AS THE NAB AFL Draft prepares for its 26th installment on November 24, AFL.com.au nominates the best draft picks of all time - from the highest selection ever (No.124) to the much-coveted No.1 pick.*
Today, we look at picks 80-41.
80 - BRODIE ATKINSON (ADELAIDE)
Recruited from: Sturt (1998)
Although Stephen Newport was the best player overall - he appeared in 140 AFL games - he managed just one match in 1993 after being redrafted by St Kilda in 1992. Atkinson played five matches to take out the title as the best No.80, while David Hynes (Carlton - 1997) played four matches.
79 - JAMES HIRD (ESSENDON)
Recruited from: Ainslie (1990)
Possibly the greatest draft smokie in the history of the game, and clearly the finest player to be selected at No.79. Hird became one of the all-time AFL greats, winning just about every major football accolade in his 253 matches for the Bombers from 1992-07. He would eventually return to the Bombers as coach in 2010. Sydney Swan big man Jesse White has shown patches of promise since being drafted at this position in 2006.
78 - RICHIE VANDENBERG (HAWTHORN)
Recruited from: University Blues (1997)
Vandenberg is the standout No.78 pick, the gutsy midfielder playing 145 matches from 1998-2007. He also captained Hawthorn in his final three years. Ty Zantuck (Richmond - 1999) was the next best player chosen at this position. He made 68 appearances for Richmond from 2000-04, before crossing to Essendon for one season in 2005. This selection was not utilised in five consecutive drafts from 2000-04.
77 - BEN DIXON (HAWTHORN)
Recruited from: Assumption College (1994)
Another quality late selection. Dixon provided great service and leadership to the Hawks from 1997-07, playing 203 matches and booting 282 goals. The sneaky goalkicker pips Guy Rigoni (Melbourne - 1997), who was a fine player, before a crippling back injury struck. Rigoni played 80 matches in his first four seasons with Melbourne, before he was delisted and redrafted by the club. He finished with 107 matches.
76 - RUPERT BETHERAS (COLLINGWOOD)
Recruited from: Collingwood (1998)
Betheras played 85 matches, including the 2002 Grand Final, from 1999-03 after being on the club's supplementary list in 1998. He got the nod ahead of Andrew Raines (Richmond - 2003), who played 44 games for the Tigers before heading north to the Brisbane Lions. Jared Poulton (redrafted by Port Adelaide - 2001) added 54 matches and Matt Rendell (Brisbane - 1991) 13 games to his AFL tally of 177, when they were chosen at No.76.
75 - KEN McGREGOR (ADELAIDE)
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens (1998)
The key forward/defender was an underrated player, and is our pick for the best No.75, having played 152 matches for the Crows from 1999-08. He edges out Clint Bizzell, who despite featuring in 163 AFL matches, made more appearances when he was traded to Melbourne at the end of the 2001 season. After being drafted by Geelong at this number in 1995, Bizzell left the Cats with 75 matches under his belt, before adding a further 88 games with the Demons. Recent draftees Taylor Walker (Adelaide - 2007) and Shane Savage (Hawthorn - 2008) may one day threaten McGregor's title.
74 - TROY LUFF (SYDNEY SWANS)
Recruited from: Sydney Swans (1994)
Luff personified determination. After a few stints and setbacks with the Sydney Swans, Luff became an integral player, when he was redrafted at this point, playing 123 of his 155 matches, including the 1996 Grand Final. He beats home two North Melbourne players - defender Daniel Pratt (2004) and ruckman Matthew Burton (1999).
73 - RYAN HOULIHAN (CARLTON)
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers (1999)
Houlihan’s longevity (playing 201 matches between 2000 and 2011) puts him ahead of Shane Tuck (Richmond - 2003) and Beau McDonald (Brisbane Lions - 1997), a dual premiership player in 2001-02. Collingwood's choice of Leigh Brown at No.73 in 2008 was an inspired decision, with Brown playing a huge role in the Pies' flag in 2010.
72 - BRAD FISHER (CARLTON)
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges (2002)
The talented forward was an important cog for the Blues during the mid-2000s. The fragile but enigmatic Fisher was delisted ahead of the 2011 season with 99 games to his name. He took the honours ahead of former teammate Adrian Deluca, who played 46 matches from 2004-06. Brownlow medallist Brian Wilson (St Kilda - 1990) was lured out of retirement for one season in 1991, but he added just seven matches to his 209-game tally after being picked at No.72.
71 - BRIAN LAKE (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens (2001)
Lake - who was drafted as Brian Harris by the Bulldogs before changing his surname to Lake in late 2007 - was another unearthed gem found late in the draft. The burly backman developed into one of the AFL's premier defenders in the mid-to-late 2000s, although he struggled with form and fitness in 2011. He edges out another key defender, Andrew Kellaway, (Richmond - 1997). The dour Tiger became a highly respected backman, winning the club's best-and-fairest and All-Australian selection in 2000. Justin Westhoff (Port Adelaide - 2006) has also impressed at times since being drafted.
70 - PAUL WILLIAMS (COLLINGWOOD)
Recruited from: North Hobart (1989)
The best No.70 by a fair stretch, Williams was a fantastic performer for the Magpies in 189 matches from 1991-2000. He then added 117 games, including the 2005 premiership, with the Sydney Swans from 2001-06. Few No.70s before or since Williams had notable AFL careers.
69 - CHAD RINTOUL (ADELAIDE)
Recruited from: East Fremantle (1996)
No.69 was difficult to assess. Brad Sholl (redrafted by North Melbourne - 1991) was the best player, but only two of his 171 matches came from this pick. Although Jordan Bannister (Carlton - 2003) and Jamie Elliott (Fitzroy - 1989) have played the most matches from this selection - 51 and 40 respectively - Rintoul came out on top as he was part of Adelaide's first flag in 1997, despite just 23 of his 76 AFL matches from No.69.
68 - CHRIS HYDE (RICHMOND)
Recruited from: Richmond (2001)
Russell Robertson (Melbourne - 1996) might be the best player selected at No.68, but he never featured in a match from this pick. He was delisted and then redrafted in the first AFL Rookie Draft in 1997 (No.48). Rangy midfielder Hyde debuted in 2002 and played 93 games before retiring at the end of 2008.
67 - BYRON PICKETT (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Recruited from: Port Adelaide Magpies (1996)
Two fine indigenous players - Pickett and Graham Johncock (Adelaide - 2000) - vied for title of best selection No.67. But Pickett - a sometimes brutal and controversial player - secured an AFL Rising Star Award, a premiership and All Australian selection with the Kangaroos, giving him the edge over the silky-skilled Johncock, who has played 206 games with the Crows. Pickett played 204 games with three clubs.
66 - RYAN HARGRAVE (WESTERN BULLDOGS)
Recruited from: Perth (1999)
Hargrave has been an underrated player for the Dogs since he was drafted at No.66 in 1999. A versatile defender, Hargrave has played 191 games for the Bulldogs, a fine return with such a speculative pick. He just pips Demon defender Nathan Brown (Melbourne - 1997) who overcame nagging injuries to become a fine foot soldier for the Demons, playing 146 matches from 1998-07.
65 - MARK GRAHAM (RICHMOND)
Recruited from: Hawthorn (2004)
Remarkably, Graham's 20 appearances with Richmond in 2005 - after 223 matches with Hawthorn - are the most matches from a pick No.65. Next best is Justin Cicolella (Adelaide - 1999), who played five matches in 2000.
64 - CAMERON BRUCE (MELBOURNE)
Recruited from: Melbourne (1999)
Another success story late in the draft. Bruce was a Melbourne supplementary list player in 1998, before being given a chance and shining as a versatile utility/midfielder. Bruce played 224 matches with the Demons before severing ties with the club at the end of 2010. He played nine games for Hawthorn the year after. Next is dual West Coast premiership player Tony Evans, who played 108 matches from 1991-98.
63 - TYSON GOLDSACK (COLLINGWOOD)
Recruited from: Gippsland (2006)
Goldsack beats home Marc Bullen - who finished equal eighth overall in the 2003 Rising Star Award as well as playing 44 matches with Essendon - as the best pick No.63. Goldsack, also a Rising Star nominee, has played 69 games in black and white and is a Collingwood premiership player, having been recalled for the 2010 Grand Final replay.
62 - BEN JOHNSON (COLLINGWOOD)
Recruited from: Preston (1999)
Another Magpie draft steal. Gritty midfielder Ben Johnson has been a fine player for more than a decade, having played 224 matches including the 2010 premiership. He has twice come second in the Copeland Trophy.
61 - MATHEW STOKES (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens (2005)
Geelong premiership forward Stokes has enjoyed several highs (two flags) and one big low (being suspended over a cocaine bust) during his time at the Cats, but he gets the nod here over Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane Lions - 2003). Interestingly, both Stokes and Rischitelli played 111 games since being selected at No.61, although Rischetelli has added 21 more after switching to Gold Coast in 2011.
50 - ALASTAIR LYNCH (FITZROY)
Recruited from: Hobart (1986)
Despite his three premierships all coming when he was later traded to the Brisbane Lions, Lynch easily wins the best pick 50 ever. The intimidating key position player was one of Fitzroy's all-time greats, highlighted by his selection in its Team of the Century. He played 120 matches for the Roys from 1988-93. Stephen Tingay (Melbourne - 1987), who played 162 matches, was a genuine contender, followed by Matthew Whelan (Melbourne - 1999) and Power captain Dom Cassisi (Port Adelaide - 2000).
49 - NICK DAFFY (RICHMOND)
Recruited from: North Gambier (1990)
A midfielder with an eye for goal, Daffy played the most matches (165) from No.49, and won Richmond's 1998 club champion award. Daffy pipped Shane Wakelin (Collingwood - 2000), who played 158 of his 252 AFL matches at the Pies, and electric small forward Ronnie Burns (Geelong - 1994), who chalked up 134 of his 154 AFL games with the Cats. Jarrad Schofield (West Coast - 1992) and Simon Garlick (Sydney Swans - 1993) played more matches at rival clubs.
48 - DARREN MILBURN (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Calder Cannons (1995)
Milburn retired at the end of the 2011 season as one of Geelong's greatest players. The hard-nosed defender played 292 games, winning 181 of them - the most of any Geelong player. He also played in the equal highest number of finals for the Cats (21). The dual premiership player has since joined Adelaide as an assistant coach. Other excellent choices at this selection have been Austinn Jones (St Kilda - 1994), Chance Bateman (Hawthorn - 1999) and Heath Shaw (Collingwood - 2003). Nathan Ablett (Geelong - 2004) was also taken at this pick.
47 - COREY ENRIGHT (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Port Adelaide - SANFL (1999)
Brent Harvey could have good reason to feel aggrieved in missing out on the title as the best No.47 ever. 'Boomer' won a flag with the Roos in 1999, has taken home five Syd Barker medals and been named All Australian four times. A long-time skipper of North Melbourne, the speedy veteran has played 323 games. But that's not quite enough to conquer triple Geelong premiership player Enright. The four-time All Australian has so far played 222 games, and won two best and fairests at the Cats - significantly both in premiership years. He edges out Harvey by the narrowest of margins. Recently-retired Bomber Andrew Welsh (Essendon - 2001) also produced a fine AFL career, while Brett Montgomery (Western Bulldogs - 1996) played the first 60 of his 204 matches from this selection.
46 - DAVID KING (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Recruited from: Port Melbourne (1993)
A dual North Melbourne premiership player, King was an outstanding, dashing half-back. He played 241 matches from 1994-04 and is the best No.46 selection. Enigmatic Blues forward Jarrad Waite (Carlton - 2001), who was taken as a father/son choice, is the next best with 143 games. Leigh Fisher (St Kilda - 2002), Michael Pettigrew (Port Adelaide - 2003) and Colin Garland (Melbourne - 2006) were also solid choices.
45 - MATTHEW SCARLETT (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons (1997)
A father/son pick, Scarlett is now one of the all-time great defenders and is the clear No.45 choice - highlighted by his incredible six All Australian selections. A key defender who can stifle an opponent and also create huge drive, Scarlett has won three flags in 268 games with the Cats. Three premiership players follow - Amon Buchanan (redrafted by Sydney Swans - 2003), David Grenvold (Essendon - 1987) and Stuart Dew (Hawthorn - 2007). The recruitment of Dew from a one-season retirement was telling in the 2008 premiership.
44 - JOSH HUNT (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers (2000)
Another Cat steal. Hunt doesn't get many accolades in a star-studded Geelong defence, but he has played the most games directly from No.44 - 168. The nuggety backman has played in two premierships with Geelong. Heath Scotland (Collingwood - 1998) may have Hunt covered in some respects, but only 53 of his 223 AFL matches came from this number before he was traded to Carlton. Ricky Dyson (Essendon - 2003), Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide - 2005) and Rory Sloane (Adelaide - 2008) are other notable selections.
43 - ADAM GOODES (SYDNEY SWANS)
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels (1997)
Hindsight is always wonderful, but it's amazing that Goodes fell this far down the draft order in 1997. He has blossomed to become a dual Brownlow medallist and 2005 premiership player, and this year he became the quickest man to reach 300 games since debuting. The three-time All Australian had no peers as the best No.43 pick. Rebounding defender Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs - 1999) was next best, then sharpshooters Mark Williams (Hawthorn - 2000) and Darren 'Doc' Wheildon (Fitzroy - 1987).
42 - MARTIN PIKE (NORTH MELBOURNE)
Recruited from: Fitzroy (1996)
No.42 was a tough call with Pike, Brett Ebert (Port Adelaide - 2002), Andy Lovell (Melbourne - 1986) and Che Cockatoo-Collins (Essendon - 1992) all in the mix. Although Ebert has played the most matches from this pick (150 games), Pike's 81 games and 1999 flag gets the nod. In a colourful career, Pike - who also played with Melbourne and Fitzroy - later won three premierships with the Brisbane Lions. Lovell (86 matches) and Cockatoo-Collins (85) also etched out fine careers. St Kilda's Jack Steven (2007) has recently emerged as an excellent midfielder.
41 - TOM HAWKINS (GEELONG)
Recruited from: Sandringham (2006)
Father/son choice Hawkins has teased the Geelong faithful since being drafted, but he finally emerged as a genuine, dominant key forward in the 2011 Grand Final win against Collingwood. It was Hawkins' second flag in his 79-game career. He beats Andrew Krakouer (Richmond - 2000) for the gong at this pick. Krakeour played 102 matches with Richmond from 2001-07 and is the only No.41 pick to play more than 100 games straight from this number. After spending time in jail, he was recruited by Collingwood and played 23 often eye-catching games with the Pies in 2011. Todd Banfield (Brisbane Lions - 2008) and Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs - 2010) appear destined for excellent careers.
*The list covers the 25 AFL drafts (1986-2010) and not the pre-season or rookie drafts.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
