Hawthorn's goal at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft was to add some inside speed and to further boost its defensive stocks. Having to wait until pick 33, they couldn't be too prescriptive, but once they grabbed speedster Brad Hill, they were able to turn their attention to the backline.
What the recruiter said
"We weren't necessarily looking for the best available player or to draft with need, but once we grabbed Brad at pick 33, we were able to move on. We had a list of players we expected to be able at that range and we grabbed them in order if they were still there." Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright.
Pick 33: Brad Hill, West Perth
Wright says: "His testing was outstanding and we loved that side of it, but we thought he really improved as the second half of the year went on, averaging 23 possessions compared to 17 in the first half."
Pick 38: Jordan Kelly, Dandenong Stingrays
Wright says: "Just a really solid player who can play as a negating defender or as a rebounding defender because he's such a good user of the footy."
Pick 53: Alex Woodward, Sandringham Dragons
Wright says: "Alex has been an outstanding player all year at Sandy and at state level. Has the speed and endurance to become an outside player."
Pick 73: Luke Bruest, rookie upgrade
