Western Jets’ Finn Davis has realised his AFL dream, while a former Jets captain was among the shock names called out in the AFL drafts last week.
Davis will get his shot in the AFL after being selected by Greater Western Sydney.
He was selected at pick 51 after a strong season for the Jets.
Davis finished second in the Jets best and fairest after making a late run having missed games early in the season.
The defender comes from the Williamstown CYMS and Williamstown Juniors.
He averaged nearly 28 disposals and six marks for the season and was seen as one of the Coates Talent League’s most consistent medium defenders,
Jets coach Christian Stagliano spoke highly of Davis in the lead up to the draft.
“It was exciting for Finn to be a train on for the metro squad and worked his way into the main squad which was super,” he said.
“He had some really consistent games, acquitted himself really well at the level.”
Giants head of talent Adrian Caruso said Davis had a strong year at the Western Jets as a composed, calm ball-user out of the backline.
“What we like most about Finn was his ability to get a job done when asked of him, but also show the creativity and ball use when used as a set up player. He adds to your young mix of backs we have brought in over recent years like James Leake, Joe Fonti and Harry Oliver.”
Davis was the only player for the Western Jets this season to be picked up in the three drafts.
While, former Jets captain Billy Cootee was one of the shock selections on night two of the draft. He was captain of the Jets in 2021.
He also attended Maribyrnong Sports Academy and played locally for Essendon Doutta Stars after making the move from Mount Beauty for school.
Having played with Essendon’s Victorian Football League side, including captaining the team, he moved to play at Norwood in South Australia in recent years.
Cootee was taken at pick 42 by Sydney.
The Swans said he is known for his high work ethic and a great understanding of the game, Cootee is a hard-working high forward who can play through the midfield. He had a consistent campaign at SANFL level, culminating in a fifth-place finish in the Magarey Medal.
Sydney Swans list strategy head Chris Keane said he was pleased for Cootee that he has made his way onto an AFL list.
“He has a high work ethic and a great understanding of the game and believe he could take his game to a new level and be a quality AFL player.”
Among those to miss out on being drafted from the Jets were Tom McGuane, Tom Burton and Oskar Ainsworth.
All had attracted some attention before the draft, but no club called out their names.
