WITH a lot less live football to trawl through last year, there was plenty of time for keen draft watchers to think about a range of topics, ideas and categories in regards to the class of 2020. In the build-up to draft day, the Final Siren Podcast team took a look at some of the potential cult heroes who fans would be likely to warm to quickly. Today, we review the list of 10 and delve into some of the hits and misses it has produced thus far.

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The parameters for last year’s list included a bunch of factors; from each prospects’ style of play, character and work-rate, to their name and look. Below are the lists of five compiled by Draft Central Chief Editor Peter Williams and Draft Editor Michael Alvaro.

Michael Alvaro’s five:

Jack Ginnivan
Bailey Laurie
Nathan O’Driscoll
Caleb Poulter
Maurice Rioli Jnr

Peter Williams’ five:

Jackson Callow
Eddie Ford
Lachlan Jones
Phoenix Spicer
Brandon Walker

In no real surprise to anyone, all 10 players went on to be drafted and seven of them managed to earn AFL debuts this season. Looking back on the selections, the likes of Caleb Poulter, Lachlan Jones, and Maurice Rioli Jnr have already garnered great followings with fans across the footballing world – let alone their own clubs – warming to them quickly.

Along with Poulter, Collingwood supporters were itching to see Jack Ginnivan get a taste of senior action, enjoying his energy and goal sense once that eventually occurred. The vibes are strong at North Melbourne too, with Eddie Ford and Phoenix Spicer impressing, while Brandon Walker has long been a Fremantle fan favourite given his ties to the Dockers’ NGA program.

So, there were some handy choices among the bunch, but also a few oversights. Errol Gulden is arguably the most glaring omission, with plenty to like about the Sydney Swans small – from his page-popping name, to pure class on the ball and incredible first year form.

Fremantle Dockers forward Josh Treacy is another who suits the cult hero mould perfectly. The barrelling bigman has already earned a few nicknames, with ‘The Big Cohuna’ and ‘Cyclone Treacy’ arguably the picks of the bunch. He certainly caught the eye on-field too and loves to throw his weight around – as was also the case at junior level.

Essendon fans didn’t take very long to appreciate top 10 picks Nik Cox and Archie Perkins. Cox, the 200cm ‘unicorn’ who can does pulls off outrageous feats for a player of his stature was an early Rising Star candidate, while Perkins is a stylish type who exudes confidence both on and off the field.

Elsewhere, Adelaide fans were stoked to get James Rowe in the door and the sheer delight he brings as a small forward makes him hard not to like. The mature-age draftee was one of the great stories of last year’s crop and went on to feature heavily in his maiden AFL campaign, providing highlights even neutrals could appreciate.

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Image Credit: Paul Kane via AFL Photos