A revamped AFL draft format could draw out the suspense for South Warrnambool prospect Jay Rantall.
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The draft bolter, whose dynamic endurance performances at October's combine testing elevated his profile, is considered a round one smokey.
The AFL has split the national draft in two for the first time - round one will be revealed on Wednesday night at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium with the remaining rounds called out on Thursday night.
Rantall, 18, said he expected his name to be called out on night two but was hopeful a club would take a punt on him with a first-round selection.
"I don't think it makes it stressful, just in your mind you don't know which night to prepare for the most," he told The Standard.
"You could have to live the night twice but I have great family and friends around me so I know I will be fine."
Rantall said the first round was locked in at pick 19 but "might expand out to the mid or early-20s".
"I think Wednesday the first round is done but there might be a few extra picks because of Academy selections or father-sons but the rest of the national draft will be on Thursday," he said.
Clubs are circling the inside midfielder who opted to concentrate on football in 2019 after juggling it with basketball.
The Warrnambool College student impressed at NAB League level this year, winning Greater Western Victoria Rebels' best and fairest, and for Vic Country at the national championships before a record-breaking performance at the combine enhanced his draft credentials.
Terang Mortlake line-breaker Isaac Wareham, who was part of the esteemed AFL Academy, Camperdown midfielder Toby Mahony, Warrnambool speedster Mitch Burgess, skilful South Warrnambool player Liam Herbert, Port Fairy defender Josh Dwyer, Hamilton Kangaroos utility James Cleaver and Portland's Harris Jennings have also nominated for the draft.
Delisted Geelong small forward Jamaine Jones, who hails from Heywood, and former Cobden and Essendon wingman Jackson Merrett, who now plays for WAFL side Peel Thunder, are also among the 843 nominees.
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