AFL rookie draft: Josh Glenn says he’s ready to take next step after joining Gold Coast

LAST year Josh Glenn declined to nominate for the three drafts despite strong interest from several AFL clubs.

03/12/14 - Central District's Josh Glenn has been rookie-listed by the Gold Coast Suns. Pictured with at Playford Oval in Elizabeth. Photo Tom Huntley

LAST year Josh Glenn declined to nominate for the three drafts despite strong interest from several AFL clubs.

“I didn’t know if I was ready for that next step,” he said.

Now the pinpoint-kicking Central District half-back flanker is headed to the Gold Coast after the Suns selected him with the seventh pick at yesterday’s rookie draft.

Glenn, 20, said he always hoped to reach the elite level, the timing just needed to be right. Just two years ago he was playing division four amateur football for Elizabeth so he wanted another SANFL season under his belt.

“I gave myself another year of league footy ... and I had the best season I’ve ever had. I’ve had two years of experience of league footy and it probably gives me that little bit more of an advantage to be able to play at the next level.

“Maybe if I didn’t get picked in the draft today, maybe I would’ve regretted (the decision). I’m just happy I got picked today so I don’t have to think about it now.”

Glenn played 16 league games for the Bulldogs this past season and made The Advertiser Team of the Year.

He is unsure if sitting out last year’s draft deterred some clubs from recruiting him this year amid go-home fears. But he is determined to defy those that may have felt that way.

“In the end, I’m more than happy to be picked up by the Gold Coast Suns. They’ve got a big future ahead of them,” he said. “I’m going to work my butt off and have a massive crack at the next level to try and prove everyone wrong for not picking me.”

Glenn, who lives at home with his parents in Elizabeth Grove, admitted he was nervous at the prospect of moving interstate.

Yet he was also excited at the new adventure and becoming team-mates with his favourite player, Gary Ablett.

“I couldn’t wait until the draft was over just so I knew what was going on and where I had to go. Mum had a tear in her eye and I was surprised and shaking a bit,” he said.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. But I can’t wait to get over there.”