The Crows have managed to find some hidden gems in the AFL draft recently, with current acting co-captain Rory Sloane the standout selection.

Of the 37 players the club has taken after pick No. 39 at NAB AFL Drafts, only 14 have made their AFL debuts. However, four (Sloane, pick 44, 2008, 86 games; Ricky Henderson, rookie pick 10, 2008, 56 games; Matthew Wright, rookie pick 33, 2009, 66 games; Matthew Jaensch, rookie pick 46, 2009, 53 games) have gone on to play at least 50 games.

Emerging defenders Rory Laird (rookie pick 5, 2011) and Kyle Hartigan (rookie pick 14, 2012) are both also shaping as AFL regulars.

It's only early days, but the selection of Matt Crouch with pick No.23 in last year's draft may also prove to be a draft bargain.

BEST RECENT STEAL: Rory Sloane

As the reigning Club Champion and acting co-captain, it's incredible to think Sloane slipped to pick No.44 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft. His desperation and determination is unparalleled at West Lakes and he has an uncanny ability to hit the scoreboard right when his side needs it.

As one of the competition's leading midfielders, Sloane would have to rate as one of the League's best recent draft steals.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Ben Stratton

The Crows overlooked the now-Hawthorn defender and took Sam Shaw with Pick No. 45 at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, only for the Hawks to swoop up Stratton with pick No. 46. Injury has restrained Shaw from developing into a genuine starter in the early years of his career, while Stratton has managed 80 games to Shaw's 21. He played every game last year for the Hawks, earning himself a premiership medallion.

Click here to read the full list of draft hits and misses on AFL.com.au