The 2018 National Draft was one of the more loaded draft classes of the past decade, with nine players being selected into an All-Australian squad at least once in their careers, while a further six have played key roles in premiership glory.
However, looking back, it's clear several clubs got it wrong with early selections and, had they had the luxury of seven years of hindsight, things would have played out very differently.
So, here's the first 10 picks of 2018 AFL draft re-selected, based off their career achievements thus far, fit into the respective clubs at the time and how likely they are to continue their star trajectory beyond 2025.
For context, here were the original first 10 selections in the 2018 National Draft:
1. Sam Walsh (Carlton)
2. Jack Lukosius (Gold Coast)
3. Izak Rankine (Gold Coast)
4. Max King (St Kilda)
5. Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide)
6. Ben King (Gold Coast)
7. Bailey Smith (Bulldogs)
8. Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne)
9. Chayce Jones (Adelaide)
10. Nick Blakey (Sydney)
1Carlton select: Zak Butters (+11)
Butters has been the best player of this draft class to date, no question about it.
Two All-Australian selections, in the squad of 44 twice, the 2023 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and Port Adelaide's best and fairest three years running.
Butters' freakish ball-winning abilities have made a world of difference for Port Adelaide in their recent top four finishes, so it's an exciting thought about what could have been at Carlton, especially considering their recent finals appearances and the club's engine room, which features dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps.
