Draft summary
"During the trade period we weren't able to facilitate a trade for Luke Ball and there was a lot of bated breath coming through the draft, but there were vagaries and we were able to call his name out at 30. We were rapt with that.

"The fact we've been able to bring in players from other clubs before and get them to a level where they can play at the highest level, like Paul Medhurst, gives us a lot of confidence we can do the same with both Ball and Simon Buckley.

"The fact we've got a couple of young midfielders with Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom, it was a real priority for us to get Ball, also with Shane O'Bree getting towards the end of his career.

"It was really about protecting them and Luke will certainly do that. He'll also help to develop Ben Sinclair and Josh Thomas, who are similar types of players and are in a position where they can learn and develop under Luke, which is really exciting.

"It's been the stated aim for us [building an experienced side], and this helps."

Selection No.30: Luke Ball
DOB: 25/05/1984, Height: 183cm, Weight: 84kg
Recruited from: St Kilda
"It's not very often at pick 30 you can bring in an All-Australian player, former club captain, a player that's played finals and played very well in the grand final. It's really pleasing.

"He played every game this year and we've had him medicalled and all that sort of stuff, so it's really pleasing."

Selection No.62: Ben Sinclair
DOB: 1/10/1991, Height: 181.4cm, Weight: 68.8kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
"An inside midfielder, he's from the Chargers and is a small midfielder at 183cm. He's got super speed and he's a very, very aggressive player. He was also almost the quickest player in the draft, so he brings inside and speed, which is very pleasing.

"The second half of the year, he wasn't well, he had glandular fever and we probably pulled back a little bit. If he had been fit, he might not have got through to us.

"We're very pleased to bring him out."

Selection No.75: Josh Thomas
DOB: 1/10/91, Height: 176cm, Weight: 74kg
Recruited from: Redlands FC
"He's another inside midfielder and will learn from Luke. He's a Gold Coast boy and was originally on their list. He's a stoppage specialist and we really pushed hard for that."

Selection No.85: Simon Buckley
DOB: 18/04/1987, Height: 190cm, Weight: 90kg
Recruited from: Melbourne
"We were very mindful we had a couple of guys going out in Marty Clarke and to a lesser extent Shannon Cox. Both of those boys averaged 17, 18 touches a game.

"Simon is a boy who can actually come in and play. He's had a few issues in terms of his hip and we've had them checked out, and we're very confident he's going to be able to come in and help out."