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 2017: the most recent draft where Carlton welcomed four new youngsters into the AFL system.

Paddy Dow — Pick 3

The Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country midfielder ‘wowed’ recruiters and onlookers all over the country in his top-age year.

So when Paddy Dow became a Blue with pick No.3 this time 12 months ago, it was met with a lot of excitement from Bluebaggers. His last game of the year was testament to that, when he recorded 35 disposals and two goals in the TAC Cup.

Named on the wing in the under-18 All Australian side, it was his burst from the stoppage and ability to rack up contested ball which set him apart from his draft class.

It didn’t take long for Dow to endear himself to the Carlton faithful, re-signing until 2022 before he made his debut. His running goal against the Gold Coast Suns was arguably the highlight of the year.

Lochie O’Brien — Pick 10

Dow’s teammate and schoolmate at Geelong Grammar, Lochie O’Brien made it a one-two punch in the top 10 when he was selected by Carlton in the first round.

His running game and first-class ball-use saw him likened to West Coast star Andrew Gaff, and did his chances of being drafted no harm with 24 disposals and a goal in the All Stars game.

Finishing second in the 2km time trial at the draft combine, O’Brien combined his athleticism with his ability and versatility to become a dangerous player in all areas of the ground.

After making his AFL debut in Round 4, O’Brien missed only one game for the rest of the year and improved each week. His career trajectory is an exciting proposition for the Blues.

Tom De Koning — Pick 30

Dandenong Stingrays product Tom De Koning rose through the ranks, with his natural ability and upside seeing the Blues welcome him with pick No.30.

Part of the AFL Academy, De Koning emerged onto the scene when he produced a nine-goal haul against the Northern Knights as a bottom-ager in 2016.

While a lacerated kidney brought a premature end to his year, his athleticism and talent throughout the year was enough to convince Carlton to make him a Blue.

De Koning broke through for two senior games at the end of the season, and the excitement surrounding it shows just how much of an impact he’s made on the playing group in 12 months.

Angus Schumacher — Pick 70

Angus Schumacher became the third player from the Bendigo Pioneers to make his way to Carlton in the 2017 draft.

A rangy left-footer, the defender - who arrived at his boyhood club - featured for Vic Country and was statistically the best rebound player in the TAC Cup.

While yet to make his senior debut, Schumacher showed improvement each week in his 17 games for the Northern Blues.

Draft hauls revisited

2013: Patrick Cripps, Darcy Lang
2014: Jarrod Pickett, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Garlett, Mitch McGovern
2015: Jacob Weitering, Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, Matthew Kennedy, David Cuningham, Jack Silvagni
2016: Will Setterfield, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Zac Fisher, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Tom Williamson, Patrick Kerr, Kym Lebois
2017: Paddy Dow, Lochie O’Brien, Tom De Koning, Angus Schumacher