Best chance: Charlie Spargo

Spargo was the Demons' top pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft (No.29 overall) and has the ability to play through the midfield and up forward. The 18-year-old is likely to start his career in attack, where he has pace and smarts around goal. Had a delayed start to his pre-season after recovering from a serious shoulder injury, but showed a great work ethic and attitude throughout. Spargo, the son of former North Melbourne midfielder Paul, stands at 173cm, but he is deceptively strong above his head and stands strong in a ground-level contest. While Bayley Fritsch, ineligible to win the award due to his age, will almost certainly be the club's first draftee to debut, look for Spargo to push his case late in the season.

Other contenders: Oskar Baker (yet to debut), Dion Johnstone (yet to debut), Harrison Petty (yet to debut), Sam Weideman (10)

Past winners: Jesse Hogan (2015), Jared Rivers (2004) - Ben Guthrie