Trying to ascertain the strength of a club’s draft haul can be fraught with danger.

But with the benefit of time, not to mention a dose of hindsight, it’s easier to decipher where and when clubs hit the jackpot.

Brad Johnson will be revisiting past drafts ahead of this year’s two-night event, with the Western Bulldogs legend reordering the top-10 picks. Here, he takes a look at 2014.

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Finals Week 1

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The 2014 draft was by no means the strongest, but one team nailed their first three picks.

Now, they’re reaping the rewards.

Collingwood selected Jordan De Goey (Pick 5), Darcy Moore (Pick 9) and Brayden Maynard (Pick 30) – three players that all fill my top-10, including the number one spot.

Collingwood’s 2014 draft haul. Source: News Corp Australia

De Goey is an outright star, who strikes fear into the opposition. And I don’t think we’ve yet seen the best of him, which is scary.

He was sorely missed during the Magpies’ finals campaign this year.

For me, Moore is the fourth-best player from the class of 2014, with Maynard rounding out my top-10.

Moore has the class, while Maynard has the grunt. Together with De Goey, they form part of a nucleus of young players that have stuck together to lift the Magpies up to relevance.

The next big challenge is ensuring De Goey and Moore, who come out of contract at the end of 2020, sign long-term deals like Brodie Grundy.

Brisbane defender Harris Andrews comes in at number two.

His rise has been meteoric. Drafted at Pick 61, Harris’ ability to halve a contest, change angles and intercept is remarkable. I also rate his closing speed.

Rounding out my top-three is Sydney gun Isaac Heeney. Given time, he could mature into the best forward of centre player in the AFL.

He has Dustin Martin-like qualities that I just love.

Isaac Heeney. Photo: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

Like Collingwood, Melbourne did well to secure high end talent in 2014.

Christian Petracca’s 2019 was underrated, while Angus Brayshaw showed what he’s capable of the year prior. Add in Jake Lever, who arrived at the club via Adelaide, and the Demons have three players in my top-10.

The inclusion of Touk Miller may surprise some people, but I love the way he makes a stand.

His battles with Dayne Zorko typify his ability to get under the skin of an opponent.

Caleb Daniel comes in at number nine – and not just because he’s a Bulldog.

What most people forget is that he was ranked highly during his draft year. In fact, Champion Data rated him as South Australia’s best-credentialed prospect.

He’s more than lived up to those expectations.

ORIGINAL 2014 DRAFT

1. Paddy McCartin (St Kilda)

2. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

3. Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne)

4. Jarrod Pickett (GWS)

5. Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)

6. Caleb Marchbank (GWS)

7. Paul Ahern (GWS)

8. Peter Wright (Gold Coast)

9. Darcy Moore (Collingwood)

10. Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong)

BRAD JOHNSON’S 2014 TOP 10

1. Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)

2. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

3. Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

4. Darcy Moore (Collingwood)

5. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

6. Touk Miller (Gold Coast)

7. Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne)

8. Jake Lever (Melbourne via Adelaide)

9. Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs)

10. Brayden Maynard (Collingwood)