The evenness of the top group of 2016 NAB AFL Draft prospects this season means there is a large group of contenders. Some have achieved more than others to this point, but a strong end to the season could see players push up the order and potentially overtake those holding the top few spots now.

Here are AFL.com.au's nine contenders for the No.1 choice. 

The safe bet: Will Brodie
Brodie has had a consistent season, lifts for the big games and will play early next season wherever he ends up. The midfielder is nursing a minor shoulder injury at the moment, but will be back for the Murray Bushrangers' run to the finals. You could almost pencil him in for round one next year.  

Recruiter: "He's so driven and he wants to be No.1, and some people might think 'Why does he need to be that?' But he just wants to compete and wants to win. He's a safe choice for sure."

The game changer: Ben Ainsworth
Ainsworth sets himself apart with his foot skills, game smarts and ability to shape a game in attack. He's a regular goalkicker and excellent overhead mark for a smaller forward. Despite some interruptions this year with injury and suspension, the 179cm small forward is one of the most talented players in it.

Recruiter: "He's had his ups and downs this year. He's just too good not to pick. You'd be worried if your team was playing against him, and you'd want him playing for you because he can do things that others can't. He'd probably be the shortest No.1 in history if he was picked there, but people can be a bit conservative around that. When you're small you have to be really good, and he is." 

The riser: Hugh McCluggage
With a string of impressive performances at the start of the season, McCluggage elevated himself into the No.1 conversation. The poised and skilled outside midfielder continued that form at the championships, where he also showed he can kick goals.

Recruiter: "He's the one who has got the runs completely on the board. If he goes to the bottom team and plays midfield it might take him a little time, but if another club was smart enough to trade in and give up something to get him, he'd play half-forward, cruise around and have 20 touches and kick two goals. He's been very consistent." 

The class: Sam Petrevski-Seton
A hamstring/back concern has hampered Petrevski-Seton this year, and saw him play only two games during the national carnival. The half-forward/midfielder is poised, composed and classy, uses the ball beautifully on both feet and has a turn of pace.

Recruiter: "He hasn't had great continuity with his training this year and that injury has been an interruption. We've seen how good he can be in recent years, but he hasn't hit his peak this season. The injury in the first six to eight weeks of the year really held him back." 

The upside: Tim English
English is a 204cm ruckman who can move like a midfielder at times. He marks well above his head and kicks goals and can produce exciting moments regularly. He has some way to go with his physical development, but offers plenty of work around the ground. 

Recruiter: "He's got every part of the game covered in every game he plays. He does every little skill set once or twice a game, but he just doesn't do it heaps and have big games with a bag of goals or heaps of marks. I'm not sure if he could go No.1, but if you had multiple picks in the first handful then you could do it."

The best key forward: Todd Marshall
It would require a real breakout run of form from here for Marshall to be taken at No.1, but it's not completely out of the question. He's the leading tall forward in it, but it's more about potential at this stage.

Recruiter: "He did some pretty good stuff in the carnival with limited supply. And considering where he's come from playing cricket, he's had very little training history in footy. He might have a breakout game and kick seven and everyone will go 'OK, here we go'. He has shown some really exciting moments." 

The academy star: Jack Bowes
It still seems unlikely a club would use the No.1 pick to bid on an academy player like Bowes, even if he's right up there among the best midfielders. Gold Coast will match it regardless as he's a quality, classy midfielder.

Recruiter: "He's Scott Pendlebury-like in the way he's got time with the ball, his ball use, his decision-making. His vision is also really good. He doesn't look like he's quick out there, but he just makes the right calls."

The one to watch: Jack Scrimshaw
The Sandringham Dragon has had his injury battles over the past couple of years, but could jump up the order with a strong end to the season. He plays at half-back and uses the ball nicely on his left foot, but also in time could move into the midfield and use his size to impact there.

Recruiter: "He's got great awareness, he gets around blokes with ease. He's definitely got No.1 potential – but he just plays in second gear sometimes. If he works it out, he could be a genuine star. He's 193cm, he should be an 85-88 kilo monster who can play half-back and run out of there."

The leader: Andrew McGrath
McGrath stormed up the draft board with a brilliant under-18 championships, and looks destined to be a powerful, quick, tough and smart midfielder. He captained Vic Metro to a winning carnival, was picked in the All Australian team and looks ready to play at the next level.

Recruiter: "His championships was outstanding and he was able to shut down players as well as get heaps of the ball himself. He's got great speed, uses the ball well and obviously is a leader as well. His character is a massive thing and when you're trying to weigh him up against someone else, McGrath would be an easy guy to bring into your club."