The Tigers, who finished bottom of the ladder this year in Adem Yze's first season as coach, have a staggering hand of eight selections in the top 24.
It includes the coveted No.1 pick in Wednesday night's first round, plus the often-sought opening selection of the second round the following night.
The Tigers have kept their cards close to their chest as they prepare to welcome their first No.1 pick since taking Brett Deledio in 2004.
A handful of talented youngsters have been billed as possible top picks, including Victorian midfield prospects Lalor, Finn O'Sullivan and Jagga Smith.
But as the draft has edged closer, Lalor, who insists he has no idea whether the Tigers will pick him, has bolted into favouritism for the prized selection.
"Obviously I want to go as high as I can," Lalor said on Tuesday.
"I'll be happy to go anywhere still, but I think everyone wants to go as high as they can and if it fell that way I'd be extremely proud.
"They're obviously a great club with a big fan base and in a good location, so I think if it did happen that way, I'd be really happy."
Levi Ashcroft (Victoria Metro) and Finn O'Sullivan (Victoria Country) will feature in the draft. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
An explosive goal-kicking midfielder, Lalor models his game on two similarly-built stars.
"Jordan De Goey - I'm a Collingwood fan - and Dustin Martin as well. Two players I've watched. They're big midfielders and can go forward as well," he said.
"I'm a pretty good size for a midfielder, and I've got the ability to go forward and impact the scoreboard."
Adelaide are contemplating trading up to land Smith - and he is prepared to head interstate.
"I'm really ready for a move. I had a year out of school this year to really prepare myself for any move, whether that's interstate or here in Melbourne," he said.
"I'd love to move interstate like I would stay here in Melbourne."
Lalor received advice from fellow Baccus Marsh product and former No.1 pick Aaron Cadman and both he and Smith have leaned on Port Adelaide star Zak Butters for advice.
Lalor knows Darley local Butters, while slim midfielder Smith models his game on the Power gun.
"He was someone that was a similar frame to me, pretty skinny coming into the AFL and he was able to impact straight away," Smith said.
"So he said, 'don't let size hold you back. Just play to your strengths'."
Tall defender Alix Tauru heads the list of key position talents after his spectacular climb into top-five contention late this year.
North Melbourne have been linked to Tauru with pick two, while Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne also have selections currently in the top five.
Richmond (one, six, 10), Melbourne (five, nine) and St Kilda (seven, eight) all boast multiple top-10 picks.
Some selections will be shifted back when inevitable bids on father-son and academy prospects shake up the top end of the draft.
Jagga Smith (left), seen with Victoria Metro, is another tip for No.1 draft pick. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Reigning premiers Brisbane are poised to fend off rival bids for highly rated Levi Ashcroft (father-son) and possible first-round selection Sam Marshall (academy).
It appears unlikely Richmond will bid on Ashcroft at pick one, but another club in the top five could make the call.
Essendon's academy product Isaac Kako and Gold Coast's Leo Lombard could also attract high-end bids.
Twin brothers Jack and Matt Whitlock shape as possible first-round selections.
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