Seven YJFL juniors realise AFL Dream

The Yarra Junior Football League is delighted to see seven former YJFL juniors selected in the AFL National Draft over the past two nights. Richmond kicked off proceedings for the YJFL selecting Canterbury Cobras junior Sam Grlj with pick eight, which came as somewhat a surprise too many, with Grlj picked in many mock drafts around the 10-18 range, however the 182cm midfielder possesses dynamic speed and running power, similar to that of Port Adelaide's Zak Butters which Tigers fans will absolutely love! Next off the list was the Western Bulldogs taking Glen Iris Junior Louis Emmett with pick 27. Listed as a ruck, standing at 199cm, Louis possesses a unique ability to be able to play across a number of different roles on the field, including in defence and down forward. For a player of his size, that may not be done growing just yet, Emmett has terrific running capacity and is incredibly mobile. Just two picks later, the West Coast Eagles selected Sam Allen, also from the Glen Iris Junior Football Club. Allen was projected to go around the back end of the draft, but the Eagles plucked the young star nice and early. Allen's endurance is something that needs to be seen to be believed with his endurance rated elite among many recruiters across the country. Allen is your genuine winger, that has incredible athleticism and is able to drift forward and take a big mark, however despite playing just the three games this year due to an ACL injury, the Eagles see a bright future for the Glen Iris junior. With pick 36, the Kew Rovers Junior Football Club rejoiced as Max Kondogiannis was taken by the Bombers with their pick. Kondogiannis, a 190cm defender has blistering speed and has the ability to hit targets when going at top speed, which is a hard thing to do. With the ability to intercept mark, read the play and fly for that big mark, Kondogiannis will have Bombers fans excited about what he can bring to them in the near future. In what was potentially the highlight of the night, Parkside Junior Football Club have their very first junior that has now been drafted to the AFL. While the majority knew Jack Ison was going to land at the Blues, I'm sure even Jack himself didn't think it would come as late as it did. Touted by many to potentially taken in the first round, Ison was finally selected by the Blues with pick 47 on the night. A 191cm forward/midfielder that has enormous upside and untapped ability will have Blues fans incredibly excited by what he can bring to the table in 2026. His poise, decision making and kicking are his strengths that Carlton could potentially see that may see an early season debut for the Parkside junior. With pick 55, the biggest club in the land in Collingwood selected Kew Comets/Kew Rovers junior, Zac McCarthy who many would consider a steal at this stage of the draft. Many tipped McCarthy to go as early as the early 20's, and not slip past the 40 range, but that's the nature of the draft, with the Magpies picking up a young key forward/ruckman that's not done growing just yet. McCarthy is a proven goal-kicker and poses a nightmare prospect for future defenders with his mobility and versatility to play a number of roles. Standing at nearly 200cm tall, McCarthy's leaping ability comes as an X-Factor with the young Kew junior reaching ability almost near impossible to stop when he runs and jumps at the ball. It was the final pick of the night, and it landed in the Western Bulldogs lap after a number of clubs had decided to shut their laptops and finish for the night, and with great pride that the Dogs selected Will Darcy, son of former star Luke and brother of current star, Sam with Pick 60. Slightly shorter than his younger brother at 196cm, Will can play at either end of the ground, but possesses very similar traits to his older brother, with his overhead marking a real focal point. The YJFL would like to congratulate all past juniors on being selected last night, it is an enormous credit to their community clubs and families who have helped them develop over their football journey. The League would also like to acknowledge the work of the YJFL representative coaches who worked with these players to allow them to improve. For those who missed out, keep working hard and there are still opportunities to make it to the highest level.