Wanderers junior Lloyd Johnston preselected by Gold Coast Suns in 2022 AFL Rookie Draft
A Wanderers junior has become the latest Territorian to be picked up by the Gold Coast Suns. See all the Territory Draft picks here.
A Northern Territory young gun has will get his chance to mix it in the big league after being selected by the Gold Coast Suns.
Wanderers junior Lloyd Johnston will get to show off his talent on the biggest stage of all after Gold Coast Suns selected him ahead of the AFL Rookie Draft.
The 18-year-old rebounding half-back has become well-known for his flair and speed, as well as his trademark leap.
The 2021-22 NT News NTFL Rising Star winner was ecstatic when the news was revealed and was quickly ambushed by calls from friends and family.
“It was an unreal feeling getting the call. I was nervous at first, thought the worst, but then getting the good news was amazing,” Johnston said.
“Once the news got on social media I was getting calls from all over, some were happy, some were emotional, but everyone was just very proud of me.”
Johnston joins a Gold Coast Suns side which has embraced its Territory relationship with Malcolm Rosas Jr, Joel Jeffrey, Sandy Brock and Ben Long.
And with former North Melbourne and Hawthorn midfielder Jed Anderson also joining the Suns as a rookie, the club is really cementing its link with the NT.
“Being around more NT blokes is going to be good, I know them from up in Darwin and I’ve played with Joel so it’s going to be amazing,” Johnston said.
“I believe anyone from the Territory can get drafted if they put their mind to it. Honestly just the talent in the NT is unbelievable, it’s just amazing.”
There’s been no lack of effort put into his rise to this level having represented the Allies in the 2022 AFL under-18 National Championships.
He also played two matches for the Suns VFL side and got a taste of training with the AFL squad when they spent two weeks in Darwin during the season.
“Being around them was amazing and those two weeks they came up gave me so much motivation,” he said.
“I’ve seen the way they train, it’s quick and fast and watching them play was just like ‘I could be out there.’
“I kept telling myself ‘you’re going to be AFL player one day, you need to me’ and it’s just lovely to be here.
“I want to show them that they won’t regret getting me in this pic I want to show them I’m coming there for business too, to try and get them to win a flag. That’s what I want to do.”
Johnston is the fourth Territorian picked up in the 2022 Draft after Alwyn Davey Jr, Jayden Davey and Anthony Munkara were all selected by Essendon.
‘A dream come true’ for Territory twins
The Davey twins have very quickly become the fairytale story of the 2022 AFL Draft with both picked up by their father’s club Essendon.
Alwyn Davey Jr and Jayden Davey were the toast of the Palmerston Football Club after being selected by Essendon Football Club on Tuesday night, surrounded by their extended family and lifelong friends.
The 18-year-olds will now follow in the footsteps of their father Alwyn Davey, who played 100 games and kicked 120 goals for the Bombers.
Alwyn Jr’s swiftness has become his greatest asset having recorded the fastest in-game speed at nearly 34km/h playing for Victoria Metro and Oakleigh Chargers.
Having also turned out for the AFL Under-18 Academy side against Collingwood’s VFL team in May it was only a matter of where in the Draft he would get the nod.
He was rated as a top 40 prospect leading into the Draft, but Essendon would have been pleased it wasn’t until Pick 45 that Hawthorn named the 18-year-old.
But it wasn’t Hawthorn the Davey clan were waiting on with bated breath for Essendon to match the bid.
As Essendon declared their intention of taking Alwyn Jr under the father-son rule the Palmerston Football Club erupted in applause.
“It’s like a dream come true, when we were young we’d always imagine putting the red and black on and follow our dad,” Alwyn Jr said.
“There was a bit of emotion with mum (Janelle) and dad, a few tears came out, but we’re all happy with how it went down and we were relieved when our names came out.
“It’s going to take a bit of time to set in, it still feels unreal especially how everyone came in just for me and Jayden.
“I just can’t wait to get started.”
And then all eyes were on Jayden, whose talent was just as highly rated as his twin, but his journey to the AFL was heavily hampered by two ACL injuries.
The nerves set in for the family as Essendon’s next pick came up at 54, but they were quickly replaced by jubilation as Jayden was named.
Once more the Daveys were on their feet to celebrate the second win of the night as both boys were confirmed to be on the Bombers’ list.
“It was so surreal, and to now finally get to wear the Dons colours is just a wonderful feeling,” Jayden said.
“Following in our dads’ footsteps and what he’s achieved is like crossing another box in the bucket list, it’s just so surreal.
“The nerves were kicking in when I saw Essendon had made their pick and as soon as I heard my name I could not believe it. It’s just one of the best feelings and I will cherish it forever.”
It was the only way it could have gone for the pair who have done everything together growing up, and now get to take the first big step in their careers together.
And it’s on the back of plenty of commitment, moving down to Xavier College so they could the best exposure possible.
“It all started with mum and dad sacrificing for us to move down to Xavier College,” Alwyn Jr said.
“Ever since then it’s just been more hands on focusing on the footy side as we wouldn’t have got as much exposure up in Darwin.
“All that commitment, staying with your gut in choosing that path while fighting through the home sickness is something I went through and a journey I’m very grateful for.
“Now it’s about going with the flow and making sure we make a really good first impression.”
While the twin’s journeys have been different with Jayden forced to fight through the hard way as he bounced back from injuries, there’s no doubt they’ve helped carry each other to this point.
“The journey has been tough, it’s been a rocky road, but I’ve just tried my best to chip away,” Jayden said.
“There’s been difficult moments, but I’ve just worked on my own and Alwyn’s craft to help him get better as well, and to finally reach the goal is very big for me.
“We have probably the closest connection in the whole family, I guess mum and dad get a little bit jealous over us two.
“We’ve always had a close connection on and off the field. We grew up together, always sharing the same bed and stuff like that.
“I hope to get a game this year, but anytime I don the sash will be special for me.”
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