THE EARLY consensus surrounding this year’s race to pick one suggests a pair of frontrunners have emerged in Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker. While the likes of Harley Reid and Willem Duursma have followed through on that promise in recent times, the run isn’t always linear and new contenders stake their claims. We pitch another nine prospects we think have what it takes to challenge for the top tier.

>> Race to #1: Dougie Cochrane | Cody Walker

Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 23/04/2008

The pitch: Butler has already served up some of the most eye-catching highlights of this year’s draft crop, and is an absolute magician inside forward 50. He’s a nightmare matchup who has the agility, smarts and skill to make opposition defenders look silly – whether playing deep or high up the ground. While certainly a natural forward, there is scope for Butler to expand his midfield craft and that could take him to the next level. On talent alone, he’s right up there at the pointy end.

Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008

The pitch: Key forwards are some of the most difficult prospects to find, land and develop via the draft. Houndsome is one with big game acumen, having been best afield in Parade College’s ACC and Herald Sun Shield title triumphs. He was part of the Vic Metro squad last year and promises to cause headaches for the Knights alongside fellow tall Harry Van Hattum. Likely to find a home up forward, Houndsome is a mobile contested marker who impacts around the ground. At his best, he has the ability to dominate and plays with real presence. What’s more, he can also chop-out in the ruck – a highly sought-after trait.

Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tall Utility | 200cm | 16/10/2008

The pitch: Put simply, Ladbrook has all the hallmarks of a ‘unicorn’ prospect. At all of 200cm, he has proven his ability to not only play in key position posts at either end of the ground, but also pinch-hit in the ruck and even thrive out on the wing. For a player his size, Ladbrook’s mobility and skills are exceptional and that puts him in the category of a rare find. With such upside, if he can find consistency and perhaps establish himself in a primary role, clubs will be clamouring for his services.

Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Forward | 192cm | 26/04/2008

The pitch: LeCras has the benefit of standing out on paper, given most footy fans will recall his uncle Mark’s exploits at West Coast. His father Brent also played six games at North Melbourne. The West Perth prospect is another natural forward with game-winning qualities, namely his raking left boot and strong aerial ability. At 192cm, he’s athletic and prides himself on his work rate – traits which have also seen him utilised on a wing. Like many on this list, consistently finding his top level will be key.

Wil Malady (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

The pitch: Another genuine match-winner, Malady will always be synonymous with Vic Country’s golden point win to claim the Under 16 title in 2024. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need too many touches to make an impact, often rising for huge marks and kicking bags of goals. While his numbers may not always be flattering, Malady has the raw talent to simmer around the top-end and is a prospect waiting to explode. A big game on the representative stage or consistent run would propel him forward massively.

Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Defender | 183cm | 03/01/2008

The pitch: Another standout prospect out of Queensland, Murray is not to be underestimated. He oozes class and was one of just two players to earn a bottom-age Allies debut last year. The Lions Academy member is a smooth mover with excellent skills and promising athleticism – attributes which have him primed to excel with more midfield exposure. Murray is also a capable wingman or half-back who takes the game on with his speed and foot skills. He knows where to find the ball and is always a great watch.

Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward | 184cm | 26/03/2008

The pitch: Described as a “weapon” who attacks the game at full tilt, Patterson won’t have any issue garnering fans. He has some serious wheels and can kick big bags of goals, as proven by his haul of seven for Glenelg last year. Patterson is the type of player who impacts in the air and at ground level inside 50, but also has his sights set on some midfield time this season. He’s another familiar name; his father Stephen played 96 games on Collingwood, while his sister Violet is on the Pies’ women’s list.

Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Key Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

The pitch: An out-and-out goalkicking machine, Pickett’s record last year was nothing short of phenomenal. He booted 31 majors in just eight Talent League games as a bottom-ager, including a high of seven. Those exploits saw Pickett break through for an early Vic Country berth, and he’ll likely spearhead the side this year. Boasting similar traits to fellow Torquay native Charlie Curnow, Pickett is a fearsome marking presence capable of punishing the opposition with only a few touches. He leads, takes big grabs, and converts truly. Another big goalkicking year would place him right up the top.

Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 01/07/2008

The pitch: The query was posed last year whether clubs would consider taking a ruck – Cooper Duff-Tytler – with pick one, and Van Hattum shapes as another tick in the ‘yes’ column. He may well be the closest challenger to Cochrane and Walker with his blend of imposing size and deceptive mobility around the ground. Van Hattum stands up in packs to take towering contested marks and can impact up forward, though further development in that area would take him to the next level. In any case, the recent change to ruck rules could suit him nicely and put him atop the ranks of non club-tied players.