The Brisbane Lions have four picks inside the top 22 – picks 3, 16, 21, 22.
AFL.com.au highlights the midfielders that are likely to go early in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
Could we see one of these future stars in Lions colours come November 25?
Hugh McCluggage
POS: Midfielder, Ht 185cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 3/3/1998
From North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
The classy goalkicking midfielder carried his brilliant form right throughout the season until his very last game, a four-goal effort from 17 disposals in the NAB All Stars game. McCluggage is unrelenting in his own unassuming fashion: even when copping a tag or close attention, McCluggage powers through and uses his smarts to get his hands on the footy. His goalkicking gives him a special edge over most prospects in the pool. He kicked 25 goals at TAC Cup level from 12 games and took out the competition's Morrish Medal. A quad injury kept him from testing at the combine – something he was disappointed about – but he didn't need to prove anything. His season has been there for all to see. He could have done no more.
Will Brodie
POS: Midfielder, Ht 189cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 23/8/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
It probably wasn't the finish to the season the ultra-competitive midfielder would have hoped for. After a long year and lots of big performances, the load got on top of Brodie and he battled an ankle injury for the last month of the season. Added to that a back problem, and he was ruled out of the NAB All Stars game and the combine testing after the Murray Bushrangers' Grand Final loss. But everyone knows about Brodie's traits: he's a big, tough, strong and consistent ball-winning midfielder who gets his hands dirty and puts his body in harm's way to feed it out to teammates. Late in a game, when it's up for grabs, he's the one you want on your team.
Sam Petrevski-Seton
POS: Midfield/half-forward, Ht 181cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 19/2/98
From Claremont/Western Australia
The West Australian had an up and down season after being an All Australian in 2015. He didn't manage to break into Claremont's senior side, and played most of the year in its colts under-18 team, which won the premiership. Petrevski-Seton was relatively consistent at that level without being breathtaking, and one of his best games of the year came in the All Stars clash when he had 23 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances. Petrevski-Seton's best is very good and ranks among the best in the draft pool as a creative, speedy half-forward/midfield option.
Jack Bowes
POS: Midfielder, Ht 187cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 26/1/98
From Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
The Gold Coast academy product is a smart, classy, composed midfielder who shapes games. He doesn't waste possessions, he brings others into the action and makes it easier for forwards leading at him with the ball. He finished the year in great touch for the Suns' NEAFL side with a strong showing in the finals, and has added a little bit of muscle to his light frame. He'll attract an early bid on draft night due to his ability to set up the game from the midfield. In time he looks likely to have a nice balance of inside and outside midfield traits. Lock him in for some senior footy next year.
Andrew McGrath
POS: Midfielder, Ht 179cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 2/6/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Nobody expected McGrath to have the season he had, not even him. But the Sandringham Dragons star has gained momentum seemingly with every game to now be a No.1 pick contender. McGrath's best footy has come as a rebounding defender, who kickstarts the play and breaks the lines. But he has also shown he can easily shift into the midfield and find the ball, and he gathered 38 disposals in the TAC Cup Grand Final to guide his side to the flag and claim best afield honours. The former elite junior athlete is powerful, quick and tough, and is ready to play. He won the running vertical jump, came second in the repeat sprints and top-10 for agility at the combine to underline his physical prowess.
