Eagles, Dockers get their men
West Coast have added Peel defender Blayne Wilson to their list as the second pick in today's pre-season draft.
Wilson was surprisingly overlooked by clubs at the national draft but the Eagles quickly invited him to training because they rated him among the best 25 players in the country.
An All-Australian junior with league experience, the teenager struggled with groin injuries and then required ankle surgery. But those issues won't stop him from playing next year.
As expected, Fremantle drafted Collingwood forward John Anthony. He had been training with the club for several weeks after agreeing to a contract with the Dockers.
The Gold Coast reunited the Ablett brothers by selecting Nathan Ablett with the first pick. Ablett retired after the 2007 grand final but has been playing for the Gold Coast in the VFL.
There were few shocks in the draft because most clubs had committed to players in advance. Richmond chose former Essendon midfielder Bachar Houli and Hawthorn picked up former Melbourne star Cameron Bruce.
Essendon had the most intrigue and decided against re-drafting forward Jay Neagle. They chose 20 year old VFL utility Michael Hibberd.
AFL PRE-SEASON DRAFT
1. Gold Coast - Nathan Ablett (GC)
2. West Coast - Blayne Wilson (Peel)
3. Richmond - Bachar Houli (Essendon)
4. Essendon - Michael Hibberd (Frankston/Somerville)
5. Hawthorn - Cameron Bruce (Melbourne)
6. Fremantle - John Anthony (Collingwood)
