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)
7Gold Coast select: Ben King (-1)
Similarly to Rankine, Gold Coast should maintain their selection of 2025 All-Australian squad member Ben King.
While dealing with injuries throughout his career, he's become a key pillar in Gold Coast's attack and exploded for a 71-goal campaign this season, taking his career goals per game average to 2.13 - the fourth best average among active players.
Given Gold Coast's list needs at the time - and how successful a selection Ben King has become - this pick remains as is, though one pick later than originally taken.
