Every year there are several mature-age players drafted through the state leagues who offer AFL clubs immediate value and performance.Last year, Marcus Adams (pick 35), Mitch Brown (pick 54), Sam Collins (pick 55), Rupert Wills (pick 63), Sam Menegola (pick 66), Michael Hartley (pick 68), Josh Wagner (rookie draft pick 6), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (rookie draft pick 22), Josh Smith (rookie draft pick 25), Ryan Davis (rookie draft pick 38) and Tom Ruggles (rookie draft pick 44) proved valuable at AFL level. They all showed they had the capacity to play a role and potentially remain long-term players at AFL level.Recruiting state league players in the latter portion of the draft and during the rookie draft consistently represents strong draft day value for clubs. It is an effective way -- if list holes during trade week and free agency have not been adequately addressed -- for clubs to find players who can immediately step into an AFL team and fill that hole.Historically the state leagues prove a fertile recruiting ground for AFL clubs, with general defenders and midfielders most commonly found. Some key defenders and ruckmen can be identified through the state leagues, though the numbers vary from year to year. By contrast key forwards and general forwards are relatively much less frequently identified through the state leagues, with fewer forwards at these levels displaying AFL-standard talent.So, which state league prospects could be drafted this year?The most likely state league player to be selected in this years AFL draft is Coburg rebounding defender Luke Ryan, who may feature as early as the second or third round. Ryan, 20, a 185cm, 82kg rebounding defender has from his 10 games this season made a significant impression and demonstrated clear AFL potential. His intercept marking, composure with ball in hand and kicking from the back half has been a highlight.In the WAFL, making a significant impression and also looming as a likely national draft selection has been Subiacos Liam Ryan. He is a 186cm, 76kg, high flying 20-year-old forward. Ryan has kicked an impressive 40 goals from his 16 WAFL League games while taking several highlight reel-worthy marks throughout the season.Relatively, the greatest scarcity in the state leagues are key forwards. The better key forwards typically have been identified and drafted straight out of the under-18 competitions nationally. This years most advanced plug and play key forward is South Adelaides 27-year-old star goal kicker Brett Eddy. Eddy, 193cm and 92kg, kicked 74 goals from 20 games this season in the SANFL. While he is strong overhead and clean at ground level, Eddy stands out because of his rare ability (regardless of how tightly his direct opponent plays him) to find a way to get goal side of his opponents to kick goals. Eddy has the capacity to offer immediate depth and possibly, depending on the quality of the teams other key forwards, push for a position inside a clubs best 22.Also in the WAFL, Claremont midfielder Jye Bolton has enjoyed a breakout year through the midfield. Last year, Bolton played only 10 games for Werribee in the VFL but with Werribee shifting from a partial alignment with North Melbourne to a full alignment this year, Bolton made the shift to Claremont for greater opportunities. The move has paid off handsomely for Bolton, who won the 2016 Sandover Medal as the competitions best and fairest player. Bolton, a 24-year-old who was rookie listed to Collingwood for one season, is a 183cm, 80kg midfielder who is ready to play at AFL level. He has the capacity to play either as an inside or outside midfielder for a team and has the game to slot into a side seamlessly.Performing strongly and continuing his development this year as a key defender, Tyler Keitel, a 20-year-old, 194cm, 91kg key defender, has taken strong strides forward in his second season playing WAFL League football for West Perth. He has impressed this season intercepting down back and has shown the versatility as required to play in other positions.Firmly in the mix to be selected in the national draft is developing North Ballarat ruckman Rowan Marshall. The 203cm big man, who will turn 21 in November, has shown significant growth in the VFL this season and has shown ability both through the ruck and up forward. His tackling this season has proven particularly impressive along with his mobility and involvement around the ground.Another young ruckman who is also in the mix to be selected is 21-year-old, 204cm, 104kg Claremont ruckman Darcy Cameron. Cameron has taken another step in the right direction this year and has not only proven effective as a tap ruckman but also as a forward with 36 goals and 106 marks from his 19 WAFL League games. He has had another impressive season and may, as a relieving ruckman or No. 1 ruckman, be a developable player.The list of ready-to-go midfielders and general defenders is long.Of the midfielders in the NEAFL this year who are ripe for the picking, Blake Grewar, Jordan Harper, ex-Sun Andrew Boston, James Ives and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds are among the better performers and all fit into the much desired 20-25 year-old age group where they all are mature enough to contribute now but still young enough to remain with a club medium to long term.From the SANFL, ex-Crow rookie James Battersby, Kaine Stevens, Christopher Jansen and ex-Blue Nicholas Holman are among the more impressive South Australian midfielders. Zane Kirkwood will turn 26 before the start of next season but has been one of the most impactful midfielders in the SANFL in recent seasons and may be worth a look.From the VFL, Sam McLachlan, Michael Gibbons, Tom Atkins and Matt Hanson loom are among the more promising, young VFL-listed midfielders. Robbie Fox as an outside type who can also play back is another name that has been discussed among AFL recruiters. The 187cm, 87kg, 23-year-old is a possible late draft choice.Down back in the NEAFL, ex-Gold Coast rebounding defender Jackson Allen is a damaging player with a long, strong kick and good acceleration. Matthew Sully in a key defence post could also be suitable for AFL play. He a 196cm, 95kg key defender who holds his own in the one-on-one contests and shuts down his direct opponent each week.Down back in the VFL as key defenders who may be third talls at AFL level, Tom Stewart and Brody Mihocek have both had strong seasons and developed well. Collingwoods Jordan Kelly, who was previously AFL-listed by Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs, has made meaningful inroads this year and been a reliable two-way player this season. Also on Collingwoods VFL list and impressing down back has been classy ball user Ryan Pendlebury, who is the younger brother of Scott. Breaking out as a key defender, Declan Keilty has also attracted some AFL interest and is in the mix for selection.In the WAFL, ex-West Coast Eagle Blayne Wilson has again elevated his standard of performance with 163 marks and 449 disposals from his 23 games down back this season. Playing an exciting style brand of footy down back has been Marlion Pickett, who as a linebreaker makes things happen with ball in hand. He is also able to play forward and have an impact. Both Wilson and Pickett will turn 25 before the start of the 2017 season and could each fill a need for a team if selected.As forwards, from the SANFL talented goal sneak Willie Rioli has made meaningful inroads this year and is on the radar of some clubs after losing significant weight and getting in much better shape. Joshua Scott, who was an impressive goal kicker in the TAC Cup a few years ago, has had a strong season. Ex-Carlton rookie Luke Reynolds also has improved significantly this season and has developed into an effective leadup forward who finished the SANFL season with 43 goals, one more than Joshua Scott.In the VFL, small forward Hisham Kerbatieh after being overlooked in last years AFL draft has again put up his hand for selection. Ex-Saint Ahmed Saad led the VFL goalkicking this year and also could fill a role for a team in a front half.Of the other ruckmen, Caseys 22-year-old, 203cm, 100kg Oscar McInerney big man is the third ruckman in the mix and is another genuine draft chance. He moves well and displays impressive cleanness below his knees for someone of his height.While Eddy is the clear standout of the state league key forwards, if a club is looking for someone a few years younger than Eddy, ex-Port Adelaide key forward Mason Shaw looks like the most likely alternative. The 197cm, 94kg Shaw, who will turn 23 before the start of the 2017 season, kicked 51 goals and took 128 marks from his 23 games which is a solid return. Nike Vapormax Plus Bleached Aqua .05 million next season unless Graham and the Saints subsequently agree on a long-term deal. The designation was released Monday after the deadline passed for NFL teams to use franchise or transition tags on players becoming free agents. Nike Vapormax Plus Sunset .B. -- The Baie-Comeau Drakkar took over sole possession of first place atop the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Thursday with their sixth straight win. http://www.vapormaxplus.com/ . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Nike Vapormax Plus Orange . -- The Missouri Tigers might not have a roster full of superstars. Nike Vapormax Plus Womens . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones reiterated hell be ready go against the Oakland Raiders Sunday after re-injuring his left ankle in a season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Jones emphasized not being too concerned about the ankle by saying he wouldnt push it if he felt it would affect him long-term. The Falcons have been cautious with their top player, as he was dinged up with foot and ankle injuries in the preseason and to start the regular season.No, Im fine, Jones said Thursday. Im good. Im good to go. Its nothing that I think about. Just cant play slow. If I feel like I cant go, I wouldnt go.Jones was listed as limited for a second consecutive day Thursday. However, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Jones should return to full practice on Friday before the Falcons leave for Oakland.Jones originally injured the ankle in the third preseason game against Miami in Orlando, Florida. He expressed little concern about tweaking the ankle last week.Jones posted the second-highest single-season receiving total in NFL history with 1,871 yards on 136 catches last season. He had just four catches for 66 yyards and a touchdown in last weeks 31-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.ddddddddddddhe Falcons No. 2 wide receiver, Mohamed Sanu, also is recovering from a left ankle injury suffered in the opener. Sanu also is expected to return to full practice Friday.Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan addressed how having both Jones and Sanu limited this week might affect the offenses preparation for the Raiders.Its something were pretty used to, Shanahan said. It was like that a lot last year, too. Thats part of the NFL. You dont have a ton of guys, and its a physical game. So, guys are beat up a lot.Running back Devonta Freeman, who was limited with a bruised quad Wednesday, returned to full practice Thursday. Defensive end Brooks Reed was held out of practice for the second consecutive day Thursday with a shoulder injury.Also, rookie starting inside linebacker DeVondre Campbell was added to the injury report with an ankle injury. Campbell was limited Thursday after having full participation Wednesday. ' ' '