AFL Draft night ends in tears after family split in crushing scenes

The first round of the AFL draft ended in crushing scenes for one family as one brother’s tears overshadowed the final pick of the night.

James McKern

@jLmcKern

3 min read

November 23, 2024 - 2:13PM

AFL Draft drama as family split up with final pick

The first round of the 2024 AFL Draft ended in crushing scenes with one half of a highly-talented pair of twins from the Murray Bushrangers left in tears after his brother was selected with the final pick of the evening.

Jack Whitlock, 18, had to be consoled by his parents after his brother Matt was selected by North Melbourne, after a blockbuster trade with Richmond, and his name was read out as the 27th pick by AFL boss Andrew Dillon.

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After hugging his brother Matt, the moment became too much for the 200cm Jack.

As Matt, a 198cm key defender and forward, was congratulated by those around him, Jack was seen with his head in his hands as his parents tried to comfort him.

Watch the heartbreaking moment in the video player above

Jack was overcome with emotion as Matt embraced his dad after being selected. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It means Jack must now wait until Thursday night when the second round commences to hear where he will end up, if he is selected.

North’s trade with Richmond for the final pick in the opening round left those watching on gobsmacked.

The Tigers gave North Melbourne pick 27 and their 2024 second round pick in exchange for the Roos’ 2025 first round pick.

While it might not seem like much, the move could see the Tigers with two top five picks in next year’s draft with North unlikely to challenge for finals.

The AFL Draft Expert account wrote: “Richmond securing North Melbourne’s 2025 1st round selection for 27 and a 2025 second is an unbelievable trade! North Melbourne 12 months from now will be looking very silly if they don’t suddenly make a major jump up the ladder!”

Jubilation for one, heartbreak for the other. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The heartbreak for the Whitlock family wasn’t the only viral moment to come out of Wednesday night’s selections.

Fremantle used the 17th pick in the draft to select Murphy Reid, but it was the 18-year-old’s reaction that caught the eye.

After his name was read out, the Victorian youngster barely offered up a smile as he hugged those sitting on his table.

AFL draftee looks gutted to be picked by club

Despite appearing not all that pleased after being picked up, Reid said the night had been super nerve-racking and he was relieved to have finally heard his name called out.

“(It’s) a huge relief, and I’m super pumped. It was very nerve-racking. I’m normally a pretty chilled-out guy, but tonight was quite different — I was very nervous,” Reid said.

“I met with the club around four times, so I knew if I was there around their pick, I was a good chance. But going in, I had no idea about anything.

“You’d like to think all the interviews went well, and obviously they really liked me. I’m very grateful for that.”

Reid presented his jumped by Dockers coach Justin Longmuir. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Listed as a potential top 10 selection, the Sandringham Dragons star can’t wait to join the Dockers midfield alongside Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.

“I’m really keen to get into it and crack into a very young and exciting team,” Reid said

“It’s quite surreal. They are obviously very talented players (Brayshaw and Serong), and I’m just so grateful to be in the position I’m in.

“Hopefully they can take me under their wing, and I can learn a couple of things.

“I’ve missed out on a few things over the years, but that just adds extra determination for me. I’m super grateful to Freo for picking me.”