AFL Draft: Fans vent over slow-mo Gil McLachlan; SOS dropping bombs
The opening night of the 2019 AFL Draft saw fans on social media unhappy with what the league’s CEO, Gillon McLachlan, dished up.
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It’s the biggest night of the year for the AFL’s next crop of superstar’s as the first round of the 2019 Draft got underway.
The two rounds have been split over two nights with the first round taking place on Wednesday at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
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But as the next generation sat, eagerly waiting for their name to be called out, AFL fans watching on at home where screaming down the box.
The night’s coverage kicked off at 6:30pm and the first pick officially being announced close to 45 minutes later.
READ: History made at the AFL Draft
But it was before the first pick was announced where fans really grew angry with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan delivering his opening address.
The AFL’s head honcho stood at the dais and read out a pre-prepared speech, that seemed to go on and on and on.
Gil is speaking VERY slowly #AFLDraft
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) November 27, 2019
If Gil read the Brownlow votes this slowly it would go for a year. #AFLDraft
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) November 27, 2019
It will deadset be Round 1, by the time Gil stops talking... #AFLDraft
— Josh Miller (@miltrain) November 27, 2019
Is. Gil. Going. To. Speak. This. Slowly. All. Night. #AFLDraft #CouldBeALongOne
— Tim Rosen (@timrosen35) November 27, 2019
Does. Gil. McLachlan. Always. Talk. Like. This?
— Liam (@ImNotSure3467) November 27, 2019
Not only was McLachlan’s speech delivered in super slow-mo, each team had five minutes between every pick to deliberate over just who they were going to select.
This #AFLDraft is way too slow. 5 minutes between picks is an eternity.
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) November 27, 2019
‘SOS’ GOES OUT WITH A BANG FOR THE BLUES
Carlton entered the night with pick nine to their name and the rumours swirled throughout the day of a potential blockbuster trade with the Adelaide Crows and pick 6.
The trade never eventuated and the Blues went into the night and list manager Stephen Silvagni began wreaking havoc.
The man known as “SOS” and the Blues placed a bid on Liam Henry, which was quickly matched by the Fremantle Dockers, before following it up with a bid on Tom Green. Which was then matched by the GWS Giants.
Silvagni wasn’t done there as he then orchestrated a trade with the Gold Coast Suns by sending picks 11 and 62 in exchange for 17 and 22.
As the picks rolled on, Silvagni struck again by engaging with Port Adelaide and landing pick 20 in exchange for picks 22 and 55.
Fans watching on had mixed reactions to seeing “SOS” go to work and finish up his final draft with the Blues in style.
SOS going out with a BANG. #AFLDraft
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) November 27, 2019
SOS. LOL.#AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/A4JNPTsirY
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) November 27, 2019
SOS and @CarltonFC tonight at the #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/0hj2SFGBTF
— Mark Hawthorne (@HawthorneMark) November 27, 2019
SOS going out with a bang #AFLDraft
— Patch (@PatchToTheMax) November 27, 2019
Did SOS buy himself some precious time with that double-bid to strike a trade? Reckon the Blues wanted Stephens, Young or Serong and they were all gone. Trade with Adelaide (6 for 9) fell over because Crows wanted a future first thrown in. Didn’t want Sam Flanders.
— Sam Landsberger 🗯 (@SamLandsberger) November 27, 2019
Originally published as AFL Draft: Fans vent over slow-mo Gil McLachlan; SOS dropping bombs