I have compiled a list of the players on our list who have played senior footy for the Swans and the position from which they were first drafted. Some very interesting facts.

We only have 6 players who were drafted under pick 20 although Jed Lamb was drafted at 21. From 21-40 we have 8 players. Over 40 we have 9 players. We have also either elevated or drafted 9 players who were originally rookies.

Of the side playing Sunday; 3 players were drafted under 20. 6 between 20 & 40. 5 Over 40 and 8 were first drafted as rookies.

That means the majority of the team that walks out on the park tomorrow started life in AFL ranks as Rookies. But some rookies! Check out these names;

Heath Grundy, Keiren Jack, Shane Mumford, Mike Pyke, Dane Rampe, Nick Smith, Martin Mattner and Ben McGlinn. Of those 6 are premiership players and Benny probably would have been if not injured.

This is an amazing success rate with Rookies and recycled players.

Of our current Rookies; Rampe has been elevated, Lloyd looks like a real prospect, Biggs is coming along very nicely, Jack is developing, Robinson is certainly a prospect, Richards will develop and is really refining his trade at the moment, Naismith is injured so will have to wait.

I a not saying that all the Rookies will make it but we certainly have some very exciting prospects on our Rookie List. We seem to pick up talented players that were overlooked due to a number of factors; Recruiters thought others were more suited to their set up, needed height, needed defender, needed super speed, seen as too skilled (funnily enough some coaches don't like super talented players, they think they don't blend in well), too raw. Whatever the case we have managed over the years to pick up some really good Rookie talent and Recycled players.