But with the Lions recruiters keeping their cards very close to their chest, it leaves fans with no option but to scan through the plethora of Phantom Drafts that are readily accessible online to gain an insight into the likely Pick No.8 candidates.
And there seems to be plenty of worthy candidates.
In fact, depending on whose opinion you seek out, more than a dozen different young players have been linked to the Lions at Pick No.8 which doesn’t make the Club’s Draft picture any clearer.
For those relative Draft novices who haven’t researched the 2011 prospects in great detail, here’s a brief overview of some of the names that people have argued would be the ‘perfect fit’ for the Lions.
The below profiles are taken from AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan’s ‘Top 30’ list for 2011 which was published earlier this month.
Taylor Adams (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Position: Small Midfielder
Height: 179cm
Weight: 80kg
X-Factor: Footy nous to win the ball in contested situations
Matthew Buntine (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Position: Medium Defender
Height: 189cm
Weight: 84kg
X-Factor: Ability to read the opposition’s attacks and use his marking ability then precision kicking to set up counter attacks
Sam Docherty (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Position: Medium Defender
Height: 183cm
Weight: 85kg
X-Factor: Penetrating kick and dash from defence
Toby Greene (Oakleigh Chargers, VIC)
Position: Medium Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
X-Factor: Ball winning ability around stoppages and distribution is elite
Nick Haynes (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Position: Tall Medium Midfielder/Forward
Height: 191cm
Weight: 76kg
X-Factor: Aerial ability and mobility make him difficult to match up on
Will Hoskin-Elliott (Western Jets, VIC)
Position: Medium Midfielder
Height: 186cm
Weight: 73kg
X-Factor: Ability to gather the ball cleanly in all conditions, then run and carry
Elliott Kavanagh (Western Jets, VIC)
Position: Medium Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
X-Factor: Smooth mover with big engine, clean hands and makes good decisions with the football
Billy Longer (Northern Knights, VIC)
Position: Ruckman
Height: 202cm
Weight: 95kg
X-Factor: His tap work at stoppages and mobility for his size are impressive
Clay Smith (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Position: Medium Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
X-Factor: A hard edged, tough and durable left footer with a great appetite for the contest
Devon Smith (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder
Height: 174cm
Weight: 76kg
X-Factor: Prolific contested ball winning ability as a small forward and radar around goals
Liam Sumner (Sandringham Dragons, VIC)
Position: Small Midfielder
Height: 178cm
Weight: 71kg
X-Factor: Exceptional overhead for his size and dynamic near goal
Adam Tomlinson (Oakleigh Chargers, VIC)
Position: Tall Defender
Height: 193cm
Weight: 88kg
X-Factor: His versatility and athleticism makes him an attractive prospect
Chad Wingard (Sturt, SA)
Position: Medium Forward
Height: 181cm
Weight: 70kg
X-Factor: His uncanny ability in the air and around goals sets him apart
The above list of 13 players doesn’t include standout teenagers Jonathon Patton, Stephen Coniglio or Dom Tyson (who are all expected to be drafted by GWS before the Lions have an opportunity to strike) or some of the more ‘speculative’ selections whose names could very well be announced by the Lions at their first pick.
It seems that everybody has an opinion on what type of player will be best suited to the Club - even though such opinions can often change on a daily basis.
In the end, much of the final decision on who is available will be largely dictated by Greater Western Sydney - who hold six of the first seven selections - and Port Adelaide - who have Pick No.6.
But fans can be rest assured that the Club’s fortunes at the 2011 AFL National Draft rest in the safe and capable hands of the Lions’ expert recruiting team who have critically assessed these young players for a number of years and best understand the Club’s future needs.
A HISTORY OF PICK NO.8
Please find below a complete list of every player selected with Pick No.8 since the VFL/AFL National Draft was introduced in 1986.
2010 - Dyson Heppell (ESS)
2009 - John Butcher (PA)
2008 - Tyrone Vickery (RICH)
2007 - Lachlan Henderson (BL)
2006 - Ben Reid (COLL)
2005 - Jarrad Oakleigh-Nicholls (RICH)
2004 - John Meesen (ADEL)
2003 - Raphael Clarke (STK)
2002 - Luke Brennan (HAW)
2001 - Jimmy Bartel (GEEL)
2000 - Daniel Motlop (NM)
1999 - Joel Corey (GEEL)
1998 - Jude Bolton (SYD)
1997 - Chris Tarrant (COLL)
1996 - Leigh Brockman (GEEL)
1995 - Jared Crouch (SYD)
1994 - Daniel Harford (HAW)
1993 - Michael Frost (STK)
1992 - Paul Symmons (WC)
1991 - Michael Symons (ESS)
1990 - Paul Gow (WB)
1989 - Brad Tunbridge (SYD)
1988 - Dion Scott (SYD)
1987 - Darren Jones (GEEL)
1986 - Grantley Fielke (COLL)
