A WEEK out from the NAB AFL Draft, there is nothing more the prospective players can do to impress.

There may be some last-minute interviews with clubs in the lead-up to next Friday night's event, but after all the games, tests and chats throughout the year, there is little left to learn. 

A reminder this is a pure ranking of the best players in the country and not necessarily where they will get picked next week. AFL.com.au will publish The Phantom Draft, predicting clubs' selections, next Wednesday (November 23). 

All of which makes it the right time to release our final Phantom Form Guide for 2016 – AFL.com.au's ranking of the best 30 draft hopefuls in the land. 

POS: Midfielder, Ht 185cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 3/3/1998
From North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country 

McCluggage is all class. There is nothing more he could have done to place himself at the top of this draft pool. He's an intuitive footballer: nothing seems to faze him, he rarely appears rushed, and always makes things easier for teammates. The 18-year-old midfielder is constantly dangerous because he sets things up and finishes them, too. His handballing opens space in the midfield, he has a turn of pace, and he likes to push forward. He sets himself apart from the pack with his forward craft (he kicked 25 goals this year in 12 games for North Ballarat). Just as he is unflustered when in the middle of a pack, McCluggage is a calm personality off the field. He is naturally quiet and humble, but has a dry sense of humour that makes him a well-liked teammate.

Where does he go? In contention to be the No.1 choice and join the Bombers. If he doesn't get picked at No.1, Greater Western Sydney will closely consider at No.2. Under that scenario he is a chance to get through to the Brisbane Lions with the next pick, where he'll likely be snapped up.  

POS: Midfielder, Ht 179cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 2/6/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

McGrath catapulted himself into the top-10 with a brilliant NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for Vic Metro and never really stopped rising. He edged himself to the top of the draft board with his dash and dare out of defence. The small half-back takes the game on using his elite pace and agility, and is trusted to set up the play and gain metreage for his team. He can also shut down dangerous forwards of different sizes, and then move into the midfield and be a damaging clearance winner. McGrath matches his outstanding athleticism with a tough, aggressive approach on the field, and he captained Brighton Grammar and Vic Metro throughout the year. He is considered a leader of the future but a player who will be able to make an impact right away.

Where does he go? In the running to be picked at No.1 by the Bombers. If he doesn't get called then, McGrath looks set to be swooped upon by GWS at pick two.  

POS: Small forward, Ht 179cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 10/2/98
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Ainsworth has genuine star factor and his end to the season reminded everyone of that. After some interruptions earlier in the year, the powerful and explosive Gippsland Power product moved into the midfield and averaged 29 disposals in the last four rounds of the season. He kicked 12 goals in that time, too, which showed his point of difference. At the combine he ran 2.90 seconds over 20 metres and highlighted his explosiveness. Ainsworth will start his AFL career as a small forward who can take a great grab overhead, but he improved his endurance to show a midfield move will come in time. Ainsworth plays a little on the edge, but it makes him good. He's confident, aggressive and can play with some cheek, and he loves to have the ball in his hands when it matters.  

Where does he go? This looks like being dependent on who the Bombers take at No.1. If it's McCluggage, the Giants are set to grab McGrath and Ainsworth should get to the Lions. If McGrath goes at No.1, the Giants could swoop on Ainsworth at No.2.

Ben Ainsworth has genuine star factor. Picture: AFL Photos
 

POS: Midfielder, Ht 189cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 23/8/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

There is an inner competitiveness in Brodie that comes through in his footy over and over. He's a midfielder who hates being beaten. His go is battling for the ball in tight spaces, getting his hands onto it and then shooting it off. It's not unusual to see Brodie being tackled but still getting his arms clear to accurately hit a teammate with clean hands. He averaged 21 disposals and six clearances this year, and his size and overhead marking makes him an appealing pick. A long year got to Brodie by the end of the season and he was sore in the Murray Bushrangers' finals series, but over a three-year period he has played well in nearly all of the important games going through the talent pathway. Brodie is a determined, single-minded and ambitious prospect keen to be as good as possible.  

Where does he go? One of the most interesting questions about the order. Gold Coast will consider him with its group of top-10 picks, and Carlton has also been linked to him. But there is also a chance he gets through to North Melbourne at No.11. Hard to see him getting past Adelaide's pick 13. 

POS: Midfielder, Ht 190cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 5/2/98
From Sandringham Dragons/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT

Plenty of recruiters rank Setterfield as a top-three talent in this year's draft, and it's easy to see why. He's a tall, mobile midfielder who can influence games in a number of ways. His foot skills are more than tidy, he marks well above his head, and he isn't afraid of getting his hands dirty. Before a shoulder injury ended his year prematurely, Setterfield had a game late in the year where he collected 10 clearances and 16 tackles. Like most of the best players, Setterfield always appears to have plenty of time with the ball in his hands. Clubs also rate him highly as a character, noting his mature and respectful personality as a key quality. Greater Western Sydney has first rights on Setterfield as a member of its academy, but he is a very popular prospect among clubs.

Where does he go? Essendon has been linked as a possible bidder at No.1, and if the Dons did the Giants are a good chance not to match it and allow Setterfield to go to the Bombers (the team he barracked for growing up). But if a bid comes after pick two, which seems most likely, the Giants are tipped to match and make Setterfield theirs. 

POS: Midfield/half-forward, Ht 181cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 19/2/98
From Claremont/Western Australia

Petrevski-Seton has been highly touted for several years and will be an early selection next Friday night. The West Australian prospect is a good user of the ball on both feet, moves smoothly across the ground and, although he is quick, he tends to slow down play around him. He played senior football in the WAFL as a 16-year-old, but injury and some inconsistent form stopped him from doing that this year. Petrevski-Seton is great at spotting an option that nobody around him will see, or feigning a pass on his right, hitting it to his left and scooting off to get another touch. His tackling is also fierce, and he finished the season with an excellent display in the NAB All Stars game. Petrevski-Seton is a cool, composed character with a bit of pizzazz about him that comes through on the field. 

Where does he go? Gold Coast, Carlton and Fremantle all have an interest in Petrevski-Seton in the top 10. The Lions like him too, but it's unlikely he goes at No.3. He is keen to get to a Melbourne-based club. 

Sam Petrevski-Seton is tipped to be one of the top picks. Picture: AFL Photos 

POS: Midfielder, Ht 187cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 26/1/98
From Gold Coast Academy/Queensland

Bowes has been recongised as one of the classier midfielders in this year's group for some time. If he was in the open draft pool he'd likely be a top-five pick, and he still might attract a bid there as a member of Gold Coast's academy. Bowes is a good height to impact the game at ground level as well as in the air. His kicking is neat and sets up the play and he manages to evade traffic relatively easily. Bowes was a popular captain of Queensland at the division two championships and should develop into a midfielder with a great inside and outside balance.

Where does he go? Bowes will end up at the Suns, it's just a matter of where the bid falls for the academy prospect. It may not come until Fremantle (at No.7) or Sydney (at No.9), which would be a boost for the Gold Coast.  

POS: Midfielder, Ht 186cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 28/1/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

An enormous end to the season thrust Taranto right up the order. In his final three games of the season he kicked four goals in the Dragons' preliminary final, gathered 30 touches the following week in their premiership win, and then followed it with another four-goal effort the next week in the NAB All Stars clash. It was a short sample of his talent but said volumes about the type of player he can develop into. Taranto is a marking midfielder who wins his own ball, floats forward and hits the scoreboard. He has also shown he can be used permanently across half-forward and make an impact. 

Where does he go? The answer to this one could shape the early stages of the draft. He's in the Lions' mix for pick three, but is most likely not to be taken there. Gold Coast could jump in at No.4 to get ahead of Carlton at the next pick, while Fremantle could look at him at pick seven. 

Tim Taranto has shot into top-10 calculations. Picture: AFL Photos

POS: Midfielder/half-forward, Ht 184cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 19/12/98
From Collingullie-GP/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT

Perryman is the natural footballer in this group. He isn't overly fashionable, but hits his targets. He isn't particularly quick, but tends not to get caught. He can't jump very high but doesn't get beaten in one-on-ones. Perryman is a great kick on both feet, spots up targets and places kicks into space for forwards to lead onto. He can play across half-back, in the midfield and near goal, and does it all very smartly. He's a little bit rugged but just plays a step ahead of most of his opponents.  

Where does he go? Another Giants academy player means GWS will be hoping a bid doesn't come too early for him. Either way they should be able to match it and make him another Giant from the Riverina. 

POS: Defender/midfielder, Ht 194cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 4/9/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Scrimshaw was a key member of the Sandringham Dragons' premiership charge in the TAC Cup. The lightly-framed but tall half-back was crucial in setting up the play from defence with his piercing left foot kicking. A majority of his touches are on the outside and uncontested, but he is trusted to be the go-to man to start things for his side. He can push forward and in time sees himself as a midfield option. It's easy to see why he will likely be an early choice because, at 194cm and his bag of tricks, there's plenty to work with.

Where does he go? The Suns have been linked to Scrimshaw for some time, and he makes sense with one of their early choices. Carlton might have an interest, while he could also get through to North Melbourne (No.11) or West Coast (No.12). 

Jack Scrimshaw is a composed half-back with a strong left foot. Picture: AFL Photos 

POS: Half-forward/midfielder, Ht 181cm, Wt 71kg, DOB 5/3/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

If not for his broken leg earlier in the year, Simpkin would have been spoken about far more regularly as a top-10 pick. As it turns out, he might still end up there. But it's still a shame the injury in April ended his season so swiftly. Simpkin had shown his talents as a bottom-ager last year for Vic Country playing as a creative half-forward. He kicked four goals in his only game for the Bushrangers this year and looked set to spend more time in the midfield this season. He tested off the charts in the psychomotor test at the combine, highlighting his quick-thinking and decision-making. The likable prospect's bubbly outlook comes through on the field and he brings an energy to the forward line like few in the draft.

Where does he go? Simpkin is a chance to head to the Swans at pick nine, while Gold Coast is also in the mix. If he falls out of the top 10, North Melbourne and Adelaide will look closely at him.

POS: Key defender, Ht 194cm, Wt 92kg, DOB 13/4/98
From Swan Districts/Western Australia

Logue's end to the season and brilliant efforts at the combine make him this year's bolter. The athletic key defender showed his attributes during the testing last month at Etihad Stadium, recording a 9:58 minute 3km time trial and being the equal winner of the beep test (level 15.1). It probably underlined why many see him as the best tall defender in the pool. The most appealing aspect of his game is his intercept play: he is able to read an opponent's kick into the back half, roll off his direct opponent and run and grab the mark. His left-foot kick is safe, and he has the approach, physicality, athleticism and maturity to slot into a team next year.

Where does he go? Rocketed into top-10 calculations with his end to the year. Logue has been linked strongly to Sydney, who traded into the top-10, and Gold Coast. He will also come into consideration for the Dockers. Seems unlikely to last beyond the early teens. 

Griffin Logue ran himself into the ground at the combine. Picture: AFL Photos 

POS: Ruckman/tall forward, Ht 204cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 10/8/97
From South Fremantle/Western Australia

The 204cm ruckman came from nowhere this year, really, to leap into the first round of the draft. The West Australian is raw and has plenty of physical development left in him, but that means upside. That might be recruiters' favourite thing. English belies his height at times to be a ball-winner at ground level, and a very good kick around the ground. He has also displayed his ability to push forward and take a mark.

Where does he go? Another player in the mix for Gold Coast. GWS likes him but won't go with him at No.2. He has long been suggested as a possible Dockers pick, but there is also a chance he gets outside of the top-10 and drops down the order until later in the first round. 

POS: Midfield/half-back, Ht 191cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 5/2/98
From North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country

There might be some conjecture among recruiters about where Berry plays his best footy – is it as a rebounding defender? Through the midfield? As an attacking half-forward? – but here's the things we know about his game. Berry is brutally tough (sometimes to his own detriment), he's athletic and quick (he won the 3km time trial and beep test at the combine), he's a leader (he captained the Rebels, Vic Country and the NAB AFL Academy this year) and he's full of character. At his size and shape he could develop into a number of roles, but whichever it is he will attack the contest ferociously and leave nothing out on the ground.

Where does he go? West Coast and Adelaide may consider with their first selections, while he remains a slim chance to go in the top 10. If still available at the Lions' second choice (No.16), he could become a Lion.

POS: Tall forward, Ht 198cm, Wt 87kg, DOB 8/10/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Deniliquin/NSW-ACT

When Marshall was ruled out of Greater Western Sydney's academy grasp earlier this year after a "registration issue", other clubs rejoiced. The best tall forward in the pool was on the open market. Marshall had some solid games after that, but didn't manage to piece together a big haul of goals to keep himself right at the pointy end of the draft. His strengths as a key forward are his kicking and awareness, while his agility at ground level is special for a player his size. He will take some time but has real raw talent.

Where does he go? Not as early as it looked likely mid-season. Marshall could get through to late in the first round or early in the second, with Port Adelaide (No.17), the Western Bulldogs (No.18) and Essendon (No.20) in the mix. 

Todd Marshall shapes as one of the best key forwards in the draft. Picture: AFL Photos

POS: Half-back, Ht 189cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 10/9/98
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

The attacking half-back was poised for a move into the midfield before he broke his leg in May and required season-ending surgery. It was a disappointment for Witherden and recruiters, who were keen to see him push up the ground and use his sure kicking and game sense in a different role. Despite his absence, he remains a quality prospect. A quick look at his draft highlights shows him to be one of the best kicks in the pool, and he does things with a level of time and composure that only comes naturally. Witherden's chatty and confident persona shouldn't mask his desire to get to the top level and perform. 

Where does he go? The Power are interested in Witherden, and they have two first-round picks to take him. He's also in the mix for Brisbane at No.15, while Essendon will consider at No.20 should he get through. 

POS: Midfielder/Half-forward, Ht 183cm, WT 74kg, DOB 22/7/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Florent came into his best form late in the season. He spent more time in the midfield and was able to have a bigger impact on games, including a best-on-ground effort in the NAB All Stars game on Grand Final eve. Florent has pace, class and can play in a half-forward role as well as in the middle. He is good at dodging traffic and has a nice step out of trouble, and his skills are strong. He endured a tough year, losing his father after a long illness, but remained resilient throughout, which impressed clubs no end. 
Where does he go?
 Florent has been linked to North Melbourne at pick 11. That could be a touch early, and if he doesn't get there he may get through to the Western Bulldogs or Essendon later in the top 20. Adelaide and Sydney are the two non-Victorian clubs who seem most likely to have a dip if he's there, but many think he'll stay in Melbourne. 

Oliver Florent breaks free of a Shai Bolton tackle. Picture: AFL Photos

POS: Half-forward, Ht 186cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 26/10/98
From North Adelaide/South Australia

Hayward stormed home late in the season to push his case as a first-round draft choice. He kicked nine goals to put his North Adelaide under-18s side into the Grand Final and backed it up with four goals in its Grand Final loss. Had they won, many suspect he would have been judged best afield. There may be a knock on his kicking, but he has plenty of power in his boot and he likes to fly for his marks. He's a bouncy, rangey type of prospect who seems to have plenty of development left in him. 

Where does he go? Hayward has been invited to the draft, which indicates he is in the mind of at least one club as a top-10 pick. Carlton, Sydney and Gold Coast have been linked to him. Port and Adelaide, outside the top 10, may also have some interest.   

POS: Midfielder, Ht 183cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 3/5/98
From Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

The former volleyballer is a damaging, ball-carrying midfielder who can break the lines with his pace. Gallucci kicked five goals in a game late in the year for the Eastern Ranges and has regularly been a presence across half-forward when not ripping the ball out of clearances. Gallucci starred at the combine last month when he broke the all-time record for the standing vertical jump and won the repeat sprints test.

Where does he go? Seems likely to fit in between pick 13 and 20. Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and the Swans have all been mooted as possible homes for Gallucci.  

POS: Midfielder/half-forward, Ht 186cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 19/11/98
From Western Jets/Vic Metro 

Venables is a powerful, aggressive midfielder who can take the ball out of a stoppage and burst away. His best form for the season came during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for Vic Metro, including in round two against Vic Country when he stepped up in the dying moments to guide his side to victory. A foot injury limited him in the second half of the season, which makes him one of the harder players to place in the order. But he has a point of difference with his pace, strength and size.

Where does he go? Likely to be in the mix for some clubs late in the first round and early in the second. The Brisbane Lions have been linked to him, as has Essendon, in that region of selections. 

POS: Half-forward, Ht 178cm, Wt 68kg, DOB 8/12/98
From South Fremantle/Western Australia

Bolton is the type of player who could make us look pretty silly for having him so deep on this list. His talent is top-end: he can jump high and run quick (he did the 20-metre sprint in 2.95 seconds), take big marks, kick clever goals and produce freakish moments. His run and carry is what makes him different to other prospects, and the indigenous teenager is able to break the lines like few others.

Where does he go? His talent is so immense that it wouldn't surprise if a club went for him a little earlier than expected. He most likely sits somewhere in the second round, with the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Carlton and Richmond among the possibilities.  

Shai Bolton is one of the quickest prospects in the pool. Picture: AFL Photos

POS: Key forward, Ht 192cm, Wt 90kg, DOB 1/9/98
From Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Battle was probably the most consistent tall forward in the draft this year. He booted 24 goals from eight games in the TAC Cup, and kicked 11 for Vic Country at the under-18 championships. Battle might not be the absolute power key forward at the next level, but the top level is likely to suit his game better than some of the small grounds he has been stuck on at under-18 level. He likes space and has a great tank that allows him to roam up and down the ground and outwork his opponents. Battle is also a terrific and efficient shot for goal.  

Where does he go? Battle is likely to fit into the draft towards the end of the first round or early in the second. Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Geelong have all been suggested as possible matches. 

POS: Midfielder/half-forward, Ht 186cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 8/1/98
From East Perth/Western Australia

Powell-Pepper brings some genuine power to the draft. He's the midfield bull who will charge at a stoppage not fearing what's in the way. He can sometimes blaze away by foot, but he is a long kick and good overhead. He is also a great endurance athlete, so combines his explosive streak with an ability to go all day. Last year he played as a half-back, and this year showed his development by pushing up the ground to the midfield and at times across half-forward.  

Where does he go? Collingwood, Richmond and St Kilda have all been linked to Powell-Pepper in the second round. West Coast could swoop if he gets through to No.34, which is unlikely. 

POS: Half-back, Ht 184cm, Wt 70kg, DOB 19/8/97
From North Ballarat Rebels

Cox's rise has been meteoric in a draft sense. He moved from Halls Creek in remote Western Australia to Camperdown in Victoria last year, and this season started playing for the North Ballarat Rebels at TAC Cup level. He quickly took the eye off half-back with his ball use and pace, and was used up the ground on the wing and across half-forward at times. Cox's game sense and dash makes him a dangerous player with ball in hand.

Where does he go? The Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne have shown interest in Cox, while the Bombers could also consider with their second-round selections.  

Cedric Cox catches the eye with his pace and skill. Picture: AFL Photos


POS: Tall defender, Ht 192cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 20/10/98
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The mobile defender is a modern size that will appeal to clubs. At 192cm he can play in a variety of roles, including as a third tall or lockdown key defender, as well as moving onto a wing and gathering plenty of the ball. He kicks it nicely (he won the kicking test at the NAB AFL Draft Combine), reads the ball smartly in the air and is a well-rounded prospect. With some extra size he will be able to use his body better in contests too.

Where does he go? Ridley has plenty of fans in the second round. The Lions will look at him with their early 20s picks, while Geelong and Collingwood will also consider with the picks in that range.

POS: Midfielder, Ht 183cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 25/2/98
From North Adelaide/South Australia

Graham might be one of the most ready prospects to step into an AFL midfield, purely because of his body size and approach at the contest. The South Australian captain was rewarded for an outstanding carnival by being named this year's Larke medallist. He averaged 25 disposals across the championships, and used his mature frame to shove others out of the way and get the ball going his side's way. He has a presence about him in the midfield, which is important.  

Where does he go? Likely to fit into the second round as a big-bodied midfielder who is ready to play.  

POS: Midfielder, Ht 184cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 31/8/98
From Palm Beach Currumbin/Queensland

A heel injury cut short Scheer's season towards the end of the year, and also ruled him out of testing at the combine. Scheer is an inside midfielder who is best at taking the ball out of stoppages. He averaged the most contested disposals (15.7 a game) and clearances (seven a game) in the under-18 championships for the Allies. For a midfielder Scheer has a good goal sense, and is more than comfortable resting inside-50 and being dangerous. He is a member of Gold Coast's academy.  

Where does he go? A second-round bid seems most likely for Scheer, and that would suit the Suns. Their next pick after the top 10 doesn't come until No.71, but they are loaded with second-round picks for next year so won't be fussed going into a points deficit in the second round. 

POS: Midfielder, Ht 177cm, Wt 69kg, DOB 27/4/98
From Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Brown is on the shorter side, but it hasn't tended to matter when he's been out on the field. He's a ball-winning midfielder who has the natural sense for finding the footy and making the right decision when it's in his hands. He's clever and crafty by foot and can get out of space with a quick step despite not being really speedy. The 18-year-old, who won All Australian honours for Vic Metro, is the son of former Collingwood captain Gavin Brown so falls into the Pies' grasp as a father-son candidate.

Where does he go? Unless a bid comes surprisingly early, the father-son prospect should become a Magpie. Collingwood has enough points to get him into the club. Could the Bombers be the club to bid?

Callum Brown is the son of Collingwood's 1990 premiership hero, Gavin. Picture: AFL Photos

POS: Tall defender, Ht 194cm, Wt 90kg, DOB 13/8/98
From Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

The All Australian key defender is hard to beat one-on-one and in the air. He's good at using his body to gain the best position in a marking contest and makes solid decisions under pressure. He was one of the best-performed defenders at the mid-year carnival for South Australia, and he has the height to take on some of the key forwards around the competition at the next level.

Where does he go? Has caught some interest in the second round, where tall defenders often start to come into consideration. Sydney could also look at him at No.19 if things fall a certain way earlier. 

POS: Key forward, Ht 194cm, Wt 93kg, DOB 31/7/98
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

There's some old-fashioned traits in Kerr, a key forward who played for the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro this year. Kerr enjoys leading out of the goalsquare at the ball, and took the most marks on the lead of any player at the under-18 carnival. That highlighted his style, and he is a reasonably solid kick for goal. In a draft light on for talls, he is in the top group. Some have questioned Kerr's pace but he ran 3.03 seconds at the combine over 20 metre sprint, although his agility result at the lower end.  

Where does he go? Could sneak into the back end of the top-30, but may also fit in a little later on early into the third round.