THERE is set to be fewer than 50 players from the country's Under-18 competitions join the AFL via next month's draft.
Clubs are expecting a total of approximately 55 live picks at the NAB AFL Draft, with a handful of those likely to be mature-aged players from state level when names are read out at the Gold Coast.
It is unlikely the draft will exceed many more than 60 live selections.
This year's pool is considered strong at the top but most recruiters believe it thins quickly, leaving a majority of clubs to take only the required three live picks.
Up to 14 clubs will go down that path, with Adelaide a club to take only two live selections, while the Brisbane Lions have acquired six selections within the first two rounds.
The total does not include rookie elevations, which are confirmed on draft night.
Clubs will have a greater idea of how many picks will be used on Thursday, when the first list lodgements are due.
The number will also be impacted by the amount of delisted free agents signed before the draft. The first delisted free agency window opens on Friday, November 1.
Last year there was 70 live picks used, and in 2011 there was 75.
While this year's draft does drop away, clubs are also mindful of the talent available at next year's draft, which at this stage looks advanced on the 2013 crop.
Therefore, many clubs are focused on using next year's draft to add more fresh faces to their club, with the expectation of a deeper talent base.
