In 1998, it was Craig Bolton whose name was read out by the Lions with Pick No.33.
Although Bolton played just 29 matches in three seasons with the Lions from 2000-2002, he went on to become an All Australian defender, premiership player, and Co-Captain with the Sydney Swans.
In 2000, the Lions drafted former Fitzroy best and fairest Martin Pike as a mature-age recruit.
After previous stints at Melbourne, Fitzroy, and North Melbourne, some believed that Pike might have been past his prime. But he proved that his best was still to come, and went on to play 106 matches in five seasons with the merged Lions to take his career tally to 247.
More importantly, Pike’s recruitment directly coincided with the Lions’ historic hat-trick of premierships – and the South Australian played a key role in each of them.
The last time the Lions held Pick No.33 in the Draft was back in 2003 – a month after the Club celebrated its third straight flag – and they took a punt on a young country Victorian midfielder named Jed Adcock.
Just three months ago Adcock was inducted as a Life Member of the Lions after 10 years of service and 163 senior matches.
He remains an integral member and Co-Captain of the current Lions’ side.
The Lions aside, Pick No.33 has also produced some terrific talent in the past few years, including Hawthorn premiership player Brad Hill (2011) and Melbourne high-flyer Jeremy Howe (2010).
History
2012 – Liam McBean (RICH)
2011 – Brad Hill (HAW)
2010 – Jeremy Howe (MEL)
2009 – Anthony Long (ESS)
2008 – Tom Gillies (GEEL)
2007 – Matthew Westhoff (PA)
2006 – Jarryd Morton (HAW)
2005 – Sam Gilbert (StK)
2004 – Cain Ackland (StK)
2003 – Jed Adcock (BL)
2002 – Brad Murphy (WB)
2001 – David Rodan (RICH)
2000 – Martin Pike (BL)
1999 – Tim Clarke (HAW)
1998 – Craig Bolton (BL)
1997 – James Thiessen (ADEL)
1996 – Will Sangster (SYD)
