Over the last three years, Carlton has stuck to its plan of going to the draft and bringing in the best young talent across the country.

Leading into Thursday’s draft, we’ll look back on the Blues’ respective hauls from drafts gone by in preparation for Carlton’s phase two.

Next up is the 2014 draft:  Carlton has replenished its stocks retrospectively, boasting four players on its list who started out at a different club.

Jarrod Pickett — Pick 4 (via GWS)

Natural talent and the ability to change a game. That was the industry opinion of the highly-rated Jarrod Pickett when he was selected with pick No.4 in 2014.

Making his way to GWS, Pickett’s match-winning capabilities was what made him one of the standout prospects in his draft pool. His blistering pace and ball use saw him described as “the most exhilarating player in the draft”.

Likened to fellow West Australian speedster Brad Hill at the time, Pickett was penciled in for a spot on the wing due to his unrivalled run-and-carry compared to the rest of his draft class.

Now preparing for his third year at Ikon Park, Pickett will be out to build on the glimpses and flashes of brilliance he has shown in navy blue.

Caleb Marchbank — Pick 6 (via GWS)

Marchbank joined Pickett at GWS at the same time, just as they did at the Blues at the end of 2016. Taken with pick No.6, Marchbank was one of the most sought after key prospects.

At the Under 16 Championships, Marchbank played across the wing before a growth spurt saw him become a mobile, intercepting defender.

An All Australian defender at under 18 level, it was Marchbank’s strength overhead and ability to launch from defence which unsurprisingly had recruiters interested in the Murray Bushrangers product.

Despite some injury setbacks, Marchbank has been an impressive contributor for Carlton and looks to be a key cog for a number of years.

Jarrod Garlett — Pick 15 (via Gold Coast)

Jarrod Garlett’s football story is an interesting one, but it all started when the West Australian was a first-round draft selection for Gold Coast four years ago.

The excitement machine was snapped up with pick No.15, surging up the order after impressive performances with WA and South Fremantle. He played football with Jarrod Pickett since the age of 14.

A risk taker with the footy, Garlett tested extremely well with his skills by foot as well as the vertical jump at the 2014 draft combine.

Returning to football this time 12 months ago, Garlett was drafted - for the second time - with the final pick in the 2017 draft. After 11 games in his first year as a Blue, Garlett will be on the search for consistency this pre-season.

Mitch McGovern — Pick 43 (via Adelaide)

McGovern followed in his brother’s footsteps four years ago, ultimately becoming an AFL player after being selected by the Crows with pick No.43.

Initially working as a credit officer in WA while playing for Claremont, the younger McGovern was drafted as a 19-year-old thanks to his ability in the air and speed off the mark.

After waiting a year to debut following an injury-interrupted season, McGovern burst onto the scene and didn’t look back, kicking 67 goals from 48 games - including 32 in his first full season.

The excitement was palpable amongst Bluebaggers over the off-season, as Carlton got its man in the trade period. Now at Ikon Park, McGovern will be vital for the Blues in 2019 and beyond.

Draft hauls revisited

2013: Patrick Cripps, Darcy Lang
2014: Jarrod Pickett, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Garlett, Mitch McGovern