RECRUITERS expect a record number of bids to be placed on father-son, northern Academy and Next Generation Academy prospects at this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Most of those players will be taking part in the final two rounds of the under-18 championships, with games at Geelong on Friday before closing the carnival at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.
Here are the players tied to your club to keep an eye on in the next week as the championships wraps up.
>> Watch it LIVE on the AFL App: Allies v SA at 2.10pm AEST. Metro v SA at 4.40pm AEST
Brisbane: Connor McFadyen has shown some good signs as a big-bodied midfielder and will play for the Allies on Friday as a member of the Lions' Academy. Half-back Tom Matthews has also done some good things. They have access to father-son prospect James Rendell, the son of former Fitzroy player (and now Collingwood recruiter) Matt Rendell. Rendell is a key forward who has shown good signs for the Sandringham Dragons this season and played for Vic Metro last week.
Carlton: Injury ruled father-son option Ben Silvagni out of last week's Metro clash, but before that he had shown good signs as a tall defender. The Blues also have first call on Wil Hickmott, the son of former player Adrian, who is a wingman from WA but has been left out of Friday's game.
Collingwood: The Magpies' Next Generation Academy player Isaac Quaynor missed last week's win for Vic Metro with a rib fracture but looks a top-20 pick. Father-son Will Kelly will play in defence for Metro next week in round five of the carnival and has shown good athleticism as a key option. He could attract a bid in the top 40.
Fremantle: Jason Carter's season has been up and down but he does have some talent. The Dockers have first rights on the indigenous midfielder through their Next Generation Academy, and he has switched to their WAFL club Peel Thunder this season.
Geelong: Oscar Brownless has shown enough this season for him to land at the Cats at the end of the year as a father-son pick. Billy's boy runs and carries the ball as an outside midfielder, and last week booted a brilliant banana goal for Vic Country. Bailey Scott, who will play on the wing for the Allies, is eligible to join the Cats as a father-son pick, too.
Billy Brownless' son Oscar looks a likely type for the Cats. Picture: AFL Photos
Gold Coast: Key back Dirk Koenen has caught the eye with his athleticism and marking and is tied to the Suns. Bailey Scott played for the Suns at the Academy series earlier this year and has impressed with his up-and-back run for the Allies and ability to push forward. Caleb Graham is another tall who can play both ends.
Greater Western Sydney: Mathew Walker is a powerful medium forward who can produce exciting moments but has been limited by injuries. He is tied to the club as a NGA player. James Peatling is a clever forward with agility, speed and some smarts around goal. Kieren Briggs is an athletic ruck prospect who kicked three goals for the Allies to steer them to a win over Vic Country in round one of the carnival.
Teams are in for Friday's U18 games at Geelong. Here's the full line-ups... pic.twitter.com/kIYaES41WW
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) June 27, 2018
Melbourne: The Dees have first call on NGA prospect Toby Bedford, a sharp and lively small forward. He had eight tackles last week for Vic Country so offers plenty of forward pressure.
North Melbourne: Tarryn Thomas' division one championships has not been to the same level as his electrifying Academy series earlier in the season for Tasmania. The classy midfielder/half-forward is expected to attract a top-10 bid. His cousin Rhyan Mansell, a small forward, is also tied to the Roos and has been brought into the Allies' side for Friday's game.
Port Adelaide: Hard-running midfielder Kai Pudney is tied to the Power through its Next Generation Academy. He is of Japanese background.
Sydney: Nick Blakey is the big one here. The exciting tall forward and midfield option has had his championships interrupted by illness, but remains a likely top-10 pick. Over-agers Josh Stern and Joey Reinhard have been added for this week's line-up for the Allies.
West Coast: Exciting small forward Jarrod Cameron is tied to the Eagles as a Next Generation Academy player. He has a few tricks and is dangerous around goal like his brother, Brisbane recruit Charlie Cameron.
Western Bulldogs: The Dogs have two players to keep a close eye over next week when Vic Metro returns from its bye, with father-son midfielder Rhylee West in good form and attacking half-back Buku Khamis, who falls in their grasp as Next Generation Academy player.
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