Red Time: Collingwood’s Ageless Wonders & the AFL Draft That Never Was
In the annals of Australian Football League (AFL) history, few clubs have experienced the highs and lows of the draft process quite like the Collingwood Football Club. From unearthing late-round gems who defied expectations to enduring the heartache of early picks that never materialized, the Magpies’ draft journey is a tapestry woven with tales of triumph, resilience, and missed opportunities.
The Ageless Wonders: Collingwood’s Late-Round Gems
Collingwood’s ability to identify and nurture talent beyond the early rounds of the draft has been a hallmark of the club’s recruitment strategy. These “ageless wonders” have not only contributed significantly on the field but have also become emblematic of the club’s fighting spirit.
Dane Swan – Pick 58, 2001
Perhaps the most illustrious of Collingwood’s late-round successes, Dane Swan’s journey from pick 58 to Brownlow Medalist is legendary. Initially playing just three senior games in his first two seasons, Swan’s transformation into a dominant midfielder was marked by a Brownlow Medal in 2011, three club best and fairest awards, and five All-Australian selections. His 258-game career stands as a testament to perseverance and talent.
Nick Maxwell – Rookie Draft
Undrafted in the national draft, Nick Maxwell’s entry into the AFL through the rookie draft epitomizes the underdog story. Elevated to the senior list, Maxwell’s leadership qualities shone through as he captained the Magpies to the 2010 premiership, amassing 208 games in his career.
Brody Mihocek – Pick 22, 2018 Rookie Draft
Brody Mihocek’s path to the AFL was unconventional. After stints with the Burnie Dockers and Port Melbourne, Mihocek was selected by Collingwood in the 2018 rookie draft. Making his debut at 25, he quickly became a key forward, leading the club’s goal-kicking from 2019 to 2023 and playing a pivotal role in the 2023 premiership team.
Sam Dwyer – Pick 27, 2013 Rookie Draft
Recruited from Port Melbourne, Sam Dwyer made an immediate impact in his debut season with Collingwood. Notably, in his eighth AFL appearance, Dwyer amassed 27 disposals and three goals in a six-point upset win against the previously undefeated Geelong.
The Draft That Never Was: Collingwood’s Near Misses
While Collingwood has celebrated numerous draft successes, the club has also experienced its share of near misses and unfulfilled potentials.
Father-Son Selections: A Double-Edged Sword
Collingwood has a rich history of father-son selections, with 15 such picks since the draft’s inception. While this strategy has yielded stars like Travis Cloke, it has also seen early picks like Nick Davis and Rhyce Shaw, who, despite their lineage, struggled to make a lasting impact at the club.
High Picks, Low Returns
The Magpies’ experience with top-10 draft picks has been mixed. Players like Josh Fraser (pick 1, 1999) and Alan Didak (pick 3, 2000) delivered solid careers, but others, such as Billy Morrison (pick 17, 2003), failed to play a senior game.
The One That Got Away: Caydn Beetham
In 1999, Collingwood showed interest in midfielder Caydn Beetham, but he ultimately joined St Kilda. Beetham’s AFL career was short-lived, and he retired early, citing a lack of passion for the game.
Conclusion
Collingwood’s draft history is a reflection of the unpredictable nature of talent identification and development in the AFL. While the club has unearthed gems in the later rounds and through the rookie draft, it has also faced challenges with early picks and missed opportunities. These experiences have shaped the Magpies’ approach to recruitment, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and a keen eye for potential beyond the obvious.
As the AFL continues to evolve, Collingwood’s lessons from the past will undoubtedly inform its future strategies, ensuring that the club remains a formidable force in the league.
