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.
Luke Parker's selection by the Sydney Swans with the 40th pick in the 2010 National Draft was an absolute coup.
The former Dandenong Stingrays star and Langwarrin local brought a hard-nosed, fearless approach to the Swans' midfield that paid immediate dividends.
After debuting in 2011, Parker quickly established himself as a key player, helping Sydney clinch the 2012 premiership.
Known for his relentless tackling, contested possessions, and leadership, he went on to earn three Bob Skilton Medals, All-Australian honours, and even finished runner-up for the Brownlow Medal in 2016.
Beyond his individual accolades, Parker was a cornerstone of the Swans' midfield through several grand finals, including their most recent 2024 loss to Brisbane.
Though his career with Sydney ended with his recent trade to North Melbourne, Parker's impact with the Swans underscores the incredible value he brought as a second-round selection.
Honourable mentions:
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:
In 2012, Richmond's selection of Kamdyn McIntosh at pick 31 proved to be a decision that would bring immense value to the club.
Known for his hard-running ability and versatility, McIntosh solidified his place as a valuable winger and occasionally shifted into a half-back role.
Hailing from Pinjarra, Western Australia, McIntosh's journey was marked by resilience and dedication. After a couple of seasons developing in the VFL, he made an impressive AFL debut in 2015 with a standout performance, earning the Cosgrove-Jenkins award as Richmond's best first-year player.
However, it was his contributions during Richmond's premiership-winning campaigns in 2017 and 2020 that truly highlighted his impact.
Known for his consistent work ethic, McIntosh's robust, hard-running style fit perfectly within Richmond's high-pressure game plan.
His two premiership medals are a testament to his value to the team and his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
His journey from a late second-round pick to a dual premiership player epitomises his evolution into one of the league's underrated steals.
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Drafted with pick No. 56 by the Hawthorn Football Club, James Sicily has proven to be an incredible bargain from the 2013 AFL Draft.
Renowned for his sharp on-field instincts and versatility, Sicily's journey from a late pick to Hawthorn captain is remarkable.
Initially drafted as a forward, Sicily's career took off in 2017 when he transitioned to the backline, showcasing his elite marking ability, intercept skills, and ferocity in defense.
This shift turned him into one of the league's premier defenders, culminating in All-Australian honours in 2023.
Sicily's impact on-field is matched by his leadership, as he was appointed Hawthorn's 38th captain in 2023, succeeding Ben McEvoy.
His relentless playing style and competitive edge have made him a standout for Hawthorn, further emphasised when he claimed the club's Peter Crimmins Medal in 2022 as their best and fairest.
His leadership, combined with his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively, cement his place as one of the most valuable late draft picks of the past decade.
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Selected at pick No. 46 by the Western Bulldogs, Caleb Daniel has become one of the league's most effective and reliable players, defying expectations placed on him due to his stature.
Known for his precision in kicking, Daniel stands out as one of the AFL's most efficient ball users, frequently playing from half-back and delivering the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
His skill set and high football IQ have made him indispensable on the field, earning him All-Australian honours in 2020 and the Charles Sutton Medal as the Bulldogs' best and fairest the same year.
Despite his small size, Daniel's agility, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making have allowed him to thrive in the game's fast-paced environment.
He played a key role in the Bulldogs' 2016 premiership victory, showcasing his composure under pressure as he contributed significantly throughout the finals series. His performance in the Bulldogs' elimination final against West Coast, where he recorded a career-high 33 disposals, remains a testament to his ability to rise in crucial moments.
After ten impactful seasons with the Bulldogs, Daniel was traded to North Melbourne in 2024. His rise from a mid-draft selection to an All-Australian and premiership player makes him one of the biggest draft steals of the last decade and the biggest of 2014.
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Selected at pick No. 44 in the 2015 draft, Blake Hardwick has quietly developed into one of the most dependable defenders in the AFL.
Initially drafted for his goal-scoring prowess as the TAC Cup's leading goal kicker, Hardwick transformed into a critical piece of Hawthorn's backline, consistently shutting down opponents while maintaining excellent disposal efficiency.
Making his debut in 2016, Hardwick earned a Rising Star nomination in 2017 after impressive performances highlighted by his tackling and disposal accuracy.
By 2018, he had established himself as a mainstay in Hawthorn's defense, playing every game and finishing as runner-up in the club's best and fairest, the Peter Crimmins Medal, behind Brownlow Medalist Tom Mitchell.
This recognition confirmed Hardwick's impact, as he brought stability and courage to the Hawks' defense in crucial matches.
Known for his composure under pressure and tactical versatility, Hardwick achieved his 100th career game milestone in 2021, once again finishing second in the best and fairest count. His ability to read the game, coupled with consistent disposal efficiency, has made him invaluable within Hawthorn's lineup.
In 2024, he added versatility by training as a forward and reached his 150-game milestone, showcasing his long-term reliability and growth.
Honourable mentions:
Selected at pick No. 73 in the 2016 draft, Nick Larkey has emerged as one of the most effective key forwards in the AFL.
Despite a slow start, Larkey's patience and perseverance were rewarded, culminating in him becoming the key figure of North Melbourne's forward line.
After limited senior opportunities early on, Larkey's breakout came in 2018 when he won the VFL's Frosty Miller Medal as the leading goal-kicker, registering 41 goals.
This performance helped solidify his spot in North Melbourne's AFL side, and by 2019, he earned a Rising Star nomination for a five-goal performance against St Kilda.
From that point forward, Larkey firmly established himself as North Melbourne's primary target up forward, taking on the mantle from Ben Brown in 2021. He has since led the club's goal-kicking tally for four consecutive seasons.
Larkey's 2023 season stands as one of the more remarkable campaigns for a key forward in recent memory, with a career-high 71 goals across 23 games, including a remarkable nine-goal haul against Gold Coast in the final round. T
his stellar performance earned him his first All-Australian selection and second place in the club's best and fairest count, alongside the Glenn Archer Shinboner of the Year Award for exemplifying club values.
In 2024, Larkey was promoted to vice-captain, further underlining his importance to North Melbourne's future. His journey from a late-round pick to a premier forward has made him one of the biggest draft steals of the century, and his impact on North Melbourne is only expected to grow.
Honourable mentions:
Selected at pick No. 67 in the 2017 AFL draft, Dylan Moore has become one of the league's premier small forwards, evolving into one of the key figures of Hawthorn's future.
After overcoming early setbacks, including a shoulder injury that limited his opportunities in the VFL, Moore showcased his potential with a brilliant finals series for Box Hill in 2018.
He debuted for Hawthorn in 2019 and, despite showing flashes of his skill, faced uncertainty about his future at the end of the 2020 season. Retained on the rookie list, Moore seized the chance, transforming himself into a key forward and mid-forward rotation in 2021.
His 2021 season was a breakout, with Moore consistently impacting the scoreboard and starting to build his reputation for fearless play and high work rate.
In 2022, Moore continued to elevate his game, finishing third in Hawthorn's best and fairest count and establishing himself as a leader within the squad.
His career-best season came in 2024, where he kicked 36 goals, ranked second in the AFL for goal assists, and was awarded his first All-Australian selection in the forward pocket.
This effort also saw him finish as the runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal, solidifying his place as a club leader and key figure in Hawthorn's resurgence.
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Selected at pick No. 61 in the 2018 AFL draft, Connor Idun has rapidly established himself as a key defender for the Greater Western Sydney Giants, showcasing versatility and tenacity.
Born in London to an Australian mother and a Ghanaian father, Idun relocated to Australia, settling in Geelong where he began playing football at the age of 12.
After impressive performances for the Geelong Falcons in the NAB League, he caught the attention of recruiters, leading to his selection by the Giants.
Idun made his debut in 2019 but faced a slow start, managing only three games in his first two seasons. However, he broke out in 2021, playing 21 games and earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his performance against the Western Bulldogs.
His athleticism and defensive prowess shone through as he averaged 5.4 marks and 12.6 disposals per game, solidifying his role in the Giants' defensive line.
His growth continued into 2022, culminating in a four-year contract extension and elevation to the Giants' leadership group for 2023. Idun's standout performance in the finals earned him recognition as the GIANTS' Best Finals Player alongside teammates Tom Green and Lachie Whitfield, further establishing him as one of the league's elite one-on-one and intercept defenders.
With strengths in versatility, aggression, and spoil techniques, Idun has proven to be a reliable defender capable of playing multiple roles on the field. His trajectory hints at a bright future as he continues to refine his game and become a cornerstone of the Giants' backline.
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Selected with pick No. 39 in the 2019 AFL draft, Chad Warner has emerged as a dynamic and impactful midfielder for the Sydney Swans, demonstrating why he's regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the league.
Warner's football journey began at the Willetton Junior Football Club in Western Australia before he progressed to East Fremantle in the WAFL's colts division.
He made his AFL debut in 2020 against Richmond, starting with a modest performance of 8 disposals, 2 marks, and 2 tackles.
However, it was in the following season that he began to truly make his mark, earning a Rising Star nomination after a standout game against the same Richmond side, where he collected 20 disposals and kicked 2 goals.
His early promise led to a contract extension that would keep him with the Swans until 2023.
Warner's breakout season came in 2022 when he showcased his exceptional burst of speed and tenacity, becoming one of the best young players in the competition.
He was named in the All-Australian Squad and finished as the runner-up for the Bob Skilton Medal, underscoring his status as a key player for the Swans. His pivotal role was highlighted in the Grand Final, where he was the clear best on ground for Sydney despite the team's loss.
The 2024 season proved to be Warner's best yet, as he was named to the All-Australian team, further solidifying his status among the elite in the competition. Warner's dynamic play and game-changing ability were critical to the Swans' success, and he continued to earn accolades, winning a second Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal.
Honourable mentions:
Selected with the 44th overall pick in the 2020 AFL Draft, Beau McCreery has quickly become one of the most valuable assets for the Collingwood Football Club.
After a decade with the Cove Football Club, McCreery progressed to the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) with South Adelaide.
He made an impressive debut for South Adelaide's senior team in June 2020, kicking two goals, including the match-winner, and quickly established himself as a reliable performer, scoring in nearly every game of his inaugural season.
His journey to the AFL continued when Collingwood drafted him, recognising his potential as a dynamic forward. McCreery made his official debut as a medical substitute against Brisbane Lions in round 3 of the 2021 season.
However, it was in the following match against Greater Western Sydney where he truly made an impact, scoring a goal with his first kick and applying relentless pressure with eight tackles—seven of which were inside 50. His aggressive playing style and tenacity immediately endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
In just three seasons, McCreery has played a crucial role in Collingwood's forward line, often contributing with his goal-scoring ability and pressure acts. His performance in the 2023 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played in all but one game and was pivotal in helping the Magpies secure the AFL premiership.
His tireless work ethic and tackling prowess have solidified his status as a fan favourite, and he has become known for his relentless pursuit of the ball and his opponents.
Honourable mentions:
Jake Soligo, selected by the Adelaide Crows with the 36th overall pick in the 2021 AFL Draft, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
His journey began in the Talent League with the Eastern Ranges, where he averaged an impressive 23 disposals per game throughout the 2021 season and finished strongly, amassing an average of 27 disposals in his final three matches.
Making his debut in Adelaide's first game of the 2022 season against Fremantle, Soligo entered the field as a substitute, collecting five disposals in a narrow loss. Despite a modest start, he quickly established himself as a valuable member of the Crows, playing 16 matches in his debut season and continuing to build on that foundation.
The 2023 season saw Soligo solidify himself as a mainstay midfielder in the competition. He played in all but one match, averaging 16.5 disposals and proving to be a reliable inside ball winner.
His efforts were recognised when he signed a six-year contract extension in June 2023, ensuring he would remain at Adelaide until at least 2029—the longest contract for any current Crows player at the time.
Heading into the 2024 season, Soligo faced a setback with an ankle injury during preseason training, limiting his game time initially. However, he made a significant impact upon his return, earning the Showdown Medal in the Round 8 clash against Port Adelaide, where he delivered a standout performance with 28 disposals and 10 tackles.
In recognition of his contributions this year, Soligo finished third in the Malcolm Blight Medal and received the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award, further establishing his place as one of the league's promising stars. Additionally, he was named in the 22under22 44-man squad for 2024, highlighting his league-wide recognition as an emerging talent.
Honourable mentions:
Billy Dowling, selected by the Adelaide Crows with the 43rd overall pick in the 2022 AFL National Draft, is a promising young midfielder whose impressive performances in the SANFL have marked him as one of the most exciting prospects from his draft class.
Dowling's rise to prominence began with his standout 2022 campaign at North Adelaide, where he was named the Most Valuable Player of the SANFL's under-18 competition.
During the season, he demonstrated his exceptional ability to accumulate possessions, averaging an impressive 31 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, five clearances, and six inside 50s per game.
His remarkable performance peaked in Round 16, where he recorded a staggering 44 disposals and kicked four goals against Glenelg, solidifying his status as a game-changing player.
At just 20 years old, Dowling has made a mark in the AFL, albeit a limited one, having played nine games for the Crows as of the end of the 2024 season.
Standing at 187 cm and weighing 80 kg, he possesses the physical attributes needed to thrive in the elite level, and his versatility allows him to play both as a midfielder and a forward, making him a valuable asset for the Crows.
Despite his young age, Dowling has showcased his potential in various statistical categories. He ranked among the top players for rising stars in several metrics, including metres gained per game, and inside 50s per game.
Honourable mentions:
Lawson Humphries, selected by the Geelong Cats with the 63rd pick in the 2023 AFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a promising talent in the league.
With a unique background and strong performances since his debut, he stands out currently as one of the most significant steals from his draft class.
Born on April 24, 2003, and hailing from an Indigenous Australian heritage—specifically, Nyul Nyul, Oomiday, and Worrora—Humphries grew up in the Pilbara region and began his football journey playing for the Wickham Wolves. His move to Perth to attend Hale School allowed him to join the West Coast Eagles' next generation academy.
After winning a premiership with Swan Districts in the WAFL Colts in 2021 and a reserves premiership in 2023, he entered the AFL draft for the third time, finally securing his place with Geelong.
Humphries plays primarily as a defender, but his versatility allows him to impact the game in various roles. His elite ball use on either foot and decision-making skills have already made him a valuable asset for the Cats.
Following a strong start to his career in the VFL, Humphries made his AFL debut in Round 16 of the 2024 season against Essendon. He quickly impressed through the latter stages of the season, showcasing his talent across multiple metrics, ranking high among rising stars in marks per game, kicks per game, and metres gained per game.
He earned a Rising Star nomination after Round 18, and featured prominently in Geelong's 2024 finals campaign, being one of their best in the preliminary final loss to Brisbane.
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