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Ranking the top 10 number 5 draft picks since 2000

Who are the best to go fifth overall this century? Here’s our verdict 👇

Published by
Michael Georgiou

Closing out the first half of the top 10, Pick 5 is one that club's would hope turns into greatness.

Looking at the history of the fifth overall selection, on average players reach 123 games, with four players recording no games at all.

Some notable names picked at five include Joel M Smith (St Kilda & Hawthorn), Luke Power (Brisbane & GWS) and Leigh Brown (Fremantle, North Melbourne and Collingwood), all who don't make the list as they were drafted prior to 2000.

Pick five has also seen some generational greats, which you'll see later in our list, and some recent young guns who have big futures.

Want to see who we rank as the best draft picks for each number from one to 30? You can read up on the  Zero Hanger Ultimate AFL Draft.

Connor Rozee (2018)

Taken at Pick 5 in the 2018 "super draft" by Port Adelaide, Connor Rozee finds himself amongst the best of that class.

The North Adelaide product is quite the talent, as seen in his first season at Alberton Oval to finish second in the Rising Star voting to Blues jet Sam Walsh.

Playing 22 games and averaging 15.3 disposals, 3.5 marks and 4.0 tackles, the emerging talent became the club's youngest ever leading goalkicker.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Connor Rozee of the Power celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on April 06, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

His season was awarded with a selection in the 22under22 team.

The 2018 SANFL premiership player has already shown potential to become a big game player, and is sure to prosper in a team full of young stars for years to come.

Jordan De Goey (2014)

Despite off-field controversies, there is no denying the talent and potential of Jordan De Goey.

The Magpie broke out in 2018, and was a crucial part of the Pies' push to the grand final that year.

The former Oakleigh Charger kicked 48 goals to become the leading goalkicker and earned himself selection in the 22under22 team.

De Goey kicked three goals in the grand final loss to West Coast, and was one of the best for Collingwood that day.

With his breakout season came comparisons to Dustin Martin, something the 25-year-old had recently shared he was tired of.

This season, De Goey played predominantly in midfield, mostly in the back half of the year, averaging 21.0 disposals, 5.4 marks and 3.0 clearances per game.

After 188 games for 155 goals, De Goey had Pies fans excited for his potential as a full-time midfielder before his most recent troubles clouded his future.

Michael Hurley (2008)

Originally drafted as a key defender by the Bombers, Michael Hurley's initial years were spent switching between forward and defence.

The Northern Knights product did fair well as a forward, kicking 99 goals in his first five seasons. However, it was when playing on the other side of the ground Hurley found his footing as a player.

2014 saw 'Hurls' in a permanent role as a key defender, with this consistency allowing him to shine.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Michael Hurley of the Bombers looks dejected after losing the round eight AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The following season, despite being a poor one for Essendon, Hurley shined, averaging 21.3 disposals, 6.9 marks and six rebound 50s. His season was awarded with an All-Australian selection and finished runner-up in the club's best and fairest.

He could not build upon his stellar season however, as he was one of 33 players found guilty of using supplements, therefore missing the entire 2016 season.

His return in 2017 saw him pick up where he left off, earning his second All-Australian blazer, averaging 25.6 disposals and 7.7 marks.

The 193-gamer missed the entirety of 2021, but is primed to return in 2022

Darcy Parish (2015)

In the years to come, Darcy Parish may find himself higher up this list, but for now he slots himself in at seventh.

This comes after a phenomenal 2021 season that saw him take home a plethora of awards.

Best on ground performances against Collingwood, Richmond and Geelong had Parish awarded with the Anzac Medal, Yiooken Medal and Tom Wills Medal respectively.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Darcy Parish of the Bombers wins the ANZAC Day medal for best of ground during the round six AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

An elite season with averages of 30.5 disposals and 7.6 total clearances capped off a campaign that included a maiden All-Australian selection, a second place in the Dons' best and fairest and fifth in the Brownlow count.

The 24-year old broke out this year, being moved to the middle, and if this year is anything to go by, we might be seeing one of this generation's best before our very eyes.

Ben Cunnington (2009)

One of the most underrated midfielders of his draft crop, Ben Cunnington was drafted at Pick 5 in 2009, a count that also included Dustin Martin and Nat Fyfe.

The veteran has finished top two in North Melbourne's best and fairest six times in the last eight seasons, winning it in 2014 and 2019.

The 30-year-old has shown tremendous consistency to play at a high level.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Ben Cunnington of the Kangaroos celebrates a goal kicked by Cameron Zurhaar of the Kangaroos during the 2019 AFL round 16 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the St Kilda at Blundstone Arena ground on July 07, 2019 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cunnington finished second in the best and fairest yet again this season, despite missing seven games in a season cut short to a testicular tumour.

In his 15 games this year, Cunnington averaged an elite ranking of 7.5 total clearances, while also notching up 26.8 disposals and 4.9 tackles per game.

Jarrad McVeigh (2002)

Prior to being drafted by Sydney, Jarrad McVeigh recorded the highest beep test score and fastest 3km run time at the AFL Draft camp.

This would put any player in high demand, especially for a team looking for a fast endurance player.

McVeigh would go on to have a successful 325-game career that saw premiership glory but also grand final heartbreak.

The dependable Swan was left out of the 2005 side that won the decider and played in the 2006 loss.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Jarrad McVeigh of the Swans reacts on the final whistle after winning the round 23 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the St Kilda Saints at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 24, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He would go on to captain the team to the 2012 premiership, serving as captain from 2011 to 2016. But he once again tasted grand final defeat in 2014 and 2016.

McVeigh was a crucial part of a side that was often at the top, and he wasn't just there to make up the numbers.

The Central Coast native was a dual best and fairest winner (2008, 2013) and an All-Australian in 2013.

When he retired in 2019, coach John Longmire called him, "talented, a fierce competitor, selfless, a great decision-maker, strong leader, elite trainer, [with] first-class football knowledge".

Jake Stringer (2012)

AFL and sport in general is about wins and losses, so a genuine game-winner like Jake Stringer would find himself ranked highly.

Drafted by the Western Bulldogs in 2012, 'The Package' broke out in 2015 to become one of the most exciting young players in the competition.

Averaging 14.3 disposals and over 2.5 goals a game, his breakout season capped off with a selection in both the 22under22 and All-Australian team.

In 2016, the Bendigo Pioneers product tasted premiership glory when the Dogs beat the Swans.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Jake Stringer of the Bombers celebrates a goal with Darcy Parish of the Bombers during the 2021 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

After five seasons and 89 games, Stringer was traded to Essendon, despite being the leading goalkicker from 2015 to 2017.

His potential has always been there but one knock on him is his consistency.

However, if the 27-year-old's 2021 season is anything to go by, Bombers fans have another reason to be excited, on top of the club's young players.

Coach Ben Rutten unlocked Stringer in the midfield this season, a move that worked wonders.

He averaged 16.4 disposals, 4.4 total clearances and 2.2 goals a game, presenting a much needed big body in the Dons' midfield.

Stringer was one of the highest rated players in 2021, and was the club's leading goalkicker for the third time in four years, despite playing primarily as a clearance player.

279 career goals is impressive, but his newfound role brings the 157-gamer up a few spots when ranking best No.5 picks.

Travis Boak (2006)

The all-time AFL games record holder for Port Adelaide finds himself at third. Travis Boak has been a consistent name at the Power since his debut season.

From then on, Boak has had quite the successful career.

In 2011, the former Geelong Falcon was a joint winner of the John Cahill Medal (best and fairest) alongside Jackson Trengove, leading the club in disposals, clearances and inside 50s.

2013 and 2014 were (then) career best seasons for the Victorian, where he averaged 25.3 and 26.6 disposals respectively and was named All-Australian both seasons.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Travis Boak of the Power celebrates victory during the round two AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Port Adelaide Power at the Sydney Cricket Ground on April 1, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The former Power captain (2013-2018) has shown in recent years that he is getting better with age.

Another best and fairest in 2019 was followed up with his career-best season in 2020.

Boak showed no signs of slowing down, averaging 22.9 disposals and 5.1 clearances, ranking elite in both categories. This was all in shorter game times. The veteran midfielder played all 19 games for the Power while accumulating 20 possessions in 14 games.

His stellar season saw him named vice-captain of All-Australian team, and was runner up in the Brownlow Medal count (career high 21 votes) and AFLPA MVP.

The three-time Showdown Medal winner continued his form this season, playing every game and averaging 27.8 disposals, 4.8 tackles and 6.2 clearances.

Scott Pendlebury (2005)

Most games played as a Collingwood player, most games captained for the Pies, Scott Pendlebury is one of, if not, the greatest players to ever pull on the black and white.

A 334-game career that is full of accolades sees Pendlebury as one of the most decorated names in the competition.

A premiership and Norm Smith Medal in 2010 and six All-Australians alone warrant a top ranking on this list, but the man had done even more.

AFLCA Champion Player of the Year (2013), Best Young Player of the Year (2007) and AFLPA Best Captain (2020) add to a dazzling list of honours.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies leads his team off the ground after the round 22 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Collingwood Magpies at Adelaide Oval on August 17, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

The midfielder also has three AFL Anzac Day Medals (2010, 2011, 2019) to his name, equal with James Hird for the most.

The Gippsland Power product has also made the top three in the Copeland Medal (best and fairest) count an unprecedented 13 times, having won it on five occasions.

Even more impressive, 'Pendles' continues to play at a top level, averaging 23.2 disposals and 4.4 total clearances this season in 18 games.

Despite missing four games at the end due to injury, he still finished third in the best and fairest.

Lance Franklin (2004)

The greatest No.5 pick, not only since 2000, but in VFL/AFL history, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin.

Little needs to be said about the living highlight reel, we are lucky to have watched this man play, with a rundown of his achievements, show he too, like Pendlebury, is one of the most decorated players ever.

A dual premiership player, a best and fairest at Hawthorn and just one of five players with eight All-Australian selections.

A four-time Coleman medallist and twelve times a leading goalkicker (six apiece at the Hawks and Swans).

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Lance Franklin of the Swans celebrates a goal during the round two AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Adelaide Crows at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 29, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Who wouldn't want Buddy in their team? A key position player is a very sought after asset, and being the most dominant forward of this century just adds to the appeal.

The last player to kick 100 goals in a season, and could be the very last with the way the game has changed.

After only managing 10 games in 2019, and none in 2020, the Western Australian was back in 2021, perhaps not to his best, but still effective nonetheless.

He averaged 11.8 disposals, 2.8 goals and 2.6 tackles, and is now sitting five goals shy of 1000 goals.

Next season is his last in his contract and he'll be 35 by then, so we could be seeing the last of one of the all-time greats and most talented players to ever play this game.

Published by
Michael Georgiou