AFL.com.au’s resident draft expert Callum Twomey has predicted the top 30 picks in Thursday night’s AFL National Draft on the Gold Coast.

This Phantom Draft has Adelaide selecting a big-bodied midfielder at pick No.23. Scroll down to find out more …

1.GWS
TOM BOYD
22/8/95, 200cm, 103kg, Eastern Ranges

No surprises here. Boyd has been the nominal No.1 pick for about a year now, and on Thursday night it will finally become reality. The powerful, strong-marking tall forward didn't end up playing a heap of footy in 2013 due to his serious ankle injury but he will be right to go in the pre-season and would be expecting to play AFL next year. Boyd kicks straight, dominates games and wants to be very, very good.

If not him? Nobody else. He's a Giant.

2. GWS
JOSH KELLY
12/2/95, 184cm, 75kg, Sandringham Dragons?

Kelly is the best midfielder of the draft, a player who runs and runs, but who complements his aerobic base with footy smarts and skills. The Sandringham Dragon was close to being picked at last year's mini-draft but missed out, so turned himself into an even more complete player. He worked on his inside game, made the All Australian team, and is headed for the Giants midfield.

If not him? It would be a massive surprise

3. ST KILDA
JACK BILLINGS
18/8/95, 185cm, 76kg, Oakleigh Chargers

Billings might end up the best player of the draft, with the capacity to do a lot of things that most others can't. He turns games with his brilliant kicking and marking. He also kicks goals, lots of them, and sets up more. He managed a knee injury through this season and a groin complaint, but still made the All Australian side, played well when he moved into the midfield and shaped games.

If not him? It came down to a race in two for the Saints, with Matt Scharenberg the other. James Aish is the big outsider.

4. WESTERN BULLDOGS
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
24/11/95, 194cm, 84kg, Northern Knights

The Bulldogs have moved late on Bontempelli, interviewing him again this week. That's probably because Bontempelli himself was a late riser, and he's in this position basically on the back of a six-week stretch at the end of the season - and what he promises to become in the future. The big and tall inside midfielder is excellent at the clearances and can also play as a leading forward.

If not him? James Aish is the other leading contender, with Matt Scharenberg there, too.

5. GOLD COAST
KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
9/8/95, 190cm, 79kg, Launceston

For a long time Gold Coast has been linked to the classy Tasmanian and Kolodjashnij appears headed to the Suns on Thursday. After a big rise this year, which included being added to the AIS-AFL Academy and All Australian honours, most clubs view Kolodjashnij as one of the best six players in the draft. He's smart, calm with the ball and loves to run with it and set up the play, and is a player who suits the Gold Coast mould.

If not him? They'd have to consider Jack Billings if he got through, but they have put a lot of time into Kolodjashnij. He seems likely to get the nod over James Aish if both are there.

6. COLLINGWOOD
JAMES AISH
8/11/95, 184cm, 74kg, Norwood

Few would have thought earlier in the year that Aish would be available at pick six. The classy and composed midfielder sees the game unfold in front of him and moves with it, setting up the play. He's a terrific kick and had the best kicking efficiency at the mid-year under-18 championships.

If not him? Matt Scharenberg is a strong chance, and others in the mix for the Pies are Christian Salem, Nathan Freeman, Cameron McCarthy and Marcus Bontempelli.

7. BRISBANE LIONS
MATT SCHARENBERG
18/9/95, 191cm, 88kg, Glenelg

Scharenberg has become the wildcard of the draft with most clubs unable to get a read on where he fits. He played most of the season across half-back and that seems his best spot but he can be moved around. He missed the end of the season with a foot injury, which also forced him to miss the NAB AFL Draft Combine, but most clubs don't believe it will have a big impact on his draft placing.

If not him? Marcus Bontempelli is high on their list, and Aish could also land there. Cameron McCarthy is in the group of four, too.

8. NORTH MELBOURNE (FATHER-SON)
LUKE McDONALD
9/2/95, 190cm, 85kg, Werribee/Oakleigh Chargers

McDonald will miss the draft at the Gold Coast because he is already training with North Melbourne at the club's high altitude camp in Utah. After North committed to him last year, McDonald played this season with Werribee at VFL level and did well, particularly in the finals where he was one of his side's best. Last month West Coast bid its first pick (No.6) on McDonald, which forced the Roos to use their first pick (No.8) on the father-son prospect.

If not him? Not applicable for the Roos. He's locked in.

9. MELBOURNE
CHRISTIAN SALEM
15/7/95, 185cm, 78kg, Sandringham Dragons

A precise-kicking, strong-marking midfielder who can also play across half-back or closer to goal. Salem brings class to every game, directing games with his pinpoint passing and smarts. He's quick and strong and versatile, and will likely push in to taste some AFL action next season.

If not him? It's Nathan Freeman. The Demons have long been linked to the speedy midfielder and it appears it's one Sandringham Dragon or the other. If Scharenberg gets there, they'll have some thinking to do.

10. COLLINGWOOD
NATHAN FREEMAN
16/6/95, 184cm, 85kg, Sandringham Dragons

The draft gets some speed with Freeman, who is the quickest player at the top end. He can win his own disposals, tuck the ball under an arm and burst away, and then boot the ball long. He loves to run forward and kick goals, too. Freeman tested exceptionally well at the combine and the Magpies might be keen to add some more speed to their midfield. 

If not him? They like Ben Lennon, while Salem is a shot if he gets through. The other one is hard to read forward Cameron McCarthy.

11. WEST COAST
DOM SHEED
27/4/95, 187cm, 83kg, Subiaco

When the Eagles traded down the draft order during trade period - from pick six to 11 - they clearly thought one of their preferred players at pick six would be available at 11. One is Sheed, a West Australian midfielder who hunts the ball, wins clearances and gets things going. He missed the second half of the season with a broken collarbone he suffered during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

If not him? Ben Lennon. The Eagles really like the Victorian half-forward. Nathan Freeman is an outside chance.

12. RICHMOND
BEN LENNON
5/7/95, 189cm, 80kg, Northern Knights

Richmond saw Lennon up close for a week during January and was highly impressed. He's a half-forward who marks and kicks exceptionally well, and plays on instinct. He made the All Australian side this year after a strong showing at the championships and then moved into the midfield later in the year, where he showed his ball-winning talents.

If not him? Christian Salem is a strong chance, while they really like Zak Jones. Matt Crouch is an outside possibility as well. 

13. CARLTON
CAMERON McCARTHY
1/4/95, 194cm, 83kg, South Fremantle

A high-flying key forward who is the second-best tall in the pool. McCarthy is being judged on a relatively small sample of games, having burst onto the scene before breaking his leg in the final game of the championships. He kicks straight, leaps into packs and is agile when the ball hits the ground. Carlton doesn't have too many young talls of McCarthy's ilk.

If not him? Patrick Cripps is all the rage. The Blues are big fans of the West Australian and they seem set to grab an inside midfielder if they don't swoop on a key forward. Freeman could get to 13, while Luke Dunstan is also a possibility.

14. GWS
LEWIS TAYLOR
17/2/95, 175cm, 75kg, Geelong Falcons

The small midfielder is a terrific player, one who creates things at the stoppages and also runs with the ball. In his second year with the Vic Country under-18 team, Taylor captained the side and won a place in the All Australian team. He's enthusiastic and might even start his career as a small half-forward because he is clever around goal when he spends more time down there.

If not him? If Ben Lennon's available the Giants will grab him. Darcy Gardiner has been linked, and if they really want ruck Rory Lobb they could go for him.

15. SYDNEY SWANS
TOM CUTLER
20/2/95, 190cm, 85kg, Oakleigh Chargers

Cutler hasn't played a whole lot of footy this year due to injury but when he was out there last year he played a big role in the Oakleigh Chargers' TAC Cup premiership. Cutler is a tall, athletic running half-back who can mark and kick long. He has the modern attributes like pace and strength and would give the Swans another half-back option. 

If not him? They like crafty midfielder Zach Merrett, hard half-back Zak Jones is an option, and they have been linked to big man Michael Apeness. Patrick Cripps is another.

16. GEELONG
ZAK JONES
15/3/95, 183cm, 75kg, Dandenong Stingrays

Jones is a vastly improved player who has shot up the draft across this season. He attacks the contest hard, is good overhead and can move into the midfield, where he played some good footy at the end of the year for the Dandenong Stingrays, The brother of Melbourne midfielder Nathan, Jones has the same aggressive, hard-at-it streak. Geelong has been known fans for some time.

If not him? Blake Acres is under consideration as is Patrick Cripps. If they go tall, Darcy Gardiner will be in the mix.

17. FREMANTLE
BLAKE ACRES
7/10/95, 190cm, 87kg, West Perth

A mystery of sorts, given Acres was another who had an injury-interrupted season. He's a tall, strong midfielder who likes to roam around the ground and take marks and did that a lot when he played with West Perth. He had shoulder surgery after the under-18 championships and didn't play again, leaving him a bit underdone when he tested at the combine. Fremantle is keen to secure a West Australian.  

If not him? Michael Apeness is on their radar, and it would be a coup for the Dockers if McCarthy was available, although it seems unlikely.

18. ST KILDA
PATRICK CRIPPS
18/3/95, 191cm, 91kg, East Fremantle

The big-bodied midfielder was one of the standouts at the under-18 championships, where he used his size and strength to dominate at the stoppages. He's a clearance specialist and with his strong build, would have the ability to get some senior action next year. Needs to build up his tank but that will be a work in progress.

If not him? Luke Dunstan is in the frame, as is Trent Dumont and Zach Merrett.

19. ST KILDA
BILLY HARTUNG
24/1/95, 178cm, 67kg, Dandenong Stingrays

Hartung is a dasher, able to run the lines and work through traffic. He's an outside player at this stage of his development who enjoys taking people on, seeing a gap between players and seizing it. He kicks with precision on both feet and can play as a half-back, half-forward or on the wing. He has spent considerable time with the Saints and they know his game back to front.

If not him? The Saints could look tall at one of these picks as well, with Darcy Gardiner and Michael Apeness possibilities to be available.

20. GOLD COAST
JARMAN IMPEY
9/7/95, 178cm, 76kg, Murray Bushrangers

Impey found his feet across half-back in the second half of the year, when he was shifted there and started to use his run and rebound to get things going. He has good foot skills, an excellent turn of pace, and the ability to step through traffic. He is still comfortable near goal, too, and knows his way around when he plays more permanently up forward. Would add some dash to the Suns' defence.

If not him? Tom Cutler will be strongly considered if he's still left, with Zach Merrett and Jake Kolodjashnij also in with a chance at the Suns but perhaps more likely at 27. George Hewett is another possibility.

21. PORT ADELAIDE
MICHAEL APENESS
28/1/95, 200cm, 98kg, Eastern Ranges

The Eastern Ranges big man takes marks, kicks goals, rucks well and does things with a minimum of fuss. He has shot up the draft order with a strong season and is now seen as one of the better talls available in the draft. Clubs see him mainly as a forward who will be able to pinch hit in the ruck, which makes Port Adelaide an option given they have made it known they want a young tall. 

If not him? Jarman Impey has been linked with the club but if not Apeness it appears a midfielder will be taken: Luke Dunstan, Trent Dumont, Zach Merrett and George Hewett are in the mix. There has been plenty of talk about Jake Kolodjashnij and the Power.

22. BRISBANE LIONS
MATT CROUCH
21/4/95, 183cm, 80kg, North Ballarat Rebels

Crouch is the best in the draft at what he's good at, and that's winning the footy and getting it out. He averaged 37 disposals this year at TAC Cup level with the North Ballarat Rebels, either side of a broken hand that sidelined him for six weeks. The question is on his running but he has always managed to find a way of getting to contests, and he would provide the Lions with another midfielder who is ready to go.

If not him? They might go with a key defender first, with Darcy Gardiner, Daniel McStay and Jake Kolodjashnij possibilities. Luke Dunstan and Trent Dumont will take the eye too.

23. ADELAIDE
LUKE DUNSTAN
29/1/95, 184cm, 83kg, Woodville-West Torrens

The South Australian ball-winner thrives on the contest. The left-footer finds a lot of the ball and is effective with it, and can also kick a goal or two when spending time in attack. Will enter the AFL having had some senior SANFL experience.

If not him? The Crows like Tom Cutler but he could be gone. Trent Dumont and Matt Crouch are chances, as are Malcolm Karpany and Michael Apeness.

Watch each player’s highlights on AFL.com.au

24. HAWTHORN
TRENT DUMONT
30/6/95, 185cm, 85kg, Norwood

The South Australian midfielder had a slightly disrupted season with an ankle injury but still showed his talents through the middle and across other spots on the ground. At his best, Dumont is a ball-getting, inside midfielder who enjoys winning the footy, busting through and delivering the ball. He's strong and mature, and was close to best afield in Norwood's SANFL Grand Final win. He offers the Hawks some more depth through the middle of the ground.

If not him? Dayle Garlett is the word. He's a shot at 24 or at one of the Hawks' later picks. They want midfielders, which brings George Hewett and maybe Zach Merrett into the picture as well.

25. BRISBANE LIONS
DARCY GARDINER
22/9/95, 193cm, 86kg, Geelong Falcons

Gardiner is a competitive, in-your-face tall defender. In marking contests he finds a way to stop his opponent from getting the ball and he hates being beaten. He probably sits as the best key defender of the draft, despite being a couple of centimetres shorter than would be preferable as a tall at AFL level. The Lions really like him and he would add to their key defensive stocks.

If not him? They could swap it and grab a midfielder here and a tall at one of the other picks. Malcolm Karpany and Jarman Impey could be looked at.

26. ESSENDON
ZACH MERRETT
3/10/95, 180cm, 77kg, Sandringham Dragons

The small and creative midfielder has risen quickly this season, and had a strong year at all the levels he's played. Merrett is craft with the ball and uses it nicely on his left side, where he can kick long and kick goals. The brother of Essendon's Jackson, Merrett makes good decisions and has a natural, composed feel when he's in possession.

If not him? Rory Lobb is a big chance. The Bombers are very interested in the ruckman. An inside midfielder like Dumont, Dunstan and Darcy Lang might also be on their radar.

27. GOLD COAST
JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
9/8/95, 192cm, 90kg, Launceston

Kolodjashnij hasn't had the focus of his twin brother Kade but might well end up at the same club as him. Jake plays as a tall defender who is able to lock down on opponents whilst also providing some rebound. He was one of Tasmania's most consistent performers during the under-18 championships.

If not him? If Merrett's still around he'll be a good chance.

28. BRISBANE LIONS
DANIEL McSTAY
24/6/95, 195cm, 87kg, Eastern Ranges

A left-footed key defender who can mark and kick well. Had an interrupted season with an elbow injury that limited him at times, but McStay has some offensive weapons that clubs like, and he is quite athletic for his size and shape.

If not him? Jake Kolodjashnij is another tall who will be in that range, as with smaller, skillful midfielder Malcolm Karpany.

29. GWS
RORY LOBB
9/2/93, 205cm, 98kg, Swan Districts

The 20-year-old has been touted as the best pure ruckman in the draft after an impressive season for Swan Districts. With a basketball background, Lobb is a late addition to the footy ranks but has some talent. He's raw, but a huge guy and can be an imposing target in attack when he moves down there.

If not him? The Giants can wait and see what spits out at them, really. A few players they rate will probably be available but they have been long linked to Lobb.

30. NORTH MELBOURNE
GEORGE HEWETT
29/12/95, 185cm, 79kg, North Adelaide

Hewett has a lot of admirers and with good reason. He has neat skills on both sides of his body and is prepared to put his head over the ball, win it, and then come out with it. He had a good carnival with the South Australian under-18 side and also has a lot of upside - he is the youngest player in the draft as he doesn't turn 18 until December 29.

If not him? A key defender like McStay or Kolodjashnij could fall through. Impey and Crouch may also get to the Roos.

WITH the draft expected to feature some surprises, we take a look at some whispers for each club's live picks outside the top 30.

ADELAIDE
Picks 23, 46
Adelaide's second and final selection comes outside the top 30, at No.46. If the club adds some height at its first pick, it might double up and look at Tasmanian ruckman Toby Nankervis at pick 46. Otherwise, the Crows may choose to go for one of the shorter options around the mark at their second pick, having had some interest in small midfielder Mitch Honeychurch. He's likely to be picked in the 40-60 range. Local defender James Battersby is a possibility, and in the unlikely event Malcolm Karpany gets to pick 46, it is hard to see him lasting much longer.

BRISBANE LIONS
Picks 7, 22, 25, 28, 33, 34, 62
The Lions' strategy around picks 33 and 34 will be largely dictated by what happens with their earlier selections. With the expectation they look for some talls in the first two or three selections (and the fact they will take Academy player and key forward Jonathan Freeman with pick 62), it seems midfielders will be in the gun at 33 and 34. One could be Oakleigh Chargers co-captain Will Maginness, who runs well, has neat skills and is a productive player.

CARLTON
Picks 13, 39, 51
What happens at pick 13 could change the Blues' plans later in the draft, particularly if they manage to grab a key forward there in Cameron McCarthy. That's unlikely, which means they might go looking for one a bit further back. The Blues have been linked to former Hawthorn forward Mitch Thorp, but that could also be as a mature-aged rookie selection. Another in that range could be Werribee's Ben Brown.

COLLINGWOOD
Picks 6, 10, 65
Collingwood's night will likely be over after it reads out its selection at pick 10, but there is a very small chance it will use its last selection at the draft after delisting Corey Gault last week to open up a position. If the Pies choose to fill the spot on Thursday night, they might look to a mature-aged player, with midfielder Chris Cain meeting with the club again recently. Another VFL prospect, Ben Brown, could also be in the club's sights with the pick, while the Magpies have done some extra work on Cameron Conlon, a marking forward who has had two years ruined by injuries.

ESSENDON
Picks 26, 55
If Dayle Garlett is still available at pick 55, the Bombers will take a very hard look. He trained with the club for a week last year but it is believed the team's leadership group was not in favour of picking him. The Bombers have made it clear they want to recruit a ruckman at some point, and recently showed Ben Brown around their new facility. The 199cm ruck/forward would fill a need, as would Darcy Cameron. There has been some interest in Frankston defender Scott Simpson, who is 24, and half-forward James Sicily is a chance. The club has offered NSW scholarship player Jedd Clothier a place in its VFL team next season if he doesn't get drafted.

FREMANTLE
Picks 17, 37, 58
West Australian pair Jonathon Marsh and Nick Robertson will be in the mix for the Dockers at pick 37. Marsh isn't quite a tall but he would be considered if Freo didn't go big at 17, while hard-running midfielder Robertson had a difficult year with a shoulder injury but has outstanding endurance. He trained with Fremantle for a week earlier this year and did well. If Chris Cain or Ben Brown get to pick 58 or the rookie draft, Fremantle will strongly consider.

GEELONG
Picks 16, 36, 41
If Darcy Lang is available at pick 36 - which is a chance - then he'll be in the mix for the Cats as a midfielder who can run, kick and win his own footy. A ruckman like Toby Nankervis could be an option with their second or third pick, as might a tall defender. Key back Fraser Fort improved at the back end of the year, Tom Barrass has talent and is in the Cats' range, and Alex Spencer has his fans.

GOLD COAST
Picks 5, 20, 27
The Suns' night will be over by pick 27, with their compulsory three selections inside the top bracket. Gold Coast had always planned to be in and out early, given the club traded its third-round pick at the draft for West Coast's yet to be activated compensation pick at next year's draft.    

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Picks 1, 2, 14, 29, 48, 72
The Giants will decide on draft night whether they use four or five selections at the draft, meaning pick 27 could be their final pick as they trim their list. There isn't a lot that the Giants really need, particularly when they are picking the best tall forward (Tom Boyd) and the best midfielder (Josh Kelly) at selections one and two. Jake Barrett, a NSW zone selection player, will be officially taken at pick 72 after signing with the club last month. He is a competitive midfielder.

HAWTHORN
Picks 24, 38, 56
The Hawks have a penchant for long-kicking left-footers and have been linked to South Australian prospect Matt Fuller. The 23-year-old played a big role in Norwood's defence throughout 2013, and was a part of its premiership win, in which he kicked a long-range goal. A number of clubs have shown interest in Fuller, despite him not being invited to either the national or state draft combine. Another in the mix is James Sicily, a quick half-forward/wingman with some spark.

MELBOURNE
Picks 9, 40, 57
Given the Demons stocked up on midfielders during the trade and free agency period, and will likely use pick nine on another, they might be open to trying something with one of their later picks. That could come in the form of a small, elusive forward, with Jay Kennedy-Harris likely to be picked in the 30-50 bracket. The Demons don't have a player of that type after some list cuts at the end of the year and Kennedy-Harris can also move into the midfield. Mature-ager Nathan Gordon, formerly of the Sydney Swans, might also get a look in.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Picks 8, 30, 47
With Robin Nahas a recent signing through free agency, North's need for a small forward might have slightly dissipated. Even still, the Roos will consider Jay Kennedy-Harris if he gets through to pick 47, which is a chance. The Kangaroos are also likely to look for a tall defender, so if one they rate gets through to their last pick, they'll be keen. Matthew Sully, a 21-year-old backman, will be a shot if he's available here.

PORT ADELAIDE
Picks 21, 45, 52, 68
The Power have been eyeing a key forward and they like local product Mitchell Harvey. The 197cm big man, who also plays in the ruck, is likely to be available for one of the Power's later selections and could end up at Alberton Oval. Port has also shown interest in Nick Holman, a busy midfielder from the Murray Bushrangers. Another Bushranger, Nathan Drummond, who is a quick and strong half-back, could also be in consideration later on.

RICHMOND
Picks 12, 50, 66
With Nahas gone, the Tigers have lost a depth player in their small forward ranks. At pick 66 the Tigers might consider Sam Lloyd, a player they have shown a level of interest in. Lloyd is 23 and played for Frankston this year in the VFL, where he kicked 38 goals from 17 games. He could be seen more as a rookie chance. Given the fact the Tigers will grab a very good player at pick 12 - be it a half-forward or midfielder - and the addition of Shaun Hampson to add ruck strength, they have most bases covered on their list. Versatile forward Daniel Howe of the Murray Bushrangers might also be considered.

ST KILDA
Picks 3, 18, 19
It is an important draft for the Saints as they continue their rebuild, and they achieved their aim of taking three top-20 picks to the draft. That will be it for them on Thursday night, with the Saints alongside GWS as the only clubs to hold three first-round selections. 

SYDNEY SWANS
Picks 15, 32, 35, 44, 53
The Swans are perhaps the busiest club in the back end of the draft and they could spring a couple of surprises. One might be Lachlan Ritchie, a 190cm defender from the Sandringham Dragons. The Swans have some interest in the flexible backman. Even though the club signed former Tigers big man Tom Derickx as a delisted free agent this week, the Swans might still look for another younger, developing ruckman at the draft.

WEST COAST
Picks 11, 31, 43, 49
James Battersby is on the Eagles' radar if he's available through the 40s. The medium defender had a strong season for South Australia and Sturt at SANFL level, and would bring some rebound to West Coast's defence. A little earlier, the club might also consider Tom Barrass, a talented and long-kicking tall defender who would help shore up the club's backline stocks, while running midfielder Eli Templeton is a chance as well.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Picks 4, 42
It will be a long wait between picks for the Bulldogs and they will be hoping one of their top-30 ranked players gets through to 42. Darcy Lang is a chance to get there, and the Bulldogs have liked the zippy but hard midfielder across the season. His broken leg and dislocated ankle during the championships is on the mend and he had enjoyed a good year before that. The Dogs also have some may look to Toby Nankervis, a big and strong ruckman who can drift forward to kick goals.

Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey