EVERYONE'S an expert. But sometimes it takes a live Fantasy Draft to prove that. So this week, The Traders went head to head with 13 of AFL.com.au's finest minds to pick a squad of winners.

The brief was simple - a snake draft (so pick No.1 has to wait until pick No.32 for their next selection) and a team made up of three defenders, four midfielders, three forwards, a ruckman and four emergencies of any position.

It took 90 minutes and complete concentration from 16 distracted stats-heads in four states. Here's how the draft played out and the coaches' excuses below.

Lee Gaskin (AFL.com.au writer) - The Lethal Weapons

Defenders: Jason Johannisen (pick 41), Tom McDonald (137), Ricky Henderson (169)
Midfielders: Luke Parker (9), Ollie Wines (88), Seb Ross (120), David Mundy (152)
Forwards: Touk Miller (56), Josh Caddy (73), Mark LeCras (105)
Ruckman: Sam Jacobs (24)
Emergencies: Rhys Stanley (184 - RUC/FWD), Rory Atkins (201 - MID), Cale Hooker (216 - DEF/FWD), Hugh McCluggage (233 - MID/FWD)

I wanted to take a ruckman with my first selection, but I couldn't pass up Luke Parker when he was still on the board at pick No.9. Getting Sam Jacobs in the second round was probably a reach, but there's not much depth in that position. From there, I focused on getting a couple of forwards who also play in the midfield (Touk Miller and Josh Caddy) and stocking up my bench at the end with dual-position players to cover the bye rounds. I took a punt Ricky Henderson will be in Hawthorn's best 22. If he's not, then my backline is pretty thin as I've only got Cale Hooker on the bench as cover. 

Best pick: I was pretty stoked to get Ollie Wines at pick 88. He's the out and out star of the Port Adelaide midfield and will find plenty of the footy this year. 

The one I missed: Zach Tuohy would've been a great addition to my backline before Calvin snared him with pick 111. I saw Tuohy play against the Crows on Sunday and he's going to be a ripper for the Cats. 

Travis King (AFL.com.au writer) - When We Were Kings

Defenders: Shaun Burgoyne (pick 85), Jarrad McVeigh (117), Sharrod Wellingham (149)
Midfielders: Nat Fyfe (12), Dustin Martin (21), Luke Shuey (76), Nathan Jones (140)
Forwards: Josh J. Kennedy (53), Cyril Rioli (108), Taylor Walker (172)
Ruckman: Aaron Sandilands (44)
Emergencies: Pearce Hanley (181 - MID), Taylor Duryea (204 - DEF), Mav Weller (213 - FWD), Nathan Vardy (RUC - 236)

As an optimistic former Carlton coach one said, I can't see where I'm going to lose a game this season. My midfield is stacked with stars, and snaring Nat Fyfe with pick 12 was an absolute steal – let alone Dusty at a bargain pick 21. Luke Shuey looks like he could win the Brownlow, and I'm expecting Sandi to dominate the ruck without midfielders jumping all over his back at stoppages. My strategy was to load up the engine room and forward line, and JK, Tex and Cyril could win me matches off their own boots. I'm sweating on Jarrad McVeigh's fitness for round one, but I can bank on Shaun 'Silk' Burgoyne week-in, week-out down back and Sharrod Wellingham has been on fire in the JLT Community Series. Give me the premiership cup now.

Best pick: I'm expecting Luke Shuey to explode this year with Sam Mitchell taking some pressure of his shoulders, so grabbing him with pick 76 looks like excellent business.

The one I missed: Had my eye on Kade Kolodjashnij as a handy defender late in the draft before Ash Browne swooped. Still, I'm not unhappy with McVeigh at pick 117.

Ben Sutton (AFL.com.au sub-editor) - Wylie's Buzzmen

Defenders: Matthew Boyd (pick 36), Josh Smith (132), Hayden Crozier (164)
Midfielders: Tom Rockliff (4), Joel Selwood (61), Callan Ward (93), Sam Menegola (157)
Forwards: Lance Franklin (29), Tom Lynch (ADE - 68), Scott Lycett (125)
Ruckman: Tom Hickey (100)
Emergencies: Travis Boak (189 - MID), Tom Phillips (196 - MID/FWD), Jarrod Harbrow (221 - DEF), Trent Dumont (228 - MID)

My strategy was thrown out the door when the undisputed GOAT of Fantasy was still available at pick four. With captains in play, Rocky could net me 250 points a week, so that was a no-brainer selection. I was keen to lock in a gun for each line with the ageless Matthew Boyd and superstar Lance Franklin headlining my defence and forward line. Skippers Joel Selwood and Callan Ward fill out a strong midfield and while I left my ruck selection late, Tom Hickey should be solid and I also snaffled Scott Lycett as another option. My defence is lacking some serious scoring potential, so I'll be looking to orchestrate a trade or find a gem from the free agent pool early on in the season. 

Best pick: I still can't get over Tom Rockliff at No.4, but my best pick could end up being Callan Ward at No.93.

The one I missed: I had Rory Laird (or Sam Docherty) penciled in with my second pick, but was scrambling after Roy and Warnie took them in the two picks before me. I also thought Zach Tuohy would be mine in the seventh round, but was undone by another Trader with Calvin swooping a few picks before me.

Michael Rogers (AFL.com.au sub-editor) - Red and Blue Bloods

Defenders: Kade Simpson (pick 31), Jasper Pittard (127), Lee Spurr (159)
Midfielders: Stephen Coniglio (34), Andrew Gaff (63), Josh Kelly (66), Jaeger O'Meara (98)
Forwards: Angus Brayshaw (95), Jordan de Goey (130), Matthew Wright (162)
Ruckman: Max Gawn (2)
Emergencies: Jack Newnes (191 - MID), Robbie Tarrant (194 - DEF), Jack Darling (223 - FWD), Jackson Trengove (226 - RUC)

With pick No.2 and then No.31, I had to decide whether to go for an elite ruck or a top-line midfielder first-up. With big men thin on the ground, it was a relatively easy choice to go for Max Gawn. Getting Stephen Coniglio at No.34 was a pleasant surprise, as was landing Andrew Gaff at No.63. I opted for reliable performers down back (Kade Simpson, Jasper Pittard), leaving me to pick on potential up forward (Angus Brayshaw, Jordan De Goey). It's fair to say there's a lot riding on the shoulders of those youngsters in attack, as well as Jaeger O'Meara's dodgy knee. If any of those go bust, my Fantasy fortunes will almost certainly follow. 

Best pick: Thrilled to get Gaff at pick 63. The Eagles look set to fire again this year and he'll be a big part of it. Tons every week out of the west. 

The one I missed: I was targeting a gun defender with my second pick and Rory Laird loomed large, but Warnie swooped three picks earlier. Kade Simpson softened the blow but I'd rather have had the Crow.

Ben Guthrie (AFL.com.au writer) - Yeezy

Defenders: Jeremy Howe (pick 65), Dane Rampe (129), Jackson Thurlow (160)
Midfielders: Patrick Dangerfield (1), Sam Mitchell (32), Robbie Gray (97), Brad Ebert (161)
Forwards: Devon Smith (64), Caleb Daniel (96), Bradley Hill (128)
Ruckman: Paddy Ryder (33)
Emergencies: Easton Wood (192 - DEF), Clayton Oliver (193 - MID), Orazio Fantasia (224 - FWD), Cameron Guthrie (225 - MID)

I had the No.1 selection and did what any sane person would do, picking Patrick Dangerfield. Dangerfield is in the prime of his career and it's difficult to see how he won't be in the top five players in the competition again in 2017. Eagles recruit Sam Mitchell was too good to pass up with my second pick – he wins the football and will be a valuable asset for his new team. Patrick Ryder will be hungry and ready to perform after a year out of the game and I'm a big fan of him as a ruckman. Star midfielder Robbie Gray is in for another big year and his stoppage work will benefit greatly as a result of having Ryder available. Interesting to note that my forward line has players who can all play in the midfield, so I am hoping Devon Smith, Caleb Daniel and Bradley Hill spend a lot of time up the ground in 2017.

Best pick: Clayton Oliver is going to be a star and all signs point to him having a breakout season for Melbourne. Oliver, already regarded as one of Melbourne's best stoppage players, is going to play a lot of minutes in the midfield as he continues his progression. At pick No. 193, I was quick to snap him up.

The one I missed: Tom Liberatore is a genuine gun and when he was available late in the draft I was ready to pounce. That was until Fyfe and Death came along to spoil my day. Libba would've complemented my midfield beautifully and would have been a steal at pick No. 158. 

Chris Correia (AFL.com.au sub-editor) - Ross' Bosses

Defenders: Robert Murphy (pick 57), Michael Hurley (121), Matthew Broadbent (168)
Midfielders: Tom Mitchell (8), Dayne Beams (25), Patrick Cripps (89), Jack Ziebell (104)
Forward: Tom Lynch (GC, 72), Steve Johnson (136), Tim Membrey (200)
Ruckman: Shane Mumford (40)
Emergencies: Mitch Duncan (185 - MID), Josh Jenkins (153 - FWD), Matthew Lobbe (217 - RUC), Aaron Francis (232 - FWD/DEF)

My strategy was to hopefully receive pick No.1 and to dismantle the competition from there. After being 'randomly' drawn pick No.8 it was panic stations early. With just one ruck spot to fill, I prayed a premium tall would sneak through until my first choice. But with three of them already gone before it got to me, I felt like I needed to change tack. I used all of my allocated 60 seconds before settling on Tom Mitchell, who I'm expecting to take his game to another level at the Hawks. I focused on another key mid and then getting the best available ruck, defender and forward before filling in the gaps. I tried to not select players on the same bye round but the time limit had me scrambling. I thoroughly enjoyed my first AFL Fantasy Draft and the clear highlight was hearing Cameron Noakes say, "How do you cancel?"

Best pick: I was thrilled to see new Lions skipper Dayne Beams still available at my second-round selection of pick No.25. Now while he may be a risk given his recent injury woes, if he stays fit I'm confident he can get back to his best, where he averaged 116.3 in 2012.

The one I missed: I've been losing sleep over this one. I wanted a forward and with this rising Sun still available, my mouse was hovering on him for pick 57. But in came Lee Gaskin to steal Touk Miller at pick 56.

Warnie (The Traders) - Warne Dawgs

Defenders: Rory Laird (pick 28), Leigh Montagna (37), Josh Gibson (133)
Midfielders: Adam Treloar (5), Gary Ablett (60), Aaron Hall (69), Matt Crouch (101)
Forwards: Koby Stevens (92), Justin Westhoff (124), Richard Douglas (165)
Ruckman: Ben McEvoy (156)
Emergencies: Andrew Mackie (188 - DEF), Nick Graham (197 - MID/FWD), Mitch Robinson (220 - MID), Brayden Fiorini (229 - MID)

With the captain option on for this league, with pick five I had to grab someone who I could rely on to get me hefty scores for double points week in, week out. Adam Treloar has proven to be Fantasy star and I can see him averaging 110 plus again this season. It did, however, mean I missed out on a decent ruck so I waited until the end of the draft to take Ben McEvoy who I'm hoping will improve on his recent output as the Hawks' No.1 man. Taking Rory Laird and Leigh Montagna early was tactical due to the lack of depth in defence. My forward line is a worry but if Ken Hinkley gives Justin Westhoff a run up the wing, he could prove to be a match-winner for the Warne Dawgs. Look out for Matt Crouch to be the breakout star of my list and pump out consistent Fantasy tons, as I try to prove my worth as the No. 1 Fantasy expert of the team at AFL Media.

Best pick: Is pick 60 the lowest Gary Ablett has gone in any Draft? If he spends time forward, I will welcome FWD status in round six, 12 or 18 and take his 95-100 average. If he plays mostly in the midfield then his 105-100 average will suit me just fine!

The one I missed: While I was happy with Gaz at pick 60, I was waiting for another potential DPP addition in Brent Stanton as my fourth round selection. But no, Roy had to grab him to spite me. He doesn't even like Stants. Maybe there is already a trade offer sitting in his inbox for the Bomber ball-magnet ...

Calvin (The Traders) - Calvinator

Defenders: Bernie Vince (pick 47), Jake Lloyd (50), Zach Tuohy (111)
Midfielders: Ed Curnow (143), Brandon Ellis (146), Scott Thompson (175), Anthony Miles (207)
Forwards: Nick Riewoldt (15), Brett Deledio, Steven Motlop (82)
Ruckman: Stefan Martin (18)
Emergencies: Harley Bennell (114 - MID/FWD), Ben Reid (178 - DEF), Darcy Parish (210 - MID), Archie Smith (239 - RUC)

Due to the extensive knowledge I have about Fantasy Draft, it was imperative that I left my midfield position to very last. There are 45 midfielders to choose from who averaged 95+ last year. However, in the rucks and forwards there are only five players combined who share such an average. You don’t have to be Einstein to understand that forward and ruck have become areas of urgency and snapping up Nick Riewoldt and Stefan Martin in the opening two rounds was a stroke of genius.

Best pick: With my final bench selection I chose Archie Smith in a sneaky manoeuvre known in the industry as 'pocketing' or 'handcuffing'. If Stefan Martin was to go down injured (heaven forbid) then his teammate, Smith would be the guy who gets tapped on the shoulder to replace him.
The one I missed: It didn’t break my heart, but I did have Brent Stanton highlighted as a player who will most likely get defender status. DestROY gambled on him though… so now I hope he stays as a midfielder all year.

Roy (The Traders) - destROY

Defenders: Sam Docherty (pick 27), Luke Hodge (38), Sam Mayes (166)
Midfielders: Brent Stanton (59), Bryce Gibbs (70), Michael Barlow (91), Shaun Grigg (198)
Forwards: Shaun Higgins (102), Josh Dunkley (123), Nathan Hrovat (134)
Ruckman: Brodie Grundy (6)
Emergencies: Liam Picken (187 - MID), Kieren Jack (MID - 155), Toby McLean (219 - FWD), Nick Vlastuin (166 - DEF)

As we are playing with just one ruck and going 16 coaches deep in our league, finding a good big man was a priority with my first selection, hence building my team around Brodie Grundy at pick six. As many of the top mids were being taken early, I took the opportunity to build a strong backline with Sam Docherty, Luke Hodge and round six dual-position certainty Brent Stanton making up the best defence in our league.

Best pick: I grabbed Liam Picken for my bench with pick 187 in the expectation he will gain dual-position status in round six, allowing me to throw him forward to assist my inexperienced forward line.

The one I missed: I don’t think I missed anyone, but in my late hunting for dual-position players, I probably went a little early drafting Kieren Jack with pick 155 as a midfielder. With so many up and coming midfield guns for the Swans, I see Jack having an impact off a flank and hopefully repaying my faith with another position to his name by season's end.

Nathan Schmook (AFL.com.au writer) - The Re-Plumbers

Defenders: Michael Hibberd (pick 54), Callum Mills (75), Grant Birchall (118)
Midfielders: Marcus Bontempelli (11), Rory Sloane (22), Lachie Hunter (86), Brendon Goddard (107)
Forwards: Toby Greene (43), Jacob Hopper (150), Blake Acres (171)
Ruckman: Tom Campbell (139)
Emergencies: Dylan Roberton (182 - DEF), Ryan Griffen (203 - MID), Jake Stringer (214 - FWD), Billy Longer (235 - RUC)

I'm a sucker for players on the rise, so snaring The Bont at pick 11 was a great start in my book, and Adelaide's midfield woes will heap more responsibility on Rory Sloane (pick 22), who will just rack up more footy. I missed the cream of the forwards and defenders, but Toby Greene (43) and Callum Mills (75) were great value for rising players in top four teams. With proven performers in Michael Hibberd (54), Lachie Hunter (86) and Brendon Goddard (107) secured, things were going well until I hit pick 139. This was a chance to add to my forward line and it was a choice between Jacob Hopper and Josh Jenkins. I ended up with Western Bulldogs ruckman Tom Campbell. I'll keep a closer eye on the countdown clock next time, but here's to a strong year and fantasy relevant scores from big Tom!

Best pick: In a high-scoring team that will wallop some opponents this year, Toby Greene will notch some big scores. The All Australian was a bargain at pick 43 and should at least hold his 2016 average of 92.  

The one I missed: I've seen enough of Jack Billings this pre-season to know he'll be a jet in 2017. He was locked and loaded for pick 86 before Cameron Noakes swooped, leaving me to go with a pure midfielder in Lachie Hunter.

Ricky Cahn (Telstra Fantasy Product Manager) - Fantasy HQ

Defenders: Taylor Adams (pick 13), Hamish Hartlett (77), Shane Biggs (148)
Midfielders: Matt Priddis (45), Dayne Zorko (52), Marc Murphy (109), Liam Shiels (173)
Forwards: Jack Macrae (20), Jesse Hogan (84), Levi Greenwood (116)
Ruckman: Matthew Kreuzer (141)
Emergencies: Mark Baguley (180 - DEF), Jack Redden (205 - MID), Ben Cunnington (212 - MID), Rhys Palmer (237 - FWD)

Pick 13 isn’t the ideal place to start, but in this position I decided to go for the best defender and forward. My strategy is always to try and get defenders and forwards who play plenty of time in the midfield so Adams, Hartlett, Macrae and Greenwood fit the bill nicely. My midfield perhaps could be stronger but Priddis is super consistent, Zorko could be looking at a 110+ season and Murphy has finally had a full pre-season, so whilst there is a bit of risk here I think there’s plenty of upside.  The player I’m most excited about is Jesse Hogan, if he starts to play up the ground then he could be anything! I do need to engage the Fantasy gods early because if Kreuz goes down then I’m in a lot of trouble! Looking at my bench, Redden has two weeks to prove himself or he’s out!

Best pick: I’m sure I’ll cop it for this, but my best pick could be Rhys Palmer. Watch him play plenty of midfield time for the Blues and rack up an 80+ average.

The one I missed: The player I’m most upset about missing out on is David Armitage. He went in the 11th round and is an absolute steal there! Watch for a huge season from him.

Tim Roman (AFL.com.au sub-editor) - Tanking Early

Defenders: Zac Williams (pick 58), James Kelly (103), Curtly Hampton (122)
Midfielders: Dyson Heppell (39), Jobe Watson (135), David Swallow (154), David Armitage (167)
Forwards: Luke Dahlhaus (26), Jack Martin (71), Christian Petracca (90)
Ruckman: Todd Goldstein (7)
Emergencies: Jamie MacMillan (186 - DEF), Matthew Leuenberger (199 - RUC), Travis Colyer (218 - FWD), Sam Gibson (231 - MID)

Just one member of my starting midfield played any football at all in 2016, and David Armitage was the last one I picked. So it's fair to say these are uncharted waters. My team seems to be a weird mix of potential and ... er ... Bombers. Goldy was my first pick so there's a solid base - indeed, if this team was playing in 2015, an Armitage/Goldstein combination would just about make me a premiership lock. I was delighted to get my hands on Petracca who could score anything this year in the forward line. Jack Martin is in a similar boat. But it's a leap of faith to assume Curtly Hampton's JLT form will play out the same way in the regular season. Likewise, that old 'Pops' Kelly will keep up his wonderful Fantasy work from last year as he gets some quality help around him. Still, on a positive note, I'd always thought Jamie MacMillan and Sam Gibson were the same person, so finally I'll get to see what they do differently.

Best pick: Probably David Armitage at 167, although given Trav Colyer's form in late 2015 before his suspension, pick 218 for the pacy Bomber seems an absolute steal.

The one I missed: I had Brayden Fiorini sitting my queue for about 30 minutes as I watched with glee while my fellow coaches completely forget his Fantasy value. Unfortunately, Warnie twigged two picks early and snaffled the young Sun at 229. Sam Gibson seems poor compensation.

Dion Bennett (AFL.com.au social media) - Bennett's Bondi Billionaires

Defenders: Brodie Smith (pick 119), Matt Suckling (151), Alex Rance (170)
Midfielders: Dan Hannebery (10), Lachie Neale (23), Steele Sidebottom (42), Dylan Shiel (55)
Forwards: Jarryd Roughead (74), Jamie Elliott (106), Elliot Yeo (138)
Ruckman: Tom Nicholls (87)
Emergencies: Brad Crouch (183 - MID), Jack Watts (202 - FWD), Tom Langdon (215 - DEF), Jarrod Witts (134 - RUC)

If defence really does win championships I’m in trouble, but the midfield quartet of Dan Hannebery, Lachie Neale, Steele Sidebottom and Dylan Shiel has the look of a premiership-winning side. The ninth pick (my first) was pegged for one of Luke Parker or Hannebery from the start; such are my expectations for their continued growth this season. Although Nat Fyfe and Marcus Bontempelli were tempting while I was on the clock, Hannebery’s consistency won out. The strategy of building from the inside (mids) out left me light on elsewhere. I’ll need some out-of-the-box performances from Brodie Smith, Jarryd Roughead and Tom Nicholls to be any chance of taking home the silverware.

Best pick: Dylan Shiel at 55 was a steal – he’s an A-grader playing midfield minutes for the flag favourites. His average could skyrocket.

The one I missed: I was flat when Isaac Heeney disappeared off the board just a few picks ahead of me as I’d planned to build my forward line around him. I had to change course and was left with a Jack Watts and Jamie Elliott combo.

Tyson Densley (AFL.com.au social media) - Fyfe & Death

Defenders: Bachar Houli (pick 67), Jacob Weitering (126), Jake Carlisle (163)
Midfielders: Zach Merrett (3), Jack Viney (35), Dion Prestia (99), Tom Liberatore (158)
Forwards: Isaac Smith (30), Michael Walters (94), Eddie Betts (131)
Ruckman: Tom Boyd (62)
Emergencies: David Zaharakis (190 - MID), Mitch Wallis (195 - MID/FWD), Matt Dea (222 - DEF), Ivan Maric (227 - RUC)

This is a keeper league, right? I’ve definitely had better drafts, but I’m hoping the youthful exuberance will be of some benefit … somehow. I’m asking big questions of young midfielders with Zach Merrett, Jack Viney and Dion Prestia shouldering the load. If they don't fire, we're in trouble. There’s risky selections across the park, but I think Tom Boyd in the ruck could work with no third man up to strangle him this year and hopefully still a good swag of goals. Similarly, Jake Carlisle could go either way, but being able to plonk him in the backline helped. I hope to see Weitering play further up the ground at times, but will have to monitor that one closely. Isaac Smith and Michael Walters will have points to prove this year and I expect their numbers to increase. I had to let auto-pick fill out my bench. Dea and Maric will need to train well over the next fortnight. With the lowest projected round one score, I figure I have nothing to lose and all the pressure is on the opposition …

Best pick: Zach Merrett had a break-out Fantasy year in 2016, and with better support around him this year should go well again.

The one I missed: Too many to mention. I was close to snaffling Nat Fyfe first up to keep the team name relevant, but thought he might slip to my round two pick. Not even close.

Cameron Noakes (AFL.com.au chief sub-editor) - POWP

Defenders: Heath Shaw (pick 17), Tom Cutler (144), Christian Salem (145)
Midfielders: Josh Kennedy (16), Jordan Lewis (49), Trent Cotchin (112), Tom Scully (113)
Forwards: Jack Billings (80), Jack Steele (81), Jack Riewoldt (176)
Ruckman: Kurt Tippett (48)
Emergencies: Rory Lobb (177 - FWD), Zac Smith (208 - RUC), Sam Gray (209 - MID), Zak Jones (240 - DEF)

With the last pick in the draft, it felt like my strategy was to watch all of my preferred picks disappear before my very eyes, forcing to me into panic and impulse selecting. Is this a feeble attempt at an excuse? Hell yes. Do I still think I will be lifting silverware at season’s end? Of course. Sydney ball-magnet Josh Kennedy will take me to the promised land, ably supported by new Dee and former Hawk Jordan Lewis. Why Kennedy? Well, he's Mr Reliable and the Swans' new skipper has been sizzling in the pre-season. He’ll lead by example. Why Lewis? I reckon he's out to leave a little egg on the faces of some old friends from Hawthorn. For the first season ever, I’m yelling, 'Go Jordie'. I’m also backing in Brownlow medallist Trent Cotchin to put the gloom of 2016 behind him and turn back the clock (hopefully just to 2012, no earlier, Trent!).

Best pick: Not sure there is one, but Sam Gray feels like a cunning selection and certainly a more than handy mid to have sitting on the bench. 

The one I missed: Well, as stated, with the last pick in the draft I missed them all. In retrospect, it would have been prudent to snap up Max Gawn with my first pick rather than go for a mid.

Ashley Browne (AFL.com.au writer) - FC Hashbrowne

Defenders: Kade Kolodjashnij (pick 110), Shane Savage (142), Nick Haynes (147)
Midfielders: Jack Steven (14), Scott Pendlebury (19), Dom Tyson (115), Stephen Hill (174)
Forwards: Jack Gunston (46), Isaac Heeney (51), Chad Wingard (78)
Ruckman: Toby Nankervis (83)
Emergencies: Luke Breust (179 - FWD), Jordan Roughead (276 - RUC), Jarryd Lyons (211 - MID), Caleb Marchbank (238 - DEF)

The best part of taking part in an AFL Fantasy draft is when you hear the groans of disappointment when you pick up a player so many others had their eye on. So I was excited to pick up rising Sydney star Isaac Heeney as a forward, comfortable in the knowledge he will likely play through the midfield for most of the year. Of course, those groans from my opponents turned to sniggers (except from Swans tragics Cameron Noakes and Dion Bennett) on Tuesday when news emerged that Heeney had come down with glandular fever and will miss the first few weeks of the season. I was delighted to take St Kilda's Jack Steven with my first pick. He is a ball magnet and an early favourite to make the All Australian team after just missing out the last two seasons. I'm looking for a big season from Hawk Jack Gunston, picked as forward but who will spend plenty of time up the ground in 2017. And any reason to barrack for The Chad is good enough for me.

Best pick: I might have reached a little for new Richmond ruckman Toby Nankervis but the word is that a) the Swans wanted to keep him and b) Tiger coach Damien Hardwick is quite smitten by him. He's ahead of any other Tiger big man, he's mobile and good with the ball, so I was happy to snare him.

The one I missed: Both Jarryd Roughead and Jaeger O'Meara are good value this year after having missed so much footy, but I was unable to grab them in time. Both will score well this year playing through the rebuilt Hawthorn midfield.