ADELAIDE

No. 10 PHIL DAVIS

(North Adelaide) 18, 195cm, 85kg

Tall defender and forward whose 2008 was stymied by a shoulder injury, as he managed only four games. Hawthorn had been considered likely to grab him, but the Crows beat it to the punch.

No. 28 SHAUN McKERNAN

(Calder Cannons) 18, 196cm, 94kg

Brother of the ex-North Melbourne premiership ruckman/ forward, McKernan is a similar size and has many of the athletic attributes of Corey — he can play forward and ruck, boasts strong hands and a long kick.

No. 44 RORY SLOANE

(Eastern Ranges) 18, 182cm, 78kg

Hard-at-it defender who is capable of stints in the midfi eld and attack, Sloane represented Vic Metro in the U18 championships and has the kind of endurance Adelaide demands.

No. 60 THOMAS LEE

(Claremont Tigers) 17, 191cm, 86kg

Long-kicking forward who tested well for speed over 20m and is capable of taking a grab.

No. 72 WILLIAM YOUNG

(North Ballarat) 18, 192cm, 83kg

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“I thought it was a great talls draft ... we’re happy to get Rory after two years of work, as a midfi elder and really happy with the Davis-McKernan, couple of bookends for us for the next 12 years we hope.” Matt Rendell, recruiting manager.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Crows have one of the most promising, well-balanced lists in the league, with a cluster of young midfi eld talent (Van Berlo, McKay, Douglas and Dangerfi eld) already in place and now a large group of tall players to add to Walker, Tippett, Sellar and company, and bring through at the same time. Sloane, the exception to the “tall, athletic” theme, is a great team man and will be very quickly adopted by his new club’s players and supporters. They possibly did best of all yesterday.

BRISBANE LIONS

No. 7 DANIEL RICH

(Subiaco) 18, 184cm, 83kg

Highly accomplished left-footed midfi elder who has played excellent senior footy in the WAFL and appears capable of playing at the top level next year. Had been touted as a top-three pick for most of the year. “Daniel has been playing with Subiaco over in West Australia and is ready-made to play senior football next year. He has a wonderful left-foot kick similar to Luke Hodge’s and we believe he will be a big part of our club’s future.” Graeme Allan, football manager

No. 25 JACK REDDEN

(Glenelg) 17, 188cm, 74kg

Tall midfi elder who is adept at winning the ball in close, with clean skills and excellent aerobic fi tness. “Redden is an inside midfi elder from South Australia who featured in the U18 championships earlier this year. We believe he has plenty of scope for development and could become a top-notch AFL player.” Allan

No. 41 TODD BANFIELD

(Swan Districts) 18, 182cm, 75kg

Midfi elder with excellent speed. “Banfield is an incredibly quick and aggressive midfi elder from the Swan Districts in Western Australia who has all the attributes to make him a very good player.” Allan

No. 57 AARON CORNELIUS

(Tasmanian Devils) 18, 192cm, 84kg

Clever forward with strong hands, not dissimilar to another Tasmanian, Tiger Jack Riewoldt.

No. 69 BART MCCULLOCH

(South Launceston) 18, 199cm, 86kg

No. 81 KIERAN KING

(East Fremantle) 17, 180cm, 81kg

Running defender with good pace who takes opponents on.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We never thought that Daniel Rich would get through to the seventh selection in the draft. We always rated him in the fi rst couple of picks. We ended up getting four midfi elders, which really helped that stock, a key position centre halfforward/ centre half-back and a young ruckman.” Allan.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Lions made their midfi eld their focus early. Rich, given a trouble-free preseason, should play games next year. They addressed a big need in drafting ruckman McCulloch and Cornelius, an All-Australian as a 17-year-old, was a bit of a steal. In him, Lachie Henderson, Tom Collier and a few others, they have a few talented young talls gathered together now.

CARLTON

No. 6 CHRIS YARRAN

(Swan Districts) 17, 180cm, 83kg

Highly talented, skilful forward who booted seven goals on his senior debut and topped his club’s goalkicking in his fi rst season. “Chris is very quick, has good hands and kicks well. Once he’s developed the engine and endurance base, he could be unbelievable through the midfi eld.” Jason McCartney

No. 40 MITCH ROBINSON

(Tassie Mariners) 19, 185cm, 79kg

The Blues rated the Tassie midfi elder in their top 10 selections. A hard-running midfi elder with evasive ability. “Mitch really jumped out for me at this year’s championships. He carried the ball extremely well, took the game on and any time he got the ball he’d do something good with it. He’s got great penetration on his kicks.” McCartney

No. 65 RHYS O’KEEFE

(North Adelaide) 18, 188cm, 83kg

Mid-sized defender whose trademark is a long and accurate left-foot kick.

No. 80 CALEB TILLER

(Murray Bushrangers) 17, 189cm, 75kg

Medium-sized, goalkicking forward who is good on the lead.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“I thought we’ve done extremely well with what our needs factor was and what we’re after. Yarran’s got outstanding talent and Robinson, we thought he’d be in the top 10 and to get him at 40, that might be the bargain of the draft. And also, O’Keefe — he kicks the ball magnifi cent, beautifully-balanced player ... Tiller, he’s a real mobile 17-year-old.” Brett Ratten, coach.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Yarran is a perfect fit for Carlton. Could prove the player of the draft. The Blues are obviously happy with how the likes of Bower, Jamison, Austin and others are progressing — I’m a little surprised they didn’t try get at least one more key position prospect through the door, focusing instead on hard-running fl ankers in Robinson and O’Keefe.

COLLINGWOOD

No. 11 STEELE SIDEBOTTOM

(Murray Bushrangers) 17, 184cm, 81kg

Medium-sized running player — midfi eld, forward or back. Outstanding disposal with either foot. Booted 10 goals in TAC Cup grand fi nal. Strong overhead and one-on-one. All-Australian U18. “The pleasing thing is we have been able to bring in a player who plays extremely well when the tempo is at its highest. Take away his grand fi nal (when he kicked 10 goals) his prelim fi nal and other fi nals were excellent as well. Can play forward, back and midfi eld. He didn’t test particularly quick, but he plays quick.” Derek Hine, Collingwood recruiter.

No. 29 DAYNE BEAMS

(Southport Sharks) 18, 186cm, 77kg

Versatile midfi elder, can go forward or back. Very good inside/clearance player. High possession winner, balanced and composed in traffi c. Resisted offer to join Gold Coast.

No. 45 JARRAD BLIGHT

(Swan Districts) 17, 189cm, 73kg

Hard-running versatile type, strong overhead with excellent vision and awareness. Courageous attack on the ball and wins contested footy. Excellent endurance — fourth in beep test at draft camp.

No. 46 LUKE ROUNDS

(Geelong Falcons) 17, 181cm, 75kg

Medium midfi elder/defender. Super quick and wins own ball. Good decision-maker, strong overhead and carries ball well. Outstanding athletically.

No. 73 LEIGH BROWN

(North Melbourne) 26, 194cm, 101kg Former Freo and North defender. Taken at No. 5 in 1999 draft. Back-up key defender.

WHAT THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We have obviously gone for midfi elders. We have brought in players of great skill by hand or foot and elite athleticism for speed and endurance. We have now got 27 players under 21 and when you consider Scott Reid has come in and Lachy Keefe as well, we are really young so that contributed to the thinking on Leigh Brown. Steele is a country boy and needs that structure around him but all players show some leadership traits down the track. We won’t have a pick in the pre-season but we will have four rookie picks.” Derek Hine, Collingwood recruiter.

WHAT EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Collingwood list is another that has some nice structure to it. The midfield was its focus this draft, and it got a couple of great gets. Sidebottom won’t give it speed, but he’ll offer constant run and effort and a way to goal. Beams’ inside work is a delight too, and Blight could well prove the big bonus of this draft. The Pies are well placed for the next few seasons.

ESSENDON

No. 5 MICHAEL HURLEY

(Northern Knights) 18, 192cm, 92kg

Tall defender, an excellent kick on both sides. Strong attack on the ball, good in a contest with his spoiling a strength. AIS/AFL Academy graduate and Vic Metro U18 representative. All- Australian U18 in 2007 and 2008. “We felt he was the best fi t for us, a local boy who can play key forward, key back. He adds to that young batch of tall players (Gumbleton, Neagle, Ryder) we have brought into the club in the last few years.” Adrian Dodoro, Essendon recruiter.

No. 23 DAVID ZAHARAKIS

(Northern Knights) 18, 182cm, 72kg

Quick and agile midfi elder with a penetrating kick. Co-captain of Vic Metro and an U18 All-Australian. From Marcellin College. Had glandular fever before draft camp. “Another Northern Knight, we rated mid-fi rst round. He complements the blend of a tall and a very good mid in fi rst 23 of draft. Very skilful both sides of body. A modernday player.” Dodoro

No. 55 MICHAEL STILL

(Northern Knights) 17, 194cm, 83kg

Tall forward who was second in TAC Cup goalkicking. Outstanding one-grab mark. Key forward kicked 16 goals in the last four TAC Cup games. Good cricketer also.

No. 67 TYSON SLATTERY

(Woodville West Torrens) 18, 186cm, 75 kg

Athletic, high-marking forward. Recorded fastest 20-metre sprint (2.75 seconds) at all state screening sessions in 2008. Penetrating kick on both sides.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We just really wanted to come out of this draft looking after our succession planning because we obviously have some boys who are going to retire in the next year or two, with Fletcher, Lloyd and Lucas, so Hurley was a perfect fi t for us. We picked up a quality mid and a 17-year old. It gives us the opportunity to sit back and have a look. We have an open mind about the preseason — there are a lot of good players left in the draft — and we have more selections in the rookie draft. Adrian Dodoro, Essendon recruiter.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Hurley was a logical choice; the Bombers needed to add to their group of young defenders (most of whom are largely untried). Zaharakis will add speed, and Still and Slattery offer potential coverage forward or back. Essendon has got itself back on track in the past few drafts - its list is still young and a lot of its players are short on experience, but the list is getting a very, very nice shape to it. I’m surprised it didn’t take a ruckman.

FREMANTLE

No. 3 STEPHEN HILL

(West Perth) 18, 184cm, 69kg

Medium midfielder/defender with excellent pace and raking left foot. Plays inside and out has great run and carry. All-Australian U18. Blitzed draft camp — was in top fi ve for vertical jump, 20m sprint (2.83s) and agility test where he beat Danyle Pearce’s camp record (7.77s) from 2004.

No. 21 HAYDEN BALLANTYNE

(Peel Thunder), 21, 174cm, 77kg

Small forward won the Sandover Medal in WAFL, kicking 75 goals. Equal winner WA Footballer of Year award.

No. 24 NICK SUBAN

(North Ballarat Rebels) 18, 180cm, 83kg

Pick obtained from losing Warnock to Carlton. Competitive small midfi elder, wins own ball in contests. Skilful and a good decision-maker. All-Australian U18 in 2007 and ’08.

No. 37 ZACHARY CLARKE

(Oakleigh Chargers) 18, 202cm, 82kg

Skinny ruckman who could play tall forward or back. Good endurance (13.13 beep test) with outstanding vertical leap. Basketball background. Vic Metro player in 2008.

No. 53 MICHAEL WALTERS

(Swan Districts) 17, 177cm, 73kg

Highly skilled midfi elder/forward. Good awareness and agility and wins own ball.

No. 56 BENJAMIN BUCOVAZ

(Geelong Falcons) 18, 188cm, 88kg

Medium defender/forward who is a long, penetrating kick. Reads play well. Vic Country U18s in 2008. No. 68 TIM RUFFLES

(North Ballarat Rebels) 18, 179cm, 67kg.

Extremely quick midfi elder/forward. Power athlete — 20m sprint of 2.85s and running vertical jump of 100cm. No. 77 CHRIS HALL

(Woodville West Torrens) 18, 181cm, 66kg Courageous and creative small midfi elder with clean hands. Good awareness. Seems to have time and space. THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We play on the big grounds so the run is important. we really went with best available talent at the pick to a degree, but we are pretty excited about getting Zac as a developing ruck prospect. Brad Lloyd, recruiter

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Midfield, midfield, midfield. That was the Dockers’ focus early and they have three quite different types — the chaotic Hill, the mature bodied Ballantyne (who may play more forward) and Suban — more skilful than he looks on first appearance — to bring through. Walters (a bargain), Ruffles and Hall are also midfield types.

GEELONG

No. 15 MITCH BROWN

(Sandringham Dragons) 18, 195cm, 82kg

Key forward who had a strong fi nish to the TAC Cup season, averaging seven marks a game. Promising junior cricketer who has had a 7cm growth spurt in the last year. “He’s a strong mark, good when the ball gets down to ground level, and he’s also in the Victorian U19 cricket academy.” Stephen Wells, recruiter.

33. TOM GILLIES

Dandenong Stingrays, 18, 192cm, 86kg

Quick-off-the-mark key defender who reads play well and makes good decisions. Very good one-on-one. “We saw him play full-back on a number of fantastic full-forwards this year and do a good job. We think he can really develop well deep in defence.” Wells

39. STEVEN MOTLOP

Wanderers, 17, 182cm, 67kg

Medium forward with clean hands and evasive skills who mirrors brother Daniel at the same age. Kicked fi ve goals in U16 championships fi nal for Northern Territory. Recovering from recent shoulder surgery. “He’s an outstanding talent, a freakish goalkicker. He’s a fantastically skilled forward.” Wells 49. TAYLOR HUNT

Sandringham Dragons, 18, 183cm, 83 Athletic defender from Beaumaris with good pace, endurance and a strong attack in the ball. “He’s a very fast, ball-carrying player who can play in defence, on the ball or even a bit in the forward line.” Wells

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We were hoping to get a mixture of players and we got a genuine tall forward, we got a good tall defender and a couple of other running players with some speed and skill. It was a nice mix. With Nathan Ablett leaving the club and Matthew Egan having an injury cloud, it was certainly a consideration that we’d take some tall players, but not just for the sake of it.” Stephen Wells, recruiter.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Cats like their key position prospects quick and agile — in Brown and Gillies they’ve got two who could play at either end. They’ll both take time, but Geelong has the time to give them. Taylor Hunt’s pace, and insistence on running with the ball, is perfectly made for today’s game; if the excellent Geelong needed anything it was a bit of speed, and Hunt could prove one of this draft’s steals. Looks a good batch.

HAWTHORN

No. 16 RYAN SCHOENMAKERS

(Norwood) 18, 193cm, 84kg

South Australian who has played most of his junior football up forward but will be recast by the Hawks as a key defender. Is a good overhead mark and penetrating kick off either foot. Represented SA in U18 this year. “He could play senior footy next year — he has played reserves for Norwood. We’ll have to wait and see. He’s played mostly as a forward but we think we can mould him into being a defender.” Chris Pelchen, recruiting manager.

No. 34 LIAM SHIELS

(Eastern Ranges) 18, 193cm, 79kg

AIS academy graduate and handy onballer who wins his own footy and is a strong, accurate kick. Good competitor who represented Vic Metro this year and spent a week at the club in January under an AIS scholarship program. “He’s a good kid and he really impressed us. He’s a genuine hard midfi elder but he is also the youngest kid in the draft and he has got to do year 12 next year at Aquinas College.” Pelchen

No. 50 JORDAN LISLE

(Oakleigh Chargers) 18, 195cm, 93kg

Strong marking tall from Carey Grammar who can play at either end of the ground. Won selection in 2008 U18 All- Australian team. Father is former North Melbourne big man Mark Lisle. Club rated him in its top 20.

No. 63 LUKE LOWDEN

(Sandringham Dragons) 17, 204cm, 86kg

Young, tall and gangly ruck prospect who could be anything but has not played much high-level football. Will be very much a project player for Hawthorn and will have at least four ruckmen ahead of him in the pecking order.

No. 75 SHANE SAVAGE

(Dandenong Stingrays) 17, 185cm, 74kg

Composed midfi elder who can win the ball and has good legspeed. Kicks well and has the ability to play forward and kick goals.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We went in with a plan to look at our key defensive roles. Two of the boys we selected in Schoenmaker and Lisle can do that. Schoenmaker has been a forward but we will mould him into a defender. Lisle is a defender and we are very surprised to get him at pick 50.” Chris Pelchen, Recruiting Manager.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Hawks missed out on Ryan O’Keefe so they picked his young clone in Shoenmakers. The club has plans to start him out in defence, although he’s seemed a natural forward in his junior days. Lisle, at 50, gives them a strong-bodied backman, and they’ve been able to put away a couple of midfi eld prospects and another ruckman to develop.

MELBOURNE

No. 1 JACK WATTS

(Sandringham Dragons) 17, 196cm, 82kg

Strong-marking forward who oozes talent with his ground-breaking pace and his exceptional ability to read the play. The reliable kick for goal was a standout at the U18 championships and a member of Vic Metro’s winning team, earning All-Australian honours and the Larke Medal.

No. 17 SAM BLEASE

(Eastern Ranges) 17, 184cm, 70kg

Lightly built midfi elder who is an excellent kick on both sides and can bring others into the game with his use by hand. An AIS/AFL Academy graduate and Vic Metro U18 Representative in 2008, Blease shows plenty of poise and balance with the footy.

No. 19 JAMES STRAUSS

(Oakleigh Chargers) 18, 185cm, 82kg

Athletic and agile midfi elder who reads the play well and has good skills by foot. The Vic Metro U18 representative ranked equal fourth in the 30m repeat sprints, highlighting his suitability for a midfi eld role at AFL level.

No. 35 JAMIE BENNELL

(Swan Districts) 18, 178cm, 68kg

Quick and agile small who displays clean hands and uses the ball well. Attended the WA AFL state screening, where the Bunburyraised midfi elder tested very impressively in the speed and agility tests.

No. 51 NEVILLE JETTA

(Swan Districts) 18, 179cm, 76kg

A skilful, high-possession midfi elder and forward who is strong overhead for his size. Was a WA U18 representative in 2008.

No. 64 ROHAN BAIL

(Mt Gravatt) 20, 183cm 91kg

A tearaway wingman who was a four-goal hero of Mt Gravatt’s grand final win in the AFLQ grand final. He did a pre-season at St Kilda two seasons ago and is a scintillating ball-winner on the rise.

THE CLUB SAYS...

“We’ve got some really exciting kids, some good ball handlers, good decision makers and some good kicks, which is really important. We need to have good kicks coming into our forward line, which is what we anticipate will be the progression in our team next year.” Dean Bailey, coach.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Melbourne loaded up and scored a bit of everything. Good kicking was clearly a top priority, and it picked up a couple of excellent ball users, particularly Blease and Strauss. Another tall would have been nice, but the Demons have a exceptionally talented group here.

NORTH MELBOURNE

No. 9 JACK ZIEBELL
(Murray Bushrangers) 17, 188cm, 86kg

Medium midfielder from Wodonga who is an excellent kick, exceptional decisionmaker and great in the contest. “You’re getting two players in one — he can play through the midfi eld, he can play around the square or in the square, and then any time he can drift forward. And we know he can lead and mark it very well and kick goals.” Dean Laidley, coach

No. 27 SAM WRIGHT
(Murray Bushrangers) 18, 188cm, 76kg

Agile medium half-forward from Katamatite with good goal sense who can run through the midfi eld. Has big hands and is clean overhead. “He had an impact at the start of the year as a lead-up forward, then his coach put him back and he really came on in that role as a running, rebounding defender. He’s got a bit of class.” Bryce Lewis, recruiter

No. 43 LIAM ANTHONY
(East Fremantle) 21, 189cm, 87kg

Smart onballer with great fi nishing skills who played most of the season in the WAFL seniors with East Fremantle, fi nishing second in the best and fairest. “He’s a midfi elder who’s mature, has probably missed out on a couple of drafts, but he’s been doing really well at WAFL level.” Laidley

No. 59 NATHAN O’KEEFE
(Eastern Ranges) 18, 193cm, 83kg

No. 71 WARREN BENJAMIN
(Claremont) 18, 187cm, 85kg

Hard-at-it midfi elder with a very strong body and blistering speed who played most of the 2008 season in the WAFL colts. Brother of Carlton’s Clinton.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“When Cameron Joyce (North Melbourne talent manager) came to the club, he put forward an analysis of our list and the midfi eld was an area we needed to address. Coming into today our philosophy was (pick the) best player with those needs in mind.” Recruiter Bryce Lewis

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

I’m surprised North didn’t target a couple more key position prospects, but the Roos have gone almost all-out midfi eld and I quite like the group they’ve managed to snaffl e. In Ziebell, Wright (a Dale Thomas clone), Anthony and Benjamin, they have a real variety of types to work with.

PORT ADELAIDE

No. 4 HAMISH HARTLETT

(West Adelaide), 18, 184cm, 76kg

Medium midfi elder who excels at reading the game and handling the ball cleanly. An All-Australian representative after several outstanding performances with South Australia. He also made his debut with West Adelaide.

No. 22 JACKSON TRENGOVE

(Calder Cannons), 18, 196cm, 88kg

Athletic tall who has the versatility to play both ends. Shows dynamic speed and endurance and had an impressive 2007 season. A member of the Vic Metro U18 team, he suffered a knee injury midseason, which restricted him at the AFL draft camp.

No. 38 MATTHEW BROADBENT

(Woodville West-Torrens), 18, 189cm, 83kg

Hard-running defender whose long kicking was an instant feature for South Australia at the U18 championships this year. He also made his SANFL debut this year and impressed at the AFL draft camp with 10 minutes and 53 seconds in the three-kilometre run, ranking eighth overall.

(Western Jets), 18, 178cm, 78kg

Small midfi elder who wins the hard ball when it counts. Won the Western Jets best and fairest in 2007 as a bottom-age player.

(Woodville West Torrens), 17, 202cm, 88kg

A developing ruckman who impressed for South Australia at U18 level, fi nishing third in hitouts and hitouts to advantage in the U18 championships.

(Woodville West Torrens), 18, 186cm, 75cm

No. 78 JASON DAVENPORT

(Geelong), 23, 185cm, 82kg

The Cats’ 38th pick in the 2006 AFL rookie draft. Last season, he won Geelong’s VFL best and fairest after an outstanding season, averaging 32 disposals.

“To come out with Hamish Hartlett with pick four and Jackson Trengove at 22, we’re very, very happy. We’re really excited with what we’ve got and that will hopefully stand us in good stead over the next four or fi ve years.” Blair Hartley, recruiting manager

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Port’s big bonus was Jackson Trengove, who could prove either a key forward, key defender or ruckman in time. In Banner and Hartlett it has someone to win the ball, and someone to use it.

RICHMOND

No. 8 TYRONE VICKERY

(Sandringham/Haileybury College) 18, 200cm, 86kg

Vickery is a strong-marking forward who was a Vic Metro U18 representative and All-Australian this year. Shows great hunger and terrific decision-making skills. An AIS/AFL Academy graduate. “Obviously with his affiliation with the club, we’ve seen him grow up and mature into the kid he is today. His performances in the carnival were outstanding particularly for a kid who had a knee reconstruction in ’07. The way he’s come back, he will be a real asset for us.” Francis Jackson, recruiting manager.

No. 26 JAYDEN POST

(Western Jets) 18, 194cm, 88kg

No. 58 TOM HISLOP

(Essendon) 20, 186cm, 86kg

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“We were going to take Bart McCulloch but (the Brisbane Lions) pipped us before then. Other than that, everything else went according to plan for us. We’ve strengthened the areas that we needed to strengthen.” Jackson.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

I’m surprised the Tigers only took the three picks. They’ll be very happy with Vickery and Post has some work to do on his kicking but is a marking machine and not afraid to run. Hislop has doubtless talent, but can he get himself on track? Not many delisted players become stars elsewhere, but he has every chance if he gets things together.

ST KILDA

No. 13 TOM LYNCH

(Sandringham Dragons) 18, 191cm, 85kg

Leading forward who has great endurance (draft camp beep test of 14.1) and leadership qualities, having captained the Vic Metro U18 team. Will fit into the Saints forward line as a medium-sized lead-up player, supporting Riewoldt and Koschitzke. Is a lifelong Saints supporter. “He can play forward, back or in the midfi eld but what we really like about him is his competitiveness and his leadership qualities. ” John Peake, recruiting manager

No. 47 RHYS STANLEY

(West Adelaide) 17, 200cm, 88kg

No. 48 NICHOLAS HEYNE

(Gippsland Power) 18, 188cm, 79kg

No. 62 ALISTAIR SMITH

(Perth) 18, 183cm, 79kg

Pacy midfi elder who was restricted by injury at draft camp but still impressed with his vertical leap. Kicks predominantly left footed and has explosive speed and impressive endurance.

No. 74 PAUL CAHILL

(Sturt) 18, 193cm, 80kg

Good athlete and South Australia representative who will play as a tall forward and use his speed and marking ability to advantage.

No. 83 COLM BEGLEY

(Brisbane) 22, 188cm, 83kg

Lions’ Irish recruit who won his way from the rookie list into the seniors but had an injury-plagued 2008 and was cut by Brisbane. Will play at half-back for St Kilda.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“Trading for Farren Ray gave us some run so we decided to take Tom, who is a taller player who can play forward to start and give some support to Riewoldt. Colm Begley gives us another running back with AFL experience and will release Jasom Gram and Brendon Goddard into the midfi eld.” John Peake, recruiting manager

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

St Kilda addressed a major need — young key forwards — with its first pick in Lynch. Heyne offers speed and I’m surprised the Saints didn’t look for a bit more, although the addition of Farren Ray gives them that. Stanley’s a nice pick — a big, aggressive ruckman to bring through with Ben McEvoy, and Paul Cahill adds to their forward-line depth.

SYDNEY SWANS

No. 12 LEWIS JOHNSTON

(North Adelaide) 17, 192cm, 83kg

Tall forward who is quick on the lead, has strong hands and is solid in a contested situation. Received All-Australian U18 honours and led the AFL U18 championships for contested marks and ranked third overall for marks taken. “He’s had a pretty consistent year. We looked at our list and realised key position players were a priority for us. He’s got some fantastic physical attributes, too. He’s quick, has good endurance and good pace.” Stuart Maxfi eld, recruiting manager.

No. 30 DANIEL HANNEBERY

(Oakleigh Chargers) 17, 181cm, 77kg

Courageous midfi elder with good endurance, highlighted by his No. 1 ranking at the draft camp for 3km. High possession winner with good skills and clean hands. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2008. “He’s an elite endurance runner, an elite athlete. When you get a lot of young players to a football club they need two or three years to build up their endurance base but Dan’s fortunately not in that category. He’s already got that box ticked.” Maxfield

No. 61 CAMPBELL HEATH

(Gippsland Power) 17, 187cm, 75kg

Medium defender who has played mainly at half-back. Reads the play well, and uses the ball well by foot. Vic Country U18 representative at the U18 championships. “He is another 17-year-old so with the two upcoming drafts, we looked at all the 17-year-olds available this year. He didn’t dominate TAC Cup football this year but in every game he showed he’s got an AFL attribute.” Maxfield

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“Jackson Trengove was always in the mix for us but we went for Lewis Johnston instead. Particularly with our fi rst two selections we wanted to get a key position player and a genuine midfi elder. As we had them ranked, Lewis Johnston was a real priority for us.” Maxfield

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

I would have liked to have seen the Swans lash out and pick a few more players up — three doesn’t seem a big enough injection of youth for where they’re at. That said, they’ve picked very well. Johnston is a very gifted player, and Hannebery a hard-running midfielder, a quality the club clearly looks for.

WEST COAST

No. 2 NICK NAITANUI

(Swan Districts) 18, 197cm, 95kg

Ruckman who can do it all. Outstanding athlete, with admirable vertical leap and serious pace. Tackling is also a strength. Dual U18 All-Australian. “We’re really pleased to have Nick at the club. How much he plays next year will depend on his preparation and his form ... it is a step up and we will manage him through that.” Club

No. 18 (priority) LUKE SHUEY

(Oakleigh Chargers) 18, 185cm, 84kg

Midfi elder who can get his own ball and is a stoppage specialist. Does not lack for pace and is capable of a cameo role in the forward line. “We had him as our next rated player we wanted so it was good to get him. We were rapt he was still available. We’re pleased how it’s fallen. He’s got an exciting future.” Club

No. 20 TOM SWIFT

(Claremont) 18, 190cm, 84 kg

AIS Academy graduate whop will play in midfi eld and likes to run all day. Good in contested situations.

No. 36 ASHLEY SMITH

(Dandenong Stingrays) 18, 185cm, 84kg

Another pacy midfi elder, who is also an excellent long kick. Will run with the ball and can break the lines. Represented Vic Metro in 2008.

No. 52 JORDAN JONES

(Geelong Falcons) 18, 189cm, 85kg.

Tall defender from Ocean Grove who has a big leap and marks well. Good mover for his size and can play in midfi eld. Played for Vic Country.

THE CLUB SAYS ...

“Overall we think we have fi lled the needs we were looking to and got a real good balance of players. The priority was to go with the best players that offer the club the most. Positions didn’t come into it a lot. We’re rapt with Nick, the fact that he’s a Western Australian is great ... the aim now is to prepare Nick for AFL football and there is a lot of work to do. A lot of Western Australian kids got drafted and it’s great for Western Australian football.” John Worsfold, coach.

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

The Eagles scored big time with Naitanui (as you should at pick 2) and Swift, who has enormous potential. Shuey will slot in alongside Masten and Ebert as a ball-winner. The speedy Smith — touted as a potential first round pick — was a big bonus. With three top-20 picks you should do well, and they look to have done just that.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

No. 14 AYCE CORDY

(Geelong Falcons) 18, 202cm, 78kg A very tall, very skinny, incredibly agile ruckman who is also a good mark up forward.

No. 31 JORDAN ROUGHEAD

(North Ballarat Rebels) 200cm, 92kg A hard-running ruckman who has a handy habit of kicking goals when forward.

No. 32 LIAM JONES

(Tassie Mariners/Scotch College) 17, 195cm, 86kg

THE CLUB SAYS...

“Time will tell but were really happy. Jordan could get past 200 centimetres, I think there’s a bit of growth to come there and Liam’s a really nice player with a pretty good feel for the game. It fell tall today; we called out their names not for the fact that they had height but because we really rated them, but we’ve got to be mindful that all three have got to be conditioned for long AFL careers now, not just be ready for next March.” Scott Clayton, recruiting manager

EMMA QUAYLE SAYS ...

Only three picks for the Bulldogs, but they are up there with Adelaide as my big winners. Ayce Cordy — at 202 centimetres, with his agility — is a unique player. Roughead could easily prove the best ruckmen of this pool — his actual ruck work is a highlight — and Jones will take some developing, but is a very talented, smart player. Add these three young talls to Jarrad Grant and Jarrad Boumann, and surely two or three will come through.