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Re-drafting the first 15 picks of the 2010 AFL draft

We’ve gone all the way back to the 2010 draft!

Published by
Mitch Keating

We've taken a look back at the 2010 AFL draft with the joy of hindsight!

It was a draft where Gold Coast had the first three overall selections and a further four picks in the top 11.

But all Suns will be thinking is 'what could've been,' given just two of those seven players remain on their list. And three of them are now premiership Tigers.

Here is Zero Hanger's re-drafted first 15 picks of the 2010 AFL national draft:

Mitch Wallis (Geelong)

The Bulldogs father-son selection has taken on a new role in recent years, transforming into a small-forward capable of impacting the scoreboard.

Wallis had a cruel beginning to his career through injury, but has shown why he was so heavily touted and loved by the Bulldogs in his last several seasons.

 

 

 

 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Mitch Wallis of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 18 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jared Polec (Adelaide)

Another player who has spent time at three separate clubs and has also fallen down the order in our re-draft, but Polec's career is not like any other.

Taken at pick five with the Lions, Polec always showed glimpses but failed to regularly break into the AFL side, playing just 16 games in his three seasons with Brisbane.

Following his successful request to move to Port Adelaide, Polec took his game to a new level, including a 30-disposal effort against the Giants seven rounds into his debut season in South Australia.

Injuries set Polec's time with Port back, where he eventually left the Power after 90 matches in favour of a move to North Melbourne.

Polec's career to date boasts over 20 disposals per game from his 128 match career.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Jared Polec of the Kangaroos poses during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL media opportunity at Arden Street Ground on November 20, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

David Swallow (Gold Coast)An injury riddled start to Swallow's career stained the No.1 draft picks hopes of maintaining his spot atop the 2010 draft mantle rankings.

Although, through the plagued career, Swallow still comes through as one of the drafts best from his 139 game career with the Suns.

Having won the clubs Best and Fairest in 2014 and being named in the 22 under 22 side the same season, The Suns' co-captain has shown just how good he can be when fully fit.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: David Swallow of the Suns in action during the round 22 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Jarryd Lyons (Melbourne)

The journeyman has found a comfortable place in the Lions' midfield after being moved on by the Crows and Suns, having a breakout season in Queensland this year.

Pairing well with Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, Lyons was a ball-magnet for Brisbane and has been a catalyst to their meteoric rise up the ladder in the past several seasons.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Jarryd Lyons of the Lions controls the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on August 10, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brodie Smith (Gold Coast)

The 2014 All-Australian selection hasn't had the smoothest AFL career to-date, enduring a number of season ending injuries.

His AA winning year was his breakout, becoming one of the league's most dangerous off half-back - where he collected almost 23 touches per match.

Smith was a key component in the Crows' strong push to the Grand Final in 2017, playing in 23 games that season.

Smith's return to football in 2019 was a highlight for the Crows year, where he averaged almost 23 touches having returned from an ACL injury.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Brodie Smith of the Crows kicks during the round 17 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on July 13, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Isaac Smith (Gold Coast)The most experienced and successful player in the 2010 draft, Isaac Smith has endured a flashy career with Hawthorn.

An integral role player within the Hawks three-peat dynasty and now a natural leader under Alistair Clarkson, Smith is one of this centuries most skillful wingmen.

Smith has also risen to become a standout two-way player, showing off a wide defensive skill-set while also being able to move forward and kick goals, booting 160 majors across his 200 game career.

Smith's most memorable career moment will be his game-sealing 50m goal in the 2013 Grand Final against Fremantle, capping off a breakout year to his career.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Isaac Smith of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the St Kilda Saints at UTAS Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Tom Liberatore (Gold Coast)Taken under the father-son rule at pick 40, 'Libba' was one of the steals of 2010.

Another player plagued with injury, Liberatore still found time to dominate on the ball as he was one of the Bulldogs star players during their 2016 premiership campaign.

A career average of 23.5 touches per game, Liberatore was one of many Bulldogs midfielders to turn into a ball magnet, with his third season at the Kennel holding a stat-line of 26 touches and over six tackles per game.

Liberatore collected the Charles Sutton Medal in 2014, capping off a strong year that saw him lead the league in tackles with 173 from his 22 games.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs runs with the ball during the round three AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on April 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

The Rising Star winner from the 2010 draft class, it was quickly questioned how Dyson Heppell slid to the eighth overall pick and into the Bombers' hands.

Averaging over 21 disposals in his debut year with Essendon and never dropping below that count since, Heppell has flourished into a dynamic midfielder, also boasting double-digit numbers for contested possessions per game his last six seasons.

2014 was his breakout season, collecting a Best and Fairest and All-Australian selection after averaging over 28 touches, four tackles and five clearances a game while polling 14 Brownlow votes for the year.

Heppell was immediately seen as the clubs next captain, after being selected in the 22 under 22 side in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and was named as the captain for the latter two. Heppell eventually took over as skipper for the Bombers in 2017 and has held the rank since.

A dream for Heppell will be to lead the Bombers to a finals victory, as he hopes to lead his side deep into September.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Dyson Heppell of the Bombers is tackled by Luke Parker of the Swans during the 2018 AFL round 19 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on July 27, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jeremy Howe (Gold Coast)

The high-flying swingman most commonly known for his outrageous marking efforts, was the Demons leading goal kicker for the 2013 season.

Howe slotted 80 goals during his 100 game stint with the Demons after being selected at pick 33 in the draft.

Since his move to the Pies, Howe has thrived across the half-backline, where he has become an important defender for Collingwood and seen growth in disposal and marking averages per game.

Howe was awarded with a selection into the All-Australian 40-man squad in 2017.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Jeremy Howe of the Magpies marks the ball over Tom McDonald of the Demons during the 2017 AFL round 12 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 12, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Cam Guthrie (Richmond)

Guthrie has thoroughly enjoyed his spell at Kardinia Park, collecting 105 wins from his 161 game career so far while adding 52 goals.

Having been given number 29 guernsey immediately after the departure of club great Gary Ablett junior, the pressure was on for Guthrie to deliver for Geelong - and he did in due time.

Known for his versatility down at the Cattery, Guthrie is seen as one of the Cats' most underrated players from the decade.

Guthrie slides up the draft order after originally being selected with the 23rd overall pick, taking the 15th pick which was also taken by the Cats for Billie Smedts.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Cameron Guthrie of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 21 match between the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers at Simonds Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jack Darling (Brisbane)

A handy priority pick for the Eagles at selection No.26, Darling has shown his worth to the league after initially being touted as a top-five selection before off-field incidents were believed to damage his draft stocks.

The three-time Eagles leading goal kicker has also collected a premiership medal and an All-Australian selection.

Darling has amassed 351 goals for the Eagles across his 186 game career - including a 53 goal season in just his second year with West Coast.

His pairing with two-time Coleman medalist Josh Kennedy has proven to be one of the most dangerous forward duos of the last decade.

 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Jack Darling of the Eagles kicks on goal during the 2018 AFL round nine match between the West Coast Eagles and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on May 20, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media)

Dion Prestia (West Coast)

One of the more glorified CV's in the crop. Prestia boasts an All-Australian squad nomination, two premiership medals and was named Best and Fairest in a premiership side.

After initially being selected by the Suns with pick nine, Prestia became one of the Gold Coast's most reliable players within a young, underachieving list.

Prestia was handed the vice captaincy for the Suns in 2014, where he would co-lead his side for three seasons before his move to the Tigers.

His first season in the yellow and black was memorable, claiming the 2017 flag and averaging over 23 disposals, four tackles and four clearances per game.

Prestia went on to add another premiership medal in 2019, before winning the Jack Dyer medal as the clubs best and fairest. Prestia has won an impressive 47 matches from his 60 games with the Tigers, also polling 16 of his 39 career Brownlow votes in this time.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Dion Prestia of the Tigers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 6, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Andrew Gaff (Gold Coast)Andrew Gaff was strongly backed by the Eagles camp before his first AFL game.

Having been handed the No.3 jumper - only previously worn by Chris Mainwaring and Chris Judd - after the number had previously been retired by the club following the passing of Mainwaring in 2007 and Judd's move to Carlton at the end of the same year.

In Judd-fashion, Gaff ignited a new hope for the Eagles, announcing himself as one of the league's most explosive midfielders.

Gaff averaged almost 25 touches in just his second year, and by 2015 was averaging close to 30 per game. That season saw Gaff named in the All-Australian side and claim the Eagles' Best and Fairest during their run to the Grand Final.

His 2016 season was just as good, if not better. While he didn't reach the individual honours of his previous year, Gaff polled 21 Brownlow votes to finish equal fourth in the count and was given a nomination into the All-Australian 40-man squad.

Gaff won another All-Australian selection during the Eagles' 2018 premiership-winning season, where he was infamously suspended for eight matches and as a result missed out on a premiership medal.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Andrew Gaff of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL First Semi Final match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)

Tom Lynch has produced a decorated career with two separate clubs at just the age of 27.

While his decision to leave the Suns may have tarnished his reputation between himself and its fan base, he was one of the clubs greatest performers.

During his time in Queensland, Lynch won an All-Australian selection, collected two best and fairests, was the clubs leading goal kicker for four consecutive seasons and was named co-captain between 2017 and 2018. He also booted 254 goals from 131 games.

His highly-attractive move to Richmond at the end of the 2018 season may have left a few Suns fans bitter, but has managed to enroll himself into a new dynasty with the Tigers.

Kicking 63 goals in a premiership year with Richmond was a dream start for Lynch, pairing with Jack Riewoldt to form an unstoppable forward duo.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Tom Lynch of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Luke Parker (Gold Coast)

Parker slides into the number one in our draft after being taken with the 40th overall pick by the Swans in 2010.

By 2012 he had won a premiership.

By 2014 he had won his first Bob Skilton Medal, becoming the youngest to do so since 1998 and won an All-Australian nomination.

And by 2016 he had won his first selection into the All-Australian side and finished second in the Brownlow Medal count with 26 votes.

Having also featured in two Grand Final losses with the Swans, its easy to see his career could have reached higher limits, but he still takes out our top spot.

His last seven seasons have seen him average above 20 disposals per game, reaching as high as 26.88 a match in 2016.

That same year he tied Swans legend Brett Kirks' club record for most tackles in a season with 170 at an average of 6.54 per game and went on to win his second straight Most Courageous Player Award.

Now a co-captain with the Swans, Parker has flourished into one of the draft steals of the decade, adding in 155 goals and 94 Brownlow votes across his 195 games for Sydney.

As decorated as his career is, there is still plenty of time and reason to why Parker can take significant steps in joining some of the games best.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - OCTOBER 01: Luke Parker of the Swans celebrates a goal during 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 Darrian Traynor/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Published by
Mitch Keating