TWO weeks out from the draft and the shape of the order is slowly starting to take shape.

Brisbane holds the key, as who it takes at Pick 1 will likely determine what takes place next.

Vic Metro forward Cam Rayner might still be the favourite, with Vic Country’s midfield duo Luke Davies-Uniacke and Paddy Dow still well and truly in the mix.

Talented midfielders Adam Cerra, Jaidyn Stephenson and Andrew Brayshaw look likely to be the next in line, with a host of interest onlookers awaiting to see where they fall.

Round 18

A fortnight out from the draft, here is how foxfooty.com.au sees the first round shaping up.

PICK 1: BRISBANE — CAM RAYNER

Clubs: Western/Vic Metro

Position: Forward/Midfield

Size: 187cm, 88kg

Bio: It’s clear to see where the comparisons with Dustin Martin have stemmed from. Rayner is perhaps best used as the deepest forward, where he’s able to take a grab and collect cleanly below his knees. He’s just as explosive when he moves into the midfield, where he gets clear separation from stoppages and is damaging with ball in hand. There are question marks over his tank, but they shouldn’t worry recruiters too much. He averaged 20.6 disposals and kicked 10 goals from seven games throughout the TAC Cup, while he also booted 12 goals from four matches with Vic Metro at the Champs.

Why: There’s been talk the Lions could opt for another Vic Country player with Pick 1, putting Davies-Uniacke and Dow in the mix. After all, it’s been a good tactic for the club in the past. But with the first selection, you pick the best player available. In the minds of most, Rayner has been just that all season. It would take a lot to pass on him.

Cam Rayner still looks like the top pick in the draft. Source: Getty Images

PICK 2: FREMANTLE — LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE

Clubs: Dandenong/Vic Country

Position: Midfield

Size: 187cm, 85kg

Bio: The big-bodied on-baller looks a class above whenever he has the footy in his hands. A prototype modern midfielder in the way he wins the ball and disposes of it from the clinches, Davies-Uniacke enjoyed a sensational end to the season. He’s got a ready-made body, is composed and efficient in possession and is a beast at stoppages. He’s also not afraid to get on the outside, where he can hurt opposition teams with his ball use. You can clearly see his AFL qualities. He averaged 24.1 disposals and a goal per game in the TAC Cup.

Why: The Dockers will have their eye on the best midfielder available with this pick and that’s likely to be Davies-Uniacke. He’ll add a lot to their midfield and will aid the likes of Fyfe and Mundy with his contested ball-winning ability. If Davies-Uniacke is taken with Pick 1, expect the Dockers to move for Dow.

PICK 3: CARLTON — PADDY DOW

Clubs: Bendigo/Vic Country

Position: Midfield

Size: 184cm, 78kg

Bio: Dow’s draft stocks have continued to rise, despite a shoulder injury prematurely ending his season. The midfield bull has drawn comparisons to Patrick Dangerfield for his ability to win his own footy and explode from stoppages. He’s a good size and can also push forward, where he is capable of taking a mark and has good smarts around goal. He averaged 19 disposals and five clearances per game throughout a strong Champs carnival.

Why: The Blues are in a pretty solid position with Pick 3 and could have their minds made up for them, depending on what the Lions and the Dockers do. Expect them to take whoever is available from the ‘big three’ of Rayner, Davies-Uniacke and Dow. There’s been talk they could move for Cerra. Don’t rule it out. But it would be tough to pass up on Dow if he’s available.

PICK 4: NORTH MELBOURNE — JAIDYN STEPHENSON

Clubs: Eastern/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Forward

Size: 189cm, 76kg

Bio: A highly-rated bottom-age prospect, Stephenson entered the year as one of the draft’s most intriguing youngsters. After a slow start to his 2017 campaign, the mercurial midfielder hit his straps in a Champs clash with South Australia that yielded 28 disposals and five goals. It was a demonstration of his freakish natural ability and skill. It also gave him the confidence to finish the season strongly, showcasing his hard running and ability to influence a match with ball in hand. He’s shown his potential to play as a full-time inside midfielder, steadily building his contested numbers. He averaged 24.2 disposals and kicked 14 goals from 15 games in the TAC Cup.

Why: The Kangaroos have long been eyeing Stephenson. They need X-factor coming out of the midfield and he would provide that. They’d love if one of Rayner, Davies-Uniacke or Dow slipped through to them, but that’s unlikely. Cerra is also a chance.

Stephenson could be in North’s sights with Pick 4. Source: Getty Images

PICK 5: FREMANTLE — ANDREW BRAYSHAW

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield

Size: 183cm, 80kg

Bio: He is undoubtedly one of the draft’s best midfield prospects. The brother of Melbourne’s Angus, he is a prolific ball-winner who racks up plenty of the footy and uses it effectively. He spreads well from stoppages and has a good ability to find space to get the ball forward. He’s also a terrific user of the ball, making him a dangerous prospect for opposition teams when he’s in possession. He averaged 25 disposals and 6.6 tackles per game throughout the TAC Cup.

Why: The talk has been that the Dockers could use their second top-five pick on WA defender Naughton, but expect them to target the best midfielders available. Brayshaw could be just that. He would be the perfect addition to whoever they select at Pick 2 and would further help the club push Fyfe forward. They could also look at Cerra or Stephenson, if they’re available.

PICK 6: COLLINGWOOD — AARON NAUGHTON

Clubs: Peel/Western Australia

Position: Key Defender

Size: 194cm, 84kg

Bio: One of the most promising key defenders in this year’s draft pool, Naughton played a huge role in a Western Australian side that exceeded expectations in the Champs. At 194cm, Naughton is a solid lockdown defender, a good leader and has also shown glimpses of his ability to provide some dash on the rebound. He’s got an awkward kicking action, but he cracked Peel Thunder’s senior WAFL side and ended the season with seven games to his name. He averaged 13.9 disposals and 6.9 marks per game in the WAFL.

Why: The Pies rate Naughton highly and would love for him to slip beyond the Dockers to Pick 6. And the feeling is mutual. He is a lifelong Pies fan, having moved to WA from Victoria as a young boy. He would bolster an undersized backline. Nathan Murphy has been linked to the Pies, who could also eye off Brayshaw or Nick Coffield should they still be available.

PICK 7: ST KILDA — ADAM CERRA

Clubs: Eastern/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield

Size: 186cm, 85kg

Bio: The classy midfielder is just about the draft’s most well-rounded on-ball prospect. A beautiful right foot kick who has superb touch in the clinches, Cerra has shown his quality throughout the year. He’s composed and reliable with ball in hand, while he wins his own footy and has a supreme work ethic to boot. The ultimate professional, he can also rotate forward. He missed the majority of last year with a knee injury and spent periods sidelined this season with a shoulder problem. He averaged 26.3 disposals and 1.3 goals per game in the TAC Cup.

Why: The Saints are in desperate need of some class through the midfield. Cerra would provide just that. He can win it on the inside or the outside and is a great leader, suiting this Saints midfield group to a tee. The Saints might also be hopeful of Brayshaw falling to this pick.

Cerra is one of the draft pool’s best midfielders. Source: Getty Images

PICK 8: ST KILDA — AIDEN BONAR

Clubs: Dandenong/Vic Country

Position: Forward

Size: 190cm, 89kg

Bio: Bonar’s junior career has been plagued by setback after setback. He suffered successive ACL injuries, which ruled him out for close to two years, having initially been seen as one of his age group’s most impressive junior prospects. At 190cm, he’s a natural forward, but he can also have bursts through the midfield. He was one of the draft combine’s best performers, which suggests his injury problems haven’t limited his athleticism. He finally made his return to footy in July, averaging 13.8 disposals per game and kicking five goals from six TAC Cup matches.

Why: Bonar would be the ideal fit for the Saints to partner with whichever midfielder they take at Pick 7, especially if that’s Cerra. He’s the explosive game-breaker they need, while his potential to play as a forward means he could be eased into an AFL system inside 50.

PICK 9: WESTERN BULLDOGS — NICK COFFIELD

Clubs: Northern/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Half Back

Size: 190cm, 83kg

Bio: Coffield is an interesting prospect. A natural midfielder, he perhaps played his best footy throughout the season across half-back. There, he was able to intercept, direct and spark forward forays with ball in hand. At 190cm, he also pushed forward and became a dangerous target inside 50. His ball-winning nous, leadership and decision-making skills will likely see him selected inside the first round of the draft, but his versatility could push him into the top 10. He averaged 20.9 disposals and 4.7 marks per game throughout the TAC Cup this year.

Why: The Dogs have a rich history with Northern Knights footballers and Coffield could be the next in line to find himself at the Kennell. He’ll add some polish across half-back, plus he fits the side’s bill of also being able to rotate through the midfield. A mad Dogs fan, this would be a dream come true for the youngster. Darcy Fogarty and Hunter Clark could also be in the mix, while the club could be hopeful someone like Cerra slips this far down the order.

PICK 10: CARLTON — DARCY FOGARTY

Clubs: Glenelg/South Australia

Position: Utility

Size: 192cm, 92kg

Bio: It’s been a strange season for Fogarty. He was thrown around a bit earlier in the year, playing forward, midfield and behind the ball, but he never really got going in any particular position. It’s since been revealed he was battling a knee injury throughout, with surgery ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He remains one of the draft’s most highly rated prospects, able to win the contested ball and penetrate with his kicking. His talent is obvious, even if it’s not as clear to see what position he will eventually play at AFL level. Compared by some to Patrick Cripps, perhaps it’s as an inside midfielder. Fogarty managed three senior SANFL games with Glenelg this season, averaging nine disposals per match.

Why: The Blues like Fogarty and might flirt with the idea of taking him with Pick 3. However, riding their luck and hoping he falls to their second selection appears a more likely scenario. It’s a big possibility of happening, as well. Clark and Charlie Constable could also be in the mix.

Injury has hampered Fogarty’s season. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 11: GWS GIANTS — JACK HIGGINS

Clubs: Oakleigh/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Forward

Size: 178cm, 76kg

Bio: Jack by name, Jack in the Box by nature. Higgins started the season as a dangerous small forward who played above his height at 178cm, but as the year has progressed he has been used more and more in the midfield. That’s where he’s been able to demonstrate his smarts and his touch, while he is capable of filling the stats sheet with huge numbers. Multiple 30-disposal games were followed by a haul of seven goals at one stage during the Oakleigh Chargers’ season. He averaged 23.2 disposals per game in the TAC Cup, while also kicking 32 goals from 14 matches.

Why: The Giants need smalls that can provide pressure inside 50. No one does that better than Higgins. On talent alone, Higgins should be in contention to be taken at Pick 1. But he’s likely to slip this far down the order. His ability to rotate through the midfield is also enticing. Should the Giants could in the other direction and think big, Jarrod Brander could be in the frame.

PICK 12: ADELAIDE — HUNTER CLARK

Clubs: Dandenong/Vic Country

Position: Midfield/Half Back

Size: 186cm, 79kg

Bio: Thrown into a variety of roles throughout the season, Clark was predominantly used as a running half-back for Vic Country throughout the Champs. But it’s as an inside midfielder where he has really flourished. He’s a courageous player who will put his head over the footy, while his innate ability to extract it and get his team on the front foot through his precise kicking has him in first-round calculations. He averaged 26.8 disposals and 6.7 tackles per game throughout the TAC Cup this season.

Why: The Crows are keeping tabs on Clark. He’s a hard-nosed inside midfielder who would provide really solid depth through the club’s on-ball group. His ability to also play off half-back would also interest the Crows. Perhaps the club might look at Jake Lever replacements, therefore don’t rule out someone like Brander.

Clark is a strong inside midfielder. Source: Getty Images

PICK 13: WEST COAST — OSCAR ALLEN

Clubs: West Perth/Western Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 191cm, 83kg

Bio: Winner of this year’s Larke Medal for the best player in the Champs, Allen continued to enhance his draft stocks throughout the second half of the season. He kicked 11 goals from four games for Western Australia, presenting high up the field then working hard back to goal. He’s got a huge tank and he’s a reliable set-shot from anywhere inside 50m. Promisingly, he also spent a bit of time in the midfield for West Perth, where he resembled Nat Fyfe in the sense that he won plenty of his own footy as a tall on-baller. He played a couple of senior WAFL games with West Perth, averaging 19.3 disposals and 7.6 marks per match in the Colts.

Why: The Eagles need depth through their midfield, but with an abundance of picks inside the second round of the draft it would be hard for the club to look past Allen. The local product enjoyed a terrific season and even demonstrated an ability to rotate through the middle to good effect at times. If he’s still there at Pick 13, expect the Eagles to pounce.

PICK 14: SYDNEY — CHARLIE CONSTABLE

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield

Size: 190cm, 83kg

Bio: Constable did his draft prospects no harm with a really strong finish to the season. At 190cm, he’s a ready-made midfielder for any AFL side. He’s strong, clean in contests and wins plenty of clearances, which makes him a genuine on-ball threat. He might lack a hint of pace, but he makes up for it with his sheer size, strength and ball-winning abilities. Constable can also go forward and use his physique effectively, which he did well in the TAC Cup grand final. He averaged 23.1 disposals and a goal per game throughout his nine full matches at TAC Cup level.

Why: Constable is very much in the Swans mould: Tough, hard working and composed with the footy. He’d be a good option for the club, should the Blues and the Crows overlook him earlier in the draft. There’s been a bit of talk the Swans might also be interested in Nathan Murphy.

PICK 15: BRISBANE — LACHLAN FOGARTY

Clubs: Western/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield

Size: 179cm, 75kg

Bio: A diminutive midfielder, Fogarty has impressed throughout the year with his ability to win his own footy and apply pressure on the inside. He’s clean in possession and he’s generally a good decision-maker with ball in hand. He can also go forward and hit the scoreboard, making him a dangerous smaller option inside 50. There, his desire to run and attack allows him to hustle opposition defenders. He averaged 25.1 disposals and 9.7 tackles per game in the TAC Cup, kicking nine goals from seven matches.

Why: The Lions are going to be looking for midfielders and Fogarty might be the best available at this pick. He’s enjoyed a terrific season and can also start his career as a forward, which would tempt the Lions. Should they take Rayner with Pick 1, partnering him with a fellow Jets product wouldn’t hurt either.

Fogarty is garnering interest inside the top 20. Picture: Ian Currie. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 16: WESTERN BULLDOGS — NATHAN MURPHY

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Forward

Size: 188cm, 84kg

Bio: Murphy was forced to choose between a career in footy and cricket and only made the decision to opt for the former when he was officially invited to the draft combine. A talented junior batsman, he played Under 16s for Australia. However, he’s just as adept occupying a role inside 50 on a footy field. He has a good physique for a mid-size forward, is a strong mark overhead and is a reliable kick for goal. He averaged 16.1 disposals and 4.8 marks per game in the TAC Cup, while he also spent a fair share of his season playing behind the ball.

Why: There’s been a lot of hype surrounding Murphy going into the draft and the Dogs could be the first team to bite the bullet. Should they get Coffield with their first pick, partnering him with another player just as versatile could make it a handy haul for the Dogs.

PICK 17: RICHMOND — NOAH BALTA

Clubs: Calder/Vic Metro

Position: Key Defender/Key Forward

Size: 194cm, 92kg

Bio: Balta doesn’t just have one of this year’s best draft names. He’s also a reliable key-position player who can occupy roles at either end of the field. He played in defence throughout the Champs, where he held some important lockdown roles. At 194cm, he was able to intercept and showcase his speed in transition. However, it’s forward where he sees his future. He kicked multiple goals in four of his past eight TAC Cup games this season. He also averaged 15 disposals and 4.3 marks per match with the Cannons.

Why: The Tigers would love to be picking here, rather than having to match an earlier bid for father-son prospect Patrick Naish. Should they still hold this selection, expect them to look for the best key-position player available — and Balta might be that man. He can play forward or back, giving them real versatility. Sam Hayes and Brander might also be in the mix.

PICK 18: BRISBANE — JOEL GARNER

Clubs: Eastern/Vic Metro

Position: Half Back/Midfield

Size: 183cm, 81kg

Bio: Captain of the Vic Metro team that secured its second successive Champs title, Garner is a leader and a general on the field. The best intercept defender across the carnival, he has an innate ability to read the play and get to the contest. Compared by some to Luke Hodge, he is incredibly strong above his head and has a relatively clean left-foot kick. A reliable prospect, he can also push into the midfield, but expect his AFL career to start across half-back. He averaged 16 disposals per game throughout the TAC Cup season.

Why: A terrific leader with a real future across half-back, Garner could be another really solid addition to a young Lions team. The potential of allowing him to learn from Hodge for the next two years would also be a really handy bonus. This would be a good fit.

PICK 19: GOLD COAST — ED RICHARDS

Clubs: Oakleigh/Vic Metro

Position: Half Back

Size: 184cm, 77kg

Bio: Despite missing out on Vic Metro selection throughout the Champs, Richards has garnered a lot of attention from recruiters following a strong end to the season. A tidy player across half-back, Richards has pace to burn and a clean left-foot kick. His bright red hair makes him hard to miss, but his ability to start forward forays is just as noticeable. His decision-making skills are a particular highlight. He averaged 16.6 disposals per game from his final nine TAC Cup matches this year.

Why: Richards is one of this year’s biggest draft bolters. He’s garnered a heap of attention inside the top 20 picks and could be the last player taken inside the first round. Having lost Saad, the Suns might be looking for a rebounding defender. Richards could be the best there.