Arguably the biggest bolter throughout 2024, Alix Tauru has shot into the top 10 calculations.
Heavily linked with North Melbourne, who could split Pick 2 for a pair of later selections, Tauru has the attributes of a modern-day footballer.
The versatile utility has stood up and made all recruiters and draft followers take notice throughout this season with many impactful performances in the Talent League competition.
The Gippsland Power product averaged 14.5 disposals and six marks in 12 matches, earning a Team of the Year selection.
He was ultra-impressive in all testing at the National Draft Combine, recording the best running vertical jump (94cm) of all participants, while his times of 3.00 seconds on the 20m sprint, 8.20 seconds on the agility test and 6:36 on the 2km time trial provided clear indications of his elite athleticism.
Likened to Hawthorn captain James Sicily and Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir, Taura has the capability of playing on all three lines, but he's most proven in the backline.
He is expected to go early on the first night as one of the very few non-midfielders with elite talent.
Position: Utility
Height: 193cm
State: Victoria
Club: Warragul Industrials
Versatility
Marking
Athleticism
Leap
Pick 6-15
Richmond (Pick 6, 10 and 11)
Melbourne (Pick 9)
West Coast (Pick 12)
GWS (Pick 15)
"Exciting tall defender whose spectacular ability in the air propelled him into the Victoria Country team for its final three matches of the National Championships after not being selected in the initial squad earlier in the year. A graceful mover over the ground, he also showed versatility in playing in the midfield and forward." - Kevin Sheehan.