The 2017 Draft class was a solid one. Seven of the first 10 players selected have accumulated more than 100 games, while some later speculative picks have emerged as genuine draft steals.
Eight years on, we re-draft the first 10 picks, taking into account each player's career, any remaining upside and each club's list priorities at the time. In hindsight, some clubs would have made vastly different calls.
For context, here were the original first 10 selections in the 2017 AFL Draft:
1. Cameron Rayner (Brisbane)
2. Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle)
3. Paddy Dow (Carlton)
4. Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)
5. Adam Cerra (Fremantle)
6. Jaidyn Stephenson (Collingwood)
7. Hunter Clark (St Kilda)
8. Nick Coffield (St Kilda)
9. Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs)
10. Lochie O'Brien (Carlton)
Pick 3: Tristan Xerri (+69) - Carlton
Given that Matthew Kreuzer was 29 at the time of the 2017 draft and nearing the latter stages of his career, Carlton had to find a long-term successor in the ruck. Xerri, originally taken at Pick 72 by North Melbourne, would have been a logical investment for a rebuilding side short on ruck depth.
Xerri, an All-Australian squad member in 2024, recorded 72 coaches votes in 2025 as he averaged 17.3 disposals, seven clearances and 35 hitouts.
Xerri's development into one of the most revered ruckmen in the competition alongside Max Gawn makes him an ideal selection for the Blues at Pick 3, providing a long-term solution for the looming Kruezer retirement.
