DANDENONG Stingrays’ defender Jacob Weitering is almost certain to be the number one pick in Tuesday’s AFL national draft.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The impressive tall has been widely tipped for months to be heading to Carlton with the Blues’ first selection.
Key forward Josh Schache, from Murray Bushrangers, is set to head to the Brisbane Lions as the draft’s second pick.
Schache, who is the son of late Brisbane Bears’ footballer Laurence, kicked the most goals ever in an AFL under-18 national championships earlier this year.
The inclusion of a brand new bidding system for academy and father-son players has added intrigue to this year’s event, as has the fact that several clubs hold multiple picks inside the top 10.
Carlton (picks one and eight), Melbourne (three and seven) and Essendon (four and five) will be busy early on in the draft, as will Adelaide with selections nine and 13.
Melbourne’s first pick has been the centre of much debate, with Geelong Falcons’ midfielder Darcy Parish and Sam Weideman, from Eastern Ranges, both linked to the number three selection.
However, Bushrangers’ product Clayton Oliver has bolted up the rankings and may be heading to the Demons instead.
The bullocking midfielder enjoyed a terrific half of the TAC Cup season, winning the Morrish Medal, and quelled fears about his athletic ability with a strong display at October’s national combine.
Essendon could also look at Oliver, Parish and Weideman, while South Australian pair Aaron Francis and Wayne Milera may be considered.
Other prospects that may also feature in the top 10 include Falcons’ tall Charlie Curnow, Gippsland Power’s Harry McKay and exciting Western Australian Callum Ah Chee.
Meanwhile, academy players Callum Mills (Sydney), Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy (Greater Western Sydney) and Eric Hipwood and Ben Keays (Brisbane Lions) are tipped to receive early bids.
Players to have nominated clubs as father-son selections include Jack Silvagni (Carlton), Bailey Rice (St. Kilda) and inside midfielder Josh Dunkley (Sydney).
TOP 10 SELECTIONS
- Carlton
- Brisbane Lions
- Melbourne
- Essendon
- Essendon
- Gold Coast Suns
- Melbourne
- Carlton
- Adelaide
- Greater Western Sydney