Clayton's list: recruiter names top 15

GOLD Coast recruiting manager Scott Clayton has named his top 15 players ahead of Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft.

Clayton, who built the Brisbane Lions' premiership sides of 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the Western Bulldogs' current list, gave his thoughts on this year's draft pool during a two-hour live chat with afl.com.au earlier this week.

Charged with the task of assembling Gold Coast's inaugural squad ahead of that club's entry to the AFL in 2011, Clayton has been monitoring the country's hottest talent.

Because he won't be playing a role in this draft, he has no secrets to hide.

"I think the top 10 will come from Jack Trengove, Tom Scully, Dustin Martin, Anthony Morabito, Ben Cunnington, Gary Rohan, Lewis Jetta, Jake Melksham, John Butcher, Andrew Moore, Daniel Talia, Aaron Black, Jasper McMillan-Pittard, Brad Sheppard and Kane Lucas," Clayton told afl.com.au.

While Clayton stressed his 15 players were ranked in no particular order, those he named - and how he listed them - bore a striking similarity to other experts' draft predictions.

However, the stronger view is that Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Tom Scully will be the No.1 pick, with Melbourne to then take Jack Trengove at No.2.

"It doesn't really matter who goes at one," Clayton said.

"They're both high-quality young men and I can't see it affecting either of them too much."

Clayton said clubs entering the draft with the top picks were sure to add a class player to their list.

"Scully and Trengove aren't a long way ahead of [Dustin] Martin," Clayton said.

"They are all good, rock solid midfielders. [Ben] Cunnington is also in that frame as well. I wouldn't think there is a lot that separates them."

Clayton added that former St Kilda midfielder Luke Ball was the wildcard of this draft.

He said his gut feeling was that the 25-year-old wouldn't be available to Collingwood - his preferred destination - come selection 30.

"That's just an educated guess, though," Clayton said.

"If Melbourne want him they'll get him.

"I can't see him getting through to 30 for Collingwood. You never know who's been lurking in the background keeping things quiet."

Scott Clayton's top 15 draft prospects
Jack Trengove
Tom Scully
Dustin Martin
Anthony Morabito
Ben Cunnington
Gary Rohan
Lewis Jetta
Jake Melksham
John Butcher
Andrew Moore
Daniel Talia
Aaron Black
Jasper McMillan-Pittard
Brad Sheppard
Kane Lucas

Log on to afl.com.au on D-day, Thursday, November 26, for the most comprehensive coverage of the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. We’ll have live chats, live audio streams, in-depth player profiles, club reaction and our famous afl.com.au Draft Tracker.