PADDY McCARTIN – 19/4/96, 193cm, 95kg, Geelong Falcons

The most imposing key forward in the draft, McCartin carries a presence like all the best power goalkickers. His game is based around his marking: he uses his size to crash packs and take contested grabs, and his smarts and breakaway speed to get on the lead and find space. Some injuries got in the way of him putting together a more productive campaign, but in the games McCartin played he kicked goals and accumulated plenty of shots. He'll give his all every time the ball's kicked to him, and would offer long-term back up to the Saints' forward line with Nick Riewoldt nearing the end of his glittering career. McCartin has probably deserved more discussion as a possible No.1 pick through the year, because he's got some special traits.









If not him? It's been a line-ball call (and a really hard one) for the Saints the whole way. If not McCartin, the Saints will go with star midfielder Christian Petracca.

ANGUS BRAYSHAW – 9/1/96, 187cm, 86kg, Sandringham Dragons

Melbourne has long been linked to him, and with good reason. The season couldn't have gone much better for Brayshaw, who established himself as a likely top-five pick very early and held his form for the remainder of the year. Brayshaw is a game-changer who wins his own possessions, breaks away from stoppages, kicks well on both feet and has a relentless attitude. He's tough, throws himself at the ball and does everything for his team. Brayshaw has just as much going for him as any other midfielder available.









If not him? The Dees might push Brayshaw down to pick three and use pick two on Christian Petracca, or vice versa. But if the Saints go with Petracca, clearly Paddy McCartin is there to take at two or three.

CHRISTIAN PETRACCA – 4/1/96, 186cm, 92kg, Eastern Ranges

The damaging and explosive Petracca pushed himself up to the top end of the draft with an outstanding season. He started the season as a half-forward with question marks on his running, but by the end of the year had proven his ability to move into the midfield and retain his match-winning talents near goal. Petracca is a brute: he barges through people, is dominant in the air, and will be expecting to play plenty of AFL next season. He is desperate to be a great player at the top level and Melbourne would love to introduce him to its midfield mix next season.









If not him? They could swap Angus Brayshaw to pick three and push Petracca up a place. Either way the end result would be the same. Defender Jake Lever the only other consideration.

JARROD PICKETT – 18/8/96, 180cm, 76kg, South Fremantle

With speed, a leap, and a take-me-on attitude, Pickett should excite plenty of crowds in his AFL career. The youngster had an inconsistent season but has brilliant talent, and has worked hard over the past 12 months to improve his endurance and long-distance running to add to his burst-away moments. The Giants have kept tabs with Pickett since coach Leon Cameron and the club's recruiters interviewed him in July, and he has no qualms about moving out of Western Australia to follow his football. He's an enthralling player who would add a point of difference to the very talented GWS list.

If not him? Any number of players, but Paul Ahern and Jordan De Goey are most likely.

JORDAN DE GOEY – 15/3/96, 187cm, 82kg, Oakleigh Chargers

The clubs that like De Goey rate him very, very highly – and with good reason. He's a win-the-ball-at-all-costs type of player who loves fighting for it, pushing an opponent out of the way and making it his. But he also lifts when his team needs him, he kicks goals and takes strong overhead marks for his size. With some more development, he has the frame and skills to become a premium midfield option. For the short-term, he'll probably start as a high half-forward.









If not him? The versatile Jayden Laverde has been linked to Collingwood strongly for some time. They like Jarrod Pickett as well, while a tall like Jake Lever isn't out of the question. Kyle Langford has also been strongly linked but it would be a big surprise now.

PAUL AHERN – 1/8/96, 181cm, 77kg, Calder Cannons

Ahern's standout games this season came on the biggest stage, including two best-afield efforts for Vic Metro against Western Australia, and a more-than-solid outing for the Calder Cannons in their TAC Cup Grand Final defeat. The midfielder is crafty, clever and has class: he sets up the play with deft and damaging disposal, but runs and takes the game on. Nearer to goal, he marks well above his head and has the pace to hit a pack and bolt off. If the Giants want some more brilliance, they get it in Ahern.









If not him? Jordan De Goey is a chance, as is ruckman/forward Peter Wright. Caleb Marchbank is also in the mix.

HUGH GODDARD – 24/8/96, 195cm, 92kg, Geelong Falcons

The off-season departures of several young key position players at the Giants means the club is looking for replacements, and could turn to Goddard. The tall defender has been thrown around from position to position over the past two seasons but looks most comfortable in the backline, where he can mark well and compete in the air to spoil or stop opponents. Despite some inconsistencies, he finished his year well for the Geelong Falcons and tested strongly at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.









If not him? They've liked fellow tall defender Caleb Marchbank for some time, and he is a real contender here. It would not be a surprise if they called his name. Peter Wright and Jake Lever are also in with a shot.

PETER WRIGHT – 8/9/96, 203cm, 102kg, Calder Cannons

It's been an intriguing build-up to the draft for Wright. Having been seen as a possible No.1 choice for much of the year, lately there's been many clubs who believe he might get through to the middle of the first round. He's had a stack of club interviews, a medical and a private fitness assessment for clubs searching for more data. Despite the Suns' interest in Liam Duggan, Wright would be hard to pass. It's not easy finding 203cm forwards who can play in the ruck and have such great skill near goal, too.









If not him? Liam Duggan. The half-back/midfielder has had a great season, is seen as captain material in the future and continues to develop his game. Hard to see the lively Jarrod Pickett getting this far.

DARCY MOORE – 25/1/96, 199m, 93kg, Oakleigh Chargers

For some at Collingwood, Darcy Moore's arrival has been a long time coming. As the son of club great and dual Brownlow medallist Peter, the Pies were always in the box seat to recruit the youngster under the father-son rule. That became official in October, when they matched the Bulldogs' bid at pick five for him. Moore is an athletic key position player who moves extremely well for a player his size. He might take some time, but looms as a long-term option.









If not him? Nobody else. Moore has started training with the Pies, has been given his jumper number (No.30, like his dad), and has already begun his Collingwood career.

SAM DURDIN – 6/6/96, 198cm, 87kg, West Adelaide

Durdin's best football has come in the ruck, he has played in the forward line, and looks set to be a key defender at the next level. So, adding that all together, he's a pretty flexible option for a club looking to add a young tall to its list. He's athletic and mobile, and when up and going, likes to run at the ball and take marks – even when he is stationed in the backline. Geelong's tall defenders, like Tom Lonergan and Jared Rivers, are at the backend of their career and Durdin would provide a flexible option.









If not him? Caleb Marchbank is a big shot here if GWS hasn't picked him, and he can do a lot of what Durdin does, he's just a touch shorter. The same applies for Jake Lever. The Cats like Jordan De Goey, and Peter Wright would be seriously considered if still on the board.

LIAM DUGGAN – 11/12/96, 183cm, 76kg, Western Jets

Duggan's ability to shift from a neat kicking half-back into a ball-winning midfielder saw him rise rapidly up the draft ranks this season. The left-footer showed he could thrive in contested situations, rip the ball out of a pack and get going, but recruiters also like his defensive traits: he tackles, harasses, and won't give up. He might start his career as a set-up player out of defence but he has shown he won't be limited to that role. Clubs love him, and he'd be a perfect fit for the Eagles with his foot skills adding another layer to the club's midfield in time.









If not him? Jayden Laverde and Lachie Weller seem the main contenders for this selection, and both would bring plenty to the Eagles. Like every club, they'd have to think about Peter Wright should he be there.

COREY ELLIS – 9/10/96, 185cm, 76kg, Western Jets

He might not have the highlights tape of others, but the poised and composed Ellis has plenty going for him. His decision-making is top-shelf, he reads the game well, is brave enough to go and win his own ball, and skilled enough to then deliver it. Like he is off the field, Ellis doesn’t seem to get flustered or rushed; he just gets on with things. He might have a delayed start to his AFL career, having just recently begun running again after a stress fracture in his foot. Has been strongly linked to the Tigers, who are searching for more midfield class. Ellis has got it.









If not him? Lachie Weller and Liam Duggan are among the handful of other options, but one or both could be gone by Richmond's pick.

JAKE LEVER – 5/3/96, 194cm, 84kg, Calder Cannons

The Dockers will have watched Lever closely through the season, knowing his long absence could see him get through to their later first-round pick. Lever's unique circumstances have made him a very difficult player to position. He played great football last year as a bottom-ager, but that's the only football they are judging him on after his off-season knee reconstruction ruled him out of 2014. But he's still among the handful of standout talls on offer, given his competitiveness, run and drive, and exceptional leadership off the field. Fremantle desperately need some more quality young talls and Lever ticks that box.









If not him? Sam Durdin is a good chance here, and Caleb Marchbank may be considered. But they have a few midfielders in their range, including Lachie Weller and Jayden Laverde.

JAYDEN LAVERDE – 12/4/96, 189cm, 82kg, Western Jets

Could one of the most exciting and versatile players in the draft fall in Adelaide's lap? Laverde offers plenty of options for clubs. His height, athleticism and speed is attractive to recruiters, who can see him becoming a big-bodied midfielder who marks well overhead and streams the ball forward. He's creative and adventurous, can be used across half-back and also closer to goal. He springs into games when he needs to, and once he develops more of an inside game he'll have close to the full package of skills to work with. Few would have predicted he would get to pick 14, but if not taken by Collingwood at pick five it's possible.









If not him? All the rage is for Kyle Langford at this spot, and you can see why: he's a vibrant forward with a few tricks. Tall trio Caleb Marchbank, Sam Durdin and Jake Lever would be looked at closely.

NAKIA COCKATOO – 23/10/96, 185cm, 86kg, NT Thunder

Cockatoo has had more than half a dozen clubs visit him in Darwin since his breakout game on Grand Final day in the curtain-raiser at the MCG. The strong and quick midfielder hustled and bustled and showed his wares as an exciting prospect, in what was his first game of the season after a year-and-a-half ruined by recurring foot fractures. They've been medically assessed and the results came back fine last week for clubs. It's a tight call for the Suns, with a few others who are very even around this mark.









If not him? Speedster Jarrod Garlett is a big shot, but it could go a few ways. Lachie Weller is a chance, as is Kyle Langford, who they have been strongly linked to. And in the very slim chance Liam Duggan got through to pick 15, the Suns would surely be quick to read his name out.

LACHIE WELLER – 23/2/96, 181cm, 77kg, Southport

A silky midfielder who kicks well, has speed and likes to push forward to set up goals, if not slot them himself. There aren't many players like Weller at the top-end of this year's draft with his precise kicking ability and outside run. He's not a big midfielder so can leave the inside play to others, but Weller is a direct mover, taking the ball towards the goals at every opportunity. He's ready to test himself at the next level, and will enjoy the professional elements of an AFL environment. His class would appeal to North, who have built a strong and sturdy midfield group and can do with his outside skill.









If not him? Expect the Roos to think long and hard about Nakia Cockatoo if he's still on the board, and the same with Jarrod Garlett. Corey Ellis, if he surprisingly got past Richmond, would also be in that bracket.

JARROD GARLETT – 11/5/96, 180cm, 69kg, South Fremantle

As one of the prominent run-and-carry players in the draft, Garlett has many admirers. He has the speed and endurance mix every club is looking for, and he likes to stream with the ball down the wing and then deliver it into attack. He's got some confidence, and plays with dare. Garlett was a standout for WA at the Under-18 Championships, and went on to feature in South Fremantle's senior team late in the WAFL season. The Bombers are interested in Garlett and he would fill a hole for them by bringing an immediate burst of run and dare.









If not him? Fellow midfielders Lachie Weller, Tom Lamb and Touk Miller are a chance here, and the club may look to snare a tall defender if one snuck through. Could it be Caleb Marchbank?

ISAAC HEENEY – 5/5/96, 186cm, 82kg, Cardiff

There's not much this midfielder can't do, which makes him a special pick for the Sydney Swans. They got first access to Heeney via their local academy program, which he joined as a 12-year-old from Newcastle. He's grown to become a standout in his draft pool, impressing with his dash and dare, but also his hardness and competitive streak. Expect him to play a fair chunk of senior footy for the Swans, who were forced (and more than happy) to use their first pick on him during the bidding process.









If not him? He's already a Swan. He would have been a top-five pick in an open field.

CALEB MARCHBANK – 7/12/96, 192cm, 85kg, Murray Bushrangers

Marchbank has suffered an injury-affected past two seasons, but his draft stocks remain high. As a third tall defender, 192cm prospect can read the flight of the ball well, he has good courage in marking contests, and competes when it's up for grabs. But he can also play in the forward line, where his leading and contested marking takes the eye. The Blues want run, but if Marchbank gets to pick 19 he'd be too hard to miss.









If not him? Some other contenders for Carlton include Touk Miller, Tom Lamb and Connor Menadue.

TOUK MILLER – 22/2/96, 177cm, 80kg, Calder Cannons

Miller is a small, inside midfielder but he's also more than meets the eye. He can kick long goals, is strong overhead for his size, and hunts the ball like he really, really wants it. He also captained Vic Metro and the Calder Cannons this year, highlighting his leadership tendencies. Essendon has been strongly linked to him and it needs more ball-winning power.









If not him? Daniel McKenzie is in with a chance for the Bombers, as might be Tom Lamb. Connor Menadue, too, could be in the mix but is more likely later on, while Connor Blakely is a possibility.

ALEX NEAL-BULLEN – 9/1/96, 182cm, 77kg, Glenelg

Having recruited Luke Dunstan last year with a pick around this mark, the Saints could look for another no-frills, no worries midfielder from South Australia. Neal-Bullen's hard-at-it attitude has won plenty of plaudits through the season, and he enjoyed a consistent campaign through the national championships and playing for Glenelg at senior level in the SANFL. He's a clearance player without heaps of flash but he gets his job done most weeks. His kicking is solid and he exudes leadership on and off the field.









If not him? Connor Blakely has been a name that has been raised, as has Daniel McKenzie.

DANIEL McKENZIE – 17/5/96, 183cm, 77kg, Oakleigh Chargers

McKenzie has been interviewed by every club this season, which means there's a few out there who are interested in him. That would have only grown late in the season, after McKenzie's breakout game in the Oakleigh Chargers' Grand Final win, and his subsequent testing at the draft combine where he was in the top-10 for most categories.









If not him? Touk Miller is in with a show, and this might be where Tom Lamb comes into things. If the Saints are keen on a tall, Oscar McDonald could be the one here, because the key defender won't get through to pick 41.

KYLE LANGFORD – 1/12/96, 190cm, 73kg, Northern Knights

Has become a bit of a pre-draft buzz player. Langford's trajectory towards the draft started early in the year, when he booted back-to-back five-goal hauls in the TAC Cup. He's a player with bounce and spring: he leaps well into marking contests, brings down the ball and gets moving. At his height he's a leading and marking half-forward, but he'll likely become a midfielder given his strong endurance. He has some spark, and would bring a new element to the Giants' forward line should he be available here.





If not him? The Giants have been linked to Declan Hamilton at this selection, a medium forward and the nephew of Darren and Andrew Jarman. But others might still be available, like Tom Lamb, Touk Miller and Lukas Webb.

JACK STEELE – 13/12/95, 188cm, 85kg, Belconnen

Having been overlooked by every club at last year's draft, many were keen on Steele this year. Steele was eligible for the 2013 draft, but suffered a kneecap injury mid-year and was out of footy for months. When he wasn't picked, he set himself to get there this year. He improved, was a brilliant performer for the NSW-ACT Rams through the season, and showed his midfield AFL traits: height, mobility, endurance, marking and strength. A member of the Giants' academy, they snapped him up with their second-round pick after an early bid came from a rival.









If not him? A confirmed Giant, Steele has relocated to Sydney from Canberra and begun his first AFL pre-season.

OSCAR McDONALD – 18/3/96, 196cm, 84kg, North Ballarat Rebels

Clubs' late interest in McDonald was evident in the fact he was upgraded to attend the national draft combine at Etihad Stadium, having previously only been invited to the state screening. The tall defender is a good option for clubs trying to find his type: he's strong and tough, disciplined and works hard. He had a consistent second half of the season despite not featuring in Vic Country's under-18 team, and has had a number of recruiters push him up in recent weeks. The Kangaroos are interested, they placed a bid on Brisbane Lions academy tall defender Harris Andrews, and it looks an area to bolster.









If not him? If the Saints don't pick Daniel McKenzie, the Roos would be likely to consider here. There's a chance Jarrod Garlett gets through, while Ed Vickers-Willis and Tom Lamb could be around this mark.

CONNOR MENADUE – 19/9/96, 188cm, 69kg, Western Jets

The Western Bulldogs could look locally with their first pick at the draft for Menadue. He adds something a bit different to the pool with his run and carry, his drive from half-back and his long-kicking. Menadue loves to grab the ball and just run, and that appeals to many clubs looking for players to break the lines. The wiry teenager will need time to develop but booted 16 goals for the Western Jets this season, playing mostly on a wing or defensive line.









If not him? Ed Vickers-Willis could be hard to ignore, given he's so reliable in defence and can move up the ground and shut down players. Expect Oscar McDonald to be considered, as with Daniel McKenzie, if they're there.

HARRISON WIGG – 14/10/96, 179cm, 74kg, North Adelaide

The South Australian with a booming left-foot kick had his season cut short by a stress fracture in his foot. That was discovered after a terrific national carnival by the small defender, who made the All-Australian side after averaging 19 disposals a game at nearly 80 per cent efficiency. Wigg sets up the play from half-back with his elite foot disposal and clear mind. He has played the sweeping role, but has also shown he can find the ball wherever he plays, having averaged 28 disposals at under-18 SANFL level. The Bulldogs are interested and he's unlikely to make it to their next pick.









If not him? Another nice-kicking left-footer could be here, in Lukas Webb. The Bulldogs have shown strong interest in him. West Australian Clem Smith is also a chance.

TOM LAMB – 19/10/96, 193cm, 84kg, Dandenong Stingrays

Lamb has been one of the most interesting players in this draft, and has been linked for a while to the Blues. Perhaps it's for this season: Lamb can do nearly anything. His athleticism for a player his size is rare, and some recruiters think his best footy is better than anyone's in the draft. Lamb has had a number of interviews in the past week or so as clubs try to get a gauge on where he fits. He could tick off a few areas for the Blues in one hit as a tall runner.









If not him? Connor Menadue would be looked at if the Dogs don't grab him, while Brayden Maynard is a chance along with mature-ager Blaine Boekhorst, who the club has been heavily linked to.

CONNOR BLAKELY – 2/3/96, 186cm, 81kg, Swan Districts

With little fuss or fanfare, Blakely just gets the ball, feeds it out, and does it most weeks. He had a strong season: carrying his senior WAFL form into the championships, and then continuing for the remainder of the season. He's a pure midfielder, he doesn't really play anywhere else, but he's good at what he does and that's finding the footy and winning clearances.









If not him? Harrison Wigg is a chance here, as is Tom Lamb. Also been linked with South Australian Josh Glenn, although that would surprise.

ED VICKERS-WILLIS – 28/3/96, 190cm, 82kg, Sandringham Dragons

He might not be exactly what Collingwood is after, but Vickers-Willis might be too good to surpass. He will do what's asked of him, which makes him a very coachable player and versatile one too. That's meant at different stages this year the mobile defender has played on key forwards, and also had run-with jobs through the midfield. He doesn't gather heaps of the ball, but is reliable when he's got it and clubs like him for his disciplined approach.









If not him? A chance for 21-year-old midfielder Blaine Boekhorst, as with Daniel McKenzie if he's still available.

's draft guru Callum Twomey reveals his top 30 ahead of Thursday's NAB AFL Draft.