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:
15. 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.
