Will Hayward's brilliant end to the season has rocketed the South Australian half-forward into top-15 contention at this month's NAB AFL Draft.
The exciting goalkicker now looks set to be the first player picked from his state when names are called on November 25 after a dominant finals series for North Adelaide's under-18 side.
The medium forward, who is a good grab overhead and smart around goal, kicked nine goals in his side's preliminary final win and then backed it up with four goals in its Grand Final defeat.
This followed eight goals in four games for South Australia at the mid-year under-18 championships, which kickstarted the 18-year-old's run of form late in the season.
Many clubs believe he has pushed himself into the first round thanks to his performances late in the year, with the 186cm prospect offering a different skillset to other half-forwards with his mobility, game sense and marking.
His emergence and continued rise up the draft board has made him one of the most interesting prospects just weeks out from the draft, as clubs weigh up his run of form.
The top part of the draft remains open, with Essendon appearing likely to choose between Hugh McCluggage and Andrew McGrath with pick one.
If Essendon goes with McGrath it could leave Greater Western Sydney to look at small forward Ben Ainsworth and see McCluggage possibly land at the Brisbane Lions at pick three.
However, if the Bombers go with McCluggage then the Giants would swoop on the speedy McGrath, leaving Ainsworth in the mix for the Lions' pick.
Midfielders Will Brodie, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Tim Taranto are others in the Lions' range, while Carlton has been linked to Petrevski-Seton with its pick No.5.
Gold Coast holds the key to the first round with four top-10 picks, with one likely to be academy selection Jack Bowes.
However, if the Lions don't place a bid on the Queensland prospect and force the Suns to match with pick four, there is a clear possibility the Suns may be able to use their first three choices before matching a bid on Bowes.
West Australian ruckman Tim English may be on the Suns' radar as one of the club's batch of picks, having also raised interest from Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle. English is considered unlikely to last until West Coast's first pick (No.12).
However, WA defender Griffin Logue has also pushed himself into top-10 considerations after his excellent finish to the season and outstanding performances at the NAB AFL Draft Combine last month.
