Revisiting the 2006 draft (Foxsports)

[one-eyed]

We just re-picked this elite ‘06 draft. The top five is now totally different

May 27, 2020
David Zita
FOX SPORTS

Jack, Josh then Joel?

Josh, Joel then Jack?

It would be so easy for the top three players in our re-draft to hold any of the first three places, such is their elite pedigree.

Each played key roles in taking their teams to the promised land and are leaders in the twilight of their illustrious careers and each could lay claim to top billing in our 2006 AFL re-draft.

OUR 2006 AFL RE-DRAFT

1. JOEL SELWOOD (WAS Pick No. 7 for Geelong)
2. JOSH P KENNEDY (WAS Father-son Pick No. 40 for Hawthorn)

3. JACK RIEWOLDT (WAS Pick No. 13 for Richmond)
His growth on the field coincided with Richmond’s growth as a team. He may not kick for goal as frequently as he used to, but as a litter of small forwards became key to the Tigers’ game style, Riewoldt adapted seamlessly and the side followed suit. Tom Lynch’s arrival has given the 31-year-old more welcome support in the forward line, but Jack had been doing just fine beforehand. A three-time Coleman Medallist, three-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest and a club leading goalkicker for nine straight years before Lynch’s arrival. His game smarts are second-to-none and he looks certain to reach the 300-game mark before his career is out and continue to add to his 634-goal career tally.

4. TOM HAWKINS (WAS Father-son Pick No. 41 for Geelong)
5. ROBBIE GRAY (WAS Pick No. 55 for Port Adelaide)
6. TRAVIS BOAK (WAS Pick No. 5 for Port Adelaide)

7. SHANE EDWARDS (WAS Pick No. 26 for Richmond)
You’d be hard pressed to find a single Richmond fan with a bad word to say about Shane Edwards. One of the league’s best utilities, he featured in the half-back line in 2019 and adapted brilliantly. Second in the best and fairest count in 2019, an All Australian in 2018 and a two-time premiership player. The fact he received zero Brownlow votes last year, despite his best and fairest placing, shows just how underrated the 32-year-old continues to be.

8. JUSTIN WESTHOFF (WAS Pick No. 71 for Port Adelaide)

9. BACHAR HOULI (WAS Pick No. 42 for Essendon)
Has elevated himself into this list by virtue of his past few years. A two-time premiership player for Richmond and All-Australian in one of those years (2019). One of the best rebounding defenders in the game and finished second in Norm Smith Medal voting in both the 2017 and 2019 Grand Finals. Some calf injuries are threatening his longevity but Houli has hit his best form despite passing 30 years of age. Would hope to reach 250 games if he can keep his body right for another couple of years.

10. BRYCE GIBBS (WAS Pick No. 1 for Carlton)

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ORIGINAL 2006 AFL DRAFT

1. Bryce Gibbs (has played 266 games across two clubs)
2. Scott Gumbleton (played 35 games for Essendon)
3. Lachlan Hansen (played 151 games for North Melbourne)
4. Matthew Leuenberger (137 games across two clubs)
5. Travis Boak (has played 265 games for Port Adelaide)
6. Mitchell Thorp (played two games for Hawthorn)
7. Joel Selwood (has played 296 games for Geelong)
8. Ben Reid (has played 150 games for Collingwood)
9. David Armitage (played 169 games for St Kilda)
10. Nathan Brown (played 183 games across two clubs)

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2006-redraft-joel-selwood-jack-riewoldt-josh-kennedy-afl-news-2020/news-story/fa1659667c917dc0f0272b87b4f038eb

[Andyy]

Hawkins overrated.

Westhoff overrated in this article.