TOP DRAFT prospect Cam Rayner will have a final opportunity to stake his claims for the No.1 pick with a running test in front of clubs on Friday.
The Western Jets star, who is a leading candidate to be the Brisbane Lions' first choice at the NAB AFL Draft next Friday, will be one of at least five players to run the 2km time trial at Etihad Stadium after being injured at last month's draft combine.
Rayner's explosive streak, his goalkicking prowess and strong overhead marking have made him the most exciting player in this year's draft pool, but clubs have held some concerns over his endurance base and ability to play in the midfield at AFL level.
However, after sitting out the combine with a knee complaint, a strong run in the time trial on Friday could be the final tick for recruiters weighing him up as a top selection.
Darcy Fogarty, Callum Coleman-Jones and Charlie Constable will also run in the time trial having nursed injuries in October, while Lachie Fogarty, who did not attend the combine through illness, ran his time trial on Tuesday.
Mature-ager Tim Kelly, who shone at WAFL level this year, will also complete a 2km time trial in Perth.
Darcy Fogarty has been out of action since mid-season knee surgery, but is in the mix to be a top-10 selection, with North Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton all linked to the strong-bodied forward.
The draft hopefuls in Melbourne will then also undergo extra medical testing with club doctors, alongside other prospects including Luke Davies-Uniacke, Adam Cerra, Jarrod Brander, Charlie Spargo and Hunter Clark.
Paddy Dow, who had shoulder surgery late in the season, is another who has been given an extra medical screening this week.
Rayner has been seen as one of the favourites to be the No.1 pick for most of the season, but midfielder Andrew Brayshaw is also in contention after a brilliant end to the season that included a standout running performance at the draft combine.
Brander is considered one of the leading key position prospects available but could get through to the latter parts of the first round on draft night.
