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 4: Zac Bailey (+11) - North Melbourne
All-Australian half-forward Bailey was originally taken by the Lions at Pick 15. Now a two-time premiership player, he has emerged as one of the most feared small forwards in the competition with his devastating turn of foot, crafty skills and high football IQ.
Bailey has kicked 185 goals from 166 games, while also proving he can be damaging pinch-hitting in the midfield. Having played finals in the three years prior, North Melbourne missed the eight in 2017, finishing 15th.
Their list was ageing and beginning to slow down, so Bailey's speed, energy and creativity were exactly what they needed.
