AFL national draft: The best bargain picks since 2000 ranked

As we approach the 25th AFL national draft this century, our experts have delved into the history books to rank the 30 biggest draft bargains since 2000. Did we get it right?

Lachie Neale, Dane Swan or Sam Mitchell?

Between them they boast four Brownlow medals, 12 All-Australian blazers, six premierships and 12 club best-and-fairest awards.

How do you split them when it comes to the greatest draft steal of the modern era then?

2024 MOCK DRAFT: WHO DID YOUR CLUB SELECT?

It’s a question our panel of experts thought long and hard about before settling on Neale.

Our top-30 was narrowed down from a not-so-short list of about 80 players and ranked on factors including career achievements and where they were selected in the draft.

Ultimately that’s why Neale and Swan (pick 58) edged out Mitchell (pick 36) for the top-two spots.

Only players taken in the national draft after pick 30 were considered.

Players already tied to clubs through father-son selections (such as Gary Ablett Jr, pick 40), academy nominations and rookie elevations were not considered.

Scroll down to see who we selected and have your say.

Originally published as AFL national draft: The best bargain picks since 2000 ranked