Carlton is in prime position to snare Sam Lowson in the upcoming Mid-Season Rookie Draft, with the Coburg forward considered the most likely to be claimed with the first pick.

The Blues and the Kangaroos are among the clubs linked with Lowson, a 182cm pressure forward who has bagged 14 goals from his first five games in this year's VFL season.

However, Carlton's disappointing 1-7 start to the campaign means it will take the first selection into the draft as things stand, with North Melbourne currently set to pick second.

Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast round out the potential top five.

As it does during the NAB AFL Draft at the end of the year, the newly introduced mid-season draft order will be decided by a reverse of the ladder order at the conclusion of round 10.

The draft will then unfold on the night of Monday, May 27.

As things stand, the premature retirement of Richmond premiership star Shaun Grigg on Tuesday means that approximately 16 picks will be available for clubs to use on draft night.

However, clubs can create additional list spots for the mid-season draft at any stage up until 12.00pm AEST on Monday, May 27 should they suffer a long-term injury or early retirement.

Gold Coast, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney each currently have two selections available, while Brisbane, Fremantle, Geelong, St Kilda and West Coast don't have a pick.

Indicative Mid-Season Rookie Draft Order 

First Round

1. Carlton
2. North Melbourne
3. Sydney
4. Melbourne
5. Gold Coast
6. Essendon
7. Port Adelaide
8. Western Bulldogs
9. Hawthorn
10. Richmond
11. Greater Western Sydney
12. Adelaide
13. Collingwood

Second Round

14. Gold Coast
15. Richmond
16. Greater Western Sydney

Without a pick: Brisbane, Fremantle, Geelong, St Kilda, West Coast