It's draft week!
With only a few days until this year's event -- held at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday nights -- ESPN expert Chris Doerre will be on deck to offer the best insight, analysis and predictions.
Here, he lists his top 20 prospects. On Tuesday evening, he joins the ESPN Footytips AFL podcast team for a one-off discussion, before then hosting a live Q&A on espn.com.au from 5.30pm (AEDT).
On Wednesday morning, Doerre's final, full phantom draft will be published, while he will also be offering his thoughts in several post-draft columns.
1. Matthew Rowell
Best position: Inside midfield/outside midfield
Height, weight: 180cm, 78kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Projected draft range: 1-2
Plays like: Joel Selwood
October Ranking: 1
Rationale: Rises to the occasion like no other and has built a reputation as a big game player. He has earned back-to-back medals for best on ground in TAC Cup/NAB League Grand Finals, during the Under-17 All-Stars Grand Final curtain raiser and in the Under-18 vs. Casey clash earlier in the year. Rowell is likely to have the most immediate impact in this draft.
Strengths: Performances on the biggest of stages, plays with urgency and displays a rare will to win and make winning plays in big moments, consistency, attack on the ball, contested ball-winning, wins the ball on the move at speed, aggressive tackler, comfortable at stoppages as either the ball winner or receiver, distribution by hand, strength to keeps his feet through tackles and dispose of the ball, explosive acceleration, run and carry, endurance, evasion, two way running, work rate, movement without the ball, run in support, always leading up at the football to provide a leadup option, versatility to play inside or outside midfield, overhead marking, intercept marking, leadership and voice on the field
Weaknesses: Often slow to move the ball on after marks and free kicks, hurt factor and consistency by foot, unclear scope to play forward
2. Noah Anderson
Best position: Inside midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 191cm, 87kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Projected draft range: 1-2
Plays like: Jordan De Goey
October Ranking: 2
Rationale: A match winner who breaks games open in the matter of minutes. One of the most influential in the pool whether he's used as a midfielder or forward. Anderson's influence both as a forward and midfielder set him apart from Rowell and Green. Anderson places behind Rowell with a productive but not as influential finals series the clincher.
Strengths: Impact per possession, moments where he individually takes games over, versatility to impact games through the midfield, forward or back, first possession winner at stoppages, contested ball winning, distribution by hand, threat one-out in the goal square, work at ground level inside 50m, crumbing, reading of the ball in flight, overhead marking inside 50m, finds space inside 50m, scoreboard impact, instinctive finisher around goal and from around the 50m arc, hurt factor by foot, vision, moves the ball on aggressively, spread from the contest, explosive line breaker, endurance, work rate, agility, evasion, repeat speed, two way run
Weaknesses: Inconsistency across four quarters, has quiet patches where his impact isn't felt, kicking consistency
3. Thomas Green (Greater Western Sydney Academy)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 188cm, 85kg
Recruited from: GWS Giants
Projected draft range: 3-5
Plays like: Patrick Cripps
October Ranking: 3
Rationale: The most prolific first possession winner at stoppages I've seen at this age and stage.
Strengths: First possession winner at stoppages, contested ball winning, wins clearances, reading of the ball off the hands of the ruckmen, hunts ground balls with a greater want than any other, distribution by hand, strength through the hips to stand up through tackles, capabilities forward of centre, marking threat on the lead and inside 50m, overhead marking, reading of the drop of the ball, scoreboard impact, production on the board in the NEAFL, composure, vision, reliable skills, leadership and encouragement of teammates on the field, evasion, work rate
Weaknesses: Agility, athleticism
4. Sam Flanders
Best position: General forward/inside midfield
Height, weight: 182cm, 81kg
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Projected draft range: 5-10
Plays like: Robbie Gray
October Ranking: 4
Rationale: One of the draft's most damaging forward of centre and shows continued improvement as a ball-winning midfielder. His finals performance against Oakleigh -- where he outplayed projected top-two choices Rowell and Anderson -- reminded recruiters that despite playing mostly midfield this year, forward of centre, only Anderson at his best is comparable.
Strengths: Scoreboard impact, threat one-out in the goal square, overhead marking, one-on-one marking, aerial marking, leadup marking, keeps his feet, low centre of gravity, reading of the drop of the ball, crumbing, contested ball winning, loose ball winner, first possession winner at stoppages, quick and clean hands in close, aggressive tackler, strength through the hips to stand up through tackles, explosive acceleration, agility, vertical leap, takes on the game, hurt-factor by foot, finishing around goal, vision, leadership and voice out on the field
Weaknesses: Effective but not as influential through the midfield as he can be up forward, consistency, with body very physically advanced ceiling may be lower than some other top end prospects, sometimes rushes kicks without assessing best options
5. Brodie Kemp
Best position: Inside midfield/tall utility
Height, weight: 192cm, 89kg
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli
October Ranking: 5
Rationale: Among the midfielders or tall utilities with the greatest upside in the pool, Kemp made big plays in big moments during the Under-18 Championships. He sustained a season-ending ACL tear which likely will keep him out for the next year.
Strengths: Stands up in the big moments, versatility to impact games in any position other than ruck, acceleration, breaks the lines at high speed, movement and evasion through traffic, wins first possession at stoppages on the move, wins ground balls on the move, ground ball winning, distribution by hand, intercept marking, reading of the ball in flight, aerial marking, one-on-one marking, leadup marking, contested marking, marking forward of centre, threat one-out in the goal square, hurt factor by foot, places kicks out in front of targets to lead onto, vision
Weaknesses: Needs to find more of the ball to become a top tier midfielder, consistency over four quarters, unclear best position
6. Fischer McAsey
Best position: Key defence
Height, weight: 197cm, 93kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Darcy Moore
October Ranking: 14
Rationale: Winner of Vic Metro's MVP, he is the premier key defender in this draft. On review of his Under-18 Championships, his updated measurements, McAsey rises up draft board.
Strengths: Intercept marking, reads of the drop of the ball, reads the ball early in flight, contested marking, marking on the lead, aerial marking, attack on ball aerially, one-touch overhead mark, closing speed, leap, clean at ground level, aggressive spoiling, reliable kick out in front of targets to lead onto, courageous, tackling, versatility to hold down key position posts at either end though looks at his best in defence
Weaknesses: One-on-one strength, one-on-one marking
7. Deven Robertson
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 184cm, 81kg
Recruited from: Perth
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Adam Treloar
October Ranking: 8
Rationale: Nephew of Darren Glass, Robertson is one of the most productive ball-winning midfielders in the pool. Robertson won the Larke Medal for the best player during the Under-18 Championships and was as consistent and influential as any during the carnival. One of the most ready-to-go midfielders and rises on review of Under-18 Championships play.
Strengths: Attack on the ball, contested ball winning, freakish reflexes on ground ball pickups, stoppage work, distribution by hand, work rate, moves the ball on quickly, endurance, speed, run and carry, agility, evasion, tackling, pressure around the ground, courage, leadership on and off the field, performances on the board during the Under-18 Championships
Weaknesses: Scoreboard impact, kicking under pressure, kicking reliability, unclear versatility
8. Dylan Stephens
Best position: Outside midfield
Height, weight: 183cm, 74kg
Recruited from: Norwood
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Lachie Hunter
October Ranking: 11
Rationale: Review of Stephens' SANFL League play leads to rise up rankings.
Strengths: Endurance, agility, speed, run and carry, movement without the ball, work rate, leading up at the football and multiple leads in general play, loose ball winning, reliable ball user, versatility to play midfield in an inside or outside role or as a forward, tackling, pressure around the ground, scoreboard impact, performances at SANFL League level
Weaknesses: Size, strength
9. Lachlan Ash
Best position: General defence
Height, weight: 187cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Projected draft range: 4-15
Plays like: Kade Simpson
October Ranking: 7
Rationale: A well-rounded defender who intercepts and damages the opposition with his run and hurt-factor by foot from defence. Drops as others rise.
Strengths: Line-breaking run and carry, daring runner who will take on opponents, agility, evasion, endurance, damaging kick, vision, hits meaningful targets by foot in the corridor, intercept marking, reading of the ball in flight, ground ball-winning, tackling, forward pressure, versatility to push up through the midfield
Weaknesses: Prone to trying to do too much with ball in hand, contested ball winning, midfield craft
10. Hayden Young
Best position: General defence/midfield
Height, weight: 188cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Projected draft range: 3-15
Plays like: Christian Salem
October Ranking: 6
Rationale: Provides consistent drive from defence with his work by foot a highlight. Drops slightly behind Ash on review due to less speed and lesser running capabilities.
Strengths: Precise and damaging kick who places ball out in front of targets to lead onto, vision, decision making under pressure, aggressive attack on the ball, contested ball winning, stoppage work, run and carry, agility, leap, one-on-one defence, one-on-one marking, defensive accountability, reading of the drop of the ball, intercept marking, courage, second and third efforts, versatility to play defence or midfield
Weaknesses: Sometimes too accountable, needs to provide a marking target more often around the ground rather running around the back for cheap handball receives, provides minimal run and carry from defence
11. Caleb Serong
Best position: Inside midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 178cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Isaac Heeney
October Ranking: 10
Rationale: Consistent impact through Vic Country's midfield during the Under-18 Championships and the NAB League. One of this draft's best midfielders and forwards. Drops one spot as McAsey rises.
Strengths: One-on-one capabilities, powerful overhead mark, aerial marking, body control in the air to absorb hits and take marks, reading of the ball in flight, high leaper who times his leaps effectively, explosive first step, agility, evasion, strong tackler, impact per possession, scoreboard impact, finishing around goal, contested ball-winning capabilities, first possession winning, first to loose balls, crumbing, plays on when the opportunity is there
Weaknesses: Kick placement and reliability, skill execution under pressure, very physically advanced, ceiling may be lower than some other top end prospects
12. Liam Henry (Fremantle Next-Generation Academy)
Best position: General forward
Height, weight: 180cm, 68kg
Recruited from: Claremont
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Michael Walters
October Ranking: 12
Rationale: One of Western Australia's most influential through the Under-18 Championships and is one of this year's most exciting forwards. Drops as others rise.
Strengths: Freakish ground ball pickups on the move at speed, crumbing, forward pressure, second and third efforts, kicks placed out in front of targets to lead onto, vision, composure with ball in hand, skill execution under pressure, instinctive finisher around goal, moves the ball on quickly, line-breaking speed, dare with ball in hand, agility, evasion, impact per possession, feels dangerous any time the ball is in his area, leadup marking, protects the drop zone in one-on-one marking contests, early reading of the ball in flight, comfortable pushing up through the midfield
Weaknesses: One-on-one strength, inconsistent overhead mark, kicking penetration
13. Luke Jackson
Best position: Ruck
Height, weight: 199cm, 94kg
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Projected draft range: 3-7
Plays like: Paddy Ryder
October Ranking: 16
Rationale: A raw, athletic, high leaping ruckman who made the decision to pursue football instead of basketball. An aggressive tackler who follows up powerfully from ruck contests, often winning first possession. Improves ranking position on review of second half of season play during which time his ball-winning capabilities improved.
Strengths: High leaper, follow-up work, contested ball-winning, tackling aggression, contested marking, aerial marking, reading of the ball in flight, endurance
Weaknesses: Short for a ruckman, raw, skills, running patterns, struggles to find the ball outside the contest
14. Will Gould
Best position: General defence/key defence
Height, weight: 192cm, 106kg
Recruited from: Glenelg
Projected draft range: 20-40
Plays like: Shannon Hurn
October Ranking: 9
Rationale: An Under-18 All-Australian, Gould is the most physically advanced and imposing prospect in the pool. A season one-ready defender who performs reliably at SANFL League level each week. Gould finished the season strongly in the SANFL at League level as a premiership player. Gould drops on review of Under-18 Championships play when weighed against the performances of what is a very even 4-14 grouping.
Strengths: Aggression, imposing presence, attack on the ball, one-on-one strength, body positioning in the contest, penetrating and damaging kick with 60m penetration, vision, reading of the ball in flight, reading of the drop of the ball, intercept marking, explosive speed, strength through the hips to stand up through and absorb tackles, leadership through on field courage and presence allowing teammates to gain confidence, consistent performances on the board against SANFL league competition
Weaknesses: Endurance, unclear whether tall enough to be a key defender at AFL level, weight management, limited upside due to already developed body
15. Harry Schoenberg
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 182cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Projected draft range: 20-40
Plays like: Dylan Shiel
October Ranking: 17
Rationale: Rocketed into the draft discussion on the back of his Under-18 Championships performances where he was South Australia's most prolific midfielder and won his state's MVP award. On review of Under-18 Championships play moves up.
Strengths: Contested ball-winning, wins first possession on the move, high work rate and is always on the move whether at stoppages or around the ground, endurance, agility, acceleration to burst away from stoppages, strength to shrug tackles, tackling, smothers, skills by hand and foot, vision, evasion, impact per possession, courage
Weaknesses: Unclear versatility, scoreboard impact
16. Jeremy Sharp
Best position: General defence/outside midfield
Height, weight: 189cm, 181kg
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Projected draft range: 20-35
Plays like: Nathan Wilson
October Ranking: 13
Rationale: One of the premier rebounding defenders and outside runners in the draft. His speed, endurance and ball use are his greatest assets. Drops slightly in comparing his contested ball-winning capabilities to his similarly rated peers.
Strengths: Speed, endurance, line-breaking capabilities, daring runner who will take on opponents, evasion, composure, decision making with ball in hand, vision, long and damaging kick, versatility to play in defence or on a wing, one touch ground ball pickups, WAFL League performances on the board
Weaknesses: Contested ball-winning, unclear midfield capabilities, intercept marking
17. Finn Maginness (Hawthorn - father-son)
Best position: Inside midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 189cm, 82kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 10-30
Plays like: Jack Ziebell
October Ranking: 15
Rationale: Balance of performance through the midfield and impact forward of centre earned Maginness a top-20 position over the second half of the season. Maginness is an improving player who rose late in the season due to his improved hurt-factor and his impact forward of centre. Drops as others rise.
Strengths: First possession winner through the midfield, ground ball winning, tackling, strength to stand up through tackles and dispose of the ball, crumbing, lowers his eyes, kicks out in front of leading targets, work rate, endurance, speed, one-on-one marking, overhead marking, threat one-out in the goal square, scoreboard impact, evasion, endurance, kick placement out in front of targets to lead onto
Weaknesses: Production not on the level of other highly touted midfielders, athletically tests very well but needs to tap into his speed and endurance more often in game, kicking consistency
18. Ryan Byrnes
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 182cm, 84kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 20-50
Plays like: Jake Steven
October Rankings: 18
Rationale: On performance in the NAB League, Byrnes has been one of the most damaging midfielders by winning the ball and hurting the opposition with his acceleration and hurt-factor by foot.
Strengths: Wins first possession at stoppages, wins ground ball on the move, use of speed with ball in hand around stoppages, line-breaking pace, agility, evasion in traffic, impact per possession, hurt factor by foot, places kicks out in front of targets to lead onto, vision to find targets inside 50m
Weaknesses: Scoreboard impact, unclear versatility
19. Miles Bergman
Best position: General forward
Height, weight: 189cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Jeremy Howe
October Rankings: unranked
Rationale: Bergman has been on the edge of the top 20 for a while but after growing to 189cm, he is more appealing than the 186cm he was listed at during the Under-18 Championships. Bergman while mostly used as a forward possesses a mix of attributes to suggest he would be best suited in defence.
Strengths: Overhead marking, aerial marking, body control in the air to absorb contact and take marks, one-on-one marking, reading of the ball in flight, leap, penetrating kick, strength to shrug tackles, clean ground ball pickups on the move, still growing, capable forward with the tools to be an even better in defence
Weaknesses: Low production, kicking consistency, unclear midfield potential
20. Trent Rivers
Best position: General defender/inside midfield
Height, weight: 188cm, 83kg
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Projected draft range: 15-30
Plays like: Jarrad McVeigh
October Rankings: unranked
Rationale: Classy defender who looks equally adept in defence and through the midfield. Earns top-20 position on review of Under-18 Championships play.
Strengths: Kicking, vision, composure with ball in hand, evasion, agility, versatility to play midfield or defence, contested ball winning, tackling, intercept marking, strength one-on-one
Weaknesses: Endurance, unclear best position