Notable players ahead of the AFL draft
TEN BIG NAMES IN THIS YEAR'S AFL DRAFT
JACOB WEITERING
DOB: 23/11/97
Tall defender
Certain to go to Carlton with the No.1 pick. Massive wraps on Weitering, with AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan saying the backman's running ability is equivalent to Chris Judd at the same age.
JOSH SCHACHE
DOB: 21/8/97
Key forward
The son of former Brisbane player Laurence Schache is set to go to the Lions with the No.2 selection. A strong mark and an accurate left-foot kick makes him an obvious prospect as Brisbane rebuilds.
DARCY PARISH
DOB: 25/7/97
Midfielder
If Parish is not the best-credentialled midfielder in this year's draft, he's among the top few. The Geelong Falcons young gun secured his second All-Australian selection at the under-18 nationals.
CHARLIE CURNOW
DOB: 3/2/97
Midfielder/key forward
Three months out with a knee injury this season, but finished the season well with the Geelong Falcons and should go in the top 10. The popular comment about the younger brother of Carlton's Ed is "contested beast".
SAM WEIDEMAN
DOB: 26/6/97
Key forward
The grandson of Collingwood great Murray Weideman is clearly a talent, but he has been sidelined for several months with an ankle stress fracture.
AARON FRANCIS
DOB: 10/8/97
Key position player
Faded towards the end of the season, but still impressed at the national under-18 championships and for local side West Adelaide. A very strong mark who can play in a variety of positions.
HARRY AND BEN MCKAY
DOB: 24/12/97
Key position players
The twins from Gippsland should go high in the draft. Ben has emerged as a bolter with strong form late in the season.
CALLUM MILLS
DOB: 2/4/97
Midfielder
The Swans academy graduate appears certain to atttract an early bid from a rival club, which Sydney will surely match. A ready-made senior player.
BAILEY RICE
DOB: 10/2/97
Utility (defender/midfielder)
Rice is eligible to go to Carlton and St Kilda under the revised father-son system because his dad Dean played 100 games for the two clubs. He has chosen the Saints.
Provisional top-10 draft picks (finalised on November 20, four days before the draft)
1. Carlton
2. Brisbane
3. Melbourne
4. Essendon
5. Essendon
6. Gold Coast
7. Melbourne
8. Carlton
9. Adelaide
10. GWS
