North Melbourne secures western suburbs duo

Joshua Goater is shaping as a top 30 pick in the AFL National Draft. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 256489_01

Tara Murray

A pair of western suburbs boys are headed to North Melbourne.

Sunbury Lions Josh Goater and Melton South’s Paul Curtis were taken by the Kangaroos on the second night of the AFL draft.

Goater, who played with the Calder Cannons, was taken at 22, the second pick on the night.

It was a big night for Goater, who had his school graduation on at the same time. He watched the draft at home, but said on the draft coverage he was going to head to celebrate with his mates.

The utility averaged more than 20 possessions a game this year for the Cannons, while his also made his Victorian Football League debut.

The Kangaroos then selected Curtis at pick 35.

Curtis is a crafty forward, who also wants to develop his craft in the midfield.

He presented as one of the best goalkickers in the draft.

Goater was one of two Cannons players taken on the night, with Sam Taylor headed to Adelaide.

Taylor starred for the Cannons this year.

It was quiet night for the Northern Knights, with just one player selected.

Jackson Archer, who was nominated as a potential father-son pick before, the draft was selected by North Melbourne.

He follows in his father, Glenn Archer’s footsteps.

Knights pair Josh Ward and Darcy Wilmot were taken on night one of the draft.

The rookie and pre-season drafts will be held tomorrow.