This article tells all that player development can win you a flag and a team of champions not just champions! Look no Judd was drafted!

Brass tacks of champion team

02 October 2007 Herald Sun

Jon Anderson

GEELONG recruiting manager Stephen Wells is a master builder when it comes to football teams.

Embracing success: Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney on Saturday. Picture: Michael Dodge

As the Cats continue to bask in their premiership glory, Wells explains how he brought this champion group together over several well-planned years:

Josh Hunt (draft pick 44, 2000)

"Played as a Victorian under-16 representative at full-forward, but one day at North Ballarat his speed, body strength and ball use on a wing convinced us."

Matthew Scarlett (father-son, 1997)

"We knew him very well from Geelong Falcons but could never have known how good he would turn out. But he was always able to get a fist in even when he seemed beaten, because of his speed and timing."

Tom Harley (trade, 1998)

"Obviously was very strong overhead and had enormous character, but since arriving he has added the ability to take small forwards out of the contest."

Andrew Mackie (pick 7, 2002)

"His leg speed, great instinct for the game and ball use were huge pluses, plus his versatility."

Darren Milburn (pick 48, 1995)

"Always very safe overhead, a good decision-maker with natural footballing instincts."

Corey Enright (pick 47, 1999)

"Had the versatility we were looking for and really can play just about anywhere through the midfield."

Max Rooke (rookie elevation, 2002)

"Played as a forward for Casterton, but a couple of times in the midfield showed great aerobic capacity and a real grit for the ball."

David Wojcinski (pick 24, 1998)

"We picked `Wojo' for his total speed at a time when it was a choice between he or a tall forward."

Jimmy Bartel (pick 8, 2001)

"With his total commitment, skill and bravery, he was a very easy choice."

Joel Corey (pick 8, 1999)

"He was outstanding at every level he played and has ability to play well in big games. Does he ever play a bad game?"

Mathew Stokes (pick 61, 2005)

"Was a brilliant player as a junior and then proved his toughness in finals for Woodville-West Torrens."

Nathan Ablett (father-son, 2004)

"Just raw, natural ability with good endurance and all the skills. He's going to be some player."

Steve Johnson (pick 24, 2001)

"Uncanny goalkicking ability was obvious even at age 17 when he made All-Australian."

Paul Chapman (pick 31, 1999)

"Was always tough, was always skilled and was always playing well in the last quarter because he is so competitive."

Cameron Mooney (trade, 1999)

"He was what we needed after Leigh Colbert went to the Kangaroos when we also got a draft pick for Corey Enright."

Gary Ablett (father-son, 2001)

"A total team player who handballed more than he kicked as a junior and was always so good one-on-one."

Brad Ottens (trade, 2004)

"Great skill for someone of his size who fitted our needs exactly (Ottens was originally taken at No. 2 in the 1997 draft by Richmond)."

Steven King (compensatory selection, 1995)

"Played a lot as a forward, but it was his athleticism and ruck work that appealed to me."

Cameron Ling (pick 38, 1999)

"Loved his character and even though he was mainly a forward for Geelong Falcons, I once saw him get 38 possessions in the midfield."

James Kelly (pick 17, 2001)

"Always read the play well, very good one-on-one and ultra-competitive."

Shannon Byrnes (rookie elevation, 2004)

"Good mark for his size, but we really drafted him for his speed and competitive instincts."

Joel Selwood (pick 7, 2006)

"Just a great, natural footballer with an outstanding football brain, who keeps wanting to learn

The article doesn't mention the 'luck' factor. We would kill to have G.Ablett, N.Ablett, Scarlett and Blake as father/sons.

The article doesn't mention the 'luck' factor. We would kill to have G.Ablett, N.Ablett, Scarlett and Blake as father/sons.

Look at the low draft picks Ling,chapman etc they were drafted many years ago & its no luck that the club was able to develop them.

My point is that if Geelong can do it we can too. With Bailey & Connoly they can develelop our list