Despite a wide range of reviews regarding the quality and depth in this year’s draft pool, Gold Coast list and strategy manager, Scott Clayton, believes there is some “gold” to be found.
 
Following the conclusion of the exchange period on Thursday, the SUNS sit in a strong position, holding two picks in the first round – pick No. 6 and No. 16 – along with No. 29 and No. 56.
 
Gold Coast’s first three picks are almost identical to last year’s No. 8 (Peter Wright), No. 15 (Jarrod Garlett) and No. 29 – the last pick acquiring Touk Miller, a revelation in his maiden season, playing every game and finishing fourth in the best and fairest.
 
Clayton argued that the gulf in class between draft classes is never substantial, and this year’s pool will be full of quality.
 
Although like usual, it will be a challenge to unearth hidden gems the later the draft unfolds.
 
“I think the AFL draft pool its up or down five or ten per cent, it’s never massive,” Clayton told Melbourne radio station SEN on Friday morning.
 
“We quite like it; we think it’s interesting.
 
“We think it’s quite challenging, but there’s some real gold in there somewhere.
 
“We were happy actually having a late pick in it. We’re not talking it down, we’ve got four picks and we’re looking forward to bringing those players in that we end up with.”