as-teak utility had shot into top 10 calculations, but now it appears he is in the top six, particularly after his best-on-ground five-goal performance against Western Jets last round.
Lewis Jetta (Western Australia/Swan Districts)The 20-year-old looms as the most likely mature-age player to be chosen in the first round. Related to Neville and Leroy, he could be a 12 to 16 prospect at this stage. His form, particularly in a senior state game this year, really pricked the interest of recruiters.
Kane Lucas (Western Australia/East Fremantle) Although highly rated, there have been some varying opinions on exactly where the midfielder will land in the first round. There has been recent talk of him being on the cusp of the top 10, given his All-Australian selection and senior WAFL appearances.
Dustin Martin (Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers) Continues to enhance his reputation and is now likely to be a top 12 pick. His status has really lifted as the season has progressed, especially since the championships. Last weekend, the ball-winner was Bendigo's best in its loss to Eastern Ranges.
Andrew Moore (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges)The younger brother of Richmond's Kel continues to be in the mix as a first-round draftee – possibly 12-16 – despite playing much of his football with school team Yarra Valley Grammar. He can play at both ends and has been likened to Swan Ryan O'Keefe.
Anthony Morabito (Western Australia/Peel Thunder) The dashing midfielder remains a top 5 selection. Some believe he has the potential to be the No.1 pick, but more likely he seems a No.2 or No.3 pick. With Melbourne now claiming the top two choices, it will be fascinating to see if the Dees take him.
Gary Rohan (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons) His stocks keep on rising and it's not hard to see why. He is one of the most exciting players in this year's pool, with plenty of upside in his game. Rohan has gone from a first rounder to top 10 pick and now looks set to be claimed in the first half-a-dozen.
Brad Sheppard (Western Australia/East Fremantle)Named in the back-pocket of this year's All-Australian team, Sheppard has come right into first-round calculations recently. In fact, some believe he could be a top 12 pick. He has been likened to Craig Turley/Brad Sewell as a half-back/onball prospect.
Tom Scully (Vic Metro/Dandenong Stingrays) The gut-running midfielder still looks set to be the first player selected in the NAB AFL Draft and with Melbourne now claiming the first picks it would be a major surprise if he was not in red and blue colours next year.
Daniel Talia (Vic Metro/Calder Cannons)Although a recent hamstring injury ended his season, the All-Australian centre half-back remains right in contention to be a first-round selection. Although there are some split views in regards to his placing in the pool, he does rate highly.
Luke Tapscott (South Australia/North Adelaide) The strongly-built midfielder/forward is on the cusp of the top 12, since his kicking is widely regarded as the best of the underage talent. Some recruiters have likened his kicking to Brisbane Lions young gun Daniel Rich.
Jack Trengove (South Australia/Sturt) The hard-at-it midfielder/forward remains a top-three prospect. It will be intriguing to see if Melbourne takes Trengove with one of its first two picks. He could be as early as No.1 or at worst No.5. He is playing seniors in the SANFL.
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