AFL Draft

Re-selecting the first round of the 2014 AFL Draft

This draft was STACKED with stars, seeing plenty of big names find new clubs among the first round.

Published by
Frank Seal

Many of the top-end talents of the 2014 class have risen to become club leaders and competition superstars.

This updated draft sees some of the best players in the AFL join different teams and create many exciting scenarios. Will your club suffer or be better off with this re-arrange?

Here is the original 2014 first round:

  1. Paddy McCartin (St Kilda)
  2. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
  3. Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne)
  4. Jarrod Pickett (GWS)
  5. Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)
  6. Caleb Marchbank (GWS)
  7. Paul Ahern (GWS)
  8. Peter Wright (Gold Coast)
  9. Darcy Moore (Collingwood - f/s)
  10. Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong)
  11. Liam Duggan (West Coast)
  12. Corey Ellis (Richmond)
  13. Lachie Weller (Fremantle)
  14. Jake Lever (Adelaide)
  15. Jarrod Garlett (Gold Coast)
  16. Sam Durdin (North Melbourne)
  17. Kyle Langford (Essendon)
  18. Isaac Heeney (Sydney - Academy)
  19. Blaine Boekhorst (Carlton)
  20. Jayden Laverde (Essendon)
  21. Hugh Goddard (St Kilda)

This draft features several academy/father-son picks i.e Heeney, Moore. These players will be drafted by the same original team at a potentially higher or lower pick depending on player value.

The draft order will hence be shifted for these adjustments; if Darcy Moore is judged the top pick of the class, Collingwood will move to pick 1 and the following teams will move down a spot.

Players will also be drafted based on team needs rather than purely the best available prospect.

Liam Duggan - Essendon (original position - pick 31)

With Academy and father/son pick adjustments, Essendon's original pick 20 slides down one spot and is used on premiership Eagle, Liam Duggan.

Duggan has become a key cog in West Coast's defence, able to rack up high-volume disposals and marks out of the backline.

He will fit among Essendon's back six and be guided by experienced veteran Michael Hurley. It would seem this acquisition would not drastically change Essendon's fortunes but Duggan would be a valuable pickup nonetheless.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Liam Duggan of the Eagles kicks the ball under pressure from Brandon Matera of the Dockers during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at HBF Arena on March 11, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jeremy Finlayson - GWS (original position - pick 85, academy)

Finlayson is the biggest mover in this draft after sliding up a whopping 65 picks. An obvious factor in his late selection was his Academy player status so he still joins the Giants as part of their program and will still be a valuable piece in their 2019 grand final side.

In recent years he has showcased versatility in a side down on form, ranging from a key forward to a full-time ruck at times.

Finlayson's eventual move to Port Adelaide pends on the future success of GWS, whose list will be drastically changed throughout this re-draft.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Jeremy Finlayson of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at GIANTS Stadium on August 03, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos via Getty Images )

Dougal Howard - Carlton (original position - pick 56)

Dougal Howard showed great potential in his early years at the Power, notably ranking atop the league for one-percenters in 2018.

After making the move to St Kilda, he continued to show defensive value but has struggled to continue this form in recent seasons.

Howard would be a valuable pick-up for a struggling Carlton side and will be mentored by experienced campaigner Kade Simpson. Despite also being a key defender, we can assume Jacob Weitering will still join the Blues in next year's draft.

Howard will add to the defensive depth at Carlton as they become a dangerous side entering 2022 and onwards.

Dougal Howard during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Dan Butler - Essendon (original position - pick 67)

Dan Butler had a positive start to his career at Richmond before making the move to St Kilda where he made an immediate impact as a small forward; arguably being snubbed from the 2020 All-Australian side.

He has faced some struggles since that season, but has shown glimpses of stardom with forward pressure and goal-kicking craft, two features of his game that Essendon fans would adore. Even if  Butler can thrive on the field at the Bombers, it is hard to see this acquisition making a difference to their ongoing turmoil.

Zak Jones and Dan Butler during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Alex Neal-Bullen - North Melbourne (original position - pick 40)

Alex Neal-Bullen has found a home in Melbourne, being routinely selected in their premiership-level side. He has been a consistent, reliable member of the Demons' forward line as a goal threat, defensive pressure and offensive grunt player.

It is hard to assess how his career would pan thus far in a struggling North Melbourne side; while his production may increase with a more prominent role, it would seem his ceiling would not reach a superstar level. It is safe to say that Neal-Bullen would prefer his present spot at Melbourne.

Alex Neal-Bullen during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Paddy McCartin - Gold Coast (original position - pick 1)

McCartin's rise to AFL prominence in 2022 was one of the feel-good stories of the year. He is a controversial figure in this draft as we cannot know that any other club would have the capacity to help him reach his potential the way Sydney has done so far.

We can assume his struggles with concussion and as a key forward would persist in the Gold Coast system, the question is whether they would be willing to throw him in the back six. If so, McCartin would be a quality addition to the Suns' defence, assisting future acquisitions Sam Collins and Charlie Ballard.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Paddy McCartin of the Swans looks upfield as he prepares to kickduring the round four AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Brayden Maynard - Adelaide (original position - pick 30)

Maynard has been the heart & soul of Collingwood over the past few seasons, while also earning on-field accolades like his recent 2022 All-Australian selection.

One would imagine his intangible effect on a team would persist no matter where he's drafted, but it may be the case that his impact is amplified at Collingwood by the notorious Magpie army.

His selection by Adelaide would add to the Crows' defensive pressure, while providing them with a quality matchup for dangerous opposition forwards, taking pressure off Daniel Talia and Rory Laird.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies runs with the ball during the AFL Round match between Richmond v Collingwood at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Bailey Dale - Fremantle (original position - pick 45)

The league has taken notice of Bailey Dale after back-to-back quality seasons, earning a 2021 All-Australian blazer with his elite ball use out of the Bulldogs' defensive 50.

His selection at Fremantle in this universe would add to the Dockers' ability to effectively rebound 50, but may hinder their decisions to acquire current star defenders, Luke Ryan or Hayden Young.

With Dale, Fremantle's 2023 back six would be primed to lock down opposition forwards and launch their side into attack out of defence.

Bailey Dale during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Mitch McGovern - Richmond (original position - pick 43)

Mitch McGovern has had a shaky start to his career, showing elite potential at the Crows before struggling to find a suitable role at the Blues. He now appears to be a valuable fit in Carlton's defence when healthy, but 2023 will be the test.

McGovern would potentially be considered in a completely different category of player had he been picked up by eventual 'three in four' premier Richmond.

Assuming good fortune regarding health, it is possible McGovern could be one of the highest achieving players in the competition to date given this hypothetical. The confidence-building factor of playing in such a dominant side may help him become a superstar-level player.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Mitch McGovern of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 6 AFL match between Hawthorn and Carlton at University of Tasmania Stadium on April 28, 2019 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Ed Langdon - West Coast (original position - pick 54)

While Langdon couldn't quite reach his potential in a poor Fremantle side, his success within Melbourne's system as a full-time wingman suggests he may have fit well in a winning Eagles' system.

His reliable run and dash would compliment a stacked midfield in Gaff, Shuey and Yeo, providing an extra layer to their premiership side. You can assume he'd be a premiership player in both worlds.

Ed Langdon during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Angus Brayshaw - Geelong (original position - pick 3)

A premiership player in 2021, Brayshaw hasn't done much wrong to slide eight picks down, but he would slot seamlessly into a loaded Geelong side with his versatility and reliability.

He has been a consistent performer out of the midfield and backline since his breakout 2018 year where he finished third in the Brownlow.

Brayshaw would easily fit the Cats' mould and culture as a system player and would most likely be a valuable piece in a 2022 premiership team.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Angus Brayshaw of the Demons handballs whilst being tackled during the round three AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 01, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Peter Wright - Collingwood (original position - pick 8)

Wright was originally selected by Gold Coast as a key forward despite the presence of eventual departees Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon. It was only after a move to Essendon where the big 'two-metre-Peter' began to shine, winning a club best & fairest in the recent 2022 season.

Selected with Collingwood's second pick in this draft, Wright will eventually fill the hole left by the departure of Travis Cloke, and slot into a Collingwood side on the rise, potentially making a difference in their 2022 preliminary final season.

Peter Wright during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media

Caleb Daniel - Gold Coast (original position - pick 46)

Originally picked up in the third round by the Bulldogs, not many would have predicted the smallest player in the competition to perform at the standard he has since his sides' miraculous premiership run in 2016.

Since this moment, Daniel has earned an All-Australian nod and best & fairest in 2020, while being recognised as maybe the best field kick in the competition.

Taken by Gold Coast in this scenario would probably not shake the competition greatly, but would add some elite ball use out of the Suns' defence. His ability to effectively rebound 50 would add a valuable dimension to Gold Coast's gameplay.

Caleb Daniel during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Isaac Heeney - Sydney (original position - pick 18, Academy)

Heeney is another Academy selection on this list who has exceeded his value as a late first-rounder, climbing to pick eight in this re-draft. Recently an All-Australian, Heeney has been a crafty and effective forward for some time now, despite some inconsistency in a difficult role.

In a rising Swans side littered with youth, Heeney is a headache for opponents, being a highlights package and a Norm Smith medal type talent.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Isaac Heeney poses during a Sydney Swans AFL portrait session on February 1, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Jake Lever - GWS (original position - pick 14)

Jake Lever began to establish himself as one of the league's best intercept defenders during his final year at the Crows, before solidifying this status with Melbourne during their successful ongoing tenure.

In this universe, Lever joins Phil Davis in the Giants' back six, creating a potent defence along with Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield and Zac Williams. Perhaps Lever is the difference-maker for the Giants in their 2019 Grand Final run.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jake Lever of the Demons handpasses the ball during the round four AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jordan De Goey - GWS (original position - pick 5)

Jordan De Goey is a controversial selection with all off-field indiscretions considered, and his value on any team's list is therefore contentious.

His recent 2022 finals series, however, has improved his status as a big-game player, a crucial aspect for GWS' eventual finals runs.

While it is difficult to assess any player's hypothetical career at a different club, this scenario raises countless questions. Would De Goey remain at the Giants through 2022? Would he develop into the same player? Would GWS be 2019 premiers?

Jordan De Goey during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Jack Steele - GWS (original position - pick 24, Academy)

Despite being taken as a Giants Academy pick anyway, Jack Steele has shown enough with his time at the Saints to rise into the top five of this draft after some best & fairest and Brownlow contention seasons.

We can assume that a numerical change in his draft night selection would not hinder his decision to change clubs, and his choice to join St Kilda would persist, creating a mouth-watering midfield duo to be revealed at the end of this list. The acquisitions of Lever and De Goey behind him, however, may create a situation too exciting to depart. Either way, this trio of top-10 selections with Lever, De Goey and Steele far exceeds the original Jarrod Pickett, Caleb Marchbank and Paul Ahern trio.

Jack Steele during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Darcy Moore - Collingwood (original position - pick 9, father/son)

Originally picked by the Magpies in a father-son deal, Darcy Moore has provided excellent value for selection and is arguably a top-five player in his class. His 2022 finals series was a standout in Collingwood's fairytale run and he will look to lead the Magpies' back six through a potential premiership window.

This updated draft sees him climb up to Pick 4, where Collingwood matches a bid for him from GWS; an appropriate move as Moore has proven to be one of the more valuable defenders in the league.

Darcy Moore during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Touk Miller - Melbourne (original position - pick 29)

After a breakout 2021 season, Miller has emerged as Gold Coast's clear-cut best player and may retire as the greatest one-club player in history.

In this updated world however, Miller joins Jack Viney and Nathan Jones at the Demons, soon to be joined by his co-2022 Champion Player of the Year, Clayton Oliver.

Melbourne's system may help Miller reach his ceiling sooner than with Gold Coast, although playing under the wing of Gary Ablett may have helped with his development. Nevertheless, this is a super addition for the Paul Roos-led Demons.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Touk Miller of the Suns kicks on goal during the 2022 AFL Round 01 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on March 20, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Harris Andrews - Melbourne (original position - pick 61)

Andrews is without question the top steal of this draft, taken late in the fourth round by Brisbane. He has developed into one of the premier key defenders in the AFL, now a two-time All-Australian and notable leader at the Lions.

This back-to-back duo of Andrews and Miller arguably exceeds Melbourne's original back-to-back selections and fills the hole left by GWS' pickup of Jake Lever and Geelong's addition of Angus Brayshaw. This sequence significantly alters the future at the Demons but you would think this team would still be at the top-end of the AFL at the present day.

Harris Andrews during the round 22 AFL match between St Kilda and Brisbane on August 12, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Christian Petracca - St Kilda (original position - pick 2)

Petracca took some time to enter the elite bracket of AFL midfielders, but his production since a breakout 2020 season is almost unmatched. Finishing third in the 2020 Brownlow and winning the 2021 Norm Smith Medal, he sits easily within the top five midfielders in the competition and is almost the consensus best player of this draft class.

Being added to the Saints' midfield would thoroughly improve their top-end talent and could see St Kilda inflict even more damage in their 2020 finals run, potentially establishing Moorabbin as a destination zone for other stars.

The future midfield-forward combination of Petracca and King is an exciting prospect for St Kilda, especially in a fresh system under future coach Ross Lyon.

Christian Petracca during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)
Published by
Frank Seal