AFL National Talent and International Manager Kevin Sheehan says the top end talent in this year’s National Draft will be as good as any year.
The under 18 talent on display this season has drawn significant attention, with some onlookers comparing the crop to the 2001 ‘super draft’.
“We can talk about super drafts in terms of the players early,” Sheehan told SEN's KB and the Doc.
“I reckon the 20 will be as good as any 20 – put it that way.
“Has it got the depth? We don’t know that yet.”
While it is difficult to predict if the draft will provide up to 70 stars, Sheehan is confident the highest picks will all be elite footballers.
“I can give you six names at the minute of those who might go number one,” he said.
“There’s some terrific players right up front, right through to about 20 or so.
“And then it starts to even out."
Two players who have caught the eye of talent scouts are identical twin brothers Ben King (202cm) and Max King (204cm).
While Max has been sidelined with a knee injury, Sheehan suspects both brothers will still be highly sought after by AFL clubs come the draft.
“(Max is) out for the year, he’ll do his rehab…so with a bit of luck it’ll be a full recovery,” he said.
“He should go in as top five or six, as will his identical twin brother Ben.
“Ben is a switch from defence to forward – he can play both ends of the ground.
“He’s an exceptional talent.
“They are two of the boys in the mix.”
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Another potential star is Vic Country’s captain Sam Walsh who had 29 disposals in his side’s loss to Vic Metro at the MCG on Sunday.
“He’s been a gun in each of the three games when they have been beaten,” Sheehan said.
“He’s a great user of the ball, his vision is exceptional … and a prolific ball winner.”
Sheehan said Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Tarryn Thomas are some of the other names to watch throughout the Under 18 Championships.
Listen to Kevin Sheehan's chat with Kevin Bartlett and Terry Wallace on SEN's KB and The Doc in the player below