AFL Draft: Pick 17 - who has been the best and who will be selected this year?

Mick Stirling

AFL Draft: Pick 17 - who has been the best and who will be selected this year? image

The 2018 AFL NAB National Draft kicks off its two-day affair this year with the first round selected on Thursday November 22nd and the rest of the draft completed on Friday November 23rd.

In the lead up to the draft, Sporting News will bring you the history of each pick - including who got it right (or wrong) through the years.

Pick 17: RICHMOND TIGERS

Who will they be likely to draft?

Coincidentally Richmond had pick 17 last year and managed to snap up Jack Higgins. The Tigers will be happy if they can get another bargain this far down the list.

Chayce Jones (TAS): 180cm, 74kg
A hard-working mid who has no trouble getting his hands on the ball. And they love the Tassie Tigers down at Punt Road.
 
Luke Valente (SA): 186cm, 80kg
A mature young midfielder with a well-rounded game that suits Richmond’s draft style.

History of AFL draft pick 17

Most games played
313 James Kelly (Geelong, 2001)

James Kelly

Least games played
0 – Brendan Hehir (Geelong, 1990)
0 – Anthony Cole (Sydney Swans, 1991)
0 – Ezra Bray (Geelong, 1999)
0 – Billy Morrison (Collingwood, 2003)

Games by players selected with pick 17
Average: 74.4

Games played in completed careers
0-49: 10
50-99: 6
100-149: 4
150-199: 1
200+: 2

The best pick 17s

James Kelly (Geelong, 2001): 313 games (273 at Geelong, 40 at Essendon), All Australian (2011), three-time premiership player (2007, 09, 11)

Harry Taylor (Geelong, 2007): 237 games, two-time All Australian (2010, 13), two-time premiership player (2009, 2011)

Harry Taylor

Scott Welsh (North Melbourne, 1995): 205 games (36 at North Melbourne, 129 at Adelaide, 40 at the Western Bulldogs), premiership player (1999)

Scott Welsh

Something to tell the boys at the pub

Geelong has a reputation for not using a lot of high draft picks over the years, yet has held the 17th selection on seven occasions.

Mick Stirling