Blues recruiting manager Wayne Hughes explains his decision to draft 3 smaller players, including Kane Lucas, Marcus Davies and Rohan Kerr, at the 2009 NAB AFL draft rather than a tall player to replace the now-departed Brendan Fevola.

Hughes' explanation comes in the wake of some backlash by Carlton supporters over his decisions at the draft.

"We rated Kane Lucas higher than any of the tall players left in the draft at pick 10 as John Butcher had already gone to Port Adelaide. You will find the draft full of tall players taken first round who didn't work," Hughes said.