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 5: Tom De Koning (+25) - Fremantle
De Koning, who recently joined St Kilda as a free agent, has emerged as one of the competition's most damaging ruck-forwards over the past two seasons, combining athleticism, mobility and his strong aerial ability.
His athleticism for a player of his height is rare and means he plays almost as an extra midfielder. This can be seen in his numbers across the past two seasons, where he has averaged more than 16 disposals, four clearances and 20 hitouts.
After selecting a midfielder at Pick 2 in Andrew Brayshaw, Fremantle were well placed to address another list need with Aaron Sandilands nearly 35. Pairing De Koning with Brayshaw would have given the Dockers two long-term pillars to build around, providing a dynamic ruck presence to support their emerging midfield.
