RUCKMEN have slipped down the draft order in recent years, with clubs opting to trade for established options rather than using early picks on big men.

But two rounds into this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, a ruckman is emerging as a top-end talent in the 2019 draft pool.

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan joined this week's Road to the Draft podcast, and nominated the ruckman who he compares to Collingwood star Brodie Grundy.

Sheehan provides his take on the 2019 crop, the standouts of the under-18 carnival so far, and who he predicts to be the early selections come November.

Find Road to the Draft on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Join hosts Callum Twomey and Nat Edwards on the Road to the Draft podcast, featuring discussion on the next generation of stars plus interviews with key coaches, recruiters and prospects.     

In this week's episode ...

We hear from AFL talent ambassador and draft guru Kevin Sheehan, review the under-18 championships and look over the standout performances from last weekend and answer all of your Twitter questions. 

Episode guide

1:30 – We review last weekend's under-18 clashes and look ahead to the next round of games.

7:45 – Kevin Sheehan joins the show to discuss the championships.

10:10 – The player that reminds Sheehan of West Coast star Andrew Gaff.

14:00 – How does this year's draft compare to the 2018 pool? Sheehan gives his take.

15:40 – The tall who is emerging as a top ruck and backline prospect.

21:05 – Who is shaping as the early selections in the 2020 draft? We discuss the names you'll be talking about next year.

27:40 – The guys share their thoughts on who the Hawks should target at this year's draft.