The long list of footballers that have nominated for the draft come from a variety of backgrounds, with some being ex-AFL-listed players such as former Richmond midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins or Port Melbourne forward Billy Gowers, whom the Western Bulldogs delisted at the end of 2020.
Then there are the state league and top-level local footballers who, for numerous reasons, have missed out on previous drafts, but believe that Wednesday may be the night that their lives change forever.
Finally, there are the ambitious “you never know” types, with AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reporting that a “Phil Brown” from Williamstown in the Victorian Super Rules competition (who put his birth date as 1973) had nominated for the mid-season draft.
One Goulburn Valley League export who more than deserves a chance at AFL level is former Shepparton United gun Jye Chalcraft.
Since missing out in his draft year (2019), Chalcraft has earned two best-and-fairest awards for Geelong’s VFL side before moving across the Nullarbor to Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League for the 2024 season.
Chalcraft has averaged 29.3 disposals, 4.3 tackles, and 4.9 marks a game for the Swans during his first seven games at the club.
He was also selected for the WAFL state representative side’s match against South Australia National Football League earlier in May.
Some other Goulburn Valley football exports who have nominated for the mid-season draft are former Shepparton United young gun-now Carlton VFL co-vice captain Zavier Maher and talented ruckman and former Shepparton product Boston Dowling (Collingwood VFL).
VFL club Werribee has two Goulburn Valley products in Angus Hicks (Shepparton United) and Louis Pinnuck (Strathmerton), who have both put their names forward.
Seymour’s Nic Quigg, currently on GWS’ VFL list, has also nominated for Wednesday’s draft.
The AFL mid-season draft will be broadcast on the AFL website and app on May 29 at 7pm.
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