AFL Draft: Player Preview & Top 5 Prediction

It’s an exciting night ahead for footy’s next generation with the AFL National Draft kicking off tonight at Marvel Stadium from 6:30pm. It is expected that the first pick will be announced at 7pm.

A new format has been introduced to the 2018 intake with live trading in effect for the first time. Expect some surprises around the draft tables tonight, especially early!

Carlton looks to be in the box seat to land Sam Walsh with their number 1 pick. The South Australian’s Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine are both highly sought after by not only their local state teams but the league as a whole.

Anything could happen as the night unfolds. Adelaide and Port are desperate to climb the order to secure local talent while GWS, Bulldogs, St Kilda and Gold Coast are all rumoured to be proposing deals.

See below for The Sporting Bases top 5 predictions:

Pick 1 – Carlton

SAM WALSH

POS: Midfielder
From: Geelong Falcons / Vic Country
DOB: 2/7/00
Height: 184cm
Weight: 77kg

Carlton are most likely to take Walsh who appears to be the stand out midfielder of this year’s draft. He ticks all the boxes recruiters are looking for: huge engine, great work rate and a ball magnet. He has polished skills and is a likeable, professional character to boot.

Other options: Walsh looks a certainty for the top spot. The South Australian’s in Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine appears the only other chances.

Pick 2 – Gold Coast

JACK LUKOSIUS

POS: Key Forward
From: Woodville-West Torrens / South Australia
DOB: 9/8/00
Height: 194cm
Weight: 85kg

Although earmarked as a key forward, Lukosius looks a real utility type player. As you would expect being a highly sought-after player, he has elite ball use – particularly by foot, athleticism, running ability and a good footy brain. His football at SANFL level for the Eagles was consistent and appears to fit the AFL requirements and has a laidback persona.

Other Options: Walsh if not taken at pick 1.

Pick 3 – Gold Coast

IZAK RANKINE

POS: Half-forward / Midfielder
From: West Adelaide / South Australia
DOB: 23/4/00
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg

Rankine has major x-factor and looks to be a real match winner for whoever is lucky enough to recruit him. Gold Coast need a player of Rankine’s ilk that can quickly transition into AFL football.

Other options: Top three picks look set.

Pick 4 – St Kilda

MAX KING

POS: Key Forward
From: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DOB: 7/7/00
Height: 204cm
Weight: 86kg

Spent the majority of the season on the sidelines after succumbing to a knee injury. He was touted as potentially a top 2 pick. St Kilda are front-runners to sign him having seen a lot of him as he was doing rehab in their gym. On the field, he is great in the air and at ground level.

Other options: The names Connor Rozee, Bailey Smith and Jye Caldwell have all been linked to the Saints as potential recruits.

Pick 5 – Port Adelaide

CONNOR ROZEE

POS: Utility
From: North Adelaide / South Australia
DOB: 22/1/00
Height: 185cm
Weight: 74kg

A catalyst the Rooster’s premiership success in the SANFL. Like fellow croweaters in Lukosius and Rankine, Rozee measured up to senior footy and after starting off as a forward, played down back towards the end of the season. Strong above head, great kick and versatile.

Other options: Max King if he is still available, otherwise his sibling Ben King. Jye Caldwell is a rough outside chance.

Best of the rest: Ben King, Bailey Smith, Jye Caldwell, Nick Blakey (F/S), Tarryn Thomas (Academy), Jordan Clark and Jason Hately are all amongst top 10 discussions.

Order of Round 1

1. Carlton

2. Gold Coast Suns

3. Gold Coast Suns

4. St Kilda

5. Port Adelaide

6. Gold Coast Suns

7. Western Bulldogs

8. Adelaide Crows

9. GWS Giants

10. Port Adelaide

11. GWS Giants