AFL draft: Riley Collier-Dawkins and Isaac Quaynor expected to be first-round draft picks

If things go as expected, Oakleigh Chargers will have two first-round selections in this week’s AFL draft as part of a bumper crop.

Isaac Quaynor at the AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

If things go as expected, Oakleigh Chargers will have two first-round selections in this week’s draft as part of a bumper crop.

Strongly built midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins and rebounding defender Isaac Quaynor are expected to be taken in the top 15.

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Quaynor, a Collingwood Next Generation Academy member, could be one of four Oakleigh players recruited to the Magpies.

Will Kelly, son of premiership player Craig, and NGA pair Bailey Wraith and Atu Bosenavualagi could also find themselves in black and white.

Bailey Wraith goes up in the ruck. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wraith enjoyed a strong second half of the season with Carey Grammar and in the TAC Cup to emerge as a draft prospect.

“There is a couple of clubs asking detailed questions about him,” Oakleigh Chargers coach Leigh Clarke said of Wraith.

“He’s come off a super strong finals series with us and he certainly showed he was above the standard.”

James Rowbottom, Jake Gaspar, Will Golds, Xavier O’Neill, James Jordan and best and fairest winner Jack Ross will also be in contention.

Oakleigh is also hopeful captain Noah Answerth’s name will be called out.

Noah Answerth in action for Vic Metro. Picture: Michael Klein

Answerth played just two games in 2017 after a freak back injury, but impressed for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships this year to earn a national combine invite.

“In terms of ticking boxes, I’m not sure where the queries are,” Clarke said.

“If he doesn’t get an opportunity on an AFL list then I’m going have to recalibrate the way I look at talent and quality young men.

“He just needs a chance and he’ll do the rest.”

Clarke also predicted Ben Silvagni, son of Carlton great Stephen, would join brother Jack in the AFL ranks.

Atu Bosenvualagi could find himself at Colllingwood. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“He showed his best for Vic Metro in the national carnival, which was probably more in a defensive role than a forward role,” he said.

“He looked way more comfortable as a defender … he shows more of an ability to impact defensively than a hit-up forward taking marks.”

Clarke said the club could have as many as 10 players drafted this year.

“Our feedback from a couple of clubs has been not to be surprised if we get double figures,” he said.

“If we get up around that we’d be really proud of the boys for getting those opportunities.”

The national draft starts at 7pm on Thursday and will continue on Friday from midday.

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