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The 2024 AFL draft is considered remarkably even at the top end, which means there are still plenty of potential trades and surprises.

Sam Lalor looms as Richmond's prized top pick as AFL clubs prepare for a draft opening night full of twists and turns.

In a draft where the top end is considered uniquely even, high picks have been at a premium and draft-night pick trades appear on the cards.

Even Lalor, who will cap off draft week with a belated 18th birthday party this weekend, has been kept guessing by Richmond, who have a bumper eight picks inside the current top-24 selections.

The powerful midfielder/forward hadn't heard from the Tigers on Monday and doesn't expect to find out his fate until draft night.

"Nah, absolutely nothing. I've got no idea still," Lalor said.

"I've met with them recently, but they haven't said anything to me or my management team."

Fellow Victorian Jagga Smith was in the mix but now appears more likely to land at either Carlton at pick No.3 or Adelaide straight after, depending on whether the Blues plump for him or South Australian Sid Draper.

The waiting game is keeping Smith on his toes.

"I'm really excited. I've been wanting to achieve this my whole life, and I've been waiting for this night for a few years now, but I would be lying by saying I wasn't nervous," he said.

"I think the thing that I'm most nervous about is just the fear of the unknown, really.

"Like, I'm not really sure where I'll end up, but I know whoever gives me that opportunity I'll take that opportunity with both hands.

"But, yeah, it's just a fear of the unknown. But once my name gets called out, I'll be rapt - wherever that is."

Tall defender Alix Tauru heads the list of key position talents.

North Melbourne have been linked to Tauru with pick No.2, though gun midfielder Finn O'Sullivan is the favourite to land there.

Richmond (No.1, No.6, No.10), Melbourne (No.5, No.9) and St Kilda (No.7, No.8) all boast multiple top-10 picks.

Some selections will be shifted back by bids on father-son and academy prospects.

Incredibly, a bid for gun Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft - son of Marcus and younger brother of Will - could come as late as Melbourne's pick No.5.

Gold Coast-tied Leo Lombard and Essendon prospect Isaac Kako are expected to attract a bid inside the top 15.

That prompted the Bombers to flick their pick No.9 to Melbourne, though they could yet trade back into the first round.

Tuesday night is only for the first round of the draft but given father-son and academy selections will blow it out, it is expected to be a late night.