WITH the 2016 national draft less than a week away, anticipation is building around the next crop of AFL superstars and where they will ply their trade in the foreseeable future.

Essendon is the lucky holders of Pick 1 for the first time this year, yet who they will claim with the opening selection on draft night remains up in the air.

Do the Bombers go with the class of Hugh McCluggage, the explosiveness of Andrew McGrath, or do they spring a surprise and take Giants academy prospect Will Setterfield?

For other clubs, how does their drafting impact the remainder of the order?

Finals Week 1

To give an insight, we present the first edition of foxfooty.com.au’s annual Phantom Draft.

NB: This is a phantom draft, meaning picks will change depending on academy bids.

PICK 1: ESSENDON — ANDREW McGRATH

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Half back/Midfield

Size: 179cm, 75kg

Bio: The smooth-moving defender has established himself as one of the country’s best junior prospects following an outstanding season across half back and through the midfield. He’s an explosive line-breaker in the mould of Norm Smith Medal winner Jason Johannisen. He has clean skills, is a fantastic decision-maker in possession and stands up in big games. He won more disposals than anyone in the TAC Cup, averaging 32.3 touches per game.

Why: McGrath will battle with McCluggage to go Pick 1, but expect the Bombers to jump at the chance to claim the half back following an outstanding individual season. He’s got the body of work behind him to justify going at Pick 1, plus the option of allowing him to start his career in defence is one the Dons might not be able to overlook.

Pick 1: Andrew McGrath. Source: Getty Images

PICK 2: GWS GIANTS — BEN AINSWORTH

Clubs: Gippsland/Vic Country

Position: Forward/Midfield

Size: 179cm, 74kg

Bio: A prodigious medium-sized forward whose form improved significantly throughout the second half of the season when he pushed into the midfield. His size makes him a difficult match-up, as he can take a grab above his head and win the ball on ground level. He’s dangerous playing deep inside 50, while he averaged 22.3 disposals per match in the TAC Cup. He also booted 18 goals from nine games.

Why: The Giants are after positional players and don’t necessarily have a need for midfielders. They like McGrath, but if he’s taken with Pick 1, expect them to jump on Ainsworth ahead of McCluggage.

Pick 2: Ben Ainsworth. Picture: Nigel Hallett. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 3: BRISBANE — HUGH McCLUGGAGE

Clubs: North Ballarat/Vic Country

Position: Midfield

Size: 185cm, 75kg

Bio: Judged by many as the best player in this year’s draft crop, the classy goalkicking midfielder has hardly missed a beat all season. An elite ball-winner with fantastic foot skills, McCluggage’s ability to impact the game forward of centre makes him a rare prospect. He can finish with precision on the run and from set-shots, booting 25 goals from 12 games in the TAC Cup this year. Add to that an average of 27.9 disposals and there’s reason he remains a huge chance to be taken with Pick 1.

Why: Circumstances could dictate Brisbane’s pick, depending on who Essendon takes with the first selection. The Lions like Ainsworth, who could be available if the Bombers pick McCluggage, but the tall midfielder will be an absolute steal for the club if he falls through to Pick 3.

Pick 3: Hugh McCluggage. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 4: GOLD COAST — TIM TARANTO

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Forward

Size: 186cm, 82kg

Bio: A contested bull who is dangerous going forward, Taranto has elevated himself among the best junior talents in this year’s draft crop. He might lack a hint of pace, but he more than makes up for that with smarts around goal and an innate ability to find the footy. A tall midfielder at 186cm, Taranto averaged 27.1 disposals in the TAC Cup this year and kicked 14 goals from 10 games. For a midfielder, his one-on-one work forward of centre is particularly impressive.

Why: The Suns desperately need midfield depth and would see Taranto as one of the best available at Pick 4. He’s been compared to Jimmy Bartel and has the ability to spend the first few years of his career developing in the forward line. He’s also open to moving interstate, which is a plus for Gold Coast.

Pick 4: Tim Taranto. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 5: GWS GIANTS ACADEMY SELECTION — WILL SETTERFIELD

Clubs: Sandringham/NSW-ACT

Position: Midfield

Size: 190cm, 80kg

Bio: The highly rated Giants academy player is a rare prospect. A 190cm midfielder, Setterfield can use his big frame to assert himself at the contest and can also push forward to impact on the scoreboard. Injury plagued his 2016 campaign, but he still averaged 22.2 disposals per match in the TAC Cup throughout the year. He’s rated by many as arguably the best natural footballer in this year’s draft class.

Why: If Essendon doesn’t bid Pick 1 on Setterfield, expect Carlton to be the first to jump given the club’s need for blue-chip midfielders. The Giants will likely match any bid outside Pick 1 for Setterfield.

Pick 5: Will Setterfield. Picture: Mark Stewart. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 6: CARLTON — SAM PETREVSKI-SETON

Clubs: Claremont/Western Australia

Position: Midfield

Size: 181cm, 76kg

Bio: A clever midfielder who is lightning quick and difficult to stop when he gets going. He loves winning his own footy and doesn’t mind the tough stuff, proving to be a prolific tackler and clearance player throughout the season. He’s ultra classy and averaged 23.1 disposals per game in the WAFL Colts this year. Expect him to be high on the radar of a number of clubs.

Why: Carlton will leap on Petrevski-Seton should he still be available at Pick 6. He’s a natural footballer who will complement a young Blues midfield. Taranto is also a chance to land at Carlton, should Gold Coast opt for Petrevski-Seton at Pick 4.

Pick 6: Sam Petrevski-Seton. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 7: GOLD COAST — TIM ENGLISH

Clubs: South Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Ruck

Size: 203cm, 86kg

Bio: The big ruckman is among the most talented tall prospects in this year’s draft class. His agility around the ground means he can virtually act as another midfielder. He’s exceptionally clean with the ball in hand and wins a lot of his own footy. Given his size, he’d like to improve forward of centre, but he had a great year in the WAFL Reserves with South Fremantle, averaging 15.8 disposals and 22.9 hit-outs per game.

Why: The Suns like English and, with four picks inside the top 10, are a huge chance to jump ahead of the Dockers and claim him with this selection.

Pick 7: Tim English. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 8: FREMANTLE — GRIFFIN LOGUE

Clubs: Swan Districts/Western Australia

Position: Key defender

Size: 193cm, 92kg

Bio: Arguably the best key defensive prospect in this year’s draft crop, Logue’s stocks have improved significantly after a national combine in which he impressed in virtually every test. He’s a fantastic endurance runner for his size, but he’s also incredibly agile, leading to suggestions he could even develop into a big-bodied midfielder in due time. He reads the play well and is a nice intercept mark, averaging 14.5 disposals and 3.8 grabs per game in senior WAFL footy this year.

Why: The Dockers are likely to snap up the best West Australian talent with their first selection. They’re also interested in Petrevski-Seton and English, but will jump at the chance to snare Logue should he still be available.

Pick 8: Griffin Logue. Source: Getty Images

PICK 9: GOLD COAST — JACK SCRIMSHAW

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Half back

Size: 193cm, 80kg

Bio: A tall half back who has a booming left foot kick, Scrimshaw loves to influence the match with the ground in front of him. There have been question marks surrounding his efficiency by foot, but he’s still a dangerous and damaging prospect in possession. He hasn’t quite been able to build the strength to play as a key defender, but he does read the play well across half back. He’d like to move into the midfield in due course. He averaged 23.7 disposals per game in the TAC Cup this season.

Why: Gold Coast rates Scrimshaw highly and would like his potential to move into the midfield. The Swans have also shown an interest in the defender, but expect the Suns to jump first.

Pick 9: Jack Scrimshaw. Picture: Stephen Laffer. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 10: GOLD COAST ACADEMY SELECTION — JACK BOWES

Clubs: Surfers Paradise/Queensland

Position: Midfield

Size: 187cm, 78kg

Bio: Rated as one of the best midfield prospects in this year’s draft, the Suns academy player looks like a really good long-term prospect. He can influence games on the inside and always uses the ball effectively when he gets into space. He has also been credited for his leadership skills. He endured a quiet national championships campaign with the Allies, but improved significantly during his time with Gold Coast’s NEAFL team. There, he averaged 18.7 disposals and more than a goal per game.

Why: Bowes might fall down the draft order and not attract a rival bid until Sydney’s pick, which would be music to the ears of everyone at Gold Coast. Once considered a Pick 1 shot, the Suns will likely match a bid for Bowes regardless of where it falls.

Pick 10: Jack Bowes. Photo: David Clark. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 11: SYDNEY — JY SIMPKIN

Clubs: Murray/Vic Country

Position: Half forward/Midfield

Size: 181cm, 71kg

Bio: The exciting forward made a big impact in his only TAC Cup game this season, booting 4.3 from 18 disposals. However, he would break his leg soon after and miss the remainder of the year. He’s already shown enough to prove he’s a highly intelligent footballer in the forward half of the ground, possessing a natural ability to just make things happen. He’s a neat kick and he’s got good speed.

Why: The Swans are big admirers of Simpkin and could leap at the chance to take him with their first pick. They would like the fact he can play as a forward early in his career, but develop into a midfielder in due time. They also like Logue and Scrimshaw, but both might be gone by this stage.

Pick 11: Jy Simpkin. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 12: GWS GIANTS ACADEMY SELECTION — HARRY PERRYMAN

Clubs: Collingullie-GP/NSW-ACT

Position: Half forward/Half back

Size: 184cm, 75kg

Bio: The definition of a utility. He can make his mark regardless of where he’s played and was used in a variety of positions across the field throughout the season. He demonstrated that flexibility at the national championships, impacting games across half forward and half back, while rotating through the midfield. He’s an intelligent footballer who is among the most highly rated in this year’s draft crop.

Why: The Giants are likely to match a bid regardless of where it comes for Perryman. That should be around this stage, with the likes of North Melbourne and Adelaide lurking.

Pick 12: Harry Perryman. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 13: NORTH MELBOURNE — OLIVER FLORENT

Clubs: Sandringham/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Half forward

Size: 183cm, 74kg

Bio: Having spent the start of the season across half forward, Florent moved into the midfield later in the year and flourished. He’s got pace to burn and a fantastic ability to break and find space from stoppages, making him a dangerous prospect in the forward half of the ground. He averaged 19.8 disposals per game in the TAC Cup this year and enjoyed a standout performance in the All-Stars clash on grand final eve.

Why: The Roos rate Florent highly and would love to add some pace to their midfield. They’ve also shown an interest in Brodie, while they might pounce on Simpkin should he not head to the Swans with an earlier pick.

Pick 13: Oliver Florent. Picture: Stuart Milligan. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 14: WEST COAST — JORDAN GALLUCCI

Clubs: Eastern/Vic Metro

Position: Midfield/Half forward

Size: 183cm, 75kg

Bio: He is an attacking midfielder who can impact at stoppages. He loves to get forward and kick a goal, while he has a great turn of speed and a good ability to break the lines from clearance situations. He averaged 20 disposals per game in the TAC Cup and kicked 14 goals from eight matches.

Why: West Coast is keeping its cards close to its chest, but could use another attack-minded midfielder in Gallucci. He can also drift across half forward and crumb at the feet of Josh Kennedy. Should he slip beyond the Eagles, expect the Crows and the Power to be in the mix.

Pick 14: Jordan Gallucci. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 15: ADELAIDE — WILL BRODIE

Clubs: Murray/Vic Country

Position: Midfield

Size: 189cm, 82kg

Bio: A hard-nosed inside midfielder who does his best work in and under the pack. He’s a fantastic clearance player and a terrific defensive-minded midfielder who might even be ready to go come Round 1. He’s not a massive ball winner, but does get first use frequently. He averaged 20.1 disposals per game in the TAC Cup this year.

Why: Gold Coast, Carlton and North Melbourne are seriously considering Brodie, but he won’t fall beyond Adelaide’s pick. The Crows are in desperate need of midfield depth and would love to claim him here. He’d be a bargain if he fell this far.

Pick 15: Will Brodie. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 16: PORT ADELAIDE — WILL HAYWARD

Clubs: North Adelaide/South Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 186cm, 76kg

Bio: A late season surge has turned Hayward into a genuine first-round draft pick. At 186cm, he’s not the tallest forward prospect, but he’s got good hands, has a nice leap and is a strong mark above his head. He’s smart around goal and clever below his knees. He booted 33 goals from nine games in the SANFL Under 18s this season, adding eight more from four national championships matches.

Why: Many have suggested Gold Coast and Carlton are looking at Hayward inside the top 10, but Port Adelaide will be holding out hope he slides to them with this pick. They’d love to keep him in South Australia and could add him to an already versatile forward line.

Pick 16: Will Hayward. Picture: Campbell Brodie. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 17: BRISBANE — DANIEL VENABLES

Clubs: Western/Vic Metro

Position: Half forward/Midfield

Size: 186cm, 83kg

Bio: It was a frustrating year for Venables, who endured multiple injury issues and struggled to get on the park at various stages throughout the season. When fit, he’s an explosive, attack-minded midfielder who can push forward and impact on the scoreboard. He can mark above his head and has a good eye for goal, but he’s also a very strong contested player when he moves into the midfield. He averaged two goals per game across both the TAC Cup and the national championships this season.

Why: Brisbane has been linked to Venables and is likely to pounce with its second pick in the draft. Once touted as a chance to fall inside the top 10, this appears more like his range.

Pick 17: Daniel Venables. Picture: Mark Dadswell. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 18: PORT ADELAIDE — JARROD BERRY

Clubs: North Ballarat/Vic Country

Position: Half back/Midfield

Size: 191cm, 80kg

Bio: He is a great leader and was arguably the draft combine’s best performer. He’s an elite endurance athlete and can play in multiple positions across the field. At 191cm, he started the season setting up plays across half back, but he also drifted through the midfield and even went forward on some occasions throughout the year. He averaged 16.8 disposals in the TAC Cup and kicked more than a goal per game.

Why: Shouldn’t lack suitors, given his versatility and his leadership traits. Port Adelaide would love to snare someone with his flexibility, if he remains in the draft order at this pick. West Coast and Brisbane could also be in the mix.

Pick 18: Jarrod Berry. Picture: Glenn Ferguson. Source: News Corp Australia

PICK 19: WESTERN BULLDOGS — TODD MARSHALL

Clubs: Murray/NSW-ACT

Position: Key forward

Size: 198cm, 87kg

Bio: Eligible on the open market, Marshall is arguably the best key forward in this year’s draft crop. The 198cm prospect has an incredibly high ceiling, despite the fact he endured an inconsistent year. He’s a good size, marks the ball very well on the lead and has a lot of potential, but he’s yet to really grab a game by the scruff of its neck. He kicked 22 goals from 11 games in the TAC Cup this year, but when he went missing, he really went missing.

Why: The Western Bulldogs are one of few clubs that have the ability to pick a player based on needs. They would love a long-term key forward prospect and Marshall looks their best bet.