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)
6Sydney (matched bid) select: Nick Blakey (+4)
Blakey's success as a dashing half-back sees him rise up the draft board to Pick 6, forcing the Swans to match a bid on 'The Lizard' earlier than they did back in 2018.
The 25-year-old earned an All-Australian blazer in 2024, a year after being left off the 22 when he made the squad in 2023 and has played an instrumental role in Sydney's two grand final appearances this decade.
The best ability can be availability, and Blakey is as reliable as they come in that department, becoming the first player of this draft class to reach 150 games and still holds the most games played in this draft class seven years on, with 151 to his name.
It's highly unlikely that Sydney would be unwilling to bid on Blakey had he been bid on this high up, hence he joins the Bloods at Pick 6.
