2020 re-draft: What does the Top 10 look like today?

Essendon’s delisting of Nik Cox - who was Pick 8 - has hammered another nail into the coffin that is the 2020 draft which is hanging on for dear life.

Looking back now, the 2020 ‘Covid’ draft has become one of the strangest events to happen in footy in recent times, with a selection of players who have excelled and many who are no longer in the game.

So, it begs the question, if the same draft happened today, what would the top 10 look like?

See the 2020 re-draft below:

1. Errol Gulden

Originally taken at Pick 32 which seems impossible to believe now, Gulden is undoubtedly the best player from this draft. A couple of injuries have hampered his previous two seasons, however when he gets on the field, he has the ability to win games on his own boot. Could genuinely be good enough to win a Brownlow with an injury-free season and shapes as the central pillar to the Swans' future success.

2. Max Holmes

Holmes was taken by Geelong at Pick 20 and is one of the Cats’ most important players. The midfielder is a hard-runner and skillful ball user who is trusted by Chris Scott to drive the engine room under pressure. Missed the 2022 Premiership due to a hamstring injury but has had some big performances in finals.

3. Josh Treacy

‘The Big Cohuna.’ Treacy has emerged as one of the premier key forwards in the last 18 months kicking 55 goals in 2026. He started his career slowly but has risen rapidly and if the draft were today, would be the best key forward in the pool. Incredibly, Treacy was taken at Pick 7 in the rookie draft. An absolute gem from the Fremantle list management.

4. Riley Thilthorpe

Thilthorpe was Pick 2 in the 2020 draft and only slides two places here. An All-Australian in 2025 following a 55 goal season, Thilthorpe emerged as the Crows’ main key forward following Taylor Walker. Injuries in 2026 saw him have a slow start which puts him just behind Treacy in the draft as of today.

5. Shannon Neale

The Cats were searching for their next Tom Hawkins and found it in Pick 33 with Shannon Neale. Much like his other key forward counterparts in this draft, Neale took some time to get going but is proving to be a genuine threat in the Cats’ forward line. Partnering with Jeremy Cameron, there is still plenty of room for improvement as Neale is set to become the main key forward.

6. Logan McDonald

McDonald slides from Pick 4 to Pick 6 but maintains his spot in the top 10. A big six goal bag against Brisbane in this year’s Qualifying Final sent a reminder to the competition that at his best, McDonald has the ability to kick a bag. Injuries and inconsistency have held him back but being able to tear the game a part as a key forward sees his stock rise.

7. Ollie Henry

Originally drafted by Collingwood at Pick 17, Henry has the talent and skills to bob up for a big performance. Whilst his form has wavered across his career so far, Henry kicked a career-high 48 goals in 2026 and appears ready to take his game to the next level.

8. Beau McCreery

One of Collingwood’s most reliable players, McCreery has become more of a midfield option in recent years having started at a half-forward flank. His stock continues to rise with genuine interest from Tasmania given his ability to break the game open with an attacking play. A great pick from the Pies at 44.

9. Jack Ginnivan

The Pies found a few diamonds in the rough in 2020, with Ginnivan taken at Pick 13 in the rookie draft. Starting as a crafty small forward, Ginnivan was a livewire up forward and contributed in a premiership winning year for Collingwood in 2023. Since moving to the Hawks, ‘Ginni’ has shown that he has the engine to move up the ground and is a key part of Sam Mitchell’s game plan.

10. Jake Bowey

The Dees knew what they were getting with Pick 21. Bowey started his career in unbelievable fashion, going on a winning streak of 17 games which included the 2021 Premiership. A few injuries in recent years has seen him fly under the radar compared to his fellow draftees, but he is a calm head off half-back who slotted in nicely to Steven King’s ball movement style.

Honourable mentions: Braeden Campbell, Tanner Bruhn, Sam Berry, Heath Chapman and Harry Sharp. These are all players who are important to their clubs and have each had their moments of brilliance. They miss the top 10 largely on what they’ve achieved thus far in their careers and the significant competition they face in their positions. On their day, any of these players could find themselves in the top 10.

So only two players from the original 2020 top 10 make it today. It just goes to show the difficulty for recruiters to discover talent during a global pandemic.

The 2026 draft will take place on November 19 and November 20 with plenty of intrigue about this year's crop of future superstars.