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.
2017
James Worpel (Hawthorn) - pick 45
The hard-bodied inside midfielder hailing from the Geelong Falcons, Worpel was drafted with Hawthorn's first selection. He was considered by draft experts, media personnel and coaching staff alike as a potential slider, but no one would have picked such a late taking.
Having captained the Geelong Falcons to a premiership in last year's TAC cup competition, and also co-captain of Vic Country in the National Championships. A natural leader, he was among the most consistent ball-winners in 2017 as well, finding the ball an average of 21.4 times, along with 10.6 contested possessions. Worpel will no doubt become an integral part of the Hawks' core heading into future seasons, as a pick that the side certainly won't be ruing.
Zac Langdon (GSW) - pick 56
Following the loss of their best 2017 pressure forward, Devon Smith, a gaping hole was left in the Giants team.
Their ability to pressure defenders and force forward-half turnovers was a concern coming into the season. But this bloke has filled that role and then some. Langdon has been a great story this year as one of the best attacking spark plugs in the league, providing some serious X-factor in key moments.
