![Top of the class: marking forward Tom Boyd is sidelined by injury but is a contender for the No. 1 pick in the AFL draft.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131106193258im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/07/02/4538867/art-353-svBOYD-300x0.jpg)
Top of the class: marking forward Tom Boyd is sidelined by injury but is a contender for the No. 1 pick in the AFL draft. Photo: Supplied
At a function on Monday, Matthew Lloyd told a group of teenage footballers how he ended up an Essendon player.
He remembered playing for the Western Jets in 1994, thinking he was too young to be drafted, when the Bombers traded Tony Delaney, Dale Kickett, Todd Ridley and Russell Williams to new club Fremantle for the rights to the best 16-year-old and No.4 pick in the draft.
Last month, Lloyd became an AFL Hall of Famer, after a 270-game, 926-goal career in which he played alongside that No.4 choice, Scott Lucas, for most of the time.
![Josh Kelly is expected to play a lot of AFL games.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131106193258im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/07/02/4538866/art-353-svJKELLY-300x0.jpg)
Josh Kelly is expected to play a lot of AFL games. Photo: Supplied
His reflections were interesting, given Greater Western Sydney's insistence this week it is willing to trade away this year's No.1 pick (read: Tom Boyd). Declarations like this can usually be taken with a lump, not a grain, of salt - high picks are worth a lot more than they were 20 years ago. But the Giants are a different case.
They really do need a couple of more mature players on their list: a ruckman and a key backman or two. They really do have one of everything when it comes to young talent. And they're one of just a few clubs that don't really need a strong, young marking forward around which to shape their team of the future.
They have a couple of them already, in Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton. They could well be slotting Lance Franklin in around them next year. But on the flip side, plenty of clubs could desperately do with Boyd.
Is he really up for grabs? Some clubs think there is no way at all. Others think there is a chance, but that it will cost them way too much, and therefore won't happen. Ask the Giants, and clubs weren't anywhere near realistic enough when they offered up players for the rights to Jaeger O'Meara two years ago. Ask the clubs who missed out on O'Meara, and the Giants just wanted more picks. The truth no doubt lies around the middle, but it will be interesting to see if clubs again baulk at the thought of losing an actual, established, very good player (or two), or if they become more bold.
Boyd has an injured ankle, meaning he won't play in today's final round of under-18 games. He is a natural, instinctive forward who can help out in the ruck, but has a bit to learn about playing in defence. He is an excellent mark, he reads the play well, he has all the physical attributes needed to play his position at a higher level and he is a dedicated, purposeful person. There is not another one like him in this year's draft.
What is he worth? The market will determine that. Could the Western Bulldogs, who will have a low pick, swap selections with the Giants and find a player to throw in? Could Carlton do something? Could Hawthorn, should it lose Buddy, find a way to replace him with Boyd? Could Collingwood get involved, to keep its list bubbling along?
Traditionally, there are just two reliable ways to get a star forward: with a high pick, or as a father-son. Someone should take this chance.
SIX TO WATCH
JOSH KELLY (Vic Metro)
Gets the ball. A lot. Reliable, hard working, hard running and skilful. Will play a lot of AFL games.
JAMES AISH (South Australia)
Composed, classy wingman who has already played in a SANFL grand final. Just back from shoulder surgery.
MATT SCHARENBERG (SA)
Put him to use anywhere: forward, back or anywhere else. Reads the play well, and is a competitor.
BEN LENNON (VM)
A natural, footy smart player who has spent most of his time playing as a half-forward but could move into the midfield.
JACK BILLINGS (VM)
Another half-forward: smart and sharp, capable of shaping games.
LEWIS TAYLOR (Vic Country)
One of the most dynamic players in the draft. Small, but keen to make things happen, and kicks with precision.
THE GAMES
Wednesday
SA v WA at Etihad Stadium, 3.35pm (live on Fox Footy); Vic Country v Vic Metro at Etihad Stadium, 5.35pm (live on Fox Footy)
Thursday
Qld v NT at Victoria Park, 11am; NSW/ACT v Tasmania at Victoria Park, 1.15pm