There's not long to go now.

Get up-to-date with this year's phantom draft from AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey, complete with insights and predictions for this year's anticipated top-30 selections and where the Saints have set their sights ahead of Monday and Tuesday night.

Draft whispers

Picks: 9, 28, 32, 47, 73, 81 (likely to use three or four selections)

The Saints are in the market for another earlier selection inside the top group, so could be active in pick swap discussions over the both nights. If they hold their picks where they are, their second pick will fall outside of the top-30. Darcy Jones has been looked at and plays a number of different positions, while the Saints have done their work on key forward Isaac Keeler.

James Van Es as a key back could be around the mark of their second-round picks, as is the case with Max Gruzewski, and Lewis Hayes is a chance to be there too, while accumulating midfielder Jaxon Binns may also be a consideration. Goalkicker Jaiden Magor has attracted some attention and has an exciting skillset, while the Saints have nominated Next Generation Academy prospect Angus McLennan, who was overlooked last year but finished this season strongly with Sandringham after returning from injury. Archie Lovelock, a ball-winner from Glenelg, could be a rookie shot, with runner Caleb Mitchell also capturing some interest.

Aaron Cadman

POS: Key forward
Ht 195cm, Wt 91kg, DOB 3/3/04
From Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country

The Giants paid a big price to go up the draft board to get the No.1 selection for a reason, and it was Cadman. The key forward has been the standout of his draft class in what was his first season playing the role after a growth spurt. He's athletic, tough and competitive and kicks goals, and is open to making the move from western Victoria up to Sydney. The Giants haven't used a top-10 pick on a tall forward since Tom Boyd went No.1 in 2013, with Cadman set to break that run.

If not him? The only question here is if GWS bid on Will Ashcroft with No.1 or not. The Giants have canvassed Cadman on his interest in going with the top pick as part of the process. There are no other contenders for the Giants' top pick.

Will Ashcroft (matching North Melbourne's bid)

POS: Midfielder
Ht 181cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 6/5/04
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Brisbane will be hoping a bid for Ashcroft comes at No.2 and not at No.1 given the significant points differential under the father-son bidding system. But wherever it falls, the Lions know they are getting a young star. Ashcroft didn't put a foot wrong in his outstanding draft season and will step straight into the Lions' midfield mix in 2023. Has poise, smarts, class, speed and a work ethic that is nearly unmatched. North Melbourne would be expected to bid on Ashcroft if the Giants don't pull the trigger.

If not him? Ashcroft has been locked into the Lions since August, when he agreed to a four-year contract with the club under father-son rules.

Harry Sheezel

POS: Forward
Ht 185cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 13/10/04
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

The Kangaroos have zeroed in on Sheezel for some time and he would offer them a different element to their forward mix. Polished, precise and a professional, Sheezel booted 49 goals this season across all levels he played and just knows how to create chances inside 50. He spent some time up the ground in the midfield and did well, but is going to be picked as a creative and classy half-forward who converts his chances and makes many of them. Will be a fun player to watch.

If not him? The Roos could swap around the order of their selections but are strongly tipped to bring in George Wardlaw and Sheezel with their back-to-back choices.

George Wardlaw

POS: Midfielder
Ht 182cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 18/7/04
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

North Melbourne has built out from the midfield but Wardlaw would add another dimension to their group. Some clubs have viewed him as the best player in the pool. It is a shame injury robbed us of seeing a full year from Wardlaw this season, given how impressive he was in the games he was able to play. The hard-at-it midfielder with strength and aggression plays a combative style that saw him dominate for the Oakleigh Chargers and also claim best-afield honours for the NAB AFL Academy earlier in the year.

If not him? North traded back from No.1 for picks No.2 and 3 knowing they had their elite group in mind. There has been interest in their second pick from rivals but it would take something extraordinary for them to trade the selection now. Elijah Tsatas had also been close to their top group.

Elijah Tsatas

POS: Midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 18/10/04
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

What Essendon does at this pick will have a massive say on the rest of proceedings. They met Tsatas at his house this week but have also weighed up Mattaes Phillipou, with it coming down to a race in two and not much separating them. Package up Tsatas' best games and standout performances and his top five games of this year will stand up against anyone else's in the draft. A foot fracture mid-year halted his season but either side of that, the midfielder amassed plenty of the ball and dominated games.

If not him? Mattaes Phillipou has also been strongly considered by Essendon for this selection, with Reuben Ginbey and Bailey Humphrey also having appeal. The other option here that's still in play is the Bombers trading out the pick – the Bombers continue to weigh up offers for the selection and will do so on Monday night as well if they can find multiple early picks in a swap. The phone will be ringing when they're on the clock.

Bailey Humphrey

POS: Forward/midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 11/9/04
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

The Suns have built a strong group of youngsters in recent seasons and Humphrey's panache would give them another element within their group. An electric half-forward/midfielder who turns games with his exploits around goal, ability to mark overhead and create opportunities with his physical, tough approach. Humphrey stormed into being a top-10 lock in the final six weeks of the season, when he came back from a mid-year knee injury to dominate for Gippsland Power.

If not him? The Suns visited Reuben Ginbey in Perth this week and also met with Vic Country midfielder Jhye Clark as well, with the pair having been in the mix for Gold Coast's selection for some time.

Cameron Mackenzie

POS: Midfielder
Ht 188cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 21/4/04
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

The Hawks are going to be in a good spot to bring in a midfielder with a point of difference. Mackenzie has that with his height and has been among the group of top prospects who have met the Hawks at least four times, including last week. Mackenzie started his season with a bang for Sandringham and kept going at the same pace all the way through the year, right until the end. The taller, stronger, inside midfielder is a prospect who should be playing regular footy in his first AFL season.

If not him? Whoever gets through from Essendon's pick – be it Mattaes Phillipou or Elijah Tsatas – is going to be right in the frame here. The Hawks flew Phillipou over this week to interview in Melbourne. Jhye Clark is another who has been in consideration, the same for Reuben Ginbey and Bailey Humphrey.

Jhye Clark

POS: Midfielder
Ht 181cm, Wt 77kg, DOB 23/7/04
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Ever since Geelong was in the mix for Gold Coast's pick No.7 as part of the Jack Bowes deal, Clark has been linked to the selection. It would be hard for the Cats to look past him if he's available, such has been the high quality of Clark's season in the midfield for the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country. A standout around the stoppages and a player who does everything with intensity, Clark is a local (albeit a Collingwood fan) and the Cats have tracked him closely.

If not him? The Cats travelled to Western Australia recently and caught up with Reuben Ginbey, while fellow WA talent Ed Allan has also been linked. Cam Mackenzie, if available, will also be strongly looked at, the same for Elijah Tsatas and Mattaes Phillipou.

Reuben Ginbey

POS: Midfielder/defender
Ht 189cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 10/9/04
From East Perth/Western Australia

It has been an amazing rise throughout this year for Ginbey, who has pushed up and up the board with his recent run of form. He played at senior level in the WAFL early in the season for East Perth as a defender before moving into the midfield, where he made his mark. He has power and strength and is part of the group of players at the top of the draft pool with explosiveness. The Eagles moved down the order in the Trade Period to grab two picks within the top 12 and Ginbey would be a great result if he's still available at pick 9.

If not him? The Eagles haven't just been set on WA talents – Cam Mackenzie shapes as a real chance if things go a different way, as does Mattaes Phillipou. If Jhye Clark is still on the board he would also be right in the mix.

Mattaes Phillipou

POS: Midfielder/forward
Ht 190cm, Wt 89kg, DOB 27/12/04
From Woodville West Torrens/South Australia

The Saints have tried to move a couple of spots up the draft board without any luck so far. But should they stay where they are, they should still be able to grab one of the midfield guns. It could be Phillipou, who is the wildcard of the top-10 mix. Phillipou's performances have been strong across the year and his upside is exciting: he can play in the midfield and across half-forward, has a bigger size and shape, enjoys the big moments and is one of the youngest players in the draft pool (he is five days off being eligible for next year's draft).

If not him? The Saints appear likely to grab one of Cam Mackenzie, Elijah Tsatas or Phillipou. Bailey Humphrey would be in the mix as well but is not expected to get there, and they have done some late work on Elijah Hewett and also put time into Ollie Hollands. But their pick is likely to come from the main three contenders.

Oliver Hollands

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 71kg, DOB 16/1/04
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

The Blues are looking to balance up their midfield mix and could bring in a long-term running option in Hollands. The younger brother of Gold Coast's Elijah, Hollands is expected to be taken around this point of the draft after what was an impressive end to the season. He dominated late in Vic Country's under-18 carnival and then took that form into the NAB League with the Murray Bushrangers. The Blues have done their work on him and could add him as a player who could feature on the wing in year one.

If not him? Carlton will sit and wait to see if a player slides through to its pick. Some clubs had believed that one of Elijah Tsatas, Cam Mackenzie or Mattaes Phillipou could get through to this range, but that appears unlikely now. It could come down to Hollands against Ed Allan, with Elijah Hewett an outside contender. Bidding on Brisbane father-son prospect Jaspa Fletcher is a chance here as well, while the Blues will listen to offers on sliding down a few spots too. 

Jedd Busslinger

POS: Key defender
Ht 196cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 11/3/04
From East Perth/Western Australia

The Dogs have added experience in the talls department during the Trade Period but could still land one of the best young key defenders in the draft. West Australian Busslinger missed the second half of the year after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction mid-season but before that had shown his capacity to be an intercepting tall backman who reads the play well and enjoys chopping off forward forays.

If not him? If Ollie Hollands is still on the board at the Dogs' pick they will strongly consider the running midfielder. Mattaes Phillipou would also be a chance should he get through, but it's going to take some shocks for any of the other top-10 chances to be available for the Bulldogs. Ed Allan is another who could be a shot here.

Ed Allan

POS: Midfielder
Ht 194cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 26/5/04
From Claremont/Western Australia

The son of Fremantle's first captain playing for West Coast? It's in contention for Allan, who has come from the clouds to be a genuine late-season draft bolter. The son of former Hawthorn and Dockers star Ben, Ed is not eligible as a father-son at either club but he has rocketed up the draft boards with an excellent finish to the season. He's got the 'could be anything' factor about him: he's tall, quick, athletic and versatile and has plenty of upside too.

If not him? This could well be a decision between Allan and Vic Metro key forward Matt Jefferson, who is right in the Eagles' mix. If Jedd Busslinger is still available he too would be looked at.

Matthew Jefferson

POS: Key forward
Ht 195cm, Wt 84kg, DOB 8/3/04
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The Demons have been linked to Jefferson and he could be a key forward to add to their group and a long-term foil for Jacob van Rooyen. Jefferson's capacity to just keep kicking goals this year no matter the game or level he reached was important in his rise into first-round calculations. The 195cm prospect can mark and lead and convert his shots, and he performed well when it mattered for Vic Metro at the championships, including a brilliant seven-goal game that thrust him into the top-10 conversation.

If not him? The Dees will be ready to swoop on a slider if one gets through and have been active in trying to get up the board, having also looked at Ed Allan for this spot. Jakob Ryan could be a contender if things go a certain way.

Josh Weddle

POS: Key defender
Ht 192cm, Wt 91kg, DOB 25/5/04
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

The Swans could get creative with their picks – bundle up or trade out – but if they hold, Weddle shapes as an option with their opening selection. Weddle is a versatile defender whose athleticism makes him a player who should be able to take on a range of forwards. He blitzed the Draft Combine with his speed (2.93 seconds over 20 metres) and endurance (6:03 minutes in the 2km time trial) mix, which underlined his standing as a potential first-rounder.

If not him? Jacob Konstanty is another the Swans have done their work on in this range, while ruckman Harry Barnett has been linked to Sydney too. If Ollie Hollands was there - or the Swans were able to move up a few spots - he would be right in their sights. 

Jacob Konstanty

POS: Small forward
Ht 177cm, Wt 73kg, DOB 9/11/04
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

The Giants have watched Konstanty throughout the season and he would bring something different to their front half. A small forward who is tough, tenacious and a tackler, Konstanty has had plenty of interest in recent weeks and a lot of interviews. Clubs are expecting him to be taken around the top 20 of the draft after what was an impressive season playing as a small forward with Gippsland and Vic Country. He is ready to pick up and move and has told clubs of his readiness to go anywhere for his chance.

If not him? Josh Weddle would be a shot if he is available, the same for Ed Allan and Matt Jefferson if either slipped. Ollie Hollands, too, would be in the mix but is unlikely to get this far. The Giants could well trade this selection and hope the players they like are also there with their other two picks at the end of the first round.

Jaspa Fletcher (matching Collingwood's bid)

POS: Midfielder
Ht 183cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 24/2/04
From Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies

The Lions are set to get a second top-line father-son prospect in the first round in Fletcher, who is a classy wingman with excellent foot skills. The son of former player Adrian is, however, expected to technically be drafted as a northern Academy prospect, having grown up in Queensland and played for the Lions' Academy this year. He will have a delayed start to his pre-season after a recent stress reaction was found in his back, meaning he will have a couple of months rest.

If not him? The Pies have been interested in Fletcher, who will attend the opening night of the draft, but Brisbane has bolstered its draft points count to be ready to match the bids on Will Ashcroft and then Fletcher.

Jakob Ryan

POS: Defender
Ht 189cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 29/4/04
From Glenelg/South Australia

A taller, running defender who can break the lines and penetrate with his kicking, Ryan has had strong interest from a number of clubs within the first 25 selections and Collingwood could pick him off before he gets any further. The Magpies have been linked to Ryan and he is a player who takes the game on with his athleticism and run (he completed the 2km time trial in 6:16 minutes at the Draft Combine).

If not him? There's a few who could be in the mix here. Small forward Charlie Clarke has been linked along with ruckman Harry Barnett, while the Pies could also bid on Adelaide father-son Max Michalanney. Defender Lachie Cowan and midfielder Olli Hotton may be other chances, as would Ed Allan if he gets through.

Max Michalanney (matching Sydney's bid)

POS: Defender
Ht 190cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 26/2/04
From Norwood/South Australia

The Swans are a chance to call out Michalanney's name within the first round if he's still there, with some others rating him earlier. Adelaide will match the bid on the defender, having committed to drafting him under the father-son rule. The son of SANFL great Jim Michalanney, the 18-year-old is a lockdown backman who can completely shut down forwards of many shapes and sizes with his discipline.

If not him? The Crows traded out of the second round and bolstered their back-end points for a potential early bid on Michalanney.

Lachie Cowan

POS: Defender/midfielder
Ht 187cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 1/12/04
From Tasmania Devils/Allies

Clubs are looking at this pick as one that could swap hands on draft night. But if the Swans hold it they will still have some options, including Cowan. The long-kicking Tasmanian has many fans late in the first round and early in the second and won't last too long after that. Cowan had a terrific season for his state in the NAB League and the Allies in the national championships and can be played as a taller half-back as well as a midfielder with his penetrating ball use and bigger frame.

If not him? Brayden George has been linked a little to the Swans given they hold two picks and he is set to miss next season with a knee injury, while Allies defender Tom McCallum could also be a possible option.

Brayden George

POS: Forward
Ht 185cm, Wt 87kg, DOB 13/4/04
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

With multiple picks, the Giants could be well placed to grab George and get him ready for 2024. He is the wildcard in the pack this year and would have had a massive season around goal if not for two separate knee injuries, the most recent of which will likely sideline him for all of 2023. Clubs are not looking at him as a short-term option, though, and are well aware of his exploits around goal as a powerful medium forward who can also use his strength and size around the ball further up the ground. The Giants have shown interest.

If not him? GWS has been linked to a lot of players in this part of the draft, including Charlie Clarke, Jacob Konstanty, Lachie Cowan, Olli Hotton and Lewis Hayes.

Darcy Jones

POS: Midfielder/forward
Ht 175cm, Wt 63kg, DOB 3/4/04
From Swan Districts/Western Australia

Jones belies his height to make a strong impact on games playing either as a forward, midfielder or defender. He is quick of mind and foot, and capable of splitting through gaps and making the play (he broke the Draft Combine record in the agility test). His precise foot skills and running power give him an edge that compensates for his smaller size. The Giants have been among a number of clubs to show interest in Jones at this stage of the draft.

If not him? Also in the batch of prospects who have been linked to the Giants with their later first-rounders is ruckman Harry Barnett.

Elijah Hewett

POS: Midfielder
Ht 185cm, Wt 85kg, DOB 27/5/04
From Swan Districts/Western Australia

There is a chance Hewett is still available by the Eagles' third pick. He has been a game-breaker at stages throughout this season as another midfielder in the pool with strength, speed and an explosive streak. He spent time playing for Swan Districts' senior WAFL team and enjoys busting out of a stoppage and also pushing forward. Clubs inside the top 10, such as Geelong and St Kilda, have put time into him but he could also get through a few more positions and be available later on.

If not him? Versatile small Darcy Jones could be a consideration, as may Charlie Clarke or Jacob Konstanty if either is available. Jakob Ryan is another in the same boat. The Eagles could also be a bidder for Max Michalanney should he still be there at their choice.

Charlie Clarke

POS: Forward
Ht 182cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 4/1/04
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

A zippy small forward who can also push into the midfield, Clarke has some bite to his game and loves to get involved around goal. He booted 29 goals through the season for Sandringham and also contributed throughout Vic Metro's carnival-winning under-18 championships. Clarke is among a handful of options likely to come into the Dogs' thinking at this point.

If not him? Lachie Cowan would be a strong contender if still up for grabs, the same for Brayden George and Jakob Ryan. Jacob Konstanty and Olli Hotton are others who have been linked to the Bulldogs' selection.

Lewis Hayes

POS: Key defender
Ht 199cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 17/12/04
From Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

Essendon looks most likely to get to its second-round pick without having to match a bid for Alwyn Davey jnr, which would set the Bombers up for a good draft haul. At 199cm, Hayes is at genuine key defender height. He had a strong second half to the season after battling an injury in the first part of the year and showed he could be an intercept marker in the back half as well as kickstart some attacking moves for his side. Hayes is the younger brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam.

If not him? The Bombers would likely snap up Elijah Hewett if he is still there, the same for Josh Weddle, but he is expected to be taken by then. Brayden George and Harry Barnett are among the others who would be options for this selection.

Tom McCallum

POS: Key defender
Ht 192cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 15/9/04
From Tasmania/Allies

This could be a surprise pick but the Roos have shown interest in McCallum and he has been watched closely by clubs across the season for this area of the draft. An exciting defender who is a nice size to play on a range of forwards, McCallum is athletic and quick and likes to tuck the ball under his arm and go for it.

If not him? If Lachie Cowan gets to this stage of the draft the Roos would likely consider him strongly, with the same applying to defender Josh Weddle. Jacob Konstanty and Charlie Clarke would also be in the mix along with medium goalkicker Brayden George.

Max Gruzewski

POS: Tall defender/forward
Ht 193cm, Wt 84kg, DOB 21/7/04
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

A prospect who can go to both ends of the ground and hold down a key position or third tall type of role, Gruzewski's standout trait is his overhead marking, which came to the fore throughout this season. He missed a big chunk of the middle of the year due to a knee injury but returned late in the season and featured for Vic Metro in the final game of the under-18 championships.

If not him? Hawthorn could be the club that pulls the trigger on a bid on Alwyn Davey jnr, who is set to land at Essendon as a father-son. Tall midfielder Henry Hustwaite also looms as a chance here as does the speedy Coby Burgiel, while the Hawks have been across Isaac Keeler's season and the key forward could be in the mix.

Harry Barnett

POS: Ruckman
Ht 202cm, Wt 97kg, DOB 22/1/04
From West Adelaide/South Australia

It would be hard to pass up Barnett if he got this far into the draft. Likened to Brodie Grundy with his athleticism, Barnett is a ruckman who is able to get around the field, follow up at ground level and also take a grab to be a marking target. He had some senior experience at SANFL level this year but will be picked as a long-term investment.

If not him? Could the Pies look at another SA tall instead, in Isaac Keeler? Runner Jaxon Binns could also be a chance around this mark, as may Olli Hotton.

Coby Burgiel

POS: Midfielder/forward
Ht 183cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 9/9/04
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country

The Eagles have put in some time on Burgiel and he shapes as a second-round selection. A ball-winner who has shown he can play in multiple positions and have an impact. He averaged 22 disposals for Gippsland in the NAB League and has shown across the season that he can also drift forward and hit the scoreboard. His speed is his biggest asset and he ran a 2.88-second 20-metre sprint at the Draft Combine.

If not him? Olli Hotton and Lachie Cowan are likely to be right in the mix should they get this far into the second round.

Olli Hotton

POS: Midfielder
Ht 182cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 6/9/04
From Swan Districts/Western Australia

Collingwood's picks could move about a bit but should the Magpies hold where they are, this will be their last live selection and Hotton would be a chance here if available. The son of former Carlton and Collingwood big man Trent, Hotton is a midfielder who pieced together a very consistent campaign. He impressed with his athleticism at the Draft Combine – he ran 2.94 seconds in the 20-metre sprint, so he has genuine speed, and also recorded a 70cm vertical jump – and that comes through in his game. Is good at ground level and shapes as a player who could force his way into a senior side soonish.

If not him? The Pies have been linked to small forward Joe Richards, and he has a few suitors in the national draft. If Lewis Hayes was to get through this far the Pies could take a look at him as well.