In the lead up to this week’s AFL National Draft, we take a retrospective look at the best players in modern history selected at pick 19, 31 and 59 – the Bombers’selections at this year’s AFL National Draft.

With the introduction of the GWS Giants – who are guaranteed 11 of the first 14 picks at this year’s National Draft – essendonfc.com.au investigates the calibre of playing talent previously on offer with the club's upcoming picks at the 2011 AFL National Draft.

Today, we take a look at the best of pick 31.

 

Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
Recruited from: East Fremantle 1997
At 32 years of age, Brisbane champion Simon Black is still one of the AFL’s most decorated players. Currently on 296 matches, the hardworking midfielder was drafted by the Brisbane Lions from the East Fremantle Football Club, and debuted in round one of the 1998 season. The Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist was crucial in the club’s three premierships from 2001-2003 and proves to be one of the best No.31 selections in modern AFL history.

Paul Chapman (Geelong)
Recruited from: Calder Cannons 1999
Chapman made his debut for the Geelong Cats in 2000, after making an impression as a dangerous small forward and versatile midfielder. Chapman has played 222 games for Geelong, and was an integral part of the successful Geelong premiership teams in 2007, 2009 and 2011 – winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 2009 Grand Final.

Shane Wakelin (St Kilda)
Recruited from: SANFL Port Adelaide 1992
Wakelin was recruited from Port Adelaide in the 1992 AFL Draft and immediately impressed when he made his debut in 1994 with St Kilda as a tough defender. Injuries limited the defender’s opportunities at St Kilda and Wakelin was traded to Collingwood at the end of the 2000 season.