This year's draft has been one of the most challenging in years for experts to predict, with both the even spread of talent and the distribution of picks in the top 10 making it tough.
Here is how AFL.com.au's draft expert Callum Twomey sees the first 30 picks panning out, including the impact of the new bidding system
Be sure to use the hashtag #CarltonDraft if you'd like to join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram.
JACOB WEITERING
DOB: 23/11/97; Height: 195cm; Weight: 90kg
Dandenong Stingrays
Weitering is the best player in the draft and will be a deserving No.1 pick. The key defender pieced together an excellent season from start to finish and placed himself at the top of the draft with his imposing play in the backline. Weitering is a brilliant overhead mark and has a long accurate kick. He has carried the tag as the likely No.1 choice without fuss throughout the year and will welcome the big expectations that will be placed on him in the AFL. The Blues can pick him knowing he will be a long-term part of their plans.
If not him? It would be one of the all-time draft surprises if Carlton calls out anyone else's name at No.1. Weitering has been linked to the first choice all year and appears set to join the Blues.
Is Jacob Weitering on his way to Ikon Park? Callam Twomey believes he is. (Photo: AFL Photos)
JOSH SCHACHE
21/8/97, 199cm, 96kg
Murray Bushrangers
Schache put his scores on the board early, and just kept kicking goals throughout this year to cement himself near the top of the draft order. The key forward is an excellent shot for goal, has a great engine plus the height to outmark most of the defenders he's matched up against. He kicked a record haul of 24 goals at the under-18 championships and is not a forward who needs heaps of touches to make a scoreboard impact. The Lions have identified the need for a key forward, Schache has a link there given his father Laurence played for the Bears in the 1990s, and he is happy to move from Victoria. It's a nice fit.
If not him? The Lions are locked on to Schache. If they held pick one they might well have taken him in that spot too.
Josh Schache put together a record-breaking campaign at the championships. (Photo: AFL Photos)
CALLUM MILLS (matching Melbourne's bid)
2/4/97, 186cm, 80kg
North Shore/Sydney Swans Academy
Mills looks set to be the first player to have a bid made on him during a live draft as the AFL unveils its new bidding system. Melbourne has been tipped to place a bid on Mills at pick No.3, which would see the Swans asked to match the bid by moving up from pick No.33 and their next couple of picks move to the back of the draft. Mills is a competitive and tough midfielder who, despite missing most of this season with injury, is still one of the most talented players in the draft. He starred at NEAFL level last year as a bottom-ager and will play a significant amount of senior footy next year for the Swans.
If not him? The Swans' first selection won't be anyone else. They'll match the bid wherever it comes because Mills is too good to miss.
Callum Mills remains hot property despite missing most of 2015 through injury. (Photo: AFL Photos)
CLAYTON OLIVER
22/7/97, 187cm, 86kg
Murray Bushrangers
Few (none?) would have predicted six months ago that Oliver would be a top-10 pick. But now that seems one of the draft's most likely scenarios, with a clump of clubs keen on the tough, physical and big midfielder. The Morrish medallist kicks goals, marks well above his head and has an explosive streak that sees him dominate clearances. He also presented well and tested impressively at the combine last month, which further boosted his stocks. Melbourne has shown strong interest in Oliver, and he probably wouldn't be available at its next pick a few spots back. If they want him, they'll probably have to grab him here.
If not him? Sam Weideman and Darcy Parish are the other main contenders here. Weideman would fill a need as a young developing key forward but has some fitness concerns, while midfielder Parish has always been in the mix for the Dees. And is Aaron Francis completely out of the equation?
Explosive midfielder Clayton Oliver should be taken early in the draft. (Photo: AFL Photos)
AARON FRANCIS
10/8/97, 191cm, 86kg
West Adelaide
Francis was tipped as a contender for the first selection early in the year, but his form later in the season saw him drop in the eyes of some recruiters. The powerful defender is able to control games as a third tall, but in his stints up forward and in the midfield he has also been able to have a big say on games. The question is his endurance and whether he will be able to play the similar third tall role at AFL level, but clubs know his innate competitiveness will hold him in good stead. Essendon has liked him for some time and Francis is a Bombers supporter who has made it clear he wants to head to Tullamarine.
If not him? The Bombers have a number of options here. Sam Weideman, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay could be in the mix as talls, while Clayton Oliver and Wayne Milera are also possibilities.
Aaron Francis' strength and versatility make him a compelling prospect. (Photo: AFL Photos)
DARCY PARISH
25/7/97, 181cm, 73kg
Geelong Falcons
The midfielder couldn't have done any more over two ultra-impressive seasons. He is a back-to-back under-18 All Australian, a member of the NAB AFL Academy and has been exceptional in nearly every important game he's played. Parish has dash and skill and is always on the move. He might look like an outside midfielder because of his run and flash, but he works brilliantly at the stoppages and fights above his weight. Towards the end of the season he also showed his overhead marking was developing nicely, and he's a steady kick at goal on the run. His size might see clubs place others ahead of him, but he has achieved more at under-18 level than any other midfielder in this draft. Dyson Heppell aside, Essendon's midfield stocks are quite bare beyond its veterans. Parish would be a smart choice.
If not him? The Bombers have said they will be picking the best players with their first two choices and then go for needs with their second-round picks. The aforementioned names should make up the Dons' duo.
Darcy Parish has done everything right over the past two seasons. (Photo: AFL Photos)
CALLUM AH CHEE
9/10/97, 182cm, 71kg
South Fremantle
Despite an inconsistent season, Ah Chee remains a prodigiously talented player who can do things most other prospects can't. The West Australian half-forward played his best footy this season against senior opposition – for the NAB AFL Academy in April, and for South Fremantle's WAFL side late in the year. He can jump high, take big marks and kick classy goals, and he's also clever at ground level and has some toe. He has run a 2.88-second 20-metre sprint, so has the breakaway speed that few possess. Ah Chee has been linked to the Suns, who lack small forwards on their list. That's the spot where he'll start his career but with an improvement in his tank he should push up the ground in time.
If not him? Darcy Parish is a chance to still be available if the Dees and Dons overlook him. The Suns have been regularly linked to Wayne Milera, while bigger types Sam Weideman and Aaron Francis might also be hard to pass up at this spot.
Callum Ah Chee can do things other draft prospects can't. (Photo: AFL Photos)
SAM WEIDEMAN
26/6/97, 196cm, 91kg
Eastern Ranges
The supply and demand for key forwards means Weideman was always going to be considered early in this draft despite missing so much footy over the past two years through injury. The imposing and pack-crashing big man kicks straight, knows the forward craft and is hard to beat on the lead. Clubs have done significant work on his body after his ankle issues over the past two years, and his last game this year was in May. But he has been back running for months, last week did a full fitness testing session and although the results were not brilliant, clubs placed more value on his medical assessment. The Demons need a partner for forward Jesse Hogan and traded out their first pick next year, so Weideman would be a good get at this spot.
If not him? Midfielders Darcy Parish and Clayton Oliver are possibilities should they fall through and Melbourne flips what it does at No.3 and goes with Weideman earlier. Aaron Francis, should he be available, will be considered too, along with Wayne Milera. Harley Balic is a slim chance.
Sam Weideman has missed plenty of footy but his talent remains attractive. (Photo: AFL Photos)
JACOB HOPPER (matching Carlton's bid)
6/2/97, 186cm, 82kg
North Ballarat Rebels
Hopper is a midfielder who changes games through sheer will: he puts his body on the line, is a star at the clearances and enjoys pushing forward to hit the scoreboard. Carlton might be in a position to make a bid on the Giants academy player with its second selection. GWS would slide up from its first pick (which starts the draft at No.10) to take him without their other selections being impacted. Hopper was a standout at the under-18 championships, he carries great potential as a leader, and has the rugged style that imposes himself onto games.
If not him? There's a chance that a bid comes for fellow Giants academy player Matt Kennedy before Hopper. Either way, GWS' first pick should be one of the academy players. They will match the bids.
Jacob Hopper has produced an outstanding season. (Photo: AFL Photos)
HARRY McKAY
24/12/97, 200cm, 85kg
Gippsland Power
The tall forward has real potential. He burst on to the scene at the start of the year with a four-goal bag at TAC Cup level and continued to show exciting signs. McKay is agile, versatile and likes to get on the lead and take some marks. He will also be able to pinch-hit in the ruck once he builds up his body, which will make him a difficult match-up. He took on this role at stages throughout Vic Country's championships campaign. The Blues have been linked as admirers for some time, and seem a good fit to bring in his talents in their developing forward line.
If not him? If Wayne Milera is still here, would they opt for his class? The Blues must also consider the machinations of taking Charlie Curnow at this point and hoping McKay could get through to their next selection.
Harry McKay had recruiters talking with his blistering start to the season. (Photo: AFL Photos)
MATTHEW KENNEDY (matching Adelaide's bid)
6/4/97, 187cm, 84kg
Collingullie GP/GWS Academy
Kennedy is of the premier midfielders available, but he's really only available to one club: Greater Western Sydney. Although Adelaide is a good chance to make a bid at this point on the tall and strong-marking on-baller, the Giants will have the option to match the bid and take on Kennedy, who has blossomed this season in his first year in the talent pathway. Kennedy missed a large chunk of the year with a knee injury, but he returned at the end of the season and performed well for the Allies on Grand Final day.
If not him? There's a chance the bids could be flipped and one comes for Kennedy before Jacob Hopper, but it's only a matter of semantics really. The Giants will match the bids for both players and bring in two of the best midfielders in the pool.
Matthew Kennedy has been one of the big improvers of the class of 2015. (Photo: AFL Photos)
ERIC HIPWOOD (matching Adelaide's bid)
13/9/97, 202cm, 82kg
Aspley/Brisbane Lions Academy
Hipwood's versatility makes him an appealing prospect. Throughout this year the 202cm prospect spent plenty of time in attack, where he ran hard on the lead, jumped for his marks and kicked some smart goals. But he was also more than comfortable across centre half-back, where he could use his leap and athleticism to shut down opponents. Adelaide stocked up on a tall defender at last year's draft in Jake Lever but could go again with a bid on Hipwood, however the Brisbane Lions will have first call on matching the bid for their academy player.
If not him? The Lions stocked up on points during the trade period so they could pay for Hipwood. They'll match the bid for him and push up the order. Attaining Hipwood and Josh Schache will give the Lions some first-class tall talent to add to their list.
At 202cm, Eric Hipwood cuts an imposing figure up forward. (Photo: AFL Photos)
WAYNE MILERA
14/9/97, 185cm, 75kg
Central District
With a few shimmies and some very nice performances at senior level late in the season, Milera's stocks rocketed in the second half of the season. Some clubs see him as one of the most talented three or four players in the draft, such are his silky skills, smarts and evasiveness in traffic. He just doesn't get caught. Milera will start as a half-forward, but he can also move into the midfield and be used across half-back if required where his ball use sets up the play. He kicked three goals and starred in a senior SANFL final, and has real brilliance. The Crows have seen him develop his game this season and he would add a nice element of polish to their set-up.
If not him? It will be a big, big call for the Crows if Milera and Charlie Curnow are both still available. Fellow local Ryan Burton could be a shot here for the Crows, while key defender Kieran Collins might also be in contention at one of their choices.
Wayne Milera's blistering finish to the year has plenty of clubs keen. (Photo: AFL Photos)
CHARLIE CURNOW
3/2/97, 191cm, 95kg
Geelong Falcons
The powerful forward is an interesting prospect due to his capabilities, his positioning and his limited game time across 2015. Curnow started and ended his season playing as a key forward who can take strong marks and hit the scoreboard. In the middle of the year he was about to progress into a midfield role, but he went down with a knee injury and missed the championships. He came back towards the end of the year to show his grunt, and he tested well at the combine with his endurance. Curnow's police incident days before the draft – where he was arrested for allegedly refusing a preliminary breath test – might see him tumble down the order a few spots but he could join brother Ed at the Blues.
If not him? The Blues might be able to flip their strategy to take Curnow with their second pick and hope Harry McKay gets through to here. SA products Wayne Milera and Ryan Burton might also be in the running.
Charlie Curnow (left) has endurance, power and footy smarts. (Photo: AFL Photos)
DANIEL RIOLI
16/4/97, 179cm, 65kg
North Ballarat Rebels
Given his surname, clubs had already been watching Rioli closely throughout the season. But he really sprang up the draft order with his finish to the year, when Rioli kicked four goals in a TAC Cup final, was among the best players in the Grand Final day curtain-raiser for the Allies, and then tested exceptionally well over the week at the combine. There he underlined his elite mix of speed and endurance, which made clubs look even harder at him as a possible top-20 pick. The Tigers are in need of a crafty small forward and Rioli fits that bill.
If not him? Callum Ah Chee will probably be gone by this point of the draft, but Jade Gresham is another firmly in the mix. Ryan Burton and Harley Balic are others to have been linked with the Tigers.
Daniel Rioli's athleticism and eye for goal have pushed him up in recruiters' estimation. (Photo: AFL Photos)
RYAN BURTON
31/1/97, 191cm, 90kg
North Adelaide
Burton is perhaps the hardest player in the pool to assess, purely because he hasn't played for 15 months since a severe leg and knee injury last year. But with enough club medicos believing he will be able to recapture his best form and fitness, he is in the mix as a first-round prospect. Burton is a marking and leaping half-forward who has natural footy instincts: he twists and turns and makes space, and manages to step up when his team needs him. In the future, he wants to play in the midfield, where his size and smarts would make him an imposing player in that area.
If not him? The Crows like Harley Balic and could go with him here, they've been linked to Callum Ah Chee and Kieran Collins, and one of Charlie Curnow or Harry McKay could surprisingly get through.
Ryan Burton hasn't played footy for more than a year but he's still in demand. (Photo: AFL Photos)
HARLEY BALIC
5/1/97, 186cm, 80kg
Sandringham Dragons
Balic creates things out of nothing. He's clever when the ball's at ground level, quick with his hands and rarely gets caught in traffic. His evasive skills get him out of trouble, and across the year he showed he could play in different roles across the ground – at half-forward, through the midfield and at half-back. St Kilda has been one of the most interested clubs throughout Balic's season, which was cut short by wrist surgery in August. He will be well on the way to full training by the time he lands at an AFL club.
If not him? The Saints seem likely to discuss midfielders Rhys Mathieson, Ryan Clarke and Brayden Fiorini, as well as Jade Gresham, at this selection.
Harley Balic impressed through the midfield during his top-aged under-18 year. (Photo: AFL Photos)
KIERAN COLLINS
14/12/97, 194cm, 95kg
Dandenong Stingrays
Collins developed his game exceptionally well this season to become the second best pure key defender in the draft, only behind his close friend Jacob Weitering. The strongly built 194cm prospect defends tightly, but also added an attacking element to his game this season which saw his draft stocks jump. He was named in the All Australian team after a superb carnival, and beat some of the best key forwards in the draft across the season. The Hawks have lost Brian Lake and were unsuccessful in their chase of former Bomber Jake Carlisle during the trade period. They might be able to clinch Collins with their first pick.
If not him? The Hawks have spent time on Tasmanian midfielder Mitchell Hibberd, so could look at him here. Zippy on-baller Jade Gresham has also been linked to the Hawks, along with rebounding half-back Tom Cole.
Strong frame, strong mind: Kieran Collins is among the draft's best defenders. (Photo: AFL Photos)
JADE GRESHAM
24/8/97, 177cm, 74kg
Northern Knights
With pace, class and a nose for goal, Gresham pieced together an impressive season. He was an All Australian and Vic Metro's MVP for his under-18 carnival, and continued to lead the Northern Knights strongly at TAC Cup level. Being a smaller midfielder is really the only knock on Gresham, but he does everything well and with polish. His final game of the season – a 33-disposal and three-goal effort for the Knights – showed his quality. The Suns reaped the rewards by taking smaller midfielder Touk Miller at last year's draft. Gresham could come into the AFL and have a similar impact.
If not him? Harley Balic is on the radar, and he is a chance to be available at this spot. Brayden Fiorini and Ryan Burton might get a look-in here.
Speed and skill give small midfielder Jade Gresham an edge. (Photo: AFL Photos)
BEN McKAY
24/12/97, 199cm, 91kg
Gippsland Power
McKay's sample of games is small but he has shown enough to suggest he has some real qualities as a flexible tall at both ends of the ground. At the start of the year, McKay didn't believe he was good enough to play at TAC Cup level. But he picked up some self-belief and returned to the level mid-season and was terrific thereafter, showing his combative and aggressive streak in forward and defence. McKay is a strong overhead mark, attacks the contests and has a knack for kicking goals. North loaded up on talls at last year's draft but McKay will offer a more versatile option.
If not him? The Roos have been strongly linked to hard-running midfielder Ryan Clarke. Speedy option David Cuningham is another to have been talked about, but he might be there at their second-round picks. Harley Balic, should he get through, is a good shot.
Ben McKay looks set to follow twin brother Harry into the AFL. (Photo: AFL Photos)
BEN KEAYS (matching Hawthorn's bid)
23/2/97, 185cm, 82kg
Morningside
The prolific midfielder continued to build his game this season after breaking onto the scene as a bottom-ager in 2014. Keays has a work ethic that pushes him a long way: he's tough in the clearances, good on the outside and he averaged 28 disposals for Queensland at the under-18 championships to claim the Harrison Medal as the best player in division two. He's ready to play at the next level. Hawthorn might be looking for extra midfield depth, but if a bid comes here it will be matched by the Brisbane Lions, who have first rights over the academy prospect who has lived in Queensland since he was five.
If not him? The Lions are likely to have already matched a bid for Eric Hipwood before one comes for Keays, but they will be in a position to match both. Keays will head to the Lions and they will be rapt to add two local talents.
Ben Keays will add another prolific option to the Lions' midfield. (Photo: AFL Photos)
MITCHELL HIBBERD
23/9/96, 191cm, 85kg
Clarence
After being overlooked at last year's draft due to injury, Hibberd has struck back this season to be a legitimate first-round chance. The tall and athletic Tasmanian can be used in a number of spots. He's attacking off half-back and gives strong drive, he can slot nicely into a wingman's role, and isn't afraid of going for his marks in attack as well. After a knee reconstruction ruled him out of action last year, a shoulder operation interrupted his start to this season. But he's set to be considered by the Hawks, and he has some very nice traits.
If not him? Tom Cole is a possibility, and Daniel Rioli might be available at this spot too. An inside midfielder might also be on the agenda for the Hawks, which might bring Ryan Clarke or Rhys Mathieson into the equation. Riley Bonner has also been regularly linked to the Hawks.
Twomey believes that with height and athleticism, Mitchell Hibberd would be well suited to the Hawks. (Photo: AFL Photos)
DARCY TUCKER
23/1/97, 184cm, 79kg
North Ballarat Rebels
Tucker's bottom-age season thrust him into top-five calculations at the start of 2015, but he'll fall a bit later than that after a solid year. He played some good games in the midfield but looked most at home across half-back, where he showed his zip, run and carry. Tucker likes to take the game on, stream down the wing and take his team with him. He captained the Rebels this season and is a professional, hard-working prospect who is determined to do well.
If not him? Tom Cole is a possibility, as is Jade Gresham. Ryan Clarke and Riley Bonner might also be around the mark for the Blues at this pick.
Once a prospective top-five pick, Darcy Tucker still offers draft value. (Photo: AFL Photos)
BRAYDEN FIORINI
22/8/97, 186cm, 75kg
Northern Knights
The smooth moving left-footer accumulates plenty of the ball. He averaged 30 disposals in the TAC Cup, and finished the season in a blaze of form, including a 41-disposal and two-goal effort in the final round. Fiorini can play across half-back as well, where he can help set up the play, and his ball use is solid. Although he didn't quite hit his straps in the national carnival, Fiorini's form towards the end of the season thrust him up the draft board and into top-20 consideration. The Bulldogs have kept on top of Fiorini's form through the year and he could be on their radar at this spot.
If not him? Darcy Tucker could be in the mix, having trained with the club last year and impressed. But the Dogs might also look hard at a tall defender – Sam Skinner or mature-ager Marcus Adams have been mentioned. Classy medium forward Mason Redman is another contender.
Brayden Fiorini averaged 30 disposals a game in the TAC Cup. (Photo: AFL Photos)
RILEY BONNER
7/3/97, 191cm, 80kg
West Adelaide
Bonner's kicking is his outstanding trait. The half-back uses the ball brilliantly on his preferred left side but also cuts through traffic and sets up the play on his right, which makes him extra dangerous. Bonner was South Australia's go-to man at the championships and helped set up the play from half-back. Clubs like his size and athleticism, and he can play on a range of opponents. He would be a good choice for the Dogs, given his ability to run, rebound and deliver, as well as play a bit taller than he is.
If not him? Could the Dogs bid on Sydney Swans father-son Josh Dunkley at this stage? He's been linked to them at this spot. Or do they make a bid on GWS academy tall Harry Himmelberg?
Riley Bonner (right) has a brilliant left boot and his right side is good as well. (Photo: AFL Photos)
TOM COLE
28/5/97, 185cm, 76kg
Bendigo Pioneers
Cole has his admirers and it's easy to see why. He's smooth off half-back, moves at times through the midfield, and can also push forward to kick goals as well. Cole had a consistent season for the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country in the championships, and also performed well at VFL level for Geelong. His movement and rebound off half-back might appeal to the Dockers. They will be searching for a tall, but have shown a trend to just pick the best player available with their first choice at recent drafts.
If not him? Harry Himmelberg might come into the Dockers' thinking here as a tall forward who plays a little like Cameron McCarthy. To snap him up, the Dockers would rely on the Giants declining to match their. Darcy Tucker and Riley Bonner are others who might be in the mix.
Tom Cole's versatility has him in several clubs' sights on Tuesday night. (Photo: AFL Photos)
DAVID CUNINGHAM
30/3/97, 183cm, 79kg
Oakleigh Chargers
If the Eagles are hoping for more speed at the draft, that's what they would find in Cuningham, who has the breakaway pace to zip out of clearances and make things happen. His testing at the combine was exceptional – he ran 2.91 seconds over 20 metres and finished in the top-five of the repeat sprints test. Cuningham isn't a brilliant kick but there's enough there to work with, and he offers run and carry that few other midfielders can. He was a good contributor in the Oakleigh Chargers' ascent to the TAC Cup premiership this year.
If not him? The Eagles will wait and see what gets through to them. But names such as Darcy Tucker, Tom Cole, Riley Bonner and Brayden Fiorini are likely to be around the mark. Daniel Rioli, should he be available, is a good chance to be snapped up.
David Cuningham offers a speed boost to the club that drafts him. (Photo: AFL Photos)
RHYS MATHIESON
10/1/97, 185cm, 79kg
Geelong Falcons
A tough, hard inside midfielder who does the same things every week: fights for the ball, wins the clearances and imposes himself on games. Mathieson has had a brilliant couple of years, stepping up with each level he's played and showing he can find the ball. The back-to-back All Australian averaged 26 disposals and seven clearances in 12 games for the Geelong Falcons, he's dangerous overhead and likes to push forward to kick a goal. The Bombers showed this season they need inside ball-winners coming through.
If not him? What they get with selections No.4 and 5 may dictate the Bombers' second-round choices. But names like Ben McKay, Riley Bonner and Brayden Fiorini will be in the mix.
Rhys Mathieson won the footy in huge quantities all season. (Photo: AFL Photos)
MASON REDMAN
26/8/97, 187cm, 76kg
Glenelg
Redman is a classy medium forward with pace, skills and bounce. His ability overhead and smarts around goal make him a dangerous forward. Redman has a mix of traits that will see him play all over the ground, and he can win his own ball but also deliver it well. He will continue to develop his frame, but is seen as one of South Australia's most exciting players and one who is likely to be taken in the second round of the draft.
If not him? The Bombers need more speed, which might bring Alex Morgan into the equation. Daniel Rioli, if available, will also surely be very, very closely considered here. Essendon could do with a crafty small forward like him.
Mason Redman shapes as one ofthe most exciting players out of SA this year. (Photo: AFL Photos)
RYAN CLARKE
17/6/97, 186cm, 82kg
Eastern Ranges
The hard-running midfielder powered the Eastern Ranges into the TAC Cup Grand Final this year with a brilliant finals series, which topped a consistent season. Clarke averaged 31 disposals for the Ranges across the year, and with his bigger body, running strength and ability to push forward and kick goals, he should be able to play some senior AFL football next year. The Roos have been linked to Clarke at their first pick, where he might go, but he's also a chance to be available here where they can add one of the draft's best gut-runners.
If not him? The pace of David Cuningham and Alex Morgan might appeal to the Roos, or they might consider placing a bid on GWS academy forward Harry Himmelberg.
Ryan Clarke helped drive Eastern Ranges to the TAC Cup Grand Final this year. (Photo: AFL Photos)