UPDATE: In a thrilling turn of events during the AFL draft, three promising players with ties to Melbourne’s north-west have been selected, marking a significant milestone for local talent. Finn Davis was picked at 51 by Greater Western Sydney, showcasing his exceptional skills from the Western Jets after a standout season.
Davis, a defender, made headlines by finishing second in the Jets’ best and fairest after rebounding from an early-season injury. Averaging nearly 28 disposals and six marks per game, he was praised for his consistency and composure on the field.
“It was exciting for Finn to be a train on for the metro squad and worked his way into the main squad which was super,”
said Jets coach Christian Stagliano.
The Giants’ head of talent, Adrian Caruso, highlighted Davis’s versatility and creativity in play. “What we like most about Finn was his ability to get a job done when asked of him, but also show the creativity and ball use when used as a set-up player,” Caruso noted.
Meanwhile, Hussein El Achkar won’t have to travel far after being selected at 53 by Essendon, who matched a bid from Richmond to keep him within their ranks. El Achkar has emerged from the Dons’ Next Generation Academy and is recognized as an exciting talent. He scored an impressive 47 goals in 26 appearances during his tenure with the Calder Cannons, including a remarkable six-goal performance against Sandringham.
His recent debut with Essendon VFL was nothing short of spectacular, as he netted three goals in a critical moment of the match, showcasing his potential to energize any team.
In a surprising twist, Billy Cootee, the former captain of the Western Jets, was drafted by Sydney at pick 42. Known for his relentless work ethic and strategic understanding of the game, Cootee transitioned from playing with Essendon’s VFL side to the SANFL with Norwood. His performance led to a fifth-place finish in the prestigious Magarey Medal, solidifying his reputation as a formidable high forward and midfielder.
The selection of these three players underscores the depth of talent emerging from Melbourne’s north-west and signals a bright future for local athletes on the national stage. Fans and supporters eagerly await to see how these young talents will impact their new teams in the upcoming AFL season.
Stay tuned for further updates as the AFL draft continues to develop, and the local community celebrates the success of these rising stars.
