The 2015 AFL draft remains one of the most talked-about events in recent footy history. It was a night that changed the fortunes of several clubs and introduced us to some of the biggest names in the game today. When we look back at the 2015 afl draft players, it is amazing to see how many of them became All-Australians or even premiership heroes. The talent pool was deep, and the scouts certainly had their work cut out for them that year.
Watching the 2015 afl draft order unfold was like watching a high-stakes chess match. Teams were desperate to find that one special player who could lead them to glory. Some clubs found superstars late in the count, while others used their early 2015 afl draft selections to grab surefire winners. This article will break down everything you need to know about that famous night. We will look at the big winners, the surprise picks, and how the 2015 afl draft shaped the league as we know it now.
Understanding the 2015 AFL Draft Order
The way the 2015 afl draft order was set up created a lot of excitement before the first name was even called. Carlton held the very first pick, and everyone wanted to see who they would choose to lead their rebuild. Because of the bidding system for academy players, the order shifted slightly as the night went on. This made the 2015 afl draft feel more dynamic than previous years. Fans were glued to their screens as their favorite teams made tough choices.
It is important to remember that the 2015 afl draft selections were not just about talent. Teams also had to look at what their roster needed at the time. Some needed fast midfielders, while others were looking for strong defenders to guard the goal square. When the 2015 afl draft kicked off in Adelaide, the atmosphere was electric. Every club hoped they were about to draft a 200-game player. Looking back, many of those dreams actually came true for the lucky teams involved.
Top 10 2015 AFL Draft Selections
The top of the list for the 2015 afl draft was packed with massive potential. Jacob Weitering was the standout choice for the number one spot, and he has certainly lived up to the hype at Carlton. Other early 2015 afl draft selections included Josh Schache and Callum Mills. Mills was a highly rated academy player who stayed in Sydney, showing how the bidding system worked in real-time. These young men carried the weight of the world on their shoulders as they started their pro careers.
Each of the top 2015 afl draft players had a different journey after that night. Some hit the ground running and won the Rising Star award, while others took a few years to find their feet. The 2015 afl draft order proved to be quite accurate in identifying the elite talent available. If you look at the stats today, the players taken in the top ten have played hundreds of games combined. It was a very successful year for the recruiters who did their homework properly.
Key Biography Table: Stars of the 2015 Class
| Player Name | Original Club | Pick Number | Career Milestone |
| Jacob Weitering | Carlton | 1 | Best & Fairest Winner |
| Callum Mills | Sydney Swans | 3 | Club Captain / All-Australian |
| Clayton Oliver | Melbourne | 4 | 3x All-Australian / Premiership |
| Darcy Parish | Essendon | 5 | All-Australian Midfielder |
| Charlie Curnow | Carlton | 12 | 2x Coleman Medal Winner |
Clayton Oliver: The Steal of the First Round
When discussing the 2015 afl draft, you cannot skip over Clayton Oliver. He was taken at pick four by Melbourne, and he quickly became one of the best midfielders in the entire league. His ability to win the ball in tight spaces is legendary. Among all 2015 afl draft players, Oliver has arguably had the biggest impact on his club’s success. He played a huge role in helping the Demons win their drought-breaking premiership in 2021.
Recruiters look for specific traits, and Oliver had them all. Even though he wasn’t the number one pick in the 2015 afl draft order, many people now say he might be the best player from that year. His consistency and tough style of play make him a fan favorite. It shows that even within the top 2015 afl draft selections, there can be hidden gems who exceed every expectation. His career is a perfect example of why AFL teams value the draft so highly.
The Rise of Charlie Curnow
Another massive name from the 2015 afl draft is Charlie Curnow. He was selected by Carlton with pick 12, which now looks like an absolute bargain. Charlie is known for his incredible jumping ability and his power as a forward. While injuries slowed him down for a while, he returned to become the best goal-kicker in the AFL. He is a great example of why you should never give up on 2015 afl draft players even if they have a rough start.
Because he was taken a bit lower in the 2015 afl draft order, there was less pressure on him initially. This allowed him to develop his game away from the brightest spotlight. Today, he and Jacob Weitering are the pillars of the Carlton football club. Both came from the same 2015 afl draft class, which shows how one good year of drafting can set a club up for a decade. Fans love watching him fly for marks every weekend.
Mid-Round Gems and Surprise Picks
The beauty of the 2015 afl draft was that talent was found everywhere, not just at the very top. Players like Jade Gresham and Daniel Rioli were taken later in the first round and became vital players for their teams. Rioli, in particular, became a triple-premiership player with Richmond. These 2015 afl draft selections prove that a good scouting team can find gold if they look closely enough at the junior leagues.
When we analyze the 2015 afl draft order, we see that the second and third rounds also produced starters. It takes a lot of hard work to turn a mid-round pick into a star. The 2015 afl draft gave us many stories of players who weren’t the “big names” but worked their way to the top. This is what makes the draft so special for supporters. You never know if the kid picked at number 30 will become the next captain of your favorite club.
How Academy Bidding Impacted the Order
One unique thing about the 2015 afl draft was the use of the new points bidding system. This system allowed clubs like Sydney and Brisbane to keep players from their local academies, but they had to pay a fair price in draft points. Callum Mills was a big part of this during the 2015 afl draft order process. Melbourne bid on him early, forcing Sydney to use their picks to keep him. It added a layer of strategy that we hadn’t seen before.
This change meant that the 2015 afl draft selections weren’t as straightforward as they used to be. It required list managers to be very smart with how they traded their picks. Some people loved the drama, while others found it a bit confusing at first. Regardless, it ensured that the 2015 afl draft was a fair way to spread talent across the league. It also helped protect the investment clubs made in young kids through their local training programs.
Defensive Anchors from the 2015 Class
While forwards and midfielders get most of the glory, the 2015 afl draft produced some amazing defenders. Jacob Weitering is the obvious leader here, but others like Tom Doedee and Marcus Adams also made their mark. These 2015 afl draft players are the ones who do the “ugly” work to stop the other team from scoring. A strong defense is the backbone of any winning team, and this draft class provided plenty of muscle.
Looking back at the 2015 afl draft order, it is clear that many teams were prioritizing size and strength. They wanted players who could compete in the air and run off the half-back line. The 2015 afl draft selections in this category have mostly turned into reliable leaders. They might not always be the ones kicking the winning goal, but their coaches value them just as much. It is hard to imagine the current AFL landscape without these tough backmen.
The Longevity of the 2015 Draftees
We are now several years removed from the 2015 afl draft, and many of these players are in the prime of their careers. Most of the top 2015 afl draft selections have now played over 150 games. This shows that the 2015 pool was very durable and mentally strong. In professional sports, staying healthy is just as important as being talented. The 2015 afl draft class has been remarkably resilient through many seasons.
As these 2015 afl draft players move into the veteran stage, they are now the ones teaching the younger kids. They have gone from being wide-eyed teenagers to respected leaders in the locker room. When you look at the 2015 afl draft order now, you see a group of men who have matured into the faces of the league. It is fun to think about how much they have grown since that night in Adelaide. Their impact on the game will be felt for many more years to come.
Final Thoughts on a Historic Night
The 2015 afl draft will always be remembered as a turning point for many teams. Whether it was Carlton grabbing two superstars or Melbourne finding a generational midfielder, the results were massive. The 2015 afl draft selections helped balance the league and gave fans new heroes to cheer for. Even the players taken late in the 2015 afl draft order have found ways to contribute to the sport we love so much.
In the end, the 2015 afl draft was about hope and new beginnings. Every name called represented a dream coming true for a young athlete. For the fans, it was the start of a journey with new favorites. As we look at the careers of the 2015 afl draft players, we can say with certainty that it was a very strong year. It reminds us why the draft is the most important day on the footy calendar every single year.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, the 2015 afl draft gave us a special group of athletes who continue to dominate. From the very first pick to the very last, these players have shown incredible skill and heart. If your team made good choices during the 2015 afl draft selections, you are likely still reaping the rewards today. It was a night that proved how vital scouting and strategy are in the modern game. Keep an eye on these stars as they continue to chase premiership glory in the coming seasons!
(FAQs)
Who was the number one pick in the 2015 AFL draft?
Jacob Weitering was the number one pick. He was drafted by the Carlton Football Club and has since become one of the best defenders in the league.
How many players were picked in the 2015 AFL draft order?
There were 70 players selected in the national draft that year. This does not include the rookie draft or pre-season selections that happened later.
Which player from the 2015 afl draft has won the most awards?
Clayton Oliver is often cited as the most decorated. He has won multiple Best and Fairest awards at Melbourne and several All-Australian jackets.
Were there any father-son picks in the 2015 afl draft selections?
Yes, Bailey Rice was a notable pick who was eligible as a father-son for both Carlton and St Kilda. He eventually chose to play for St Kilda.
Is the 2015 afl draft considered a “strong” year?
Absolutely. Experts consider it a very deep draft because many players picked in the later rounds have gone on to play over 100 games.
Where was the 2015 afl draft held?
The event took place at the Adelaide Convention Centre. it was a big deal because it was held outside of Melbourne, showing the national reach of the game.
