As the days count down towards draft nights on November 25, SAINTS.com.au dissects some of our most significant drafts in the past 20 years.

From Max Hudghton, Jason Heatley and Andrew Thompson in 1996 to Jade Gresham, Brandon White and Bailey Rice in 2015, the core of St Kilda’s list build has come via the draft. All great sides are not only built on drafting top end talent, but also nailing the later picks.

In this eight-part series, we revisit influential drafts of the last 20 years – the superstar talent, the draft gems and those who didn’t quite make it.

First up, the 1996 AFL Draft. 

Pick 15 – Max Hudghton, West Brisbane QLD

Born in Victoria, Max Hudghton was moved to the Sunshine State for family reasons, where he was later drafted from West Brisbane. Prior to moving, the key defender was on the Northern Knights’ list but never played due to being underage. Many questioned why St Kilda drafted Hudghton out of Queensland, but it proved a masterstroke. 234 games later, the 191cm key defender was the heart and soul of the Saints backline for the best part of a decade. 

Pick 49 – Jason Heatley, West Coast Eagles WA

Originally an Eagle, the former dead eye Saint couldn’t say no to the opportunity for a return to Victoria after just three games in two years. West Coast for keen to keep Heatley as a back-up forward, but booting 374 goals in 83 WAFL games warranted more senior football. With St Kilda sending pick 34 to Sydney for Troy Grey, Heatley was the Saints second pick in 1996. Playing just 60 games in four years, the 187cm forward will best be remembered for his 73 goals in the 1997 season. 

Pick 62 – Andrew Thompson, Old Melburnians VIC

Andrew Thompson’s path to the AFL took a different route to the norm. Quitting footy twice following previous stints at the Saints and Western Bulldogs, St Kilda drafted the hard nosed midfielder from amateur side Old Melburnians. Picked up as a 24-year-old, Thompson was quick to establishment as a regular, playing missing just two games in his first year. From there, Thompson went on to play 221 games, captain the club and win a Trevor Barker Award in 2000.

Pick 71 – Brett Knowles, Gippsland VIC

Drafted from Gippsland U/18, Brett Knowles was made to work for his chance at senior level – spending time in the St Kilda reserves before playing in 1998. Missing 1999 through injury, Knowles’ most productive season was 2000, averaging 19 disposals in 17 games. 

Pick 78 – Lucas Fleming, Northern Knights VIC