The battle to be the AFL’s No.1 draft pick is down to three ahead of November 25 draft
THE top three talents at this year’s draft appear just about set – unless Essendon swings a surprise and bids on Greater Western Sydney Academy star Will Setterfield.
The Herald Sun confirmed that the Bombers met the Albury-born midfielder last week as intrigue grows ahead of next Friday’s draft.
CHECK OUT SAM LANDSBERGER’S 2016 PHANTOM DRAFT TOP 10, VOTE AND HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
If no bid is placed, the Bombers will crown Andy McGrath or Hugh McCluggage the No.1 pick with the leftover and Ben Ainsworth likely to fill the next two places.
A Setterfield bid would force the Giants to choose between drafting him and Brighton Grammar’s McGrath.
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The Dons are yet to visit McGrath’s home, although they did not venture out to Darcy Parish’s farm before taking him in last year’s top five.
If the Bombers draft McGrath, the Giants could also overlook McCluggage in favour of Ainsworth.
The small forward would find it easier to slot straight into their side as they hunt a premiership in 2017. That scenario would send goalkicking midfielder McCluggage to the Brisbane Lions.
Several clubs rate the Morrish Medallist the standout talent.
The Lions are favoured to not bid on Gold Coast’s Jack Bowes at No.3 in a big coup for the Suns.
Sandringham’s Tim Taranto and West Australian Sam Petrevski-Seton could form the next two picks, with both players rated highly by the Suns and Carlton.
Petrevski-Seton told clubs at the draft combine he wants to relocate to Melbourne to play in front of big crowds.
HOW THE TOP 10 2016 AFL DRAFT PICKS COULD FALL
| PICK/CLUB | SELECTION |
|---|---|
| 1. Essendon | Andy McGrath |
| 2. GWS Giants | Ben Ainsworth |
| 3. Brisbane Lions | Hugh McCluggage |
| 4. Gold Coast | Sam Petrevski-Seton |
| 5. GWS Giants | Will Setterfield (Academy bid) |
| 6. Carlton | Tim Taranto |
| 7. Gold Coast | Tim English |
| 8. Fremantle | Griffin Logue |
| 9. Gold Coast | Jack Scrimshaw |
| 10. Gold Coast | Jack Bowes (Academy bid) |
Athletic defender Griffin Logue appears set to be taken inside the top 10, despite his surprise omission from Champion Data’s top 30 power rankings.
The Swans are fans of Logue and are likely to also consider Jy Simpkin at their first pick.
Clubs still do not know what Essendon plans to do at No.1 and there has rarely been such uncertainty over the draft just 10 days out.
Inside midfielder Will Brodie, once in the No.1 conversation, could suddenly fall outside the top 10.
The Blues are Brodie fans, but would be unlikely to pair him with superstar Patrick Cripps.
Should Brodie slip, a club such as North Melbourne or Adelaide would walk away with a draft steal. Brodie trained at the Kangaroos last pre-season.
North has been linked to classy midfielder Oliver Florent, who is expected to stay in Victoria.
If the Roos don’t take Florent he could wind up a gem for the Western Bulldogs (No.18), Essendon (20) or St Kilda (23).
West Australian Tim English is considered the best ruck prospect in some time and could go to Fremantle, if the Suns don’t pounce first.
Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls is only 24 and the Suns just traded in Jarrod Witts, but with four top-10 picks they are considering the mobile big man.
One expert said on Monday this year’s draft was so deep, clubs could draft players in the 20s that would usually belong in the top 10.