THIS year's draft might feel a long way off for some, but club recruiters are soon to reach an important part of the year as the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships begin.

Ahead of the national carnival starting, AFL.com.au's Road to the Draftpodcast is back for its first episode in 2015.

Reporters Callum Twomey and Nat Edwards reflect on how last year's draftees have handled themselves in the early part of the AFL season and look ahead at the 2015 crop.

The podcast nominates 10 prospects who will be at the top of this year's draft, and closely analyses possible No.1 pick Jacob Weitering.

In a new segment, the podcast looks back at the 2013 intake in new segment 'Hits and Misses'.

Road to the Draft will run every week throughout the Under-18 national carnival, featuring interviews with prospects, clubs and recently drafted players.