It was a draft like no other.

At least that’s how Collingwood’s National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine defined it.

Heading into the 2017 AFL National Draft with four picks to choose from – including the club's first top-ten pick since 2014, as well as a father/son prospect on the draft board - Collingwood’s recruiting team had some big decisions to make.

Ultimately, when the night concluded, three new names were penciled into the club's history books.

“It was a draft like no other,” Hine told Collingwood Media following the draft proceedings.

“I think the amount of picks and the evenness of the draft, was really unique.

“You could see that with the amount of players jumping forward and jumping back (on the draft board).

Recap Collingwood’s activity at the 2017 National Draft through the voice of Derek Hine.

PICK 6 – JAIDYN STEPHENSON

With Collingwood’s first selection in the 2017 draft, the club selected Eastern Ranges midfielder/forward, Jaidyn Stephenson.

Known for his line-breaking speed and long, accurate kick at goal, Stephenson was a standout amongst the 2017 draft candidates.

Described by his colleagues and coaches as an ‘x-factor’ and ‘match-winner’, Stephenson will waste little time winning over the Magpie faithful, and his new Collingwood teammates.

“We backed that in. It’s not a decision we took lightly,” Hine said of his first selection.

“We’re really confident he’ll be a good player for us. We couldn’t be happier for Jaidyn, his family and the club.”

PICK 39 – NATHAN MURPHY

With the club’s second selection in the 2017 draft, the Pies picked versatile forward Nathan Murphy.

A strong overhead mark with clean hands, the former Sandringham Dragons prospect impressed recruiters with his agility, endurance and goal sense for a player of his size.

Having previously represented Victoria in cricket, this elite sportsman was among the best performers at the draft combine. Has the ability to swing into defence, as well as playing as a third tall in attack.

“We clearly rated Nathan really highly, so for him to be sitting there at pick 39, that was a real bonus for us,” Hine said of his new forward post-draft.

“I think (Nathan’s pick) was really systematic of how the draft went. Some players went forward where other clubs may not have had them, and visa versa.

“In the end, it was really fortunate for us that he was still available.”

PICK 50 – TYLER BROWN

With Tyler Brown’s name still on the draft board in round three, things seemed as if they were going to plan for the Magpies’ recruiters.

But when Port Adelaide placed a bid with pick 50 for Collingwood’s father/son hopeful, the Pies were pressed to make a move on the 17-year-old son of Magpie great, Gavin Brown.

The brother of current Collingwood midfielder Callum Brown could moments later breathe a sigh of relief, with Collingwood matching Port Adelaide’s bid to continue the Brown tradition at the Pies.

A raw midfielder full of potential, Tyler possess elite agility and poise in the contest.

“Tyler is a very different player to Callum, who is a very inside player with his hands. Tyler is taller – above 185cm – he plays on a wing, he’s very well balanced and slides through traffic,” Hine said of the newest Brown joining the Pies.

“Tyler has a long way to go, in terms of maturity in his body. He clearly has the talent, but we’re just going to have to be patient.

“He’s quiet, but he’ll be fine. He’s got his brother there and he’s his own man. He knows his way around the place, that’s for sure.”

Collingwood will now turn its attention to the National Rookie Draft, set to be held on Monday 27 November.

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