Potential No.1 pick Jack Lukosius primed for last chance to impress in under 18 championships

TOP prospect Jack Lukosius is hoping to underline his credentials as the potential No.1 selection in this year’s draft in his final under 18 championships game on Wednesday and he says he’s been keeping an eye on where he could end up.

TOP draft prospect Jack Lukosius is hoping to cap off his bid for an AFL contract with a big showing at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, but he knows he is likely going to be leaving the nest no matter what the draft holds.

The South Australian forward is tipped by many to be taken with the first selection at this year’s national draft — a notion he said he has felt build as the year has worn on.

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Lukosius’ SA outfit will take on Vic Metro in the final round of the Under 18 Championships and he is determined to ensure he delivers a prime showing as draft time looms.

“Obviously this is the pointy end of the year where everyone wants to play their best, so it’s a pretty exciting time and I’m looking forward to Wednesday and hopefully finishing off with a good win,” he said.

“The further the year has gone, the more serious it’s got and it’s exciting.”

Brisbane hosts Carlton this Saturday in what could determine which club holds the No.1 pick come November.

Jack Lukosius is tipped to be this year’s No.1 pick. Picture: Tony Gough

The 18-year-old tall forward said he had been keeping an eye on where he could end up, but that he is all but resigned to leaving Adelaide.

“(The talk about going at No. 1) has kind of grown as the season has gone on and ticked next to my name,” Lukosius said.

“It makes it easier being in a strong team environment playing senior footy at the (Woodville-West) Eagles and with (the SA team) — it takes a lot of pressure off me and lets me just play my role for the team.

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“I’d love to stay home, but I’m more than happy to go wherever. It’s a national competition. I’m pretty much planning to move away from home and my parents.

“That’s going to be exciting and a bit of a challenge but I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

He said his family — including his grandparents — will watch closely on Wednesday and are “super-pumped” about what the next few months could hold.

Rhylee West is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his Bulldogs legend father. Picture: Getty

Vic Metro counterpart and Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Rhylee West said his team was embracing its underdog status.

“We’ll go out there playing as underdogs and just play our footy and don’t worry too much,” he said.

“We’ve got some great players. We’ll just do our thing.”

His five-time All-Australian and Bulldogs great father, Scott, had provided a few “little tips” — including the value of ice baths in recovery.

But, while hopeful, West isn’t sure whether he will land at Whitten Oval.

“I haven’t had much contact with the Doggies or anything that cements my spot,” he said.

“It’d be a great dream come true.

“But whether it’s in the red white and blue or down in the red and black, it doesn’t bother me — as long as I’m on an AFL list it doesn’t matter.”

The final round of the Under 18 Championships final round will be held on Wednesday, July 4 at Etihad Stadium.

2.10pm Allies v Western Australia

4.40pm Vic Metro v South Australia

Both matches will be broadcast live on Fox Footy