How every team fared at the AFL draft

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR TEAM’S AFL DRAFT NIGHT

ADELAIDE

First player picked: Jordan Gallucci (No.15, midfielder, Eastern Ranges)

What they said: “We traded for needs with (Curtly) Hampton, (Troy) Menzel and (Paul) Seedsman and we just keep drafting for talent. We were able to balance it out with some of our needs tonight, we got a tall later on.” – recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie.

BRISBANE

First player picked: Hugh McCluggage (No.3, midfielder, North Ballarat)

What they said: “We are really excited with what this group of young players offers – they have a range of skills through the midfield and around the flanks. We targeted some run and skill and we think we certainly got that.” – recruitment manager Steve Conole.

CARLTON

First player picked: Sam Petrevski-Seton (No.6, midfielder, Claremont)

What they said: “As a midfielder Sam has terrific speed and possesses exceptional skills with the footy. It’s obvious from meeting with him that he’s also of great character – a really determined and resilient young man.” – list manager Stephen Silvagni.

COLLINGWOOD

First player picked: Sam McLarty (No.30, key defender, Oakleigh Chargers)

What they said: “We had a couple of boys pegged there as key defender types. Sam hurt his shoulder halfway through the year, but he’s shown, at 197cm, he can play forward, back and he’s extremely athletic and a high-end competitor.” – recruiting manager Derek Hine.

ESSENDON

First player picked: Andrew McGrath (No.1, midfielder, Sandringham Dragons)

What they said: “He’s a winner … he’s a leader and they’re hard to find, so that was probably the major reason we decided to take him.” – Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro.

FREMANTLE

First player picked: Griffin Logue (No.8, key defender, Swan Districts)

What they said: “We certainly wanted to add some height where we could without getting silly about it either. It’s really good … to add some size into the group – it’s not every year you can do that.” general manager of list management Brad Lloyd.

GEELONG

First player picked: Brandan Parfitt (No.26, midfielder, NT Thunder)

What they said: “We selected a good mix of players who play a variety of positions, which we think is important for our list. The players are at various stages of their development and we will see them grow as people and players.” – national list and recruiting manager Stephen Wells.

GOLD COAST

First player picked: Ben Ainsworth (No.4, midfielder, Gippsland Power)

What they said: “We are delighted to be welcoming five elite young players, including two of our own academy-listed players. We complete the player acquisition phase delivering four mature players and five draftees all who can make an immediate impact in 2017.” – list manager Scott Clayton.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

First player picked: Tim Taranto (No.2, midfielder, Sandringham Dragons)

What they said: “We’re delighted to have secured the players we have tonight including four players from (our) academy. Our first two selections will complement our existing midfield and the rest of our picks are a good mix of athletic forwards, defenders and another hard, experienced body.” – football chief Wayne Campbell.

HAWTHORN

First player picked: Harry Morrison (No.74, defender, Murray Bushrangers)

What they said: “Harry is a half-back flanker from the Murray Bushrangers. He has had a couple of minor injuries during the year but kicks the ball really well on both feet. He reads the game well and is strong and competitive.” – recruiting manager Graham Wright.

MELBOURNE

First player picked: Mitchell Hannan (No.46, forward, Footscray VFL)

What they said: “Mitch played in a premiership this year for Footscray in the VFL. He’s originally from Gisborne and then came down and played in the amateurs for St Bernards and played in a premiership there, so he’s played in a couple of premierships in a row.” – recruiting manager Jason Taylor.

NORTH MELBOURNE

First player picked: Jy Simpkin (No.12, midfielder, Murray Bushrangers)

What they said: “I see him starting out as a mid/forward but we think he’s got the capacity to come up to a wing and midfield. He certainly does provide an X-factor, plays with a lot of energy, and is very clever and dangerous around goal.” – recruiting manager Bryce Lewis.

PORT ADELAIDE

First player picked: Todd Marshall (No.16, tall forward, Murray Bushrangers)

What they said: “Todd is the best tall forward in the draft pool as far as we’re concerned. Sam Powell-Pepper, Joe Atley and Will Drew are all pretty versatile and could make a contribution to our midfield group..” – recruiting manager Geoff Parker.

RICHMOND

First player picked: Shai Bolton (No.29, forward, South Fremantle)

What they said: – “We’re very happy with the way it all unfolded. There were a few close calls for us with our rankings, but we walk away really pleased with our three new draftees.” – recruiting manager Francis Jackson.

ST KILDA

First player picked: Ben Long (No.25, defender, NT Thunder)

What they said: “Ben can play at both ends of the ground as a flanker. He’s tough, wins a good ground ball, he tackles very strongly and has a good attack on the ball. He’s also a good kick, has good speed and can go lateral.” – recruiting manager Tony Elshaug.

SYDNEY

First player picked: Oliver Florent (No.11, forward, Sandringham Dragons)

What they said: “We’re happy with the mix of players we selected. We’ve got a couple of players who can play through the midfield and forward and we were keen to get another key position player into our club, which we were able to do.” – recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson.

WEST COAST

First player picked: Daniel Venables (No.13, midfielder, Western Jets)

What they said: “We went in with the strategy of picking the best available talent at every selection and we are absolutely thrilled with the way it panned out. We have been able to strengthen our squad in all areas of the ground.” – recruiting manager Rohan O’Brien.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

First player picked: Tim English (No.19, ruckman, South Fremantle)

What they said: “At 205cm and with his ability with ball in hand, we thought it was really suitable to the way we play, so that made him an attractive option. We always pick the best player available, and our list is fairly well balanced, so we didn’t think there was a pressing need.” recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple.

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