More than 800 players from across the country have put their hand up for consideration by AFL clubs, including a contingent from the Goulburn Murray region.
Echuca and Bendigo Pioneers quartet Jack Evans, Billy Barnes, Jed Brereton and Joseph Guiney make up the Murray Bombers representation, among 18 Pios looking to make the jump from NAB League to the AFL.
Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree is tipping interest in several of his graduating class, if not at the top level then at state level.
“Our program’s all about trying to get to the next level, whether that be VFL or AFL,” O’Bree said.
“It just proves that they’re all in that mindset — they don’t want their footy journey to end.
“Not only is it exciting from where Ollie Wines was and where he is now, these guys believe they can follow that journey and go on to the next stage.
“It’s good that they’re really pushing to get to that next stage. I think a VFL opportunity at the worst for those guys — there’s genuine interest around.
“It’s credit to their hard work in two really difficult years; they feel really passionately about getting to that next stage.
“They deserve everything that comes their way.”
O’Bree believes that a trend in June’s mid-season draft, the selection of several key talls, could also bode well for one particular Pioneers graduate.
“There’s a lot of things to like about Jed (Brereton), one being he’s a tick over 200cm,” he said.
“You look at the mid-season draft where they took so many 200cm-plus guys — it’s still height clubs are after.
“It’s the athletic qualities that go with it; he’s so good below his knees for a big man and he’s an exceptional kick.”
Pioneers skipper and VFL-listed Evans is putting his hand up once again, having previously nominated for the mid-season draft.
Meanwhile, de-listed Demon Marty Hore is chasing another shot at AFL.
The raking left-foot defender out of Leitchville-Gunbower played 14 games before injury cruelled his time at Melbourne.
Former Echuca midfielder Darby Henderson, now with VFL outfit Williamstown, has also put his name up for higher honours.
Henderson enjoyed a strong season with the Seagulls off the half-forward line, playing all nine games and earning recognition as the side’s most improved presence.
It would cap off a successful draft period for the region’s young talent should any be selected; Echuca footballer Annabel Johnson earned a spot on Geelong's list at the inaugural AFLW draft in August.
The National Draft will take place across November 24 and 25, before the Rookie and Pre-Season Draft on the 26th.
The draft will be broadcast on Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL website.
Nominations
Jack Evans (Bendigo Pioneers, Echuca)
Billy Barnes (Bendigo Pioneers, Echuca)
Joseph Guiney (Bendigo Pioneers, Echuca)
Jed Brereton (Bendigo Pioneers, Echuca)
Marty Hore (Melbourne Demons)
Darby Henderson (Williamstown)
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