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Re-drafting the first round of the 2004 AFL Draft

We’ve re-drafted the first round of the 2004 draft. SEE WHO WENT WHERE 👇

Published by
Alex Pipicella

We've re-drafted the first round of the 2004 AFL draft.

It was the draft that created the core of Hawthorn's success throughout the 2010s, also unearthing a host of other prominent stars of the game.

Here is Zero Hanger's re-drafted first round of the 2004 AFL national draft, including those picked up in the rookie draft:

Ivan Maric (Port Adelaide)

Ivan Maric was originally taken at pick 40 in the draft by the Adelaide Crows and eventually became a cult hero amongst fans due to his flowing mullet and warrior-like attack on the football. Maric spent 77 games for the Crows before being traded to Richmond after Sam Jacobs took the number one ruck spot.

Maric had a solid 80-game career at the Tigers, finishing third in the club best-and-fairest in 2012 and was promoted to vice-captain in 2015 and 2016. Maric retired in 2017, after spending the season in the VFL, finishing his 157 game career.

Ivan Maric. (Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Matt Rosa (Brisbane)

The West Coast Eagles selected Matt Rosa with the 29th pick in the draft and the strong-bodied midfielder was a good contributor throughout his career for the Eagles. Rosa played 168 games in the West between 2005 and 2015, but did not feature in either of West Coast's Grand Final appearances.

Following the 2015 season, Rosa requested a trade from the club and spent the next three years at the Gold Coast Suns, playing 39 games before retiring at the end of 2018 with 207 career games to his name.

Clinton Young (St Kilda)

A speedy winger who is often a forgotten man when discussing the Hawthorn rebuild. Young's booming left foot and versatility as a forward or wingman made him a valuable weapon in the Hawks' arsenal.

Young played 116 games for the club, playing in both the 2008 and 2012 Grand Finals for the club, before moving to Collingwood in 2013, where he played just 21 games in three years and retired in 2015. The premiership player was originally selected by Hawthorn with pick 18 in the rookie draft.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Clinton Young of the Hawks is tackled by Angus Monfries of the Bombers during the round 6 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 1, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

Nathan van Berlo (Richmond)

The first one-club player in our re-draft, van Berlo spent 12 seasons at Adelaide after they drafted him with pick 24. Van Berlo was lauded for his elite fitness and often featured in the Crows side in a tagging role, matched up against the league's best midfielders.

Van Berlo was promoted to captain of the club in 2011, following the retirement of Simon Goodwin, and finished second in the best-and-fairest in his first year in the role. The versatile midfielder held the captaincy until 2015, when he was replaced by Taylor Walker and eventually retired at the end of 2016. Van Berlo finished up with 205 career games and has currently the 8th most tackles in Adelaide's history with 682.

Zac Williams of the Giants tackles Nathan Van Berlo of the Crows during the round 10 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Adelaide Oval on May 28, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

Danyle Pearce (Melbourne)

Danyle Pearce set the football world alight at the start of his career with Port Adelaide. After playing 7 games in his rookie season, Pearce was still eligible for the NAB Rising Star award in 2006, which he took home with 43 votes from a possible 45.

Pearce's electrifying 2006 season also earned him the Power's Gavin Wanganeen award for best young talent and the AFLPA Marn Grook award for the top emerging indigenous player. Pearce  finished equal 9th in the Brownlow Medal that season, securing 13 votes from the umpires. But with Port Adelaide struggling from 2008-2012, Pearce's form took a hit as well and in 2013, was allowed to leave the club for Fremantle in free agency.

Pearce played 104 games for the Dockers, featuring in the 2013 Grand Final loss, before retiring in 2018. Pearce enjoyed a fruitful career with 258 games and 127 goals to his name, but he could have been destined for so much more.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Danyle Pearce of the Dockers looks on during the round one AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Domain Stadium on March 26, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Lynden Dunn (Essendon)

Lynden Dunn is the first current player on our list, with the key defender currently plying his trade at Collingwood after being originally selected by Melbourne with pick 15. Despite making a name for himself as a lockdown defender, the 32-year-old spent time during his career with the Demons as a forward, including a career-best return of 26 goals in 2010.

Dunn is one of the most luckless players in the AFL, currently holding the record for most games played without the final, with 196, missing out of the Magpies finals run last season due to an ACL injury he suffered in round 15, before rupturing the same knee again in April this year ruling him out for the rest of 2019. Dunn's future with Collingwood now hangs in the balance as he comes out of contract at the end of the season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Lynden Dunn of the Magpies warms up prior to the 2017 JLT Community Series match between the Collingwood Magpies and Essendon Bombers at Etihad Stadium on February 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Angus Monfries (Melbourne)

Essendon originally selected Monfries with the 14th pick in the draft and he spent the majority of his career at Windy Hill, playing 150 games and kicking 165 goals over the course of his eight seasons at the club.

The medium-sized forward's best seasons for the Bombers were between 2009-2011, where he kicked 80 goals and led the club's goal-kicking in 2010 with 24. Ahead of the 2013 season, Monfries was traded to Port Adelaide, where he spent the remaining five years before retiring in 2017, however, he did miss the 2016 season due to the doping ban. Monfries played 61 games for the Power, kicking 83 goals including a career-best seven in 2013.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Angus Monfries of the Bombers handballs during the round seven AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium on May 12, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

Heritier Lumumba (Richmond)

Heritier Lumumba, formerly known as Harry O'Brien, was the first Brazilian-born AFL player and was originally taken by Collingwood with pick 20 in the rookie draft. Lumumba played 199 games for the Magpies and was an important member of the club's 2010 Premiership success, winning All-Australian honours that season as well for his efforts across half-back.

In 2011, Lumumba was announced as the AFL's first multicultural ambassador and after falling out with the club in 2014, Lumumba was traded off to Melbourne where he spent the next two seasons. Lumumba played 24 games in the red and blue before retiring in 2016 due to ongoing concussion issues. Lumumba was an excitement machine for the Pies at his peak and his Grand Final replay performance will be remembered for a long time to come.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Heritier Lumumba of the Magpies kicks the ball during the round 19 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 3, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Heath Grundy (Port Adelaide)

With the benefit of hindsight it seems Norwood-product Grundy would be staying in his home state, but it was the Sydney Swans who selected him with pick 42 in the rookie draft back in 2004.

Grundy made his debut in round 16 2006, where he kicked three goals against Richmond, but it was in defence where Grundy was at his best. The big-bodied Grundy was a pillar of the Swans backline for the majority of his 15-season career, known for his no-nonsense approach to defensive duties.

Grundy called time on his career in May of this year after 254 games in the red and white, including the 2012 premiership victory.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Heath Grundy of the Swans is tackled by Taylor Walker of the Crows during the 2016 AFL Round 04 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans at the Adelaide Oval on April 16, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Dale Morris (Collingwood)

Dale Morris is one of the Western Bulldogs' favourite sons, playing 252 games for the club including the magical 2016 Grand Final. Morris has been a reliable backman for the duration of his career, earning a spot in the back pocket in the 2008 All-Australian team. Throughout his 15 seasons with the Bulldogs, Morris has continued to show resilience when faced with adversity.

In 2011, Morris broke his tibia in his right leg before suffering a stress fracture in the same leg on his return game in 2012. In the aftermath of the club's unbelievable 2016 final series, it was revealed that Morris had played they entire series with a fractured vertebrae, further cementing his spot in the hearts of Bulldogs fans. In the past two years, Morris has suffered three ACL injuries, with the latest suffered in round 19 and threatening to end the veteran's distinguished career.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Dale Morris of the Bulldogs celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2016 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 1, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Ryan Griffin (Carlton)

Ryan Griffin was originally taken by the Western Bulldogs with pick three in the draft. the hard-nosed midfielder was an important player within the Bulldogs midfield, playing 202 games across 10 seasons, including a year as captain in 2014.

Griffin won two best-and-fairest awards during his time with the Dogs in 2010 and 2013, with the latter the year he was also rewarded with his only All-Australian berth. At the end of 2014, Griffin requested a trade to GWS, where he linked up with former coach Leon Cameron and teammate Callan Ward, but unfortunately his career at the Giants was marred with injury and he eventually retired in 2018 after 55 games for the club.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Ryan Griffen of the Giants runs with the ball between Ben Cunnington of the Kangaroos (L) and Andrew Swallow during the round 23 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Greater Western Sydney GIants at Etihad Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

 

Mark LeCras (Adelaide)

LeCras spent his whole career at the Eagles, finishing 219 games and 441 goals for the club. The small forward did not feature in either of the 2005 or 2006 Grand Finals but soon earned his spot in the Eagles best 22.

LeCras won the club's goal-kicking award in 2009 with 58 goals, but it was in 2010 where he showcased his ability. LeCras' 63 goals that season, the most at the club and third in the whole league, earned him a spot in the All-Australian team and the club's best-and-fairest award.

LeCras missed the entire 2012 season due to an ACL and in 2015 he was suffer another heartbreak in the form of a Grand Final loss. Despite questions and criticism over his durability and age, LeCras left it all on the field in 2018 and played a key role in their premiership, kicking 32 goals for the season, before retiring a hero in the off-season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Mark LeCras of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 11 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Domain Stadium on June 13, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

 

 

Travis Cloke (Hawthorn)

Cloke was originally selected by Collingwood with pick 39 under the father/son rule. He went on to become one of the club's best players in the modern era.

The key forward played 246 games for the club, kicking 441 goals and taking home the club goal-kicking award four years in a row, from 2011-2014. Cloke was also a two-time All-Australian in 2011 and 2013 and won the Magpies' best-and-fairest in just his third season.

Cloke also played an integral role in the club's 2010 premiership season, kicking 38 goals including two crucial majors in the drawn Grand Final. After struggling towards the end of his career, Cloke requested a trade from the Pies and spent his final season at the Western Bulldogs, playing 10 games and kicking 11 goals.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Travis Cloke of the Magpies kicks the ball during the 2016 AFL Round 19 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Brett Deledio (Western Bulldogs)

The former number one pick has been incredibly unlucky to miss out on tasting premiership success. The midfielder began his career at Richmond, where he played 243 games and kicked 182 goals and endeared himself to Tigers fans.

Deledio looked like a superstar from day one, bringing home the NAB Rising Star and AFLPA Best First-Year Player awards in 2005. The crafty Tiger also won two club best-and-fairest awards in 2008 and 2009 and was selected in the All-Australian team in 2012 and 2015. Deledio's leadership was a prominent feature of his game, earning him the vice-captaincy from 2013-2016, before he was traded to Greater Western Sydney ahead of 2017.

Deledio didn't make his first appearance for the Giants until round 20 due to injury and unfortunately missed out on Richmond's premiership success in the same year. Injury derailed Deledio's GWS career, where he played just 31 games in three seasons before his retirement. Deledio will always be remembered fondly by Tigers fans and he currently sits top 10 in the club's all-time records for disposals and tackles.

Brett Deledio of the Tigers directs play during the 2015 AFL round 21 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia on August 22, 2015. (Photo by Justine Walker/AFL M

Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)

Gibson began his career at North Melbourne, where he was taken with pick seven of the rookie draft, but it was Hawthorn where he became one of the premier defenders in the AFL.

Gibson arrived at the Hawks in 2010 after spending four seasons and playing 65 games for the Kangaroos and after some early injury struggles, Gibson slotted in seamlessly to the Hawthorn backline and won his first best-and-fairest award as the Hawks embarked upon their three-peat. Gibson played a crucial role in all three premierships and won his second best-and-fairest in 2015 along with an All-Australian selection in the back pocket.

Gibson announced his retirement in 2017, bringing his 225-game career to a halt, and we're certain if Hawthorn had their time again, they'd have no hesitation to snap him up with pick seven.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Josh Gibson of the Hawks runs with the ball during the round 20 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 6, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Jordan Lewis (Richmond)

Jordan Lewis is, so far, one of only two players amongst the 2004 draft class to play 300 games or more. Lewis was originally taken by Hawthorn with pick seven in the draft and played 264 games for the Hawks playing in the midfield and across half-back.

Lewis will go down in history as one of Hawthorn's greatest players, featuring in all four of Hawthorn's modern-day premierships (2008 and 2013-15), winning the club best-and-fairest and earning All-Australian honours in 2014 and serving as vice-captain throughout his career. After 12 seasons at the club, Lewis was traded to Melbourne where he has played 53 games in three seasons and he is still considering playing on for another year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Jordan Lewis of the Hawks handballs away from Andrew Swallow of the Kangaroos during the round 21 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 13, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Eddie Betts (Western Bulldogs)

Arguably the best small forward of the modern era, Eddie Betts is the only player to feature on the list who was selected from the pre-season draft. Carlton picked up the mercurial small forward with pick three from Calder Cannons and he is the only other player, alongside Jordan Lewis, who has played over 300 AFL games.

Betts spent nine years at Carlton, kicking 290 goals in 184 games, winning the club's best first-year player award in 2005 and leading the goal-kicking in 2010 and 2012. But its been his time at the Adelaide Crows which has put Betts in the discussion for the best small forward in the game's history. Betts has kicked over 300 goals in just 130 games for the Crows, leading the goal-kicking for four straight years from 2014-2017.

During his time in South Australia, Betts has also been rewarded with three All-Australian selections, in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and was a vital cog in the club's 2017 Finals campaign which took them to the Grand Final. Betts is a magician who can conjure up goals that no other player even dares to attempt and is perhaps the only player on this list who could reach 350 games, he currently sits on 314.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Eddie Betts of the Crows celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)

Hawthorn's former captain and one of their  modern greats - Jarryd Roughead. Roughead kicked 572 goals in his 282 AFL games winning three club goal-kicking awards, including an amazing 2013 where he kicked 72 goals, earning him the Coleman Medal and an All-Australian selection.

The tall forward was crucial in all four of Hawthorn's recent premierships, earning another All-Australian honour in 2014, and after recovering from a melanoma scare, he served as a club captain in 2017 and 2018. "Roughy" is a fan favourite and the former number two pick will be sorely missed by the Hawthorn faithful.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 2: Jarryd Roughead of the Hawks is tackled by Joel Selwood of the Cats during the 2018 AFL round 02 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 2, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Lance Franklin (Richmond)

There was no dispute over who would be the number one pick in the 2004 redraft. Lance "Buddy" Franklin is one of the greatest forwards to ever play the game, kicking 940 goals in his 299 game career, including four Coleman Medals and 11 goal-kicking awards at his two clubs, Hawthorn and Sydney.

Franklin was originally selected by Hawthorn with pick five and has been host to moments that Hawks fans will cherish forever. From his 2010 Goal of the Year, to his 100th goal season celebration in 2008 or his 13-goal game in 2012, Franklin has captured the imaginations of fans from across the country.

Although he missed out on wining the three-peat with Hawthorn after moving to Sydney in 2014, the eight-time All-Australian is still deserving of the number one selection. If Franklin can shrug of the injury problems which have hampered his time with the Swans, he could still potentially reach 300 games and the elusive 1000 goal milestone.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Lance Franklin of the Hawks celebrates kicking his 13th goal during the round 10 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Aurora Stadium on June 2, 2012 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Published by
Alex Pipicella