‘High-end competitors’ were the order of the day for Collingwood’s National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine at the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

The Magpies selected the tall Murray Bushrangers’ utility Lachlan Smith with pick No. 17 and Claremont midfielder Marley Williams at pick No. 35 on Tuesday morning. They added Trent Stubbs and Daniel Farmer to the rookie list after both were delisted from the senior squad in October.

International Rookie Caolan Mooney and NSW Scholarship defender Michael Hartley had both been nominated as rookie selections weeks earlier, but both were officially recognised as Collingwood footballers today.

With the senior and rookie lists now complete for 2012, Hine spoke about his recruiting staff’s desire to recruit players who had a desire to compete.

“That was a real priority for us throughout the whole draft,” Hine told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“They’re all very physical. They can really compete and they’re high-end characters so I think that when you look at the players we’ve brought in, both in the National Draft and the Rookie Draft, I think that it’s a really nice balance of players.”

Hine said that Smith, who played two matches for Collingwood’s VFL team as a top-up player in 2011, will give balance to the side with his ability to play in a range of key position roles.

“Given the nice balance of players we’ve brought in through the National Draft and particularly with an eye to those taller type of players, we feel that Lachlan, who stands at around 190cm, can play that high half forward-wing and potentially down back as well.

“I suppose if you wanted to classify him (it would be) as a tall, 190cm utility type player who’s got really nice hands.”

Williams, the other new face at the club, arrives with big wraps on his ability to win contested possessions and boasts a long left foot kick.

“Williams only had the one year in the WAFL because he had to relocate. He played in the U18 National Championships, and you could say he’s a small midfielder,” said Hine.

“He’ll come in and hit very, very hard at the contest and hard at the man. He gives us a little bit of succession following on from ‘Bally’ (Luke Ball). He has played senior football already at Claremont and showed the ability to play in defence as well as that small defender. He played in the National Championships and acquitted himself really well.”

“We’re really pleased. We had both boys reasonably high up on our list which was good.”

The re-drafting of Stubbs and Farmer, both 19-years-old, means the pair has a second chance at making a spot in the team their own. Hine is adamant that both have returned with a real hunger to regain their place on the senior list.

“Both (Stubbs and Farmer) had injury issues last year and development issues as well in terms of that they didn’t come on as quickly as we wanted. But they’ve both been encouraging.

“We had a commitment to them contractually so we obviously re-rookied both of those boys. It’s been very, very encouraging with Trent, in particular, and his attitude and his work ethic since he’s returned.

“We’ve been pleased with the way Trent’s come at his pre-season. He’s up on his toes so that’s very encouraging. Daniel’s had hip surgery so he’s certainly behind in terms of his preparation for obvious reasons.”

The Magpies officially added Caolan Mooney and Michael Hartley to the club’s rookie list. Hine was again enthusiastic when reviewing the underage performances of two players who have come from outside the traditional draft stream.

“Michael is a 195cm-196cm key defender. His performances through the Australian carnival were very encouraging. He went to some really well credentialed players. He did a very good job on Jonathon Patten early in the carnival.

“I think Caolan shows the athleticism and power and the ability to jump at the football that will make him unique in our forward fifty. That speed will certainly assist him in terms of his defensive actions.

“We’re really excited about Caolan, albeit we’re also mindful that he’s got a long way to go in terms of his own football development, but he’s come a long way in a very, very short period of time.”

The NAB AFL Rookie Draft means that Collingwood’s list has been finalised for season 2012. A total of 10 new players were added to the list, with a further two (Stubbs and Farmer) moved from the senior list to the rookie list. International Rookies Paul Cribbin Shae McNamara, who were both on the rookie list in 2011, will remain in 2012.