While footy fans around the country will be starting to wind down after Saturday’s Grand Final, for recruiting and list managers around the country all the action is just kicking off. 

The 2018 NAB AFL Draft Combine begins today with 84 of the nation’s best male draft prospects invited to test their skills against their peers.

The National Combine runs up until Friday with participants undergoing a range of activities throughout the week.

Amongst the tests are the traditional 2km time trial, kicking assessments, sprint and agility tests as well as the revamped YoYo test (a modification of the beep test).

But the draft hopefuls will also undergo psychomotor tests - designed to judge reaction time, decision making and peripheral awareness, as well as medical screenings in the presence of all 18 AFL Club Medical nominees.

On top of all that, all AFL clubs have the opportunity to conduct scheduled interviews with any potential players who take their fancy.

It’s a gruelling week of trial and judgement for the 84 taking part, but a spot on an AFL list could be the ultimate reward if all goes well.

The SUNS have two Academy members in the National testing pool, Dirk Koenen and Bailey Scott.

Lauren Bella is also testing for the AFL Women’s Combine, which consists of 36 AFLW draft hopefuls and runs from October 2-3.

Bella, Koenen and Scott have been undergoing extensive Draft Combine practice with the rest of the SUNS Academy in preparation for the four-day testing period.

The NAB AFL Draft takes place on Thursday November 22 and Friday November 23.