Former Adelaide and Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell believes there were four winners from the 2020 AFL Draft.
“It was a really interesting draft which we knew was going to be controversial because of so many Academy players. We knew there was going to be a lot of bids and clubs trading to get up,” Rendell told SEN's Dwayne's World.
“The four clubs I thought did the best were Collingwood, Essendon, GWS and Freo.
“Collingwood I know rated Conor Stone (Oakleigh Chargers), who GWS took one pick before them, but they got Oliver Henry (Geelong Falcons) who I think will be a really good player for them.
“To get Reef McInnes (Collingwood Academy member) after those initial picks was great.
“(Liam) McMahon (Northern Knights) I really like as a lead-up forward. (Caleb) Poulter (Woodville-West Torrens) was an interesting one, he had a really great year, and I liked the rookie they picked in (Jack) Ginnivan (Bendigo Pioneers), who’s a really smart footballer."
Rendell said he found the Bombers' plans to draft talls intriguing, identifying one player he preferred to eventual pick 10 Zach Reid.
“The Bombers obviously went tall, and the only thing I’d say about that is that I would’ve taken Stone, who I think is a Dangerfield, Jordan De Goey-type clone. Zach Reid (Gippsland Power) will be a good player for them though I think,” Rendall said.
“I liked how Freo were able to get its two Academy boys late. I had Brandon Walker (East Fremantle) really high, and (Nathan) O’Driscoll (Perth) and (Heath) Chapman (West Perth) I think were two good gets for them as well.
“As for GWS, they got two of the best midfielders I think in Tanner Bruhn (Geelong Falcons) and Stone, so that’s why I gave them ticks.
“But everybody looks good exiting the draft. Ask me again in 12 months’ time and we’ll revisit and see how each club fared."