Contrary to popular opinion, a host of champions will emerge from next month's AFL National Draft, according to goalkicking legend Matthew Lloyd.
The general view of industry insiders suggests that the 2011 crop of draft hopefuls is weaker than most years.
But decorated late bloomers such as Hawthorn premiership captain Sam Mitchell fill Lloyd, who is also an AIS-AFL Academy assistant coach, with faith that this year's draft will be looked upon favourably in years to come.
"I just think that there are so many that develop late," Lloyd said at Etihad Stadium after the third day of the AFL Draft Combine on Thursday.
"Some guys you expect to test well and they're so nervous and can't relax that they don't test as well."
"But I'm sure you'll find there'll be many champions just like every other year that come out of this crop of draftees."
Lloyd said that test results at the combine could determine the future of some of the bright-eyed teenagers.
"Ninety percent of the boys and what they'll be picked from has been seen in most of the games," said Lloyd.
"But (with) these tests (recruiters) probably come on the day and you're not sure who to choose between one or two others, there might be just something that the recruiters see within these tests to say 'you know what? I'll go with that boy'."
"I think it's just confirmation with these testings, whether it's sprinting, kicking or handballing, whatever, that can make a recruiter's mind up."
And Lloyd highlighted that the advent of sophisticated testing procedures ensured a lot had changed for aspiring footballers since he was drafted by Essendon back in 1994.
The three-time Coleman Medalist said AFL draft hopefuls have nowhere to hide anymore.
"There's nothing that slips by under the radar now when you're choosing a player," Lloyd said.
"Back when I was chosen, you probably just went off games, whereas now there is nowhere to hide."