Notable players ahead of the AFL draft

TEN BIG NAMES IN THIS YEAR’S AFL DRAFT

JACOB WEITERING

DOB: 23/11/97

Tall defender

Certain to go to Carlton with the No.1 pick. Massive wraps on Weitering, with AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan saying the backman’s running ability is equivalent to Chris Judd at the same age.

JOSH SCHACHE

DOB: 21/8/97

Key forward

The son of former Brisbane player Laurence Schache is set to go to the Lions with the No.2 selection. A strong mark and an accurate left-foot kick makes him an obvious prospect as Brisbane rebuilds.

DARCY PARISH

DOB: 25/7/97

Midfielder

If Parish is not the best-credentialled midfielder in this year’s draft, he’s among the top few. The Geelong Falcons young gun secured his second All-Australian selection at the under-18 nationals.

CHARLIE CURNOW

DOB: 3/2/97

Midfielder/key forward

Three months out with a knee injury this season, but finished the season well with the Geelong Falcons and should go in the top 10. The popular comment about the younger brother of Carlton’s Ed is “contested beast”.

SAM WEIDEMAN

DOB: 26/6/97

Key forward

The grandson of Collingwood great Murray Weideman is clearly a talent, but he has been sidelined for several months with an ankle stress fracture.

AARON FRANCIS

DOB: 10/8/97

Key position player

Faded towards the end of the season, but still impressed at the national under-18 championships and for local side West Adelaide. A very strong mark who can play in a variety of positions.

HARRY AND BEN MCKAY

DOB: 24/12/97

Key position players

The twins from Gippsland should go high in the draft. Ben has emerged as a bolter with strong form late in the season.

CALLUM MILLS

DOB: 2/4/97

Midfielder

The Swans academy graduate appears certain to atttract an early bid from a rival club, which Sydney will surely match. A ready-made senior player.

BAILEY RICE

DOB: 10/2/97

Utility (defender/midfielder)

Rice is eligible to go to Carlton and St Kilda under the revised father-son system because his dad Dean played 100 games for the two clubs. He has chosen the Saints.

Provisional top-10 draft picks (finalised on November 20, four days before the draft)

1. Carlton

2. Brisbane

3. Melbourne

4. Essendon

5. Essendon

6. Gold Coast

7. Melbourne

8. Carlton

9. Adelaide

10. GWS

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