Western Australian small forward Lance Collard shapes as one of the most exciting prospects waiting to be drafted in November, particularly from his home state, and he is likely to be highly sought after by both West Coast and Fremantle.
Collard, regarded as one of the premier small forward prospects ahead of November's draft, is in both Western Australian clubs' sights, though he is Next Generation Academy-linked to the Eagles.
However, while Collard is Academy-aligned with the Eagles, if he drops past Pick 40 West Coast cannot match a rival bid for the promising talent. Further, based on the youngster's impressive display this year, it is hard to envisage 40 draftees having their names called out before Collard.
The 18-year-old is likeliest to fall in the second round, with Fremantle's No. 34 slot figuring to be a possible spot for the youngster to fall. The Dockers may view Collard as a ready-made replacement for the departed Lachie Schultz.
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The Eagles, in addition to the first overall selection, hold picks 23 and 37 in the second round, with Collard's probable draft range sitting in between those two choices.
However, the Gold Coast Suns making a play for Collard shouldn't be ruled out. The Suns, who only last year lost livewire small forward Izak Rankine to the Adelaide Crows, may look to this year's crop of incoming goalsneaks and hold selections 24, 26, 27, and 32; all of which sit in Collard's likely window.
While playing for a struggling Western Australia outfit in the National Championships this year - booting just two majors during the carnival - Collard returned to his domestic club, Subiaco, kicking ten goals across two head-turning finals appearances for the Lions.
Collard also kicked 32 goals through 11 outings at the Colts level, going at a near-average of three goals per game.
While Collard's thrilling skill set has been compared with the likes of Collingwood Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill and Richmond excitement machine Shai Bolton, the thinly-built forward will look to put on some muscle and improve his consistency as he prepares to embark on his professional career.
Position: Small Forward
Height: 180cm
Weight: 65kg
State: Western Australia
Club:North Beach
Pick 20-35
"He is certainly in our top couple in terms of talent." -- WA State Talent Manager Adam Jones.