When you look back on some of the past AFL National Drafts, some of the best stories arise from the players who were picked in the later rounds of the proceedings.
Collingwood will take selections No. 6, No. 38, No. 56 and No. 61 into Friday’s National Draft, with later picks to be used in the Rookie Draft the following Monday.
Although the Pies haven’t had a top ten pick since 2014, they have produced plenty of elite footballers who were picked deeper into the draft.
Collingwood Media takes a look back at some of the draft gems of the Pies’ past.
NATIONAL DRAFT SELECTIONS
LEON DAVIS – PICK 34, 1999
A fan favourite throughout his 11-year career with the Magpies, Leon Davis was drafted from Western Australia via the second round of the 1999 AFL Draft. Known for his quick feet and x-factor tendancies in the forward line, Davis enjoyed a 225-game, 270-goal career with Collingwood. After reinventing himself as a rebound halfback flanker in the latter half of his career, Davis earned two All-Australian nods, before hanging up the boots following the 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong.
BEN JOHNSON – PICK 62, 1999
1999 proved to be a successful drafting year for the Magpies after the club selected Josh Fraser (pick no.1), Rhyce Shaw (F/S pick no.18), Leon Davis and eventual premiership defender Ben Johnson (pick no.62) in the one draft. With an unorthodox kicking style, but a thirst for the contest and a strong work ethic, Johnson carved out a 13-year career with the Pies, including 235 games and a premiership medallion in 2010.
Ben Johsnon and Leon Davis were both drafted in 1999 by the Magpies. Image: AFL Photos.
DANE SWAN – PICK 58, 2001
One of the most beloved characters in Collingwood history, Dane Swan’s Magpie story began in the infamous 2001 ‘superdraft’, where he was selected in the fourth round. After a slow start to his AFL career, Swan developed into one of the star midfielders of the competition in 2009. A ball magnet with a laid back approach, Swan steered the Magpies in the midfield to their 2010 premiership feat, before claiming the prized Brownlow Medal the following year. Add in three best and fairest trophies, five All-Australians and 258 AFL games, and Swan will long be remembered as one of Collingwood’s most popular and successful players.
Dane Swan celebrates a goal during the 2014 ANZAC Day clash. Image: AFL Photos.
TYSON GOLDSACK – PICK 63, 2006
Drafted as a mature-age, 19-year-old from the Gippsland Power, Goldsack joined Collingwood with pick 63 in the 2006 National Draft. Throughout his 11-year career with the Magpies, the defender has earned himself a reputation as one of the most courageous, selfless and versatile players at the club. With 161 games next to his name, Goldsack has fought through a resilient career that culminated in a premiership cup in 2010. After a career-best season in 2017, Goldsack won the Best Clubman award and inked a one-year contract extension with the Pies.
BRODIE GRUNDY – PICK 18, 2012
The only first-round selection on this list, Grundy’s first five years in the AFL system have confirmed what a talent – and a draft pick – he was. The Pies desperately needed a ruckman, and in 2012, with pick 18, they got their man. Hailing from South Australia, the 202cm agile ruckman was initially marked as a top-three pick in the draft. But when he slid late in the first round, the Magpies couldn’t have been more pleased to call out his name. Since draft day, Grundy has emerged as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition. Only 82 games into his career, the future looms bright.
Grundy and Goldsack have both worthy draft picks for the Magpies. Image: AFL Photos.
ROOKIE DRAFT SELECTIONS
NICK MAXWELL – PICK 15, 2002
After being overlooked in two national drafts, before being knocked back by several AFL clubs, Nick Maxwell was picked up by the Pies in the 2002 rookie draft. In his second year, Maxwell worked his way into the senior side, making his imprint in Collingwood’s back half as an imposing, physical intercept halfback defender. A natural leader, Maxwell was awarded the esteemed number five guernsey left vacant by the retired Nathan Buckley. In 2008, Maxwell was appointed club captain, before enjoying a career-best season in 2009, with an All-Australian honour to show for. In 2010, Maxwell captained the Pies to their first premiership in 20 years, before calling time on his resilient 208-game career midway through the 2014 season.
ALAN TOOVEY – PICK 2, 2005
Another prized rookie draft selection, Alan Toovey was overlooked in the 2004 National Draft after an impressive campaign with the Claremont Colts in the WAFL. After training with the Magpies over the summer, the club selected Toovey with the second pick in the rookie draft. A versatile defender, Toovey emerged as one of the Pies’ most reliable and underrated performers during their rise to the 2010 premiership. With pace and bravery in defence, Toovey recorded 159 games – including 13 finals – during his 10-year career with the Magpies. The man known as ‘Toooves’ retired at the end of the 2016 season.
Maxwell and Toovey celebrate the 2010 Premiership after defeating St Kilda. Image: AFL Photos.
FATHER/SON SELECTIONS
HEATH SHAW – PICK 48, 2003
Drafted under the father/son rule in 2003, Heath Shaw was another favourite of the Magpie Army throughout his nine years with the club. The brother of Rhyce and son of Ray owned the halfback pocket during his 173 games, before tasting premiership success in 2010. A boisterous player on the field, Shaw earned respect from his teammates and opponents with his courageous and leaderful approach to the game. A trade to GWS in 2014 seemingly rejuvenated his career, having been named All-Australian with the Giants in the two years that followed.
TRAVIS CLOKE – PICK 39, 2004
With the club’s third selection in the 2004 draft, the youngest son of David Cloke joined the Magpies under the father/son rule. A key forward with a long left boot and a strong pair of hands, Cloke developed into one of the most dominant centre half forwards in the game. During his 246-game career with the Magpies, Cloke kicked 441 goals; won the Copeland Trophy in 2007; was a premiership player in 2010; led the club’s goal kicking from 2011-14 and was a two-time All-Australian. After one season with the Bulldogs, Cloke announced his retirement during the 2017 off-season.
Shaw (173 games) and Cloke (246 games) are both premiership players with the Magpies. Image: AFL Photos.