- The AFL national draft has become one of the great days on the footy calendar ... at least according to some. Seriously, hard-core footy fans have been waiting for tonight's proceedings for months. To see a full list of which players are picked as they happen scroll to the bottom of this blog.

6:31pm - FoxSports host Jason Dunstall has taken to the screens so we're only a few minutes away from the actual start. Player manager Liam Pickering, the AFL's Kevin Sheahan and Alastair Lynch are the other panel members for the broadcast.

6:34pm - Hello Bike Boy. No, contrary to popular expectation, the top 10 countdown is not being hosted by Bert Newton. AFL chief Andrew Demetriou is now getting the proceedings underway.

6:37pm - Demetriou is now taking the audience through the various laws regarding the draft process and the time given to each club to make their pick. Some fans are starting to doze off ...the AFL's Adrian Anderson has just reminded everyone that there have been no father-son nominations this year.

6:42pm - Four selections have been made. No big surprises. As expected and predicted by Port coach Mark Williams today, John Butcher is going to the Power.

6:49pm - So there are the top 10 picks. Melbourne has leant towards Tom Scully for the No.1 selection, edging out Jack Trengove for the top honour. Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the club couldn't split the top two players. The great thing for the Demons was that they didn't have to! Quite a rare thing for a club to have the top two picks.

6:57pm - Most of the media are tucked away in a separate room to the main auditorium and are watching the draft unfold on a big screen. But we can hear ALL the audio coming through, including a few of the following gems. Demetriou asked where the toilets were and 'how long have we got?'. That got a few chuckles.

7:12pm - The clubs are racing through the selections now. Two of the most notable selections are a Nicholas Winmar heading to St Kilda and an Anthony Long on his way to Essendon ... and of course, a certain Luke Ball is heading to Collingwood as the Magpies used their top pick - No.30 overall - on the former Saint who played in this year's grand final.

7:22pm - Perhaps the biggest surprise packets of the draft so far have been the Western Bulldogs. They used their top pick - No.15 overall - on Christian Howard from Glenelg, a youngster who didn't attend the draft camp. He's probably the biggest bolter of the draft.

7:34pm - It's time for the recycled players to have a presence. Discarded Lion Rhan Hooper has found a new home at Hawthorn, while former Kangaroo Jesse Smith has surprisingly been given a lifeline at St Kilda. The Saints have also just lobbed for Adam Pattison, the former Richmond big man, who went to the Saints with the No.64 pick overall. These are interesting times.

7:39pm - With the Saints gambling on former Kangaroo Smith and Pattison in tonight's draft, they have definitely been the most intriguing club of the off-season. Former top pick Luke Ball left St Kilda without compensation while popular defender Matt Maguire, a player riddled with injuries, was also delisted. Coach Ross Lyon and his team are making their mark in a big way.

7:44pm - Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss clearly had no patience for the delisted Rhan Hooper, a player with a poor disciplinary history. But he's been given a second chance at the Hawks and no doubt coach Alastair Clarkson will make it his mission to get the very best out of the talented forward.

7:56pm - More surprises with recycled players. Former St Kilda defender Matt Maguire has been granted a second chance with Voss and the Lions, while former Demon Simon Buckley is on his way to Collingwood. A fascinating draft overall with a bit of everything - some unexpected developments, old names at new clubs, a little bit of Hollywood with a full-scale TV production for FoxSports.

2009 AFL national draft

Priority selection

1. MELBOURNE - Tom Scully (Dandenong Stingrays)

Round One

2. MELBOURNE - Jack Trengove (Sturt)
3. RICHMOND - Dustin Martin (Bendigo Pioneers)
4. FREMANTLE - Anthony Morabito (Peel Thunder)
5. NORTH MELBOURNE - Ben Cunnington (Geelong Falcons)
6. SYDNEY SWANS - Gary Rohan (Geelong Falcons)
7. WEST COAST EAGLES - Bradley Sheppard (East Fremantle)
8. PORT ADELAIDE - John Butcher (Gippsland Power)
9. PORT ADELAIDE - Andrew Moore (Eastern Ranges)
10. ESSENDON - Jake Melsham (Calder Cannons)
11. MELBOURNE - Jordan Gysberts (Eastern Ranges)
12. CARLTON - Kane Lucas (East Fremantle)
13. ADELAIDE - Daniel Talia (Adelaide)
14. SYDNEY SWANS - Lewis Jetta (Swan Districts)
15. WESTERN BULLDOGS - Christian Howard (Glenelg)
16. PORT ADELAIDE - Jasper McMillan-Pittard (Geelong Falcons)
17. GEELONG - Daniel Menzel (Central District)

Round Two

18. MELBOURNE - Luke Tapscott (North Adelaide)
19. RICHMOND - Ben Griffiths (Eastern Ranges)
20. FREMANTLE - Nathan Fyfe (Claremont)
21. NORTH MELBOURNE - Ryan Bastinac (Dandenong Stingrays)
22. WEST COAST EAGLES - Gerrick Weedon (Claremont)
23. WEST COAST EAGLES - Koby Stevens (Gippsland Power)
24. ESSENDON - Jake Carlisle (Calder Cannons)
25. NORTH MELBOURNE - Aaron Black (Peel Thunder)
26. ESSENDON - Travis Colyer (Claremont)
27. BRISBANE LIONS - Callum Bartlett (Geelong Falcons)
28. GEELONG - Mitchell Duncan (East Perth)
29. ADELAIDE - Jack Gunston (Sandringham Dragons)
30. COLLINGWOOD - Luke Ball (St Kilda)
31. WESTERN BULLDOGS - Jason Tutt (Ainslie)
32. ST KILDA - Nicholas Winmar (Claremont)
33. ESSENDON - Anthony Long (Calder Cannons)

Round Three

34. MELBOURNE - Max Gawn (Sandringham Dragons)
35. RICHMOND - David Astbury (North Ballarat Rebels)
36. FREMANTLE - Joel Houghton (Perth)
37. NORTH MELBOURNE - Jamie MacMillan (Oakleigh Chargers)
38. SYDNEY SWANS - Sam Reid (Murray Bushrangers)
39. HAWTHORN - Sam Grimley (Northern Knights)
40. GEELONG - Allen Christensen (Geelong Falcons)
41. NORTH MELBOURNE - Ayden Kennedy (Eastern Ranges)
42. GEELONG - Nathan Vardy (Gippsland Power)
43. CARLTON - Marcus Davies (North Hobart)
44. RICHMOND - Matt Dea (North Ballarat Rebels)
45. ADELAIDE - Sam Shaw (Oakleigh Chargers)
46. HAWTHORN - Benjamin Stratton (East Perth)
47. BRISBANE LIONS - Ryan Harwood (Glenorchy)
48. FREMANTLE - Jesse Crichton (Tassie Mariners)
49. FREMANLE - Dylan Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays)

Round Four

50. MELBOURNE - Jack Fitzpatrick (Western Jets)
51. RICHMOND - Troy Taylor (Northern Territory)
52. FREMANTLE - Justin Bollenhagen (South Adelaide)
53. NORTH MELBOURNE - Brayden Norris (Murray Bushrangers)
54. SYDNEY SWANS - Byron Sumner (Woodville West Torrens)
55. SYDNEY SWANS - Trent Dennis-Lane (Subiaco)
56. GEELONG - Joshua Cowan (North Ballarat Rebels)
57. HAWTHORN - Jordan Williams (Bendigo Pioneers)
58. HAWTHORN - Rhan Hooper (Brisbane)
59. CARLTON - Rohan Kerr (Dandenong Stingrays)
60. ST KILDA - Jesse W Smith (North Melbourne)
61. ADELAIDE - James Craig (North Adelaide)
62. COLLINGWOOD - Ben Sinclair (Oakleigh Chargers)
63. WESTERN BULLDOGS - Lukas Markovic (Eastern Ranges)
64. ST KILDA - Adam Pattison (Richmond)
65. GEELONG - Jeremy Laidler (Geelong)

Round Five

66. MELBOURNE - pass
67. RICHMOND - Jeromey Webberley
68. FREMANTLE - pass
69. HAWTHORN - Taylor Duryea
70. HAWTHORN - Matthew Suckling
71. RICHMOND - Ben Nason
72. CARLTON - Sam Jacobs*
73. BRISBANE LIONS - Jesse O'Brien
74. ADELAIDE - Brodie Martin*
75. COLLINGWOOD - Josh Thomas
76. WESTERN BULLDOGS - Shane Thorne
77. ST KILDA- Will Johnson

Round Six

78. RICHMOND - pass
79. FREMANTLE - Greg Broughton*
80. NORTH MELBOURNE - Cruize Garlett*
81. SYDNEY SWANS - pass
82. PORT ADELAIDE - Daniel Stewart*
83. CARLTON - Aaron Joseph*
84. BRISBANE LIONS - Bryce Retzlaff
85. COLLINGWOOD - Simon Buckley
86. WESTERN BULLDOGS - Liam Picken*
87. ST KILDA - Zac Dawson*
88. PORT ADELAIDE - Wade Thompson*

Round seven

89. RICHMOND - Robin Nahas*
90. SYDNEY SWANS - Kristin Thornton*
91. BRISBANE LIONS - Matthew Maguire
92. WESTERN BULLDOGS - James Mulligan
93. ST KILDA - Luke Miles*

Round eight

94. RICHMOND - Andrew Browne
95. BRISBANE LIONS - Pearce Hanley *

* Elevated rookie during 2009.

I guess what has been a LONG year in finally nearing the end. Year 12 is done, the season is done, and now I am in the middle of this painful wait to see if I realise my dream of playing AFL.

Following my last exam, I was fortunate enough to head away with some close mates including John Butcher, Campbell Heath, Nick Sing, Mitch Davis, Sam Nickless and Jack Carson. We wanted to get away post exams to freshen up and also take our minds off the possibility of being drafted. It was good to spend some time with Campbell before he moves up to Sydney after being drafted to the Swans last year.

I would be lying if I said the nerves hadn't settled in this week in the lead-up to the draft and as it draws closer I think Mum is getting more nervous than I am, as she is thinking that she may lose her boy!

I received an invitation to attend the draft this Thursday night and I have decided to attend with my family, which will be good to spend the night with them, as well as Butch (John Butcher), who is one of my closest mates.

As much as I have been trying not to think about the draft too much and keep myself busy, my mind keeps wandering back to what may lie ahead. Speaking to other mates, we have come to the conclusion that the ball is out of our court now and that it is all up to the clubs to make their call now. However, that doesn't exactly put my mind at ease.

I have heard stories from previous years that some clubs like you to move as soon as the next day, even interstate! I have to admit that the thought of being somewhere on my own no later than next Monday is daunting, but also exciting at the same time. I really hope I hear my name called out, it wouldn't bother me where, nor would it bother me if I had to take off interstate the next day.

I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this diary throughout this season and I just want to wish all the other guys, Mitch and Jake all the best for the draft and also Mav all the best for the Gold Coast. I hope everything works out for us all and that we might even get to play with or against one another in the near future.

I guess now, it's back to the waiting game ...

Koby Stevens

With the Gold Coast to join the AFL in 2011 and western Sydney the following season, supporters are placing increasing importance on clubs making the right choices on the right teenagers at this time of year.

While there will be a high degree of interest in which youngster the Demons snap up with the first selection - Tom Scully or Jack Trengrove - there will be more conjecture about which club lobs for experienced midfielder Luke Ball. The former Saint has set his eyes on Collingwood and their first pick is No.30 overall. But will Melbourne - or another club - pounce earlier on the former high draft pick?

Of other experienced players - Matt Maguire, Luke Ablett or Rhan Hooper - who is more likely to find a new home come tomorrow night.

The draft has again become a TV event with FoxSports to broadcast the proceedings. Let the action begin.

During a live blog @ 12pm, Monday 23 November, she answered your draft questions, from the type of player your club most needs to the actual depth of talent with this year's intake. Read on to get an expert's insights.

As covered by Mitch Duncan in the last Draft Dream blog, the AFL National Draft Camp was everything I expected and more. The week was filled with tiring days, vigorous testing and intense interviews with AFL clubs. I was given the opportunity to speak to the majority of the clubs and eventually become accustomed to the interviewing process.

After experiencing such exhilarating events and emotions, from winning the grand final to attending Draft Camp, I was forced to face reality when I arrived home from Canberra. I was up against a very different challenge - year 12 exams were less than one month away. As I have done for the whole year, I had to juggle and prioritise the tasks that lay ahead. I had six year 12 exams to complete and as I plan to continue studying in the future, it was important to me that I tried my very best.

Having less than two weeks of scheduled school left, I worked hard to ensure that I was best prepared to face the looming exams. With the football season over, I had more time on my hands than ever before. I concentrated solely on what I could control - my year 12 exams - and found my mind rarely wandered to the upcoming draft. During this time I was contacted by and met with several clubs.

Fortunately for us students aspiring to become AFL players, clubs were not permitted to contact us during the exam period. I felt the stress of exams and like all students, felt the pressure to perform. There was no better feeling than walking out of that last exam, knowing my high school days were over.

After my last exam I fled Melbourne with my best mate Germo. We spent the weekend in the bush relaxing and training hard, before I had to come home and start a week of work. Like most kids my age I'm strapped for cash and was happy to be given the opportunity to work alongside a family friend. This weekend I'm heading to Corowa to spend some much needed time with my dad, little brother and family. It's important to me that I spend time with my family, girlfriend and friends as it's possible that I could be living on the other side of the country in a few weeks.

This is one of the most exciting times of my life. I look forward to draft day and finding out what club I will belong to, who my teammates will be and where I will be living. I am thankful to all the people, especially my family, who have helped me get to where I am today. Regardless of where I may be living next year, I will never forget where I have come from.

Jake Melksham

New St Kilda player Andrew Lovett would have been hoping to avoid the headlines of recent days for his weekend arrest for public drunkenness.

The former Bomber, traded to the Saints during last month's AFL exchange period, has an unflattering history of off-field indiscretions and Essendon coach Matthew Knights seemingly happily snapped up the chance to off-load the talented footballer to the Saints.

While those at Essendon might be now maintaining a sense of smug self-satisfaction, it will be fascinating to see which way the Saints and their coach Ross Lyon move on this one.

So far, the club has only released a brief statement, clearly keeping their options close to their chest.

"The St Kilda Football Club is extremely disappointed that Andrew has put himself in this position," the statement said.

"The club is fully investigating what has taken place and will take appropriate action if and when required."

Watch this space.

After a 282-game career and 800 goals, Matthew Richardson is calling it quits.

But where does he rank alongside the all-time greats of the Richmond football club?

Does he deserve to rank alongside Kevin Bartlett as the club's greatest-ever player?

And where does he sit among the great goalkicking forwards of all time?

Your call.

Clearly, the AFL is determined to succeed with its foray into the rugby league heartland of western Sydney at any cost. The appointment of coaching legend Kevin Sheedy to coach Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in its inaugural season in 2012 is testament to that.

So the coaching superstar is guaranteed to lead the club for at least one season when it joins the Australian Rules national competition.

What do you think? Is the appointment of Sheedy merely being done for its public relations and marketing value in the tough Sydney market? Will Sheedy be a long-time appointment for the new club?

Nathan, struggling to cope with life as a professional AFL player, quit the game and moved to the Gold Coast.

However, Gary's career has gone from strength-to-strength, winning this year's Brownlow Medal on the way to a second premiership in three seasons.

While signing with the Gold Coast represents a second chance for Nathan, for Gary it would have a much different meaning. A chance at a new football life; a chance to be the face of a bright new AFL future in a new state; a chance to escape the bubble he lives in as one of the sport's most recognisable stars in Victoria.

Gary has now accomplished everything in the game. A move to a new club in its foundation year would represent yet another milestone.

Will he do it? Or will he commit to the Cats at the end of next season?

Your call.

The Magpies were again one of the big winners when the 2010 draw was officially released by the AFL today, scoring 14 games at the MCG and also playing their first seven games of the year in Victoria.

Have your say on next year's scheduled matches. Has your club been treated fairly? Is it right that grand finalists Geelong and St Kilda only meet one during the home-and-away season? Vent your spleen right now!

As the minutes count down to Friday's 2pm deadline for completed trade deals, we'll give you the latest updates as they happen.

2.15pm - It's official. Luke Ball hasn't been traded to Collingwood as the Saints didn't agree to the deal on the table. Saints coach Ross Lyon says the offer of picks 25 and 62 was insufficient.

2.03pm - The deadline has come and go and we're about to see a series of club officials make their way out of Etihad Stadium after the official end of the trade period.

1.42pm - Looks like Luke Ball is staying put at St Kilda. Nothing official yet.

1.39pm - Port Adelaide and Essendon have fronted the media to discuss last night's mega-trade which saw Shaun Burgoyne find his new home at Hawthorn. Port footy manager Peter Rohde says the club is delighted to have three picks in the top 16. Essendon coach Matthew Knights says the Bombers are rapt to grab small forward Mark Williams.

1.25pm - Just 35 minutes until the deadline is reached. It's believed most of the discussions still taking place between AFL clubs involve the names Luke Ball, Andrejs Everitt and Sharrod Wellingham. Hard to separate rumour from fact.

1.04pm - Bit of a correction to the tally earlier reported about the total number of AFL players who've found a new home. It's actually 23 players so far who've been traded by their club. I failed to look at Lachlan Henderson, Mitch Farmer and Brent Staker. Farmer is part of the deal to send Richmond's Jay Schulz to Port Adelaide.

12.58pm - Extraordinary rumour being touted by one of our commenters here on this live blog. Ball, Brown & Pavlich reportedly going to Arden Street as part of a six-club deal. I wouldn't think so ...

12:50pm - So far during trade week a staggering total of 20 AFL players have found new homes ... and that might not be the last of it. Judging by recent seasons, it's clearly been the most eventful trading period with some headline names about to pack their suitcases. Shaun Burgoyne to Hawthorn, Brock McLean to Carlton, Barry Hall to the Western Bulldogs ....

12.45pm - Just 75 minutes until today's 2pm deadline and the media here at the Docklands are killing time. The big names still to watch in terms of potential trades are Luke Ball (possibly moving from St Kilda to Collingwood) and Josh Fraser. The other one to watch is Brisbane's Joel Macdonald, who may be forced to leave the Lions after they've been the big movers of trade week.

12.30pm - In other deals officially completed today, Fremantle's Marcus Drum is going to Geelong in exchange for a third round selection (No.49 overall). Docker Brett Peake has been traded to St Kilda, picked up in exchange for another third round pick (No.48 overall).

12.20pm - There's a buzz of activity here at Etihad Stadium as the media flock eagerly awaits the final few hours of the 2009 AFL trade period. Already the big trade has happened today with Brendan Fevola on his way to Brisbane. The Blues have picked up young key position player Lachlan Henderson and the Lions' first round pick, No.12 overall. Carlton will also hand over their second round pick in the deal.

However, Fev has been given a lifeline - a chance to resurrect his career as part of probably the most intimidating forward line in recent memory. Fevola, Jonathan Brown, Daniel Bradshaw and Mitch Clark will be amongst the tall options up forward as Lions coach Michael Voss continues to rebuild the Lions.

But what are your thoughts? Will the Fev move be a success - or will the former Blue be unable to co-exist in the forward line with Brown?

Your call.

It all Started on Monday the 28th August when the WA boys assembled at the airport at 3pm for a 4.30pm flight. The feeling amongst the boys was really exciting, as we could not wait to be put through our paces with excruciating fitness tests and AFL club interviews.

A pleasant sleep-in was granted as we arrived at the AIS late Monday night for a Tuesday start. It was a 9am wake up for a 9.30am breakfast at the infamous AIS dining Hall. We were all in awe of the amount and quality of the food being served up to put us in the best possible shape for the days to come.

At 1:15pm the camp welcome was addressed by Kevin Sheehan, the AFL Talent Manager. Straight after the welcoming was finished, the first fitness assessments started. These included height, weights, skin fold testing, hand and arm span measurements.

Also during the afternoon we had to undergo a series of medical checks. Dinner came around in no time, and each player and staff official were consuming great amount of the delicious foods set out by the AIS chefs.

Each player had their own interview sheet with meetings scheduled and as night time fell on the first night, AFL clubs were around putting these interviews in place. Meetings were scheduled as late as 9:30pm. It was really interesting hearing all the boys' different thoughts and opinions on how their interviews went. I guess this information from the other boys gave you an advantage of what to expect when your interview came around with that club. By 10pm most boys were (well I know I was) in bed tucked up recovering from an eventful day and getting adequate rest for days to come.

Wednesday 30th September was an early start, as we had breakfast at 7.30 and our second fitness assessment at 9am. Sprints, agility and vertical jumps were on the cards for the morning. These were set out on a basketball court arena, with the room packed full of athletes, media, officials and members from all 16 AFL clubs, with some clubs having up to 10 members there.

My group was up first for the 20m sprint and unfortunately for me, I haven't been blessed with eye-catching speed. I recorded 3.11 seconds for my sprint, which I wasn't too pleased about. In the past, during WA testing practise I was running a 3.01 and 3.04.

Next was the vertical jump, followed by the agility test which was last on the agenda for the morning. After recording solid times during the practise sessions back in Perth, I was feeling rather confident. I recorded an 8.2 which was my personal best, so I was stoked!

It was then lunch, followed by more medical screening which was watched by all 16 AFL club doctors and physios. Our third fitness assessment included the repeat sprints, which started at 5:30pm. This test was the first of the gruelling 3 assessments.

The following day we had the beep test and on Friday was the 3km run. The repeat sprint test is 6x30m sprints in 20 second intervals. It's over in a flash but also very painful. The build-up of lactate in your legs is amazing.

It was then off to the recovery centre for ice baths and spas to put your body in prime condition for the following day's gut wrenching beep test. Dinner and more AFL club interviews preceded later that night.

Thursday 1st October, was another early start. We were up at 7am for breakfast, followed by a talk from Nathan Buckley about his kicking test. We were also joined by special guest Gary Lyon, who spoke to us about a specific piece of footage that he finds remarkable: Nick Riewoldt's courageous mark taken against the Swans. It was an excellent talk and I'm sure the boys will always recall it.

From there it was out to the oval where the kicking assessment was being set up for the first time the AFL Draft Camp. Of course there had to be a strong breeze which was going to make the test even more difficult, but it's never going to be perfect when you're playing, so you have to be ready for every scenario.

As I came up for my turn in the kicking test, I was feeling confident, as kicking is one of my better skills of the game. Kicking into a strong wind made it challenging. I thought I did ok scoring around 17-19 which was on average with most of the other guys.

In the afternoon it was the beep test which everyone dreads. I was looking forward to it as I think my endurance is stronger than my speed. It was hot and muggy on the basketball courts and it was time to challenge my body to the maximum. With recruiters and coaches' eyes beaming at your every move you want to impress. 'It's not how much you get, it's how you go about pushing yourself to the maximum and then that little bit further'. I ran to 14.2 which I was happy with. Dinner and club meeting again proceeded the night.

Friday 2nd October was the final day of the Draft Camp. A sleep-in was allowed with only breakfast and club meetings all morning. Most people took that opportunity to sleep in as we had the 3km time trial, the most challenging event during the stay. It kicked off at 1.30. My group was up first which consisted of Brayden Norris who won the beep test with 15.6 and Ryan Bastinac who ran a 15.1. I knew if I could stay with these guys I'd be in for a good time. I started strong out the blocks and was leading early but then sat back and trailed about 5th or 6th for most the race. The pace was quick and my legs were burning but I wasn't going give in and with one lap to go I gave it all I had. My aim was to catch the guy in front who was around 30 metres ahead of me. It came right to the wire, he just pipped me but I was still really pleased with my time. Overall I finished 7th with a time of 10.15mins, I was rapt!

In the next group, Kallen Geary came out and smashed the record of 10.02 recording a 9.43, which is amazing. All the tests were now over, which was a great relief.

For the WA boys it was a long wait until the 8pm flight, so we jumped in the ice baths and spas for a good recovery session. We then headed to the dining hall to eat dinner for the last time all together. At 6pm we headed out to the airport only to see our plane had been delayed 45 minutes, the boys weren't happy!

Overall I really enjoyed the camp and it was such a great privilege to be invited. To some extent, now is the time where we can just sit back and relax as all the controllables have been controlled. There's nothing more I can really do now accept wait, and hopefully there is one club that shows faith in me and what I have delivered throughout the last couple of seasons to make my dream come true!

Fair trade? Or bad business?

The Power would have accepted youngsters such as Jordan Lewis or Grant Birchall as part of the trade - in turn, those overtures were rejected by the Hawks, who insisted the up-and-coming stars were required players.

But is Burgoyne really good enough to agree to off-loading a vital first round draft pick - as well as a proven, former All-Australian defender?

Your call.