The 2025 AFL Draft looks to be one of the more difficult to predict for some time, with the strength of the class, the amount of expected bids and the profile of players on offer set to offer plenty of twists and turns once clubs are actually on the clock.
With four clubs sharing the first eight picks, and five having access to the first 11, there'll be some key players at the top of the order that are set to heavily impact how the rest of the count might take shape.
West Coast will get things underway with Picks 1 and 2, and could be looking at multiple bids on rival-tied talent, while Richmond and Essendon may follow suit with their subsequent selections.
After the top 10, several sides look to be waiting on how the picks before them unfold before they too make key calls that will have a ripple effect on the rest of the draft.
Here we look at the selections set to significantly shape how the draft order unravels...
3Carlton - Picks 9 and 11
The aforementioned anticipated play from West Coast to bid on Dean with their second selection has the Blues preparing to part with these two selections via live pick swapping on night one.
Essendon and North Melbourne are the two clubs that have been heavily tied to Picks 9 and 11 respectively.
Those deals open the door for Essendon to make a third selection early into the draft, adding to the potential acquisitions of two of Cumming, Sharp, Robey and Taylor.
With their third pick, the Dons could set their sights on Dovaston or a Farrow, depending on who they land with their first two selections. Essendon could also be open to moving for Dovaston as an earlier pick, hoping one of Sharp or Farrow are available with their third selection.
North Melbourne are tipped to move from the opening of night two to the midway mark of night one with their potential trade with Carlton.
That could see the Roos secure Dovaston if he's still free, while SA livewire Latrelle Pickett is another leading small forward on offer.
