Cam Rayner became the latest player to join that exclusive club of AFL No.1 draft picks on Friday night, as the Brisbane Lions chose him with the first selection of the 2017 AFL Draft.
» Click here to read the full results
There’s been plenty of talk in the leadup but now the time for action has arrived – it’s the 2017 AFL Draft, and we’re bringing every pick to you live here from Sydney Showground. Join The Roar for a live blog of the 2017 AFL Draft, starting from 6:30pm AEDT.
It’s been an intriguing couple of weeks as the draft has approached since the end of the trade period, with some high picks swapped leading to a few twists and turns in the tale.
» 2017 AFL Phantom Draft top 25, rumours, bolters, sliders
» The top five according to Twitter
» A club-by-club guide to the 2017 AFL Draft
» Everything you need to know about the 2017 AFL Draft
Both Carlton and Fremantle have two top ten picks this year. St Kilda do too, but theirs are back to back, whereas the Blues and Dockers have to strategise and consider which target they take first.
That has made it a bit hard to get any kind of straight information about just which players clubs are genuinely interested in picking, and which rumours are just red herrings.
It seems a virtual certainty that Cam Rayner of the Western Jets is destined to become the next No.1 draft pick, going to the Brisbane Lions, but all bets are off after that.
Fremantle could go with either Luke Davies-Uniacke or Adam Cerra at the second pick, and the decision they make there will shape the top ten.
Of course it’s not just about the top picks, there’s 96 selections in the order tonight, although I’m not expecting to see them all actually used.
The AFL’s new CBA has given clubs greater flexibility with the rookie list and that, combined with the fact that this widely seen as a ‘shallow’ draft, means a lot of clubs will probably pass on later selections.
I’d expect something in the realm of 70-80 new AFL players to join their clubs tonight, while the rest will have to cross their fingers and hope for a lifeline in the pre-season draft or the rookie draft, which are both held next Monday.
Join The Roar for a live blog of the 2017 AFL Draft, starting from 6:30pm AEDT.
Slane
Guest
Cute.
Chris
Guest
If anyone out there had doubts about Collingwood lacking sense they should look closely at the amount of talent they have amassed over the last three or four years. This team is no pushover and the three pick-ups today showed maturity, talent, determination and above all what Buckley has been screaming for....CHARACTER! The season can't start soon enough and there will be no more stupid disparaging comments made by Collingwood haters...We mean business from the get go....Let's just focus on the games ahead and leave aside all our prejudices and petty tripe. This side is for real! Go Maggies!!!
Cat
Roar Guru
Getting early draft grades tonight or do we have to wait until tomorrow?
Dan, Concord
Guest
Interesting one there Josh. I actually thought towards the end of his time at the Hawks Billy was starting to find his feet. His decision making and lack of hardness drovr me nuts.
Josh
Expert
That's a wrap on the 2017 AFL Draft folks. You can view the full results here.
Josh
Expert
Carlton pass on their last pick, and that's all, folks!
Josh
Expert
Former Sun Garlett goes to Carlton... very interesting that!
Josh
Expert
Pick 78 - Carlton Blues - Jarrod Garlett
Dan, Concord
Guest
Right. I guess that makes sense. I was hoping he'd get drafted tonight.
Josh
Expert
Just two picks left now, both belonging to Carlton.
Josh
Expert
Fremantle pass.
Josh
Expert
Pick 77 - North Melbourne Kangaroos - Billy Hartung
Josh
Expert
GWS pass.
Cat
Roar Guru
Rookie draft maybe.
Josh
Expert
Sydney pass.
Josh
Expert
West Coast pass.
Josh
Expert
Port Adelaide pass.
Dan, Concord
Guest
Josh, I thought the Hawks had nominated Changkuoth Jiath. Weren't they going to draft him?
Josh
Expert
Pick 76 - Essendon Bombers - Matt Guelfi
Josh
Expert
Pick 75 - Fremantle Dockers - Scott Jones