Some of the all-time draft blunders that will haunt clubs for some time.
Published by
Georgie Dennis
Jonathon O’Rourke – GWS – Pick 2 2012
This Giant turned Hawk had his fair share of injuries during his career but never showed a glimpse of being a worthy pick two and was delisted by Hawthorn at the end of last season.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Jonathan O'Rourke of the Hawks handballs away from Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos during the NAB CHallenge AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Matt Buntine – GWS – Pick 5 2011
In GWS' defence, they had so many draft picks in 2011, so not all of the selections were going to turn into superstars, however, the pick after Buntine was Chad Wingard.
Thanks for letting someone else have at least one decent player Giants.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Matt Buntine of the Giants acknowledges the fans after the Giants defeated the Saints during the round five AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium on April 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Ty Vickery – Richmond – Pick 8 2008
Again, Ty Vickery wasn’t the worst player, but he wasn’t the best either.
The Tiges could’ve had one of Steele Sidebottom, Luke Shuey or Dayne Beams in Vickery’s spot that year.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Ty Vickery of the Tigers kicks the ball during the 2016 AFL Round 12 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
Cale Morton – Melbourne – Pick 4 2007
Not to pick on Melbourne but gee they have drafted some shockers.
Cale Morton is better known for growing up with Nat Fyfe in Lake Grace than he is for his football ability.
He played 73 games for the Dees and was not a total failure, but when you could’ve had Patrick Dangerfield in that year, you’ve probably made an error.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Cale Morton of the Demons look dejected as he leaves the field after losing the round 12 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 13, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Scott Gumbleton – Essendon – Pick 2 2006
The Bombers had high hopes for Scott Gumbleton when he was drafted.
He was going to fill the hole that Matthew Lloyd would leave once he retired but unfortunately it was not to be.
He was talented, there is no doubt about that, but he was completely injury plagued for his entire career.
Essendon eventually traded him off to Fremantle for pick 55 in the 2013 draft but he never managed a game over in the west.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: (L-R) Bryce Gibbs, Scott Gumbleton and Lachlan Hansen pose for a photo as the first three draft picks during the 2006 AFL Draft at the Victory Room of the Telstra Dome November 25, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sean Garnsworthy/Getty Images)
Paddy McCartin – St Kilda – Pick 1 2014
Paddy McCartin isn’t the worst first selection but with Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Jordan De Goey also in that draft year, I’d say the Saints wouldn’t mind having one of those guys on their list at the moment.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Paddy McCartin of the Saints marks in front of Brad Ebert of Port Adelaide during the round 16 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval on July 7, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Jimmy Toumpas – Melbourne – Pick 4 2012
Another nightmare draft year for the Demons.
They took Jimmy Toumpas at pick four with the following three selections in that class being Jake Stringer, Jack Macrae and Ollie Wines.
Jack Trengove – Melbourne – Pick 3 2009 Draft
Melbourne had the first two selections of the 2009 draft and they selected Tom Scully first and then Jack Trengove.
Richmond had the third selection and they got Dustin Martin.
I think it’s safe to say who you’d rather in your side if you could choose between Trengove and Dusty.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Jack Trengove of the Demons gets the ball back from over the fence during the 2017 AFL round 19 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Melbourne Demons at Blundstone Arena on July 29, 2017 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Jack Watts – Melbourne – Pick 1 2008
Melbourne could’ve had a number of superstars from this draft. Nic Naitanui, Stephen Hill, Michael Hurley or Steele Sidebottom to name a few, but they went with Watts at pick one and we all know how that played out.
Watts isn’t the worst player of this draft but he certainly doesn’t compare to some of the others.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Jack Watts of the Demons looks dejected after losing the round 19 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Melbourne Demons at Blundstone Arena on July 29, 2017 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Richard Tambling - Richmond – Pick 4 2004
One of the most famous draft blunders of all time… sorry Tigers, this one will haunt you forever.
Richmond could’ve had Buddy Franklin (pick 5) or Jordan Lewis (pick 7), but they picked Tambling who played 104 games at the club over six years before being traded to Adelaide and being delisted a couple of years later.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Richard Tambling of the Tigers handballs during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session held at Punt Road Oval on June 1, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)