As the AFL Draft rolls around, fans and even clubs are looking for little glimpses of positive fortunes or good omens as the next wave of stars prepare to enter the league.
Every club has its history with certain draft picks, and we've gone through your side's 2026 draft hand and the players they've selected with that pick.
Looking at every AFL team's draft hand for the 2026 count, here's how each side has fared with their current selections historically.
*It should be noted that some of these selections are subject to change, with clubs afforded the ability to trade picks up until and including draft night. Clubs may fall victim to compensation to club-tied talents, which also means some of their selections may be consumed by a higher bid.
Adelaide
Picks: 15, 32, 35, 43, 56, 92, 110
The Crows have found some gems with their 2026 draft hand in years gone by, including Bernie Vince and Kurt Tippett, who were long-time servants of the club before joining an AFL rival.
Pick 15 didn't prove fortuitous last time for Adelaide, with forward-midfielder Jordan Gallucci not coming on as they hoped.
Late picks-ups Mitch McGovern, Billy Dowling and Chris Knights all had moments for the South Australian side.
Pick 15: Jordan Gallucci (2016)
Pick 32: David Gallagher (1998), Luke Jericho (2002), Bernie Vince (2005), Kurt Tippett (2006)
Pick 35: Harrison Wigg (2014)
Pick 43: Mitch McGovern (2014), Billy Dowling (2022)
Pick 56: Matthew Powell (1992), Chris Knights (2004)
Pick 92: N/A
Pick 110: N/A
Brisbane
Picks: 21, 27, 28, 45, 79, 97, 115
The Lions unearthed premiership defender Ryan Lester and Rising Star winner Lewis Taylor with Pick 28 over a decade ago.
Justin Sherman was a notable steal at Pick 45.
But the Lions planned to ensure they have enough draft points to welcome top-10 fancy Caylen Murray, who is in the club's academy.
Pick 21: Shane Hodges (1993 - priority pick), Ely Smith (2018)
Pick 27: Adam Garton (1986), Terry Board (1991), Pat Garner (2004), Callum Bartlett (2009)
Pick 28: Andrew Bishop (1987), Nick Trask (1995), Ryan Lester (2010), Lewis Taylor (2013)
Pick 45: Trent Bartlett (1993), Aaron Shattock (1998), Justin Sherman (2004)
Pick 79: David Brown (1989)
Pick 97: N/A
Pick 115: N/A
Carlton
Picks: 13, 18, 31, 50, 61, 72, 90, 108
Carlton fans would look fondly on Pick 13, which was the 2013 selection that grabbed future captain and two-time Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps.
Simon Beaumont had a successful AFL career, while Brad Fisher was a steal for Pick 72.
However, the Blues aren't expected to use their first two selections, with the priority set for father-son gun Cody Walker, who is expected to be bid on in the first three selections.
Pick 13: Peter Bubner (1987), Andrew McKay (1992), Patrick Cripps (2013)
Pick 18: Matthew Hogg (1991), Simon Beaumont (1993), Matthew Watson (2010)
Pick 31: Nick Faull (1990), Blake Campbell (2000)
Pick 50: N/A
Pick 61: Luke Rayner (1992), Callan Beasy (2000), Tom Williamson (2016)
Pick 72: Brad Fisher (2002), Adrian Deluca (2003)
Pick 90: Andrew Merrington (1999)
Pick 108:
Collingwood
Picks: 11, 30, 67, 68, 70, 88, 106
Collingwood will need to replicate its luck at Pick 11, with recently retired two-time premiership star Steele Sidebottom taken at the pick 18 years ago.
The Pies also have success at Pick 30, with flag heroes Luke Ball and Brayden Maynard snared in the second round.
The story around Ball is unique given he was walked by St Kilda to the National Draft after failing to make a trade with Collingwood. The Pies snapped him up at the age of 25.
Paul Williams played over 300 AFL games for the Pies and Sydney after he was taken at Pick 70, but those selections in the 1980s carried more weight than they do now.
Pick 11: Chris Carpenter (1981), Mark Bayliss (1988), Richard Cole (2001), Steele Sidebottom (2008)
Pick 30: Kane Purcell (1991), Paul Ridley (1992), Chad Lidell (1994), Luke Ball (2009), Brayden Maynard (2014), Sam McLarty (2016), Caleb Poulter (2020)
Pick 67: Peter Divenuto (1998), Jarrod Witts (2011)
Pick 68: N/A
Pick 70: Paul Williams (1989), John Lister (1991), Matthew Lokan (2002)
Pick 88:
Pick 106:
Essendon
Picks: 1, 17, 25, 80, 98
The only time Essendon had Pick 1 was a decade ago, which turned into future skipper Andrew McGrath.
The Bombers also picked up club stalwart Kyle Langford with Pick 17, with both selections posing as key pillars of the side's current rebuild.
Essendon is also expected to yield a second-round compensation pick - recently introduced by the AFL during their draft overhaul - given they will bid on Port Adelaide-tied prospect Dougie Cochrane.
Pick 1: Andrew McGrath (2016)
Pick 17: James Davies (2000), Kyle Langford (2014)
Pick 25: Andrew Bomford (1996 - compensation), Aaron Henneman (1998), Lewis Hayes (2022)
Pick 80: Michael Ross (2010)
Pick 98:
Fremantle
Picks: 19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96, 114
The Dockers have had some success with their 2026 draft hand in previous years.
David Mundy is arguably one of the best Fremantle players in its history, and he was taken with Pick 19.
Sharpshooter Chris Mayne was selected at Pick 40, as was current player Tobyn Murray, who looks to be comfortable at AFL level.
Pick 19: David Mundy (2003)
Pick 40: Chris Mayne (2007), Tobyn Murray (2025)
Pick 60: Jack Delean (2023)
Pick 63: Brett Doswell (2002), Jaren Carr (2024)
Pick 78: N/A
Pick 96: N/A
Pick 114: N/A
Geelong
Picks: 36, 57, 62, 75, 93, 111
The Cats are known to pick the eye of the needle on draft night, and their history with this year's selection would suggest that notion.
Mature-age pick-up Shaun Mannagh was taken with Pick 36, while fellow forward Gryan Miers was a steal at Pick 57. Both make up key components of Chris Scott's side.
Pick 36: Matthew Robbins (1994), Tim Callan (2002 - F/S), Jared Jansen (2013), Charlie Constable (2017), Shaun Mannagh (2023)
Pick 57: Michael Billman (19876), Chris Barzen (1990), Simon Hogan (2006), Gryan Miers (2017)
Pick 62: David Welsby (1988), Peter MacLean (1991), Matthew Egan (2004)
Pick 75: Clint Bizzell (1995)
Pick 93: Adam Shanahan (1992)
Pick 111: N/A
Gold Coast
Picks: 8, 81, 85, 103
The Suns had back-to-back Pick 8 selections in 2014 and 2015, snaring Peter Wright and Callum Ah Chee.
However, the pair have forged successful careers at rival clubs, especially Ah Chee, who is a premiership player with cross-town rival Brisbane.
It should be noted that Gold Coast has the intention of redrafting delisted key forward duo Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Elliott Himmelberg. Whether that be in the National intake or rookie draft is yet to be seen.
Pick 8: Peter Wright (2014), Callum Ah Chee (2015)
Pick 81: N/A
Pick 85: N/A
Pick 103: N/A
GWS
Picks: 9, 20, 26, 59, 77, 86, 104
The Giants secured club stalwart Adam Tomlinson heading into its AFL inception, while zone-prospect Isaac Cumming proved his worth at Pick 20 before heading to Adelaide.
However, GWS' focus will be on club-tied gun Ethan Matthews, who is expected to be bid on inside the top 10, and with Sydney holding Pick 6, the cross-town rival could become an annoyance.
Harvey Thomas was a steal at Pick 59.
Pick 9: Adam Tomlinson (2011)
Pick 20: Isaac Cumming (2016)
Pick 26: N/A
Pick 59: Jacob Wehr (2020), Harvey Thomas (2023)
Pick 77: N/A
Pick 86: N/A
Pick 104: N/A
Hawthorn
Picks: 29, 37, 71, 94, 107, 112
The Hawks farewelled a Pick 29 and Pick 37 in the most recent off-season, with midfielders Finn Maginness and Henry Hustwaite departing the club.
Their reason wasn't due to their ability to play AFL football, but more the lack of opportunities given how stacked Sam Mitchell's line-up is, which was aided by the inclusion of Zach Merrett.
Heartbreak story Brendan Whitecross was another taken with Pick 29. He missed out on AFL success due to injury as Hawthorn completed a three-peat of premierships between 2013-2015.
Pick 29: Nathan Turvey (1996), Brendan Whitecross (2007), Finn Maginness (2019), Seamus Mitchell (2020)
Pick 37: Scott Grainger (1995), Henry Hustwaite (2022)
Pick 71: Jackson Ross (2017)
Pick 94: Jade Rawlings (1994)
Pick 107: N/A
Pick 112: Troy Reid (1988)
Melbourne
Picks: 4, 14, 48, 52
The Demons should be confident in their 2026 draft hand, but also in their history with these selections.
Clayton Oliver repaid his faith as a Pick 4, helping deliver a drought-breaking premiership in 2021 as one of the game's best midfielders. However, the success from the Cale Morton and Jimmy Toumpas picks doesn't pale in comparison.
At Pick 14, the Demons unearthed future captain Jack Grimes, albeit in a period of turmoil for the club.
Pick 4: Cale Morton (2007), Jimmy Toumpas (2012 - Compensation), Clayton Oliver (2015)
Pick 14: Daniel Bell (2002), Jack Grimes (2007)
Pick 48: Dean Kent (2012 - Compensation), Oskar Baker (2017)
Pick 52: Josh Tynan (2011), Matt Jones (2012)
North Melbourne
Picks: 33, 49, 66, 74, 84, 102
When Daniel Pratt was drafted for the third time at Pick 74, the selection finally stuck. The uncompromising defender played 116 games in his third chance at AFL level.
Father-son prospect Bailey Scott played the same number of games following his Pick 49 selection eight years ago.
Pick 33: Malcolm Shippen (1986), Matthew Kelly (1990), Sam McFarlane (1995), Mitch Hibberd (2015)
Pick 49: Bailey Scott (2018)
Pick 66: Shannon Bergmann (1989)
Pick 74: Steve Hamilton (1988), Adam Lange (1998), Mathew Burton (1999), Daniel Pratt (2004)
Pick 84: N/A
Pick 102: Shaun Holloway (1988)
Port Adelaide
Picks: 7, 12, 22, 24, 34, 46, 65, 101
The Power would be buoyed by their current draft hand and their history using Picks 7 and 12.
Current coach Josh Carr and Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines were Pick 7 selections, while Shaun Burgoyne and Zak Butters joined the club via Pick 12.
However, Port Adelaide's top two selections in 2026 - which are yet to be determined given the club's desire to potentially trade Pick 12 - are set to be engulfed by the likely Pick 1 bid from Essendon on Dougie Cochrane.
Pick 22 previously yielded Jackson Trengove, while Pick 46 snared 100-gamer Michael Pettigrew.
Pick 7: Bowen Lockwood (1996), Josh Carr (1998), Ollie Wines (2012)
Pick 12: Paul Koulouriotis (1999), Shaun Burgoyne (2000), Zak Butters (2018), Josh Sinn (2021)
Pick 22: Jackson Trengove (2008)
Pick 24: N/A
Pick 34: Luke Peel (2003), James Ezard (2004)
Pick 46: Michael Pettigrew (2003)
Pick 65: N/A
Pick 101: N/A
Richmond
Picks: 2, 5, 44, 99
The Tigers, through some bold wheeling-and-dealing, have landed two top-five selections, with one previously working in their favour.
In 2007, with Pick 2, Richmond picked Trent Cotchin. The star on-baller turned out to be a Brownlow Medallist, three-time premiership captain, leader and selfless role player to ensure his team was successful.
Pick 2: Brad Ottens (1997), Trent Cotchin (2007)
Pick 5: Chris Naish (1998)
Pick 44: Matt Dea (2009), Will Martyn (2019)
Pick 99: N/A
St Kilda
Picks: 10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87, 105
The Saints will hold some element of PTSD when it comes to Pick 10 selections.
Mattaes Phillipou and Alix Tauru were taken in recent years, but have yet to solidify their spots in the AFL.
The fear leans into Pick 16, which has failed miserably in the two times St Kilda held it going into the draft.
At Pick 41, the club has snared some strong depth options, with Jack Lonie and Jack Bytel strong servants of the club, while Charlie Banfield has shown his traits at the level.
Pick 10: Mattaes Phillipou (2022), Alix Tauru (2024)
Pick 16: Brodie Atkinson (1992), Ben Walton (1997)
Pick 41: Brett Jaffray (1986), Ryan Grinter (1995), Jack Lonie (2014), Jack Bytel (2018), Charlie Banfield (2025)
Pick 51: Kristian Pascoe (1993), Oscar Adams (2021)
Pick 69: N/A
Pick 87: N/A
Pick 105: Stuart Annand (1989)
Sydney
Picks: 6, 38, 39, 47, 54, 76, 95, 113
The Swans got back into the top end of the 2026 draft after trading out Nick Blakey, who landed at North Melbourne.
Gary Rohan was the last time Sydney took a player at Pick 6, and he was a handy contributor, even at Geelong.
But the gold they found at Pick 38 and 39 in recent years has given the club some confidence they can snare a hidden gem.
Chad Warner was shockingly taken with Pick 39, and he's proven to be a future Brownlow Medal winner.
The previous selection was used on utility Sam Reid in 2009, who helped deliver the
Pick 6: Peter Motley (1982), Paul Burton (1991), Gary Rohan (2009)
Pick 38: Sam Reid (2009)
Pick 39: Chad Warner (2019)
Pick 47: Andrew Ericksen (2003), David Spriggs (2004)
Pick 54: Steven Bozicevic (1989), Brian Stanislaus (1990), Jarrad Sundqvist (2000), Kristin Thornton (2005), Byron Sumner (2009)
Pick 76: N/A
Pick 95: Scott Direen (1992)
Pick 113: N/A
West Coast
Picks: 3, 23, 58, 64, 73, 82, 100
This time around (we think), the Eagles will hold onto their Pick 3.
Two years ago, West Coast traded out its top selection, which landed at Carlton, who secured Jagga Smith. There's plenty of regret for those at the Western Australian club, especially given its history with the selection.
Chris Judd was famously taken with Pick 3 in the 2001 SuperDraft, and is arguably the best midfielder in the modern game.
It was six years later the club snared Chris Masten, who was also a premiership player and featured in over 200 games.
Pick 3: Brendon Fewster (1995), Chris Judd (2001), Chris Masten (2007)
Pick 23: Koby Stevens (2009), Murray Newman (2011), Harry Barnett (2022)
Pick 58: Ben Johnson (2019), Noah Long (2022)
Pick 64: Tony Evans (1989), Derek Hall (1990), Tony Gooden (1992)
Pick 73: N/A
Pick 82: N/A
Pick 100: N/A
Western Bulldogs
Picks: 42, 53, 55, 83, 89, 91, 109
After the Bulldogs executed a move to bring in Zak Butters to the club, as well as depth options Finn Maginness and Hudson O'Keeffe, they are limited by their draft picks.
Their first selection is Pick 42, which hasn't proved fruitful in past drafts.
They picked up Brett Montgomery for a second stint at the Whitten Oval club after a period at Port Adelaide, which included the 2004 flag.
Pick 42: Kieran McGuinness (2001), Matt Fuller (2013)
Pick 53: Louis Butler (2019)
Pick 55: Brett Montgomery (2005), Dominic Bedendo (2020), Aiden O'Driscoll (2023)
Pick 83: Aaron James (2001)
Pick 89: Tom Hill (2010)
Pick 91: Matthew Queen (1988)
Pick 109: N/A
