Bargain Hunting: St Kilda's best draft steals

With the National Draft less than two weeks away, SAINTS.com.au has delved into the archives to find the best draft steals of recent times. One things for sure, St Kilda recruiters know how to snuff out a gem.

Sam Fisher – Pick 55, 2003 National Draft

The recently retired defender could never imagine his career would pan out the way it did at the end of 2002. After ending a promising golf career for a return to footy, Fisher found himself languishing in the forward pocket of the West Adelaide reserves. By 2003, he had stamped a spot in the seniors as his potential caught the eye of recruiter John Beveridge.

Drafted with pick 55 in the 2003 National Draft, Fisher was thrown straight in the deep end, forced to ruck against Aaron Sandilands on debut when Justin Koschitkze went down injured. His task the following week? Champion Richmond forward Matthew Richardson. From there, he slowly began to learn the craft of a defender, entrenching himself as a star defender for the next decade and more.

Leigh Montagna – Pick 37, 2001 National Draft

A member of the 2001 ‘Super Draft’, Leigh Montagna became one of the finds of a draft stacked with elite talent. However, Montagna’s decorated career took a while to get going. Playing just 30 games in his first four seasons, the dashing midfielder suffered injuries and form worries as he struggled for continuity.

Montagna’s breakout came in 2007, averaging 24 disposals and showing that trademark outside speed. A regular feature in best and fairest top 10s, Montagna was twice made the All-Australian team in 2009 & 2010. With a new lease on life across halfback, there looks no end to the man they call “Joey”.

Stephen Milne – Pick 23, 2000 Rookie Draft

After a string of promising performances for Essendon’s reserves team, the Bombers had all but guaranteed Stephen Milne a spot on the team’s rookie list in 2000. However, St Kilda swooped in when salary cap breaches saw Essendon banned from the draft. From there, as they say, the rest was history.

Booting 50 goals in 2002, Milne showed an elite knack of crumbing packs and finding the big sticks. After a somewhat quiet run, the 275-game star found his feet again in 2005, booting 61 goals. His highest tally of 11.0 came in round 22 that season against the Lions. An All Australian in 2011 and 2012, Milne held the record of most goals at Etihad Stadium with 357. That since, however, has been surpassed by another Saints champion in Nick Riewoldt.

Jack Steven - Pick 42, 2007 National Draft

Drafted at pick 42, a retrospective draft would have Steven inside the top 10. But the Lorne product was made to wait for a shot in one of St Kilda’s greatest teams. Previously number 34 before switching to 3, Steven's locker was located next to a St Kilda great in Robert Harvey. With such a mentor, Steven’s development continued before a breakout year in 2013, averaging 26 disposals to take out a first of three Trevor Barker Awards.

A foot injury derailed his 2014, but the following year returned to the form of a year prior, winning out both the 2015 and 2016 best and fairest awards. Unlucky in some eyes to miss out on an All Australian birth, “Stuv” became the elite midfielder St Kilda had been craving, averaging 28 disposals and 5.5 tackles a game.

Andrew Thompson – Pick 62, 1996 National Draft

Much like Gwilt, Thompson’s path to the AFL was a deviated one. Drafted from Old Melburnians as a 24-year-old, the 221-game midfielder quit football twice before sticking with the sport in 1997. Thompson burst onto the scene almost instantly, playing 23 games including the 1997 AFL Grand Final.

His career continued on the upward trajectory, selected for State of Origin duties in 1998 and winning a Trevor Barker Award in 2000. Thompson also took over as acting captain in 2003 when Robert Harvey went down with a knee injury. What he lacked in natural talent, he made up for in effort and dedication to become a reliable cog in a successful period for the club.

Jarryn Geary – Pick 58, 2007 Rookie Draft

Jarryn Geary is the prime example of a steal. Winning a best and fairest in the Bendigo U18s, Geary went undrafted in 2006 before being picked up a year later in the rookie draft. Showing the dedication required to make it in the AFL, Geary was quickly promoted to the senior list ahead of the 2008 season.

From there, the 28-year-old became a prominent feature in the Saints side. Early form resulted in a Rising Star nomination against Essendon. By 2012, Geary was a star in the St Kilda defence, highlighted by the ability to poll well in the club’s best and fairest. Underrated by many, the small defender’s tenacity and ability to beat his man never went unnoticed, joining the leadership group in 2015. 2016 proved his best year to date, becoming the club’s best defender and finishing second to Jack Steven in the Trevor Barker Award.

Clint Jones – Pick 9, 2006 Rookie Draft