Matt Burgan from afl.com.au looks ahead to Saturday's NAB AFL Draft and takes a guess at who the Lions may choose with their draft selections.

Last year, Burgan correctly predicted the Lions' drafting of Lachlan Henderson (Pick No.8) and Matt Austin (Pick No.52) while he also guessed that Albert Proud would arrive at the Club via the 2006 Draft.

How accurate will he be in 2008? Below are his thoughts on who the Lions might have their eyes on.

7 – BRISBANE LIONS – JACK ZIEBELL
Murray Bushrangers, VIC, Medium midfielder, February 28, 1991, 188.4cm, 86.3kg
(Draft range: 4-9)

Burgan says: In the lead-up to the draft, the one top 10 constant has been Ziebell linked to the Lions. Ziebell has been likened by some recruiters as having similar playing attributes to new Lions coach Michael Voss and Collingwood great Nathan Buckley. And it is understood Voss is a big fan, having worked closely with Ziebell during their AIS days. It would surprise if Ziebell was not a top 10 selection.

25 – BRISBANE LIONS – MITCH ROBINSON
Tassie Mariners, TAS, Medium midfielder, June 7 1989, 184.7cm, 79.1kg
(Draft range: 21-41)

Burgan says: Robinson has been closely watched by the Lions and is now firming as its second selection, with Shuey, Beams, Blight and Liam Jones also believed to be in calculations. The Tasmanian has also been linked with Fremantle, Collingwood, the Swans (No.30) and Western Bulldogs. With the Lions' next pick at No.41, it's hard to see Robinson falling any further.

41 – BRISBANE LIONS – RHYS STANLEY
West Adelaide, SA, Ruckman, December 1, 1990, 200.4cm, 88.5kg
(Draft range: 29-not selected)

Burgan says: With just Jamie Charman and Matthew Leuenberger as bona fide ruckmen on their list, the Brisbane Lions will be eager to snap up another big man. Stanley, who has also attracted strong interest from Collingwood and Richmond, will be in the mix for the Lions at No.41, particularly as the Pies are likely to pounce with back-to-back picks at No.45 and No.46. Liam Jones and Jack Redden loom as other potential choices at this point.

57 – BRISBANE LIONS – JACK REDDEN
Glenelg, SA, Medium midfielder, December 9, 1990, 188.6cm, 74.4kg
(Draft range: 41-82)

Burgan says: The Lions have been strongly aligned with Redden and it is understood Adelaide, Melbourne and Fremantle are also interested. He could slot in at No.41, No.57 or No.69 for the Lions. Redden tested very well at the recent South Australian state-based screening, which has pushed his cause. Glen Dawson, Todd Banfield, Hall and Mitchell Banner are also likely to come under consideration.

69 – BRISBANE LIONS – ROHAN BAIL
Mt Gravatt, QLD, Medium midfielder, 19 years old, 183cm, 91kg
(Draft range: 65-not selected)

Burgan says: A non-NAB AFL Draft Camp or state-screening invitee, Bail has done it the hard way. He represented the senior Queensland state side against Western Australia this year and also finished fourth in the Grogan Medal, the AFLQ's best-and-fairest award. Originally from Victoria, Bail has attracted strong interest in recent weeks, with the Lions the likely destination. But don't dismiss Carlton, Essendon or St Kilda with one of their last selections.

81 – BRISBANE LIONS – NICK DAVIS
Sydney Swans, NSW, Small forward, March 30, 1980, 184cm, 83kg
(Draft range: 69-not selected)

Burgan says: It could be a case of third time lucky for Davis, who has been training with the Lions in the lead-up to the draft. A premiership player with the Swans in 2005, Davis has proven ability at the highest level – who could ever forget his snap in the dying stages of the '05 finals series against Geelong? His crumb and spark up forward would help create another avenue to goal, with much of the burden now falling to stars Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.

82 – BRISBANE LIONS – PASS

Burgan says: With the Lions now believed to be the only club with any interest in reigniting Ben Cousins' AFL career, it is likely they will pass on their final selection and continue with their information-gathering on the West Coast great. St Kilda, which looked set to claim Cousins, pulled out of the running on Tuesday night. Still, if Cousins has nominated for this draft and the two parties are prepared to give it their best, don't be surprised if he is taken with the Lions' final pick. 

Click here for Matt Burgan's full 2008 Phantom Draft

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.