This year’s top AFL draft prospects are telling clubs almost unanimously that they want to be the No.1 pick rather than the back-up plan to a failed bid on a father-son or academy gun.

Brisbane Lions-bound midfielder Levi Ashcroft has a case to be the first player taken after back-to-back All-Australian under-18 selections and starring in Talent League powerhouse Sandringham Dragons’ flag three-peat.

The Lions are prepared to match any Ashcroft bid, and it would be a surprise if he lasted beyond pick three based on The Age’s discussions with recruiters – but at least one rates him at No.5.

This masthead has followed Ashcroft’s journey this year as part of the Draft dreams series, and he would like his name read out first.

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“I want to be the best player in the draft. If that’s pick one, it’s pick one,” Ashcroft said.

The Age placed GWV Rebels midfielder-forward Sam Lalor, who has been likened to champion Tiger Dustin Martin, at No.1 in its October and November draft rankings.

Another contender to be the dux, Oakleigh Chargers onballer Jagga Smith, is among the prospective draftees who told clubs he would prefer to be their first choice rather than follow an Ashcroft bid, according to two recruiting sources.

“Yeah, obviously, I would,” Smith told this masthead, on whether he wanted No.1 status.