History's best rookie bargains

INITIALLY considered not quite good enough, they graduated to become stars of the AFL competition. Many of them still are.

Hopefuls overlooked at first glance in the main pool, they were forced to make their way to the top level via the 'side door'.

The rookie draft was introduced to the competition in 1997 and on Tuesday, December 16 another batch of players will get opportunities at AFL clubs.

Here is a top 10 of the most inspired rookie selections of the last 11 years. Not just a list encouraged by the best player or his bearing on a team, we consider achievements throughout a career, the story behind a player's journey and what he has brought to his club and the game.

1. Dean Cox (West Coast), 2000 – selection 28
The Eagles' ruckman has revolutionised the way big men play the game. While other rookies have enjoyed just as much or more team success, none have been more valuable to their team. The competition's best big man for at least four seasons, his versatility and ability to cover the ground gives West Coast another genuine ball-winner.
Playing honours: All-Australian 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; West Coast best and fairest 2008; West Coast premiership player 2006.
Career matches: 167

2. Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney Swans), 2000 – selection 9
Coach Paul Roos once branded him the team's most important player and Kennelly might be the man responsible for kick-starting the international recruiting drive. The Irishman has played a pivotal role in his side's running game from half-back and was a key member of their historic 2005 premiership success.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2002; Sydney Swans premiership player 2005.
Career matches: 158

3. Mal Michael (Collingwood), 1997 – selection 6
Selected by Collingwood in the inaugural rookie draft, the Papua New Guinea-born Michael is another unique case. He retired this year after a decorated career with three clubs but will best be remembered for his role at full-back in the Brisbane Lions' flag-winning trot of 2001, 2002 and 2003. A colossus of a man, he was almost impossible to beat in a one-on-one wrestle.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2004; AFL Rising Star nominee 1997; Brisbane Lions premiership player 2001, 2002, 2003.
Career matches: 238 (Collingwood 61, Brisbane Lions 140, Essendon 37)

4. Brett Kirk (Sydney Swans), 1999 – selection 40
The spirit of 'The Bloods', Kirk embodies how they play their footy. After an initial stint on the club's supplementary list he was forced back to North Albury before winning a second chance at an AFL career. He might not be the prettiest of kicks or as graceful as some higher-profile names, but Kirk's ability to inspire and lead his team cannot be questioned.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2003, 2004; All-Australian 2004; Sydney Swans best and fairest 2005, 2007; Sydney Swans co-captain 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; Sydney Swans premiership player (co-captain) 2005.
Career matches: 195

5. Aaron Davey (Melbourne), 2004 – selection 3
Davey's selection headed a new wave of indigenous players, while also highlighting a team's need for defensive pressure inside the attacking 50m zone. The cash-strapped Demons had to appeal to a coterie group to upgrade the popular left-footer from rookie to senior status and he hasn't let them down, averaging three tackles and a goal a game.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2005, 2006; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2004.
Career matches: 97

6. James McDonald (Melbourne), 1997 – selection 78
It's hard to believe that 'Junior', for so long a staple at the Demons, started out as a rookie. He has now forged well over 200 career matches, with his work rate a highlight of every one of his senior appearances. A dual best-and-fairest winner, McDonald is a prime example of what can be achieved through pure endeavour.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2006; All-Australian 2006; Melbourne best and fairest 2005, 2006; Melbourne co-captain 2008 (following David Neitz's retirement).
Career matches: 217

7. Brad Sewell (Hawthorn), 2003 – selection 7
A favourite of Hawthorn fans, Sewell capped a remarkable two seasons at AFL level when he played a key role in the Hawks' grand final win over Geelong. The 24-year-old started his elite-level career in defence but has become one of the premier negating and creative midfielders in the competition.
Playing honours: Hawthorn best and fairest 2007; Hawthorn premiership player 2008.
Career matches: 85

8. Russell Robertson (Melbourne), 1997 – selection 48
Drafted by the Demons in the 1996 national draft, Robertson had to win his way back onto the list via the rookie list. The dynamic forward has booted 399 career goals and has the flair and character to draw crowds through the gates. His spring-heels have also provided many highlights for the club.
Playing honours: International Rules representative 2005; AFL Rising Star nominee 1998; Melbourne best and fairest 2003; club leading goalkicker 2001, 2005, 2007.
Career matches: 215

9. Mark Johnson (Essendon), 1997 – selection 12
Tough, uncompromising and able to inspire through acts of bravery – it's no wonder Johnson took the eye of Kevin Sheedy. Whether deep in defence, showing some muscle in the middle of the ground or pinch-hitting in attack, Johnson was a reliable servant in his nine years at Windy Hill.
Playing honours: Essendon best and fairest 2002, runner-up best and fairest 2005; AFL Rising Star nominee 1999; Essendon premiership player 2000.
Career matches: 208 (Essendon 194, Fremantle 14)

10. Stephen Milne (St Kilda), 2000 – selection 23
Once a member of Essendon's reserves side, Milne's record speaks for itself. With 331 career goals, he averages two a game – a fantastic record for a player expected to be at the base of every pack. An 11-goal haul against the Brisbane Lions late in 2005 is a reflection of his uncanny goal sense and ability to provide firepower when needed.
Playing honours: International Rules Representative 2002; St Kilda leading goalkicker 2002; St Kilda pre-season premiership player 2004.
Career matches: 165

Apologies…
The rookie draft has activated many other impressive careers with Nathan Bassett (1997), Nathan Bock (2002) and Ben Rutten (2002) serving Adelaide well, even though Bassett got his initial opportunity with Melbourne. Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands and his Sydney Swans counterpart Darren Jolly (2001, Melbourne) have also exceeded their early glimpses of potential. A 'best of the rest' list would include former Bomber Damien Peverill and Richmond vice-captain Nathan Foley.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.