Cameron Rayner likened to Dustin Martin, favourite to go No.1 in 2017 AFL draft
A DRAFT prospect with the “Dustin Martin blueprint” has clubs salivating and North Melbourne could be front and centre to draft him No.1 if its losing streak continues.
NORTH Melbourne will gain access to a draft prospect with the “Dustin Martin blueprint” if its seven-game losing streak evolves into the club’s first wooden spoon since 1972.
Greater Western Sydney could also draft Cameron Rayner with the AFL confirming selections acquired during trade period will not be affected by the Giants’ draft sanction stemming from the Lachie Whitfield drugs saga.
The Kangas are hotly pursuing star GWS midfielder Josh Kelly, and would almost certainly include their coveted first-round selection in a potential trade.
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The league will deduct 1000 draft points from the Giants’ first-round pick as decided after the Grand Final, adjusting the draft order before trade period begins.
Rayner, 17, has emerged as the favourite to go No.1 in this year’s draft after averaging 120 SuperCoach points and three goals for Vic Metro.
“He’s got the Dusty blueprint — not a great runner, but he can play midfield and forward,” one chief recruiter said.
“Things happen when he’s around the ball. It’s heading that way (that he’ll go No.1).”
Rayner averaged 18.5 disposals, 11.5 contested possessions and 3.8 clearances for Metro and was named All-Australian.
The 187cm Western Jets midfielder slotted five goals against South Australia and should be ready to play AFL next season.
“He’s such an explosive, powerful player,” Metro coach Martin Allison said.
“He likes to fend off; he likes to hunt, stay and argue sort of play. One day he’ll be able to play a little bit like Dusty.”
While Rayner has to build his endurance, Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke and South Australian half-forward Darcy Fogarty are also No.1 chances.
The draft pool suffered a blow when prodigious talent Will Sutherland chose to instead pursue cricket.
Sutherland was in Brisbane at a batting camp last week and could join sister Annabel at Big Bash club Melbourne Renegades on a rookie contract.
The key forward was tracking towards the top 10 in the draft, although some clubs believe his Vic Metro selection could push Toby Wooller down the draft order by about 20 picks.
The grandson of Geelong premiership captain Fred Wooller, who missed out on some national championships games due to Sutherland’s selection, is now seen around the 40-45-pick mark.
Most recruiters were happy Sutherland was given Vic Metro games, saying he raised the quality of the national championships and footy needed to try and woo Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland’s son.
Richmond’s father-son prospect Patrick Naish should attract a first-round bid, with admirers liking his class.
Aiden Bonar received a draft combine invitation yesterday after overcoming two knee reconstructions.
Kangas coach Brad Scott will be asked about suggestions the Roos are tanking when he fronts the media tomorrow.
A difficult fixture and inexperienced line-up has North a strong chance to finish last, with the Round 23 game against Brisbane Lions at the Gabba possibly to decide the No.1 pick.
Last week Scott fielded seven players with less than 10 games experience, including two debutants.
If the Giants win the flag, pick No.18 will dissolve due to their draft sanction.
If they end up with pick No.16 — their current position — that pick would shuffle back to No.68.
Originally published as Cameron Rayner likened to Dustin Martin, favourite to go No.1 in 2017 AFL draft