The 2011 AFL draft saw GWS receive 11 of the top 14 picks in preparation for their first season in the AFL in 2012.
While there has proven to be some top-end talent to come out of that draft, most of the great players came outside of the top 10 and have since gone on to establish careers as some of the best players in the game.
Original top 10 of the 2011 AFL Draft:
- Jonathon Patton (GWS)
- Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
- Dom Tyson (GWS)
- Will Hoskin-Elliot (GWS)
- Matt Buntine (GWS)
- Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
- Nick Haynes (GWS)
- Billy Longer (Brisbane)
- Adam Tomlinson (GWS)
- Liam Sumner (GWS)
Check out what the top 10 would possibly look like ten years on if teams were to re-draft from 2011.
1. Lachie Nealeย
(Originally: Pick 58, Fremantle)
Neale was taken with pick 58 by Fremantle and has been one of the marquee players in the competition after taking out the 2020 Brownlow Medal.
In his Brownlow year, Neale averaged 26.9 disposals in condensed playing time for the Brisbane Lions and cemented himself as one of the best midfielders of the modern era.
The South Australian has averaged upwards of 27 disposals per game since 2015 and averages 26.9 disposals per game over the course of his career.
A silky midfielder with sublime skills with foot and hand, Neale is without doubt an amazing player.
His highlights include the aforesaid Brownlow, two All-Australians, four best-and-fairests and an AFL MVP award.
If this draft was re-done, Neale should be at the top of everyone's list.
