Michaela Meade
An AFL legend’s son is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps at North Melbourne after being nominated as a father-son prospect for this month’s NAB AFL Draft.
Paperwork nominating the Northern Knights’ own Jackson Archer was lodged last week with the AFL ahead of the November 24 draft.
Archer’s father, Glenn, played 311 games for North Melbourne, including in the 1996 and 1999 premierships and is considered one of the greats in the club’s history.
Jackson played junior football at Park Orchards Sharks, before progressing through Northern’s NAB League program.
He represented North Melbourne’s Victorian Football League side against Southport this year.
North Melbourne football general manager Brady Rawlings said Archer had always been on the club’s radar and that he had impressed in his early season matches for the Northern and in the VFL.
“We’ve naturally kept a close eye on Jackson and he’s worked hard to earn this opportunity,” Rawlings said.
“When you see him play you know straight away whose son he is. He’s aggressive and highly competitive – it’s a good foundation to build on in today’s footy.”
Archer is a medium-sized defender, and forging a reputation for himself with a courageous, hard-nosed playing style.
North Melbourne currently holds selections 1, 20, 42, 47, 72 and 77 at the draft.
