Calder Cannons’ young-gun Hugo Garcia is headed to St Kilda after being picked in the AFL draft at pick 50.
Garcia played junior footy at both Greenvale and Taylors Lakes before stepping up with the Cannons the past couple of years.
Both clubs took to social media to congratulate him.
“From a Jet to a Saint! Congratulations to our own Hugo Garcia who was selected at pick 50 to St Kilda Football Club during tonight’s AFL draft. We are all so proud of you,” the Jets said.
“Congratulations Hugo! We always knew you were going to make it,” the Lions said.
A well-balanced midfielder-forward who can impact offensively and defensively, the pacy Garcia had an impressive start to the Coates Talent League season with eight goals in the first five rounds, before finding more of the football further afield.
He averaged 19.54 disposals across his 11 matches in the league, as well as seven tackles and 3.45 inside 50s.
St Kilda traded up the order with Greater Western Sydney in order to secure Garcia, handing over a future third-round selection for pick No. 50 which brought in the Cannons product.
“Hugo is a versatile young talent whose biggest impact comes playing as a high half-forward and midfielder,” St Kilda list manager Stephen Silvagni said.
“He has a strong blend between offence and defence without sacrificing his ability to win the ball, and we’re eager to see him flourish at the Saints.”
He one of two Cannons selected in the draft with Jordan Croft headed to the Western Bulldogs under the father-son rule.
Former Cannon Sam Clohesy was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in the rookie draft.
