Geelong has never held pick 64 in any national draft over the past 30 years, but history suggests there is always the chance to mine some gold.
This year’s draft is generally considered to be a deep pool, which is good news for the Cats who will make five or even six selections next Friday in Sydney.
The talent at pick 64 though could really be anything, with at least a couple of previous selections in years gone by proving to be hits whilst others have proven far less successful.
The most notable pick 64 is Nick Malceski, who was drafted by Sydney in 2002. The 2012 premiership defender only recently retired after a resilient 210-game career for the Swans and Gold Coast Suns. Malceski was also named to the 2014 All-Australian side.
Melbourne held pick 64 as their last selection in 1999 and used it to select 20-year-old Cameron Bruce. Bruce went on to play 234 games for both the Demons and Hawks and made his reputation through elite endurance and skill by foot. He was elected captain of Melbourne in 2008 and won the club’s best and fairest in the same year.
It will take some work and there are no guarantees, but it wouldn’t be the first time Stephen Wells and his team have struck gold late on draft day.
EVERY PICK 64 IN VFL/AFL HISTORY
2015: Yestin Eades (Essendon)
2014: Not utilised (Gold Coast)
2013: Lachlan Dalgleish (Essendon)
2012: Matthew Dick (Sydney)
2011: Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Adelaide)
2010: Luke Davis (Essendon)
2009: Adam Pattison (St Kilda)
2008: Rohan Bail (Melbourne)
2007: Not utilised (Richmond)
2006: Nick Gill (Adelaide)
2005: Not utilised (Carlton)
2004: Luke Forsyth (Brisbane)
2003: Shane Morrison (Richmond)
2002: Nick Malceski (Sydney)
2001: Daniel McAlister (Essendon)
2000: Mark Gale (St Kilda)
1999: Cameron Bruce (Melbourne)
1998: Andrew Shipp (Fremantle)
1997: Sam Cranage (St Kilda)
1996: Darren Collins-Younger (Hawthorn)
1995: Matthew Carr (Collingwood)
1994: Robert Powell (Collingwood)
1993: Shane Hamilton (Brisbane)
1992: Tony Godden (West Coast)
1991: Chris Barrett (Fitzroy)
1990: Derek Hall (West Coast)
1989: Tony J. Evans (West Coast)
1988: Andrew Bishop (Sydney)
1987: Peter Nunn (Hawthorn)
1986: Darren Newlan (Carlton)
