NINE members of Greater Western Sydney's academy will attend next month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, but the Giants will likely only need to use two of their first-round picks on the local products.
Harry Perryman and Will Setterfield are possible top-10 picks come November's draft, with the Giants set to add the talented pair to their list with first-round selections.
But the AFL's decision earlier this year to out rule key forward prospect Todd Marshall from the Giants' academy zone has gone some way to quieting the uproar from rivals about the quality products coming through the GWS academy and Riverina region.
Setterfield, who was originally from Albury before moving to Caulfield Grammar two years ago, has been in excellent form recently for the Sandringham Dragons.
The tall midfielder gathered 22 disposals and seven marks in a lively showing last weekend and some recruiters rate him among the top two or three midfielders in the draft.
Perryman could also be in the mix to attract a bid in the first five selections, such has been his rise throughout the year as a smart, classy and clever prospect who can play all over the ground.
He won All Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and has recently been playing at local level for Collingullie-GP, the club that produced first-round Giants draftee Matt Kennedy last year.
The preliminary finalists will take three first-round picks into the off-season after attaining two future first-round selections at last year's trade period.
Prolific and consistent midfielder Kobe Mutch has proved himself as a regular ball-winner but has missed the last part of the season with a foot injury.
Recruiters' views vary on his likely draft position, with most seeing him fitting in the second round.
Taller types Harrison Macreadie and Zach Sproule also divide opinions, but the Giants relocated Macreadie to Sydney at the start of the year and he played in their NEAFL premiership last week, so they have been keeping a close eye on his progress.
There is also a lack of taller options in the top-25 or so picks in this year's draft pool, which could see bids come earlier than expected for the pair.
Another four GWS academy prospects – Isaac Cumming, Max Lynch, Ryan Garthwaite and Sam Fisher – have been invited to attend next month's combine at Etihad Stadium, with all sitting deeper in the draft board.
The Giants can nominate all of their eligible academy players ahead of the draft, which will give them the right to either match a bid or not when names are called at Hordern Pavilion on November 25.
