While plenty is made of the importance of early picks in the National Draft, often some of the game’s biggest gems can be found late, or in the pre-season and rookie drafts.
Ahead of next Thursday’s NAB AFL Draft, westernbulldogs.com.au profiles some of the Club’s best late picks.
In 1988, Footscray used its 105th selection in the National Draft to secure the services of Daylesford product, Chris Grant.
Grant made his debut in 1990, in a career that spanned 18 seasons with Footscray and the Western Bulldogs.
Known for his longevity and reliability, Grant finished his career on 341 games, with 554 goals, three all-Australian selections (1997, 1998, 1999) and two Charles Sutton medals (1994,1996).
He also captained the Bulldogs for four seasons between 2001-2004.
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Grant announced his retirement from football in October 2007 and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
From his draft year in 1988, the nearest player in durability to Grant was North Melbourne’s Anthony Stevens, who played 292 games – after being selected at pick 18.
Grant continues to support the Western Bulldogs in his role as Director of Football and was elevated to Legend status in the Bulldogs’ Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Chris Grant Files
Drafted: 1988, selection 105
Played: 1990-2007 (18 seasons)
Games: 341
Goals: 554
Captain: 2001-04
Best & Fairest: 1994, 1996
Leading Club Goalkicker: 1990 (51 goals), 1994 (71 goals)
All-Australian: 1997, 1998, 1999
Inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame: 2012
Footscray/Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame: 2010
