The 2020 AFL Draft is remembered as one of the most complex in the league’s history, heavily influenced by COVID lockdowns that prevented scouts from fully assessing prospective players. With most talent evaluated based on their under-17 performances and interviews, decisions were challenging. Among the players, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was the first overall pick for the Western Bulldogs, touted as a promising key forward. However, his subsequent off-field issues and a lack of game participation in 2024 have raised concerns about his career trajectory.
As we approach a re-draft in 2025, there’s much debate about how Ugle-Hagan would rank amid a draft class that has proven somewhat underwhelming in terms of standout players. Questions loom over whether he would still be a top-10 pick given his potential but troubled history.
The original top ten from the 2020 draft included:
1. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs)
2. Riley Thilthorpe (Adelaide)
3. Will Phillips (North Melbourne)
4. Logan McDonald (Sydney)
5. Braden Campbell (Sydney)
6. Denver Grainger-Barras (Hawthorn)
7. Elijah Hollands (Gold Coast)
8. Nik Cox (Essendon)
9. Archie Perkins (Essendon)
10. Zach Reid (Essendon)
The evaluation has shifted, particularly with the emergence of new talents and Ugle-Hagan’s decline. The draft is noted to be shallow, with few stars emerging, although some rookie successes like Josh Treacy and Jack Ginnivan offer hope. Ugle-Hagan’s challenges prompt teams to question whether to risk a pick on him given his potential to still provide valuable years.
In the re-draft, Riley Thilthorpe rises to the top as the most reliable option, having established himself as a key player for Adelaide. He’s followed by Errol Gulden, a standout midfielder, due to his elite skills, which gives him a slight edge over other prospects. Max Holmes and Josh Treacy also rank highly, showcasing growth and potential.
The revised top ten reflects the changing dynamics of the league, with Ugle-Hagan sliding down to fifth, acknowledging his recent struggles but also recognising his significant potential compared to other players in the draft. The final re-drafted top ten is as follows:
1. Riley Thilthorpe
2. Errol Gulden
3. Max Holmes
4. Josh Treacy
5. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
6. Zach Reid
7. Logan McDonald
8. Elijah Hollands
9. Jake Bowey
10. Archie Perkins
Notably, Jack Ginnivan, Ollie Henry, Braeden Campbell, Tom Powell, and Beau McCreery miss out on this list, highlighting the competitive nature of the draft class. As teams reconsider their choices, the implications of past selections continue to unfold as they plan for future success.