WE OFTEN hear clubs say that early draft picks enter their respective clubs with no extra pressure than rookies. It doesn't matter what number you were picked, they say, everyone starts on the same terms.
Notwithstanding that, there is always a greater interest in top-10 picks. How are they going? When will they play? When will they produce the performance that made them such a prized selection?
The 10 picks of 2014 have already faced their share of challenges, highs and lows in their debut season. Here's a look at how they have fared.
No.1 – Paddy McCartin (St Kilda), six games
The Saints have been happy to give McCartin a taste of things this year and build his experience. McCartin debuted early in the season but didn't find much of the ball, before spending about three months in the VFL honing his game. He came back into the team more confident and prepared, and with a better fitness base under his belt. McCartin's best game of the year came in round 17, when he had 14 disposals, took nine marks and kicked a goal in an impressive showing against Melbourne.
No.2 – Christian Petracca (Melbourne), yet to debut
Petracca's hopes of an early season debut were dashed in February when the powerful midfielder tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. His season was over before it began, and since his knee reconstruction he has thrown himself into his rehabilitation. It is going well: about six weeks ago he started running and in September he will head to America to work with world-renowned knee specialist Bill Knowles in another step in his comeback.
No.3 – Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne), 18 games
Most who watched Brayshaw during his draft year would have predicted the hard-at-it midfielder to have an impact straight away at AFL level and he has not let anyone down. The 19-year-old has played every game for the Demons and been consistent throughout. His smarts, toughness, skill and speed has added an important element to the club's midfield and he looks set to be a long-term member of their line-up.
No.4 – Jarrod Pickett (GWS), yet to debut
The Giants have focused on building Pickett's game at NEAFL level before giving the exciting forward senior exposure. He has improved his defensive traits and tackling, and has also become a regular goalkicker for the Giants' reserves team. Pickett is edging closer to an AFL debut, and in recent weeks has been used purely as a crumbing forward deep in attack, where he can show his speed, class and array of tricks.
No.5 – Jordan De Goey (Collingwood), 12 games
De Goey didn't take long to impress the folk at Collingwood when he walked through the club's doors last year. His intensity around the ball, physical approach in close and ability to mark overhead raised eyebrows instantly. De Goey has featured in the Magpies' senior team in 12 games, and although still not a high possession player, his disposals always count and he is averaging nearly five tackles a game. The Pies would be pleased with his output in his debut season and De Goey will be determined to lift it another notch in 2016.
No.6 – Caleb Marchbank (GWS), two games
Leon Cameron called on Marchbank to fill the breach in defence when an injury crisis hit the club's backline stocks mid-year. He acquitted himself comfortably, taking five marks in both of his games before heading back to the NEAFL to further his development. The Giants are pleased with Marchbank's progress and expect him to feature in more senior games next year, after overcoming an injury-riddled draft season in 2014.
No.7 – Paul Ahern (GWS), yet to debut
Ahern has steadily been building his experience in the Giants' NEAFL team, playing 14 games at the level. Although the silky midfielder has not broken into the club's senior team, he has had some excellent games in its reserves team and averaged 24 disposals. The Giants' young and talented list means Ahern will be able to develop comfortably in the club's second-tier team without any pressure to immediately step into the senior side and have an impact.
No.8 – Peter Wright (Gold Coast), three games
The Suns' injury struggles this year saw them turn to Wright perhaps a little earlier than they would have envisaged, bringing him into the senior team in round 10. He has played two more games since, but the 202cm ruckman/forward was expected to take a little while to come on, particularly after overcoming a knee injury in his first pre-season. A full summer and more time in the gym will see Wright grow more difficult to counter next year.
No.9 – Darcy Moore (Collingwood), five games
After two quiet games to start his career, the father-son recruit made his mark with a five-goal effort against the Western Bulldogs in round 17. It was the type of game that showcased all of Moore's traits: his high marking, excellent kicking and brilliant athleticism for a key position player. He has been quiet in four of his five senior games but the Magpies are giving him a good opportunity to take charge of the forward line, and he might have had it earlier if not for a hamstring injury in the VFL.
No.10 – Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong), seven games
Cockatoo excited the football world with his amazing breakaway goal in the NAB Challenge, which showed his super pace and control. He has continued to show flashes and glimpses of his talent at senior level, and he played five of the Cats' first six games of the season. He then spent an extended stint in the VFL before recently getting back in the Cats' line-up. Chris Scott knows he has an immense talent on his hands, and Geelong will steer him with the long-term in mind.
