out of first in the division, and were playing the team thats first in the division, which is our archrival, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. What more could you ask for than that?Pittsburgh is 1-6 against Baltimore without Roethlisberger, and 9-8 when he plays. Tomlin said Roethlisberger co

Fridays annual national draft brought with it many twists and turns as clubs sought to secure the best talent ahead of the 2017 season.Every club walks away from the draft confident they had nailed their selections, and the refrain we couldnt believe he slipped through to our pick was heard regularly though the evening at Sydneys Hordern Pavilion.Its a huge night for the AFL industry, and only getting bigger, but also for teenage boys, their families and friends, who finally get to realise their dream. Or not, for many disappointed youngsters watching on at home.But aside from all the excitement and festivities, what lessons could we take away from this years draft?Essendon did everyone a favour by keeping their top choice under wrapsThis was the first year in recent memory that mystery still surrounded who would be taken at No. 1 right up until the time came. Essendon said pre-draft that only a handful of key staff members knew which way theyd lean on the night, meaning everyone else was sitting in suspense as the decision was announced - even the Dons media staff admitted they had no idea in the minutes beforehand.Because of this, there was genuine emotion from Andrew McGrath and his family and friends after being selected at No. 1 ahead of Tim Taranto and Hugh McCluggage. The brilliant running defender said he had no idea hed go No. 1: Not at all ... us three [possible No. 1 picks] were told [by the Bombers] we cant give anything away, and wed find out when everyone else finds out.Surprise surprise, the Giants and Suns scooped the poolRival clubs must be used to rolling their eyes at this time of year since the establishment of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, such has been the domination of the two new clubs at the draft table. With four selections inside the top 10, the Suns were always going to be a major player on Friday night, and they were considered to be one of the big winners after selecting Ben Ainsworth, Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie and their Academy player Jack Bowes. And the Giants, despite going within a whisker of winning the AFL premiership, also had their rivals looking on in jealousy. They were able to select Taranto at pick No. 2, while they also snared Academy jet Will Setterfield at No. 5 after matching a bid from Carlton, as well as Harry Perryman at No. 14 (matched bid from Adelaide) and Isaac Cumming at 20 (matched bid from Sydney).There were more bids than an auction in the early stages of the draftClubs were playing ducks and drakes with Academy and father-son nominations. North Melbourne even went for the trifecta with their second-round picks, bidding on and securing Brisbane Lions Academy defender Declan Watson, and then shooting for Collingwood father-son midfielder Callum Brown. The Pies matched on Brown, so the Roos reloaded and successfully bid on Gold Coast Academy prospect Josh Williams. Overall, 12 academy selections and three father-sons were drafted, with the last name called out, Jake Waterman, the son of legendary Eagle Chris.Theres still plenty of romance left in the cut-throat world of AFLAs well as Waterman joining West Coast, Collingwood were able to secure father-son draftees Callum Brown (son of Gavin) and Josh Daicos (son of Peter) with picks 35 and 57 respectively, with the tweets and vision of the two households celebrating their arrival at their fathers club a joy to behold.The AFL moves on quickly but theres still time for reflectionAlmost as soon as the final whistle is blown on grand final day, the AFL industry starts to plan for the following season, with the trade and draft periods following soon after the biggest game of the year. But AFL CEO Gill McLachlan took a moment during his pre-draft speech to congratulate Western Bulldogs for their drought-breaking win against the Swans. Quite rightly, long-suffering Dogs fans should take every opportunity to remind themselves that yes, their club are the reigning premiers.Draftees get straight down to businessAlmost as soon as they were shuffled off stage after being selected in the first round, the top-end talents were paraded through the media centre for interviews and photos. In less time to compose a tweet, the lucky young men transformed from enthusiastic amateurs to consummate professionals, answering questions from eager reporters, and posing for photographs in their new club colours. No. 3 pick McCluggage took an early liking to AFL draft clichés, telling one interviewer: Whether you go [at pick] one, or as a rookie, it doesnt matter once you get to the club.... But, theyre still of course excitable 18-year-oldsDespite being thrust into the world of professional football, it was easy to see the new draftees for what they were - wide-eyed youngsters living their dream. Back stage, away from their official duties, they bunched together smiling, laughing and trying to contain their excitement. Most had their heads buried in their phones, Snapchatting away, or were intently watching the draft broadcast and celebrating when friends and teammates were selected. Mookie Wilson Jersey . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. Mookie Wilson Jersey . The International Olympic Committee released the official list of bid cities on Friday after the deadline for applications had passed. The candidates -- all previously announced in their own countries -- are: Almaty, Kazakhstan; Beijing; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm. http://www.metsbaseballauthentic.com/devin-mesoraco-mets-jersey/ . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Dwight Gooden Jersey . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Adeiny Hechavarria Jersey . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. The Baltimore Ravens expect to see Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back in the lineup when they meet for first place in the AFC North on Sunday (1 p.m., ET).In fact, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs plans to welcome Roethlisberger back to the field.Dont fall for that. I saw this movie before, Suggs said about the possibility of Roethlisberger being ruled inactive. Hes going to act like, Im not playing. I dont know. I did individual today and threw a little bit. I still dont know. Then, hes going to walk ... on out there. Im going to be like, How you doin, Benjamin.On Friday, Roethlisberger was officially listed as questionable for Pittsburghs divisional showdown with Baltimore, but thats about as much information as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was willing to provide.We had a good day today. He had a good day today, Tomlin said. Well see how his body responds to the work. We dont have to make the decision today so we wont. Well continue to push forward toward game day.Roethlisberger returned to practice this week after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left meniscus on Oct. 17. Whether he plays or not, the Ravens are determined to seize the opportunity in front of them.Were seven games in, were one game out of first in the division, and were playing the team thats first in the division, which is our archrival, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. What more could you ask for than that?Pittsburgh is 1-6 against Baltimore without Roethlisberger, and 9-8 when he plays. Tomlin said Roethlisberger could still be active for the game even if he doesnt start.I thought it was generally positive, Tomlin said about Roethlisbergers performance at practice this week. We hadnt spent a lot of time analyzing it. Its just been giving him the work and him taking the work and hes done a really good job with it.If Roethlisberger is not fully ready, backup Landry Jones will make his second consecutive start. Jones went 29 of 47 for 281 yards with a touchdown and interception against the New England Patriots in Week 7.The offense doesnt change that much if Landry Jones is in there, Harbaugh said. Obviously, theyre different players. Ben is Ben, and we respect him tremendously. Well operate under that assumption.Roethlisberger is still experiencing some pain because of the surgery. Nonetheless, he said dealing with any type of injury is common at this point of the season.dddddddddddd Roethlisberger will likely be a game-time decision as far as being named the starter.I had surgery two weeks ago, Roethlisberger said. Listen, anybody in this locker room that isnt feeling pain hasnt been on the football field yet. Everyone is feeling pain right now.Roethlisberger is having a solid season and has thrown for 1,685 yards, He is tied for fifth in the NFL with 16 touchdowns passes and has just six interceptions. Roethlisberger has been sacked 11 times, and will likely face relentless pressure by the Ravens if he is able to play.Both the Steelers (4-3) and Ravens (3-4) are coming off bye weeks. That extra time off was especially valuable to Baltimore, which hopes to have most of its key players back in the lineup.While Harbaugh declined to get into specifics about injuries, left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot), and former Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) are expected to return. Baltimore has struggled behind a makeshift offensive line without those two key players out of the lineup.The Ravens are also hopeful a healthy team will help snap the current four-game losing streak -- the longest slide in Harbaughs nine years as the head coach.The Steelers could get a huge boost to their playoff aspirations with a victory. Pittsburgh could also get several injured players back, including defensive end Cameron Heyward (hamstring), running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) and right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle).Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh have been helped by a struggling AFC North this season. The teams in that division have combined for just 10 wins -- the lowest mark in the NFL.Nonetheless, the Steelers and Ravens are in the best position to take advantage of the situation. The winner of Sundays game will be in the drivers seat.Even though Baltimore and Pittsburgh have struggles, it remains one of the best rivalries in the NFL.Its going to be exciting ball, Tomlin said. Control of the AFC North is at stake. We respect their place. We are doing it at their place. Its a hostile environment. They are well coached and have good players. ' ' '