The words "best available" get used a lot at this time of year, and always come with an asterisk attached. Best can only ever be in the eye of each invididual recruiter when you're talking about teenage footballers, and if you asked all 18 recruiters to rank the best players in this year's draft none of their lists would come back looking the same.
This year's group looks good, and reasonably big. It's incredibly even, once you get past the first handful of names, and filled with some very different types. It's easy to look back on past drafts and see who should have been picked where, but at this time of year, the future isn't easy to predict.
This is the eighth time I have put together my own rankings, and narrowing the list to just 30 players was tough. In fact, it was expanded from the usual 25 in order to squeeze a few more in. The players always feel hard to split - at this point in time any of them could be anything, that's the best bit about any draft - but this year it felt like pushing one up the order nudged another too far down.
To me, Isaac Heeney is the most outstanding prospect, the best kid in it. He's the hardest to find any flaws in. Playing for NSW meant he didn't get to play against division one opposition this year, but he looked completely comfortable playing for Sydney's reserves side. A Swans Academy graduate, he'll start training on Monday and be called at pick 18 in the draft. He's one of the biggest bargains I can think of, but at the same time he grew up near Newcastle, played soccer until he was 12, and would probably not be the player he is without what the academy has exposed him to.
After Heeney, it gets harder. Any one of Christian Petracca, Paddy McCartin, Darcy Moore or Angus Brayshaw could have come next on my list, they're so difficult to separate. I flipped Petracca and McCartin around so many times, I don't envy St Kilda's need to settle on one over the other. But pitching ahead to where they could all be in three, four or five years, I went for Peter Wright.
Wright might not make the immediate impression the others might. He has the body to play early games but hasn't ever really done a pre-season and so will only become better equipped. He has things to work on, like they all do, and is still learning how to use his bulk to his advantage.
But at his size, with his ability to get up and down the ground, pick up balls beneath his knees, kick for goal and jump into the ruck, he has enormous scope. I don't necessarily think he is the best fit for the Saints at this point in time, but really good big guys are hard to find and there's no one like him in this draft.
This year's talls are an interesting group, and seem to divide people. Sam Durdin is viewed as anything from a top-five talent to a would-not-draft, and the same goes for Hugh Goddard. Both players could be very high picks, as could Caleb Marchbank, whose injury history makes him tricky to assess, while the clubs that like the powerful Reece McKenzie seem to really like him.
Anyone would love the desperately competitive Jake Lever at their club, but he's missed the whole year after a knee reconstruction. Tom Lamb has as much talent as anyone in this draft, and could become one of the best players in time to come if he can develop some consistency and not put too much pressure on himself. I think he'll do everything asked of him.
The midfielders are a solid group too, perhaps even more so. There are a lot of them, and some very good players are going to slip down the order. The likes of Essendon (picks 17 and 20), Carlton (19) and St Kilda (21 and 22) will get some nice surprises, as will the clubs through the 20s.
The thing is they're all so different. Jayden Laverde can do the impossible, but can he win his own ball? Liam Duggan has a cool, calm mind but is he quick enough? Jarrod Pickett has express pace, when he flicks it on. Where will the clubs place Nakia Cockatoo, who has turbo boosters in his feet but missed almost the whole year because one of them was broken?
As always, there wasn't enough room for everyone. Hardest to leave out was another Sydney-bound player, Abe Davis, with Reece and Daniel McKenzie not far behind. Billy Stretch and Zaine Cordy look the goods and I can see Touk Miller, Dan Howe, Lukas Webb, Damien Cavka, James Rose, Declan Hamilton and Oscar McDonald, among others, going on to play some good AFL football.
This time last year, the draft was giving some recruiters the shivers. "It scared me half to death going in," said one. This year, the feeling's a bit different. "This year I feel comfortable," he said. "This year I think there will be players we're happy to pick right the way through. I'm really looking forward to this one."
Emma Quayle's Top 30
1 Isaac Heeney (Cardiff Hawks, 5/5/96, 186cm, 84kg)
Midfielder
The best player in it. An almost wrinkle-free midfielder: a hard, smart ball-winner who can take a mark and hits every contest with ferocity and force. Loves to physically take opponents on, and licks his lips when someone tries to do the same thing to him. Good skills, switched on off the field too, and a popular teammate who will be easy to coach.
The query: To be honest, it's hard to find one. This time last year it might have been his kicking, but that like all other parts of his game has improved.
2 Peter Wright (Calder Cannons, 8/9/96, 203cm, 100kg)
Tall forward/ruckman
Be patient, because Wright hasn't done a pre-season and might not make the immediate splash some of the onballers do. At his size, with his running ability and his growing understanding of how to use his body to get others out of the way, he has all the qualities to become the best player from this draft.
The query: He'll continue working on his bodywork and will be looking to add more overhead and contested marks to his game. He's an analytical thinker, who wants to become as good as he can possibly be.
3 Christian Petracca (Eastern Ranges, 4/1/96, 186cm, 95kg)
Midfielder
A bold, bubbly personality who plays in the same, full-on way. Wants the footy, worked hard on his endurance and proved himself as a midfielder this year, one whose nous, foot skills and power makes him one of the most damaging players in the draft. As a bonus, can go forward and kick goals. Has a happy knack of saving them for big moments, too.
The query: There's not many. Takes a lot on his shoulders. Not yet a player who could run through the middle all day long, despite his improved endurance. But when you can go forward and inflict the damage he can, that doesn't matter too much.
4 Paddy McCartin (Geelong Falcons, 19/4/96, 194cm, 96kg)
Tall forward
Paddy's season was interrupted by a string of niggling injuries. But when he played, he played with huge presence. A competitive, aggressive full-forward who wants the ball kicked to him and whose eyes light up when he gets the chance to bowl opponents over. Can clunk a mark and does, often. Will fit very easily into an AFL club.
The query: Has had some niggling injuries that have held him up this year. Can he play more than the one position? If he's taking marks and kicking goals all day, does it matter if he doesn't?
5 Darcy Moore (Oakleigh Chargers, 25/1/96, 199cm, 91kg)
Swingman
A genuine both-ends player. He has quick feet, he's improved his kicking, he knows instinctively where the ball is going to go and if his pace isn't enough to get him right up against his opponent then his long arms will make sure he gets the spoil in or creates space to take a mark. Vibrant, likeable and extremely competitive.
The query: His kicking was questioned at times through the year, but seemed to improve the longer the season went.
6 Angus Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons, 9/1/96, 187cm, 91kg)
Midfielder
A midfielder with a real bit of brute: if the ball is anywhere near him he will more than likely be the one who gets it. Does a lot of the hard stuff but is a smart runner who knows where he needs to be, makes smart decisions and can finish with some polish. Not much to worry about with this one.
The query: Angus looks a pretty safe bet. At times his kicking was wayward, but that's only really because he was the one getting it and then clearing it from trouble.
7 Jayden Laverde (Western Jets, 12/4/96, 189cm, 80kg)
Midfield utility
An artful, occasionally ingenious player who knows how to put on a show and is one of the more watchable players in the draft - the big mark, the sidestep, the running goal, the sense of when to take off with the ball. Has looked comfortable in most parts of the ground and is more an outside than inside player right now, but get him the ball and he'll do something good.
The query: is an outside player at this point, but as he develops his body should start to win his own ball and remain involved in games.
8 Liam Duggan (Western Jets, 11/12/96, 184cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
A neat, tidy, trustworthy left-footer who gets to good places, assesses what is going on around him and does the right thing more often than not and can keep running, which makes up for the split second of extra speed some others might have on him. Sometimes, watching his games back reveals detail and intricacies you didn't notice on first viewing. He won't let you down.
The query: doesn't have the leg speed of others, but gets by with his faster mind.
9 Paul Ahern (Calder Cannons, 1/8/96, 181cm, 82kg)
Midfielder
Ahern can make difficult things look easy, especially when it's busy and you're waiting for someone - anyone - to find a way out. Moves fluidly but for all his niftiness there's a direct, "this way to the goals" feel about the way he plays, be it in his ability to collect the ball off packs, link up or find a way home.
The query: can flash in and out of games at times, and will continue to work on his consistent involvement.
10 Nakia Cockatoo (NT Thunder, 23/10/96, 186cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
Mr Mystery, having played one exhibition game at the very end of the season after foot surgery and starred in it. Super quick, powerful and loves to snatch the ball up and burst off with it. Could have faded away but worked hard behind-the-scenes to get to the combine in amazing shape and remind everyone of his athleticism.
The query: He's barely played this year, due to a foot injury that seems. Perhaps doesn't penetrate with his kicks as much as others.
11 Jake Lever (Calder Cannons, 5/3/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall defender
A feisty defender who despises being beaten. Predicts play, helps teammates out, sets things up, takes off with the ball at the right times and has a real sense of control over what is going on around him. Has missed the year after a knee reconstruction, but rehabbed well. Doesn't need people to be watching in order to be a strong off-field leader.
The query: His injury makes him difficult to assess, when lined up against everyone else. Doesn't have the speed off the mark as some others, but his vision and sharp mind make up for that.
12 Jack Steele (Belconnen, 13/12/95, 188cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
A bouncy, bounding player who is able to create momentum. Keeps his feet, isn't easily knocked off balance and if he gets tackled, finds ways to get either the ball or himself out of trouble. All those qualities help him win the ball when it's within reach, and hold onto marks when he goes forward.
The query: Steele's not overly pacy, but he'll work.
13 Jarrod Pickett (South Fremantle, 3/5/96, 177cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
At his dynamic, proactive best, Pickett is one of the most entertaining players in this year's group. He can cover the ground, has real pace and knows that when he flicks it on there aren't many people who can catch him. When he makes things happen, they happen quickly and they're a lot of fun to watch.
The query: consistent involvement in games, finding his way in when things aren't going well.
14 Tom Lamb (Dandenong Stingrays, 19/10/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall utility
A unique, enigmatic player who can do things others can't. Instinctive, and an incredible runner. Combine that with his height and ability to play almost anywhere, and he has some sort of skill set. Had a patchy season but is a very hard trainer who asks a lot of himself and wants to get into a club and get started.
The query: He can float in and out of games and is very hard on himself which, if channeled the right way, should actually help him.
15 Jordan De Goey (Oakleigh Chargers, 15/3/96, 188cm, 85kg)
Midfield utility
Can find ways into games from almost any part of the ground, in a meaningful way. He'll do his time in the centre square, where he loves the one-on-one stuff, then go forward, find a mismatch, take a mark and kick a goal. Has a ruggedness about him, but at the same time makes sensible decisions and gets the ball into good spots.
The query: not a high possession winner at this point in time, but this should improve given how willing he is to get his hands dirty.
16 Sam Durdin (West Adelaide, 6/6/96, 198cm, 88kg)
Swingman
Durdin didn't really settle into one spot this year, and has arguably played his best footy as a ruckman. More than capable of playing as a marking forward but has probably looked most comfortable at centre half-back given his size, speed and preparedness to compete, ruffle his opponents up and go for his marks.
The query: is he an undersized ruckman trying to play other positions, or can he genuinely make it work as a key position player at either end?
17 Kyle Langford (Northern Knights, 1/12/96, 190cm, 76kg)
Tall utility
One of the most versatile players on offer, and quite unique. Tracks the ball well when he's defending and is able to sneak into good spots at the other end and get off the ground to mark. Can really move with the play - he gets in and around players, almost sliding down the ground - and may develop into a midfield option.
The query: his kicking was questioned early, but seemed to improve throughout the season with work.
18 Corey Ellis (Western Jets, 9/10/96, 184cm, 74kg)
Midfielder
Ellis is an unobtrusive onballer, with a humble personality that follows him onto the field. There is a discipline, reliability and calmness about the way he plays; he's someone who will make the most of almost every chance that comes his way. When you kick the ball as well as he does, that's a very useful quality. He's very good, in almost every area.
The query: Ellis looks a very solid prospect. Not super quick off the mark but doesn't seem to get caught too often.
19 Lachie Weller (Southport, 23/2/96, 182cm, 77kg)
Midfielder
Weller does most things well. An outside midfielder, he kicks the ball nicely, can take marks, scoop the ball up and take off with a bit of dash. If he's not placing the ball on someone's chest, he's every chance to be side-stepping someone, and kicking the goal himself. Professional - intensely so - and will adapt to an AFL environment easily.
The query: still trying to balance out his contested and uncontested possessions. Has the attitude and work rate to be as good as he can be.
20 Alex Neal-Bullen (Glenelg, 9/1/96, 182cm, 76kg)
Midfielder
A perceptive player, able to concentrate on more than one thing at once. He sets up play, keeps an eye out for others, understands what his teammates are meant to be doing and organises them accordingly. He's very good at wrenching the ball out of hot spots and getting it moving his team's way, and can keep running all day.
The query: Not super fast, and his kicking was a bit scrappy in the under-18 championships, though he was generally the one grabbing the ball first and getting it away quickly.
21 Dillon Viojo-Rainbow (Western Jets, 8/2/96, 184cm, 82kg)
Half-back/midfielder
There's the courage - Viojo-Rainbow isn't worried about shoving himself to the front of a (usually bigger) player, sticking his arms up and pulling in a mark. There's also the class - you could watch this guy kick left footers all day long. As a half-back, he can turn potentially bad times into good by getting the ball one good kick clear of trouble.
The query: is slight, and some extra size will help him continue to compete as courageously as he does at the next level up.
22 Clem Smith (Perth, 3/2/96, 177cm, 78kg)
Small defender
Boisterous small defender, a bundle of exuberance and energy who crashes, bashes, side steps, dodges and makes those around him think twice about going for the ball. Needs to increase his endurance and and had a patchy season, but can really impact a game. Will be a popular teammate from the get-go. Good fun to watch.
The query: his endurance, which will improve once he's at a club under the watch of a conditioning coach.
23 Hugh Goddard (Geelong Falcons, 24/8/96, 196cm, 94kg)
Swingman
Finished the year off well after an indifferent middle section and a busy season switching between teams. Has played both ends of the ground but arguably looks most comfortable as a defender given his ability to read the play, take marks and lock down, without getting too exposed for speed off the mark. One of the most professional players in it.
The query: was caught out by a few opponents for speed off the mark.
24 Liam Dawson (Aspley, 23/1/96, 189cm, 83kg)
Midfield utility
Dawson is inventive, a player who can create a bit of havoc wherever he's put. Running out of defence or through the middle he's willing to move with the ball, assessing options as he goes; playing forward he can bamboozle opponents, get into good spots, take marks and kick goals. Has speed, versatility and doesn't wait around for things to happen.
The query: Predominantly an outside player, who will become an even more rounded prospect once he gets strong enough to apply more physical pressure.
25 Jarrod Garlett (South Fremantle, 18/8/96, 180cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
A speed machine, with endurance to match. Fast, energetic and explosive. Garlett's year was particularly impressive given the niggling injuries that might have slowed him up; coming back into the WA state team he was able pick up where he left off more than once. He's a direct, attacking player with a huge work ethic and a lot of drive.
The query: Might need a bit more size to attempt some of the slippery moves he can get away with now. But there's a lot to like about his sense of ambition.
26 Connor Menadue (Western Jets, 19/9/96, 187cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
Menadue may take a little time, given he's so skinny. But you'd be investing in a proactive player who can carry the ball and who shows a willingness, despite his slight frame, to lay tackles. A generator, who can take marks through the midfield and whose many athletic traits (he's super quick, and can keep going) speak to his huge scope.
The query: Needs to build his body up, and his kicking can occasionally be iffy. Has a lot of upside though.
27 Caleb Marchbank (Murray Bushrangers, 7/12/96, 192cm, 89kg)
Tall utility
Marchbank hasn't played much footy in the past two years due to back and knee problems. He's a tough one to assess because of it because when he did play he looked really good, playing with an equal mix of intensity and calm, picking the ball off as a defender, and getting to it before others while playing at the other end.
The query: Just doesn't have much exposed form, which is hardly his fault. It'll be hard for recruiters to get a line on his athleticism, if they're trying to decide whether at 192cm he can play in a key post or will be better suited to a running role.
28 Ed Vickers-Willis (Sandringham Dragons, 28/3/96, 190cm, 82kg
Utility
Sticks to a job, concentrates, doesn't panic and was very hard to beat in one-on-one situations this year. In fact he was hard to beat full stop. As a defender, can take on bigger players. Up the field his clear mind, good kicking and endurance add to his value. Everyone who has worked with him raves about his strong character.
The query: He's a really solid player. Others picked later may go past him in terms of excitement, but you'll know what you'll get from this guy every single week.
29 Connor Blakely (Swan Districts, 2/3/96, 189cm, 85kg)
Midfielder
A clearance midfielder, who has done it at senior level in Perth this year. Not particularly flashy but nothing much seems to faze him. He holds his ground and thinks quickly, moving the ball on quickly or holding onto it if that will create time for a better option to be shaken loose. Gets things started then runs hard to keep them going.
The query: he's worked hard on his kicking, and isn't quite as dynamic as some other mids when he comes to pace. Hasn't really needed to show that off given how often he's stuck doing the hard work, though.
30 Brayden Maynard (Sandringham Dragons, 20/9/96, 187cm, 87kg)
Midfielder
A robust midfielder, who loves to tackle. Others might cover the ground a little easier than him, but there is an enjoyable simplicity about the way he plays: if he's not going after the ball, he's going after the player who has it. A good kick, a competitor and a player who looks like he wants to be involved in everything.
The query: He's been working hard on his running, with how well he can cover the ground the question.
