



Carlton

Pick 13: The Blues need some more talls in attack, and could get the second-best one of the draft at their first selection. West Australian Cameron McCarthy is a leaping, marking goalkicker who was an All Australian under-18 forward. He has been recovering from a broken leg.

Around the mark: Christian Salem, Ben Lennon, Lewis Taylor



Collingwood

Pick 6: Collingwood has a wealth of smaller midfielders and players around the flanks, but could look at the tallest midfielder in the draft in Marcus Bontempelli. The Victorian has come along well in the back half of the season and risen into top-10 contention.

Around the mark: Matt Scharenberg, Ben Lennon, Nathan Freeman



Essendon

Pick 26: The Bombers did need to boost their midfield with one more early pick-up, and that still seems a priority despite their three inclusions in the trade period. Matt Crouch is a chance to be gone by Essendon's first pick but also a chance to remain. Essendon might also look at a ruckman with one of their picks.

Around the mark: Trent Dumont, Jarman Impey, Michael Apeness



Fremantle

Pick 17: If he's not already gone, Blake Acres would fit in nicely at Fremantle. The club loves its tall, strong and athletic midfielders and the West Australian is of that mould.

Around the mark: Cameron McCarthy, Billy Hartung, Lewis Taylor



Geelong

Pick 16: If the Cats are looking for a bit of outside run, Billy Hartung is a good choice at this selection. Hartung complements his speed and endurance with excellent foot skills, and should be taken in the 15-30 draft bracket after a consistent season.

Around the mark: Blake Acres, Zak Jones, Lewis Taylor









The speed of Billy Hartung would be very handy at Geelong. Picture: AFL Media





Gold Coast

Pick 5: Tasmanian Kade Kolodjashnij has been linked to the club already and he would be a good pick as a skillful, tall and athletic half-back flanker. Kolodjashnij sits comfortably in the top 10 selections at this stage after an excellent season at all levels.

Around the mark: Jack Billings, James Aish, Matt Scharenberg



Greater Western Sydney

Pick 1: All year Tom Boyd has been the nominal No.1 draft pick, and that hasn't changed. A big, powerful key forward who has impressed hugely over the last two seasons. Kicks straight, takes pack marks, and is determined to do well. Missed three months of action with an ankle injury this year.

Around the mark: Josh Kelly, Jack Billings, James Aish



Hawthorn

Pick 24: The Hawks have made it known they are looking for more midfielders and players with running ability, with their key position depth well stocked, despite the loss of Lance Franklin. There'll be a few quality midfielders still around Hawthorn's selection, including Zach Merrett. He's not a big guy or a huge runner yet but can play.

Around the mark: Luke Dunstan, Trent Dumont, Dayle Garlett











Some of the top representatives at the recent Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Media





Melbourne

Pick 9: The Demons signalled their intention to add midfielders to their list as soon as Paul Roos arrived at the club. Through Dom Tyson and Bernie Vince, they have two quality players. But they might still look for some pace, and the only midfielder in the top bracket with real leg speed is Nathan Freeman.

Around the mark: Matt Scharenberg, Ben Lennon, Christian Salem



North Melbourne

Pick 30: Obviously North will pick Luke McDonald with its first pick (No.8) under the father-son rule. Its first live pick is at 30, and the Roos' trading showed the club was after a key back and a small, tackling forward. Jack Leslie played much of the year as a ruck for Gippsland Power but is seen as a key defender at AFL level.

Around the mark: Michael Apeness, Zach Merrett, Jay Kennedy-Harris



Port Adelaide

Pick 21: It's the latest Port has entered the draft since 2005, which presents challenges. Last year the Power drafted a tall (Mason Shaw) with a second-round pick, and if they again look for a tall then Michael Apeness is an option. He's a well-performed ruckman who is natural up forward.

Around the mark: Billy Hartung, George Hewett, Eli Templeton



Richmond

Pick 12: The Tigers have gone with talented midfielders/half-backs over the last two years in Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin. A similar player could be in store in Christian Salem, a precise left-footer with excellent marking ability and a damaging option through the midfield and half-forward.

Around the mark: Blake Acres, Ben Lennon, Nathan Freeman









Christian Salem (centre) is in the mould of recent Tiger draftees like Ellis and Vlastuin. Picture: AFL Media





St Kilda

Pick 3: Jack Billings is right up there as the best player of the draft and the Saints are well placed to pick him. He's a classy, talented half-forward/midfielder with excellent skills and a great overhead mark. A back-to-back All Australian who changes games.

Around the mark: Josh Kelly, James Aish, Matt Scharenberg



Sydney Swans

Pick 15: A midfielder of top-10 talent might slip through to the Swans’ pick, given a couple of late risers – Bontempelli and Freeman – should get into the early group. That could be Lewis Taylor, a powerful and quick 174cm runner. He could be best available at Sydney's selection

Around the mark: Jarman Impey, Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres



West Coast

Pick 11: The Eagles have been linked for a long time to local midfielder Dom Sheed. Their decision to drop back in the draft from pick six to 11 was in part because they believed they could get the player they want at 11. Sheed is expected to be available then but so may others.

Around the mark: Nathan Freeman, Blake Acres, Ben Lennon









West Coast are expecting local boy Dom Sheed to be available at pick 11. Picture: AFL Media





Western Bulldogs

Pick 4: If Billings and Kelly are gone by pick four, the Dogs will have the option of taking James Aish, a South Australian midfielder who has played in two SANFL flags with Norwood. An old-style wingman with excellent skill level and footy smarts.

Around the mark: Jack Billings, Kade Kolodjashnij, Matt Scharenberg



Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey If Billings and Kelly are gone by pick four, the Dogs will have the option of taking James Aish, a South Australian midfielder who has played in two SANFL flags with Norwood. An old-style wingman with excellent skill level and footy smarts.Around the mark: Jack Billings, Kade Kolodjashnij, Matt Scharenberg

WITH the Gillette AFL Exchange Period over, all focus shifts to next month's NAB AFL Draft.Draft selections are settled, and recruiting teams are sorting out orders to take to the Gold Coast on November 21.For every club's first pick at the draft, AFL.com.au has assessed a player which could fill a need for each club. It is not a phantom draft, but nominating a type of player who might be in contention to improve a respective list.Three other players have been named who could be drafted or available around that club's particular selection.The Crows lost midfielder Bernie Vince to gain this pick, and might look to replace him with another midfielder. Tough, inside onballer Trent Dumont had a good season at senior level with Norwood in the SANFL, which was capped with an impressive showing in its Grand Final triumph.Luke Dunstan, Michael Apeness, Patrick CrippsWith the exodus of young players at the club, the Lions will need to be confident that their first pick won't leave in two years. But they will also need to make the most of a very high pick, and Ben Lennon could be around that mark as a leading, sharp-kicking half-forward who can move into the midfield.Nathan Freeman, Marcus Bontempelli, Matt Scharenberg