The conclusion of the home and away season means the opening 10 AFL Draft selections for this year's count are locked in.
While the trade period can be utilised to cash in these selections for attainable targets, most clubs won't be looking to part ways with their opening picks - especially given the strength of this year's pool of prospects.
Richmond has locked in the opening selection of November's intake after taking out the wooden spoon, while Fremantle will round out the opening 10 picks with successive selections, having acquired Collingwood's opening pick.
Each club will have their list of draft targets they hope slip to their early selections, and with the parity in the top echelon of this year's class, it's set to be a fascinating start to this year's National Draft.
We've looked at the settled top 10 picks in this year's draft order and matched up one prospect to each selection.
VIEW: CURRENT 2024 AFL DRAFT ORDER
8. Pick 8: Essendon
Jack Whitlock
Position: Key Forward
Height: 200cm
State: Victoria
Club: Shepparton
Much like the Suns, the Bombers will need to get their affairs in order ahead of the National Draft's opening night given they hold a top 10 draft selection and also have access to an Academy-tied talent who could fetch a bid soon after.
Next Generation Academy livewire Isaa Kako will likely earn a rival bid in the first round, with Essendon likely to assess how they can come away with multiple early draft selections.
It's likely the Bombers place attention on having the needed draft points outside of Pick 8 so they can make one selection for Kako is officially a Bomber.
Murray Bushrangers tall Jack Whitlock might be the man in Essendon's sights as they potentially look at a key forward 12 months on from drafting Nate Caddy.
Whitlock has enjoyed a tremendous second half to the season, booting 12 goals in his past five Talent League games while averaging just under five marks and 20 disposals in that period.
Others to consider:ย Harry Armstrong, Jobe Shanahan, Bo Allan
