Survivors of 2001 super draft still going strong

THE 2001 ‘super draft’ - including Leigh Montagna, Sam Mitchell, Gary Ablett, Jarrad Waite and Jimmy Bartel - just keeps delivering. But ranking the 10 survivors on their current value is a lot harder than you think.

Al Paton

3 min read

May 12, 2016 - 3:58PM

Jarrad Waite reacts to a rare missed shot at goal.

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THE 2001 “super draft” just keeps on delivering.

Remember, this was the draft that gave us a top three of Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd, the best in draft history, plus bargains like Dane Swan (pick 50) and Brian Lake (71).

It’s regarded as the best crop ever and, amazingly, 15 years later, players taken that year are still dominating the competition.

The order has changed a bit, though.

Following the retirements of Lake, David Hale (pick 7) and Adam Schneider (60) and an unfortunate head knock for Brent Reilly (12) last year, there are 10 survivors left from draft day in November 2001.

Re-ranking that draft has been a popular passtime over the years and we might not get many more chances, so here’s our crack at ranking the survivors of the class of 2001 based on 2016 form.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below.

1. JARRAD WAITE

2001 draft: Pick 46 (Carlton)

After more than a decade of battling injuries, suspension and form issues at Carlton, Waite is putting up career-best numbers (his SuperCoach average of 115 points is 18 better than his previous best year in 2008). Originally taken by the Blues as a father-son selection, he has kicked 23.8 to sit third in the Coleman Medal and is a major reason for North Melbourne’s 7-0 start.

Jarrad Waite is in the best form of his career. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

2. SAM MITCHELL

2001 draft: Pick 36 (Hawthorn)

Was in the top slot before a quiet game (for him) against the Giants then sitting out last week. Still ranks No.1 in the competition for average disposals per game (33.8) playing as a pure midfielder this season. Genius.

Sam Mitchell is very stiff not to be No.1 on this list. We like goals.

3. LEIGH MONTAGNA

2001 draft: Pick 37 (St Kilda)

Ranked 12th in the comp for average disposals with 29.1 touches a game including 40 — plus 14 marks — against Collingwood in Round 3. Playing more in defence which means fewer goals (none so far this year) but no taggers. Started running in 2002 and still going.

Leigh Montagna says he wants to hang around long enough to play in another Grand Final. We’re not going to say he can’t do it. Picture: Colleen Petch

4. GARY ABLETT

2001 draft: Pick 40 (Geelong)

We judge the great man harshly. In fact, placing him fourth here is probably a bit of out of line considering he averaged 131 SuperCoach points over the first three rounds. But he’s showing signs of mortality with multiple injuries taking their toll.

Gary Ablett is finding the going tougher this year.

5. JAMES KELLY

2001 draft: Pick 17 (Geelong)

After playing down back for the best part of 14 seasons he’s a starting midfielder for the Bombers and making the most of it, averaging 26 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and 104 SuperCoach points a game — the most of his career. Going so well he might play on next year.

James Kelly is proving “top-up” is not a dirty word.

6. STEVE JOHNSON

2001 draft: Pick 24 (Geelong)

The Cats had a handy draft that year. If someone had told you back then Stevie J and Ablett would be lining up against each other in Round 8, 2016 — for teams representing Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney — they would have looked at you like you said aliens had just landed at the MCG. But here we are. Has kicked 18 goals to lead the Giants. Could he add a fourth premiership to his trophy cabinet?

Steve Johnson still mixes moments of brilliants with Giant brain fades.

7. JIMMY BARTEL

2001 draft: Pick 8 (Geelong)

Four of Geelong’s eight picks in 2001 are still going but Bartel is the only one still at the Cattery. He has returned to the midfield in recent weeks and his form has spiked, collecting 28 disposals against the Eagles after 30 (and 14 marks) the week before. Plus he’s growing a beard to raise awareness for domestic violence. Champion on and off the field.

Geelong’s 2001 recruits (clockwise from top left) Charlie Gardiner, Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel, David Johnson and James Kelly.

8. NICK DAL SANTO

2001 draft: Pick 13 (St Kilda)

Injuries finally struck last year but he has played every game in 2017 and averages 21 disposals, his lowest figure since 2006 but still very respectable especially since he doesn’t waste many. No one at the Kangas is averaging more than 30 touches a week — it’s all about the team down at Arden St.

Nick Dal Santo is still an elite all user. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

9. LUKE HODGE

2001 draft: Pick 1 (Hawthorn)

This could get us in trouble. No question Hodge is a champion and he would have been No.1 if we did this list at Round 1. But he has already copped two serious injuries (broken arm, bung knee) which have contributed to a drop in his SuperCoach average by 37 points a game. If we do this exercise again around Grand Final time he is likely to be a lot higher.