AFL National Draft 2024: Jesse Dattoli reveals long-term goal to become midfielder at Sydney

One of Sydney’s first-round picks has revealed his desire to break out of the forward mould and emulate Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale in a clear sign of his ambition to succeed as a Swan.

Jesse Dattoli tries on his new colours.

The moment Jesse Dattoli heard his name read out as the Swans’ first pick in the 2024 draft, he knew his life was about to change. He just didn’t realise how quickly it would happen.

A quiet night at home became one of celebration. Before too long, AFL legends and Sydney assistants Dean Cox and Brett Kirk were knocking on his door to join in.

But there was one text from a soon-to-be teammate which emphasised to Dattoli that nothing would ever be the same.

“I got a message from Tom Papley last night saying he can’t wait to create havoc in the forward 50,” Dattoli said. “That got me pretty excited.

“First you’re eating dinner with your friends and family. Next thing you know, they’re saying your name on TV and everyone’s showing up at your house.

“Just the opportunity of playing in the league is crazy. It’s a dream come true and it hasn’t really sunk in just yet.”

Papley will be one of Dattoli’s superstar teammates in 2025. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Dattoli has built his trade as a competitive small forward throughout junior footy. He is elite by hand, has a deadly set shot and importantly, has impressed with his footy IQ.

His body of work in 2024 always had him around the top 25 on draft boards, but he wanted nothing more than to have his name read out on the opening night. After Dattoli was selected with the 22nd pick, he knew his perseverance had paid off.

“For my goal to go in the first round and for it all to come true last night is crazy,” Dattoli said.

“It just shows how much work I put in over the off-season.

“I know I’ve played some pretty good footy (this year). I’ve played a variety of different positions across all three levels of APS (Associated Public Schools), the Champs and Coates Talent League, and I feel like it’s been pretty good.

Sit back and enjoy the classy craft of one of our newest Swans, Jesse Dattoli 🎥 #AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/bCjAvPZvpt

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 20, 2024

“The thing that really motivates me to leave everything (on the field) is that you’re young and you only get one chance.

“There are a lot of people who have been super talented, but they’re just wasting their opportunities because their mindset hasn’t been right. For me, I just don’t want to leave any regrets when I’m out there. When I get tired and stuff, that just keeps me going.”

Dattoli was a key part of the Vic Metro side that won the under-18 National Championships. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The Dattoli family home has always been surrounded by Sherrins. His dad, Vinny, was an esteemed footy player and coach across the Northern League and Jesse would regularly tag along for doses of inspiration.

But his own career always looked destined to outgrow his father’s from the moment he was taking speccies off stools in the living room at two years old.

“Especially when I was playing early at Ivanhoe, I’d always dress up in my kit the night before the game to sleep in it,” Dattoli said.

The teenager will arrive in Sydney next week with a strong resume behind him. He was a part of Vic Metro’s national championship-winning side, kicking three goals across the four matches. He also averaged 23 possessions a game and had 12 goals in seven matches for the Northern Knights in the Coates League.

One minute you’re at home on the couch.

The next you’re a Swan and Kirky and Coxy arrive at your place!

Jesse Dattoli gets a visit from a few new mates ❤️#AFLDraft#Bloodspic.twitter.com/Wg1yoZ0IGv

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 20, 2024

But while he’s already looking forward to sharing a forward line with Papley, the ultimate goal is to become a hybrid midfielder who can become a potent weapon for the Swans in the years to come. And he’s already received some good advice from some young AFL stars.

“I feel like (Papley and I are) both small but we’re different,” he said.

“He’s more on the ground and I’m a bit more aerial. So I feel like it could be a really good combination moving forward.

“As a forward, I’d say (I’d model off) a bit of Jamie Elliott and Toby Greene,” he said.

“That marking small forward.

“But as a midfielder, I want to play a bit like Lachie Neale. So I’d like to play 50-50 at the Swans eventually and yeah, go from there.

“I spoke to Nate (Caddy) and (Matt) Rowell a bit. They said to enjoy it. You only get drafted once. But get ready because the real work starts after you get your name read out.”