1. Carlton – Josh Deluca (Subiaco)
Hardened 23-year-old midfielder who was named the WAFL's best player against the SANFL at Optus Stadium a fortnight ago. Averaged 26 possessions and five tackles per game in the first six matches this season. Standing 179cm, the Blues believe he can play inside midfield or as a pressure forward. Three-time premiership player at WAFL level who played four games for Fremantle from 2015-2017.

When he will play: Expected to miss the next fortnight with a hamstring injury he picked up last week and will need at least two matches at the Northern Blues. If everything goes to plan, Deluca will be setting his sights on an AFL return against his former side at Optus Stadium in round 15, Carlton's first game after the bye.


2. Gold Coast – Mitch Riordan (Dandenong Stingrays)
Explosive, burst midfielder who has returned to his best in 2019 after a season cut down by hamstring injuries. Co-captain of Dandenong's TAC Cup premiership last year, got another chance as an overage player this year and averaged 20 disposals from six games. Overlooked in last year's draft despite playing for Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, the 187cm youngster is a chance for AFL matches this season.

When he will play: Don't rule out a late season debut. After doing everything right at NAB League level this year, Riordan will firstly need a string of matches against bigger bodies in the NEAFL. That's expected to start this week against the GWS Giants reserves on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the AFL match at Giants Stadium.

Gold Coast wil be hoping Mitch Riordan can have a long career at the Suns. Picture: AFL Photos


3. Melbourne – Kyle Dunkley (Gippsland Power/Footscray VFL)
The 185cm big-bodied midfielder has the ability to push forward, showcased by his three-goal VFL debut against Box Hill three weeks ago. Overlooked last year playing for Oakleigh Chargers, got chance to return as an over-age player for Gippsland in the NAB League this season and completed the pre-season with Footscray. Brother of Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh and son of former Sydney defender Andrew.

When he will play: More than held his own in his first two VFL matches for Footscray, but after sitting out completely last week, is expected to play for Casey on Saturday. Never know what could happen in the last month of the season if Melbourne's injury crisis continues. Would be slated for a role as a forward.

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Kyle Dunkley could be ready to play at Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos


4. Sydney – Michael Knoll (South Adelaide)
The best ruck prospect outside the AFL. After four years playing college basketball for St Ambrose University in Iowa, returned to Australia to pick up a Sherrin for the first time at Box Hill. After two seasons playing behind Marc Pittonet, the 26-year-old headed to South Adelaide for more opportunity. The 205cm big man was best on ground for SANFL in the win over the WAFL a fortnight ago.

When he will play: Will enter the race behind Callum Sinclair as the Swans' No.2 ruckman with Darcy Cameron as Sam Naismith continues to battle his knee setback. Knoll's SANFL form indicates he'll be able to post big numbers in the NEAFL and if he gets eight weeks in a full-time professional environment, don't be surprised if he was to snatch a late-season debut.


5. North Melbourne – Lachlan Hosie (Glenelg)
Could develop one of the competition's best highlights reels. The 22-year-old shows plenty of raw traits but can stand on opponent's heads, defying his 189cm stature. Had kicked 21 goals from eight matches to lead the SANFL goalkicking before arriving at Arden Street. Touted as an athletic third tall forward.

When he will play: Would anticipate he would need at least a handful of games in the VFL to get his head around the game plan, but a senior debut shouldn't be too far away. If his SANFL form can translate to goals in the VFL, then it could happen very quickly. Roos have been crying out for some assistance for Ben Brown in attack.


6. Western Bulldogs – Ryan Gardner (Footscray VFL)
Another success story from the Dogs' VFL list, the Tasmanian joins Will Hayes and Billy Gowers in graduating from Footscray to the AFL. The 21-year-old was delisted by Geelong at the end of last season without playing a senior match, but earnt the nickname 'Plugger' after a bag of six goals in the VFL. Originally drafted as a key defender, the 197cm big man has spent time at both ends this season and will provide much-needed depth.

When he will play: Less than 24 hours after his name was called out on draft night, Gardner was told that he'd be boarding a plane to take on the reigning premiers at Optus Stadium.

GARDNER'S FOOTBALL JOURNEY Former Cats long trip back to the AFL

Ryan Gardner dons his new Bulldogs jumper after the mid-season draft. Picture: AFL Photos

7. Essendon – Will Snelling (West Adelaide)
Fresh out of the AFL system after a three-year stint at Port Adelaide was cut short in November. The 21-year-old got straight to work in the SANFL this season, averaging 30 disposals per match. Addresses Essendon's need for midfield depth, but at 175cm, fits a similar build to his new teammates. Played one AFL match for the Power in 2016 after winning a SANFL flag in 2015. Incredibly, only had phone conversations with the Bombers prior to the draft and didn't meet them.

When he will play: His SANFL numbers suggest he wouldn't be far away but is expected to play VFL this week. Bombers recruiter Rob Forster-Knight said Snelling was identified as a ready-made replacement for Devon Smith. If the South Australian can continue his SANFL form to average 10 tackles a game in the VFL as well, then he won't take long. 

Recent injuries to key Bombers could see Will Snelling get an early chance at Essendon. Picture: AFL Photos


8. St Kilda – Jack Mayo (Subiaco)
Developing key forward with a booming left boot who played four reserves and two league matches in the WAFL to start this season. Overlooked in last year's draft despite a starring role in the WAFL Colts premiership, the 193cm prospect will be one for the future. Becomes the eighth Jack at Moorabbin.

When he will play: Pencil in round one, 2020 as the goal for Mayo. Even the jump from WAFL reserves to the VFL will test him, however his recruitment is a two-to-three year investment.


9. Port Adelaide – Cam Sutcliffe (Port Adelaide SANFL)
Delisted by the Dockers last season after a seven-year, 104-game stint, the 27-year-old returned home to South Australia this season. Working at Alberton with the Power's community engagement department, the 186cm midfielder/defender was named the club's SANFL captain this year.

When he will play: Too late to organise a Visa for China this week, Sutcliffe will be in senior contention in the next month. Hard to see him getting a berth in a midfield that continues to overlook ball magnet Jack Trengove, Sutcliffe's best opportunity will be as a small defender. Having played in the same SANFL structure will only assist with understanding the game plan.

A return home to SA could see Cam Sutcliffe play his best football. Picture: AFL Photos


10. Hawthorn – Pass

11. Fremantle – Dillon O'Reilly (East Fremantle)
Knows where the goals are. Won the WAFL Colts goalkicking in 2017 as a bottom-age prospect in the same year he made his league debut as a 17-year-old. Represented WA at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships last year and has since spent time at both ends for the Sharks in 2019. The son of Dockers director Stephen who played 98 games for the club – two shy of Dillon being father-son eligible.

When he will play: Playing WAFL reserves for East Fremantle just five days ago after injury troubles, his first step will be cracking into Peel Thunder's side. Despite experience at senior WAFL level, his AFL aspirations will come in 2020. Hard to see him pushing past the current talls in the Fremantle line-up unless there's an injury crisis.


12. Adelaide – Pass

13. Richmond – Marlion Pickett (South Fremantle)
Incredible show of faith by Richmond after Pickett re-broke his finger on Saturday, an injury that's expected to sideline him for 8-10 weeks. The 27-year-old has previously spent time in prison as a youngster before maturing to play his best football in recent years. Explosive midfielder who can also play at half-back.

When he will play: Pickett will get accustomed to the boundary line at Punt Road over the next two months as he clocks lap after lap in his recovery. However, at 27, he's arrived for the now and if Richmond's injury woes continue, you wouldn't rule out a late season debut provided his fitness reaches AFL standard.

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14. Collingwood – John Noble (West Adelaide)
Lightning quick 180cm wingman who only bolted into AFL calculations in the last 12 months. Late developer and gets his chance as a 22-year-old after averaging 21.7 disposals from seven matches for West Adelaide this year. Starred for the SANFL in the recent state match against the WAFL at Optus Stadium and is the son of Brisbane head of football David.

When he will play: Pies recruiting manager Derek Hine stated Noble's addition was for the medium-to-long term. Having to contend with a jam-packed midfield already, Noble will be looking to continue his hot SANFL form in the VFL this year before a big pre-season should he be retained.


15. Gold Coast – Pass

16. Sydney – Cody Hirst (Eastern Ranges)
Returned to the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League this year after missing out in last year's drafts. After a string of knee and shoulder injuries hampered his 2018 campaign, the 178cm wingman has returned to full health this year. Broke the all-time Combine agility test record at last year's 'Rookie Me' Combine, his 7.73 surpassing the previous feat set by Fremantle's Stephen Hill.

When he will play: It's all about 2020 for Hirst. Just tipping the scales at 70kg, the next 12 weeks will be about Hirst adapting to life as a professional footballer and hitting the gym.


17. Western Bulldogs – Pass

18. Essendon – Pass