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 6: Ed Richards (+10) - Collingwood
Originally selected by the Western Bulldogs at Pick 16, Richards has developed into one of the competition's most reliable midfielders. After beginning his career across half-back, he has transitioned seamlessly into the Bulldogs' star-studded midfield, where his speed and composure have become key strengths. Recorded 85 coaches votes in 2025 to highlight his rapid improvement in the last two seasons.
Having last played finals in 2013, Collingwood were looking to build their next premiership team. Richards' outside run and polish would have complemented the ball-winning ability and class of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar, providing the Magpies with a well-rounded midfield mix as they looked to re-enter the premiership window.
