Adelaide
Greatest list needs: Second star midfielder to take pressure off Sloane, young ruck prospect
Dream draft selection: Callum Coleman-Jones (ruckman/key forward)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Tom Rockliff (restricted free agent), Bryce Gibbs (trade - contracted)
Picks: 17, 35, 53, 72, 90, 108, 126
Knightmare says: Adelaide as a premiership contender would benefit from adding a second top tier midfielder to support Rory Sloane who struggles coping with taggers. Tom Rockliff and Bryce Gibbs having been targeted by the club last offseason may again be targets. A young ruckman through the draft such as local production, Callum Coleman-Jones would be ideal successor to Sam Jacobs, with his capabilities as a key forward a bonus.
Brisbane
Greatest list needs: Veteran experience, young midfield star power
Dream draft selection: Luke Davies-Uniacke (inside midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Jacob Hopper (trade - uncontracted), Andrew Swallow (trade - contracted)
Picks: 1, 15, 18, 41, 73, 91, 109
Knightmare says: Brisbane need to trade for established players to add experience and aid young player development and strength the clubs best 22. An underutilised player who demonstrates leadership qualities such as the battle-hardened Andrew Swallow appears an ideal list fit and the ideal locker-room presence to help with the development of a young Brisbane group. With Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko all in the 25-30 age bracket, Brisbane also need some premier young midfielders. A trade of pick one for underutilised contested ball winning beast Jacob Hopper and a second player who can slot into the clubs best 22 or a pick would be a coup in Brisbane's list build. Failing a suitable trade of their top pick, Luke Davies-Uniacke may be the best midfielder up the top end of this year's draft.
Carlton
Greatest list needs: Premier key forward, midfield star power
Dream draft selection: Will Sutherland (key forward)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Josh Kelly (trade - uncontracted), Jacob Hopper (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 4, 39, 57, 76, 94, 112
Knightmare says: With Jacob Weitering drafted as a key defender, Carlton require a premier key forward to allow Weitering to shift back to his natural position. Will Sutherland if he nominates for this year's draft may be the choice as a key forward, otherwise Jarrod Brander is a more than suitable alternative. Through the trade period, Josh Kelly would be a strong target and an ideal complement to Patrick Cripps. Failing a trade for Josh Kelly, Jacob Hopper may prove long term an equally valuable pickup through the midfield with his contested ball winning capabilities.
Collingwood
Greatest list needs: Premier key forward, quality young key defender
Dream draft selection: Will Sutherland (key forward)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Steven May (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 6, 36, 54, 59, 78, 96, 114
Knightmare says: Retaining Brodie Grundy is top priority. Darcy Moore is the only high quality, young key position player Collingwood have to build around. Now is the time for Collingwood to have a key position themed offseason, seeking high-quality key forwards and key defenders through the draft and from other club lists. Will Sutherland if he nominates for this year's draft may be the choice as a key forward, otherwise, Jarrod Brander and Noah Balta are suitable alternatives. As a key defender, Steven May is an ideal player to build a defence around and a strong compliment to Ben Reid in the short term. Failing a trade for Steven May, Jake Lever and Liam Jones are strong alternatives.
Essendon
Greatest list needs: Key forward to pair with Daniher, star ball-winning midfielder
Dream draft selection: Noah Balta (key forward/key defender)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Dustin Martin (restricted free agent), Sam Reid (Sydney - restricted free agent)
Picks: 11, 28, 46, 64, 83, 101, 119
Knightmare says: Essendon are expected to make an aggressive offer for Dustin Martin with the strong bodied ball winner displaying power which is lacking through the club's midfield. Sydney's Sam Reid would also be a strong list fit and would allow Essendon All-Australian key defender Cale Hooker to return to the back half where he plays his best football. Noah Balta with Essendon's first round choice could as a key forward be a long term partner up forward for Daniher, or just as easily slot into a key defence post, or even into the midfield as a tall ball winner.
Fremantle
Greatest list needs: General defenders, young ruckman to succeed Aaron Sandilands
Dream draft selection: Sam Hayes (ruckman/key forward)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Jason Johannisen (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 8, 43, 58, 61, 80, 98, 116
Knightmare says: With an aging backline, Jason Johannisen would add much needed spark with his run off half-back. Trent McKenzie may be a cheap alternative as an out of favour defender who needs new opportunity at a new club and can break games open with his long kicking. With Aaron Sandilands turning 35 this year, Jonathon Griffen 32 before the start of preseason next year and Zac Clarke 28 before round one of the 2018 season, now is the time for Fremantle to look into drafting a next generation ruckman. 2016 Under-18 All-Australian, Sam Hayes if available would be an ideal successor to Sandilands.
Geelong
Greatest list needs: Key forward to partner with and succeed Tom Hawkins, small pressure forward specialist
Dream draft selection: Toby Wooller (key forward/inside midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Sam Reid (Sydney - restricted free agent), Devon Smith (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 21, 33, 51, 69, 88, 106, 124
Knightmare says: Sam Reid as a key forward would be an ideal complement to Tom Hawkins and would allow Harry Taylor to be released back into a key defence post where he is a two time All-Australian. With forward pressure an issue for Geelong, Devon Smith is an ideal trade target with his capacity to push up through the midfield a bonus. Through the draft, Toby Wooller also represents a strong list fit, with their first selection, having the capability to play either as a key forward or a genuine onballer.
Gold Coast
Greatest list needs: Franchise calibre established star midfielder, talented half-forward flankers who can push up through the midfield
Dream draft selection: Cameron Rayner (medium forward/inside midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Nat Fyfe (restricted free agent), Steven Motlop (restricted free agent)
Picks: 5, 19, 22, 25, 30, 32, 40, 77, 95, 113
Knightmare says: With Gary Ablett 33 years of age and missing 31 games from a possible 66 from 2014-2016, it is time for Gold Coast to introduce the next face of the franchise to share the spotlight with Ablett in his final years. Enter Nat Fyfe. The addition of Fyfe would take significant pressure off Ablett at the coal-face, potentially prolonging his career. This move would also help convince the likes of Ablett and Steven May to remain with the club which is essential to Gold Coast making a top eight push. Steven Motlop as a forward who pushes up the ground would also add substantial x-factor and replace some of the spark lost when Harley Bennell was traded at the end of 2015. Through the draft, powerful forward, Cameron Rayner adds hurt-factor and could in time become Gold Coast's Dustin Martin equivalent, being impactful as a forward or midfielder.
Greater Western Sydney
Greatest list needs: General defenders, small crumbing forward
Dream draft selection: Sam Hayes (ruckman/key forward)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Jason Johannisen (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 23, 26, 70, 71, 89, 107, 125
Knightmare says: The retention of talent is the major priority of GWS' with the club possessing a potential dynasty team that could stack up with any historically. If GWS have salary cap space, the addition of Jason Johannisen is a dream list fit as a compliment to and eventually replacement of Heath Shaw's run and carry out of defence. Trent McKenzie may be a cheap alternative as an out of favour defender who needs new opportunity at a new club. This year's top ruck prospect, Sam Hayes, who was the sole 2016 Under-18 All-Australian from this year's draft class would be drafted to succeed Shane Mumford as the club's lead ruckman.
Hawthorn
Greatest list need: Midfield stoppage specialists, high level key position player
Dream draft selection: Callum Coleman-Jones (key forward/ruck)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Nat Fyfe (restricted free agent), Jake Lever (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 34, 37, 55, 74, 92, 110
Knightmare says: With Hawthorn struggling at stoppages winning contested possessions and centre clearances, Nat Fyfe needs to be atop the clubs shopping list. With an aging backline and the need for a high level immediate key defender, Jake Lever also would be an ideal fit. Lever could compliment James Frawley as an intercept marking key defender and is a pillar to build the backline around for future seasons. Steven May or Liam Jones would also be suitable alternatives. Through the draft, Callum Coleman-Jones if he slides would represent great value as a strongly built key forward or ruckman.
Melbourne
Greatest list need: Outside speed and ball use, another key position player
Dream draft selection: Noah Balta (key forward/key defender)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Zak Jones (trade - uncontracted), Jake Lever (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 14, 31, 49, 67, 86, 104, 122
Knightmare says: With a quickly growing midfield brigade coming together, that missing element is someone on the outside who can break the lines and hurt the opposition by foot. Zak Jones looks an obvious solution with his ball winning capabilities a bonus. Jake Lever has also been mentioned as a trade target of Melbourne's. An ideal player for Melbourne to add with their first choice is athletic key position player, Noah Balta. He possesses the flexibility to hold down a key position post or play any of the 18 positions on the field impactfully.
North Melbourne
Greatest list need: Star midfielders, outside pace.
Dream draft selection: Darcy Fogarty (tall utility)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Dustin Martin (restricted free agent), Josh Kelly (trade - uncontracted), Jasper Pittard (restricted free agent)
Picks: 3, 20, 45, 63, 75, 93, 111
Knightmare says: Losing a historic number of games in one offseason, North Melbourne look set to aggressively target two of the game's biggest name midfielders in Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly in order to add experience and star power through the midfield. Jasper Pittard is a third player North Melbourne are believed to have offered a large contract to, with his aggressive line breaking off half-back ideal. If North Melbourne retain their first-round selection, Darcy Fogarty as a powerful, tall utility if available may appeal.
Port Adelaide
Greatest list need: Talented general forward, outside speed and skill
Dream draft selection: Callum Coleman-Jones (key forward/ruck)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Steven Motlop (restricted free agent), Lindsay Thomas (trade - contracted)
Picks: 32, 50, 68, 87, 105, 123
Knightmare says: Steven Motlop appears an ideal list fit, providing speed and skill up forward and through the midfield. Lindsay Thomas may also be a strong recruiting choice and would add potency to the front half. Given Thomas' age and the poor season he is having, he is likely to be available cheaply and could be a potentially high reward recruiting choice. Through the draft, Callum Coleman-Jones if available would add a potential long-term option either through the ruck or up forward with his contested marking and work around the ground features of his game.
Richmond
Greatest list need: Key forward, rebounding general defender
Dream draft selection: Lockie O'Brien (outside midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Sam Reid (Sydney - restricted free agent)
Picks: 13, 16, 48, 52, 66, 85, 103, 121
Knightmare says: After Jack Riewoldt, Richmond have been unable to find a second key forward who he can share the goalkicking load with. Sydney's Sam Reid is an ideal complement who can take pressure of Riewoldt and make the Richmond front half more dangerous. Through the draft, Lockie O'Brien if available would be an ideal list fit with his outside run and skillset.
St Kilda
Greatest list need: Star midfielder, outside run
Dream draft selection: Cameron Rayner (general forward/inside midfield)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Josh Kelly (trade - uncontracted), Lachie Whitfield (trade - contracted)
Picks: 2, 9, 44, 56, 62, 99, 117
Knightmare says: Looking for some star power and outside run, Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield are believed to be targets of St Kilda and would add considerably to the club's best side. If St Kilda retain their first selection, Cameron Rayner would be a fantastic selection with his power and impact either as a forward or midfield.
Sydney
Greatest list need: Run off half-back, young key forward
Dream draft selection: Lockie O'Brien (outside midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Jason Johannisen (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 7, 24, 42, 60, 79, 97, 115
Knightmare says: With few on Sydney's list who provide meaningful run off half-back, Jason Johannisen appears a perfect list fit through the trade period. Trent McKenzie may be a cheap alternative as an out of favour defender who needs a new opportunity at a new club. Through the draft, Lockie O'Brien is an ideal fit on the outside or off half-back with his pace and skills a compliment to Sydney's powerful midfield group. Consideration will also need to go into Sydney's key forward situation with the urgency of securing a key forward such a Noah Balta through the draft elevated if Sam Reid departs.
West Coast
Greatest list need: Star young key forward, small crumbing forward
Dream draft selection: Noah Balta (key forward/key defender)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Mitch McGovern (trade - uncontracted), Brandon Matera (trade - uncontracted)
Picks: 12, 29, 47, 65, 84, 102, 120
Knightmare says: With Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis at the tail ends of their careers, Mitch McGovern and Brandon Matera appear ideal list additions as a key forward and small forward respectively. They would fill the clubs list needs and provide West Coast with an immediate boost while still being young enough to remain with the club over the medium to long term. With Josh Kennedy turning 30 before seasons end, it is time for West Coast to find a replacement. Through the draft, if West Coast retain their first selection, Noah Balta if available appears West Coast's best chance at finding a successor to Kennedy.
Western Bulldogs
Greatest list need: Immediate key defender, ready to play ruckman
Dream draft selection: Jack Higgins (general forward/midfielder)
Dream trade/free agent targets: Jake Lever (trade - uncontracted), Mark Blicavs (trade - contracted)
Picks: 10, 27, 38, 81, 82, 100, 118
Knightmare says: With Joel Hamling joining Fremantle last trade period, Western Bulldogs are believed to be in the hunt for Jake Lever as a replacement and a key pillar to build the backline around. Steven May and ex-Dog Liam Jones would also as key defenders be strong alternatives. Having a slower than expected start to the season, Mark Blicavs may be attainable at the right price by seasons end. Blicavs could share the ruck load with either Tom Boyd or Jordan Roughead and also help as an on-baller where he can help Western Bulldogs improve from dead last in centre clearances. Through the draft, Jack Higgins if available as a small, crumbing forward, would complement the club's tall front half well, while also possessing the capability to push up through the midfield.
