Hindsight, in all it's gloriousness, is 20/20.
In seasons gone by, hits, steals and misses on AFL draft night has oft been a topic of discussion. While the early first round picks get all the fame and glory, others slide under the radar and are forced to wait idly by to hear their name read out on draft night.
Let's look into players league-wide who were chosen with later draft picks, who have turned out to be bargain pickups.
2015
Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn) - pick 44
Originally joining the Hawks as a forward, Hardwick blossomed last season as a rebounding defender that shut down the opposition's best forward, including 85% kicking efficiency.
He has carried on that form into season 2018 and it is young Hawks like Hardwick that will ensure the club maintains its success.
Tom Phillips (Collingwood) - pick 58
Making his debut for the Pies in late 2016, you could tell straight away that this bloke was a gem.
Blessed with tremendous aerobic capacity, Phillips has taken his game to another level in 2018. His emergence, amongst a host of other young Magpies, is key reason for the club's return to prevalence this season. The wingman is averaging 26.6 disposals per game in 2018.
