By Lance Jenkinson
Knowing it would be his last chance for some time, Western Jets captain Xavier O’Halloran savoured every moment that he got to spend with his family on Saturday before his impending flight to Sydney on Sunday.
The reality was setting in that he would be leaving his family home of 18 years and moving interstate after being drafted into the AFL by the Greater Western Sydney Giants with pick 22.
O’Halloran had been working diligently towards his dream of becoming a professional footballer throughout his time with the Jets and knew there was a strong possibility he would be forced to leave Victoria.
While there will be an obvious transition period that comes with such a major life change, O’Halloran could not be more excited.
“I knew a couple of months ago that there was a possibility that I’d have to move interstate,” he said.
“I’m accepting of that. Once I’m on the plane, it will all be real … I’ll definitely be super excited then.”
O’Halloran’s selection was outstanding value for the Giants – getting the Vic Metro captain with pick 22 could be viewed as a steal.
O’Halloran was exemplary on and off the field for the Jets in the TAC Cup, which translated into selection for Vic Metro. He shone in the Big V at the under-18 national championships.
Be it as a midfielder or across half-forward, O’Halloran showed plenty of poise. The 18-year-old is at ease in heavy traffic as a midfielder, while he can create separation from an opponent as a forward.
Expect the St Bernard’s product to thrive in the elite environment of an AFL club.
It is not only his on-field play that would have made O’Halloran an attractive proposition to the Giants. He is a noted leader at every level he has played.
“I’m hoping to be able to provide the club some good footy and continue to do that as long as I can,” he said. “Also, hopefully show the leadership skills that I’ve shown through the Jets and school footy, as well as Vic Metro.”
O’Halloran’s draft night was a bit different to the norm. The youngster from Altona did not get an invite to night one, so he thought he might not be taken as one of the first 22 players.
But that all changed when the Giants called out his name.
“You could say I got the best of both worlds,” he said. “I got to spend my time with my close family [watching the draft on TV] and then being able to go in [to Marvel Stadium] later, about 15 minutes after hearing my name called out and meet all of the GWS team. It was a pretty surreal night.”
O’Halloran joins former Western Jets alumni Callan Ward and Adam Kennedy at the Giants.
Zak Butters was the first Western Jets player taken in the draft. The speedy midfielder from Darley was selected by Port Adelaide with pick 12.
Butters missed the second half of his top-age year with the Jets after undergoing shoulder surgery, but not before he had impressed for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships.
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