I revealed my top 30 prospects in August and three months later my rankings have changed based on the types of players I believe clubs will put a premium on given the way the game is being played at the moment.

Clubs will be looking for players like Dustin Martin, Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield; inside and outside midfielders who win their own ball, have speed and can go forward and kick goals.

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It is also based on speaking to people within the industry, looking at the testing results from the combine and the interview processes with clubs.

As recruiters you need to do a lot of what I call the ‘draft crystal ball’.

That is where you analyse a player both for his ability and his body shape and size and try to foresee what he will look like with development both in his game and in his body in two, three, four and five years down the track.

Every club takes their own talent flow to the draft and this is what I would have in front of me to work from if I was calling out players’ names for a club for season 2018.

This isn’t a phantom draft where I’m trying to predict where players will go on draft night, this is my personal talent flow, my top 50 prospects in order.

1-10

1. CAMERON RAYNER

Half-forward/midfielder, 187cm, 88kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: The powerful midfielder/half-forward reminds me of watching a young Dustin Martin. The way he moves around the ground, how he runs and his body shape, it’s actually quite uncanny. I had Rayner ranked at No.3 in August but I just think now a big-bodied midfielder who is dangerous both inside and outside is the new midfield prototype and Rayner is exactly that. He has all those traits — he has power, a strong body, has pace off the mark, has the grunt inside to win the footy, he makes something happen when he gets the ball because he uses it so well and has a long and penetrating kick and even has a good leap. When we talk about potential A-grade players into the future, you’ve got to have a combination of all those things, you can’t just be good on the inside and winning clearances if you’re not good on the outside because you waste the footy with your disposal. I think Cam Rayner can be an A-grade player in the future and I don’t think any club could overlook a player who has all these attributes.

Plays like: Dustin Martin

2. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE

Midfielder, 187cm, 85kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Buckenara says: Luke is another midfielder in this draft who can develop into the ideal modern-day midfielder. At 187cm he’s a nice height and he’s already got a strong body at 85kg — he will really fill out in a full-time environment. I think he’s a safe pick because he will become a really good AFL player. He finished the year in a fantastic position, he played well in the carnival and I think a club with an early pick will jump at the opportunity to call his name out. He is a tough, composed and hardworking midfielder but what I really like about him is he’s just so competitive and he combines that with good skills, particularly his kicking. He also has a turn of speed — his breakaway goal from a centre clearance against Vic Metro in Round 3 of the carnival showed everyone his talent. He is a prospect I can see playing some AFL football in 2018.

Plays like: Nat Fyfe

3. ADAM CERRA

Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Cerra is a really classy player who has a big engine — he can run all day. Again, he’s tall and has a good solid body to develop into the modern-day midfielder. He is a really good decision-maker — one of the traits I really like about him — he never appears panicked when under pressure. That is a very important trait AFL clubs are looking for in potential draftees because those types of players are worth their weight in gold. Cerra is also a good kick. While he was limited because of a knee injury last year, he had a really consistent 2017 season, which makes him one of the leading midfielders up for grabs in this year’s draft. He is a powerful player.

Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield

4. PADDY DOW

Midfielder, 184cm, 78kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Buckenara says: One of the prospects who I have really elevated in my talent flow since August, Dow just has so much natural talent. He’s got a genuine turn of speed, has good goal sense, has a very strong work-ethic and he’s a player that when you look at his numbers across the year, he’s hard to go past. He’s not as tall as my top three — Rayner, Davies-Uniacke and Cerra — but I think he will become a really nice player suited to the modern game. He’s a bit of an energiser-man around the footy, similar to the way Patrick Dangerfield is so manic when the ball is in his area, he just never stops and that is exactly how Dow attacks the footy. He’ll keep going and going and going. Those types of players are very important. He also has a bit of x-factor.

Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield

5. DARCY FOGARTY

Half-forward/midfielder, 192cm, 92kg, Glenelg/South Australia

Buckenara says: I had Fogarty ranked No.1 in August and the only reason he has slipped down to No.5 is because of how important those strong-bodied big midfielders have become in the game. But, let’s also not forget how important key position-type players are despite the fact Fogarty isn’t quite a true key forward. The South Australian is more of a third tall and that’s why I’ve put Rayner, Davies-Uniacke, Cerra and Dow ahead of him. I think Fogarty will become a tall utility who can be used down back because he reads the ball so well but also play as a high half forward. Those types of players are extremely valuable because they add so much flexibility to your side. I think Fogarty is going to be a really nice player because he’s tough, he’s physical, is a great mark, a damaging kick and has huge upside. He has had his injury problems and been a little bit restricted but he’s shown enough of his talent and I think he’s going to be a star. I think he could be the player who has been underestimated in this draft. He is up there with Rayner as being, in a few years, the best player in this draft.

Plays like: Stronger Jack Gunston/Jake Stringer

6. SAM HAYES

Ruckman/key forward, 203cm, 93kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: The Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro big man is the best ruck/forward in this year’s crop. He is a clever tap ruckman who can push forward and kick goals, a role he is likely to fulfil early in his AFL career. In time though, Hayes should develop into a ruckman who can push forward but he will need to improve his fitness in order to that that. There is plenty of upside with Sam Hayes.

Plays like: David Hale/Max Gawn

7. NICK COFFIELD

Midfielder/half back, 190cm, 83kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Coffield’s combination of speed and size makes him a very attractive player. Despite being 190cm, he is a good runner, quite agile and has good movement and evasive skills. He is a really good user of the footy and played his best football across halfback this year but he can also move into the midfield and push forward and kick a goal. He reminds me a lot of Grant Birchall in his draft year and I think the club that selects Coffield can expect him to develop into a player similar to the Hawk. There is a big need for halfbacks with good skills for a lot of clubs because so much attack is built from defence in the modern game so I think there will be plenty of interest in Coffield and he’ll be taken early. He’s a really nice player.

Plays like: Grant Birchall

8. JAIDYN STEPHENSON

Half forward, 189cm, 76kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Stephenson is a will-o’-the-wisp type. He’s very athletic and will fill a forward role but can also push up onto the wing such is his athleticism. But I do like and prefer him as a lead-up player — those types have become really important in today’s game. Stephenson is lightly-framed but is a very good mark because he has a big leap and he’s also dangerous when the ball hits the ground. He’s a bit of a double-threat. He also has the ability to manufacture something from nothing. Half forwards and halfbacks need to have a big engine these days because they work hard forward and hard back but also have good athleticism and agility and Stephenson has that. He’ll be a really hard match-up once he puts on some size.

Plays like: Jack Riewoldt

9. JACK HIGGINS

Small forward/midfielder, 178cm, 76kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Higgins is the best small forward/midfielder in this year’s draft. He’s a real footballer this kid, he makes smart decisions with the footy and he uses it really well. He might not be as quick as some of the other small forwards in this draft but he makes up for that with his footy nous. Higgins is a very clever kick on both feet, uses his body well in marking contests for his size and loves a goal. He’s a real professional and will leave no stone unturned to make the best of his AFL opportunity. I have no doubt that whichever clubs takes him, he will arrive on day one in great condition, be like a sponge and soak everything up and give what he can give. He’ll never die wondering whether he was good enough, he’ll give it his best shot and that’s exactly what clubs are looking for. In the draft interview process, you want to see the passion for the game in the player’s eyes and Higgins has that. He’ll be a really good player.

Plays like: Jeff Garlett/Liam Picken

10. JARROD BRANDER

Key defender/key forward, 194cm, 89kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Allies

Buckenara says: The 194cm Brander is the best true key position player in this draft and has the most potential of the talls. He had a bit of an inconsistent season but he has good hands, can take a nice mark and has a long right-foot kick. But the beauty about Jarrod is he’s capable of influencing the game at either end of the ground, which is a massive tick because it gives your side great flexibility. When drafting and developing key position players it’s always better and easier to settle them into life as an AFL player as a defender and I think that’s the way to go with Brander despite the fact he could then, 2-3 years down the track become a really good key forward once he’s confident and comfortable at the level.

Plays like: Josh Bruce

11-20

11. CHARLIE CONSTABLE

Midfielder, 190cm, 83kg, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Another modern-day midfield prototype, Constable’s height gives him a major advantage over his opposition because he can use it to his advantage with his marking around the ground. At U18’s level he’s a really powerful player but he’ll need to work on his strength to get that same power going at AFL level when he’s playing against men. Constable uses his size well at stoppages and is generally a smart footballer who reads the game well. I think he has the traits a lot of clubs are looking for and his size gives him flexibility to play multiple positions be it midfield, half forward or back.

Plays like: Nat Fyfe

12. HUNTER CLARK

Half back/midfielder, 186cm, 79kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Buckenara says: From the Dandenong Stingrays, Clark is a fierce competitor and while he might not be blessed with as much natural talent as other players in this draft I think he will make himself into a 200-game AFL player. Clark will do his job week in, week out because he’s a real competitor who gets the best out of himself. He’s got a never say die attitude. He’s fierce at the body and could eventually move into the midfield because he’s just so ferocious and clubs and coaches love that. Clark can kick on both feet and loves to tackle.

Plays like: Jarryn Geary

13. LOCHIE O’BRIEN

Midfielder, 184cm, 75kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Buckenara says: O’Brien is one of the best runners and best kicks in the draft and is the prototype for the ideal outside player who breaks the lines, creates and most importantly finds a teammate with his kicking. What he brings to the table is real modern-day traits that are so important for sides to find and develop and who’s to say his running capacity doesn’t get even better in a full-time environment. He sets up the play and makes things happen, he’s not afraid of taking on his opposition.

Plays like: Isaac Smith

14. PATRICK NAISH

Midfielder, 183cm, 73kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: I would be very surprised if a bid doesn’t come for Richmond father-son prospect Naish (his dad Chris Naish played 143 games for the Tigers) in the first round of this draft. Naish gives the top end of the draft some genuine pace and he loves to tuck the ball under his arm and take them on and with his penetrating right-foot kicking, which is a combination that will be attractive to all clubs. He also makes good decisions with the ball. I have no doubt Richmond will match any bid that comes. He’s a nice player and will fit in well at the Tigers.

Plays like: Jordan De Goey

15. NOAH BALTA

Key defender, 194cm, 92kg, Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Balta is an exciting prospect. He’s already a big, strong lad now and he’s going to develop that further at an AFL club but the best part is he’s very athletic for his size. He does things that really catch your eye — it might be a long booming kick or a huge spoil over the top of a pack or taking a big mark — he’s got some really exciting traits as a footballer. With Balta, a club is going to get a key defender with the athleticism of Alex Rance and I believe he is athletic enough to maintain that aspect of his game at AFL level. Players like that are very handy and really, are the modern-day defenders given the change we’ve seen in effective forwards. The big forwards like Tom Hawkins aren’t really in vogue at the moment so you need defenders to match-up on guys like Joe Daniher, Darcy Moore, Tom Lynch and these types who are big but really athletic. Balta can also play on medium forwards and even smalls because he is so quick, agile and athletic, he won’t really get caught out.

Plays like: Alex Rance/a more athletic Brian Lake (sorry Brian)

16. LACHLAN FOGARTY

Midfielder, 179cm, 75kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: The Western Jets product is a really hard worker, has neat skills and is a quick midfielder who will win his own footy but can also play outside and use the ball well and make good decisions. I really like the players who can play both inside and outside. Fogarty also keeps himself involved in the game with his tackling pressure. No relation to Darcy Fogarty.

Plays like: Kieren Jack

17. AARON NAUGHTON

Key defender, 194cm, 84kg, Peel Thunder/Western Australia

Buckenara says: Naughton already has the basis of a strong body at 84gs and while he’s currently listed at 194cm he could have some more growing to do. The West Australian backs himself in to mark the ball, which I really like. He knows when to mark it and when to spoil it and despite there being some talk the knock on him is his kicking, I actually think he’s a pretty good kick. He has a good action and any chinks in the accuracy can be improved in a full-time AFL environment. It won’t be anything that will hold him back because he’s a key defender and his primary role is to stop his opponent. I think he’s a little raw still but has the potential to be a good key defender and could potentially play a role next year for the club that picks him up.

Plays like: Steven May/Brian Lake

18. ANDREW BRAYSHAW

Midfielder, 183cm, 80kg, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: The younger brother of Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw, Andrew is almost a clone as he looks and plays exactly like his brother. Brayshaw is an in and under midfielder with reasonably good pace and kicks the ball well. He has great balance, runs hard and is a smart footballer who rarely makes poor decisions with ball in hand. If you’re wondering what type of player he is, just watch some highlights of his brother as that’s exactly what Andrew will bring.

Plays like: Angus Brayshaw

19. GRYAN MIERS

Small forward/midfielder, 177cm, 73kg, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Buckenara says: Miers has shot up the order for a lot of people because of his best on ground performance for the Falcons in the TAC Cup Grand Final but I’ve been a fan of his for a while now. He’s got real footy smarts and has a lot of scope to improve. He’s a really dangerous small forward who can go into the middle and win his own footy. He’s a smart opportunist with genuine speed to be a dangerous small forward that pressures the defence to lock the ball in. Clubs will also like the ball in his hands. If he goes around this selection it will be a really good pick but if he slides into the 20s or 30s he’ll be a steal.

Plays like: Luke Dahlhaus

20. MATTHEW LING

Midfielder, 182cm, 74kg, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Buckenara says: A quick outside midfielder, Ling will be a nice player. He’s a good size despite not being one of those taller midfielders and while he can be a bit flashy at times, those players are the ones who can break a game open. Ling can be a 70-80m player because he can carry the ball and then kick it long so he can be a damaging player. He can get himself into trouble at times because he’s so keen to take the game on but I think clubs will love his creative side. I think he has AFL traits — good kicking, decision-making and line-breaking ability.

Plays like: James Parsons

21-30

21. AIDEN BONAR

Midfielder/forward, 189cm, 87kg, Dandenong Stingrays

Buckenara says: A nice mid-sized tall utility, Bonar will end up becoming a big-bodied midfielder type because he plays aggressively. At one stage he was touted as a top-five pick but two knee reconstructions stalled his junior career. He could be a risk but he’s such a good player and I think it’ll be a great story because he’s had to work so hard to get back into this position and often, those players are the ones who become really good players because they’ve had that hiccup and haven’t taken their talent for granted. He can play as a high half forward but is athletic enough to go into the midfield. He finished the year really well and might be a value pick. He could be a beauty.

Plays like Jack Darling

22. HARRISON PETTY

Key Defender, 194cm, 81kg, Norwood/South Australia

Buckenara says: Some might have thought Petty was a bit of a smoky in my top 30 back in August but I think he’ll end up developing into a nice player. He hasn’t got the body at the moment, he’s just 81kg for a key defender, but what I like is he reads the ball well in flight and he knows when to spoil or mark. He positions himself really well for a defender, and reads the ball well in flight. He actually reads the play like Brian Lake. I think he’ll only get better as he puts on some size.

Plays like: Brian Lake/Jeremy McGovern

23. OSCAR ALLEN

Key forward, 191cm, 83kg, West Perth/Western Australia

Buckenara says: Allen is another one who reads the ball well in flight, which makes him a dangerous forward because he knows where to position himself to win the footy. He’s got a very good engine and at 191cm can use that to play as a half forward and work up the ground. Allen also has a nice pair of hands and is an accurate kick for goal. He was one of the most consistent players of the U18 championships, winning the Larke Medal as the best player after booting 11 goals in four games.

Plays like: Jake Stringer/Jack Darling

24. JOEL GARNER

Half back/midfielder, 183cm, 81kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: From the Eastern Ranges, Garner is a stylish left-footer who competes well in the air for his size. He might not develop into an A-grader but Garner will be a walk-up start every week and be an important part of his side’s best 22 because he’s consistent and he does his job. I think he’ll be a safe pick because I can see him having a long career at AFL level.

Plays like: Grant Birchall

25. CONNOR BALLANDEN

Key forward/ruckman, 199cm, 95kg, Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies

Buckenara says: A Brisbane Lions Academy prospect, Ballanden can play both up forward and in the ruck. He has a lot going for him — he’s a terrific long and accurate kick and is a very good contested mark. Ballanden can play senior footy next year such is his body shape and size already and I’m sure the Lions will match any bid that comes for him. I think his potential addition to the side is the reason why the club was willing to trade Josh Schache because they’ve got a replacement for him here in Ballanden.

Plays like: Tom Boyd

26. RYLEY STODDART

Halfback/midfielder, 185cm, 74kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Ryley is what you want in a half back flanker. He reads the play, kicks it well on his left foot, makes good decisions with the ball and generally never wastes a possession. He needs to put a bit of weight on but I really like what I see from him and he could become a player in the mould of Carlton star Kade Simpson because he can also push up onto the wing.

Plays like: Kade Simpson

27. NATHAN MURPHY

Defender/half forward, 188cm, 79kg, Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons

Buckenara says: Murphy was a bit late into Sandringham’s program but he ended up kicking 20-odd goals and also showed he can also play down back as a third tall defender. He has a big booming right-foot kick and at 188cm is a nice size for the modern game. I think he’s a late bloomer and will only get better and better in a full-time environment because he’s already shown he can adapt very quickly to the next level — from school footy to the TAC Cup. Although still raw, there is plenty of upside.

Plays like: Jack Gunston

28. ED RICHARDS

Half back/midfielder, 185cm, 78kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: A relative of Collingwood legend Lou Richards, Ed is a quick rebound defender who has good evasive skills, makes good decisions and uses the ball very well, particularly on his left foot. He can also play as an inside midfielder where he can out to use his quick and clean hands to great effect. He was impressive in the All Star game on Grand Final day with his disposal and decision-making, which would have got him plenty of ticks from many clubs. He’s got the footy pedigree.

Plays like: Brent Guerra

29. CHARLIE BALLARD

Utility, 195cm, 81kg, Sturt/South Australia

Buckenara says: Ballard is a tall utility who can play at either end of the ground. He’s got a light frame so will need to put in a lot of work in the gym but despite being key position size at 195cm, he can also actually play in the midfield because he’s so athletic. His kicking does need to develop a little bit more but I think he can become a nice player.

Plays like: Grant Birchall/Marcus Bontempelli

30. JAMES WORPEL

Midfielder, 185cm, 84kg, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Buckenara says: All year James has got better and better with every game he’s played. He’s a very competitive player and recruiters, coaches and players will love his hardness and work ethic. He has good pace, wins the ball both on the inside and outside and although he can do some work on his kicking there is nothing wrong with his kicking style so he can tidy up his accuracy in an AFL system. I feel his ranking has risen in recent weeks. Looks a nice prospect.

Plays like: Joel Selwood

31-40

31. JORDAN HOULAHAN

Medium forward, 185cm, 78kg, Sturt/South Australia

Buckenara says: Houlahan is another mid-sized forward who has a big leap and is a very nice kick in front of goal. He’s had a shoulder reconstruction already, which can be a bit of a worry given his age but he’s really athletic so clubs will like that about him along with his height at 185cm. The knock is his endurance — he didn’t test well in that area at the combine — so he’ll need to improve that area of his game because as a half forward you need repeat efforts. He won’t be a star but in time can develop into a top 22 player at any club.

Plays like: Kane Lambert

32. JACKSON EDWARDS

Midfielder, 185cm, 77kg, Glenelg/South Australia

Buckenara says: The son of Adelaide champion Tyson Edwards, Jackson is available to all clubs after Adelaide chose not to nominate him as their second-ever father-son unless he slips through to the rookie draft. Despite also being a midfielder, Jackson plays differently to his father and I think he’ll be snapped up in the national draft because he’s really come on this year and will continue to improve and build on his good form. His strengths are his composure with ball in hand, which allows him to make good decisions with his disposals. He’s already 185cm but has more growing to do and will put on more weight.

Plays like: Jordan De Goey

33. DYLAN MOORE

Midfielder/small forward, 175cm, 66kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: This draft has plenty of midfield/small forward types and Moore is another one of those. He is a high-possession player who wins the ball in contested situations, particularly at stoppages where he does some of his best work but can also push forward and be dangerous because he has a good leap for his size. Moore is a smart footballer — he gets in the right positions to win the ball and has good endurance. The knock on him is his lack of pace but he can up for that with his footy nous, similar to what Sam Mitchell did throughout his career. Still has a lot of development to go.

Plays like: Stephen Milne

34. ZAC BAILEY

Midfielder, 180cm, 66kg, Northern Territory/Southern Districts/Allies

Buckenara says: A lightly-built midfielder, Bailey is a tenacious and quick in and under midfielder and an aggressive tackler, traits that would appeal to AFL clubs. His pace and aggression at the ball and ball carrier is what will appeal most because he could potentially be developed into a high-pressure small forward, given that is such an important part of the game at the moment. Right now though, he can play as a winger in a similar style to Bradley Hill. His kicking is OK but he can rush at times and miss targets so will need to tidy up that area of his game.

Plays like: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

35. LIAM RYAN

Small forward, 184cm, 76kg, Subiaco/Rover

Buckenara says: Liam was touted as a potential draftee last year but was overlooked and it’s a credit to him for going back and working hard to give himself another shot. His talent is obvious but the question mark is — can he adapt to an AFL lifestyle? That was the concern last year as clubs considered whether he would be able to adjust to a professional AFL environment and leave his family behind if he had to leave Western Australia. The 21-year-old’s talent is unquestionable — he kicked 73 goals for Subiaco as a small forward and has loads of x-factor — but given every pick in the draft roughly equates to a $400,000 decision it makes clubs nervous to call out the name of a talented player that has question marks as to whether he will cope in such a demanding environment. I think back to Dayle Garlett at Hawthorn, he was a huge talent and had enormous upside but it ended badly for Dayle and the Hawks. I hope Liam is given an opportunity and a club will provide him with the support he needs to realise his potential because he’s such a prodigious talent — he’s quick, he’s a beautiful kick, he can stand on heads and take a mark and has great goal sense.

Plays like: Cyril Rioli

36. JACK PETRUCCELLE

Half back/half forward, 184cm, 73kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Petruccelle is one of the most exciting prospects in this draft because of his potential — he has some special traits with his athleticism and sheer leg speed (he can run 20m in 2.82 seconds). A former basketballer, the Northern Knights product is still really raw at this stage of his development and has a lot of areas he needs to improve, particularly with his skills and decision-making but he has those special traits clubs will love. He can make things happen because he is so powerful and has breakaway speed. There is big upside but he needs to find more of the ball, tidy up his kicking and get more involved in games consistently because he can go missing. A project player.

Plays like: Nakia Cockatoo

37. SAM TAYLOR

Key defender, 196cm, 88kg, Swan Districts/Western Australia

Buckenara says: Taylor still needs to put more of a body on but at 196cm he is a good size for a key defender who has already shown he can mix it with bigger bodies after playing eight senior games in the WAFL at the end of the season. He makes good decisions with the ball, reads the play well and key position players are always hard to find so I’m sure he will have his admirers among the clubs. His WAFL form gives him a few ticks — I was really impressed to see he had the confidence to leave his man and take intercept marks even though he was playing against more experienced players. That shows good footy nous. I expect him to be taken somewhere between picks 20-40

Plays like: Jeremy McGovern

38. JACKSON ROSS

Midfielder/forward, 192cm, 75kg, Haileybury College/Eastern Ranges

Buckenara says: A latecomer to footy, Ross comes from an elite tennis background and is still very raw so will take time to develop. He has very good athleticism and showcased that playing centre half forward (but he won’t play that position in the AFL unless he grows another couple of centimetres) and on the wing for Haileybury College in the APS competition. Ross is a booming kick, which he’s able to use on either side of his body. He is definitely a project player but has a big upside. I can see huge improvement in him as a tall outside player.

Plays like: Mason Wood

39. CHARLIE SPARGO

Midfielder/small forward, 173cm, 73kg, Murray Bushrangers/Allies

Buckenara says: Originally part of GWS’s academy, Spargo is now available to all clubs after the AFL made changes to their zone. He is a small midfielder who despite his size can win the hard ball and loves to tackle but I think his spot in the AFL will be as a dangerous player inside forward 50. He’s missed quite a bit of footy due to shoulder surgery, which is a bit of a concern, but there is scope for improvement.

Plays like: Caleb Daniel

40. BEN PATON

Halfback, 186cm, 78kg, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Buckenara says: Paton is a really good, honest and steady player. He had a terrific year for the Bushrangers and impressed for Vic Country as a rebounding defender who makes good decisions, has good skills on both sides of his body and is just a really dangerous player coming off halfback. I think he’ll be on most club talent flows, so he could go earlier or later but I’m sure he’ll find an AFL home for 2018.

Plays like: Kade Simpson

41-50

41. BRENT DANIELS

Small forward, 172cm, 70kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Buckenara says: Another small forward, Daniels has got footy smarts, great goal sense and he can apply lots of pressure because he’s very quick. In the past, clubs have stayed away from the really small players but I think what Caleb Daniel has done over the last two years bodes really well for Daniels. He can really cause headaches for the opposition’s defence because he can get into their space by closing them down with his speed. He is a natural footballer with plenty to offer.

Plays like: Caleb Daniel/Hayden Ballantyne

42. CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES

Ruckman/key forward, 201cm, 98kg, Sturt/South Australia

Buckenara says: Coleman-Jones has slipped down my order since August but given there aren’t too many ruck/forwards in this year’s pool I think there is a spot for him. He will be more of a ruckman than a forward once he develops and at 98kgs he’s already got a strong body so he could potentially step into an AFL side next year if needed. He does need to get fitter but he’s a good mark — very important for a player of his size — is good in contested situations and uses his size pretty well.

Plays like: Toby Nankervis/Ben McEvoy

43. TOM DE KONING

Key forward/ruckman, 200cm, 92kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Buckenara says: Another one who has slipped down the order, De Koning still has a lot to learn but his potential won’t be lost on clubs. Unlike Coleman-Jones, I think De Koning will be a forward who can go into the ruck because he’s a beautiful left-foot kick. There is actually a bit of x-factor about him, which is a bit weird to say about a 200cm prospect, but he’s very athletic and his skills for a big man are very good. He needs to work on his competitiveness and consistency but I think he’ll be drafted or at least rookie-listed. A project player.

Plays like: Hamish McIntosh

44. TIM KELLY

Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 82kg, South Fremantle

Buckenara says: Runner-up in the Sandover Medal this year, Kelly has worked hard to get his chance and at 23 his time might have finally arrived. He’s an exciting player to watch around the contest but he does need to work on his kicking. Can he adapt to a full-time environment? The fact he has persisted and worked really hard shows me he now deserves a chance. The signs are good.

Plays like: Charlie Cameron

45. OSCAR CLAVARINO

Key defender, 196cm, 86kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: Clavarino is a key defender who is still raw and there are a number of areas of his game he needs to improve, such as working out when it’s best to spoil or mark and his disposal. At the moment he just spoils, so he’ll need to build confidence in his ability to mark the ball under pressure. The good news is those parts of his game are fixable and if a club is willing to be patient with him then it could reap the rewards in the future because key defenders are so hard to find.

Plays like: Ben Stratton

46. WILL WALKER

Utility, 187cm, 79kg, Sandringham Dragons

Buckenara says: Walker is very athletic and has that ability to stop on a dime (or 10 cents AUD) so I think he has plenty of upside despite being a bit raw at the moment. He does need to work on his kicking and understanding the game because his footy nous is lacking a little bit. He will need a great mentor to teach him the game and to show him what it takes to make it in the AFL if he gets onto a list.

Plays like: Rhyce Shaw

47. BRAYDEN AINSWORTH

Midfielder, 184cm, 80kg, Subiaco/Western Australia

Buckenara says: Ainsworth had a terrific year, which has seen him push up into the mix after starting in the WAFL colts, then earning U18 selection for Western Australia and being named All-Australian. He is a hard worker and to me a real competitor and someone focused on being the best he can be.

Plays like: Nathan Jones

48. HAYDEN SCHLOITHE

Midfielder, 184cm, 86kg, South Fremantle

Buckenara says: Schloithe is looking for a second chance at AFL level after being drafted as a rookie to Fremantle in 2012. He won the Sandover Medal, and most of the other WA footy awards, this year and looks well-placed to be given that second opportunity as a strong-bodied midfielder who can add depth to a list in need of some back-up in the form of a 24-year-old who can come in and play straight away if needed. He deserves another chance and although he won’t be an A-grader, he can certainly fill a role in the midfield because he’s quick, he kicks the ball well and has good evasive skills. He’s taken a similar pathway to Geelong’s Sam Menegola.

Plays like: Sam Menegola

49. ANDREW McPHERSON

Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 78kg, Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

Buckenara says: McPherson is a nice rebound defender who can also play on the wing. He reads the play well, which gives him the ability to know when to leave his opponent and when to lock down — that’s what I really like about him. He was restricted this year with quad injuries, and that is a concern as they’re a nasty injury, but he has shown enough good football traits to capture the attention of clubs.

Plays like: Zach Tuohy

50. TOBY WOOLLER

Key forward, 193cm, 90kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Buckenara says: At 193cm Wooller is a little short to play key position so he could be a third tall option either forward or back but the question marks are over his athleticism. He might drop some weight as he works on his fitness to build on his repeat efforts and agility, which could see him develop nicely. There is upside with a player of his size and I think he could really blossom. He could be a gem.

Plays like: Stewart Crameri