MURRAY Bushrangers coach Mark Brown believes four youngsters remain firmly in contention to be drafted next month.
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While Brown said Elijah Hoillands is a lock to be picked in the top-five, he has high hopes for Myrtleford's Dom Bedendo, Albury's Charlie Byrne and Shepparton's Zavier Maher.
Officials expect 55 players to be drafted on December 9.
"I would say there are four right in the picture," Brown said.
"We are pleased with that considering we didn't play any football."
Brown said Bedendo and Byrne boosted their chances with strong performances in combine testing.
"They tested really well especially with no football for a year," he said.
"Dom topped the running vertical jump and had sub three with his speed.
"That peaked interest in him.
"Charlie's testing results were solid as well.
"His football is right at the pointy end and I think these tests showed he's capable athletically as well.
"I'd say Zav Maher is looking around 25 and Dom and Charlie from 35 onwards."
Hollands has been touted as a top-five candidate along with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Logan McDonald, Riley Thilthorpe and Denver Grainger-Barras.
"From all the conversations I've had about Elijah I'd say top five is all but a lock and he could still potentially go number one," Brown said.
The Murray Bushrangers' under 19 girls will start training next Wednesday while the under 17 and 19 boys will kick off on December 6.