Before we look forward, let’s look back at what’s happened in the past.
For the first time in 16 years, St Kilda holds two picks
The last time the Saints were in this position was back in the 2001 ‘Super Draft’, where then recruiting boss John Beveridge swooped on Luke Ball at pick No. 2 and Xavier Clarke at No. 5.
St Kilda then acquired two future club greats in Nick Dal Santo at No. 13 and Leigh Montagna at No. 37.
Talk about a brilliant draft class.
The expansion clubs, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, have held pick No. 7 over the last few years, with the Suns picking Jack Scrimshaw last year and the Giants taking Jacob Hopper in 2016 and Paul Ahern a year earlier.
The pick appeared to be an inspired choice a decade ago, with three consecutive Rising Star winners – Joel Selwood (2007), Rhys Palmer (2008) and Daniel Rich (2009) – selected at No. 7, which is the most of any pick except for No. 1 since the turn of the millennium.
Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas with 2001 pick No. 2 Luke Ball.
While comparing drafts is fraught with danger, with just over three weeks remaining until the 2017 cattle call, saints.com.au has identified the five best players to be recruited at pick No. 7 since 2000 – the year the club read out Nick Riewoldt’s name with the first pick.
1. Joel Selwood (Geelong) 2006 – Drafted from Bendigo Pioneers, TAC Cup
249 games, 6 x All-Australian, 4 x AFLPA Most Courageous Award, 3 x Premiership player, 3 x Carji Greeves Medal, 1 x Rising Star Award, 1 x AFLPA Best Captain, Geelong captain since 2012.
2. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn/Melbourne) 2004 – Drafted
283 games, 4 x Premiership player (2008, 2013, 2014, 2015), 1 x All-Australian
(2014), 1 x Peter Crimmins Medal.
3. Andrew Mackie (Geelong) 2002 – Drafted from Glenelg, SANFL
280 games, 3 x Premiership player (2007, 2009, 2011), 1 x All-Australian (2013).
4. Paddy Ryder (Essendon/Port Adelaide) 2005 – Drafted from East Fremantle, WAFL
210 games, 1 x All-Australian (2017), 1 x John Cahill Medal (2017).
5. Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide) 2012 – Drafted from Bendigo Pioneers, TAC Cup
107 games, 3 x 22under22 team (2015, 2016, 2017), 3 x Gavin Wanganeen Medal
