Zero Hanger re-drafts the 2004 AFL National Draft

Leading into the 2017 season, we at Zero Hanger have decided to dive back into the history books and look at some of the drafts since the turn of the century.

Over the course of the next two weeks, we'll be re-drafting the top 10 from these drafts, so feel free to let us know what you think of our selections, and even comment your own!

We'll start with the 2004 AFL National Draft, otherwise known as the year Richmond made the biggest mistake in the club's drafting history.

2004 AFL National Draft top 10 as selected:

1. Brett Deledio - Richmond
2. Jarryd Roughead - Hawthorn
3. Ryan Griffen - Western Bulldogs
4. Richard Tambling - Richmond
5. Lance Franklin - Hawthorn
6. Tom Williams - Western Bulldogs
7. Jordan Lewis - Hawthorn
8. John Meesen - Adelaide
9. Jordan Russell - Carlton
10. Chris Egan - Collingwood

2004 AFL National Draft top 10 as re-drafted by Zero Hanger

1. Lance Franklin

This decision was a no-brainer. Lance Franklin is a two-time premiership player, a six-time All-Australian and a three-time Coleman Medal winner, and has booted 787 goals from 247 games.

2. Jarryd Roughead

A four-time premiership player and two-time All-Australian, Jarryd Roughead just continues to get better with age and is a lock for our number two selection.

3. Jordan Lewis

Hawthorn absolutely nailed this draft. Another four-time premiership player, Jordan Lewis had a very strong 264 game career for the Hawks, and he's got more than enough left in the tank for Demons fans to be excited about what he brings to the table in 2017.

4. Brett Deledio

Despite picking Richard Tambling at four, the Tigers got their first pick right, selecting two-time All-Australian Brett Deledio, who's been one of their best players ever since he was drafted.

5. Ryan Griffen

After 238 games with the Bulldogs including a year as captain in 2014, Ryan Griffen has shown his worth at GWS to be an important veteran in their young side.

6. Mark LeCras

The first selection in our top 10 who wasn't drafted in the first round back in 2004, West Coast small forward Mark LeCras has given Eagles fans plenty to cheer about over his career. He was selected with pick No.37 in this draft.

7. Travis Cloke

Despite recent knocks on his playing ability, Travis Cloke was a major player for Collingwood during their finals years, and has been an All-Australian on two occasions throughout his career. Cloke was selected with pick No.39 as a father-son selection.

8. Nathan Van Berlo

A 205-gamer and Adelaide captain for three seasons, Nathan Van Berlo was one of the most consistent performers over his career from this draft pool. He was recruited with pick No. 24.

9. James Gwilt

After he was picked at 63 in the draft, former St Kilda and Essendon defender James Gwilt certainly made a name for himself during his 152 game career.

10. Angus Monfries

Essendon's leading goalkicker in 2010, Angus Monfries, pick No.14, was a dangerous small forward during his years at Windy Hill, and made a seamless transition out west to Port Adelaide in 2013.

Notable absentees: Matt Rosa (pick 29) Ivan Maric (40) Josh Gibson (rookie draft pick 7), Dale Morris (rookie draft pick 19), Ryan Crowley (rookie draft pick 39)

*Disclaimer: Despite players being selected in the rookie and pre-season drafts, we have chosen to select only players in this list who were drafted in the National Draft for the purpose of this series.