AFL Draft day has arrived and with that comes the experts’ predictions on how the action will unfold in a draft like no other, which will be held as a virtual event this year.
We’ve compiled who some of the top draft experts are tipping for Adelaide’s prized No.1 pick in this year’s draft.
The experts' consensus is Adelaide will use its top selection to place a bid of Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
But then what?
CALLUM TWOMEY, AFL MEDIA
Riley Thilthorpe
Height: 200cm
Weight: 99kg
Position: Tall forward/ruck
DOB: 7/7/2002
From: West Adelaide / South Australia
Rationale: An athletic forward who can also play in the ruck, Thilthorpe spent most of this season at senior level in the SANFL. The hard-working key position prospect endured some injury battles with his groins, with clubs receiving their full medical checks on the 18-year-old only at the end of last week, but his versatility appeals to many. Many clubs think the way the young tall plays will suit the modern game and he believes he can also play as a midfielder in time. He recently had an hour-and-a-half catch-up with Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks and has been in the club's mix for a long time.
If not him? The Crows have tossed up between Thilthorpe, Logan McDonald and Elijah Hollands for some time, with the call finally coming down to Thilthorpe and McDonald. It wouldn't surprise at all if they went with McDonald given his draft CV and links to South Australia.
MATT BALMER, FOX FOOTY
Logan McDonald
Height: 196cm
Weight: 85kg
Position: Tall forward
DOB: 4/4/2002
From: Perth / Western Australia
Rationale: McDonald could not have been more impressive this season, standing out as one of the rising players of the WAFL League competition. looms as the likely No.1 candidate and shouldn’t fall outside the top three.
JORDAN PINTO/MATT TURNER, NEWS CORP
Riley Thilthorpe
Rationale: Thilthorpe’s size, athleticism, flexibility, speed and class is rare and it’s why his selection won’t be all about his local ties. The Crows have been into the West Adelaide star, who booted seven goals in his first five senior games in 2019 before playing in the ruck this year, for a long time.
DANIEL CHERNY, THE AGE
Riley Thilthorpe
Rationale: This really does loom as a 50-50 call, and neither choice (Riley Thilthorpe or Logan McDonald) would be a surprise. The prospect of taking a home-grown talent with such an early pick is very hard to pass up.
