Joel Fitzgerald is one of the most prolific ball-winners in the 2021 AFL Draft

There were few better accumulators than Joel Fitzgerald this season, an attacking defender who models his game on a Collingwood star.

One of this season’s most prolific ball-winners is flying under the radar ahead of Wednesday’s draft.

South Morang junior and Northern Knights graduate Joel Fitzgerald has an amazing knack of putting himself in the right position at the right time to either win or receive the ball.

The dashing half-back averaged 28.1 disposals in the NAB League, ranked seventh overall, and ranked second in total kicks and in total rebound 50s, highlighting his attacking abilities.

Fitzgerald said making the most of those possessions and flexibility was critical to his AFL Draft hopes.

“I did manage to find the ball a lot but I wanted to make sure I was impacting with those possessions as well,” he said.

Joel Fitzgerald in action during the pre-draft training session. Picture: Michael Klein

“That’s what I tried to work on, make sure they weren’t just little touches, I really wanted to make sure I was impacting the game.

“I look to open up the game with my kicking and running off half-back, I definitely think it’s a strength of my game.

“I’ve only really played backline since I’ve been at the Knights, so I definitely think I have the versatility to play anywhere on the ground.

“If any team drafted me, I’d be happy to be anywhere, I’ve got a good work ethic and am happy to learn to play wherever they want me.”

An Essendon fan growing up but Fitzgerald models his game on a Collingwood star.

“I really like watching Brayden Maynard, how he’s so competitive, I see myself as a very competitive player also,” he said.

“He takes so much pride in his one-on-one contests and using his kicking to break open the game.

Several AFL clubs have shown interest in Fitzgerald but he’s largely missed out in draft rankings and mock drafts.

Joel Fitzgerald looks to get a handball away under pressure. Picture: Steve Tanner

He was overlooked for the initial Vic Metro squad this season but his stellar campaign was still recognised with an invite to the AFL Draft Combine.

While it was cancelled due to Melbourne’s lockdown, a pre-draft training session was held instead earlier this month, giving Fitzgerald and his fellow draft hopefuls a final chance to impress.

Like most in the 2021 draft class, Fitzgerald has had to deal with the disappointment of the cancelled 2020 and shortened 2021 season.

However, it’s only fuelled his desire.

“Last year was where I took it to the next level with my training, with COVID hitting I used it as an opportunity to get really fit,” Fitzgerald said.

“I came into pre-season training the best I’ve ever felt, giving myself the best opportunity.

“It was obviously disappointing the season had to be cut short, as a (Northern Knights) group we were showing some pretty positive signs.

“Personally, I wanted to cement my spot in the side and I managed to do that pretty early, I was pretty happy but disappointed I didn’t get a crack at Vic Metro.

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“I just went back to training, I’ve got a lot good support at the Knights.

“I was hoping to keep impressing and maybe get a chance in the next Vic Metro but we never found out.”

If his name isn’t called out on Wednesday or Thursday night, Fitzgerald plans to take up an apprenticeship after finishing his VCAL studies this year.

The AFL Draft will be held over two nights this year, starting on Wednesday, November 24.