Saints ponder No.1 AFL draft pick dilemma

Patty McCartin and Angus Brayshaw were among the many draft candidates looking to impress St Kilda and 17 other AFL clubs at the draft combine.

AFL club St Kilda are keeping an open mind when it comes to the No.1 draft pick.

That extends to who the Saints might select, and what it would be worth on the trade table.

St Kilda recruiting manager Tony Elshaug was among the many interested onlookers at Etihad Stadium on Monday, when the league's draft combine started.

Should the draft order remain as is, Elshaug and his colleagues will have to decide who is the best prospect in the country.

As opposed to the past few years, it is not a clear-cut decision.

Draft guru Kevin Sheehan, speaking to media as 101 draft candidates started a rigorous week of testing and interviews, suggested there were four leading candidates.

"No doubt among the midfielders it'd be Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw," AFL talent manager Sheehan said.

"The two (standout) tall forwards - Patty McCartin and Peter Wright.

"But I wouldn't be surprised if (other potential No.1 picks) ... jump up with their performances this week."

Elshaug predictably wasn't willing to shed any light on the Saints' thoughts.

The wooden spooners are in need of key-position players, but Elshaug vowed to select "the best player" available.

There is every chance it won't be Elshaug's decision to make.

"A very good deal," Elshaug said of what would convince the Saints to part with the prized draft selection.

Greater Western Sydney were unable to find a suitable bidder for their No.1 pick last year, but Elshaug noted clubs were becoming more "inventive" in trade period.

The former St Kilda assistant coach pointed to the example of Melbourne in 2013, when they offloaded the No.2 pick to GWS to grab Dom Tyson.

"You'd expect some interest," Elshaug said.

"We'll wait and see ... you've got to do what's best for the club."

McCartin would seemingly fit that bill well, having modelled himself on power forwards Travis Cloke and Tom Hawkins.

"He's got a little bit of Tommy Hawkins about him in the way he reads the ball in flight," Sheehan said of the Geelong Falcons ace.

"He's got a vice-like grip."

McCartin was embarrassed by Sheehan's "pretty far-fetched" words.

"I play full-forward and he does as well, that's probably the only comparison," he said.

Brayshaw, son of interim AFL Coaches Association boss Mark and nephew of North Melbourne chairman James, will have a somewhat quiet week due to an ankle injury.

The Fremantle supporter will have to get used to regular questions about his family, but his wit is already sharp.

"Uncle James is more a cricketer than a footballer I think," Brayshaw said.


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