With the annual AFL draft nearing, teams are looking to acquire prospective talents that would fill their needs and inject new blood that may serve to revitalize their squads. While scouting is still a mode resorted to in this day and age, the draft combine, by conducting schedule of tests, will further assesses a player's ability relative to his skill set.

Matthew Scharenberg, one of the most anticipated tall defenders, is invited in this year's draft combine.

Making it through to the ranks of Glenelg, this half-back is renowned for his versatility to play multiple positions on the field, especially going forward.

He is ranked to be within the top five picks of the draft and some even regard him as the second best available choice.

"The tall defenders are extremely athletic with excellent rebounding skills and are strong spoilers, with most also capable of playing roles up forward as well, highlighting the versatility of this group," Kevin Sheehan, the AFL national and international talent manager, told AFL.

Sharenberg, one of eleven players garnering five or more votes from AFL teams, is set to join ten others in the national draft combine at the Etihad Stadium where they are expected to impress.

Hot prospects like Tom Barass, Fraser Fort, and Alex Spencer are also tapped to take part in the said event.

2013 NAB AFL Draft Combine - National
Tall defenders

Western Australia
Tom Barrass
Club: Claremont/Hale School
D.O.B.: 8.10.95
Height: 192cm
Weight: 81kg

Tom Vandeleuer
Club: South Fremantle/Aquinas College
D.O.B.: 20.3.95
Height: 191cm
Weight: 90kg

Victoria Metro
Tom Cutler
Club: Oakleigh Chargers/Trinity College
D.O.B.: 20.2.95
Height: 190cm
Weight: 85kg

Daniel McStay
Club: Eastern Ranges/East Ringwood
D.O.B.: 24.6.95
Height: 194cm
Weight: 88kg

Alex Spencer
Club: Sandringham Dragons/Haileybury College
D.O.B.: 19.4.95
Height: 193cm
Weight: 83kg

Victoria Country
Fraser Fort
Club: Geelong Falcons/South Barwon
D.O.B.: 4.10.95
Height: 196cm
Weight: 84kg

Darcy Gardiner
Club: Geelong Falcons/Queenscliff
D.O.B.: 22.9.95
Height: 192cm
Weight: 85kg

South Australia
Cameron Giles
Club: Woodville West Torrens/Blyth Snowtown
D.O.B.: 5.5.95
Height: 195cm
Weight: 93kg

Jake Pitt
Club: Glenelg/Lucindale
D.O.B.: 4.4.95
Height: 192cm
Weight: 76kg

Matthew Scharenberg
Club: Glenelg/PHOS Camden
D.O.B.: 18.9.95
Height: 190cm
Weight: 89kg

Tasmania
Jake Kolodjashnij
Club: Launceston
D.O.B.: 9.8.95
Height: 192cm
Weight: 90kg