Last year's top 10 draft picks. How many are ready to play early on? Picture: AFL Photos

ROUND one is fast approaching and with that comes a smattering of new faces in each club's line-up.

But which first-year players from the 2019 NAB AFL Draft look likely to feature in the opening round of the season?

Here's our take on some of the most ready-to-go youngsters, plus a couple of smokies to watch for early in the year.

Matt Rowell (Gold Coast, pick 1)

Like he was for all of his draft year, Rowell tops this group. He's the obvious candidate as being ready to face the rigours of AFL football, having been ready for most of last year for a new challenge. The midfielder is a leading favourite for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star award. Expect him to take on an important role at the clinches right away for the Suns.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Class of 2019: Matt Rowell The likely No.1 pick shares the secrets to his rise to the top of the draft

THE VERONICAS? Three curious facts about the No.1 draft pick

Noah Anderson (Gold Coast, pick 2)

The No.2 pick has impressed in his first AFL pre-season, and it would be a surprise to not see him the running midfielder named in round one for the Suns. At full strength, the club does have some midfield options to rattle through, but Anderson's size, ball-winning ability, capacity to play across half-forward and high-level endurance means he should be a lock.

TRIPLE THREAT Could the Suns score a Rising Star trifecta?

Lachie Ash (Greater Western Sydney, pick 4)

Ash was confident he would be ready to play in round one no matter which club he went to, but the Giants have a need for his speed across half-back. The Vic Country co-captain has had senior experience before, having played at local level as a 15-year-old, and has the mature frame and smart instincts to step into the AFL right away.

Lachie Ash could be an early bargain for your Fantasy team. Picture: AFL Photos

DREAM TO REALITY No.4 pick gets his wish to play alongside favourite player

Dylan Stephens (Sydney, pick 5)

Stephens' senior form in the SANFL in the back end of last season was crucial to him being selected by the Swans with their prized pick No.5. Stephens is slightly built compared to others, but he brings a genuinely new element to Sydney's midfield with his run and carry and piercing left foot. Watch for him to make a wing on the SCG his own in time.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard The Data Game: Did the Swans neglect their big issue? Daniel Harford and Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne take a look at how Sydney performed in the draft

INSIDE THE DRAFT'S FIRST ROUND Twists, turns, bluffs, big calls

Hayden Young (Fremantle, pick 7)

It's hard not to get excited by what Young will be able to bring to Fremantle's back half with his elite kicking and decision-making out of defence. Young is equally good in the air, making his combination with fellow Freo interceptor Luke Ryan likely to be something exciting to watch.

Hoping your club drafts a classy ball user this year? Look no further than Hayden Young, who delivered this brilliant kick in the clutch stages of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.



He's joined @caltwomey and @nat_edwards on Road to the Draft this week: https://t.co/UXlxYuXy6J pic.twitter.com/o8F94a8iQj — AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) August 21, 2019

YOUNG GUN The kick that made recruiters sit up and take notice

Cody Weightman (Western Bulldogs, pick 15)

The Dogs picked Weightman with a specific role in mind. Their list is exciting but they lacked for a true small forward, so grabbed Weightman with their first selection at last year's draft. Weightman can impact games in different ways – in the air, at ground level and whenever a chance opens close to goal he takes it – and the Dogs will have him earmarked for a forward pocket.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard The Data Game: Did the Dogs dig up 'a gem in the forward pocket'? Daniel Harford and Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne take a look at how the Western Bulldogs performed in the draft

'FOOTY HEAD' How new Dog left no stone unturned in quest to be drafted

Deven Robertson (Brisbane, pick 22)

Brisbane has a deep midfield and a fit list, which at this stage could see Robertson behind some other options. But the West Australian will bring something that is required to boost that part of the ground for the Lions. Robertson's ball-winning exploits, combined with his speed, agility and toughness mean that he will be targeting an early-season debut.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard The Data Game: Have the Lions landed the next 'Worpedo'? Daniel Harford and Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne take a look at how Brisbane performed in the draft

'MORE THAN A TEXT' Gun Lion's welcome call to top draftee

Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide, pick 25)

The half-forward looks a good chance to play early in the season. He is one of four top-25 picks from last year's draft vying for a place in Port's forward half, but Mead can also switch into the midfield where his clean marking for a player his size stands out.

Jackson Mead Darren Mead



🤝

Port Adelaide

AFL Players pic.twitter.com/UTkUTA2tk7 — Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) November 28, 2019

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Finn Maginness (Hawthorn, pick 29)

Maginness underlined his outstanding athletic ability by beating long-time Hawks running king Isaac Smith in the club's 2km time trial last week. The midfielder is hard working, clearly, but also has the frame to match it with senior opposition. Hawthorn has some similar types to Maginness in its midfield but he has real power and strength to his game.

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Ned Cahill (Essendon, pick 56)

Essendon's stocks for small forwards are healthy at the moment, with Orazio Fantasia and Devon Smith back to full fitness and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti continuing to impress. But Cahill has made a solid impression since starting at Tullamarine and the Bombers rate his tank enough to think he could also be deployed up the ground.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard The Data Game: New Bombers X-factor is 'the steal of the draft' Daniel Harford and Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne take a look at how Essendon performed in the draft

GO PLUGGER The goalsneak who loves a celebration