Welcome to the 2014 AFL national draft, the year of the swingman.

This year’s draft, to be held on the Gold Coast on Thursday, is rated as one of the deepest for many years.

It will see an unprecedented number of natural key defenders taken early because the in-vogue concept is to take tall defenders and turn them into the aforementioned “swingmen”. This draft could potentially see six or seven taken in the top 30, normally spots reserved for midfielders.

Recent drafts have seen dwindling numbers of ruckmen, and that trend looks set to continue.

Many in the know feel that, at most, four ruckmen have genuine claims on a draft spot. The rest of the skilled beanpoles will likely find themselves a home in the rookie draft in December.

St Kilda have the first pick for the first time since taking Brendan Goddard at No. 1 in 2002.

• Follow and tweet to @seb_spagnuolo during the draft coverage from 6.30 pm Thursday

Christian Petracca has been the name on everyone’s lips. The Saints recently said their No. 1 pick would be any of Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Peter Wright or Patrick McCartin, but you can’t see them passing on a talent like Petracca.

There will be some recycled players. The most likely names this year are Shaun McKernan (formerly of Adelaide), Jared Petrenko (Adelaide) and Jason Tutt (Bulldogs).

There are some clubs that won’t enter the draft until late due to trading away early picks. Hawthorn doesn’t have their first pick till pick 31, Brisbane 44, Port Adelaide 57.

Here are my predictions for the first 30 selections in a draft that will be full of pre-determined picks due to father-son selections, rookie promotions and, much to Eddie McGuire’s frustration, club academy selections.

Regardless of how the numbers fall, one thing is certain: no club is considered a loser and everyone got their man!

Christian Petracca. Photo: Getty

1. ST KILDA
Christian Petracca

185cms, 95kgs midfielder from Eastern Ranges, Vic

Petracca v Brayshaw v McCartin? This has been the question that draft followers have pondered for months. The Saints have kept their selection a secret but Petracca is the short-priced favourite to follow in the footsteps of 2013 No. 1 pick and former Eastern Ranges teammate Tom Boyd. Boasts a hunger for the contest and is a midfield dynamo. He is equally comfortable as either a ball-winning midfielder (averaged 25 disposals in the under 18 national championships) or as a strong, medium forward option (kicked 20 goals in nine TAC Cup matches in 2014). Has come to the game with a basketball background which has given him a great balance of explosiveness and agility. Will surely slide straight into St Kilda’s best line-up and join Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres, who were all drafted in the first round last year, to form a gun midfield of the future. Saints fans will not be disappointed.

Draft range: 1-2
Others in the mix: Angus Brayshaw & Patrick McCartin

Angus Brayshaw. Photo: Getty

2. MELBOURNE
Angus Brayshaw

187cms, 91kgs midfielder from Sandringham Dragons, Vic

Another tough and uncompromising inside midfielder who is physically more than ready for the rigours of the AFL. Missed out by nine days on being eligible for the 2013 draft, in which he likely would have been drafted early. One year later and Brayshaw has only boosted his credentials with excellent performances in the TAC Cup and the under 18 national championships. Brayshaw will bring to Melbourne great leadership qualities and will join Jack Viney and Christian Salem from previous drafts as Melbourne’s next crop of midfielders to support Nathan Jones in 2015 and beyond. Has great clearance-winning abilities and fantastic skills on both sides of his body. Son of former North Melbourne player Mark Brayshaw and the nephew of North Melbourne chairman and television personality James Brayshaw. In the past, Melbourne have baulked at the bigger-bodied, stronger midfielders (Ollie Wines in 2012) but they surely can’t go past Brayshaw with this pick or the next.

Draft range: top 3
Others in the mix: Patrick McCartin & Peter Wright

Patrick McCartin. Photo: Getty

3. MELBOURNE
Patrick McCartin

194cms, 96kgs, forward from Geelong Falcons,Vic

With their second consecutive pick and after choosing a midfielder with pick 2, I have the Dees choosing the best available power forward with pick 3. McCartin is an athletic key forward option, a great mark and explosive on the lead. Averaged four goals per game in the TAC Cup in 2014 and was named as an All-Australian following his under 18 national championship performances for Vic Country. Hails from the Geelong Falcons and at various times of the year was mentioned in dispatches as the potential No. 1. Demon fans would be hoping that the so-far sight unseen Jesse Hogan, along with McCartin, can become the one-two combination in the forward line that they have lacked for many years. Could be a star of the competition for many years.

Draft range: top 3
Others in the mix: Jake Lever, Angus Brayshaw & Peter Wright

Jayden Laverde. Photo: Getty

4. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Jayden Laverde

189cms, 80kgs midfielder from Western Jets, Vic

This pick is one which in many ways shapes the top 10 of this draft. The Giants have picks 4,6 and 7, with Collingwood squeezed in at No. 5. This means that at pick 4, the Giants have to select the player they think the Magpies will take, so long as they’re keen on him too. Knowing the Magpies have already committed pick 9 on a key position player (Darcy Moore), it would suggest that the Pies are going to be taking a midfielder at pick 5. For this reason I have GWS taking Jayden Laverde here. Laverde has been linked with the Pies for many weeks, but as a tall utility he is the type of player GWS is lacking. Just like Marcus Bontempelli in 2013, the highly skilled Laverde is the much-craved taller, pacy, athletic midfielder with x-factor that recruiters just love to get their hands on early in drafts. If the Giants decide they want a clever goal-kicking small man then it could be Jarrod Pickett, which would leave Laverde for the Pies.

Draft range: 4-10
Others in the mix: Jarrod Pickett, Peter Wright & Jake Lever

5. COLLINGWOOD
Kyle Langford

190cms, 76kgs utility from Northern Knights, Vic

This selection is made only on the basis that Jayden Laverde is already gone to the Giants. The Magpies would have their hearts set on Laverde, but if the Giants take him at 4, the Pies will go for the player considered next best in the 190cm utility range. That player is considered by many to be Kyle Langford from the Northern Knights. The Pies have been doing their homework on him and met him recently for another interview. There’s some thought that, even if Laverde is available at 5, the Pies may still go with Langford. He is light in frame and will need time in the gym, but he has the weapons to become a very solid utility player. Reads the play well and has an elite kick. And although he has played most of his footy as a key defender, he doesn’t mind getting forward and kicking a goal. Also has his sights set on building the engine required to play as a tall midfielder.

Draft range: 5-20
Others in the mix: Jayden Laverde, Jordan De Goey & Paul Ahern

6. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Jake Lever

193cms, 84kgs key defender from Calder Cannons,Vic

Jake Lever missed the whole of Calder Cannons’ 2014 season after injuring his knee and as such is a bit of an unknown factor. But GWS are known to be big fans of Lever, who can be a long-term centre-half-back prospect. Lever has an aggressive attack on the ball, is a decent intercept mark and his leadership skills are held in such high regard that he captained Vic Metro in one national championship match, despite being one of the younger players in the squad. Widely considered the best key defender in this draft, which is strong in that area.

Draft range: 4-15
Others in the mix: Peter Wright, Jarrod Pickett & Jordan De Goey

Peter Wright. Photo: Getty

7. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Peter Wright

203cms, 102kgs key forward/ruckman from Calder Cannons, Vic

“Two metre Peter” is the best tall forward/ruck option in the draft and at times has been rated by some as a potential No. 1. Recent talk has been that he could slip as low as 17, just like fellow big man Brodie Grundy did in 2012. With GWS having three picks in the top 10, and with the loss of Tom Boyd during the trade period and Jon Patton still recovering from a knee reconstruction, I don’t feel they will/can go past Wright at pick 6 or 7. Such was Wright’s rapid growth rate in his mid-teens that he battled back injuries until being largely fit in 2014. Wright is very agile for such a big man and, just like a young Paul Salmon in the early 1980s, many are unsure if he’ll develop into a better ruckman or tall forward. Not a bad problem to have for GWS whichever of those he ends up though! For what it’s worth I feel that Wright is a forward that can pinch hit in the ruck rather than the other way around.

Draft range: 3-20
Others in the mix: Jordan De Goey, Hugh Goddard & Jarrod Pickett

Jarrod Pickett. Photo: Getty

8. GOLD COAST SUNS
Jarrod Pickett

178cms, 76kgs midfielder/forward from South Fremantle, WA

A hard one to call as there are so many midfield and key defender options, areas in which the Suns already have good depth. Also, it’s Rodney Eade’s first draft as coach, so it will be interesting if they select midfielder or key position. I have settled on Pickett. In the under 18 national championships, he showed that he didn’t need much of the ball to show his class and have an impact. Electrifying pace and clever around goals, Pickett brings added x-factor to a Gold Coast already with the explosive Gary Ablett Jr, Brandon Matera, Harley Bennell and Jack Martin. Also played senior football in the WAFL in 2014, so the jump to AFL shouldn’t daunt him. Been linked recently with one of GWS’s first three picks, so it wouldn’t surprise if he was already gone by pick 8.

Draft range: 4-10
Others in the mix: Sam Durdin, Lachlan Weller & Corey Ellis

Darcy Moore. Photo: Getty

9. COLLINGWOOD
Darcy Moore

199cms, 93kgs key forward from Northern Knights, Vic

The son of 1979 and 1984 Brownlow Medallist Peter Moore is the first father-son and pre-determined selection. Moore had a remarkable 2014 season at both TAC Cup level as captain for the premiership-winning Oakleigh Chargers and at under 18 national championships level with Vic Metro, which saw his excellent form rewarded with All-Australian selection as an exciting key forward. If he was on the open market he could easily have been a top 3 prospect. Moore has played predominantly as a key forward but, like many in this first round, can be used as a swingman as he has often played behind the ball as a marking backman. Also got a taste of senior football by representing Collingwood’s VFL side as a prelude to what Magpies fans hope is a long and successful career in the black and white.

Jordan De Goey. Photo: Getty

10. GEELONG
Jordan De Goey

187cms, 82kgs midfielder from Oakleigh Chargers, Vic

Will the Cats choose a key defender with Lonergan, Taylor and Rivers all past 27 years of age? Or will it be a midfielder with Johnson, Bartel and Kelly all past 30? I presume they will choose the midfield option. Jordan De Goey is a competitive, hard-bodied midfielder the Cats would love to add to their midfield stocks. Like Petracca at pick 1, De Goey can also be played as a stay-at-home medium forward and kicked three goals in Oakleigh Chargers’ push to the TAC Cup premiership. Brings a tenacious attack on the ball, makes great decisions, brings teammates into the play and is capable of senior football pretty early on in 2015. If the Cats want a key defender they will probably take the local boy Hugh Goddard here.

Draft range: 5-15
Others in the mix: Sam Durdin, Paul Ahern & Hugh Goddard.

Hugh Goddard. Photo: Getty

11. WEST COAST EAGLES
Hugh Goddard

195cms, 92kgs key defender from Geelong Falcons, Vic

I have the Eagles going for a key defender with their first pick and Hugh Goddard is considered by many to be in the top five key backs in this draft. In the event that Goddard is gone at pick 6 or 7 to GWS, which could easily happen, then it could be fellow big man Sam Durdin. Goddard is from the Geelong Falcons and, although he has shown greater form as a tall defender than as a forward, he is comfortable at both ends. Uses the ball very well for a big guy and has a raking left foot, is agile for his height and reads the play incredibly well. West Coast will have found themselves a long-term replacement for the retired key defender Darren Glass. Is Bomber Brendan Goddard’s first cousin. If West Coast disagree with me and go for a midfielder, then they could look to one of Paul Ahern, Nakia Cockatoo or Lachlan Weller.

Draft range: 6-15
Others in the mix: Sam Durdin, Paul Ahern & Nakia Cockatoo

12. RICHMOND
Liam Duggan

183cms, 75kgs midfielder/defender from Western Jets, Vic

For the second straight year the Tigers have pick 12 and, like recent Tiger first-round picks, I have them going for a midfielder to boost their on-ball depth. Duggan is a midfielder/medium defender who has great foot skills and excellent decision-making abilities. Richmond will love having him use the ball with his neat left from half-back early in his career, before moving into the midfield where he can become a damaging midfielder for years to come. Rated in the top 10 in the kicking test at the draft combine. If the Tigers decide instead to go with a key position player, the next best here is athletic swingman Sam Durdin.

Draft range: 8-20
Others in the mix: Sam Durdin, Corey Ellis & Lachlan Weller

13. FREMANTLE
Sam Durdin

196cms, 87kgs key defender/forward from West Adelaide, SA

For the past few years the term “swingman” has been used frequently by AFL coaches and recruiters as they all stumble over each other to get their hands on players who can play at either end of the ground. Like Jake Lever and Hugh Goddard, Durdin is definitely a very capable swingman and is also very capable of being a top-10 selection. Has played senior football for West Adelaide, so physically could be ready for AFL sooner than most. Early in the year was considered a lock for a top 3 spot, but did not perform up to his normal standards in the national championships. The common thought is that Sam Durdin and Hugh Goddard are very closely ranked, so if the Eagles took Durdin at pick 11, you could expect to see Hugh Goddard drafted here. With Luke McPharlin (32) entering his last year and Michael Johnson (30) ageing, Freo need to boost their key back depth.

Draft range: 10-20
Others in the mix: Hugh Goddard, Nakia Cockatoo & Paul Ahern.

Paul Ahern. Photo: Getty

14. ADELAIDE
Paul Ahern

181cms, 77kgs midfielder from Calder Cannons, Vic

There are a number of midfield options available at this pick. The best available to this point may very well be Ahern, a determined midfielder who was an All-Australian in 2014 due to his fantastic form for Vic Metro and is a player that fans will love. A penetrating long kick of the ball and will often will break the lines to either distribute the final pass or kick the goal himself – which he does often. Has a great burst of speed which would complement an industrial Crows midfield with the likes of Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane and Brad Crouch in it. If the Crows instead decide to shore up their key defender options, they could look to local SA boy Sam Durdin if he is available, or a player like Caleb Marchbank.

Draft range: 10-20
Others in the mix: Sam Durdin, Corey Ellis & Nakia Cockatoo

Nakia Cockatoo. Photo: Getty

15. GOLD COAST SUNS
Nakia Cockatoo

185cms, 86kgs, midfielder from NT Thunder, NT

One of the bolters of this draft. A gifted midfielder who aims to be the first player to be drafted from the NT since Zephaniah Skinner to the Bulldogs in 2010. Had an injury-ravaged 2014, with stress fractures in his feet seeing him miss the national championships and most of the year. This injury denied him the chance to display his skills on the biggest stage for under 18 footballers. At the recent draft combine, Cockatoo tested extremely well in all aspects, especially the kicking test, in which he earned the top score of 29 out of 30. In total he tested in the top 10 players for standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint, kicking test and the repeat sprint test. Yep, he’s quite the athlete! On grand final weekend, Cockatoo played in an under 20s all-star game and was a clear standout, definitely a performance that would stick in recruiters’ minds. If the Suns walk away from draft day with Pickett and Cockatoo their fans are in for a treat. Local Gold Coast boy Lachlan Weller will definitely be considered with this pick if available.

Draft range: 10-20
Others in the mix: Tom Lamb, Lachlan Weller & Corey Ellis

16. NORTH MELBOURNE
Caleb Marchbank

193cms, 85kgs, key defender from Murray Bushrangers, Vic

A hard selection as it’s unknown if the Kangaroos will go for a key position player or another midfielder, of which they already have good depth. If the draft goes according to my predictions, Marchbank is the best available key backman. A tall utility type that should settle into a key defensive post for the Kangaroos once he fills out. Was an All-Australian in the national championships due to his outstanding form for Vic Country. Forward Tom Lamb, with his massive running ability and high workrate, would also appeal to the Roos here.

Draft range: 10-25
Others in the mix: Tom Lamb, Corey Ellis & Nakia Cockatoo

17. ESSENDON
Corey Ellis

185cms, 76kgs midfielder from Western Jets, Vic

Ellis has a lot of clubs interested in him and could well be gone by pick 15. But with some clubs choosing key position players prior to this pick, it may see him land in the late teens or early 20s. With a wealth of key position options already at the club, I have Essendon taking the best pacy midfielder available in Ellis. An exquisite left foot user of the ball off half-back or through the midfield with a good inside and outside running game. Will join many of his Western Jets teammates in the top 30-40 picks on draft night. Averaged more than 25 disposals at TAC Cup level in 2014.

Draft range: 8-25
Others in the mix: Tom Lamb, Nakia Cockatoo & Caleb Marchbank

Isaac Heeney. Photo: Getty

18. SYDNEY
Isaac Heeney

186cms, 84kgs midfielder from Sydney Swans Academy, NSW

Could be the steal of the century. With the second of many pre-determined selections in this draft, due to being a Swans Academy player and therefore not available to other clubs, Heeney is seen by many the equal of (some say better than) Petracca and Brayshaw when talking about the best midfielders in this draft. The Swans have an absolute steal here by getting him with their first pick, which happens to be 18. Heeney, from the unconventional footy town of Cardiff, NSW is a great ball winner, contested possession star and competitive beast. Such is his skill level and strength that some at Sydney see him as being a starting midfielder in 2015. He will be the player that is talked about for years to come whenever the topic of the northern clubs having an advantage over the rest of the competition because their in-house academies enable them to groom senior players. He’s a star.

Lachlan Weller. Photo: Getty

19. CARLTON
Lachlan Weller

181cms, 77kgs midfielder from Southport, QLD

I was toying with the idea of Carlton choosing a key position swingman, such as Caleb Marchbank or Ed Vickers-Willis, but finally settled on a midfielder, given the Blues’ list is in need of replacements for Brock McLean and Mitch Robinson and that Chris Judd is nearing the end of his distinguished career. Weller has long been on the radar of many recruiters and is a player that could find his draft position anywhere from 5-20. A booming kick and is considered by some to be in the top handful of midfielders in this draft. Younger brother of Saint and former Sun Maverick Weller.

Draft range: 8-20
Others in the mix: Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Lamb & Brayden Maynard

Tom Lamb. Photo: Getty

20. ESSENDON
Tom Lamb

193cms, 85kgs, utility from Dandenong Stingrays, Vic

Two years ago Lamb was playing as a pure midfielder, but in the past 12-18 months his rapid growth has seen him become a damaging third tall/floating forward type in the TAC Cup with the Dandenong Stingrays and for Vic Country in the national championships. Has blond dreadlocks which catch the eye and is a running machine. Recorded an elite 15.5 beep test at the draft combine, where he also came second in the 3km time trial, proving he has the damaging combination of a good engine and nice height for a lead-up forward role. Plays the roaming key forward role very well and will bring a different dimension to the Bombers’ forward line that has relied heavily on the inside-50 marking power of Joe Daniher and Jake Carlisle, as well as Michael Hurley and Tom Bellchambers when they’re up there.

Draft range: 10-25
Others in the mix: Brayden Maynard, Jarrod Garlett & Caleb Marchbank

21. ST KILDA
Connor Blakely

186cms, 81kgs midfielder from Swan Districts, WA

Won All-Australian honours for his role in WA’s midfield in the national championships. Averaged 21 disposals per game across the championships and played 14 senior WAFL games for Swan Districts, where he also managed to average 18 disposals per game, great numbers for an underage player. A ready-made midfielder to add to the Saints’ on-ball stocks. Loves to be involved in stoppages and is an efficient extractor of the ball. If they use this pick or the next on a key forward type, you could see a player the likes of Reece McKenzie, who is a 196cm and 100kg goal-kicking machine from the TAC Cup.

Draft range: 15-30
Others in the mix: Connor Menadue, Touk Miller & Reece McKenzie

22. ST KILDA
Jarrod Garlett

177cms, 73kgs midfielder/forward from South Fremantle, WA

With their second pick in a row, the Saints could go for an excitement machine in Garlett. The Garlett name is synonymous with exciting, talented speed machines and Jarrod is no different. He’ll offer the Saints some goal sneaking instinct that they have lacked with the departures of Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera in recent years. Played senior football for South Fremantle in the WAFL and is the second cousin of Melbourne’s Jeff Garlett.

Draft range: 15-30
Others in the mix: Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Connor Menadue & Reece McKenzie

Daniel McKenzie. Photo: Getty

23. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Daniel McKenzie

183cms, 77kgs midfielder from Oakleigh Chargers, Vic

In the first of back-to-back picks for the Giants, and after I have them taking taller options with their first three picks, I feel that they’ll use this pick to select a midfielder. McKenzie had a fantastic season for the Oakleigh Chargers and helped them win the TAC Cup flag with his ball-winning abilities and elite speed. Has played off half-back at times, which means he can provide the Giants with added versatility. If they missed Peter Wright at either pick 4, 6 or 7, they could look at taking the key forward Reece McKenzie here as he’s considered the next best key forward.

Draft range: 20-40
Others in the mix: Alex Neal-Bullen, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow & Reece McKenzie

24. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Jack Steele

183cms, 82kgs midfielder from GWS Academy, ACT

The third pre-determined selection in this draft, Steele will make his way to the Giants due to being in their academy program. The Giants will be happy to have this local boy join their ranks to add more midfield depth. Missed the 2013 season due to a knee injury. Predominantly a midfielder but can also play as a medium forward and tested extremely well at the draft combine, especially in the endurance testing measures where he placed in the top 10 for the 3km run and the beep test. Is rated as an elite kick.

Connor Menadue. Photo: Getty

25. NORTH MELBOURNE
Connor Menadue

188cms, 69kgs midfielder/defender from Western Jets, Vic

With this pick I have North Melbourne adding to their rebounding defenders stocks as they’re currently pretty thin. Menadue is an explosive outside runner that will provide the Kangaroos some much-needed outside pace and skill. In defence, can play on a range of medium and small forwards but is very adaptable and can also pinch hit on a wing or through the midfield. Always looks to take the game on and break a line with great speed and uses the ball very well.

Draft range: 25-40
Others in the mix: Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Alex Neal-Bullen & Ed Vickers-Willis

Brayden Maynard. Photo: Getty

26. WESTERN BULLDOGS
Brayden Maynard

186cms, 88kgs midfielder from Sandringham Dragons, Vic

The Bulldogs’ first pick after they gave the GWS their first-round pick as part of the Tom Boyd deal. Maynard is a strong-bodied midfielder/defender option and loves a contest with his hard-at-it approach. Long term he can be seen as the bigger bodied midfielder to provide the grunt work for the Dogs once Matthew Boyd is no longer at the club. Maynard had an excellent season for the Sandringham Dragons in which he played in the midfield alongside potential top 3 pick Angus Brayshaw. Father Peter missed by only four matches the required number of SANFL games that would have seen Brayden join the Crows as a father-son pick.

Draft range: 20-40
Others in the mix: Reece McKenzie, Connor Menadue & Touk Miller

27. WESTERN BULLDOGS
Oscar McDonald

196cms, 88kgs, key defender from North Ballarat, Vic

With this pick I have the Bulldogs addressing their lack of depth in the key defender department. McDonald is a fantastic one-on-one defender and could potentially be given time in the AFL in 2015 as he’s physically ready for it. Does need to learn how to get off his opponent and provide more rebound but at this pick he’s the best available key defender. Younger brother of Melbourne full back Tom McDonald.

Draft range: 20-40
Others in the mix: Reece McKenzie, Damien Cavka and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow

Dillon Viojo-Rainbow. Photo: Getty

28. CARLTON
Dillon Viojo-Rainbow

185cms, 80kgs, midfielder/defender from Western Jets, Vic

Will join many of his Western Jets teammates by finding a home on draft night. A great size to play a role through defence and the midfield and will complement the Blues’ list nicely. Plus he has a fantastic name for cult status at Carlton. An elite left-foot kick that tested extremely well at the draft combine. Considered a genuine “80-metre player” in that he can carry it 30 metres and consistently hit 50-metre long targets by foot. Has the tools to be seen as a strong-bodied midfield option in the long term.

Draft range: 25-40
Others in the mix: Touk Miller, Damien Cavka & Daniel McKenzie

Ed Vickers-Willis. Photo: Getty

29. GOLD COAST SUNS
Ed Vickers-Willis

190cms, 82kgs key defender from Sandringham Dragons, Vic

Another in-demand utility player. At 190cms he would add to the Suns’ list some flexibility and versatility in their backline. Equally competitive on small, medium and tall forwards and he was awarded All-Australian honours in 2014 after a fantastic national championships. Likes to set up play from the back half.

Draft range: 25-45
Others in the mix: Alex Neal-Bullen, Touk Miller & Dillon Viojo-Rainbow

Touk Miller. Photo: Getty

30. COLLINGWOOD
Touk Miller

177cms, 80kgs midfielder from Calder Cannons, Vic

Having first played senior football at 15, Miller, at only 177cm, is used to playing against full grown men and has more than held his own. I have Miller going to the Pies, who will love the way he goes about his football and will see him as a long-term replacement for a Luke Ball-type of inside, nuggety midfielder. Was Vic Metro and Calder Cannons captain in 2014, which means Collingwood would also gain a future leader. Combines pace and agility with elite endurance and averaged a goal per game in the TAC Cup, which is a quality AFL recruiters are always looking for.

Draft range: 25-45
Others in the mix: Clem Smith, Brayden Maynard & Alex Neal-Bullen

The draft will be telecast live on Fox Footy from 6.30pm on Thursday November 27.