WITH the NAB AFL Draft quickly approaching, it's time to assess your club's list for its strengths and weaknesses, and to look at which draftees might best add a touch of class for 2017 and beyond.
AFL.com.au reporters have run the measuring tape over all 18 clubs, and draft expert Cal Twomey has nominated who he thinks your club will target with its first pick.
Draft selections: 13, 43, 53, 67, 89
Backs: Tom Doedee, last year's No.17 overall pick, is developing nicely as a key defender. Andy Otten, Jake Kelly and former Victorian cricketer Alex Keath (rookie-listed) are other options to cover for Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan and Jake Lever. GWS recruit Curtly Hampton will be in the mix for a spot off half-back.
Midfield: Cam Ellis-Yolmen appears to be the front-runner to fill the void left by Jarryd Lyons' move to Gold Coast. Riley Knight and Paul Seedsman have the pace to provide outside run. Wayne Milera could be used on a wing, while uncapped duo Harrison Wigg and Dean Gore – who came across from Geelong in the Patrick Dangerfield deal – are other options.
Forwards: The Crows are blessed with a quality attack. Carlton recruit Troy Menzel will be keen to make up for a disappointing first season at West Lakes. Key forward prospect Harry Dear recently signed a two-year contract extension. Milera brings plenty of pace, while rookie-listed forward Jono Beech is kicking goals for fun in the state league.
Rucks: Reilly O'Brien showed he is a capable fill-in for Sam Jacobs when he came in for two games this year. The stocks are a bit thin after that. Mature-aged ruckman Paul Hunter has been retained on the rookie list, while Josh Jenkins can pinch-hit if required.
The priority: More depth in the midfield, specifically outside run, would be perfect, especially with veteran Scott Thompson to retire after next season. - Lee Gaskin
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Adelaide needs some more midfielders, so the Crows will have their fingers crossed that Will Brodie slips through the top 10 and is available at their choice. It appears unlikely to happen, but there is a slim chance he gets past that opening batch of picks.
Draft selections: 3, 16, 21, 22, 76, 78
Backs: The Lions have promising defenders but will struggle in the short-term. Harris Andrews looms as a future captain and Daniel McStay is promising, but both are young. Former Collingwood key backman Jack Frost was brought in on a three-year deal, but he struggled to make the Magpies' senior team this year.
Midfield: On paper, it is the Lions' strength. When fit and firing, Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich, Allen Christensen and Mitch Robinson makes for a reasonably strong group of onballers. Being able to put them all on the park and in good form will be Chris Fagan's challenge.
Forwards: Josh Schache and Eric Hipwood could be the key pillars in attack for a long time, but it's too much to expect a pair of second-year forwards to consistently play well. Dayne Zorko is a star on a half-forward flank and Lewis Taylor can reach that level if he improves.
Rucks: After sharing the best and fairest in 2015, Stefan Martin disappointed this year. At his peak, he was among the competition's gun big men. Archie Smith is athletic but needs more development.
The priority: The Lions need talented midfielders pushing through to support their ball-winners. A back-up ruckman who is ready for senior football is the most pressing need, in case Stefan Martin is injured or suspended. - Dinny Navaratnam
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: At pick three the Lions can't really go wrong. But their ideal scenario would be getting Hugh McCluggage, the goalkicking midfielder who is in the mix for pick No.1. McCluggage would bring that much-needed class and poise to Brisbane's midfield group.
Draft selections: 5, 25, 48, 63, 66, 70, 81
Backs: Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson are guns off half-back and Lachie Plowman looks promising. The young key defenders in Jacob Weitering and Caleb Marchbank have potential while the more experienced Sam Rowe can be exposed.
Midfield: The trio of Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs is strong, but the onball unit drops off from there. Ed Curnow is productive and Sam Kerridge tries hard but both are limited. Ultimately, the Blues lack players who can dispose of the ball well in the middle.
Forwards: Carlton lacks scoring power. Levi Casboult has great hands but can't be relied upon in front of goal. Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay are talented but need more development. Liam Jones and Kristian Jaksch have been disappointing. A promising end to the season from Jack Silvagni will have Blues fans hoping he solidifies a spot in the team next year.
Rucks: Having played at least 20 games in a season for the first time since 2012 will have boosted Matthew Kreuzer's spirits. Andrew Phillips is handy enough while Daniel Gorringe hasn't delivered on the promise of being a first round selection, with injuries having hampered him.
The priority: The Blues need more class in their midfield, while players who can kick goals would be highly sought after. - Dinny Navaratnam
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: If the Blues bid pick No.5 on Giants academy midfielder Will Setterfield and GWS doesn't match, Carlton will have an enjoyable start to draft night. He is a tall, athletic option with plenty of polish. Setterfield's Sandringham Dragons teammate Tim Taranto might be the next best thing for the Blues as a goalkicking midfielder.
Tim Taranto would be a good pick for the Blues as a goalkicking midfielder. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft selections: 28, 44, 51, 62, 65, 83
Backs: The Pies' glaring weakness is their lack of key defenders after they let Nathan Brown and Jack Frost leave and were then blindsided by promising third tall Jonathon Marsh's request for a trade back to Western Australia and subsequent retirement. Ben Reid must remain fit and receive solid support from ex-Melbourne veteran Lynden Dunn, out-of-favour Tyson Goldsack and unknown quantity Lachie Keeffe, who has returned from a two-year doping suspension. They hope luckless pair Jackson Ramsay and Matt Scharenberg will return from injury.
Midfield: The signing of ex-Kangaroos star Daniel Wells adds another layer of silk to a talent-laden midfield that boasts guns Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom and the emerging Taylor Adams. This expanding group might well become one of the best in the AFL if James Aish and Jordan De Goey can also elevate themselves.
Forwards: Potentially a very potent group given the acquisition of team-first ex-Docker Chris Mayne and exciting former Giant Will Hoskin-Elliott and the optimism surrounding Jamie Elliott's recovery from a serious back problem. Traded out declining key forward Travis Cloke, thus backing prodigy Darcy Moore, Jesse White and American giant Mason Cox. Pendlebury is expected to spend more time in a less predictable, more diverse attack.
Ruck: The combative Brodie Grundy is one of the best young ruckmen in the competition and the Pies will need him to maintain his durability given they don't boast another genuine ruckman after trading Jarrod Witts. The support staff includes Cox, White and Moore.
The priority: A key defender, followed by a key forward – preferably one with ruck capabilities. - Ben Collins
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: He might not exactly be a key defender just yet (despite his 192cm height) but Oakleigh Chargers backman Jordan Ridley would be a nice pick at this spot if available. He uses the ball well and is mobile. It would also be ideal for the Pies if bids don't come for father-son prospects Callum Brown and Josh Daicos until at least late in the second round so they can have a clear run at their first pick.
Draft selections: 1, 20, 29, 41, 68
Backs: The return of All Australians Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker next season, plus the emergence of Michael Hartley and Matt Dea, means the Bombers have a pretty strong key defensive department. Mitch Brown is also best suited to a backline role, while Patrick Ambrose has played his best footy there. There might be a reliance on Mark Baguley to fill the small defensive position, though.
Midfield: The emergence of Darcy Parish last season was a highlight for the Bombers, and the first-year player got more exposure there than he would have. However Jobe Watson, David Myers, Travis Colyer and Dyson Heppell will all step straight back into that midfield, while Zach Merrett's swift rise to stardom makes the Bombers on-ball brigade look dangerous.
Forwards: There is still a heavy reliance on Joe Daniher to kick goals. They might be tempted to play Hooker in attack, as he was used in the second half of 2015, while Aaron Francis may develop into a leading third tall. James Stewart from Greater Western Sydney will add depth, but the Bombers still seem a little short of marking options.
Rucks: Essendon has just two ruckmen on its list, Matthew Leuenberger and Tom Bellchambers, who will come back into the side after his 12-month ban. They axed rookie pick Gach Nyuon after just one season, so would seem likely to be on the lookout for another big man for back-up.
The priority: Another key forward is the obvious hole on the list, plus some more pace and class through the midfield. - Callum Twomey
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: The Dons have the first pick, with the speedy Andy McGrath or composed goalkicking midfielder Hugh McCluggage the most likely candidates. Beyond that, at pick 20 they might get access to a surprise 'slider' – talented tall Todd Marshall could be available and pacy midfielder Oliver Florent may also get through. Either would be a great choice in the second round.
Draft selections: 7, 35, 40, 71, 79, 97
Backs: The future of the backline appears to be the tall combination of Alex Pearce and recruit Joel Hamling. Another tall is needed, with Sam Collins in that mix. Still on the list are Michael Johnson, 32, and Zac Dawson, 30, if the Dockers opt to play experience. Lee Spurr, Tom Sheridan, Cam Sutcliffe and Garrick Ibbotson fill other backline needs, but there is not great depth.
Midfield: With the return of Harley Bennell and recruitment of Bradley Hill, the Dockers will be pleased with their outside stocks. Youngsters Darcy Tucker and Ed Langdon are also coming through as runners who can rotate across half-forward, while Harley Balic will get his chance in 2017. Their inside ball-winners are elite at the top-end, but after Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale and David Mundy there is a drop off. Connor Blakely and Lachie Weller are very promising, but more of their type are needed.
Forwards: Trade acquisitions Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten went halfway to addressing a major weakness on the list. But with Michael Apeness and Matt Tabener rounding out the tall stocks, there is no standout tall forward to build around. The club will be banking on one to emerge from this group and still needs more. At ground level, Michael Walters is all class, while Hayden Ballantyne will be determined to rediscover his best football in 2017.
Rucks: This is where the alarm bells are ringing. Aaron Sandilands is 34 at the start of next season, while Jon Griffin will be 31. Zac Clarke nearly left the club before signing a one-year deal and isn't the long-term future. After that trio there is no one.
The priority: It might not come with their first pick, but a young ruckman to develop quickly is needed. More young midfielders are also required, with a particular preference for an inside ball-winner who also moves outside. They can get this type of player at the top of the draft. - Nathan Schmook
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: The Dockers looked for WA products during the trade period and might also be able to add one with their first draft choice. Sam Petrevski-Seton will have to be high on their thinking as a classy midfielder, while Griffin Logue is also likely to be in the mix. Logue could play right away as an athletic key defender.
WA tall Griffin Logue is a plug and play option who would suit the Dockers. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft selections: 24, 38, 42, 64, 72, 74, 91
Backs: Jackson Thurlow's return from a knee reconstruction helps, although the team will need to blood replacements for Corey Enright, who has retired, and Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan, who are in their twilight years. Ryan Gardner might play senior football while recruit Zach Tuohy's run helps. Tom Ruggles and Jed Bews will battle out the small defender's spot.
Midfield: Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood crowded out the talent inside that group to some extent, although the emergence of Sam Menegola and Scott Selwood helped soften Josh Caddy's departure to Richmond. The Cats need to make more of Cam Guthrie, Mitch Duncan and Steve Motlop in the midfield.
Forwards: Tom Hawkins is a huge presence, but he needs support from a tall such as North Melbourne recruit Aaron Black. Daniel Menzel will be better with a full year behind him and Lincoln McCarthy is a good pressure forward. A creative, crumbing goalsneak is desperately needed, hence the Cats toying with the idea of getting Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne.
Rucks: Zac Smith looks locked in, although he needs to redeem himself for a poor end to the season. Mark Blicavs should either play as second ruck or develop as a defender, while Rhys Stanley needs to make the grade as a ruck/forward to justify the hopes pinned upon him.
The priority: A goalsneak and a tall defender who can use the ball well would be handy for a team that looks to have a solid midfield in place. - Peter Ryan
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Shai Bolton's zip and speed could see him in the mix at the Cats' first pick, and he would be a nice fit if they're after more pace (he ran 2.95 seconds over 20 metres at the combine). Brennan Cox is a key defender from South Australia who was named an All Australian this year and could fit in the second round.
Draft selections: 4, 6, 8, 10, 73, 98
Backs: Booming left-footer Trent McKenzie struggled with injury and form this year, but can be used as the Suns' third tall defender. Jack Leslie is a promising key defender who can back-up Steven May and Rory Thompson. Academy graduate Jesse Joyce was one of the success stories of last season. Half-back flanker Josh Schoenfeld showed good composure in his four games in his rookie season.
Midfield: Pearce Hanley, Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons add experience to the Suns' midfield. Impressive youngster Brayden Fiorini will be pushing for a regular spot. Jesse Lonergan never quite grasped his chance in the side last season, while inside midfielder Mitch Hallahan needs to show he can play consistently at this level.
Forwards: The Suns have a great forward line to build around with Tom Lynch and Peter Wright as the centerpiece. Clever small forward Brandon Matera booted 24 goals in 17 games last season, but has a tendency to drift out of games. Former Bulldog Jarrad Grant has a point to prove, while rookie-listed small forward Darcy MacPherson provides great tackling pressure.
Rucks: Tom Nicholls is the front-runner to be the first-choice ruckman, but it's a close call. Jarrod Witts arrives from Collingwood keen for more opportunities in the senior side. Daniel Currie displaced Nicholls in the side early in the year, but wasn't sighted after round nine.
The priority: You can never have too many quality midfielders. A small, defensive forward to feed off Lynch and Wright could also be handy. - Lee Gaskin
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: The best result for the Suns will be not having to match a bid for Jack Bowes until the Swans' No.9. That will allow Gold Coast to take three of the best players in the land before they secure the talented academy product with pick 10. Tim Taranto, Tim English and Jack Scrimshaw are among the possible selections. They seem likely to take a mix of types.
Draft selections: 2, 15, 37, 39, 45, 52, 57, 58, 59, 60, 67
Backs: Phil Davis is the key defensive anchor for the Giants but the battle for the other key role shapes as a pre-season battle between Aidan Corr and Adam Tomlinson. The Giants are well placed for run and rebound elsewhere with Heath Shaw, Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams.
Midfield: Loaded with silk. Callan Ward is the hard nut, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio and Ryan Griffen work hard with and without the ball, while Josh Kelly, Tom Scully and Lachie Whitfield add speed and class. Boom recruit Brett Deledio is likely for cameo roles through the midfield.
Forwards: Jon Patton, Jeremy Cameron and Rory Lobb as the talls with the likes of Toby Greene, Devon Smith, Steve Johnson playing at their feet is a forward line to die for. That said, the mix didn't work in a home preliminary final, but having a player like Deledio, who the Giants say will likely play forward, is particularly timely. Tomlinson is the spare-parts player.
Rucks: Shane Mumford might not be the best ruckman in the competition but is there one more influential? When he plays well and runs through a few blokes, these emerging Giants walk that little bit taller. He needs to play because the fall away to Dawson Simpson and Tom Downie is stark.
The priority: GWS has an excellent best 22-25, but they did lose depth players such as Caleb Marchbank and Jack Steele. But they are well placed in the draft and with one of Hugh McCluggage or Andrew McGrath as well as Will Setterfield likely headed to the club, they look set to inject more class. - Ashley Browne
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Speedy half-back Andrew McGrath getting through to pick No.2 would be an ideal result for the Giants. He is ready to play at the top level after a terrific year. The Giants will be hoping bids come as late as possible for academy pair Will Setterfield and Harry Perryman. If they are later than expected, it might allow them to match a second-round bid for Isaac Cumming without going into a points deficit.
Andrew McGrath would be a great get for the Giants. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft selections: 88, 90, 108, 126
Backs: Over the years, the Hawks' backline has had its doubters. Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall won't be around forever, but James Frawley and Ben Stratton are still in their prime. The emergence of Kaiden Brand and Kurt Heatherley as key defenders is also promising, giving them several options in defence.
Midfield: With the departures of Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Bradley Hill, Hawthorn's midfield depth is looking skinny, despite the additions of Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara. The latter is no certainty to play in 2017, while ex-Swan Mitchell can expect extra attention as he takes on more responsibility in the middle. Billy Hartung and Jonathan O'Rourke need to step up, while Kieran Lovell will also be pushing for a senior spot next year.
Forwards: When it comes to small and medium forwards, the Hawks have reasonable depth. The major concern in attack is a lack of a strong, key forward. The loss of Jarryd Roughead left a hole in 2016, which the Hawks struggled to plug. Ryan Schoenmakers when fit can help, but isn't the solution long-term. James Sicily will improve, while Ty Vickery will add another tall option. Youngster Ryan Burton also showed plenty of promise, but is more in the mould of Jack Gunston.
Rucks: Jonathon Ceglar will be sidelined for the entire season as he recovers from a serious knee injury, leaving Ben McEvoy to do the bulk of the ruck work. Marc Pittonet was exposed to two senior games in 2016 and has made good progress. The addition of ex-Tiger Vickery will be very handy, but the Hawks are still a little light on in this department.
The priority: The Hawks need more midfield depth and a key forward. They're unlikely to get the latter in the draft with pick No.88. But a midfielder should be available, and one with pace should be the preference. - Nat Edwards
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: The Hawks can't be too choosey back at No.88, so will head to the draft with a long list and hope one of the players on their talent list gets through. Tom Williamson may be available in the second half of the draft and would be worth looking at if still on the board. He's a quick and skillful midfielder/half-back who can really find the ball.
Draft selections: 47, 69, 84, 102
Backs: Michael Hibberd's arrival from Essendon adds strength and aggression to support the McDonald brothers (Tom and Oscar), Jayden Hunt and Neville Jetta. Jake Melksham might find himself in that part of the ground while a fit Christian Salem would improve the Demons' ball movement.
Midfield: Brimming with young talent, the Demons have added quality experience in recruiting Jordan Lewis from Hawthorn. Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw should improve while Jack Viney keeps getting better. Mainstay Nathan Jones has plenty of strong years ahead while Bernie Vince may play as a defensive mid.
Forwards: Jesse Hogan stuck on well to have a solid second AFL season kicking 41 goals, while Sam Weideman clearly has talent and is smart, although work is ahead of him. Jack Watts' class shone through in his best season to date, kicking 38 goals, while Dean Kent is a perfect high half-forward. Jeff Garlett adds unpredictability.
Rucks: Max Gawn became one of the game's best and Jake Spencer was signed to provide back-up. The Demons will want to add a developing ruckman to the list. The Demons could use Cam Pedersen as a ruck-forward if needed to ensure Watts does not have to play that role.
The priority: A developing ruckman and a young running defender would provide depth although the club is likely to just want more talent regardless of role. - Peter Ryan
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Casey Scorpions ruckman Oscar McInernery has been under the Dees' nose in the VFL this year and has had plenty of AFL interest. He could be looked at by the Dees. Running defender Sam Walker could be available back at Melbourne's first pick to add some depth in that area at the club.
Draft selections: 11, 32, 33, 87, 92
Backs: The Roos' top three picks in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft – Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson and Ed Vickers-Willis – are all yet to debut after injury concerns, but have some size about them and with a full pre-season should be pushing to play next season. Veteran defender Lachlan Hansen is also there on the fringes.
Midfield: North is flush with inside depth, with Trent Dumont only forcing his way into the best 22 in the second half of last season, but the Roos need some of their outside runners to step up after Daniel Wells' defection to Collingwood. Ryan Clarke has shown signs and earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, while Declan Mountford impressed at VFL level and has a nice mix of pace and endurance.
Forwards: The Roos will hope promising young tall Ben McKay continues his improvement after Aaron Black moved on following his disappointing past two seasons. North's attack looks healthy, especially if recent recruits Jed Anderson and Nathan Hrovat can hit their straps, Taylor Garner stays fit and Kayne Turner puts a horror year behind him.
Rucks: If anything happened to star big man Todd Goldstein, then North's ruck stocks would be tested. The only genuine reserve options are the improving Majak Daw and Braydon Preuss, who is a good tap ruckman but is still working on impacting the game more at VFL level.
The priority: North's engine room is workmanlike – especially without Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey – and an injection of pace and class wouldn't go astray. - Travis King
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Oliver Florent ticks both boxes for pace and class. The Sandringham Dragons midfielder finished his season in terrific form in his side's premiership win and was then best afield in the NAB All Stars game. He uses the ball nicely, has a turn of speed and is creative when in possession. He should be in consideration for pick 11.
Oliver Florent's pace and class would be perfect for the Kangaroos. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft selections: 14, 17, 30, 31, 85
Backs: Promising key defender Logan Austin gained valuable experience in an injury-ravaged Power backline last season. Tom Clurey looked good when he came in for the last nine games after being sidelined with injury. Riley Bonner can fill a gap off the half-back line if there are injuries to Jasper Pittard and Matthew Broadbent.
Midfield: Brendon Ah Chee looked into a move to Gold Coast for more opportunities for senior football before staying at the Power for the final year of his contract. Veteran Matt White returns after missing last year with a torn pectoral muscle. Karl Amon has potential to be a damaging runner. Rookie-listed Will Snelling looked good in his AFL debut in round 23.
Forwards: Aside from Charlie Dixon and the improving Aaron Gray, the Power look a bit thin in attack after the departures of Jay Schulz and John Butcher. The 188cm Jesse Palmer is a player of promise after playing the final three games last year. The diminutive Jake Neade can provide great tackling pressure in the forward 50, while Dougal Howard can also be a tall target.
Rucks: Patrick Ryder will be the favourite to be the first-choice ruck, with Matthew Lobbe as his back-up. Jackson Trengove is likely to be revert to his usual defensive post, but battled hard in the ruck last season. Howard looks like a handy prospect once he recovers from a torn ACL, while the Power also have another talented youngster in Billy Frampton on their books.
The priority: Another high-end midfielder is needed to complement Robbie Gray and Ollie Wines, as is a key forward to eventually replace Westhoff. - Lee Gaskin
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Port is well positioned to grab a midfielder with one of its two first-round picks, and Jordan Gallucci could be in that mix. He brings pace and ball-winning ability. Another good ball user might be on Port's radar as well, bringing classy half-back Alex Witherden into the mix.
Draft selections: 27, 56, 82 and 100
Backs: The key positions are settled with Alex Rance, David Astbury and Dylan Grimes as a third tall, while Nick Vlastuin is a reliable small defender. In the running half-back positions, Jayden Short has cemented himself, and Bachar Houli will be back in 2017. If Chris Yarran can return to the top level, players like Oleg Markov and Kamdyn McIntosh can be used up the ground.
Midfield: There is increasing depth after the recruitment of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy, but more is needed. Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin remain the centerpieces, and in Connor Menadue, Corey Ellis, Markov and McIntosh, the Tigers have developing outside players to ease the load on Brandon Ellis. Shaun Grigg and Anthony Miles bring hardness.
Forwards: The clock is ticking for Richmond to start its forward planning in the key positions. Jack Riewoldt is 28 and Ben Griffiths will be his main support in 2017, with Todd Elton and rookies Callum Moore and Mabior Chol unproven. Daniel Rioli will be a specialist small forward and the club has enough midfielders and half forwards to support him.
Rucks: Shaun Hampson is the No.1 man, with support from recruit Toby Nankervis. Griffiths can play as a second ruck but it's likely the Tigers will want him stationed forward permanently. Ivan Maric and Ivan Soldo will add depth, but another young developing ruckman will soon be needed.
The priority: A big-bodied midfielder who can play early should be No.1 on the Tigers' shopping list to allow others to rotate more often on the wings and half-forward. Key position players can wait until next year. - Nathan Schmook
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: If the Tigers want to grab an inside midfielder with their second-round choice then they have a few solid options who are around that mark of the draft. Joe Atley, Hamish Brayshaw, Jack Graham and Jonty Scharenberg all may fit in the second round and beyond.
Draft selections: 23, 36, 61, 86
Backs: St Kilda's back six looks much better with Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle in the side. If the Saints are going to progress to the finals, the stiffer backline will play its part. Hugh Goddard is a key defensive prospect the Saints are patiently waiting to develop. Jarryn Geary, Dylan Roberton, Shane Savage and Sean Dempster are a settled group of small/medium defenders.
Midfield: St Kilda's midfield runs deep. Nick Riewoldt these days qualifies as a midfielder, because in the club's ideal best 22 he starts on the wing. Jack Newnes, Seb Ross, David Armitage and Blake Acres will be around for a while. Evergreen Leigh Montagna still demands a place, while Bulldogs recruit Koby Stevens adds further depth and experience.
Forwards: The Saints would appear to have plenty of options. Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and the rapidly-improving Tim Membrey are the talls, with Jack Billings, Jade Gresham and Mav Weller the smalls. What the Saints don't appear to have are back-up key forwards.
Rucks: Plenty to go around. Tom Hickey has emerged as the clear number one, but Jason Holmes, Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce can also play at the level.
The priority: The Saints don't have a first-round pick this year (although they have two next year) but might look for someone who can play as a tall forward. - Ashley Browne
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: Dandenong Stingrays forward Josh Battle could get through to the Saints' first pick and he'd be a nice addition to their forward line mix. Battle kicked six goals in a TAC Cup final for the Stingrays and was probably the most consistent key forward in the draft pool.
Hard-running key forward Josh Battle may get through to the Saints' first pick. Picture: AFL Photos
Draft selections: 9, 19, 46, 93
Backs: Sydney should go into 2017 with a settled back six of Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe, Callum Mills, Aliir Aliir and Jarrad McVeigh. Jake Lloyd, Zak Jones and Jeremy Laidler add depth, so the Swans seem well catered for. Michael Talia is a key defensive option if he can get himself fit. But he is coming from a fair way back.
Midfield: One soldier out (Tom Mitchell) so in comes another, and Isaac Heeney looks like he will stay there for the next 10 years. With Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack and Luke Parker, the Swans seem well set at the top end, and Harry Cunningham can play through there as well.
Forwards: Optimism that the Swans can go one better in 2017 and win the Grand Final is based around Sam Reid finally returning and playing at centre half-forward. With Lance Franklin as the star attraction and Tom Papley, George Hewett and Gary Rohan playing around him, the Swans seem well set. Dean Towers and James Rose add depth.
Rucks: Interesting developments at the Swans last season with Sam Naismith emerging as the club's main ruckman ahead of Callum Sinclair who was injured late in the season. The Swans would be happy with either in the side, although John Longmire needs to determine whether his best team includes them both.
The priority: Toby Nankervis's departure to Richmond creates a vacancy in the ruck, so the Swans will be scouring the country for big blokes. - Ashley Browne
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: It's doubtful the Swans would draft Tim English with their first selection, and he's the only ruckman in that range. A key defender might also be a priority, bringing athletic big man Griffin Logue into their thinking at pick No.9. He will be ready to line up at senior level next year.
Draft selections: 12, 34, 54,106
Backs: Considering club champion Eric Mackenzie is no longer a walk-up start, the Eagles' key position stocks are in strong shape. Another quick, lock-down small defender would come in handy given the reliance on veteran Sam Butler for those roles.
Midfield: Sam Mitchell's arrival is huge for the Eagles, relieving the burden on Matt Priddis but also Luke Shuey to win as much contested ball and freeing him up to use his speed. If the Eagles can keep their midfield brigade fit through pre-season, then what most see as the club's Achilles heel could turn into a strength with continued development of Dom Sheed, Liam Duggan and Elliot Yeo.
Forwards: At some point, the Eagles will need to replace spearhead Josh Kennedy but, for the moment, their key forward stocks are healthy – especially if injury-prone former Cat Nathan Vardy can realise his potential. Another goalkicking, defensive small forward would be useful.
Rucks: West Coast's ruck stocks could be stretched early next season, but once Scott Lycett returns – hopefully followed by Nic Naitanui later in the year – it should again become an area of strength, with Jonathan Giles, Fraser McInnes and Vardy all capable big men.
The priority: Assuming Lycett doesn't miss too much of next season, in the short-to-medium-term another quality onballer with some legs peed would be ideal. - Travis King
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: There isn't a lot of speedy midfield options at the top end of the draft. Jordan Gallucci brings that but No.12 might be a touch too high for him, while Jy Simpkin is at this stage more of a half-forward than midfielder. Athletically, Jarrod Berry might fit the bill. He can play in a number of spots, run all day and has a genuine tough streak.
Draft selections: 18, 26, 50, 75, 80, 94
Backs: Despite losing premiership defender Joel Hamling to Fremantle, the key defensive stocks look sound with Zaine Cordy set to return to backline after playing as a forward this year, Marcus Adams to resume from injury and 2015 draftee Kieran Collins developing well in the VFL. The club's renowned versatility will come in handy if age catches up with veteran running defenders Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd, with sufficient coverage in reserve at Whitten Oval.
Midfield: The Dogspossess one of the deepest midfields in the AFL, but Luke Beveridge will be keen to give youngsters Josh Dunkley, Lukas Webb, Bailey Williams and Bailey Dale more opportunities to join a rotation featuring Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and company. With another pre season under his belt, dynamic forward Jake Stringer is poised to spend more minutes on the ball.
Forwards: Like most clubs, the Bulldogs aren't flush with key forward options and that saw them recruit former Magpie Travis Cloke. Tom Boyd took a massive step to realising his undoubted potential in the Grand Final, but the club would love to land another marking option in the upcoming draft. The Dogs don't want for creative smaller types.
Rucks: The ruck is one area in which the Dogs don't have a lot of depth, with Tom Campbell the only recognised ruckman. But hybrid big men Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd served the Dogs well this season, with Beveridge a fan of mobile followers.
The priority: A key forward would be on top of the Dogs' draft shopping list, but a developing ruckman should also be keenly sought. A key defender and a skillful midfielder wouldn't go astray either. - Ryan Davidson
Dream draft according to Cal Twomey: The Bulldogs brought in Travis Cloke to bolster their key forward stocks, and could also draft the best tall goalkicker in the draft. Todd Marshall is a chance to get through to their first pick (No.18) and although he has been inconsistent he would be a nice player to let develop physically before bringing into the top level.
