Harper Sercombe
Northern Knights’ co-captain Will Green is officially an AFL player after being picked up with pick 16 by the Sydney Swans in Monday’s draft.
The 18-year-old was taken with the Swans first selection of the draft and said it was a whirlwind night, eagerly watching the broadcast at home surrounded by friends and family.
“It was unreal, I had all my mates over and it was really exciting, everyone jumping around, it couldn’t get much better,” he said.
Green impressed in a decorated top-age campaign this season. The 204cm ruckman previously juggled cricket commitments with football, but prioritised football this year and it has paid dividends.
Green played 14 Coates Talent League matches and was also selected in the National Academy and played twice in Australian colours against Victorian Football League opposition this year.
Alongside this, he was selected as the starting ruck in the 2023 Coates Talent League team of the year having also been named in the All-Australian side.
He said heading to a club like Sydney is a dream come true for Green.
“You hear about the culture up there, and they’ve been such a good club for so long, I can’t wait to get up there,” he said.
“It’s got to be Brodie Grundy [who I’m most excited to play with and learn off] and Dean Cox, it’s probably the starstruck ruck line up of the league.”
Green was pleased to see his Northern Knight teammate Nate Caddy also get picked up, as he was taken by Essendon with pick 10.
“To see your teammate up there doesn’t get much better,” he said.
“I heard they were celebrating at Marvel [Stadium] yesterday as well, so lots of love going around.”
The Swans were eliminated in the first round of finals this season after being runners-up in 2022.
