The best Western Jets team since 2000

A long list of names have enjoyed decorated careers after graduating from the Western Jets. We’ve named our best side of the last 25 years.

Since 2000, the Western Jets have seen talented footballers come and go through their program.

Some have gone onto have successful AFL careers while others have become stars of their local competitions.

Now we’ve attempted to pick the best team since 2000.

Our criteria has taken into account what these players achieved in their careers.

To have been selected, players must have played at the Jets in 2000 or beyond.

Adam Kennedy. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

Adam Kennedy, Greater Western Sydney

Drafted: Pre draft selection 2011

Kennedy went onto play 153 AFL games for the Giants, playing in the club’s first game in 2011. Shoulder and knee injuries hampered the defender’s ability to play more games and impacted him in the back half of his career.

Jayden Laverde, Essendon

Drafted: Pick 20, 2014

Made his way into the AFL as a forward before a switch to defence eventually saved his career. Has shown an ability to play on opponent’s of all sizes. Remains on Essendon’s list.

Kyle Hartigan, Adelaide/Hawthorn

Drafted: Rookie pick 14, 2012

Hartigan spent most of his career with the Crows after earning his AFL shot after strong form at Werribee. He played 113 games for the Crows and was eventually traded to Hawthorn. Delisted at the end of 2022, Hartigan then played some local footy for Queenscliff.

Liam Duggan, West Coast

Drafted: Pick 11, 2014

The current co-captain of West Coast alongside Oscar Allen. Duggan has established himself as a key member of the Eagles’ defence across half back but has been thrown into the middle in recent times.

James Sicily, Hawthorn

Drafted: Pick 56, 2013

One of the Hawks’ greatest draft steals of the last 15 years. The Hawthorn skipper has developed into the game’s best swingmen. His career included a 2022 best-and-fairest and 2023 All-Australian selection.

James Sicily. Photo: Michael Klein

Bachar Houli, Essendon/Richmond

Drafted: Pick 42, 2006

Despite starting his career with the Bombers, spending four seasons there, Houli is best known for his time with Richmond where he won three premierships and was an All-Australian in 2020. He is seen as a real leader in the community and recently signed to play in the WFNL with Newport.

Massimo D’Ambrosio, Essendon/Hawthorn

Drafted: Pick 3, 2021 mid-season draft

The 21-year-old might have only played 40 AFL games but he’s emerging as a key contributor for a Hawthorn side on the rise. He got his opportunity at Essendon but moved onto the Hawks seeking further senior game time where he has thrived on the wing with his beautiful ball use on his left foot.

Zak Butters, Port Adelaide

Drafted: Pick 12, 2018

The hard nut has emerged as one of the AFL’s most courageous players in recent years. He is among the leading midfielders in the competition and has two All-Australians and two club best-and-fairests to his name already.

Cam Rayner during the grand final. Picture: Jason Edwards

Lachie Hunter, Western Bulldogs/Melbourne

Drafted: Pick 49, 2012 (father-son selection)

Retired at the end of the 2024 season after a two-year stint with Melbourne, finishing on 199 AFL games. Across his 173 games with the Dogs, he was a premiership player and won the 2018 best-and-fairest. Recently signed with Spotswood in the WFNL.

Logan Morris, Brisbane

Drafted: Pick 31, 2023

A controversial selection after just one season? But Morris already has achieved the ultimate goal, playing in Brisbane’s flag, kicking 24 goals in 19 games. He thrived as the third tall.

Cam Rayner, Brisbane

Drafted: Pick 1, 2017

At his very best, Rayner has proven to be a matchwinner across half forward. He found the best form of his career in 2024, playing a key role in the Lions’ flag.

Will Hoskin-Elliott, GWS/Collingwood

Drafted: Pick 4, 2011

Coming out of North Sunshine, Hoskin-Elliott spent the first five seasons of his career with the Giants, playing 52 games. He was traded to Collingwood in 2017 and went onto become a premiership hero in 2023. His versatility has allowed him to play multiple positions.

Xavier O’Halloran, GWS Giants

Drafted: Pick 22, 2018

A leader throughout his junior years, captaining the Vic Metro under-18 side. He’s become a highly rated role player for the Giants, especially across half forward.

Xavier O'Halloran. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

Majak Daw, North Melbourne/Melbourne

Drafted: Rookie pick 9, 2010

Daw became the first Sudanese Australian to be selected by an AFL club when he arrived at North. He went onto play 53 AFL games with North, but never played in the AFL for Melbourne. At local level since, he has been a dominant forward for North Heidelberg and Deer Park. Daw joined Lara for season 2025.

Paul Curtis, North Melbourne

Drafted: Pick 35, 2021

The Melton South product has emerged as one of the exciting youngsters in North Melbourne’s front half alongside another Jets graduate in Eddie Ford.

Tristan Xerri, North Melbourne

Drafted: Pick 72, 2017

A late selection almost a decade ago is now starting to bear fruit for the Roos. In the last two seasons, Xerri has transformed himself into one of the league’s most powerful big men. He featured in the 40-man All-Australian squad last year.

Callan Ward, Western Bulldogs/GWS Giants

Drafted: Pick 19, 2007

Started his career with the Dogs before becoming part of the Giants inaugural side where he has remained ever since. The man known as “Cement Head” is one of the game’s toughest inside midfielders.

Callan Ward. Photo: Getty Images.

Michael Rischitelli, Brisbane/Gold Coast

Drafted: Pick 61, 2003

A player who got everything out of himself across a career at two clubs. The midfielder played 111 games for the Lions before joining the Suns where he added 132 games.

Trent McKenzie, Gold Coast Suns/Port Adelaide

Drafted: Gold Coast underage selection in 2009

Retired at the end of the 2024 season. McKenzie earned the nickname “The Cannon” for his booming left foot early in his career. He was delisted by the Suns in 2017 before the Power gave him a lifeline. Played 165 AFL games and even was part of the International Rules series against Ireland in his debut season.

Brent Prismall, Geelong/Essendon

Drafted: Pick 32, 2004

Started his career with Geelong and was traded to the Bombers at the end of 2008. Knee injuries ruined his time with Essendon. He played 61 AFL games.

Lachlan Fogarty, Carlton/Geelong

Drafted: Pick 22, 2017

Debuted in the opening round of the 2018 season but would only go onto play another 22 games for Geelong before being traded at the end of 2020. At the Blues, he’s found a consistent place as a small forward. Highly rated internally.

Daniel Venables, West Coast

Drafted: Pick 13, 2016

The first round selection was a premiership player who unfortunately saw his career ended due to concussion issues.