Blues snare Smith from bargain bin

Carlton's selection of Clem Smith at pick No.60 could prove to be one of the biggest steals in draft history, according to WAFL talent academy manager Raff Guadagnino.

Smith was touted as a top-10 pick at the beginning of the year but his stocks slid after an average under-18 titles and poor fitness testing at last month's combine.

But few predicted he would still be available in the fourth round.

The Blues used their first-round pick on 21-year-old Swan Districts midfielder Blaine Boekhorst.

Smith, a defender, is known for his strong physical presence.

"As I said to many of the AFL clubs, on natural talent alone Clem Smith is probably our best," Guadagnino said. "It's a steal and it's a great opportunity for Clem to prove to the football community how talented he really is. But it is a wake-up call for him, too. He's got some growing up to do and once that happens, he'll be unstoppable."

Smith didn't know what to think as he watched the rounds go by without his name being called.

The Perth Demons product said he was relieved to be given an opportunity by the Blues.

"I was pretty worried by the end of it," Smith said.

"It's definitely such a relief, it's like a big weight has lifted off my shoulders, so I'm pretty happy at the moment."

Boekhorst was as stunned as the rest of the State to see his name flash across the television screen at pick No.19.

Surrounded by his family and close friends in Port Hedland, Boekhorst said his first-round selection was a "miracle" that he was struggling to believe.

"I spoke with Carlton a little bit in the lead-up to the draft and had an interview with them but I didn't think 19 would be the pick," he said.

"I was hoping to go around 30-odd, that's where the clubs I spoke with said they had me, so going 19 is a miracle, it's unbelievable."