Geelong is considering throwing Stewart Crameri a lifeline to support Tom Hawkins

GEELONG is considering throwing discarded Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri a lifeline as further support for spearhead Tom Hawkins.

Stewart Crameri could be given a lifeline by Geelong. Picture: Colleen Petch

GEELONG is considering throwing discarded Western Bulldog Stewart Crameri a lifeline as further support for spearhead Tom Hawkins.

The Herald Sun understands the Cats are eyeing the consistent Crameri on a minimum wage and most likely as a rookie selection.

In 2018 all rookies will be eligible to play from Round 1. Crameri, 29, kicked 166 goals from 94 matches with Essendon and the Bulldogs from 2011-2015 and averaged 15 disposals.

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He averaged two marks inside 50m per match, which Champion Data ranks elite.

One of the “Essendon 34”, he missed 2016 with a drugs suspension, and hip surgery ended his 2017 season after only two games.

But Crameri said last month that his body had been declared “more than brand new” by his surgeon.

Stewart Crameri has been a dangerous forward target when fit. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Cats are also considering drafting Tom McCartin, 17, brother of 2014 No.1 selection Paddy (St Kilda).

The key forward, who missed the 2016 season and 2017 pre-season with viral arthritis, will be the youngest player drafted and suddenly is a chance to be taken in the second round.

Sydney and GWS are also keen on the St Joseph’s College student, who qualified for the draft by two days and must finish school next year.

Champion Data did not select McCartin in its top-30 power rankings, as revealed by the Herald Sun. The number cruncher crowned Jack Higgins as a surprise No.1.

The small forward dropped out of Year 12 at Caulfield Grammar this year and is considered one of the most dedicated draft prospects.

Higgins averaged 145 SuperCoach points in 33 junior matches covered by Champion Data, beating Tom Rockliff’s record of 144.

Jack Higgins was ranked the No.1 draft prospect by Champion Data.

But at 179cm he is unlikely to be taken in the top 10 and GWS (No.11) and West Coast (No.13) are his most likely early suitors.

Champion Data’s top 30 was stacked with players likely to go much later in next Friday’s national draft.

The list omitted first-round prospects Aiden Bonar, Nathan Murphy, Jarrod Brander and Lochie O’Brien.

Bonar is a hot chance to land at St Kilda at No.7 or 8 after overcoming two knee reconstructions.

The Saints could pair the powerful utility with his Dandenong Stingrays teammate Hunter Clark, continuing a strong affiliation with their local TAC Cup club.

There were nine former Stingrays on St Kilda’s 2017 list.

Nathan Murphy in action for Sandringham Dragons. Picture: Richard Serong

If Clark slips past the top 10 he is a good chance to join Adelaide at No.12.

Former cricketer Murphy appeals as a versatile athlete and is likely to be considered by Sydney at No.14 and the Western Bulldogs at No.16.

O’Brien — an Andrew Gaff-type wingman — has been invited to the draft and while Carlton is interested, the Blues’ No.10 pick looks too early.

Champion Data also left out Richmond’s father-son Patrick Naish, an outside midfielder with a raking right foot.

Seven players in Champion Data’s top 30 are less than 180cm tall. Tackling machine Lachlan Fogarty (179cm) was ranked No.8. His close mate and No.1 favourite, Cameron Rayner, has told Brisbane he would love to continue playing with Fogarty next year and the Lions could pounce at No.15.

The Dogs will also consider Western Jet and Bulldogs supporter Fogarty at No.16, where they could also bid on Naish.

Last year Champion Data ranked premiership forward Jack Graham at No.22 before he fell to pick 53 as a bargain for Richmond.