AFL draft 2018: St Kilda draftee Jack Bytel determined to reward faith
Jack Bytel has declared his determination to vindicate St Kilda’s faith after heading to Moorabbin in the AFL national draft.
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Jack Bytel has declared his determination to vindicate St Kilda’s faith after heading to Moorabbin in the AFL national draft.
The Calder Cannons co-captain, who was considered a possible first-round selection at the start of 2018, was selected at pick no. 41 by the Saints after an injury-plagued TAC Cup season.
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Bytel’s impact was hampered by a back stress fracture in the first half of the campaign and he managed a bulging disc in the latter rounds of the season.
But buoyed by the support shown by St Kilda, the Aberfeldie junior is ready to capitalise on his chance at the elite level and showcase his undeniable talent.
“It’s something you wait for your whole life and for that to happen in that moment was amazing. The best feeling I have ever had,” Bytel said.
The 18-year-old sent a message of congratulations to his close mate Max King after the key forward was chosen by the Saints with pick no. 4 on Thursday night.
King’s reply was hopeful Bytel would join him at St Kilda, a premonition which was proven true the following day.
“He said, ‘if there’s any chance you can slide to pick 41, to the Saints, happy days’,” Bytel said.
“I am just grateful, at least I have someone I regard as one of my very close mates, with me at a club. I don’t think I could think of anything better.”
Bytel could fill the void left in the King household by Max’s twin brother Ben, who was drafted to Gold Coast.
“Down the posh end of town,” he said.
“Max does live there and with Ben going, that could be an option.”
A prolific midfielder who averaged 27 disposals and six tackles as a 17-year-old in the TAC Cup, Bytel said he “couldn’t have landed at a better club.”
“I see it as an opportunity to show what I have got and really bring the club along. They have got a really good young list and I will fit in well,” he said.
Bytel said he was “in good hands” and backed St Kilda’s medical team to help him overcome his back issues.
“I am very grateful and thankful the Saints have given me that opportunity and shown some faith in me,” he said.
“It’s time to give it back to them and give it my best.”
The on-baller averaged 22 disposals, three marks and six tackles per game this year despite battling persistent injury issues.
He joins Jack Billings, Jack Sinclair, Jack Lonie, Jack Steven, Jack Newnes and Jack Steele on the St Kilda list and quipped “they’ll have to come up with a good nickname for me”.
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