Taking six picks into the 2001 ‘Super Draft’, St Kilda stockpiled on some of the AFL's true superstars. A-grade midfielders, elite defenders, x-factors – 2001 had it all.
This edition of ‘Draft Throwback’ takes a look at that draft, which helped lay the foundations for one of St Kilda’s most successful eras.
Pick 2 – Luke Ball, Sandringham Dragons VIC
A highly talented cricketer, Ball was drafted out of Xavier College and Sandringham Dragons. Picked as a 17-year-old, the midfielder spent his first year at the club juggling his studies (achieving a VCE score of 98.8) and recovery from osteitis pubis. Making his debut in 2003, Ball hit the ground running – playing 16 games and receiving a Rising Star nomination. Prior to re-entering the draft in 2009, Ball’s career as a Saint spanned 142 games, where he captained the club in 2006/07 and won the 2005 Trevor Barker Award.
Pick 5 – Xavier Clarke, St Mary’s NT
A gun junior, Clarke was tipped from an early age to go high in the ’01 draft. Picked at #5 from the Northern Territory, the half-forward/winger became the highest every Territory draftee. Highly skilled, Clarke showed plenty of x-factor early but was unable to have a sustained run. Injuries limited Clarke to just 48 games in four years before moving to Brisbane at the end of 2009.
Pick 13 – Nick Dal Santo, Bendigo Pioneers VIC
St Kilda’s third selection in the first round came via Sydney, receiving pick 13 in exchange for Barry Hall. Dal Santo was drafted from Bendigo U/18s, where the lightly-framed midfielder shown an ability to rack up possessions. Prior to being drafted as a 17-year-old, Dal Santo had to choose between his first love basketball and football. Good decision in the end, the star Saint playing 260 games, making All-Australian team on three occasions and finishing top three in the Brownlow Medal on two occasions (2005 and 2011).
Pick 21 – Matt Maguire, Geelong Falcons VIC
Maguire’s arrival at St Kilda was marked with a baptism of fire. Making his debut in round 6 of 2002, the Geelong Falcons draftee was thrown into an undermanned defence – playing 11 and the last 13 games. Becoming a defensive staple, Maguire played with heart and gave coaches the flexibility to fulfil any role required. After suffering a horrific leg break in 2006, Maguire’s Saints career stalled, suffering complications and requiring multiple surgeries. The popular clubman, who never got back to his best, was traded to Brisbane at end of 2009.
Pick 37 – Leigh Montagna, Northern Knights VIC
A steal at 37, Montagna was plucked from the Northern Knight after impressing at TAC Cup level as a top ager. Recruiter John Beveridge was keen on Montagna, but never interviewed the midfielder star with picks 2, 5, 13 and 21 before on the agenda. It was a strong National Carnival and impressive character that swayed St Kilda to snap him up. A tough initiation to AFL football, Montagna’s breakout year didn’t come until 2006 – averaging 19.1 disposals across 22 games. 271 games and two All-Australian guernseys later, Montagna has etched himself as a St Kilda great.
Pick 49 – Josh Houlihan, Murray Bushrangers VIC
