Footy’s a funny business.
People spend time mulling over which teams ‘won’ the 2024 AFL Draft, and do that whilst knowing very little about how the careers of those picked will pan out.
However, it is only after a few years in the system that we get a true picture of who won and lost any given draft.
Last year, we covered the 2020 AFL Draft, with the real winners emerging as Fremantle and Gold Coast. You can read more about it, here.
As I always like to do, I enjoy looking back to see what Chris Doerre (with an emphasis on the ‘err’ from ESPN thought of the process. He is one of the best at jumping the gun and labelling clubs a winner at this time of year).
In 2021, he labelled St Kilda’s draft haul a B. This waas the draft they picked up Nasiah the Messiah, Mitch Owens, and Marcus Windhager with their first three picks.
They rated behind Carlton, who got a B+
Do you know who Carlton drafted?
Jesse Motlop.
Maybe I’ll take the emphasis off the “err” and put it on the “dur” for that assessment.
The Bombers got a B+ for drafting Ben Hobbs, Alistair Lord, and Garret McDonagh, whilst the Lions got a D, despite managing to secure Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann, and James Tunstill.
Prime examples of why handing out draft grades immediately following a draft is not only pointless, but involves nothing but complete guesswork.
But enough bashing ESPN and Chris… even though they’re apparently the worldwide leader in sports.
Cheap shots aside, it’s time to use the benefit of hindsight and patience, and after four years in the system, look at who really won the 2020 AFL Draft.
No F-Grades, this season. Nobody did terribly.
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