Back in 1986, the year of the first official VFL Draft, 65 picks were made and just 23 of the 65 actually played a match.
In fact, the player taken at number two by the Saints, Steven Sims, never played; he'd signed a contract to play in the SANFL ahead of the Draft. Number one pick Martin Leslie didn't play a senior game until 1989 as a 26 year-old after playing out a contract with Port Adelaide.
With Victorian players allocated to under 19's squads, the quality of the Draft was compromised. From its five selections, only Brenton Harris represented North Melbourne at senior level and he played just two games.
How things have changed.
25 years later, the National Draft is arguably the most important day on the AFL calendar. Clubs have dedicated recruiting teams committed to finding the best talent with youngsters scouted from an early age. No stone goes unturned in securing a potential star.
Of course, there are no guarantees and there is still those that won't ever make the grade, but these days it's far more hit than miss.
In the 2010 Draft, 112 selections were made including rookie promotions and 75 of those pulled on a jumper.
For North it was Shaun Atley and Kieran Harper while there's hope Cameron Delaney and Ben Mabon will become bargain late-selections just like Brent Harvey (pick 47 in 1995) and Andrew Swallow (pick 43 in 2005).
North's recruiters have searched far and wide for the very best fit at Aegis Park, and on Thursday night, that young man will be embraced as a Kangaroo.
What sort of player do you think North Melbourne should select? Leave a comment below.
kangaroos.com.au will be revealing every selection as it happens on Thursday night from 7.30pm.
