Woodville-West Torrens’ Jacob Wehr taken by GWS Giants in 2020 AFL Draft

Jacob Wehr has been forced to wait for his turn in footy. So when his name was called with the last pick of the AFL Draft – it’s no wonder it produced this heartwarming moment.

Jacob Wehr waited a mammoth three-and-a-half hours for his named to be called out at the AFL National Draft on Wednesday.

But the wait to be selected as the last pick in the draft felt like nothing compared to the four years it took for him to even gain any interest from AFL clubs.

The 22-year-old played 48 reserves games with Woodville-West Torrens after failing to crack into the league team in three years of senior football.

But that all changed this year and Wehr not only lined up in the league side in round one, but went on to play a key role in the Eagles’ flag win.

Woodville-West Torrens premiership star Jacob Wehr will join GWS after being selected with the final pick of the AFL National Draft. Picture: Mike Burton

Wehr’s incredible story of hard work, perseverance and determination culminated when GWS used pick No. 59 to draft him.

Wehr said the emotion of his AFL dream finally coming true was overwhelming as it had been a long time coming.

“As picks went by and as it got later and later and clubs starting passing on their picks, I sort of lost a bit of hope but was also holding on to a bit,” Wehr said.

“But it was just pure elation when my name got called out and everything changed from there.

“I spent a lot of time playing in the reserves at Woodville-West Torrens and obviously played my first game this year but didn’t think I did anything exceptional.

“But some clubs liked what they saw and I had a couple of conversations with clubs throughout the year which was very surprising and rewarding

“Then that led to where we are today.

“It’s been a crazy 12 months and I certainly didn’t think I’d be here this time last year.”

Wehr was one of 14 SANFL players selected at Wednesday’s National Draft before seven more were picked at the Rookie Draft on Thursday.

At 184cm and 71kg, the running defender said his size had let him down over the past few years but he worked hard to ensure his strengths caught the eye of AFL recruiters this season.

SANFL - Sunday, October 11th, 2020 - Preliminary Final - Eagles v South Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. South's Joel Cross tries to stop Eagles Jacob Wehr Picture: Sarah Reed

Wehr also credits first-year Eagles coach Jade Sheedy for helping him believe in his ability.

“I’ve never been a massive guys, I’ve always been pretty skinny and I’ve taken a while to fill out,” Wehr said.

“I think this year, something that Sheeds has instilled in us is backing us in and playing on instinct.

“It’s been about not holding back this year with anything and not being afraid to make a mistake but taking the game on – that’s been huge for me.”

Wehr, who watched the draft at home with his “support crew” including his parents, girlfriend and her family, as well as his housemates, will head to Sydney on Sunday.

He said he was ready to get started with the Giants and would “leave no stone unturned” with his AFL career.