This year's draft is already shaping as being incredily strong, with the King brothers, Jack Lukosius and Sam Walsh all expected to feature in the top ten. But it's also looking like a great year for father-son prospects - here are just a few of the highest-rated potential father-son draftees in the mix for the 2018 Draft.
Nick Blakey (Sydney, Brisbane, North Melbourne) The son of AFL great John Blakey is the highest rated of the father-son prospects, tipped to go in the top 10 of the draft. Nick was eligible for Brisbane and North Melbourne as a father-son selection and Sydney as an academy selection, and has elected the Sydney Swans as his preference.
Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs) Son of Bulldogs legend Scott West, Rhylee is set to join the Doggies and will hopefully make an impact early. A tough midfielder, West is also very highly rated amongst the overall draft crop.
Bailey Scott (North Melbourne, Geelong) Based in Queensland, the son of former Roos and Cats player Robert Scott could head to either club – or nominate the Gold Coast Suns. Scott has been part of the Gold Coast academy program, and the Suns could always use a skilled medium-sized forward. Scott recently collected 30 disposals for the Allies against WA in the U18 National Championships.
Oscar Brownless (Geelong) Oscar is a tough midfielder who prides himself on tackling and effort. Like his father, he can also kick a goal, and it seems likely the Cats will take him - Brownless has put in his fair share of star performances at Under 18 level.
Mason Fletcher (Essendon) The tall, lanky backman is his father Dustin’s spitting image, but a stress fracture to his back has impacted his ability to improve his prospects this year. While he may be taken later in the draft due to his injury, it’s still near-certain the Bombers will take him.
Will Kelly (Collingwood) The skilled 193cm defender has impressed in the TAC Cup, and seems keen to get to his father Craig’s club in Collingwood. While the Pies didn’t select Will’s brother Jake, they appear to be in need of healthy tall defenders.
Zac Hart (Adelaide) The son of 311-gamer Ben Hart is likely to be picked up by the Crows, and has impressed at Under 18 level as a miserly defender for the Oakleigh Chargers. According to reports, gives a lot of effort and shows some flexibility too.
Ben Silvagni (Carlton) A tall forward, Ben has also been thrown back during the Nation U18 Championships as need has required. Almost a certainty to be picked up by Carlton, despite missing once or twice with injury. Has a basketball background.
Kyle Dunkley (Sydney) Dunkley has been named among the best for Melbourne Grammar, and could be heading to the Sydney Swans (despite the Swans deciding not to match the Bulldogs’ bid for brother Josh). A tough, medium-sized inside mid, Dunkley is a strong tackler.
Kye Barlow (Hawthorn) Apparently a bit of a late bloomer, Barlow could join Hawthorn where his father Kris played 102 games.
Casey Voss (Brisbane) Voss has gone from strength to strength, graduating from Sturt’s under 18 side to the SANFL reserves, and has recently headed to Brisbane to play for their NEAFL side for a couple of weeks. Voss is apparently a similar player to his father Michael, and continues to build his reputation through good form.
Jake Bradshaw (Brisbane) Son of Brisbane forward Daniel, Jake has played predominantly off the half-back flank as a rebounding defender who can win plenty of ball. Has performed well for the Murray Bushrangers and has visited Brisbane alongside Casey Voss.
James Rendell (Brisbane) A tall forward, Rendell has been played at CHF due to his impressive work-rate and ability to mark the ball on the lead. Also has good ground skills. James is the son of former Fitzroy Lion Matt Rendell and is eligible to be taken by Brisbane.
Joel Crocker (North Melbourne) At 191cm, Crocker is a versatile player – an option in both the midfield and the forward line. Son of Kangaroos premiership player Darren Crocker, Joel unfortunately suffered a season-ending foot injury this year.