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)
8Bulldogs select: Jordan Clark (+8)
In 2025, the Bulldogs' back six has been lacklustre and often lets down their historically elite attack and midfield combination.
Having Jordan Clark, an All-Australian half-back, to control play from defensive 50 with Bailey Dale would be an imposing threat to the opposition, especially considering Clark's defensive traits that are simply levels above most other players in his position.
Clark is also, admittedly, the best available talent left at this point, unfortunate for the Bulldogs, who had bolstered their midfield through Bailey Smith in 2018.
However, at Pick 8, Clark is not a mediocre alternative and fills a list need of theirs, both at the time and currently.
