In the world of AFL, the National Draft is often a pivotal moment for clubs, determining their future success based on the talent they can recruit.
While high-profile picks often steal the spotlight, history shows that some of the most impactful players emerge from the later rounds.
This article highlights the biggest draft steals from every National Draft since 2010, focusing on selections that have defied expectations and become key contributors for their respective teams.
To qualify for this list, we have set specific criteria: no father/son selections or academy picks are included, ensuring that only the purest outcomes of the draft process are recognised.
Additionally, we focus on players who made significant contributions to the clubs that drafted them, excluding those like Jordan Dawson, who, despite being a late pick, truly flourished after moving to a different club.
From tenacious midfielders to dependable defenders, these late-round gems showcase the incredible value that can be found outside the top selections, underscoring the importance of astute recruiting in shaping a team's success.
7. 2016 - Nick Larkey (North Melbourne Kangaroos, Pick 73)
Selected at pick No. 73 in the 2016 draft, Nick Larkey has emerged as one of the most effective key forwards in the AFL.
Despite a slow start, Larkey's patience and perseverance were rewarded, culminating in him becoming the key figure of North Melbourne's forward line.
After limited senior opportunities early on, Larkey's breakout came in 2018 when he won the VFL's Frosty Miller Medal as the leading goal-kicker, registering 41 goals.
This performance helped solidify his spot in North Melbourne's AFL side, and by 2019, he earned a Rising Star nomination for a five-goal performance against St Kilda.
From that point forward, Larkey firmly established himself as North Melbourne's primary target up forward, taking on the mantle from Ben Brown in 2021. He has since led the club's goal-kicking tally for four consecutive seasons.
Larkey's 2023 season stands as one of the more remarkable campaigns for a key forward in recent memory, with a career-high 71 goals across 23 games, including a remarkable nine-goal haul against Gold Coast in the final round. T
his stellar performance earned him his first All-Australian selection and second place in the club's best and fairest count, alongside the Glenn Archer Shinboner of the Year Award for exemplifying club values.
In 2024, Larkey was promoted to vice-captain, further underlining his importance to North Melbourne's future. His journey from a late-round pick to a premier forward has made him one of the biggest draft steals of the century, and his impact on North Melbourne is only expected to grow.
Honourable mentions:
- Willem Drew (Port Adelaide Power, Pick 33)
- Tom Stewart (Geelong Cats, Pick 40)
- Luke Ryan (Fremantle Dockers, Pick 66)
