Central District ruckman Darcy Fort back home to Geelong after being picked up by Cats

Darcy Fort not only arrived in the AFL on Friday, he arrived home. The Central District ruckman had his footy dream realised when he was snapped up at pick 65 in the national draft.

Darcy Fort (centre) has seen his dominant play at the Dogs rewarded with a spot on Geelong’s list. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

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Darcy Fort not only arrived in the AFL on Friday, he arrived home.

The Central District ruckman had his footy dream realised when he was snapped up by the Cats at pick 65 in the national draft.

It was the ideal scenario for the 25-year-old, who grew up in the heart of Geelong but had to wait for his chance at the top level.

“I’m absolutely elated,” Fort said.

Fort has risen to become a dominant big man in the SANFL. pic Tait Schmaal

“Moving home to play for the Cats and to be back with my family is just incredible.

“It’s hard when you’re 18/19 years old and seeing guys you’ve played with all the way through get picked up and you’re not.

“I finally feel like I’ve arrived and I’m ready to give the AFL a good crack – it’s good timing.”

Fort was not the only SA player to make his way to Kadina Park in Friday’s draft.

Norwood teammates and Rostrevor students Ben Jarvis and Jacob Kennerley will continue their careers together, taken by Geelong two picks apart. South Adelaide small forward Jake Tarca was also picked up by the Cats.

Fort, overlooked in the 2012 draft, took a punt on his footy future when he made the move to the Dogs in 2016.

In three dominant seasons the 205cm big man rose to become one of the SANFL’s leading ruckman.

Now he will vie for a ruck job at the Cats with the likes of Rhys Stanley, Zac Smith, Esava Ratugolea and Ryan Abbott.

With his family back in Geelong and his Central teammates at work, Fort watched the draft at home by himself and took some quiet moments to let it sink in.

But that night he was off to training at the Dogs to have one last run and say goodbye to his mates.

“I can’t thank Central enough, I’ve been so lucky to play for the club,” Fort said.

“I think the last three years have been the best footy I’ve played and a big part of that is because of (coach) Roy Laird and (chief executive) Kris Grant.”

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