Draft selections: 14, 35, 43, 59, 81 (committed to promoting Charlie Cameron)

Defenders: Adding Kyle Cheney helped, but the club remains short on key defenders aside from Daniel Talia and Kyle Hartigan. Sam Siggins is developing, but with Andy Otten injured and Sam Shaw's future unknown, the Crows need to add key defenders. They could also improve their small defender stocks – past Luke Brown and Rory Laird it thins quickly.

Midfielders: Easily the deepest area of Adelaide talent pool, the club has a good mix of experience and youth, although there might be a slight glut of inside mids and not enough outside speed. Luke Lowden's arrival offers some insurance for Sam Jacobs, but another tall is required.

Forwards: While club's starting key forwards are imposing group, there's hardly any pressure underneath them. There's far more in the way of small forwards and half-forwards though, which, along with the midfield, is the club's strongest area.

In a nutshell: Key position players and speed is what the club will go after. - Harry Thring

Cal Twomey says: There's every chance one of the talls will get through at pick 14 – and it could be Hugh Goddard, Caleb Marchbank, Jake Lever or Sam Durdin. Also heavily linked to Kyle Langford, a springy half-forward. 

Draft selections: 44 (committed to academy selection Liam Dawson), 63 (committed to academy selection Harris Andrews), 67, 81, 117 (committed to father-son selection Josh Clayton).

Defenders: The Lions look pretty well stocked despite the loss of dual best and fairest Joel Patfull to GWS. Daniel Merrett and Matt Maguire are in the twilight of their careers, but in Justin Clarke, Daniel McStay and Darcy Gardiner, they are well off for key talls in the long-term. Skipper Jed Adcock is reliable, but they would like more rebound alongside Ryan Harwood and youngster Tom Cutler, while the lock-down small defender's role is still up for grabs.

Midfielders: The strongest part of the list following the acquisition of Dayne Beams. In Beams, Pearce Hanley, Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich they have a good blend of outside pace and quality ball-use. Tom Rockliff and Jack Redden are prolific clearances winners, but it's an area they need help in. Although Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin have been plagued by injury over the years, the Lions' ruck division is potentially one of the best in the competition.

Forwards: The search for key talls post-Jonathan Brown will continue as Michael Close, Jono Freeman, Jackson Paine and McStay all vie for time in the forward 50. Veterans Brent Staker and Luke McGuane will be there to offer support, but the bulk of the scoring should come from midfielders (Beams, Hanley and Rockliff) drifting forward and the fleet-footed brigade of Josh Green, Lewy Taylor, Allen Chiristensen and Zorko. Mitch Robinson's defensive pressure should assist an area the Lions need big help in.

In a nutshell: Like any team in the bottom four, the Lions need help in most parts of the ground, which is hard to see coming with such late picks. They have young talent in most areas, but a rebounding half-back or a negating small defender would help solidify the backline. - Michael Whiting

Draft selections: 19, 28, 61, 65.

Defenders: Young recruits Kristian Jaksch and Matthew Dick will complement the likes of experienced men Michael Jamison, Andrew Walker and Kade Simpson. But swingman Jaksch has suffered a stress reaction in his navicular bone and will miss 10 weeks. Sam Rowe showed class at full-back last year and needs to continue that path, Chris Yarran's ability to generate forward thrusts will be crucial, while small defender Zach Tuohy needs a bigger year.

Midfielders: It's no secret the Blues are lowering the age profile of their list. Youngsters Patrick Cripps, Nick Graham and Nick Holman are emerging ball-winners. Ex-Giant Mark Whiley can perform inside midfield and tagging roles, while soon-to-be Blue Jason Tutt will add some much-needed outside run and carry. They should have no trouble covering Mitch Robinson's departure, whose disposal efficiency let him down on occasions.

Forwards: There's a big question mark on how the Blues' forward structure will stack up after losing Jarrad Waite and Jeff Garlett. There'll be added pressure on Levi Casboult to fill the void. The 24-year-old will be a solid contributor if he can take strong pack marks and improve his set shot accuracy. Livewire Troy Menzel had a big 2014, swingman Lachie Henderson will again feature in attack and ex-Bulldog Liam Jones can play as a third tall option.

In a nutshell: Speedy outside midfielder should be high on the agenda at the draft table. – Giulio Di Giorgio

Draft selections: 5, 9 (already committed to father-son selection Darcy Moore), 30, 48, 85.

Defenders: The Pies were decimated by injuries to key backmen Nathan Brown, swingman Ben Reid and retired former skipper Nick Maxwell last season. The silver lining was the experience and collective efforts of raw talls Jack Frost and Lachie Keeffe, and the composure of half-back Tom Langdon, a draft steal who was one of the AFL's best first-year players. Prized father-son pick Darcy Moore could gain his grounding in defence.

Midfielders: A onetime strength faces serious challenges. Skipper Scott Pendlebury is a superstar, and injury-free Dane Swan plans to regain such status, but the loss of Dayne Beams cannot be understated and, Heritier Lumumba's flair and Luke Ball's grunt will also be missed. However, the Pies have secured tough ex-Roo Levi Greenwood and classy Cat Travis Varcoe, while ex-Lion Jack Crisp could surprise. Taylor Adams is being groomed to fill Ball's role, while young ruck duo Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts are also expected to step up. Tagger Brent Macaffer will return at some stage after another knee reconstruction.

Forwards: Unfortunately, most roads still lead to Travis Cloke because of the lack of a consistent second key target in Reid's absence. Jesse White has his moments, and ruckmen Witts and Grundy have also been tried with limited success, and it's unhealthy because Cloke wasn't his usual marauding self this year. In time, young Moore could fill the void. Jamie Elliott could also be anything, and is a difficult match-up with his pace, hardness and aerial skills. Tyson Goldsack has thrived as a defensive forward. Beams' departure also robs some much-needed scoring power – he was the Pies' third-highest goalkicker with 23 majors.

In a nutshell: The Pies are blessed with young talent and appear well placed in the long-term, and could still be in the frame in 2015 but they need to add quality and depth in all areas of the ground. Forward and back they will be far better off with a clean bill of health – although defensive general Maxwell will continue to prove difficult to replace – but the first priority is to keep building their engine room. - Ben Collins

Draft selections: 17, 20, 62 (committed to promoting Patrick Ambrose)

Defenders: Cale Hooker is the most reliable Essendon backman, while Michael Hurley had a strong finish to the season in defence. Jake Carlisle has also shown the backline is where he plays his most dominant footy – when he's used there. The addition of James Gwilt will add experience, while Tayte Pears' injuries have stopped him from playing regularly. Dustin Fletcher, of course, remains important. The Bombers have plenty of depth off half-back, and Alex Browne, Martin Gleeson and Jason Ashby may get more opportunities next year. 

Midfielders: Dyson Heppell emerged last year to become Essendon's best midfielder, particularly in Jobe Watson's injury-enforced absence. But the club may look to add more outside run and carry and pace to its midfield mix. Watson, Heppell, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett and David Myers are ball-winners and a few of the deliverers – Brendon Goddard, Brent Stanton and new recruit Adam Cooney – are at the back ends of their careers. The emergence of the speedy Travis Colyer was pleasing last season, but they will be hoping for more from early draft picks Jake Melksham and Elliott Kavanagh. 

Forwards: The loss of Stewart Crameri and Paddy Ryder in successive trade periods leaves the Bombers looking slim for key forward options. It has been suggested the addition of Gwilt will allow Hurley to push forward, but nobody is quite sure how returning coach James Hird will use Hurley and Carlisle in 2015. Much will rest on talented youngster Joe Daniher and elevated rookie Patrick Ambrose. The Bombers are also lacking quality small forward options. Veterans Paul Chapman and Jason Winderlich offer some smarts, but a consistent, young crumbing forward would be handy. 

In a nutshell: Two years ago the Bombers looked destined for bigger things, but the loss of some key players and draft picks hurts. Plenty of building has been done and it's a mature list now. - Callum Twomey

Cal Twomey says: After nailing pick 26 last year to recruit Zach Merrett, the Bombers really need to get their two draft picks right. Classy and quick midfielders Jarrod Garlett and Lachie Weller are chances to be available at 17 and 20. 

Draft selections: 10, 47, 55, 60, 71 (committed to promoting Mark Blicavs)

Defenders: Geelong's defensive unit is one of the most experienced and best in the AFL. As tall defenders, Tom Lonergan and Harry Taylor complement each other superbly. Lonergan is one of the best stoppers in the AFL, while Taylor's intercept marking is a weapon. Corey Enright, Jared Rivers and James Kelly are versatile and can attack and defend. However, opposition small forwards caused some concern for the Cats in 2014, so look for Jed Bews to see more game time in that lock down role next season.

Midfielders: Skipper Joel Selwood is Geelong's most decorated midfielder and the club's go-to man from clearances. Steve Johnson provides flair and creativity, while Mitch Duncan's running power is a real asset. Emerging onballers Josh Caddy, Cameron Guthrie and George Horlin-Smith will likely have increased roles in 2015, following the key losses of Allen Christensen and Travis Varcoe. Young midfielders Jarrad Jansen, Darcy Lang and Brad Hartman should also receive more opportunities next year.  The Cats will have a tough time picking their preferred ruck set-up, after Hamish McIntosh and Dawson Simpson carried the bulk of those duties last season. Mark Blicavs and an injury-free Nathan Vardy provide versatile ruck options for the Geelong coaching staff to mull over.

Forwards: The Cats will be hoping the inclusions of Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley help to ease the reliance on spearhead Tom Hawkins. Hawkins kicked 68 goals in 2014, with Jimmy Bartel the next best on 27. Young forward Shane Kersten will be given every chance to thrive in the third tall forward role, while Vardy will also push his claim to return from a torn ACL last season. Steven Motlop should be much improved after a full pre-season (leaving his knee issues in the past), while the Cats should get steady improvement from zippy forwards Lincoln McCarthy and Jordan Murdoch.

In a nutshell: The Cats have a pick inside the top 10 for the first time since 2006, and given the club's past draft strategy will take the best available player in the first round. A key forward/defender and a pacy outside midfielder are likely to be two areas that are addressed by master recruiter Stephen Wells and his team. – Ben Guthrie

 

Draft selections: 4, 6, 7, 23, 24 (committed to academy selection Jack Steele) 80, 96 (committed to academy selection Jeremy Finlayson)

Defenders: Former Lions full-back Joel Patfull is an important recruit, adding experience alongside Phil Davis and Heath Shaw to a developing backline that includes the emerging Adam Kennedy, Lachie Plowman and Tim Golds. Tom Bugg is a chance to cement the lockdown defender role while Curtley Hampton provides run. The Giants' lack of defensive depth makes choosing Jake Lever early in the draft a strong possibility.   

Midfielders: Ryan Griffen is a blue-chip midfielder, adding class alongside Callan Ward's grunt and Tom Scully's run. Lachie Whitfield, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene, Josh Kelly and Dylan Shiel are either becoming top line midfielders or look certainties to develop into stars and GWS is sure to get another outstanding junior through the draft. Stephen Coniglio has the goods but he still appears untapped while Jake Barrett is a hard nut with good endurance. Shane Mumford needs Andrew Phillips or Tom Downie to emerge to give him support in the ruck.

Forwards: This is the Giants' perceived strength, even after Tom Boyd left to join the Bulldogs. Classy tall Jeremy Cameron will be much improved after being dogged with injury last season while Cam McCarthy and James Stewart demonstrated at the end of the season they were developing as third talls. Cameron will feel Jonathon Patton's absence due to a knee injury but he is good enough to overcome it and the Giants have added some depth with Academy picks, Jack Steele – who can also play midfield – and rangy left-footer Jeremy Finlayson. Devon Smith is a jet and Will Hoskin-Elliott exciting. Their talent became obvious in 2014 but could become scary next season, with both capable of kicking more than 40 goals in a season. Jed Lamb needs to step up and Rhys Palmer is smart enough to find a role inside 50. The forward line looks well balanced.

In a nutshell: The Giants need to strengthen their backline and increase their midfield depth but a high-quality list is starting to take shape. - Peter Ryan

HAWTHORN
Draft selections: 31, 49, 50,  68, (committed to promoting rookie Dallas Willsmore), 77 (committed to promoting rookie Zac Webster).
Defenders: Luring Brian Lake was a masterstroke but it became increasingly clear last season the Hawks needed a succession plan. Enter James Frawley. The 26-year-old ex-Demon instantly eased concerns about the key defensive posts. With Ryan Schoenmakers staying put, the Hawks bat deep and can plan ahead for Lake and Josh Gibson's retirements. Of the running types, Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling have plenty of football left, Taylor Duryea provides pace and steel and Angus Litherland has emerged as a versatile option to lock-down or carry and create.
Midfielders: The engine room is still led by champions Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge but a raft of their younger teammates are shouldering more of the load. Hawthorn boasts game-breaking pace (Bradley Hill, Isaac Smith), toughness (Will Langford, Liam Shiels) and depth, with long-term injured duo Jed Anderson and Brendan Whitecross - plus recruit Jonathon O'Rourke - coming into calculations. The ruck stocks are in good shape, with Jon Ceglar and Ben McEvoy set to form a long partnership when David Hale retires.
Forwards: Hawthorn coped incredibly well after losing Lance Franklin, with Jack Gunston stepping up across half-forward. In Gunston, Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust the Hawks have potency and flexibility, while Paul Puopolo brings the grunt and Cyril Rioli the X-factor. The biggest question mark is Roughead's replacement. Tim O'Brien is being groomed and Sam Grimley is set to be downgraded to the rookie list, but the Hawks could use another developing tall.
In a nutshell: It will be difficult with Hawthorn's picks, but a promising power forward would be ideal. A bullocking mid to replace Brad Sewell would also be handy. – Travis King
Cal Twomey says: The midfielders will be easier to find in the second and third rounds. Ballwinner Touk Miller is a shot at pick 31 if he's around and long-kicking left-footer Lukas Webb is also a chance there. If medium defender Ed Vickers-Willis is available at pick 31 expect the Hawks to strongly consider him. 

Draft selections: 2, 3, 40, 42 (committed to father-son pick Billy Stretch), 53, 83 (committed to promoting Neville Jetta)

Defenders: The departure of James Frawley is a loss, no matter which way you look at it. Frawley's expertise and experience is difficult to replace, particularly given the youth of the Demons' backline. Tom McDonald proved himself as the No.1 backman last year, with Frawley playing further up the ground, while Melbourne is hoping Sam Frost – who it acquireded from Greater Western Sydney in the NAB AFL Trade Period – develops into the player they think he can be. Neville Jetta was vastly improved as the club's lockdown small defender in 2014, while Lynden Dunn went from strength to strength when settled down back.

Midfielders: The Demons made some significant strides in regard to their midfield depth in 2014, adding Dom Tyson and Bernie Vince to help captain Nathan Jones in the engine room. Even still, Paul Roos has already stated it is an area of the club's list that still needs further improvement. Those deficiencies will be addressed at the draft this year, with talented young midfielder Angus Brayshaw a likely inclusion via the draft. The Demons also expect Ben Newton, signed as a delisted free agent from Port Adelaide, to make an impact. The ruck situation is still not clear cut, with Max Gawn, Jake Spencer and Mark Jamar to battle it out for that responsibility.

Forwards: Melbourne's forward line looked like one of its key strengths heading into last season, but injuries and circumstances prevented that from playing out. Much of Melbourne's potential scoring power will rely on how quickly Jesse Hogan adapts to the top level. Chris Dawes provides the bullocking target, while Jeremy Howe belongs up forward and should start there. The Dees brought Jeff Garlett into the club to address their lack of a damaging small forward option, while youngsters Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris will continue to develop on the flanks.

In a nutshell: Roos places a premium on quality midfielders, so expect the Demons to go down that path with their top pick. Melbourne could also do with a key tall at either end of the ground. – Ben Guthrie

Cal Twomey says: Despite the persistent talk of defender Jake Lever at pick three, it is more likely the Dees' picks will come from Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Paddy McCartin – selecting whoever the Saints don't take at pick one. 

Draft selections: 57, 75, 84, 93, 100 (committed to promoting Kane Mitchell)

Defenders: The Power's key defensive stocks appear sound, with Tom Clurey fighting for a spot, and there are several pacey smalls vying with Jarman Impey for a place in defence. But the departure of Campbell Heath and Lewis Stevenson means Port needs more options across half-back.

Midfielders: Now that injuries are apparently less of an issue, there is plenty of talent through the middle. They've got a perfect mix of contested possession winners, outside speed, youth and experience – as well as several players on the verge of senior selection. Paddy Ryder's arrival eases the need for another ruck option, particularly if Jarrad Redden can stay injury-free.

Forwards: Ryder will help the forward line considerably as a key target and with Mason Shaw entering his third year and Mitch Harvey his second, there's possible replacements on the way up. The small forwards are plentiful and there's also a number of players who can attack higher up the ground.

In a nutshell: It's a well-balanced list that doesn't require much tinkering at all to challenge for a premiership. - Harry Thring