VERSATILE prospect Nathan Murphy's ascent up the draft board could continue, with the Victorian teenager in the mix to be a top-15 selection.
Murphy started the season weighing up whether to follow a promising cricket career or go down the football pathway, but his decision to stick with the Sherrin looks set to pay dividends at the NAB AFL Draft on November 24.
Clubs are excited by his potential at both ends of the ground, having shown good poise with the ball as a half-forward and half-back.
He came to the attention of recruiters with plenty of goals at school level for Brighton Grammar before then progressing to feature in the Sandringham Dragons' push to the TAC Cup Grand Final. He was used in defence at times for the Dragons.
Phantom form guide: October edition
Collingwood has been linked to Murphy, but with its first pick coming at No.6 it could be a slight stretch for the 17-year-old. He appears more likely to fit into the second half of the first round.
Murphy, 188cm, decided in July to focus on footy despite having represented Victoria in cricket at under-15s, 17s and 19s level and also play in the Australian under-17s side.
His Sandringham Dragons teammate Andrew Brayshaw won't last as long. Fremantle, North Melbourne, Collingwood and St Kilda have all been linked to the midfielder with their top-10 picks after his brilliant end to the season.
Brayshaw, the younger brother of Melbourne's Angus, has strong family ties in Perth and also to the Kangaroos, where his uncle James was formerly the chairman.
The 17-year-old finished the season averaging 25 disposals for the Dragons at TAC Cup level, and then blitzed at the NAB AFL Draft Combine to have the most impressive set of testing from any prospect.
Cameron Rayner, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Paddy Dow are seen by clubs as being the most likely players to fill the top three selections, but the order of players continues to be debated.
Carlton continues to be seen as a strong chance to take Dow if the Lions don't grab him at No.1, but South Australian forward Darcy Fogarty has also been mentioned as a possible pick for the Blues.
Fogarty started the season as a contender for the No.1 choice but struggled for form across the year. If the Blues overlook him at No.3, which is considered most likely, there is the genuine prospect that he is available at their second pick – No.10.
The draft position of Victorian ruckman Sam Hayes will be one of the most interesting aspects when names are called later this month.
Despite being a back-to-back All Australian, it is unlikely Hayes will find a spot in the top 10 on draft night, with clubs reluctant to use early picks on ruckmen.
Tim English was drafted with pick No.19 last year despite being an extremely talented ruckman, and a similar draft position looms for Hayes. Richmond could look at Hayes with one of its first three picks – No.17, 20 and 25 – but he is not a guarantee to fit in the first round.
Hayes' Vic Metro teammate Lachie Fogarty could surprise to feature earlier than some expect on draft night.
Fogarty, who was ill during the Draft Combine and missed the full week of testing, has been linked to the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions as a top-20 pick. He enjoyed a consistent season at all levels and has shown an ability to push forward and kick goals from the forward line.
