In the days leading up to the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, we'll be counting down Hawthorn's top 10 draft classes from the last 30 years, with one class revealed each day...
THE 1994 National Draft netted Hawthorn a trio of stalwarts from its six selections, with forward Ben Dixon arguably the Hawks’ best find at Pick 77.
Dixon, who was recruited from Assumption College, made his debut in 1997 and played 203 for the Hawks, kicking 282 goals to sit 12th on the club’s all-time list of goalkickers.
The skilful half-forward played in seven finals and was awarded life membership in 2005 before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2007 season at the age of 30.
Hawthorn’s first pick at the draft was used on tough midfielder Daniel Harford from the Northern U18 side.
Taken with the eighth selection, Harford found himself thrust into the Hawks’ midfield playing 13 games in his first year before solidifying his position the season after.
Harford finished up playing 153 games and kicking 67 goals in the brown and gold before being traded to Carlton ahead of the 2004 season.
Jade Rawlings was the final player picked up by the Hawks in the draft, with the Devonport product developing into a key position player capable of playing at either end of the ground.
Rawlings played 116 games for 62 goals before being traded at the end of 2003 to the Western Bulldogs.
Pick 60 was used to select Brad Scott who was later delisted and redrafted before playing a full 22 games in 1997.
Scott was then traded to the Brisbane Lions where he became a dual-premiership player, while Nathan Saunders and Lee Fraser weren’t as successful as their fellow draftees, delisted after one season on the list.
1994 NATIONAL DRAFT
PICK 8: DANIEL HARFORD
PICK 59: NATHAN SAUNDERS
PICK 60: BRAD SCOTT
PICK 65: LEE FRASER
PICK 77: BEN DIXON
PICK 94: JADE RAWLINGS
