Our friend from Bangkok, Terry, has been hard at work putting together a series of articles, detailing the current fortunes and chances of all the rookies that weve been watching over the pre-season. We all have about a week to go to select the best of these, so Im thinking the articles will be coming out pretty rapid-fire. Take a look, what do you agree with- or more importantly, what do you disagree with?

With injuries to a number of key forward rookie prospects, have run the tape over the rest of the field to see what options remain and hopefully help a few people in some of their choices. More background on individual players can be found in the Forum and Stats pages.

In addition to some research, this information has been cross-checked with Dr. DT, FF, as well as a team review in the Age. Forward rookies considered unlikely to get a run this season are not included, however, if you feel strongly enough about someone, add to the discussion below. Also, if you have any inside information on any of these prospects, please join in. The only cautionary note is that much can happen over the next 10 days (or 17 days for GC rookies). Over the duration of NAB, Prestia has gone from hot to warm – this may well happen to others as the rumours fly over the next few weeks. And in case you were wondering, Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon are light on for forward rookie prospects.

All players are below 200k, but there is also an interesting group just above that (190-300k) that may tempt you and I will try and review that group later if Walesy is up for it. In the meantime, 10 days to decide on the following (players most likely for R1 are in bold):
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Adelaide

Ian Callinan [MID] 91,700
Mature age rookie currently injured. Has a high potential as a future downgrade target.

Daniel Talia [DEF] 110,200
Has not done enough at this stage, but could get a run if opportunities open up.

Shaun McKernan [DEF] 110,200
Has had some reasonable NAB performances. May not be a big scorer but should be a steady earner.

Brisbane

Bryce Retzlaff [DEF] 110,200
He had a quiet NAB, but Brisbane do have a need for forwards.

Fremantle

Casey Sibosado 103,600
A second year player who should get a run later in the season if he shows any improvement in the WAFL.

Hamish Shepheard [DEF] 103,600
Ditto.

Tendai Mzungu [MID] 110,200
Like Callinan, his AFL dream was delayed. He should be everybody’s favourite downgrade target through the year.

Geelong

Mitchell Brown 110,200

Some nice wraps on him at Kardinia, but may find it hard to get a spot.

Steven Motlop 111,900
Light frame but has received big kudos from senior players and is well liked by management. Potential downgrade target.

Billie Smedts [DEF] 118,600
Probably hasn’t done enough at this stage but might get a chance later and is one to watch.

Gold Mine

Brandon Matera 110,200
A good effort in the NAB, he should have done enough to get a fairly regular start this year.

Charlie Dixon 110,200
Late charger who some canny coaches have had since the start. Most recent performance should get him over the line.

Sam Day 178,600
High draft pick given very limited NAB opportunity. Might be one of those ‘developing’ forwards. He will see game time at some stage, but it might not be a lot.

Dion Prestia [MID] 148,600
Should get game time sooner rather than later, despite limited NAB opportunity and his ability to play MID may get him the nod.

Hawthorn

Tom Schneider [MID] 91,700
Surprised a few in the NAB. Any injury to the Hawks forward line and you would consider him. Follow his fortunes at Box Hill.

Isaac Smith [MID] 103,600
Had a reasonable NAB campaign, but probably more likely to be considered for a midfield role. The late improvement of Liam Shiels will not help his chances. Most coaches would like to have him, but not sure Clarko cares about that.

Melbourne

Jeremy Howe 103,600
Big wraps, but didn’t get much NAB time. One to watch.

Luke Tapscott 110,200
Has impressed in the NAB playing out of defense, likes to tackle, and may get a start.

North Melbourne

Majak Daw 103,600
Bit of a novelty choice, but did okay in the NAB. Likely to be later in the year, but a couple of key injuries will see him get chances.

Cam Richardson 110,200
Had a good NAB and with North’s injuries/suspensions is in line for a start.

Port Adelaide

Marlon Motlop 110,200
Unimpressive NAB campaign.

John Butcher 110,200
Limited NAB time but a KPP who will get blooded during the season. Good downgrade prospect.

Richmond

Ben Griffiths 131,400
Considered to be the partner-in-grooming for JRoo, but has TV (Vickery) stolen his spot?

St. Kilda

Tom Lynch 111,900
Some impressive NAB performances and should get a run this year, particularly if the Saints give up on the Gilbert Experiment.

Sydney

Jed Lamb 103,600
Can certainly play, but may have to wait until the ongoing experiment in the Swans forward line is settled.

Western Bulldogs

Zeph Skinner 103,600
Exciting NAB, but Eade has said he will be managed. One to watch.

West Coast

Jack Darling 103,600
Seems a certain starter, but accuracy and discipline may be issues.

Gerrick Weedon 110,200
Did a few good things in the NAB and might be a smokie.