Canberra's AFL prospects Sam Fisher, Lucas Meline and Jordan Harper were overlooked during Friday's national draft but their journey to the big time is far from done.
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All will be eligible for the pre-season and rookie drafts to take place on Monday with the former most likely for the mature-aged Harper.
At 23, the Canberra Demons midfielder admitted the rookie avenue is a more "realistic" pathway.
Harper shifted to the midfield this season and his ball-winning prowess was elite, averaging 33 possessions a game earning him selection in the league's team of the year.
His dominant performances against AFL-listed players didn't go unnoticed and it is rumoured the Brisbane Lions are particularly interested in the Canberra teacher.
Harper met recruiters from the Queensland-based side at the state combine, where his elite running capacity was transferred to impressive beep and sprint tests.
"Hopefully they take a punt," Harper said. "This year was probably my best year to date and performing at the combine I couldn't really do much else."
Playing in the NEAFL allows prospects a chance to prove their worth against listed players from the Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Sydney Swans and GWS Giants.
"There's more opportunity for them to see you play and you're playing against the best standard each week," Harper said. "That's why the NEAFL is so good these days."
Fisher went into the national draft as a nominated Giants academy player and therefore is now eligible to join that club's category B rookie list, virtually the same as a regular rookie.
The Giants surprised many by selecting delisted former Fremantle midfielder Matt de Boer with their sixth and final selection at No. 58.
This could hint at a later reprieve for Fisher who could be viewed as a reserved asset for the Giants' recruitment staff.
