We take a closer look at some of the potential top 20 draftees ahead of the National Draft to be held on the Gold Coast on November 27.
The club will enter the National Draft with live selections at pick 17 and 20.
The following four youngsters are among those touted by draft experts as potential top 20 recruits.
Peter Wright – Calder Cannons
Height: 203cm
Weight:102kg
One of the best key forward/rucks in this year’s talent pool Wright has been touted as a potential number one selection but there is a growing belief he may slip as far as Essendon’s first selection at 17. Wright is a dangerous marking target with height and a proven ability to play in the ruck if needed. He finished the season with 32 goals from 13 games for the Canons as well as starring in a number of Vic Metro’s matches in the U18 championships. At 203cm and with a ready made AFL body it remains to be seen where the tall youngster will end up playing football in 2015.
Liam Duggan – Western Jets
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
An elite decision maker, Liam Duggan’s composure in any situation has caught the eye of many draft experts throughout this season. With traits including agility, class and a damaging left foot it is a mystery as to where Duggan will end up. Duggan looks at home carrying the ball through the midfield before delivering on the chest of a teammate in the forward line. Also attractive to most prospective club’s is his ability to lead both on and off the field with future captain written all over the 17-year-old.
Hugh Goddard – Geelong Falcons
Height: 196cm
Weight: 94kg
The second cousin of Crichton Medallist Brendon, Hugh Goddard is expected to go inside the top ten in this year’s draft. He is the ultimate swingman having shown he is comfortable at both ends of the field throughout the season. He has good disposal for a key position player and is well known for his discipline in preparation. Goddard has proven he has great athleticism for his size and is expected to be among the top draft selections in the upcoming national draft.
Christian Petracca – Eastern Ranges
Height: 186cm
Weight: 92kg
Tipped by many as the number one selection in the draft, Christian Petracca is a powerful half forward who is likely to develop into one of the competition’s premier midfielders. Has the X-Factor required to be a number one draft selection with strong overhead marks and the ability to have a strong body over the football. He possesses a vast array of skills in particular for a player of his size and is expected to be taken by St Kilda with the number one selection.
Each day this week essendonfc.com.au will prevew four draft prospects that are expected to be taken in the top 20 in this year's National Draft.
