That could be the trajectory for several Goulburn Valley football products who have put their names forward for the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Wednesday night.
Ten footballers linked to Shepparton and surrounds face a nervous wait as — after often years of attempts — they cross their fingers, toes and any other extremities in the hope their childhood dreams could be realised.
The mid-season draft was brought back for the first time in 26 years in 2019 to help clubs cover players lost to season-ending injuries.
Seymour’s Sam Durham is the Goulburn Valley’s best mid-season draft story yet, with the midfielder becoming a star for Essendon after being taken with pick nine in 2021.
Another Lion, who is arguably, the region’s best chance at getting drafted on Wednesday night is mobile key forward Riley Mason.
The 23-year-old has impressed across seven games for Collingwood’s VFL side this year booting 17.5, including one bag of five and two hauls of four.
Fellow Goulburn Valley League products and Collingwood teammates Harry and Max Mahoney (both Mansfield) and Boston Dowling (formerly Shepparton) are also shooting for their shot.
Essendon VFL and Seymour star Nic Quigg has submitted his name alongside overage Bendigo Pioneers and Echuca ball magnet Tom Evans.
Shepparton Swans young gun Oliver Warburton has nominated after missing out on the national draft last year, while Rochester’s Cooper Hamilton is hoping to return to the big time after being let go by GWS.
Euroa’s Cohen Paul has made a fast start to life as a full-time senior footballer, being consistently among the Magpies’ best, and has put himself up for the draft.
The electric half-back flanker and recent interleague representative had a career best game against Benalla in round seven of GVL, racking up 37 disposals, 23 intercept possessions and 219 ranking points.
Werribee premiership player and former Shepparton Swans star Zac Banch is being monitored by Western Bulldogs and Carlton.
The 338 players who nominated for the draft either pick a six or 18-month contract prior to being selected.
At the time of print, eight clubs have picks in the draft with up to 15 selections available in total.
The AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be streamed via the AFL app at 6.30pm on Wednesday.
16°C