Four VAFA players taken in 2015 AFL Draft

The VAFA would like to congratulate four current and former players who were picked up in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft last night in Adelaide.

Harley Balic (Parkdale Vultures), Mitch Brown (Old Mentonians), Sam Collins (University Blacks) and Rupert Wills (Old Scotch) all found their way to an AFL list for the 2016 season.

Taken at pick 38 by the Fremantle Dockers, Balic played three games for the Vultures’ U19 Section 2 side in 2013, before plying his craft with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.

Congrats to Harley Balic, drafted by @freodockers. Props to Mordi-Brae JFC for all the coaching & support since U9s https://t.co/jBds5ZBctB

— Parkdale Vultures (@Parky_Vultures) November 24, 2015

16 picks later, at number 54, former Old Mentonians utility Mitch Brown was snapped up by Essendon after a promising year for Sandringham  in the VFL. Having been picked up by Geelong in 2009, Brown had a raft of injuries leading to his delisting five years later after 15 senior appearances. However, determined to make it at AFL level, Brown showcased his talent to the AFL fraternity as a top-up player for the Bombers during this year’s NAB Challenge, ultimately leading to a well-deserved AFL contract.

Congrats to our own @mitchbrown_1 on getting drafted to @EssendonFC. Very deserving of a second crack @VAFA_HQ pic.twitter.com/bRTpUSUb5J

— Old Mentonians FC (@OMFCPanthers) November 24, 2015

With three years’ experience at the Box Hill Hawks, Fremantle’s number 55 draft pick, Sam Collins, played two matches for the University Blacks this season, kicking three goals in that time.

Congratulations to Sam Collins who has just been taken no.55 in the #AFLDraft by @freodockers. #GoCollo @mattpav29

— Uni Blacks FC (@UniBlacksFC) November 24, 2015

Debuting for Old Scotch Reserves in 2013, number 63 pick and current Cardinal, Rupert Wills, went on to play 19 senior matches and 16 Reserves matches, as well as six games for Collingwood’s VFL side this season. The 22-year-old’s VFL form was so strong, Collingwood decided to pick him up and make it official.

Congratulations to current OSFC player Rupert Wills on being drafted by the Collingwood Football Club in tonights AFL draft!

— Old Scotch FC (@OSFC) November 24, 2015