Likely Pick 1 and 2 Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson have been linked together all season — until now.

While Rowell remains the clear No. 1 favourite, the Giants’ top academy prospect is just as worthy as Anderson when it comes to being selected with Pick 2.

And that’s not the only surprise Champion Data threw up in its annual top AFL draft rankings, which you can check out below.

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Finals Week 1

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1. MATTHEW ROWELL

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 180cm, 78kg

Plays like: Lachie Neale

Champion Data says: Rowell is the clear standout in 2019 like Sam Walsh in 2018 so we can compare the two seasons. At the Under 18 Championships Rowell won 15.5 rating points, 25 disposals and 12 contested possessions, down from Walsh’s 16.2 rating points, 30 disposals and 14 contested possessions. In the NAB League however Rowell averaged 171 ranking points, 32 disposals and 17 contested possessions, compared to Walsh’s 158 ranking points, 32 disposals and 13 contested possessions. Hard to split.

foxfooty.com.au says: We asked 28 draft prospects at the combine who they’d take with Pick 1 — and 27 nominated Rowell. A player who has starred in nearly every big game, the Suns won’t be able to spit his name out quickly enough come draft night.

2. THOMAS GREEN

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Allies

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 190cm, 89kg

Plays like: Patrick Cripps

Champion Data says: Green is the best contested ball winning junior ever recorded by Champion Data. He broke the record with 16.2 contested possessions at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, surpassing his own mark set at the 2018 Championships at 13.7.

foxfooty.com.au says: Well this is a genuine spanner among the works. Rowell and Anderson have been paired together all season, but gun Giants academy prospect Green has disrupted the order here. The Giants would’ve been hoping a bid on Green would occur before their Pick 6, but that now seems incredibly unlikely, with Adelaide (Pick 4) a strong chance to make a play. Perhaps the Giants will attempt to trade up the order on draft night. Either way, they’re matching any bid on Green.

3. NOAH ANDERSON

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 191cm, 87kg

Plays like: Stephen Coniglio

Champion Data says: Anderson separated himself from other midfielders through his ability to regularly impact the scoreboard from the midfield. He joined Jack Higgins, Hugh McCluggage and Devon Smith as players to average 25 disposals and two goals in the NAB League.

foxfooty.com.au says: Sits third in this Champion Data list, but is a lock to be heading to Gold Coast at Pick 2 as the Suns have been keen on recruiting Rowell and Anderson together. Rowell said last month that he wished he had Anderson’s creativity and flair and ability to his the scoreboard, which makes the Coniglio comparison spot on.

4. LUKE JACKSON

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Ruck

Size: 199cm, 94kg

Plays like: Brodie Grundy

Champion Data says: Jackson was the standout ruckman from the 2019 draft class, ranking fourth at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships for AFL Player Rating points. His 13.8 rating points per match were the second-most recorded at the Championships by a ruckman across the past five seasons.

foxfooty.com.au says: The former star basketballer is almost a certainty to be the first genuine ruck prospect taken in the top 10 of a draft since 2011. In fact Jackson could be taken as early as Pick 3, as the Demons are one of an array clubs in the top six of the draft that are circling him. It’s unlikely he’ll last past Pick 6, meaning Fremantle’s hopes of securing keeping Jackson — a Dockers supporter — in WA are slim, unless they trade up the order.

Some of the top talent in the 2019 draft pool. Source: Supplied

5. HAYDEN YOUNG

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Medium Defender

Size: 188cm, 83kg

Plays like: Nick Haynes

Champion Data says: The prototypical modern interceptor, Young averaged the most intercept possessions at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and the second-most intercept marks. He was one of the best ball movers, ranking second for metres gained while recording an above average kicking efficiency.

foxfooty.com.au says: Young is one of the best kicks in the draft pool and showed off his class during the Under 18 Championships. His intercept work is first-class and a level-headed figure with ball in hand. He could go as early as Pick 3 and is unlikely to be taken outside the top 10.

6. CALEB SERONG

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Position: Inside Midfielder/Small Forward

Size: 178cm, 83kg

Plays like: Tim Kelly

Champion Data says: Serong was the second-highest rated player at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships behind only Matthew Rowell. He won the fifth-most disposals and applied the third-most pressure of any player for the Carnival. Despite his size he was one of the best stoppage players in the NAB League, ranking fourth for clearances and fifth for contested possessions.

foxfooty.com.au says: Serong is one of the best forward-half players in the draft pool, laying numerous bone-crunching tackles on his opponents. In the midfield, Serong bounces around and uses his smarts in traffic to clear the ball effectively. However don’t be surprised if he slides to the middle of the first round.

7. SAM FLANDERS

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Position: Inside Midfielder/General Forward

Size: 183cm, 82kg

Plays like: Christian Petracca

Champion Data says: Primarily a forward in his underage season, Flanders displayed he can also play through the midfield in 2019. He increased his NAB League disposal average up from 16.0 to 22.4 while still managing to kick more than one goal per match.

foxfooty.com.au says: We could be looking at a top-four or five draft pick here. Flanders’ explosive traits are obvious whenever he steps foot onto the ground. He’s aggressive in his hunt for the ball and when he grabs it out of the pack, he thumps it long inside 50. If he goes forward, Flanders is more than capable inside 50, where he uses his strong contested marking ability with aplomb.

8. LACHLAN ASH

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Medium Defender

Size: 187cm, 83kg

Plays like: Lachie Whitfield

Champion Data says: The best outside line breaker in his draft class, Ash led all comers for metres gained at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships with 502 per match. He also ranked second for uncontested possessions and fifth for score involvements.

foxfooty.com.au says: Epitomises the run-and-carry halfback player … and that’d suit Melbourne nicely at Pick 3. Ash loves to tuck the ball under his arm and sprint forward, where he is the modern-day line-breaker. A must-have commodity for any team as he could attract a forward tag in the future.

9. DEVEN ROBERTSON

Clubs: Perth/Western Australia

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 81kg

Plays like: Joel Selwood

Champion Data says: As Western Australia’s captain, Robertson won the Larke Medal as the best performed player at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He broke Sam Walsh’s record for the most disposals at the Championships, recording 30 per match.

foxfooty.com.au says: No player has ever had a better Under 18 Championship than Robertson, with the WA captain breaking records in 2019. The nephew of Darren Glass knows where to find the ball in the contest, but his lack of polish could hurt his top 10 chances. The Dockers probably wouldn’t target him with Pick 7, but Pick 10 might be more likely.

Sam Flanders is a dangerous forward-half player. Source: News Corp Australia

10. WILL GOULD

Clubs: Glenelg/South Australia

Position: General Defender

Size: 192cm, 106kg

Plays like: Tom Stewart

Champion Data says: Gould played a key role in Glenelg’s SANFL premiership, playing 15 matches as an intercepting defender. Among men he rated elite for intercept possessions as a general defender and above average for disposals and kicking efficiency.

foxfooty.com.au says: A boy in a man’s body, Gould is one of the biggest unknowns in terms of draft range, following a year where he made the All-Australian side and played in a SANFL league premiership. He rebounds the ball well and has one of the biggest frames, making him a tough opponent for opposition forwards.

11. LIAM HENRY

Clubs: Claremont/Western Australia

Position: Outside Midfielder/Small Forward

Size: 180cm, 68kg

Plays like: Michael Walters

Champion Data says: Henry ranked in the top three mid-forwards for uncontested possessions, metres gained, score involvements, assists and goals. In his four matches in the WAFL Colts he was the No. 1 mid-forward for disposals, uncontested possessions and assists, while sitting second for score involvements and goals.

foxfooty.com.au says: One of the most impressive players in the 2019 draft pool, Henry’s class on and off the field is clear (the budding entrepreneur sells ties in his spare time). On the field, he dashes around the forward line and loves to create havoc for his opponents when he leaps for the ball. A Fremantle Next Generation Academy member, Henry will be on the Dockers’ list next season.

12. DYLAN STEPHENS

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Outside Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 74kg

Plays like: Jared Polec

Champion Data says: At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships he was the leading uncontested possession winner, while ranking in the top 10 midfielders for ground ball gets, metres gained and pressure applied. A running machine, he placed third in the 2km time trial at the 2019 NAB AFL Combine.

foxfooty.com.au says: The classy wingman will likely be the first South Australian selected in the draft, with the running machine ready to take the AFL by storm. His classy kicking and smarts around the ball could mean he plays senior football early in 2020, despite his slim frame. Stephens could be taken as early as Pick 8.

13. FISCHER MCASEY

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Key Position Utility

Size: 197cm, 91kg

Plays like: Cale Hooker

Champion Data says: Primarily a defender, McAsey showed that he could play at either end of the field in 2019. At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships he played as a key defender and was the No. 1 rated key position player. He led all key defenders for disposals, marks, intercept possessions and intercept marks.

foxfooty.com.au says: McAsey looms as the first key-position player that’ll be drafted — possibly inside the top 10 — following his outstanding Under 18 carnival. The 18-year-old intercepts with ease and reads the flight of the ball well. He did show late in 2019 that he has capabilities to become a forward down the track.

14. JACK MAHONY

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Small Forward/Inside Midfielder

Size: 178cm, 72kg

Plays like: Jade Gresham

Champion Data says: Mahony was third-highest rated player at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, as he led the competition for both score involvements and score assists. When delivering the ball inside 50 he had the second-best retention rate of the top 20 players for kicks at the Championships and he ranked in top 20% of the competition for this metric in his three NAB League matches.

foxfooty.com.au says: While he’s lightly built, Mahony’s footy smarts mean senior football isn’t out of the question for 2020, given he can play both as a forward and midfielder. He works hard with ball in hand and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in contested situations. Looms as a mid to first-round draft selection.

15. FINN MAGINNESS

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 189cm, 82kg

Plays like: Josh P Kennedy

Champion Data says: At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships he had the second highest contested possession rate of anyone to average 18 disposals. His elite running power was on display at the 2019 NAB AFL Combine, placing second in the 2K time trial by just one second.

foxfooty.com.au says: The Hawks are all but certain to snap up this son of a gun, with the father-son prospect likely to receive a first-round bid. His inside work is mighty impressive where he glides around with his big frame.

Fremantle can match a bid on next generation academy member Liam Henry. Photo: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos via Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

16. COOPER STEPHENS

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 83kg

Plays like: Matthew Kennedy

Champion Data says: Stephens was the 13th highest rated underage player at the 2018 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and averaged 19 disposals and 100 ranking points in the NAB League that year. In Round 2 in 2019, before getting injured, he won 32 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances and kicked a goal.

foxfooty.com.au says: A broken leg restricted Stephens to less than a handful of games in 2019, but if his endurance results are the combine are anything to go by, the Nat Fyfe lover could well be a draft steal for the club who snaps him up. Looms as a second-round sleeper.

17. HARRY SCHOENBERG

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 182cm, 83kg

Plays like: Jacob Hopper

Champion Data says: Schoenberg was only outpaced at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships for disposals by No. 1 pick Matthew Rowell. As an inside midfielder he also ranked in the top five across the Carnival for contested possessions and score involvements.

foxfooty.com.au says: Schoenberg was a relatively unknown prospect 12 months ago, but his stellar national carnival will push the midfielder into top-30 draft considerations. He could well be ready for senior football early in 2020.

18. SAM PHILP

Clubs: Northern Knights

Position: Inside Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 79kg

Plays like: Rory Sloane

Champion Data says: Philp was the best player not to be selected for the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He averaged 126 ranking points per match in the NAB League, rating at least above average in all key indicators for a midfielder. He also ranked in the top 10 players for both contested possessions and clearances.

foxfooty.com.au says: No Vic Metro selection, but no worries for Philp who took the NAB League competition by storm. He has speed to burn and gets his hands dirty in the contest. Highly rated by Champion Data, but set to slide in the draft order to somewhere in the second or even third round.

19. TRENT RIVERS

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Medium Defender/Balanced Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 83kg

Plays like: Shaun Burgoyne

Champion Data says: Rivers was one of the best performed general defenders at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, ranking in the top three players for disposals, uncontested possessions, marks and intercept possessions. He was the No. 1 ranked defender in the WAFL Colts collecting 100 ranking points in all nine of his games.

foxfooty.com.au says: A consistent season has kept Rivers’ name in first-round contention. His versatility across halfback and in the midfield means he will be snapped up early.

20. CONNOR BUDARICK

Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies

Position: Small Utility

Size: 177cm, 74kg

Plays like: Devon Smith

Champion Data says: Budarick was the third-highest ranked player in the NAB League, behind only Matthew Rowell and Tom Green. He ranked in the top 10 players for both disposals and the top five for score involvements and tackles. At the Championships he found less of the ball led the competition for pressure applied.

foxfooty.com.au says: The Suns have already secured Budarick thanks to the AFL’s assistance package, which allows Gold Coast to pre-list academy prospects without having to match a bid. The midfielder impressed at the start of the year, but has shown an ability to be used in multiple positions.

21. BRODIE KEMP

Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Position: Utility

Size: 192cm, 89kg

Plays like: Kyle Langford

Champion Data says: Kemp made the rare transition from a key defender to a midfielder in 2019. His last two games at the Championships before his season ended due to an ACL injury were his best of 2019, averaging 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four clearances and 1.5 goals.

foxfooty.com.au says: That ACL injury could rule him out for almost all of 2020, with the best result a mid-year return. Still looms as a genuine first-round prospect as a big-bodied player that can play almost anywhere on the ground.

Will Gould, Kysaiah Pickett, Karl Finlay, Cole Gerloff and Harry Schoenberg are among some of South Australia’s draft hopefuls. Photo: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

22. JOSHUA WORRELL

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Utility

Size: 195cm, 83kg

Plays like: Jake Carlisle

Champion Data says: Worrell might be the most versatile player taken in the 2019 National Draft, spending time as a defender, wingman and forward at times throughout the year. His best match came as a defender where he won 23 disposals and 14 intercept possessions in Round 3 of the NAB League.

foxfooty.com.au says: A genuine unknown in terms of the draft order. He could go as early as mid first-round or as late as mid second-round. Worrell has played every position on a footy field in the past two years, but the key-position utility seems best suited in defence, given his strong ability to intercept the ball and rebound with ease. The youngster spent the season working closely with Essendon great Matthew Lloyd at Haileybury College.

23. JACKSON MEAD

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

Position: Balanced Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 83kg

Plays like: Angus Brayshaw

Champion Data says: At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships Mead was the fifth-highest rated player, averaging 21 disposals and one goal per match. In the SANFL Reserves he rated elite for inside 50s, score assists and score involvements among midfielders.

foxfooty.com.au says: Mead is seemingly destined to become Port Adelaide’s second ever father-son selection after Brett Ebert – the son of four-time Magarey Medallist and Australian Football Hall of Fame member Russell Ebert – in 2002. The Power are hopeful, almost expectant, of matching a rival club bid on Mead not long after their third selection draft (Pick 29). He showed his skills across the season and wasn’t afraid of the contact in the SANFL League competition.

24. RYAN BYRNES

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Balanced Midfielder

Size: 182cm, 84kg

Plays like: Taylor Adams

Champion Data says: Byrnes was one of the most consistent ball winners in the NAB League, collecting more than 20 disposals in 14 of his 15 matches. He finished fifth among midfielders for disposals and when he attended a centre bounce Sandringham had a +31 clearance differential: the fourth best differential of any player in the NAB League.

foxfooty.com.au says: Probably the bolter of Champion Data’s list here, but there’s not a lot of talk around him at club land. There’s a chance he could even slip outside the top 50. But his strong and consistent performances at NAB League level, where he showed off his impressive workrate and acceleration, should attract a few clubs late.

25. JEREMY SHARP

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Outside Midfielder

Size: 189cm, 81kg

Plays like: Andrew Gaff

Champion Data says: Sharp is the most outside midfielder likely to be taken early in the draft, with a contested possession rate of just 23% across his 30 matches covered by Champion Data. At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships he won the fourth most uncontested possessions and ranked second among midfielders for metres gained.

foxfooty.com.au says: A dual All-Australian, Sharp’s running ability on the wing for his team is a clear strength. But he’s also a silky midfielder that racks up the ball and has shown confidence against bigger bodies during a stint in the East Fremantle WAFL team.

Ryan Byrnes dominated at NAB League level. Photo: David Crosling Source: News Corp Australia

26. TRENT BIANCO

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Small Defender/Outside Midfielder

Size: 178cm, 73kg

Plays like: Lachie Weller

Champion Data says: Roaming across halfback, Bianco accumulated the most disposals of anyone to play more than 10 matches in the NAB League in 2019. He won at least 22 disposals in all but one match however, he had a contested possession rate of just 28%, winning 10 contested possessions just once for the season.

foxfooty.com.au says: Probably entered 2019 as a possible top-10 pick but has slipped back somewhat. But Bianco’s leadership stands out from other prospects as he captained the Oakleigh Chargers to the NAB League premiership. Not many players can do what Bianco can do with ball in hand, hitting up targets off either foot with ease. His composure makes him standout.

27. JAY RANTALL

Clubs: GWV Rebels/Vic Country

Position: Balanced Midfielder

Size: 185cm, 83kg

Plays like: Jy Simpkin

Champion Data says: Rantall was consistently able to hit the scoreboard from the midfield, rating elite for goals and score involvements. His tackle numbers exploded late in the year, laying 45 tackles from his final four matches. He also broke the 2km Time Trial Record at the 2019 Combine.

foxfooty.com.au says: The underage basketball gun has rapidly jumped up draft boards — potentially as early as the second round — following a year of growth across all levels. Rantall’s clearance work is outstanding and, like other basketball players, his work in traffic is very clean.

28. CAMERON TAHENY

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: General Forward

Size: 185cm, 80kg

Plays like: Sam Lloyd

Champion Data says: Taheny started with a bang in his SANFL League matches kicking 15 goals from his first four matches, but then was held goalless in his final three matches. Despite his form dropping off he still rated elite for both goals and forward 50 marks for a general forward.

foxfooty.com.au says: It has been a topsy-turvy year for Taheny, who showed his class in the SANFL Grand Final where he hit the scoreboard. The left footer marks well above his head and can beat opponents on the lead. Likely to be taken at some stage after Pick 30.

29. WILL DAY

Clubs: West Adelaide/South Australia

Position: General Defender

Size: 189cm, 76kg

Plays like: Jarryn Geary

Champion Data says: In his four matches in the Under 18s he averaged 26 disposals, three intercept marks and eight intercept possessions across halfback. At the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships he was second only to Hayden Young for intercept possessions.

foxfooty.com.au says: The raw Day might be slightly framed, but his smarts and ability to read the ball mean he is right in the mix as a first-round selection. The cousin of Gold Coast’s Sam might well be on his way north to the Suns come draft time, but the prospect has plenty of suitors.

30. CODY WEIGHTMAN

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Small Forward

Size: 178cm, 75kg

Plays like: Jamie Elliott

Champion Data says: Weightman was the leading goalkicker at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, booting nine goals from four matches. He plays taller than his 178cm height suggests, rating elite for both forward 50 marks and contested marks among general forwards in the NAB League.

foxfooty.com.au says: The small forward has plenty of tricks and loves to show off his skills inside 50. One of the characters of the draft pool, Weightman isn’t afraid to let his opponents know when they’ve made a mistake.