Hawks Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright has spoken on the selection process heading into the draft.

Speaking exclusively to HawksTV ahead of Thursday's 2012 NAB AFL Draft, Wright admitted the Club begins looking at players from as early as 16 years of age.

"We've got a good idea of who's around two or three years beforehand."

Wright says preparation for the draft includes predicting the choices of other clubs.

"It's thinking on your feet but obviously we prepare for a worst case scenario and hope for the best. We've got two minutes to make a decision but most of the what-ifs are done in the lead-up."