The great eight: NSW/ACT draft glory

Five of those picked knew their fate, as Academy prospects committed to by the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS last month, two had their names called as live picks, and one, Dan Robinson, was upgraded from the Swans’ rookie to primary list following a stellar season in the NEAFL.

Isaac Heeney, Jack Hiscox, and Abe Davis were confirmed as Academy picks, at numbers 18, 38, and 70 respectively, while Jack Steele (pick 24) and Jeremy Finlayson (pick 85) officially joined the GIANTS as Academy products.

While those five youngsters knew what to expect on Thursday night, Dougal Howard (pictured) and Logan Austin could never have anticipated how their evening would unfold.

The duo, good friends having played NSW/ACT RAMS representative matches together, are headed to South Australia, plucked with consecutive picks by Port Adelaide.

Howard, an Albury product, had his name called at the end of the third round at number 56, before Belconnen boy Austin (pick 69) followed minutes later in the closing stages of fourth round selections.

Broken Hill’s Taylor Walker has thrived since leaving NSW for the City of Churches, an ascension Howard and Austin will hope to emulate, at a club which is among the genuine frontrunners in the AFL.

74 picks were announced on Thursday night, with NSW/ACT’s seven live selections accounting for almost 10% of the pool, much to the delight of NSW/ACT Talent and Coaching Manager Darren Denneman.

“This is a terrific result for all and one we should reflect on with great pride, Denneman said.

“Without going through the record books, the result signals the highest number of players from NSW/ACT drafted in a very long time, if not ever, which is hugely pleasing.

“There has been an increased focus on making sure players have consistent access to high level facilities, coaching, and training, through the Academy programs and the Joss talented player program, and we are seeing the merits of that pathway.

“The result is a great effort from all involved in AFL NSW/ACT, and fitting recognition of the wealth of hard work across all levels that goes into delivering a player of AFL standard.”

The Draft, held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for the third consecutive year, had almost 1000 spectators in attendance, along with a raft of representatives from all 18 AFL clubs.

Almost 20 of the best young prospects in the country where also there, with groups of family and friends in support, the top ten picks taking the stage alongside AFL CEO Gillon McClachlan and presented with their new club colours.

While the success of this year’s crop of NSW/ACT youngsters is already significant, there are two more chances for the region to celebrate further AFL listings, with Wednesday heralding the Rookie and pre-season drafts.

NSW/ACT draftees

Dan Robinson – Sydney Swans (rookie upgrade)

Isaac Heeney – Sydney Swans (Academy selection) #18

Jack Hiscox – Sydney Swans (Academy selection) #38

Abaina Davis – Sydney Swans (Academy selection) #70

Jack Steele – GWS GIANTS (Academy selection) #24

Jeremy Finlayson – GWS GIANTS (Academy selection) #85

Logan Austin – Port Adelaide #69

Dougal Howard – Port Adelaide #56