Whispers and intel at each membership, picks, order, finest and worst case situations, prospects, rankings

A stable draft crop is commonly the cornerstone of a premiership facet.

So what recruiters do on draft night time can usually make or break a membership’s future flag hopes.

Foxfooty.com.au breaks down the newest intel, in addition to the best-case — and worst-case — situations for each AFL membership forward of the 2022 nationwide draft, which might be held on Monday November 28 and Tuesday November 29.

Watch the primary spherical of the 2022 AFL Draft on Fox Footy and Kayo from 7pm EDT on Monday November 28. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Extra draft protection …

PHANTOM: Our draft expert predicts the entire first round

GUIDE: Everything you need to know about the AFL Draft

DRAFT POWER RANKINGS: Top prospects ranked 1-50

ADELAIDE CROWS

Picks: 46, 56, 59

Newest intel: The Crows don’t have a lot after buying and selling out Choose 5 for Izak Rankine, however there are strategies they’re ready to place their future second-round choice (tied to North Melbourne’s 2023 ending place) on the desk to try to commerce in a top-20 decide this 12 months. They’re additionally ready and nicely positioned to recruit gun key defender Max Michalanney beneath the father-son rule. He’s prone to obtain a bid throughout the first round-and-a-half and the Crows will then match it to be able to convey the backman into the membership.

Finest-case situations: A bid on Michalanney doesn’t come within the prime 20 — ideally within the center phases of the second spherical — giving the Crows the perfect probability of utilizing their future second to commerce again into the sooner phases of the draft and decide up a gun South Australian prospect comparable to defender Jakob Ryan or Harry Barnett earlier than matching a Michalanney bid. Then they take SA ball magnet Billy Dowling with one in every of their later picks to cap off a profitable low season.

Worst-case state of affairs: A Michalanney bid comes halfway by way of the primary spherical — after which there are not any takers for his or her future second-round choice, forcing them to select later within the draft.

BRISBANE LIONS

Picks: 34, 35, 36, 38, 55

Newest intel: It truly is a matter of when bids for Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher come. The Lions might attempt to get extra picks from rival golf equipment, comparable to Hawthorn and North Melbourne, on the night time in an try and safeguard them from going too far into deficit in subsequent 12 months’s draft. Regardless, they’ll have Ashcroft and Fletcher within the ranks by the point the draft is completed.

Finest-case state of affairs: Ashcroft slides to Choose 2 (and even later) — which means the Lions decide him up cheaper than many first thought — And a Fletcher bid doesn’t come till the back-end of the primary spherical, comparable to Collingwood’s decide or Sydney’s second choice. It provides the Lions a bit extra wiggle room and choices to select up a 3rd participant on night time two ought to they go down that path.

Worst-case state of affairs: The Giants throw a curveball and bid on Ashcroft at Choose 1 and Carlton launches a bid on Fletcher at Choose 11, both forcing the Lions right into a mad scramble for factors or sending them into large draft deficit for subsequent 12 months.

CARLTON

Picks: 10, 29, 49, 64, 74

Newest intel: It looks like Oliver Hollands is the person for the Blues, along with his laborious, two-way working of appreciable enchantment to Michael Voss and the recruiting workforce. Jaspa Fletcher is one other who they’d have curiosity in and because of this they might drive the Lions to match a bid for him. However all groups are conserving tabs on the Blues, who’re seen as one of the crucial possible golf equipment to be concerned in a commerce on the primary night time. They’ve been closely linked to a transfer with the Sydney Swans, whose two first-round picks are on the desk — however getting one in every of them is the problem. Nonetheless, they’re methods to bolster their hand on this 12 months’s draft.

Finest-case state of affairs: In the event that they maintain their picks, one in every of Elijah Tsatas, Mattaes Phillipou or Cam Mackenzie slides to their first decide — though Hollands would nonetheless be a worthy mid first-round choice if the aforementioned trio are off the board. Then they land a key again with their second choice, ideally a gun prospect that drops down the order like Tom McCallum or, ideally, Lewis Hayes. In the event that they commerce, they do a take care of the Swans that sees them land Picks 14 and 17 and herald two first-round abilities, with one in every of Hollands, Jedd Busslinger or Ed Allan nonetheless being on the desk at their first decide.

Worst-case state of affairs: No actual large doomsday state of affairs looms for the Blues, contemplating most recruiters imagine there’s a niche between the highest 10 draft prospects and the remainder — and the Blues might be coming into the draft at Choose 11. Though in the event that they do a commerce with the Swans and none of Hollands, Allan, Busslinger or Hayes are on the desk, that wouldn’t be ideally suited.

COLLINGWOOD

Picks: 16, 25, 27, 51, 79

Newest intel: Loads of gamers have been linked to Collingwood’s first decide, however Jakob Ryan is looming giant within the membership’s considering. His versatility is of appreciable worth to the Pies and he can add to their rebound defensive shares. Olli Hotton and Henry Hustwaite each have Collingwood connections — Hotton’s dad Trent performed within the AFL workforce within the Nineties whereas Hustwaite’s brother Campbell has been the membership’s VFL co-captain in recent times — whereas the Pies might additionally go for a tall again in Josh Weddle or Lewis Hayes or prime Tassie prospect Lachie Cowan could be an opportunity right here too. Many expect at the least one of many membership’s two picks within the 20s for use on Joe Richards – a 23-year-old draft bolter who starred for Ovens and Murray Soccer League this 12 months. Three SA names are being linked to the Pies’ second-round picks: embrace forward-ruck Isaac Keeler and defender-forward Harry Lemmey and ruck Harry Barnett.

Finest-case state of affairs: The Magpies enhance their draft place by packaging up their choices and discovering a suitor close to the highest 10. If not they usually maintain their spot — and Weddle is off the board — they take a smaller kind like Ryan with their first decide then one in every of Barnett or Hayes slides to their subsequent choice. Draft bolter Richards, too, is out there with their second second-rounder.

Worst-case state of affairs: Weddle and Ryan are each off the board by their first decide and one other membership pinches Richards earlier than the Pies’ pair of second-rounders.

ESSENDON

Picks: 4, 22, 54, 61, 66

Newest intel: With regards to a commerce on draft night time, Essendon is being eyed as one of many principal contenders to do a deal. Foxfooty.com.au understands Adrian Dodoro and his workforce might be open to presents for Choose 4 till the final minute on draft night time. It comes amid hypothesis their most well-liked top-pick possibility is a real toss of the coin between Elijah Tsatas and Mattaes Phillipou, however there was a rising sense final week they might be leaning in direction of Phillipou. The Bombers are hoping to select up two gamers earlier than a bid comes on father-son prospect Alwyn Davey Jnr, who golf equipment anticipate to attract a bid in the course of the second spherical.

Finest-case state of affairs: If the Bombers commerce, they find yourself with a number of first-round picks throughout each this 12 months’s and subsequent 12 months’s draft. In the event that they maintain their picks, they choose two weapons within the open draft earlier than a bid on Davey. Plus rival golf equipment don’t bid on NGA prospect Anthony Munkara and father-son gun Jayden Davey, permitting the Bombers to select them each up low-cost late within the nationwide draft or as rookies.

Worst-case state of affairs: A bid on Alwyn Davey comes within the first spherical or simply previous to the Bombers’ pure second-round choice. And bids on Munkara and Jayden Davey come earlier than Choose 40, which means Essendon can’t match them beneath AFL guidelines.

FREMANTLE

Picks: 30, 43, 44, 65, 70, 77

Newest intel: It’s a skinny hand for the Dockers after buying and selling for Luke Jackson and to a lesser extent Jaeger O’Meara. Nonetheless, they appear to be assured of their potential to land at the least one promising younger expertise. Darcy Jones could be a great pick-up if he slips by way of the 20s, whereas silky backman Sam Gilbey and SA ruck Harry Barnett have additionally been linked. Checklist boss David Partitions has instructed the membership will discover in search of a “growing ruck” and “key defender” with Picks 43 and 44. In the event that they solid their eye over West Australian expertise at the beginning, Peel Thunder’s Jed Adams and Claremont’s Hugh Davies are two of the primary key defensive choices. 

Finest-case state of affairs: Considered one of Jones or, ideally, Barnett remains to be accessible when the Dockers decide first, with Barnett thought of the perfect ruck within the draft and thought of a first-round prospect by many golf equipment. Ideally they get each and decide up a key defender with their final choice, whereas no golf equipment bid on NGA trio Josh Draper, Jasper Scaife or Conrad Williams, giving the Dockers a number of Class B rookie choices.

Worst-case state of affairs: Each Barnett and Jones are off the board by Choose 30. Total, there’s no slider and the Dockers are left with only a few gamers within the prime 30 on their board once they enter the draft.

GEELONG CATS

Picks: 7, 58

Newest intel: The Cats have been closely linked to Jhye Clark with their first-round decide, which is their highest since selecting up Joel Selwood again in 2006. Such hyperlinks are legitimate, but it surely isn’t essentially a given. In reality, there’s a way the Cats – if supplied the selection – would take Elijah Tsatas over Clark if each had been accessible when the Cats have their decide. A lot of that is dependent upon Essendon’s determination earlier within the draft, which appears to be between Tsatas and Mattaes Phillipou. They’ll additionally contemplate WA midfielder Reuben Ginbey is he’s nonetheless on the board. The Cats have additionally reportedly proven curiosity in Norwood tall Phoenix Foster and Glenelg forward-midfielder Archie Lovelock, who received the perfect on floor medal on this 12 months’s SANFL Beneath 18 grand closing.

Finest-case state of affairs: Tsatas, Clark and Ginbey are all accessible on the Cats’ opening choice, offering them with a terrific conundrum. The romantic choice could be Clark, however Tsatas is an elite match-winner with match-winning capabilities. Father-son prospect Osca Riccardi and Subsequent Era Academy midfielder Ted Clohesy each slip by way of the nationwide draft, giving the Cats rookie choices.

Worst-case state of affairs: The Bombers take Tsatas, the Suns take Ginbey and the Hawks take Clark earlier than Geelong’s first decide, as they’re the three gamers most closely linked to Choose 7. (Though they’d certainly be joyful to select from one in every of Mattaes Phillipou, Cam Mackenzie, Bailey Humphrey or Ed Allan, too). Clohesy receives a bid earlier than Choose 40 and Riccardi doesn’t slip by way of to the rookie draft.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Picks: 5, 45, 68

Newest intel: It could be a substantial shock if the Suns went for anybody apart from Bailey Humphrey with their first decide. He has proven loads of promise regardless of an injury-interrupted 12 months and appears to be one of the crucial mature youngsters in recent times. Consideration has additionally been given to Reuben Ginbey, with the membership having flown to West Australia to go to him and his household. Jhye Clark has been talked about in dispatches and remains to be an possibility, however it’s leaning additional and additional in direction of Humphrey.

The fact: Contemplating the Suns might use only one decide on the nationwide draft — and may have all three aforementioned gamers to select from at their first decide — we’re not nominating a best-case or worst-case state of affairs.

GWS GIANTS

Picks: 1, 15, 18, 19, 31, 57

Newest intel: You possibly can lock in that the Giants will take Aaron Cadman with the primary decide within the draft. The one aspect up for debate is whether or not they first bid on Will Ashcroft to actual a full toll on Brisbane. At this stage, golf equipment imagine the Giants are leaning in direction of taking Cadman on his personal advantage. They’ve then obtained three extra early choices: Picks 15, 18 and 19 — and it’s extensively anticipated at the least a type of picks might be traded to a rival membership. The Giants love Ed Allan, but it surely’s laborious to see him nonetheless being on the board by their second first-rounder. Thrilling medium ahead Brayden George is one in every of a number of gamers which have been linked to the Giants. Others embrace Gippsland Energy’s Jacob Konstanty, Sandringham Dragons’ Charlie Clarke and Swan Districts’ Darcy Jones, with Clarke thought of the almost certainly to be taken of that trio. They might additionally take a look at gun WA midfielder Elijah Hewett, who hasn’t been invited to attend the primary night time of the draft at Marvel Stadium however stays within the first-round combine. There’s additionally the opportunity of drafting a key defender, which might convey Josh Weddle, Lewis Hayes and even Max Gruzewski into the equation, whereas each Henry Hustwaite — a flexible midfielder that has the potential to develop into a 3rd tall defender — and Olli Hotton are additionally within the combine. Their prime Academy prospect Harry Rowston, who’s been in comparison with Tim Taranto,has plenty of curiosity from rival golf equipment with late first-round and early second-round picks, whereas Academy ruck Nick Madden might go later within the nationwide draft.

Finest-case state of affairs: After taking Cadman, the Giants lastly discover a suitor to commerce with within the first spherical, packaging up their picks to maneuver up the order — and presumably safe Allan. In the event that they maintain their first-round choices, they take Cadman, Weddle and a type of smaller forwards (George, Clarke or Konstanty). Then the presents flood in for his or her prized Choose 19 — the primary choice of night time two and the second spherical — earlier than hanging a deal that appears them safe a future first in return. Plus no first-round bid comes on Rowston — actually, Rowston doesn’t entice a bid till after Choose 31 — whereas Madden slips to the rookie draft.

Worst-case state of affairs: A Rowston bid is launched by a rival earlier than the Giants’ second first-round decide, forcing the membership’s suite of choices to be reshuffled barely however sufficient to overlook out on each George and Weddle. A Madden bid comes as early because the second spherical.

HAWTHORN

Picks: 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52, 63

Newest intel: There may be loads of intrigue round who the Hawks take with Choose 6, however Cameron Mackenzie has firmed late as an possibility, with Sam Mitchell understood to be impressed by the midfielder and what he presents. But when Mattaes Phillipou remains to be on the board, the Hawks might be left with a conundrum. They’ve additionally proven curiosity within the likes of Jhye Clark and Reuben Ginbey together with Elijah Tsatas. Each the Hawks and Essendon have the capability to shake up the highest of the draft order. With their later picks, the Hawks are anticipated to take a look at the likes of Max Gruzewski, Coby Burgiel and Cooper Vickery — the latter of these three is a NGA prospect.

Finest-case state of affairs: Essendon takes Tsatas and the Suns take Bailey Humphrey, giving the Hawks the perfect take a look at their most well-liked prospects, most notably Phillipou, Mackenzie, Ginbey and Clark. The Hawks additionally choose a participant like Burgiel or Gruzewski at Choose 24 then one other within the 30s after hanging a take care of the Lions that sees them half with their trio of third-rounders. Vickery receives a bid after Choose 40, and even slips into the rookie draft the place the Hawks decide him up low-cost.

Worst-case state of affairs: The Hawks can’t enhance their hand and are left with these three awkward third-rounders. To rub salt into the injuries, Vickery receives a bid inside the highest 40 and the Hawks can’t match it beneath AFL guidelines — despite the fact that, on paper, they’ve the factors to take action.

MELBOURNE

Picks: 13, 37, 78, 83

Newest intel: The Dees — who maintain Choose 13, two future first-round choices and two future second-round choices — have been one of the crucial proactive golf equipment forward of the draft by way of suggesting trades to rivals. They’ve been ready to commerce out a number of first-round choices — each this 12 months’s and subsequent 12 months’s — to be able to get a much bigger foothold on this 12 months’s draft, extra particularly transfer inside the highest 5. Foxfooty.com.au understands Melbourne’s major motivation to enter the draft earlier is to provide itself an opportunity of securing Mattaes Phillipou — the son of Sam Phillipou, who kicked 250 objectives from 150 SANFL video games for the Eagles and Magpies whereas additionally enjoying three AFL video games for Footscray. So if a giant deal is completed on the primary draft night time, it’s extremely possible the Dees are on the centre of it. In the event that they maintain, Matt Jefferson is firming because the Dees’ choice with their first-round decide, with the important thing ahead starring for Vic Metro this 12 months together with a stable NAB League marketing campaign. Ed Allan is one the Dees are additionally all for, however they’d possible must get forward of the Eagles on draft night time to be able to get him. SA defender Jakob Ryan and Murray Bushrangers star Brayden George are additionally seen as first-round Dees probabilities, whereas Melbourne has additionally been linked to South Australian Harry Barnett — thought to be the perfect ruck within the draft class — however would in all probability solely contemplate him in the event that they moved down the order on the night time.

Finest-case state of affairs: In some way, the Dees do a take care of the Bombers and commerce into the highest 5 to safe Phillipou, who they love, whereas additionally securing the prized Choose 19 from the Giants to provide them first look on the second night time of the draft. If the Dees maintain Choose 13, each Jefferson and Allan are nonetheless on the board by the point they decide, giving them a number of choices, whereas in addition they safe Choose 19 to pick one in every of Barnett, Ryan or George, who’re nonetheless accessible. Isaac Keeler can be accessible for them at Choose 37.

Worst-case state of affairs: The Dees miss out on each a top-five choice and Choose 19, whereas each Allan and Jefferson are off the board by the Demons’ first choice.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Picks: 2, 3, 23, 40

Newest intel: The Roos have mentioned they discovered it tough to separate between the perfect three prospects within the draft, so their take care of the Giants permits them to get two of them as an alternative of 1. It looks like George Wardlaw and Harry Sheezel are the 2 they’re eyeing off, however a bid for Will Ashcroft — ought to the Giants choose to not — is all-but sure earlier than these two gamers are picked. Elijah Tsatas and Bailey Humphrey are two different prospects, however it is going to be considerably of a shock in the event that they go earlier than Wardlaw and Sheezel. For his or her decide within the 20s, opposition groups anticipate North Melbourne to focus on a key-position defender, with thrilling Noah Balta-like swingman Max Gruzewski, Tasmania’s Tom McCallum and GWV Rebels prospect James Van Es all linked to the Roos. It’s additionally why North may bid on Max Michalanney with their second-round decide if the Crows father-son prospect hasn’t attracted rival curiosity but. They’re anticipated to match a bid on father-son gun Cooper Harvey with their closing choice.

Finest-case state of affairs: Not solely are Gruzewski, McCallum and Van Es nonetheless up for grabs by the point the Roos’ second-round decide comes alongside, Japanese Ranges star Lewis Hayes — who some golf equipment imagine is the perfect key defensive prospect within the draft class — can be on the board after sliding previous an array of golf equipment. A bid on Harvey comes late, which permits the Roos to commerce their third-round decide to assist out a rival membership.

Worst-case state of affairs: A Harvey bid comes quickly after their second-round choice, which forces a sudden seek for factors to make sure the Roos don’t go closely into deficit subsequent season.

PORT ADELAIDE

Picks: 33, 60, 72

Newest intel: The Energy received’t be large gamers on this 12 months’s draft after their frantic commerce interval, so their finest hope is somebody excessive on their draft board falls down the order. Rival golf equipment imagine they’ll take a look at taking a key defender with one in every of their choices, with James Van Es and Jed Adams each linked to the membership. Though if gun WA small forward-midfielder Darcy Jones remains to be on the board by the point they decide, the Energy would discover it laborious to disregard him. Port Fairy product Toby McMullin — the son of Ian McMullin, who kicked 55 objectives from 49 AFL video games for Collingwood and Essendon within the late Eighties and early 90s — has additionally reportedly attracted some curiosity from the Energy.

Finest-case state of affairs: Jones and/or Lewis Hayes — the brother of present Energy ruck Sam Hayes — are each accessible on the Energy’s first draft choice and one in every of Van Es or McMullin slips to their Choose 60.

Worst-case state of affairs: Their aggressive commerce interval has left them with no capital — both on this 12 months’s or subsequent 12 months’s draft — to work with, so that they don’t get a draft board ‘slider’.

RICHMOND

Picks: 53, 62, 76, 82

Newest intel: Like Port Adelaide, Richmond isn’t going to be doing a lot after buying and selling its draft capital out for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Though it’s understood the Tigers are eager to make use of one in every of their late picks to safe a key ahead, with West Adelaide’s Tom Scully — 202cm prospect that booted 50 objectives within the SANFL Beneath 18s competitors this 12 months — final week revealing Richmond had proven probably the most curiosity in him of the 12 golf equipment he’d spoken to. There’s additionally hypothesis the Tigers might goal a key defender with one in every of their choices.

Finest-case state of affairs: One of many top-rated tall backs, like James Van Es, Tom McCallum, Ethan Phillips and Hugh Davies, slide and are nonetheless accessible on the Tigers’ first choice.

Worst-case state of affairs: See Port Adelaide’s worst-case state of affairs.

ST KILDA

Picks: 9, 28, 32, 47, 73, 81

Newest intel: At this stage, the Saints are believed to be after a midfielder and the perfect one accessible at Choose 9. The Saints received’t be capable of match a bid on Subsequent Era Academy prospect Cameron Mackenzie, however the excellent news for them is they might nonetheless decide him up by way of the draft with Choose 9 if he slides that far. Nonetheless, the Hawks are looming giant with their earlier decide in terms of the midfielder. Ought to the Saints miss out on Mattaes Phillipou, Elijah Tsatas and Mackenzie and Geelong overlook Jhye Clark, there’s a rising perception the Saints might decide up Clark. A number of stories have additionally indicated St Kilda might commerce for a second first-round choice. With the Saints’ later picks, WA on-baller Elijah Hewett has been linked to St Kilda. Though it’s been instructed the Saints will goal a key-position participant with one in every of their second-rounders, with Japanese Ranges tall Lewis Hayes and GWV Rebels backman James Van Es understood to be of their plans. The Saints might additionally look to SA with one in every of their two later picks, with Billy Dowling and Archie Lovelock linked to the membership.

Finest-case state of affairs: Considered one of Phillipou or Tsatas slides to the Saints. Each gamers tick the “elite expertise” and “match-winner” containers — the kind of participant the membership is so determined to recruit. St Kilda additionally finds a suitor to amass one other first-round decide, whereas additionally selecting up a key-position defender with one in every of its later choices.

Worst-case state of affairs: Neither Phillipou or Tsatas can be found at Choose 9 (though the Saints will nonetheless be getting an ideal expertise at that choice) they usually can’t get that further first-rounder in.

SYDNEY SWANS

Picks: 14, 17, 42, 69, 80

Newest intel: The Swans’ picks 14 and 17 are gettable, with rival golf equipment contemplating performs for at the least a type of choices. One state of affairs is the Swans half with each picks however transfer up on this 12 months’s draft order whereas strengthening their 2023 hand. That might assist them make a play for Oliver Hollands or Ed Allan in the course of the primary spherical. In the event that they maintain 14, they’d be contemplating versatile defender Josh Weddle, who looms as an ideal defensive prospect for the Swans and an eventual alternative for stalwart Dane Rampe within the again six. However they’ve additionally been linked with an array of different first-round prospects, together with Harry Barnett, Lachie Cowan, Brayden George, Olli Hotton, Lewis Hayes, Elijah Hewett and Jacob Konstanty. Ought to the Swans play a job within the second and third spherical of the draft, they might take a look at South Adelaide forward-midfielder Jaiden Magor and dashing Oakleigh Chargers defender Bailey Macdonald.

Finest-case state of affairs: The Swans strike an appropriate commerce that sees them get again within the second spherical and enhance their 2023 draft hand, or get an earlier choice within the first spherical the place they will pounce on Hollands or Allan. If the Swans maintain their present picks, they create in two several types of gamers with their first-round choices that complement one another — and the workforce — nicely.

Worst-case state of affairs: Onerous to see a scenario the place the Swans flop on draft night time, contemplating their robust hand, already robust listing and the variety of gamers and kinds they’re open to taking. But when the Swans do commerce out of the early phases of this 12 months’s draft — which they’ve declared they’re joyful to, regardless of their robust double first-round decide hand — and the 2022 crop finally ends up being among the finest we’ve seen in years, it’d be a uncommon blemish by the membership’s recruiting workforce.

WEST COAST EAGLES

Picks: 8, 12, 20, 26, 71

Newest intel: Reuben Ginbey looms giant because the Eagles’ choice, though that’s contingent on the Suns overlooking him at Choose 5. Fellow WA product Ed Allan could be an excellent second decide for them ought to he slide that far, though they’re additionally weighing up key again Jedd Busslinger and key ahead Matt Jefferson. There’s speak the Eagles are eager on Charlie Clarke and Coby Burgiel, however native product Elijah Hewett could be laborious to disregard if he’s nonetheless on the board when West Coast’s third decide comes alongside. East Fremantle bolter Kaleb Smith and Claremont defender Sam Gilbey are additionally on the Eagles’ radar.

Finest-case state of affairs: After the four-team mega commerce — which noticed the Eagles slide from Choose 2 to Picks 8 and 12 — and ample curiosity from the Suns, Hawks and Cats, Ginbey nonetheless slides to West Coast’s first decide, one in every of Busslinger or Allan is out there at their second and Hewett is on the board once they’re on the clock for a 3rd time at Choose 20. That might give the Eagles a draft haul of three WA-based prospects. They might even make it 4 if Smith or Gilbey are nonetheless on the board by their fourth decide.

Worst-case state of affairs: Ginbey, who’s been seen because the Eagles’ No. 1 draft precedence for months, is snapped up earlier than West Coast’s opening choice then the Demons commerce forward of the Eagles to pinch Allan.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Picks: 11, 21, 39, 67, 75

Newest intel: The Canines are one in every of a number of groups which have proven important curiosity in — and finished ample work on — prime SA prospect Mattaes Phillipou, to the purpose the place they’ve contemplated buying and selling into the primary spherical. In the event that they maintain their spot at Choose 11, the Canines are weighing up between a key defender and a midfielder with their first decide — they usually’re extra prone to get a higher-quality defender with their first choice relatively than their second-rounder. Ought to that come to fruition, anticipate them to pounce on WA backman Jedd Busslinger. But when they go for a midfield/hybrid kind, Oliver Hollands could be a powerful probability to go ought to the Blues not pounce on him with the earlier decide, whereas the Canines have additionally put loads of work into WA bolter Ed Allan. Lewis Hayes or Josh Weddle could be their different finest key defensive choices. There’s even just a few whispers prime Tasmanian prospect Lachie Cowan — a rebounding defender within the Bailey Dale mould — is within the Canines’ sights, however that might be extra possible with their second-rounder. Rival golf equipment additionally wouldn’t be shocked if the Bulldogs once more dipped into their VFL program — like they did in 2018 and 2021 to pick Will Hayes and Robbie McComb respectively — and recruited Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan.

Finest-case state of affairs: Phillipou, in some way, slides to Choose 11 in a serious steal for the Canines. Cowan remains to be accessible on the Bulldogs’ second choice

Worst-case state of affairs: Phillipou, Allan, Hollands and Busslinger are all off the board by the point the Canines decide.