READ UP ON THE 2019 DRAFT CLASS

SAM DE KONING

Being the second youngest sibling of 10 brothers and sisters has meant many things for Sam De Koning.

Not least of all has it allowed the 18-year-old, who is a possible top-20 pick at this week's NAB AFL Draft, to study how his family members have achieved their goals.

"I'm a lot younger than most of them," De Koning told AFL.com.au. 

"It was a pretty hectic upbringing. I had lots of fights with my brothers and a lot of good times in the backyard playing sports. 

"My brother's 20 and my sister's 17 and the rest are 25 to 32. They're all doing different things. One's a nurse, one's a doctor, one's a firefighter, one's a band manager. 

"They give me a lot of inspiration to follow my dreams in life and that's the biggest thing that's helped me." 

One, of course, is also a footballer – and it's about to become two in the family.

Tom De Koning was drafted by Carlton two years ago, and although he has only managed two senior appearances so far, is tracking well as a developing ruckman/forward. 

Sam, who has garnered interest from Adelaide, Geelong and Port Adelaide, is set to join him in the big time, having studied his progress closely. 

"It was a lifelong dream for him but also for me, I'm a Carlton supporter at heart since I was a kid," he said.

"Seeing him play AFL footy has been a huge inspiration for me and a huge motivator for my career thus far. He's shown me what it takes to be an AFL player thus far and I take a lot from his experiences." 

De Koning may also take some time to develop, but he has shown promising signs throughout 2019.

Before an ankle injury cut short his campaign, De Koning had stamped himself as one of the better key defenders in the pool. 

He was named an All Australian backman for his performances for Vic Country, when he averaged five marks a game and showed his athleticism and mobility for a 201cm prospect. 

De Koning, whose father Terry also played 31 games for the Bulldogs between 1980-82, can also play as a forward and pinch-hit in the ruck, making him an appealing option for clubs late in the first round or early in the second.

"I had a fairly good year I think. Early on I was a bit inconsistent but I was working on my backline craft a lot," he said.

"I think I do have a lot of upside. Although I've played a lot of time in the backline I still have a lot of things to learn and I still have a lot of things to learn in different positions as well. 

"I'm more than capable of playing up forward or in the ruck, so I think I can bring a pretty broad and raw person to an AFL club and could be put anywhere and be determined to do well."

MITCH O'NEILL

Mitch O'Neill has carried the burden of being the face of Tasmania's NAB AFL Draft hopes all year.

The sole youngster from the Apple Isle invited to this year's NAB AFL Draft Combine, the North Hobart product has been tipped to be one of the only Tasmanians taken by an AFL club at the national draft.

It's meant an added layer of pressure has been heaped upon the shoulders of O'Neill, a tough and versatile 181cm midfielder who is expected to garner interest within the second round of the draft next week.

"It's a lot of pressure, being one of the only Tassie boys," O'Neill told AFL.com.au.

"I feel like I'm representing the state, so it's a lot of pressure each week to try and perform.

"It's good down in Tassie, they've provided good support. But sometimes it does get to me."

Not that you'd have known from O'Neill's performances, with the youngster one of just three players – alongside Will Gould and Jeremy Sharp – to earn All Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in both his bottom and top-age seasons. 

His place in the midfield this year came after averaging 20.2 disposals and 5.5 marks per game with the Allies throughout the national carnival, where his athleticism and willingness to crash into packs through the air were on full display.

Unfortunately, that bravery also cost him his second half of the season. Going back with the flight to take a mark while playing for Tasmania in the NAB League, O'Neill was knocked in mid-air and landed awkwardly.

He damaged his MCL, requiring surgery and putting a premature end to his final year of junior footy.

O'Neill was subsequently one of 13 draft hopefuls asked to undergo more medical checks by AFL clubs at Marvel Stadium last week, receiving a strong outlook on his recovery.

"They were really positive that the knee was coming along really well," O'Neill said.

"Everyone was really happy with it, so it all looks good."

Despite the setback, O'Neill is back running and remains on track to take part in day one of pre-season at an AFL club. To ensure he's more than ready for that daunting prospect, he's turned to his best mate – Richmond wingman Fraser Turner – to get back into shape.

Turner, who was recruited out of Clarence in Hobart with pick No.58 in last year's draft, has returned home for the off-season and has been hitting the gym and doing daily running sessions with O'Neill to prepare for season 2020.

He's also passed on the odd piece of advice to make sure his childhood friend is ready for the rigours of everyday life as an AFL footballer.

"We've been best mates our whole lives, so he gives me a lot of tips as to what it's like in the AFL," O'Neill said.

"He's told me that at the club – if I get on a list – I need to earn the respect of my teammates and train really hard.

"He also told me not to get worked up over things, like if I'm playing good footy and I don't get a game … don't get worked up about it because it'll be your time when it's time."