Carlton chief executive Greg Swann confirmed last night it was a race in two for the No. 1 national draft position.

"Someone used the analogy that it's Megan Gale versus Jennifer Hawkins -- and you wouldn't mind if you got No. 1 or No. 2," he said.

Swann said his personal preference was Gale, but he would not reveal who her draft equivalent was.

Kreuzer is still favourite to be the No. 1 pick next Saturday, but midfielder Cotchin is believed to be a lot closer to the top than widely reported.