By Tara Murray
Calder Cannons’ Georgia Patrikios was lost for words after realising her AFLW dream on Tuesday morning.
The Cannons captain and star midfielder entered the AFLW draft as one of three players spoken about as the possible number one draft pick.
Northern Knights’ Gabby Newton and Geelong Falcons Lucy McEvoy were the other two players seen in contention to be the first pick.
Newton was eventually taken at pick one by the Western Bulldogs, with McEvoy taken at pick two by Carlton.
Interstate teams held the next two picks, leaving St Kilda with pick five as the next Victorian pick.
They had no hesitation in taking Patrikios, who has been a star of underage football for a number of years.
The 18-year-old said she had no idea what was going to happen when she arrived at the draft.
“It’s unreal, I don’t have the words to describe it really,” she said.
“I literally found out on the day. Gabby and Lucy have had amazing seasons and are amazing players and happy for them too.”
Even though she was one of the three talked about players,Patrikios still wasn’t sure if the Saints would take her.
“I spoke to them at the academy camps and had an interview and had a house interview a couple of days ago.”
Patrikios, who was named the most valuable player at the national championships earlier this year, has been a gun midfielder throughout her junior career.
She finished runners-up in the Cannons best and fairest this year as she led the side to a grand final.
Later on she played five games with Essendon in the VFLW averaging 19 disposals and five tackles per game, with is no surprise she was taken so high in the draft.
As well as a chance to be part of St Kilda’s first team, the Coburg player has the honour of being the first player drafted to the club, with several players already pre-listed.
“It’s not something all the girls get to go through which is special for me, being the first draft pick this year [for St Kilda] is really exciting.
“It’s an amazing club, great culture and they’re building something special. I’m just excited for the ride.
“I know a couple of the under-18 girls who have been picked up, but not too many of them.”
Patrikios said she was looking forward to getting to work under Peta Searle, who had made a massive impact on women’s football.
Patrikios was one of two Cannons players selected in the draft.
Krstel Petrevski was taken by Melbourne at pick 78.
