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 ESPN thought of the process. They are one of the best at jumping the gun and labelling clubs a winner at this time of year).
In 2021, they 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.
The Saints rated behind Carlton, who got a B+
Do you know who Carlton drafted?
Jesse Motlop.
It was written by a bloke named Chris Doerre, who has since moved on to become “YouTube exclusive”… so thats great for him. I don’t know whether to put the emphasis on the “err” or to take creative licence and put it on the “dur” for that assessment of the Saints.
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… 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.
The remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… you thought the Mongrel just covers games and makes nice reels on Facebook for you to look at? No, no, no… HB works year-round, and he works for our members. He believes work such as this is worth a mere pittance per day. If you don’t, that’s fine. You’re welcome to join and keep reading if you do.
