Andrew Capel’s mock draft: South Aussies in Crows’ sights

ADELAIDE could well walk away from tonight’s AFL draft with two outstanding SA prospects in tow, says Andrew Capel, as he looks at how the top 20 picks could play out.

ADELAIDE could well walk away from tonight’s AFL draft with two outstanding SA prospects in tow, says Andrew Capel, as he looks at how the top 20 picks could play out.

Key talls Jacob Weitering and Josh Schache are certain to be the first two players selected but beyond that it becomes a lottery with the new bidding system taking effect and one of the most even groups in the draft’s 30-year history.

Strong-bodied midfielder Clayton Oliver, who missed selection for Vic Country’s under-18 team this year, looms as the draft bolter and the player who could throw the pecking order on its head with reports Melbourne is considering him with its first selection.

1. CARLTON: Jacob Weitering. Key defender, 18, 195cm, 94kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country.

Gun backman and future leader is considered a can’t-miss prospect and the most ready-made player in the draft.

2. BRISBANE: Josh Schache. Key forward, 18, 199cm, 96kg, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country.

Son of former SANFL and Brisbane forward Laurence won the Larke Medal as the best under-18 championships player.

3. SYDNEY: Callum Mills (Academy pick). Midfielder, 18, 186cm, 80kg, North Shore/NSW-ACT.

Tough, courageous, in-and-under on-baller is a leader who wins plenty of the ball and uses it with precision.

4. MELBOURNE: Darcy Parish. Midfielder, 18, 180cm, 74kg, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country.

Best Victorian midfielder in the draft pool is a dual All-Australian who is quick, hunts the footy and is an elite kick.

5. ESSENDON: Aaron Francis. Defender/forward, 18, 191cm, 92kg, West Adelaide/SA.

SA’s best prospect, a Bombers fan, is versatile, powerful and reads the play so well he is an intercept marking king.

6. GWS: Jacob Hopper (Academy pick). Midfielder, 18, 186cm, 82kg, North Ballarat/NSW-ACT.

Super-competitive, loves winning the ball in a contest and eats up metres like former Crow and new Cat Patrick Dangerfield.

7. ESSENDON: Charlie Curnow. Forward/midfielder, 18, 191cm, 95kg, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country.

Brother of Carlton’s Ed is powerful and versatile and should go high despite his off-field indiscretion last week.

8. GWS: Matthew Kennedy (Academy pick). Midfielder/forward, 18, 187cm, 88kg, Collingullie/NSW-ACT.

Prolific ballwinner, strong overhead and an excellent kick who is dangerous around goal, enabling him to play in attack.

9. GOLD COAST: Callum Ah Chee. Forward, 18, 181cm, 72kg, South Fremantle/WA.

Brother of Port’s Brendon is a brilliant playmaker and aerialist whose X-factor has seen his draft stock rise.

10. MELBOURNE: Sam Weideman. Key forward, 18, 196cm, 94kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro.

Grandson of former Collingwood star Murray is a powerful mark and superb kick whose biggest query is injuries.

11. CARLTON: Harry McKay. Key forward/ruckman, 17, 200cm, 95kg, Gippsland Power/Vic Country.

Powerful left-footed forward is quick and agile for his size and is a dual threat in that he can also play in the ruck.

12. BRISBANE: (Academy pick). Eric Hipwood. Key forward/defender, 18, 202cm, 84kg, Aspley/Queensland.

Giant can play at both ends and while he will take time to develop he is agile and has terrific hands.

13. ADELAIDE: Wayne Milera. Forward/midfielder, 18, 183cm, 75kg, Central District/SA.

Classy goalsneak who can run through the midfield enhanced his draft standing with strong league finals campaign.

14. CARLTON: Clayton Oliver. Midfielder, 18, 187cm, 86kg, Murray Bushrangers.

Powerful mid missed selection for Vic Country but a big draft riser after winning the TAC Cup medal and could force his way into the top 10.

15. RICHMOND: Jade Gresham. Forward/midfielder, 18, 178cm, 77kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro.

Natural ballwinner and clearance specialist has elite speed and power while also being dangerous around goal.

16. ADELAIDE: Ryan Burton. Forward, 18, 191cm, 88kg, North Adelaide/SA.

Former top-five prospect will slip down the order after sustaining a serious leg injury but is a super talent who is agile and can take pack marks.

17. ST KILDA: Darcy Tucker. Half-back/midfielder, 18, 183cm, 80kg, North Ballarat/Vic Country.

Boasts a superb left-foot kick and is a ball carrier who loves to run and carry and set up play from the back half.

18. HAWTHORN: Riley Bonner. Half-back, 18, 191cm, 85kg, West Adelaide/SA.

Rebounding left-footed defender models his game on Grant Birchall and is arguably the best kick in the draft.

19. GOLD COAST: Harley Balic. Midfielder/forward, 18, 187cm, 82kg, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro.

Strong-bodied utility has good hands and composure and an appetite for the contest, meaning he is rarely beaten one-on-one.

20. NORTH MELBOURNE: Ryan Clarke. Midfielder, 18, 185cm, 84kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro.

Workhorse is a terrific runner and link man who has elite endurance and loves winning contested footy.