GVL and Mansfield young gun Oliver Sestan selected by Melbourne

Melbourne pulled a shock draft move when it selected a Mansfield junior with no representative footy in 2022. Perhaps 24 goals in a game was enough to have his name called.

Oliver Sestan might not be a name you had previously heard in AFL Draft talks.

But the Mansfield under 18s key forward is now an elite footballer after he was selected by Melbourne in the rookie draft on Wednesday afternoon.

He wasn’t on a NAB League club’s list this season.

Instead he spent time between Xavier College and the Goulburn Valley League club after an opportunity arose through one of his mates.

“He’s great mates with my son Charlie,” Mansfield Football Club operations manager Bo Christopher said.

“He came up and play when he didn’t play school (footy).

“He was actually away with my son at Byron Bay at Schoolies and had to come back for it (draft).”

Christopher revealed he was actually going to play for Mansfield next year.

For Mansfield, Sestan dominated in the under-18 competition, kicking 53 goals in six games including 24 in one game against Tatura.

His coach in under-18 at Mansfield, David Holliday said his skills were some of the best he’s seen in the time he’s coached.

“He was just a joy to have,” he said.

“You could see the talent from the word go, he kicked 24 goals in a game in the GV, I’ve never seen anything like it.

“It shows the maturity and the talent he had.

“I’m so excited and so happy for the young man.”

Mansfield's Oliver Sestan has been selected by Melbourne. Picture: Paul Martin Photography.

Holliday said his skillset reminded him of another Melbourne recruit from a few years ago.

“He’s probably most like a Jesse Hogan, not a tall key forward but a bustling one who will kick five goals,” he said.

“He does things on the ground and in the air and is a similar kind of player.

“He’s got big size.”

Even though he’s only played a handful of games in Mansfield the town is proud of him.

“He’s the nicest kid,” Christopher said.

“He comes up to the farm whenever we need help with stuff.

“The Mansfield community is so happy.”