IT’S that time of the year again. Hearts will break for most, dreams will be realised for a select few and debates will rage forever more about players who were shock selections and others who were stiff to be overlooked.
Tomorrow night’s AFL national draft will sort out the best from the rest in the eyes of the men who matter most — the recruiters.
Draft night is the culmination of a young footballer’s junior career.
It’s the end point of years of hard work for teenagers across the nation, who have left no stone unturned in their quest to land a berth in the big league.
For footballers in the west, they get their start in Auskick, progress through to their local school or club and, for those talented enough, get an invite to train and play with the Western Jets.
That is when it gets serious, because to be considered for the big time, you almost certainly have to impress at TAC Cup level unless you buck the trend.
The Jets have a number of players front and centre in the minds of the recruiters.
Is the athleticism, goal sense and stunning pre-draft testing of Spencer White going to land him on a list?
Can pint-sized Josh Bench break the mould and be snapped up after a best-and-fairest season?
Is a club willing to take a punt on the speedy, dancing feet of soccer player turned footballer Ajdin Elkasovic?
Can the younger brother of an AFL star, Jake McKenzie, make it a family affair in the AFL? Will the leadership of captain Ashlin Brown be enough to get him a call up?
Or how about a selection out of left field: Charlie Nastasi, Harley Walshe, Sam Critchley, Jack Walker or Scott Greenhough anyone?
All will be revealed when the player IDs are read out tomorrow night.
The draft is not a last chance saloon for players, with the AFL’s rookie and pre-season drafts to follow on December 11, plus the possibility of landing on a Victorian Football League list.
At least one Jet will hear his name called out on draft night.
Lachie Hunter has already been snapped up by local club Western Bulldogs under the father-son rule.
Who will join him in the big league?
