In the world of AFL, the National Draft is often a pivotal moment for clubs, determining their future success based on the talent they can recruit.
While high-profile picks often steal the spotlight, history shows that some of the most impactful players emerge from the later rounds.
This article highlights the biggest draft steals from every National Draft since 2010, focusing on selections that have defied expectations and become key contributors for their respective teams.
To qualify for this list, we have set specific criteria: no father/son selections or academy picks are included, ensuring that only the purest outcomes of the draft process are recognised.
Additionally, we focus on players who made significant contributions to the clubs that drafted them, excluding those like Jordan Dawson, who, despite being a late pick, truly flourished after moving to a different club.
From tenacious midfielders to dependable defenders, these late-round gems showcase the incredible value that can be found outside the top selections, underscoring the importance of astute recruiting in shaping a team's success.
2. 2011 - Lachie Neale (Fremantle Dockers, Pick 58)
Selected at pick 58 in the 2011 National Draft, Lachie Neale has become one of the most remarkable draft steals in recent memory.
Originally recruited by Fremantle, the South Australian midfielder proved early on that his late-round selection was no indication of his potential.
Neale made an immediate impact with the Dockers, breaking into the senior team in 2012 and eventually becoming an integral part of their midfield, known for his tenacity, elite ball-winning ability, and relentless work rate.
By 2016, he had claimed his first Doig Medal as Fremantle's Best and Fairest, a testament to his rapid rise.
Neale's career reached new heights when he requested a trade to Brisbane at the end of the 2018 season. His influence only grew in Queensland, where he took his game to an elite level. By 2020, he had won his first Brownlow Medal, becoming the league's most valuable player. Neale achieved the accolade again in 2023, solidifying his place amonga shortlist of AFL legends.
Named co-captain of Brisbane in 2023, he led the Lions to premiership glory in 2024, with a standout 35-disposal performance in the Grand Final that arguably should have earned him a Norm Smith medallion.
Honourable Mentions:
- Brad Hill (Hawthorn Hawks, Pick 33)
