Getting taken at number 1 in the AFL draft comes with its pros and cons. It serves as an honour to be recognised as the best player in your draft class, but that also comes with extra pressure to perform at a high level on a consistent basis.
These players listed below were able to channel that duress and either become wildly successful players in the AFL or lay an obvious platform or things to come.
With only a month to go until the draft, the buzz surrounding the consensus first cab off the rank in Jason Horne-Francis is almost at its crescendo.
RELATED: "I can make an impact straight away': Horne-Francis speaks on looming Roos selection
Should the hype prove to be real, you can expect the South Australian's name to be up in lights on lists like this within the very near future.
Here's the top 10 number 1 draft picks since 2000:
5. Lachie Whitfield
The slick defender was taken by the GWS Giants in the 2012 draft and has become one of the premier defenders coming off half-back in the competition.
Arguably the best ball user in the league, averaging 22.8 disposals through his 150-game career so far, Whitfield's highlights include an All-Australian and two best-and-fairests.
At 27 years of age, the Giant is in his prime and should some silverware be won by the expansion side, Whitfield could definitely move up a position or two by the end of his career.
