Just thinking that in the last few years our drafting (especially during Laidley's time) has ended up working out ok.
2005. Swallow would be a worthy top 10 pick for that year.
2006. Lachie, Gibbs, Gumbleton were the undisputed top 3. I'd rate Lachie highest out of that lot and still have him top 10 when all other factors are thrown in. Goldstein, LT, Patch round out a great drafting period.
2007. Excepting Cyril and Dangerfield, Scotty T was one of the standouts. Throw in Levi and Narni as very nice bonuses.
2008. Ziebs is still a worthy top 10 pick.
2009. Cunners on track to be the best overall pick in the top 10. That's allowing for consideration of on and off field.. Basti and Black round out a better than break even effort in the top 30.
2010. Atley still looks a worthy 1st rounder.
2011. BMac doesn't harrass underage girls.
From 2006 I'd say there was some science to it and we've walked out of each draft with at least one quality player. But more importantly (touch Mason) we've moved away from some of the Trotter, Dylan Smith type howlers.