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.
Clem Smith – Perth
Height: 177cm
Weight: 78kg
A no frills small defender, Clem Smith is known for the way he bashes and crashes through packs to rebound out of defence. Can have a significant impact upon a game and does not shirk the contest when it comes to physicality. He plays on the edge and is an exciting prospect for a club looking to add some physical grunt to its defensive group. Smith is super quick and enjoys running with the ball in hand to set up his side from the defensive end of the ground.
Brayden Maynard – Sandringham Dragons
Height: 187cm
Weight: 87kg
A defensive midfielder, Brayden Maynard has the bloodlines to be an elite footballer with his father, Peter, a solid contributor for Glenelg in the SANFL. Maynard loves to tackle and has a killer instinct to hunt down any opponent with the footy. Suited to playing half back he has the ability to run through the midfield in bursts showcasing his competitive nature. He possesses a good kick and is expected to be highly sought after among clubs.
Connor Blakely – Swan Districts
Height: 189cm
Weight: 85kgs
A tall midfielder, Connor Blakely also has a strong body and knows how to use it around the contest. Blakely is a smart decision maker who can think quickly on his feet and will run all day to create an option for his teammates. Has played for Swan Districts at a senior level in the WAFL and shown he can find the ball among bigger bodied opponents. He averaged 21 disposals and seven clearances for Western Australia throughout the U18 championships.
Dillon Viojo-Rainbow – Western Jets
Height: 184cm
Weight: 82kg
Possessing both courage and class, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow is an exciting draft prospect for any prospective club. He has shown he is not afraid to put his body on the line in the contest often against a bigger bodied opponent. Often during this season he was seen streaming out of defence before setting up a teammate with a lace out kick into the forward line. A rocket left foot he loves to be involved in the game. Tested well in the 3km time trial and beep test at the draft combine.
