IN 2007 it was known as the ‘Kreuzer Cup’, and in the last round of 2017, North Melbourne and Brisbane did battle for the ‘Cam Rayner Cup’.

But this weekend, Brisbane and Carlton could be battling for the ‘Jack Lukosius Cup’.

The Round 16 clash sees 17th-placed Brisbane at home to 18th-placed Carlton, and while a loss for the Lions shouldn’t see either side’s ladder position change, a Blues loss will all but confine them to the bottom of the ladder and to take home the No. 1 pick.

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But just who do they pick?

Should they be “tankin’ for (Izak) Rankine?” “Play atrocious to get (Jack) Lukosius?” “Not give a damn to get Sam (Walsh)?” “Throw the white towel into the ring to get (Max or Ben) King?”

The top end of the 2018 draft appears to be as strong as we’ve seen in as long as a decade, with long time AFL National Talent Manager Kevin ‘Shifter’ Sheehan telling foxfooty.com.au the leading contenders Jack Lukosius and Sam Walsh were “as good and as worthy number ones” that he has seen in his time.

Lukosius appears to be the front runner for the No.1 selection, with the key forward a standout prospect among his peers.

Draft prospects Rhylee West, Sam Walsh and Jack Lukosius. Photo: Tony Gough

One AFL club recruiter told foxfooty.com.au that the club with the No. 1 pick “would be crazy” to overlook the South Australian who starred on SANFL League debut as 17-year-old booting four goals in the Woodville-West Torrens’ preliminary final.

“Centre half back, centre forward, either one, it wouldn’t worry him. Even has a run on a wing at times,” Sheehan said.

“He’s blessed with speed, he’s one touch in the air, reads it way ahead of other players, so he just sees it in flight and doesn’t fumble. For a player his size, his kicking is elite. He’s got an elite skill set.”

But does either team need another key forward?

While Lukosius has the ability to play as a defender, clubs will look to be drafting him with a vision of playing him inside 50.

The Top 10 picks from the 2017 AFL Draft. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Blues have talls Pat Kerr, Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, Levi Casboult and teenager Tom De Koning on their list — while the Lions have Eric Hipwood, Oscar McInerney, Daniel McStay and teenagers Toby Wooller and Connor Ballenden.

Despite both sides having a good spine — Lukosius is the best prospect we’ve seen in a decade and the club would be wary to overlook him, but it will be a thought that crosses both clubs recruiting managers.

Blue chip midfielder Sam Walsh told foxfooty.com.au on Monday that he would ‘love to be’ the No. 1 pick and said he has been keeping an eye on the AFL ladder throughout the season.

If the Lions were to end up on the bottom, they certainly could consider Walsh — who is also a Lions supporter.

“Walsh is sublime skills in the midfield, his use of the ball is elite,” Sheehan said.

“His hands and foot very elite, he’s up around 30 possessions per game, in what are shortened games, they’re 25 minute short quarters. He’s a very elite midfielder and a great young leader.”

Brisbane Lions supporter Sam Walsh is in the mix for the No. 1 pick.

The Lions won the wooden spoon in 2017 and have finished 17th, 17th and 15th in the three previous years, while Carlton are set for their fifth consecutive finish in the bottom six on the ladder.

Other contenders for the No. 1 pick include Izak Rankine, Bailey Smith and the King twins Max and Ben — but all signs lead to this weekend’s clash deciding the winner of the ‘Jack Lukosius Cup’.