With the AFL regular season done and dusted, so to are the campaigns for 10 unfortunate clubs now heading to the drawing board to plan their off-season ahead.
Threw the many mechanisms AFL clubs are able to utilise to bolster their respective lists, there are none harder to perfect than the National Draft.
Partcilcualry for the bottom 10 sides, and therefore the first 10 clubs on the board come draft night, nailing their first selections can make or break what may have already been a difficult year for the cellar-dwelling sides.
With the 2022 Draft Order's first 10 selections locked in, for now, we take a look at 10 of the leading AFL Draft prospects ahead of November's count...
Will Ashcroft
Among the very few draftees who knows where his future lies, Will Ashcroft will venture to Brisbane on draft night as a father-son selection and likely first overall pick.
The Sandringham Dragons midfielder has only strengthened his prospects as the top player in his class this year, averaging 35.3 disposals, 4.9 tackles and 6.7 inside 50s per game in the NAB League.
His National Championships numbers are as equally impressive, having led Vic Metro to the competition's grand final.
Ashcroft boasts explosive tendencies in midfield, able to leave his fellow onballers trailing in his path as he moves to deliver the ball into attack with precision.
While his destination is locked in, Ashcroft's spot in the draft order will be of much anticipation, with North Melbourne needing to weigh up a decision to either bid for the talented teenager or allow the Lions a cheaper route to securing the son of club great and triple premiership player Marcus.
Clubs in the mix: N/A
George Wardlaw
Seen on a similar echelon to Ashcroft ahead of this season, injuries haven't been kind to Oakleigh Chargers ball-winner George Wardlaw, with hamstring issues limiting the midfielder to three appearances in the NAB Lague.
Across those appearances, including a best-on-ground outing in Round 1 against the Dragons, Wardlaw has been a standout for his side as an impactful threat at the coal-face.
Able to muscle his way in and out of a contest, Wardlaw has proven to be a bonafide star in the making and is likely to land among the first handful of selections at the draft.
North Melbourne are sure to strongly consider his services with their opening selection, and you can assume Wardlaw might be a lock to land at Arden Street should the Roos be equipped with a compensation selection.
Clubs in the mix: North Melbourne (Pick 1), West Coast (Pick 2), GWS (Pick 3)
Harry Sheezel
Arguably the most exciting prospect in his class, Sheezel has made a name for himself across his prolific ability and prowess in front of goal for the Sandringham Dragons, with 2022 seeing the mercurial half-forward stake his claim as a top-five pick ahead of the National Draft.
Sheezel became the first player in eight years to record over 200 Champion Data ranking points in three NAB League matches this season, a trio of performances that included a six-goal, 28-disposals outing against Tasmania.
His versatility to be a deadly threat in attack and also move into the midfield to win his own ball will have AFL clubs salivating at his services, with Sheezel drawing comparisons to the likes of AFL greats Steve Johnson and Robbie Gray.
Should the Roos look for a prospect that can add to their squad outside of the engine room, Sheezel could be their top option, while the Bombers are sure to have him in their sights as they look to sharpen their spear for 2023.
Clubs in the mix: North Melbourne (Pick 1), GWS (Pick 3), Essendon (Pick 4)
Elijah Tsatas
The leading outside midfield option for 2022, but more than capable of receiving the ball at the coal-face, Tsatas has led the Chargers this year given Wardlaw's absence through injury.
The agile and pacey onballer has averaged 33.8 disposals, 7.0 marks and 8.8 inside 50s for Oakleigh in his draft year, ranking top five in the NAB League for all three metrics in a stellar return given his own injury issues throughout his development.
Like those mentioned before him, Tsatas is seen as a top-five prospect for 2022, however his services can bolster an AFL club's flanks as a formidable wing or half-back option in the early years of his career.
The Eagles could consider the 187cm-tall midfielder with their early pick, while the Hawks may look to compliment their young inside midfield brigade with Tstas on the outside.
With Gold Coast likely to land Adelaide's first-round pick in a trade with Izak Rankine, the Suns are likely to move for Tsatas now given Noah Anderson's move into the middle and Brandon Ellis' limited time left in the league.
Clubs in the mix: West Coast (Pick 2), GWS (Pick 3), Hawthorn (Pick 6), Gold Coast (Pick 7)
Jhye Clark
The first name placed on the fringe of the top five, the Geelong Falcons captain is a bonafide ball-winner and contested bull that is sure to have several clubs potentially weighing up says to advance their place in the draft pick pecking order.
Clark entered 2022 rated as highly as Ashcroft and Wardlaw, and has done to hinder his prospects this year.
The teenager has amassed stellar numbers for the Falcons, recording 25.4 disposals, 4.7 marks, 4.8 tackles, 5.8 inside 50s and booting five goals from his nine NAB League matches.
Clark was able to effortlessly place himself among Vic Country's best in the National Championships and will look to the end of the tournament to further strengthen his chances as an early first-round selection.
The Bombers may look to Clark should they seek another onballer, while Sam Mitchell may see the highly-rated midfielder as the next on his wishlist.
Clubs in the mix: Essendon (Pick 4), Hawthorn (Pick 6), St Kilda (Pick 9)
Aaron Cadman
Seen as the leading option among key forwards, Aaron Cadman's 2022 season with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels has seen the 196cm-tall spearhead quicky rise through the ranks.
34 goals from 12 games sees Cadman sit atop the NAB League leading goalkicker standings and now sit in the potential top-five calculations.
Cadman's accurate eye for goal, balanced set-shot routine and strong aerial ability is sure to have him in the sights of many keen clubs, with his big frame potentially able to help have an immediate impact at AFL level in 2023.
The Giants may look to the Darley native as an answer to their forward stocks, while the Bombers are sure to come calling as they look to find a partner for Peter Wright in their forward third.
Clubs in the mix: GWS (Pick 3), Essendon (Pick 4), Hawthorn (Pick 6)
Cameron Mackenzieย
One that may slip through the Saints' fingers, but there's no ruling out a potential Moorabbin stay for the St Kilda Next Generation Academy prospect.
On a similar line with Cadman, Mackenzie has sky-rocketed through the rankings this year to firm as a certain first-round selection, standing as the Robin to Ashcroft's Batman at the Dragons.
Mackenzie has averaged 24.1 touches and 4.1 inside 50s per game in the NAB League to be a consistent threat in midfield for Sandringham and earn a spell with Vic Mertro, where he didn't disappoint.
Needing to slip outside the top 40 selections for St Kilda to match a rival's bid as an NGA product, it's now set to be a scramble among several clubs at the top of the draft board to secure Mackenzie's services.
You can rule out the Saints' chances at Pick 9, but the Suns, Power and Hawks may also be looking toward the versatile onballer.
Clubs in the mix:ย Hawthorn (Pick 6), Gold Coast (Pick 7), Port Adelaide (Pick 8), St Kilda (Pick 9)
Mattaes Phillipouย
The leading name out of South Australia, Phillipou boasts explosive capabilities and has continued to rival Sheezel as the draft's most tantalising midfield-forward threat.
The Woodville-West Torrens young gun has been prominent in the Eagles' under-18s team and has featured at the senior SANFL side on three occasions, booting four goals and averaging 14 disposals.
A back injury has hampered his prospects this season, but Phillipou has remained in calculations for a top 10 selection.
The medium-sized utility's season peaked in his state's clash against the Allies, collecting 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 5 clearances and 2 goals for the croweaters.
With the Crows set to part with their first-round pick it's unlikely Phillipou ends up at West Lakes, while fellow SA side Port Adelaide could come calling after the loss of Robbie Gray to retirement. Hawthorn and Carlton may also be keen on his services.
Clubs in the mix:ย Hawthorn (Pick 5), Port Adelaide (Pick 8), Carlton (Pick 10)
Jedd Busslinger
The top-rated key defender by some distance it seems, Busslinger emerging as a backman that can slot straight into an AFL side's rearguard as early as next year.
Like his fellow Western Australian in Denver Grainger-Barras, Busslinger is sure to gain attention among clubs with the opening selections but could find himself heading east at year's end.
The Eagles at Pick 2 are sure to strongly consider the 196cm-tall defender, but Essendon, Gold Coast and St Kilda may also emerge as keen suitors.
Busslinger is highly-regarded for his intercept marking and ability to impact aerial contests, while offering sublime use of the ball out of defensive 50.
The WA prospect had his 2022 campaign end abruptly after going under the knife on a shoulder issue.
Clubs in the mix: West Coast (Pick 2), Essendon (Pick 4), Gold Coast (Pick 7), St Kilda (Pick 9)
Elijah Hewett
Another Western Australian prospect, Hewett has seen his prospects shift across the course of the year and could fall into the late first-round range at this year's National Draft.
The Caversham native entered the year as one of the highest-rated ball winners but has slid after mixed results in the National Championships.
A 29-disposal, 2-goal outing against Vic Metro was a highlight for Hewett, who has featured in eight matches for Swan Districts' senior side in 2022, while also recording a season-high 31 disposals in a reserves match against Claremont.
If the Eagles are looking local for more midfield talent, Hewett may be their man, while Port Adelaide and St Kilda could come calling at the back-end of the top 10.
Clubs in the mix: West Coast (Pick 2), Port Adelaide (Pick 8), St Kilda (Pick 9)
