It’s second time lucky for Caroline Springs’ Cody Raak.
After not getting drafted last year, the 19-year-old now finds himself on an AFL list, having been taken by the Western Bulldogs as a pre-selected category B rookie.
Raak impressed with the Western Jets this year, to earn his chance on an AFL list.
He also played three games for the Bulldogs VFL side this year and trained with them throughout.
He was also named in the Vic Metro under-19 team this year, and played in the young guns match in May.
He is the second Jets player to be picked in the draft, with Paul Curtis being taken by North Melbourne at pick 35.
Several Western Jets draft hopefuls had been hoping to have their names called out by AFL clubs.
For the likes of Liam Conway, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Harrison White, who were all coming off strong seasons, they will be hoping that their chances will come in the future.
Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor told Star Weekly in the lead up to the draft there were options for the players not selected.
Chancellor said D’Ambrosio and White were the eligible to return to the Jets next season.
He said they would work with the others to find them spots on VFL lists at Werribee and Williamstown if they weren’t drafted.
Chancellor said the impact of the last few years would change the VFL in the coming years.
“The lack of footy has stunted the development of many players. What I’m looking forward to is seeing some really good players playing state league football in the next couple of years.
“They will take a little bit longer due to the lack of footy.”
