Let the impurity of the AFL Draft begin.
Many will say 'continue' is a more apt word to use in the above sentence; such has been the compromised nature of recent drafts.
Since Collingwood father-son prospect Nick Daicos did not receive a bid until Pick 4 of the 2021 AFL Draft, the compromised nature of the draft has been a prominent talking point of every draft crop.
While arguably the top two players in this year's crop are club-tied, there are just three other members of Craft of the Draft's top 45 who are linked to a club.
But with the 2027 AFL Draft compromised not only by a pool which contains a litany of tied prospects towards the top end, but also Tasmania's arrival, expect clubs to wrestle to get into this year's draft given there is an openness, purity and depth to the top end.
First round selections in next year's crop won't carry the same credence as most years in trade deals as clubs grapple with the limited access they will get to players - despite it being viewed as one of the strongest crops in recent years.
Learning from the list builds of Gold Coast and GWS Giants more than a decade ago, the league's concessions are designed to expedite the Devis' competitiveness.
Tasmania is expected to pre-select eight players from the 2027 draft this month, with formal offers to happen on September 15, before an event is held in Hobart in the week following the AFL Grand Final.
While it is far from a perfect guide, as selectors aim to reward players from a cross-section of the country and find 46 players who can fill the roles of the team, 25 of the squad members for the Under-17s Futures match being either club-tied or names Tasmania will access means it is not a good time to have draft capital.
Granted, the AFL has tightened measures to make clubs more accountable, but throw on top of that Tasmania's draft picks at the top end - notwithstanding some must be traded - and there is uncertainty about how much next year's draft can be relied upon.
Expect clubs to prioritise getting in picks for this year's crop, or even utilising the mechanism that allows picks two years into the future to swap hands, with next year's picks as potential sweeteners.
Hawthorn and Port Adelaide both have multiple prospects linked to them who are expected to be in the mix, but it will otherwise be a tussle to get hands on the other prospects at the pointy end, which Tasmania overlook.
Top eight open pool prospects (in no particular order)
Harvey Chapman (Sturt)
A lockdown defender who intercepts well, Chapman's aerial ability and kicking penetration are among his key strengths. Was a star contributor for South Australia last year at the Under-18s National Championships and has had a strong season at school and Talent League level.
Kai Ivins (Norwood)
A speedy midfielder with great burst speed, Ivins has shown great attributes for Norwood and at school level this season, able to win his own footy but most dangerous when he gets it on the outside.
Harper McCullough (Oakleigh Chargers)
A big-bodied midfielder/half forward with deceptive speed and polish, McCullough has the ability to burst free to win clearances and kick goals. Has improved his field kicking this year and is noted for his work rate. Likely starts his career as a half forward.
Jett Flower (Eastern Ranges)
The grandson of Melbourne great Robbie Flower, Jett had his year cut short by a syndesmosis injury but not before putting together a compelling CV. Clean below his knees and efficient with his disposal, Flower has had midfield exposure but projects as a player who will start his career at the next level off half-back. Thrived when given a taste of local senior footy this year, trained with Vic Metro as well as his Eastern Ranges commitments.
Oscar Henwood (Gippsland Power)
The Gippsland Power lefty has not received the wraps of many of his counterparts but possesses courage, an elite kick and vision going forward and positional flexibility. Has been afforded plenty of midfield minutes at Talent League level this year, never shirks a contest and has great balance to his game as a player who likely starts as a half forward/winger.
Oliver Bond (Oakleigh Chargers)
More included on this list because of his scope, rather than what he has shown, but at 190cm, he has shown he can patrol the backline as a general, able to cut the angles to intercept marks and act as a brick wall in defence and has the competitiveness to complement his natural aerial strength.
Maxim Collins (West Perth)
An intercept defender who got a run for Western Australia's Under-18s side this year, Collins has had a consistent season for West Perth, proving himself to be a competitive aerial threat. An ankle injury prevented him from playing at last year's Under-16s Championships, but he has made up for lost time quickly this year.
Fynn Tomasini (Claremont)
A 190cm Claremont defender who can win one-on-one contests in the air and peel off and support, Tomasini is not afraid to throw his weight around. Like Collins, was a key part of Western Australia's backline at the Under-18s Championships.
