It was a big week for the Calder Cannons with four players being selected in the AFL drafts last week.
Isaac Kako was selected by Essendon at pick 13 after matching the Richmond’s bid on the small forward.
While Kako was expected to go in the first round, there was a bit more uncertainty surrounding the rest of the Cannons hopefuls.
Harry O’Farrell was the first Cannon to be taken on night two, with Carlton taking him at pick 40.
An intercepting key defender standing at 197 centimetres, O’Farrell last month said the opportunity to join Carlton “would mean everything”.
The Maribyrnong Park product has been a highly regarded backman for the last two years, representing the Australian under-18 side against Victorian Football League opposition earlier this year.
Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said O’Farrell had key traits which stood out for the Blues as a potential long-term player for the football club.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Harry – another Harry – at IKON Park,” he said. “He’s a really impressive young footballer and just as impressive a person.
“He was a really highly rated prospect heading into this year and while there were some frustrations, he showcased some of those impressive traits as a key defender.”
Sunbury Lions Patrick Said was next to be taken, with the Saints swooping at pick 60.
After missing out on being selected for Vic Metro for the under-18 national championships, Said put his head down and it paid off.
Saints executive general manager football David Misson they were excited to secure Said.
“Patrick is a hard-running, skilful half-forward who has played some time in the midfield for Calder and played well,” he said. “A very exciting prospect for us who adds versatility.”
Jayden Nguyen joins the Essendon as a B-category rookie.
Like Kako, Nguyen was a Next Generation Academy.
The Bombers nominated him ahead of the drafts and when there were no bids on him in the national draft, the Bombers could add him to the rookie list on Friday morning.
He joined the Bombers training before he rookie draft.
Speaking to Star Weekly before the draft, Nguyen said it would be incredible to become a Bomber.
“Essendon have just helped me so much with my footy, I did pre-season at the start of the year,” he said.
“It helped me learn how the professional players go about their work, their body of work they’ve put in behind every training session and how they’ve prepared themselves.”
