First 13 invitees revealed for draft night as first round takes shape

The AFL has sent out invites to prospective first-round picks at next month's draft

A GROUP of 13 prospects are part of the initial list of players invited to attend the opening night of this year's Telstra AFL Draft as clubs narrow in on their top selections.

The draft will again run over two nights at Marvel Stadium, on November 19-20, with the first round of picks to be held on the opening night.

The AFL consults with recruiters from clubs at the top end of the draft before sending out its invites to prospects, with a first group of players receiving their invitations in recent days.

Pick No.1 favourite Dougie Cochrane, who is tied to Port Adelaide through its Next Generation Academy, has been invited, as has Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker.

Ethan Drever, who is right in the mix for Essendon's first live selection, half-forward Arki Butler, explosive forward Gus Teixeira and ruckman Harry Van Hattum have also received invites, as has West Australian prospect Heath Mellody.

Two more Academy-tied players are part of the invited group; Greater Western Sydney midfielder Ethan Matthews and versatile Brisbane Academy talent Caylen Murray, who could both attract early bids.

South Australian key defender Mitch Harris, West Australian midfielder Leo Steed, Vic Country goalkicker Wil Malady and Vic Metro forward Sam Gayfer are also in the group who have been invited.

The AFL usually adds more invitees closer to the draft and with more than three weeks to go until names are called, clubs expect several more players to be added to opening night.

Key defenders Tyson Bradley and Clancy Snell and midfielders Toby Krasna, Lochie Burrows and Jackson Phillips are among the other prospects who could be in contention for invites.

Last year's draft saw 15 prospects invited to night one, when Willem Duursma was crowned the No.1 pick by West Coast.