With the NAB AFL Draft just hours away, we take a look at the eight draft hopefuls from the PM Capital GIANTS Academy who have been nominated as GIANTS draft eligible players at tonight’s NAB AFL Draft.

For players to be included as a draft eligible Club Academy Player, they must have represented New South Wales at any underage national football championships in that year or any other competition as determined by the AFL.

These are not the only members of the Academy who could be drafted but the only ones that the GIANTS have priority to under the new Academy bidding system.

The octet were all nominated under the provisions of the Club Academies Rule in October and seven members of the group were invited to test at the national NAB AFL Draft Combine.

Temora’s Jack Irvine tested at the NSW State Combine in November along with other PM Capital GIANTS Academy members including Charlie Bance, Max Canfield, Thomas Faul, Kyle Galloway, Byrdon Hodgson, Jake Marshall, Dylan McDonald and Josh Minogue.

Under the reformed bidding system, each draft selection is allocated a points value on a sliding scale.

Clubs nominating a player as an academy draftee will use their existing draft selections to match the points value of the pick used by the club bidding for the player. 

Last year saw the GIANTS draft Jack Steele and Jeremy Finalyson from the PM Capital GIANTS Academy while Port Adelaide picked up Logan Austin and Dougal Howard from the Academy.

PM Capital GIANTS Academy players eligible for the 2015 NAB AFL Draft

MATTHEW KENNEDY (Collingullie)
18, 187cm, 88kg
Forward 

Medium forward/midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and strong overhead. Missed national championships because of injury but was in outstanding form for the Rams in the TAC Cup. Has overcome his knee injury and returned to play for Collingullie late in the season.

JACOB HOPPER (North Ballarat Rebels)
18, 185cm, 83kg
Midfielder 

Medium midfielder with an excellent work ethic who has the ability to win the footy both on the inside and outside. Shows excellent composure with the ball in hand, making smart decisions and executing well. He won the NSW/ACT MVP and is a member of the NAB AFL Academy.

HARRISON HIMMELBERG (Mangoplah)
19, 194cm, 87kg
Forward 

Extremely mobile tall forward who relocated to Eastlake from Riverina this year after an injury-interrupted 2014. Presents very well up forward with his repeat efforts and has good hands. Solid performer at the NAB AFL U18 Championships.

JOCK CORNELL (Mangoplah)
18, 186cm, 83kg
Forward 

Resilient, adaptable and versatile medium forward who reads the game extremely well and applies good forward-line pressure. Excellent kick at goal and was impressive for NSW/ACT in the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Graduate of the NAB AFL Academy. 

MATTHEW FLYNN (Narrandera)
18, 199cm, 101kg
Ruckman

Developing ruckman who competes aggressively and is athletic. Agile and courageous, he can push forward and be dangerous as a marking forward. Excellent below the knees for a player of his size and shows potential with his rucking craft at stoppages. Performed well at the NAB AFL U18 Championships.

LACHLAN TIZIANI (Albury)
18, 189cm, 79kg
Forward 

Medium forward who can play through the midfield or in defence. Quick and has neat skills by hand and foot. Team-orientated player with excellent work ethic. Represented NSW/ACT in the NAB AFL U18 Championships this year and the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL. 

JACK IRVINE (Temora)
18, 188cm, 79kg 
Defender

Played just one match for the NSW/ACT Rams in the TAC Cup this season before rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in round two. The athletic 188cm medium defender is a bit of unknown quantity given he didn't test at the NEAFL combine and has been in rehab all season. Has elite endurance and is a classy left-footer. He has played senior football and won a premiership for Temora in the Farrer Football League.

NICHOLAS COUGHLAN (Albury Tigers)
19, 193cm, 84kg
Forward 

Tall forward with good athletic ability and strong overhead. Agile and presents well on the lead. A reliable set shot for goal as well as an excellent field kick on his preferred right foot. Averaged 10 disposals (four contested possessions) and a goal in three matches during the 2014 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.