As previously mentioned, the wheelings and dealings of an off-season frequently pique the interest of some more than a fixtured game.
The above applies to many of us here at Zero Hanger... and as we've already delved into the 10 best single-season recruitment drives, we felt it only fair to highlight a list of lowlights.
With thanks again to the impeccable statistical records of Draftguru, here are, by year, the top ten worst recruitment classes from clubs in the AFL era based off averaged games played across respective crops.
For example, Hawthorn's 2004 crop of Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis is weighed down by five players from the same draft class playing a combined five matches.
6. Fitzroy (1995)
| Number of Players Recruited | Combined Games Played | Average Games |
| 9 | 96 | 11 |
Now this may seem both unjust and statistically skewed toward failure, but on raw stats alone, the poor old Fitzroy Lions have made our list.
Prior to commencing their final of year of AFL/VFL football, Fitzroy selected nine names to join their list. Of this nine, only two failed to debut - Brian McInnes and Nigel Credlin.
Despite their dismal one-win season, recruits Scott Bamford (22 games), Matthew Primus (20), Nick Carter (17), Brad Cassidy (14), Shane Clayton (14), Brent Frewin (two) and Credlin all managed to find their way onto various AFL lists in 1997.
Only McInnes and the follicly challenged, former Saint Mick Dwyer (eight games) missed out on a lifeline.
Although their appearances were capped due to de-registration, Primus' 157 game career at least proved the Roys nailed one pick.
