By JARROD POTTER
TUESDAY’S AFL National Draft proved life-changing for six Dandenong Stingrays players who made the first step towards their football futures.
It was an incredibly successful outing for the Stingrays, with their picks the equal-most of any club in Australia, starting at the top of the list as superstar defender Jacob Weitering headed to Carlton with the first pick.
Weitering from Mt Martha, who just turned 18 last Monday, had been touted for months as the number-one-in-waiting, but it was a great relief to finally hear his name called at the Adelaide Convention Centre as he now starts his career as a Blue.
“I can’t thank everyone that has helped me over the journey, especially my family and my friends, both sitting at home watching and obviously here tonight (Tuesday),” Weitering said.
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done – obviously the AFL as well and the Carlton Football Club for picking me at pick one.
“I’m very excited – I can’t wait to get under way.”
After Kieran Collins (pick 26) was picked by the Bulldogs it was an anxious wait for the remaining Stingrays, but the good news from Adelaide filtered through after a tense couple of rounds.
Surprising many draft experts, the biggest Stingrays’ shock of the night came as Liam Hulett, who had missed most of the season through an ankle injury, earned a place on Melbourne’s list with pick 42.
Beaconsfield team mates Brandon White (pick 40) and Bailey Rice (father-son pick 49) will stay team mates now in the AFL as they head off to St Kilda together while Narre Warren midfielder Kurt Mutimer (pick 57) will go to West Coast to cap off the Stingrays’ sensational draft.
“Unbelievable – you captured the video which I’m happy to share with anyone – it’s so surreal,” White said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet – I was in tears and enjoying it with the family was unbelievable.
“It’s not too far away, so mum and dad will be a bit shattered that I’m still at home – but I’m excited to be going down there and earning my respect from the team mates, coaching staff and all the hard work is ahead, really.”
Stingrays coach Craig Black was thrilled with the club’s efforts in one of the greatest drafts in its TAC Cup history.
We’re really happy with six people getting picked, but you still feel disappointed for a couple of boys on the periphery,” Black said.
“It’s a fantastic result for us at the Stingrays – if you told me that at the start of the year I’d take it any day of the week.
“It’s great work and recognition for all the hard work of the coaches at the Stingrays – from under-15s, 16s all the way up to 18s and everyone involved in the TAC Cup program at the Stingrays.”
