With the 2013 National Draft drawing closer, NMFC.com.au takes a look at some of the Kangaroos’ most memorable selections; the bargain picks, the surprise packets and more.

2006 saw just seven victories for North in its least successful year for more than a decade. However with only three selections inside the top 40, the recruiting staff still had a lot of work to do.

While Lachlan Hansen and Todd Goldstein were successes with picks 3 and 37 respectively, Lindsay Thomas at pick 53 was the man able to come in and start making a contribution straight away.

[RELATED: Every North selection from every draft in history]

Playing as a small forward since the start of 2007, Thomas has taken his game to another level in the last two seasons. Averaging almost two and a half goals in that time, the left footer has grown into arguably the best small forward in the AFL and was unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection this year.

In addition to Thomas’ 204 career goals in 130 games, he has also registered 138 score assists and is second at the club since his debut.

So a pick 53 has turned into a consistent goal-scorer while also setting up his teammates on a regular basis. And there’s still much more to come from a player who is only 25-years-old.

Lindsay Thomas

Pick: #53, 2006 National
Games: 130*
Goals: 204*
Pick before Thomas: Brock O’Brien, Fremantle (3 games)
Pick after Thomas: Matt Tyler, Brisbane (0 games)

North at the 2006 National Draft

PickPlayerRecruited fromGames for North
3Lachlan Hansen*Gippsland U1899*
21Gavin UrquhartMorningside, QLD41
37Todd Goldstein*Oakleigh U18, VIC101*
53Lindsay Thomas*Port Adelaide, SA130*
69Ben WarrenZillmere, QLD29
82Aaron EdwardsFrankston, VIC78
Rookie elevationEd Lower 42
Rookie elevationScott McMahon* 117*
Rookie elevationDjaran Whyman 3