THE 2018 draft class one day, the 2017 draft class the next. 

The trifecta of youngsters is clearly blessed with natural talent as they approach their third seasons in Navy Blue. 

Selected with picks Nos.3, 10 and 30 respectively, Paddy Dow, Lochie O’Brien and Tom De Koning will have a big say in the future at Ikon Park. 

All three have shown at stages what they can produce at senior level. 

In his first season, Carlton’s first selection from the 2017 NAB AFL Draft showed exactly why teammates had nicknamed him ‘Paddy Wow’. 

With electric pace, a knack for winning centre clearances and capable of hitting the scoreboard, Dow’s burst is his main asset and he will only get better with time at the elite level. 

Dow has already recorded 39 games in his career: it’s easy to forget he only turned 20 a fortnight ago. 

His midfield counterpart in O’Brien hit his stride in the second half of 2019, showing his potential under senior coach David Teague. 

Making a spot on the wing his own from Round 12, O’Brien’s strengths are obvious: his running capability and lethal left foot. 

Locking down permanent selection in Teague’s side, O’Brien grew by the week and is yet to complete a full pre-season in the AFL. That only bodes well for what’s to come. 

However, the big upside is in the form of Carlton’s No.12. 

It was an interrupted season for De Koning, who looked primed to attack 2019 after a strong end to his debut year and a promising summer. 

The emerging ruck-forward has a prodigious leap, a strong pair of hands and a competitive edge which holds him in good stead at the centre bounce.

With Matthew Kreuzer motoring in the middle and new Blue Marc Pittonet a valuable acquisition, De Koning looms as the sleeping giant - no pun intended - from the 2017 draft.

2017 draft class

Paddy Dow (39 games), Lochie O’Brien (35 games), Tom De Koning (two games)