We get first dibs on academy prospects if they last till pick 40 I believe so don't expect anything too outstanding (this year's draft isn't expected to be packed with talent, next year's is looking really good though). We can't match any Academy picks before that point so good talent in the academy won't come to much, similar to Jesse Motlop last year.
In terms of NGA's for this draft, the best chances are probably Jasper Scaife and Josh Draper who are KPF types and have done some good things. I'd think both are a chance as a Cat B rookie although we still have Benning there so would have to move him out of a Cat B position.
Ed Allen, the son of Ben has made a late run to put his name in draft contention. A tall running midfielder who's faced some injuries but had some continuity during the second half of the season. He'd be a late speculative pick.
Conrad Williams was an outside wing Stephen Hill type who showed some good things early but has cooled since and is probably a late speculative pick at best. Same goes for Chase Bourne who is a small defender/midfielder who has good skills but hasn't had a season that had him standing out as much as he'd like. He was someone projecting really well last year but hasn't come on as well although he has been solid. He's also a late speculative pick at best.
Mitch Edwards isn't available until next year's draft where he is a likely first round pick which puts him out of our reach. There's whispers the NGA academy rules may be loosened after being heavily restricted (picks after 40 are not worth the investment and resources for a club, clubs may as well let the AFL do whatever with academies at that point) so it may go back down to pick 20. That's unlikely to be enough though.
There's a couple of others who are looking likely for 2023 such as Ezra Dimer and Jett Sibosado along with Roger Hayden's son Isaiah but I can't say I've spent much time watching any of them.
