Draft summary:
"We rated them all pretty highly to tell you the truth. We had a lot of tall blokes and they’re all competitive and pretty versatile. Like everyone we’re happy but the proof’s in the pudding in two or three years' time. McKernan and Davis we’re looking at a couple of bookends for the next 12 years.
"One thing I’m really happy is we’ve got five kids who are super competitive with great desire. That takes you a long way."
Selection no. 10 – Phil Davis
North Adelaide, SA, tall defender/forward, August 30, 1990, 195.6 cm, 84.5 kg
"We were always taking Phil for about the last year. We really liked him, saw him in the finals with North last year and had him pegged as our first pick for about a year. I was worried about Port taking Davis so I investigated big time into Lewis Johnston, Jackson Trengove and Shaun McKernan because I thought Davis might go before our pick at 10.
"We probably haven’t seen a happier bunch of people than when he did his shoulder. That took him off the radar for a lot of clubs. He can play anywhere he wants. I’ve seen him play midfield really well, I’ve seen him play forward well and he’s a natural defender."
Selection no. 28 – Shaun McKernan
Calder Cannons, VIC, ruck, September 1, 1990, 196cm, 94.3kg
"It was a huge surprise he was still there by our second pick. We wonder if he’s broken a leg in the last day or so. We think it is a steal. Shaun’s a very quiet kid. He stood up in the big games this year in the championships. He probably doesn’t think he’s very good but he is going to be. He’s a worker, a real competitor. He’s tough and people might’ve pigeon-holed him as a ruckman but I think he can play other positions. I’ve seen him play centre half-back really well. He is going to be a great addition. He is very athletic like (older brother) Corey."
Selection no. 44 – Rory Sloane
Eastern Ranges, VIC, midfielder, March 17, 1990, 181.2cm, 77.8kg
We really liked him last year. He was our next pick last year but we had five midfielders already. That’s two years of work gone into Rory, but we’ve finally got him so we’re happy about that. He’s got the ability to play both back and forward. We’re happy to pick him up as our only true midfielder this year.
Selection no. 60 – Thomas Lee
Claremont, WA, tall forward
He was a College boy from Perth who we saw quite a few times at the end of the second half of the year. He rucked when we saw him but we also saw him play forward. He’s a very good runner, he tested well and comes from a fantastic family. People might look at him as a smokey but I know a couple of clubs were into him. He’s very competitive and wants to do really well. He’s got a lot of talent.
Selection no. 72 – Will Young
North Ballarat Rebels, VIC, tall forward, August 3, 1990, 191.6cm, 83.2kg
Will Young played very well in the championships. He played centre half-forward, I’ve seen him play back. He will make himself play.
