HERE is AFL Media's Phantom Draft for 2018.

This year has presented a new challenge, with the ability of clubs to trade during the draft, meaning more have been tight-lipped about their plans for the two-day event.

But here is how they think the top 30 picks could fall, with selections having changed order given we have also predicted where bids could come.

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SAM WALSH

POS: Midfielder
Ht 184cm, Wt 77kg, DOB 2/7/00
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Walsh has been the most consistent player in his draft by some way. As one recruiter put it this week, "He has not played a bad game". The midfielder is a standout for his running ability, work ethic, capacity to find the ball and make the most of his touches. Add to all of that his character, and Walsh's appeal comes through. There aren't many prospects in recent years who have been as widely popular and respected among their draft peers as Walsh is this year: he's friendly, professional, smart and has time for everyone. If the Blues choose him at No.1 he won't let them down.

If not him? They have made it known all along that choosing Walsh wasn't a fait accompli. They have really liked Izak Rankine and he is a match-winner, while Jack Lukosius is also a possibility. The Blues have always been fans of Max King, but it'd be a major shock if they grabbed him first.

JACK LUKOSIUS

POS: Tall forward
Ht 194cm, Wt 85kg, DOB 9/8/00
From Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

A key forward with an ability to shift a game with his athleticism, running ability, footy smarts and elite ball use, Lukosius has performed well and proven himself at senior level all year. He could start nearly anywhere on the ground because of his running ability – centre half-forward, as a defender or on the wing – and his kicking is as good as you'll find. Lukosius is a relaxed, laidback character and has taken the hype in his stride since his breakout four-goal performance in his senior SANFL debut last year.

If not him? If Sam Walsh isn't taken No.1 by the Blues, then the Suns will grab Walsh, probably with pick No.2. 

IZAK RANKINE

POS: Half-forward/midfielder
Ht 180cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 23/4/00
From West Adelaide/South Australia

Rankine might be the most exciting player in the draft. He's a game-changer, match-winner, eye-catcher – whatever you want to call it, Rankine's it. The half-forward lights up games with his skill and pace, and he's starred in plenty of the big games he's played in over the past two years. The back-to-back All Australian has his own swagger and style, and the Suns could add him knowing he'll be playing a lot of senior footy next year.

If not him? It looks very likely that, unless a trade happens, the top-three on draft night will consist of Sam Walsh, Jack Lukosius and Rankine. Whichever one the Blues don't pick, the Suns will very likely grab. 

MAX KING

POS: Tall forward
Ht 204cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 7/7/00
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

King wanted to be the No.1 pick this year – such is his ability and confidence in what he can produce. Unfortunately, the knee injury he suffered after only a couple of games in April ended his season and since then he has been on the sidelines, often in St Kilda's gym doing his rehabilitation program. King is an athletic forward who is great in the air and at ground level, and likes the big moments. He would have dominated this year if not for the injury.

If not him? The Saints interviewed Connor Rozee recently and have been thinking hard about taking the versatile South Australian. Midfielders Bailey Smith and Jye Caldwell are also in St Kilda's mix.

CONNOR ROZEE

POS: Half-forward/midfielder
Ht 185cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 22/1/00
From North Adelaide/South Australia

It was a stunning end to the season for Rozee, who showed his class playing at senior level for North Adelaide. He featured prominently in the Roosters' charge to the premiership, having moved to the backline and impressed as an attacking half-back. He can mark well above his head, he is a penetrating and damaging kick, and is versatile, being able to play in the midfield and at both ends of the ground. Port Adelaide didn't move up the draft board just to pick a local, but Rozee's talents see him around this mark.

If not him? If Max King got through to pick five, the Power would swoop. They will also likely decide between Rozee and Ben King (whom they met this week) at this spot, although Jye Caldwell is also a chance to be taken here.

BEN KING

POS: Tall forward/defender
Ht 202cm, Wt 85kg, DOB 7/7/00
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro 

King's versatility makes him a very appealing prospect for clubs. He started the year as a defender, where his reach and speed made him very hard to get past, and he ended it as a goalkicking machine at under-18 level having switched forward. Like twin brother Max, King is exceptionally athletic for a player his size and in the future should also be able to pinch-hit in the ruck. The Suns lost quality talls in the off-season, so King is in their sights.

If not him? Under this scenario, it could see the Suns choosing between King and midfielder Jye Caldwell. If Connor Rozee is still on the board at No.6 they will also strongly consider him.

BAILEY SMITH

POS: Midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 7/12/00
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro 

The Dogs have been long linked with Smith at No.7, and he presents as a really good option. A quality midfielder who progressed from the half-back line, where he played last year, Smith dominated games this season through sheer will power. He's tough, works hard, has pace and runs all day. Smith missed the end of the season with Achilles injuries, but is one of the most dedicated and disciplined young prospects clubs have come across in many years.

If not him? The Dogs will likely pick between Smith, Jye Caldwell and Ben King at this spot. All are very much in the equation, with some believing they could opt for Caldwell over Smith.

(MATCHING ADELAIDE'S BID)

NICK BLAKEY

POS: Tall forward/midfielder
Ht 195cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 27/2/00
From Sydney Swans Academy/Allies 

Sydney will get another gun out of their Academy after winning the battle for Blakey ahead of North Melbourne and Brisbane, either of which he could have joined as a father-son selection given his dad John is a great of both clubs. Blakey has had another injury-interrupted season, struggling with an ankle issue for the last couple of months of the year. He is a third tall forward who can lead at the ball and fly for marks then wheel onto his left foot, while he's also shown he can do some good things in the midfield, too.

If not him? The Swans will match the bid for Blakey, so he will be their man with their first pick. It means their original first selection (No.27 at the start of the draft) will slide up and one of their other picks will be impacted. Port Adelaide could also place a bid on Blakey at No.5 or No.10.

(MATCHING ADELAIDE'S BID)

TARRYN THOMAS

POS: Midfielder
Ht 189cm, Wt 73kg, DOB 25/3/00
From North Launceston/Tasmania/Allies 

The Roos have first access to the Next Generation Academy prospect, who has been a part of their program for the past few years. Thomas had an up and down year, but he is midfielder who can push forward and kick goals, and he has also spent time in defence, including when he played for North's VFL side.

If not him? It will be interesting if the Crows do bid at this stage and whether North Melbourne will definitely match it for Thomas. They have stocked up on points so are expecting a first-round bid.

JYE CALDWELL

POS: Midfielder
Ht 184cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 28/9/00
From Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

There's been a fair bit of buzz around Caldwell in the past couple of months, despite no footy being played and the midfielder having missed a large chunk of the season anyway through injury. However, that probably just shows his quality. Caldwell is an explosive, tough, competitive midfielder who wins a nice balance of his own touches plus providing run on the outside. He'd be a nice player to get through to the Crows.

If not him? There's a few in the Crows' mix for their first pick. Ben King could be a chance to be available, while Chayce Jones, Jackson Hately and Jordan Clark are also contenders.

JACKSON HATELY

POS: Midfielder
Ht 190cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 21/10/00
From Central District/South Australia 

The impressive midfielder, who some clubs can see also playing as a forward in the future, had a good year across all teams he played for. He kicks the ball well, is a nice size to go and win his own ball, and he also has strong leadership traits. That will appeal to clubs at the top end, given the importance placed on character when deciding upon their respective draft orders. The Giants have rated Hately highly for most of the year.

If not him? There will be a bit of cat-and-mouse about this pick, with the Giants' picks either side of Port Adelaide's. They could look at Jordan Clark, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Zak Butters or Chayce Jones here.

JORDAN CLARK

POS: Half-back
Ht 182cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 16/10/00
From Claremont/Western Australia

Clark's rise has been sharp this season, resulting him in being a likely first-rounder on Thursday night. The talented half-back sets up the play from that area of the ground and the Power like him and could look for him to bolster that part of their list. Clark was recently diagnosed with glandular fever and could face a few weeks back in Perth before moving interstate (if he is picked by a club outside WA) but that will not make an impact on his draft position.

If not him? Would the Power grab Jackson Hately at this choice if he gets past the Crows and Giants? Chayce Jones is also a possibility. 

RILEY COLLIER-DAWKINS

POS: Midfielder
Ht 193cm, Wt 88kg, DOB 3/2/00
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Greater Western Sydney is one of a handful of clubs to have interviewed Collier-Dawkins in the past few days and he's in contention to be their choice. The midfielder is something of an 'upside' pick – he's shown some really exciting glimpses, including in the finals series for the Oakleigh Chargers, but hasn't been a huge ball-winner at TAC Cup level. He's a tall midfielder who is best at digging out the ball and feeding it off.

If not him? The same three or four names apply here for the Giants as at their first pick, although if things go a certain way then Xavier Duursma could also come into contention.

CHAYCE JONES

POS: Midfielder
Ht 180cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 14/1/00
From Launceston/Tasmania/Allies 

Geelong has been linked to Jones as one of their preferred options and he brings real versatility. Jones is a hardened, tough, reliable player who can be used anywhere on the ground: midfield is his go-to, but he can also be picked as a small forward or back. The Tasmanian enjoyed some good moments at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships without starring, but he starred at the Draft Combine later in the year and clubs like his no-fuss, professional approach.

If not him? Others who are in the Cats' range are Riley Collier-Dawkins, who the Cats spoke to this week, Jordan Clark and Jackson Hately. 

(MATCHING ADELAIDE'S BID)

ISAAC QUAYNOR

POS: Half-back
Ht 182cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 15/1/00
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The Pies will be waiting (a little nervously) to see where a bid comes for Quaynor, hoping it falls at pick 15 or later. They'll match if it's at this stage of the draft, given the discount they get for the rebounding small defender who is a part of their Next Generation Academy. Quaynor had a terrific year, winning All Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. He's also a bubbly, warm personality who is well-liked in all the teams he has been a part of.

If not him? The Pies' first pick is set to be used on Quaynor, unless a bid comes earlier than expected and they don't decide to match. But that's considered unlikely.

ZAK BUTTERS

POS: Midfielder
Ht 181cm, Wt 70kg, DOB 8/9/00
From Western Jets/Vic Metro

Most things Butters touches turns into a good piece of play for his side. He's smaller and slight, but he runs with the ball well, hits his targets, makes the play and creates. He will start more as a small forward option and potentially progress onto a wing in time, and Adelaide has been interested in him among their batch of picks. Butters has recovered from his mid-season shoulder surgery and last week completed a 2km time trial under the watchful eyes of recruiters.

If not him? There's a few possibilities, but it'll be interesting to see who is left for the Crows to take. Would Jackson Hately get there or would they try for Riley Collier-Dawkins? There's a slim chance Chayce Jones is still on the board as well.

IAN HILL

POS: Midfielder/half-forward
Ht 175cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 9/2/00
From Perth/Western Australia

If you'd said at the start of the year that Hill would be available at pick 17 it would have raised eyebrows. But he looms as being around that mark. It hasn't been the year Hill would have liked, with shoulder injuries bookending his season, but he remains one of the most skilled players in it: he's lightning quick, can jump high and is classy around goal. He also brings with him some natural cheek and confidence that others don't possess; he likes to run down the wing and have others chase him and could team up with cousins Stephen and Bradley Hill at the Dockers.

If not him? Zak Butters would be a good chance if he gets through to their pick but he might be gone. Xavier Duursma and Sam Sturt could be a chance, as may be Liam Stocker. 

XAVIER DUURSMA

POS: Midfielder
Ht 185cm, Wt 71kg, DOB 7/7/00
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Duursma is on the radar of the Lions and for good reason. He enjoyed a consistent season for the Gippsland Power and Vic Country, roaming through the midfield and across half-back. He's a rangy size but can run well and separate himself from packs with some speed. Would nicely complement what the Power would have brought in with their first two picks.  

If not him? They interviewed Ian Hill recently and he is a chance at this spot. Liam Stocker, Zak Butters and Jackson Hately are also possibilities. 

NED McHENRY

POS: Midfielder/small forward
Ht 178cm, Wt 71kg, DOB 13/7/00
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

McHenry is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm and plays his footy in the same spirit, always in the thick of the action and involved in the game. He will probably be picked as a small forward to start, where his tackling pressure and intensity comes through, but he has the tank and ability to play in the midfield and show his wares there. McHenry is tenacious and tough but will be a fan favourite. He's also a favourite of the Crows.

If not him? The Crows are another club who could look at Xavier Duursma if he's still available here, and maybe Curtis Taylor comes into their thinking at this stage. They could also place a bid on GWS Academy ruckman Kieren Briggs at this stage. 

LIAM STOCKER

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 23/1/00
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Stocker won the Morrish Medal in the TAC Cup after storming home in the back end of the season, having missed the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with a broken jaw. He's a big and strong midfielder who is great at the stoppages, a nice kick on both feet and will back himself to play plenty of senior footy next year. An articulate, confident character who might have been ranked a little higher if not for his interrupted first half of the season. The Tigers lost some depth in the midfield in the Trade Period and bringing in another ball-winner could be a priority.

If not him? The Tigers will look at Ned McHenry if he's there, while Ian Hill is also right in the frame if available. His ability may be too hard to pass up even if he's not exactly what the Tigers are after. Sam Sturt is a possibility although unlikely.  

LUKE VALENTE

POS: Midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 8/5/00
From Norwood/South Australia

Valente presents as a good option in a number of ways. He's had a consistent season and can go both inside and outside in his midfield role, he's a nice kick and he performed well at the national carnival for South Australia. Valente is also a solid citizen, having captained his side to its state title during the under-18 championships. The Lions are looking for a midfield/forward option.

If not him? Xavier Duursma, should he get past some others, is a really big shot here at the Lions' pick, as may be Xavier O'Halloran, Liam Stocker and Ian Hill. 

SAM STURT

POS: Half-forward
Ht 188cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 12/5/00
From Dandenong Stingrays

The bolter of this year's crop and it would cap his rise if the Giants took him with a first-round pick. He's a half-forward who starred in the Dandenong Stingrays' run to the TAC Cup premiership with his poise and smarts close to goal. He then excelled at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, in what was his first set of testing results having come from a cricket background. The Giants have done some work on him and he would add a different dimension to their forward mix.

If not him? Xavier Duursma is in their mix at their first couple of picks, so would be snapped up here. Ian Hill may also appeal, as may Xavier O'Halloran. They may also use this pick to slide up and match a bid for Academy prospect Kieren Briggs. 

CURTIS TAYLOR

POS: Half-forward/midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 6/4/00
From Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

Taylor plays in a similar vein to retired West Coast goalkicker Mark LeCras as a medium forward who is good on the lead and a sharp kick for goal. The Eagles might be in a position to immediately replace LeCras as well if Taylor gets through a couple of other interested parties just before their pick. He had some injury limitations at stages this season but is a classy player and a clever finisher.

If not him? Xavier Duursma and Sam Sturt are chances, as is local boy Ian Hill if he's to slip this far. Could the Eagles place a bid on North father-son Bailey Scott? 

(MATCHING ADELAIDE'S BID)

KIEREN BRIGGS

POS: Ruckman
Ht 200cm, Wt 98kg, DOB 6/10/99
From GWS Academy/Allies

The Crows are keen to add to their ruck division and Briggs is the leading candidate if they want a big man from this year's draft. He was the All Australian ruckman after a strong championships for the Allies, and is an aggressive, big and physical unit who likes to throw his weight around and can make an impact around the ground. 

If not him? The Giants could choose not to match a bid here – it's line-ball. If they don't match, the likes of Sam Sturt, Curtis Taylor, Liam Stocker, Ian Hill and Xavier Duursma will all be under consideration. 

(MATCHING ADELAIDE'S BID)

WILL KELLY

POS: Key defender
Ht 194cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 16/8/00
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The Pies are expected to match another bid and claim Kelly, the son of former defender Craig Kelly and brother of Adelaide's Jake. Kelly is a key defender who rose steadily throughout the season, and even played the last chunk of games for the Oakleigh Chargers with an ankle fracture. A defender who is comfortable with the ball in hand.

If not him? It's hard to see the Pies passing on Kelly, unless a bid comes much earlier than expected. They are prepared to go into a points deficit for next year and you would to claim Kelly and Quaynor.

XAVIER O'HALLORAN

POS: Midfielder
Ht 187cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 11/7/00
From Vic Metro/Western Jets

O'Halloran is a strong-bodied midfielder who can also push forward and hit the scoreboard, and he captained Vic Metro at the under-18 championships. He has plenty of suitors around this part of the draft and may be in consideration for the Crows to add to their draft haul. O'Halloran finished his year by showing his excellent athleticism at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.

If not him? Luke Valente could still be on the board and has some similarities to O'Halloran, while half-forward Curtis Taylor could also be a shot. 

JACOB KOSCHITZKE

POS: Key defender
Ht 196cm, Wt 94kg, DOB 11/7/00
From Murray Bushrangers/Allies

Koschitzke is seen as perhaps the next best key defender in the pool behind Will Kelly and Ben King (who now plays forward anyway), so if the Eagles are keen to add to their tall defensive stocks he would be a good option at this selection. The cousin of former Saints forward Justin, Koschitzke is a good size, he's competitive and he can also play at both ends of the ground. The Eagles have been linked as having an interest in the 18-year-old.

If not him? It would be interesting what the Eagles do here if they don't go with Koschitzke. Local midfielder Luke Foley could be a contender.

(MATCHING MELBOURNE'S BID)

RHYLEE WEST

POS: Midfielder
Ht 180cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 12/7/00
From Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

A rugged midfielder with a nasty streak, West is combative, tough and can find the ball at will. He's best when he's fighting for it and then coming out the other side of the pack with it in his hands, but he's also a powerful player with a quick sidestep. The Dogs get first access to him given his link to the club – his father Scott won seven best and fairests for the club in a 324-game career – and West has grown up around Whitten Oval.

If not him? The Dogs are expecting a bid around this range for the father-son, which will see them just slide their second-round pick up the order. 

TOM McKENZIE

POS: Half-back
Ht 184cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 23/6/00
From Northern Knights/Vic Metro

McKenzie tested as the quickest player at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, running the 20m sprint in 2.90 seconds. He had an up and down year, but McKenzie's capacity to make the play off half-back and provide real energy and drive from there. The Dees are on the lookout for some more run and carry and he could be their man at their first choice.

If not him? The Dees would pounce on Sam Sturt if he got this far, but that's considered unlikely. Ned McHenry is another in a similar boat, but Ely Smith is a sneaky chance, and the Murray Bushrangers midfielder has won a late call-up to attend the draft on Thursday night. Jacob Kennerley is another possibility, as is Jack Bytel.   

JEZ McLENNAN

POS: Half-back
Ht 183cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 7/9/00
From Central District/South Australia

The Suns could add another South Australian to their group of draftees by taking McLennan, who is in their thinking at this stage of the draft. McLennan is a roaming half-back who is good above his head and likes to chop off forward forays, before then providing some rebound for his side. Was a standout for South Australia during its under-18 championships.

If not him? The speedy Tom McKenzie could be a chance for the Suns at this stage, as may Xavier O'Halloran and Luke Valente.