Seymour’s Riley Mason on his plans heading towards AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

Instead, the talented tall is donning the black and white stripes having signed for Collingwood’s VFL side during the off-season.

Mason had an impressive VFL debut against Sydney, booting four goals in a match against AFL-listed opponents such as Aaron Francis and Caiden Cleary, plus former Mooroopna winger Angus Hanrahan.

After being part of VFL club Coburg’s squad in 2022 and not playing a game, the 23-year-old reflected on his long-time coming debut.

“Debut was surrounded by Mum and Dad, my partner, sister and my nanna came down to the presentation,” Mason said.

“It has been great to play for a club that has been around for many years and is one of the best teams in the AFL at the moment.

“Everyone (at the club) is really inviting and welcoming like everyone is there to get better every day, no-one is put on a pedestal, no-one is at the bottom, everyone is just treated equally.”

A haul of four in his first game was only backed up with a bag of five in his second.

Mason adjusted to the speed and style of the league with aplomb as he sent five shots flying through the big sticks against his old side the Burgers.

Five goals and one behind demonstrated his attacking prowess against an improved Coburg.

Mason’s fast start has attracted the attention of AFL clubs and draft-focused journalists alike.

While the 195cm forward said he would be throwing his hat in the ring for the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on May 29, his sole focus is on his football and it is laser-like.

“I will definitely be nominating,” he said.

“I try not to read in to it too much (on his name being suggested as a mid-season draftee); I just want to focus on playing footy and whatever happens, happens.

“It is exciting, but I just want to focus on playing football.

“I do believe I am ready if the opportunity (to play AFL) does arise, but again I’m not too focused on it, I am just focused on playing good footy and playing my role in the team.”

Mason’s careful and considered responses show he is a ready-made media-trained footballer, however, it is his work on the field where he has truly shown he is eager and waiting to take the next step.

Code Sports journalist Paul Amy reported after Mason’s five-goal effort that an anonymous recruiter expected every AFL club would be astutely aware of the talented tall ahead of the mid-season draft.

A week before the draft will be the interleague clash between Goulburn Valley League and Ovens and Murray League on May 24.

Mason played in the match the previous two seasons and his name is once again part of the 39-man strong GVL squad that will be whittled down to take on its northern rival.

However, it appears unlikely new GVL coach Dale Osborne will have access to the Seymour star unless he is not selected for Collingwood VFL.

That connection with the 2024 interleague squad has helped Mason adjust to life in black and white.

Collingwood VFL has an abundance of GVL talent in its ranks this season with Shepparton’s Ned Byrne, Mansfield brothers Harry and Max Mahoney and a number of train-ons featuring at Victoria Park.

Mason said he had enjoyed having that shared GVL camaraderie among his new Magpie mates.

“It is good to see a good group of (GVL players) at the Pies,” he said.

“It has made it easier knowing people when you go down there and all the boys get along really well.

“It builds connections as well, going from VFL, your local clubs play each other on a Saturday, so you catch up with them when you’re not playing VFL.”