CARLTON have emerged as the preferred destination for Sandover Medal runner-up Tim Kelly, but at least three other clubs may use an earlier opportunity to draft the WAFL clearance machine.

The Blues currently have the third selection in November’s national draft, but have traded away their second-round selection and may not get another choice until at least No.38.

But Kelly may not last that long, with Brisbane (currently picks 1, 12 and 18), North Melbourne (4 and 21) and West Coast (13 and 30) expressing considerable interest in the 23-year-old after his breakout season.

No other player in the WAFL has been able to match Kelly’s capacity to win the ball at stoppages and deliver it deep into attack, a trait that impressed Carlton more than any other element in Kelly’s game.

Kelly has been invited to the AFL draft combine next month — the only senior WAFL player on the list — but is likely to withdraw from the four-day testing session in Melbourne after a minor knee injury in the preliminary final on Sunday.

The South Fremantle midfielder clashed knees with a Subiaco opponent and while he was cleared of any structural damage to the joint, he received significant bruising that is likely to restrict his mobility for several weeks.

Several recruiters believe Kelly’s absence from the combine will not affect his draft prospects, with the player having showcased his remarkable balance and skills throughout the season and in WA’s win over Victoria in May.

Hawthorn premiership player Xavier Ellis said last month that Kelly would fit into the best 18 players at all 18 AFL clubs and was the standout player in the league.

“He has been the player of the WAFL... in the past two years,” the Swan Districts colts coach said.

Kelly finished second to teammate Haiden Schloithe in Monday’s Sandover count with 45 votes. His tally would have been enough to see him win the Sandover in six of the previous 10 seasons.