The greatest draft picks of all time from 1-40: Shifter makes the call AFL.com.au
Kevin Sheehan
Nov 23, 2019No.2 - Trent Cotchin (Richmond, 2007)Now a two-time premiership captain and a Brownlow medallist, Cotchin has played 234 games and has been a major contributor in establishing Richmond as a powerhouse club with his leadership and unique talent.
Has beaten an excellent field including Coleman medallist and two-time All Australian Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn 2004) and a four-time All Australian and triple premiership star Nigel Lappin (Brisbane 1993).
No.18 - Alex Rance (Richmond, 2007)Another current-day star and key defender from Western Australia earns the gong at 18, having already been named All Australian on five occasions (including once as captain) in his 200 games as well as being a premiership player and best and fairest winner for the Tigers.
There are a few others very worthy at this number with former North Melbourne champion Anthony Stevens (292 games, two best and fairest and twice All Australian) in the mix with Eagles star Luke Shuey (201 games, Norm Smith medallist and best and fairest winner).
No.26 - Shane Edwards (Richmond, 2006)Dual premiership player with the Tigers and an All Australian in 2018, he is maybe only now getting the recognition he deserves as a star of the game across a career now surpassing 250 games. Edwards has excelled in multiple roles for the AFL's premier team.
In my view he is ahead of a stellar group of candidates selected in this draft number in West Coast's Jack Darling (196 games, 378 goals), Essendon's dual best and fairest winner Zach Merrett (126 games), along with former Hawthorn star Darren Pritchard (211 games, three premierships) who was selected at 26 in the inaugural draft of 1986.
No.29 - Wayne Campbell (Richmond, 1989)Four-time best and fairest winner and a dual All Australian in 297 games with Richmond was the final return for Campbell, who also captained his club in an outstanding career.
A contender was current Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston with three premierships, an All Australian and 195 games on the board. He was taken initially by Adelaide in 2009.
No.35 - David Astbury (Richmond, 2009)Now a dual premiership player, key defender Astbury has become a pillar for the Tigers in his 129 games after being drafted from the GWV Rebels.
Chris Bond, a consistent ball-winner who was drafted to Carlton in 1989 before playing with both Richmond and Fremantle, was also a worthy contender after finishing his career with 163 games.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-11-23/the-greatest-draft-picks-of-all-time-from-140-shifter-makes-the-call
