Redrafting the first round of the 2015 AFL draft

With three years of development under their belt, we look back at who your club should have recruited in the first round of the 2015 AFL draft. Here is Zero Hanger’s re-drafted first round of the 2015 AFL draft, including players taken in the rookie draft: Brayden Fiorini (Carlton) Limited to just 26 games across his first three seasons, Fiorini has gradually built confidence in his ability to win the ball. He's averaged at least 22 disposals in each of the last two seasons, but has never played more than 13 games in a single season. Since 2016, Fiorini averages the second-most disposals of any current Gold Coast listed player. [caption id="attachment_5237" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Brayden Fiorini poses during a Gold Coast Suns AFL media session at Metricon Stadium on November 27, 2015 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Aaron Francis (Hawthorn) Another first round pick starved of opportunities thanks to injury, Francis has a ton of potential to unlock. Looked a class above at VFL level last year, averaging career-highs in several categories. In 2018, Francis managed to play the final five matches of the season, a period which saw him rank second in the league for intercept marks and fourth for intercept possessions. [caption id="attachment_23252" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Aaron Francis of the Bombers behind Chad Wingard of Port Adelaide during the round 23 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on August 24, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)[/caption] Bailey Williams (North Melbourne) The running defender has shown improvements each time he takes the field, lifting his average possessions from 16.3 in 2017 to 20.1 last year. Williams plays a key role in his side's backline tandem, improving drastically on metres gained and rebound 50's - and will likely become a midfielder further down the track. [caption id="attachment_12566" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bailey WIlliams during the round nine AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Western Bulldogs at Spotless Stadium on May 22, 2016 in Sydney, Australia.[/caption] Harrison Himmelberg (Gold Coast) For the first time in his career, the key position big played every game in 2018 kicking a total of 26 goals, second behind Jeremy Cameron. Key forwards have always taken time, but Himmelberg showed enough while Jon Patton and Rory Lobb missed out on a chunk of the season. Can play both ends of the ground, but will likely relieve Cameron and play as that second tall in years to come. [caption id="attachment_27395" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - SEPTEMBER 08: Harrison Himmelberg of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Wayne Milera (Hawthorn) After a slow two seasons to start his career, Milera enjoyed some breakout performances at the back-half of season 2018. From Round 12 onward, Milera accumulated at least 17 possessions in each game. Originally taken with pick 11 in the '16 national draft, it seems as though the Crows utility is starting to return the faith. [caption id="attachment_19529" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: (L-R) Wayne Milera of the Crows competes for the ball with Jesse Lonergan of the Suns during the round six AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval on April 28, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)[/caption] Hugh Greenwood (St. Kilda) Originally rookie drafted at pick 48, the former NBA prospect made an instant impact once he debuted in 2017. Greenwood burst onto the scene with three goals, nine tackles and 15 disposals on debut. Last year, he failed to miss a game as he ranked 7th in tackles per game and 17th in total contested possessions. His ferocity defensively and attack on the ball makes him a key part of the Crows' on-ball brigade. [caption id="attachment_24738" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Hugh Greenwood of the Crows in action during the round 21 AFL match between the Greater Western Giants and the Adelaide Crows at UNSW Canberra Oval on August 11, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Adelaide) One of the more exciting forwards in the league, 'Tippa' ranks first at his club for scoreboard impact and disposals inside 50 since making the move to attack two seasons ago. Another rookie selected pick, McDonald-Tipungwuti won't ever be one to flood the stat sheet, however his immense forward pressure is enough to re-draft him inside the first round. [caption id="attachment_14543" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 20 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 05, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Doedee (GWS) Although it took two full seasons before we saw him debut, Doedee performed like 150-game veteran in his debut season. The general defender came out with two games of 20-plus possession to start his career, yet it was his ability to play several roles that made him stand out. After playing 34 SANFL games, Doedee became the perfect replacement after the departure of Jake Lever following the 2017 grand final loss. Ranking 10th in the AFL for total intercepts, Doedee looms as a future All-Australian if he can unlock his full potential. [caption id="attachment_21665" align="alignnone" width="786"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Tom Doedee of the Crows is tackled by Shaun Grigg of the Tigers during the 2018 AFL round 16 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 06, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Darcy Parish (Richmond) Originally a top-five pick, Parish has slowly shown signs of exactly that. He was always going to take time given his small frame, but not to the disbelief of Essendon fans, Parish is a decent accumulator and user of the football. The 21-year-old has averaged at least 20 disposals and three tackles per game across his first three seasons. There's much more to unpack for Parish, the inclusion of Dylan Shiel may hinder his opportunities. [caption id="attachment_26507" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Darcy Parish of the Bombers kicks the ball during the round two AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Papley (Brisbane) In a draft full of stand-out small forwards, Papley falls at number 14 after kicking 83 goals from his 60 career matches. His forward pressure and scoreboard impact alongside Lance Franklin has been seriously undervalued. Papley began positioned at more and more centre bounces last year, and with Dan Hannebery gone, expect to see an increase in midfield time. [caption id="attachment_16966" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tom Papley of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 22 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval on August 18, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Blake Hardwick (GWS) To the surprise of many, Hardwick finished second in the club best and fairest behind the obvious choice of Tom Mitchell. After just one game in his debut season, Hardwick was solid in year two, but made an immediate impact in season 2018 improving on all areas of his game. His intercept play along with efficient kicking made him a dangerous player anywhere on the ground. May end up a lot higher in a re-draft at the end of his career. [caption id="attachment_24741" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Blake Hardwick of the Hawks and Alex Neal-Bullen of the Demons in action during the 2018 AFL First Semi Final match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 14, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Dunkley (Carlton) Dunkley flourished in 2018, undoubtedly one of the most improved players in the competition. In a season where the Bulldogs struggled to get going, Dunkley made a case as one of the top players in the competition from Round 15 to 23. During this nine-week stretch, Dunkley averaged a sublime 29 disposals, 5 marks and 7 tackles. He recorded an increase of 9.6 disposals per game last season, the highest of any player in the league. [caption id="attachment_26508" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs celebrates after kicking a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at Mars Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Jacob Hopper (Adelaide) After playing 10 games in 2016 and 13 the following year, Hopper established himself within Leon Cameron's best 22 last season. The inside midfielder helped himself to career highs in disposals, contested possessions, clearances and score involvements. Hopper is still a few years of reaching his prime, and needs to improve on his 64% career disposals efficiency, but the signs all lead to him becoming one of the games elite. [caption id="attachment_13857" align="alignnone" width="1981"] HOBART, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Jacob Hopper of the Giants controls the ball during the round three AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Blundstone Arena on April 8, 2017 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)[/caption] Ryan Burton (Carlton) Originally selected much lower after he succumbed to leg injuries during his draft year, Burton proved he could have been a top 10 pick after finally getting a good run at it in his second season. He played nearly every game in 2017, averaging 21.3 disposals to go with 3.8 rebound 50's per game, finishing second for the Rising Star award. Although his numbers witnessed a slight decrease last year, a trade to his home state will be extremely beneficial for Burton to reach his full potential. [caption id="attachment_27396" align="alignnone" width="1000"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Darcy Fogarty of the Adelaide Crows tackles Ryan Burton of Port Adelaide during the match between Adelaide and Port Adelaide at Memorial Oval Port Pire on March 02, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)[/caption] Sam Menegola (Melbourne) The lowest national drafted player to be re-drafted, Menegola made an immediate impact after he was selected as a mature-age player from the WAFL. In his debut year, he averaged 24 disposals across eight matches. The following year, Menegola become a permanent midfielder, he had under 20 possessions on just two seperate occasions while lifting his tackles per game from 3.8 to 5.9. Each season he has increased his goal-kicking, becoming a key rotation player in Geelong's star-studded midfield. [caption id="attachment_24740" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Sam Menegola of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Jacob Weitering (Gold Coast) Jacob Weitering's debut season was as good as everyone, but seemed to have been hit by the second year blues in 2017. Of course, the no. 1 pick tag comes with every bit of criticism, yet he remained composed in a struggling backline throughout Carlton's wooden spoon season. In 2018, Weitering doubled his intercept marks from the previous season, and averaged 3.3 per game from Round 14 onward - equal-sixth in the competition. There's still plenty to like about Weitering's future, and despite the murmurs, Blues fans have kept the faith in the developing defender. [caption id="attachment_10664" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jacob Weitering kicks for goal during the match between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG on Thursday March 24, 2017.[/caption] Daniel Rioli (GWS) As is the norm in this league, hearing 'Rioli' and 'debut season' always gets bums on seats, but Rioli didn't have the impact he would've liked until his second year. In 2017, Rioli ranked eighth in the AFL for total tackles inside 50 and played a vital role in Richmond's premiership run - kicking eight goals across three finals. His pressure and persistence will have defenders nervous for many, many years. [caption id="attachment_25993" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Daniel Rioli of the Tigers looks at the ball during the 2018 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 06, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Phillips (Essendon) The smooth-moving wing-man enjoyed a successful breakout year in 2018, quickly becoming a favourite among Collingwood supporters. The greatest aspect of his game is by far his aerobic ability and work ethic. Phillips was seen accumulating disposals in the back half of the ground one minute, then hitting the scoreboard before you know it. Last year, he ranked inside the top 10 for total kicks, uncontested possessions, time on ground and metres gained. Originally drafted at pick 58, Collingwood may have snared the steal of the draft. [caption id="attachment_25343" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Tom Phillips of the Magpies runs with the ball during the round 10 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on May 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Eric Hipwood (Essendon) One of the more promising forwards in the game, Hipwood comes in at five merely based on potential. Hipwood booted 30-plus goals in each of the past two seasons for a side without many wins. At 204cm, many have compared him to a young Lance Franklin and the resemblance is uncanny. Chris Fagan is building something, and we've seen enough left-foot goals from outside 50 to confirm that Hipwood will be a big part of Brisbane's future. [caption id="attachment_21616" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Eric Hipwood of the Lions celebrates a gaol during the round 15 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] Callum Mills (Melbourne) Mills ranked inside the top-five among rising stars in pretty much every category during the 2016 season, and was well deserving of the Rising Star award. The defender's numbers plateaued during his second season, yet looked like a 200-game veteran whenever he was near the ball. Composed and efficient, Mills shut-down some of the games elite forwards across his first three seasons. His 2018 campaign was cut short due to a broken foot, and although just 21 years of age, it left a massive hole in the Swans' defensive structure for the second half of the season. [caption id="attachment_10144" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Callum Mills of the Swans handpasses the ball during the 2016 AFL Round 19 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium on July 31, 2016 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Jade Gresham (Sydney) An elite ball-winner at under-18 level, Gresham was a stay-at-home forward for much of his debut year. His role became one that delighted St Kilda fans, booting 30 goals in just his second season, Gresham knew he needed to add another aspect to his game. In 2018, lifted his disposal average from 14.3 to 17.6, and enjoyed spending time at centre stoppages winning 2.4 clearances per game. Gresham is a highlight package on his own, ranking sixth in the AFL for scoreboard impact per game last season. All signs lead towards a major breakout season for a player who St Kilda fans will enjoy for a long time. [caption id="attachment_21080" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND - JUNE 16: Jade Gresham of the Saints celebrates kicking the winning goal during the round 13 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Charlie Curnow (Brisbane) What's not to like about Charlie Curnow? A player who has shown to be elite overhead and in front of goal, Curnow has received huge praise from some of footy's biggest personalities. Despite Carlton's offensive troubles, Curnow has shown he can battle with the best defenders in game, and improves his contested marking each time he plays. The key forward ranked 11th for contested marks last season, expect to see him improve on his career-high 34 goals and become one of the leagues most damaging forwards. [caption id="attachment_21144" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates on the final siren during the 2018 AFL round eight match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Clayton Oliver (Carlton) There's not much to say about Oliver that hasn't already been said, but could you imagine a one-two tandem of Oliver and Cripps? In just his third year, Oliver broke several records and rated elite for disposals, contested possessions, intercept possessions, score involvements and tackles - the only player to do so. His chemistry with Max Gawn is a delight to watch, and the increase in his ball-winning ability is scary for competition taggers. At 83kg, Oliver has room to grow before he even thinks about hitting his prime. [caption id="attachment_22512" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Clayton Oliver of the Demons kicks the ballduring the round 20 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Gold Coast Suns at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 5, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	WB	2	2	0	8	131.9
2	SYD	1	1	0	4	191.3
3	GC	1	1	0	4	181.2
4	COLL	1	1	0	4	118.2
5	HAW	2	1	1	4	117.1
6	GWS	2	1	1	4	93.2
7	CARL	2	1	1	4	70.9
8	BL	1	0	1	0	95.5
9	RICH	1	0	1	0	94.7
10	STK	1	0	1	0	84.6

Redrafting the first round of the 2015 AFL draft

We have redrafted every first-round pick.

10. Ryan Burton (Carlton)

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

LIVE: Bulldogs vs GWS – Round 1, 2026

GWS Giants CEO Dave Matthews calls for pre-season games to be...

Andrew Dillon responds to Jewish community omission from Opening Round speech

FINAL TEAMS: Bulldogs vs GWS – Round 1, 2026

Mitchell praises ruck, under-fire Hawks duo respond against Bombers

FOLLOW US