The 2009 draft was a blessing or a curse for a number of clubs, as stunning selections and unlucky injuries would soon write as a major theme for many draftees.
A year Demon fans will try to forget for most parts, the club was gifted the first two selections of the crop. After two season their prized No.1 selection had departed and eventually their trusty number two would be plagued with injuries, leaving the club after just 86 games across eight seasons. However, an early third-round selection would soon turn those sour fans.
For many others however, they left draft night not knowing they had found a star they were soon to call their own. Many selections outside of the first round went on to become Brownlow medalists, premiership players and All-Australians - leaving many clubs to wonder "what if?".
Across the entire field, the 17-man first-round shapes very differently when given the chance of a do-over, and that's exactly what we've done.
*Certain player movements were negotiated in this draft (eg. Luke Ball to Collingwood, Matt Maguire to Brisbane), these players who arranged moves were not included in our list.
Let's begin...
Port Adelaide
Pick 9. Davis Astburyย
The dual premiership Tiger took a while to come on, overcoming a wretched run of injuries early in his career. But when he did, boy was it worth it.
Astbury played just 41 games in his first six seasons from 2010-2015 in what was largely a mediocre era for the club. When guys like Astbury developed and bought into their role, the Tigers evolved into the powerhouse side they have become.
The defender is a key pillar for Damien Hardwick's side down back and proved his worth last year after Alex Rance missed the entire season. At mattered not, as guys like Astbury lifted in his absence and helped lead the club to its second flag in three years.
