At least four AFL clubs are keeping close tabs on Eastern Ranges midfielder Cody Hirst as a potential recruit as this month's mid-season draft fast approaches.

Hirst was overlooked during last year's national draft with collarbone and knee injuries interrupting his draft campaign, where he was a near-certainty to be taken if healthy.

Richmond, Melbourne, Sydney and Carlton have all expressed a growing interest for the 19-year-old, with reports suggesting two further clubs will be vying for the ball-winner.

The ex-Lilydale junior managed to play just the four games in 2018, but since returning to the Ranges this year, has increased his draft stocks after missing out last year in November.

Hirst's 2019 season has ranked elite for uncontested possessions and above average for ranking points, disposals, contested possessions, goals, score assists and tackles by Champion Data.

Hirst has flourished on the wing for Eastern this year and continues to be named within the side's best each weekend, but insiders believe that he's more likely to be drafted as a forward-flanker instead of an outside-midfielder.

“He’s got a lot of tricks, he’s a very smart player, he’s been able to build a bit of a tank to be able to play up the ground,” Eastern coach Darren Bewick told the Herald Sun.

“He’s just very smart with his footy knowledge and his ability to use the ball by foot.”

The Ranges have a week off with a bye before next weekend's Vic Metro tryouts, meaning Hirst will not play again before the draft on May 27.

If drafted, Hirst and other draftees will face the unlikely chances of playing AFL in 2019, with many clubs believed to be recruiting for future purposes instead of bolstering their 2019 hopes.

“He’s a perfect example of why the mid-season draft is effective,” Hemisphere Management Group player agent Julian Petracca said.

“It provides another opportunity and hope for players that have missed out on the draft in their top age year.

“Players develop at different rates so having amid-year draft allows 19-year-olds to get another opportunity to press their case after missing out six months prior.”

Hirst is apart of the 22-man squad to undergo medical testing by the league, with AFL clubs' medical staff in attendance.