Following Shai Bolton’s monster contract extension, Kane Cornes has re-drafted the top 10 of the 2016 National Draft.
Having originally been taken at pick No. 29, Cornes has Bolton at the top of his re-draft and considers the Tiger one of the biggest steals in recent draft memory.
The 2016 crop is one that has produced six premiership players, three All-Australians and six best and fairest winners.
Speaking on Sportsday, Cornes was thrilled to find many “gold nuggets” that were picked up late in one of the best drafts in recent memory.
“This would have to be one of my favourite topics, I do love looking back and finding those absolute gold nuggets that set up premierships, they honestly do,” Cornes said.
“What a pick he (Bolton) was, if you look at it, you’d say, ‘Oh he would have to have been a top 10’, but actually, no he wasn’t.
“It’s an incredible draft … and it (the re-draft) was tough, there were more gold nuggets deep into this draft, you had to look with a magnifying glass to find them.”
Check out Cornes’ re-drafted top 10 here.
Pick 10 – Josh Daicos, Collingwood (originally pick 57, father/son)
“He was a father/son, but eventually his name was called at 57,” Cornes said on SEN Sportsday.
“We discussed him at length in the All-Australian meetings we had throughout the year, and I think he’s got enormous upside.”
Pick 9 – Brennan Cox, Fremantle (originally pick 41)
“Brennan Cox at number nine, you just don’t get key defenders like him on trees.
“There’s another bargain.”
Pick 8 – Sean Darcy, Fremantle (originally pick 38)
“He’s a ruckman I love watching and he provides more than his on-field talents, he’s a leader of men.”
Pick 7 – Todd Marshall, Port Adelaide (originally pick 16)
“Todd Marshall, I’ve got him at seven and he’s coming with a rocket.
“He got the best defender every week (in 2022) and he still kicked 45 goals, I think he was a terrific pick.”
Pick 6 – Jy Simpkin, North Melbourne (originally pick 12)
“He’s won a couple of best and fairests and he’s one of the elite midfielders in the competition.”
Pick 5 – Tim Taranto, Richmond (originally pick 2, drafted by GWS)
“I’ve got him slipping to five.”
Pick 4 – Tim English, Western Bulldogs (originally pick 19)
“What a pick he was for the Bulldogs, for some reason clubs have been a little bit spooked to pick ruckman in drafts.
“He was the best ruckman in that draft.”
Pick 3 – Hugh McCluggage, Brisbane (originally pick 3)
“He’s building an incredible record.
“He’s been in the All-Australian squad four times but hasn’t made the 22 yet.”
Pick 2 – Tom Stewart, Geelong (originally pick 40)
“Tom Stewart, he could possibly be my favourite draft pick of all time.
“Four All-Australians, a best and fairest and a premiership.”
Pick 1 – Shai Bolton, Richmond (originally pick 29)
“I think he’s in the best four or five players in the competition now.
“He’s so young that he’ll continue to only get better, I’ve got him at number one.”