St Mary’s young gun Kieren Parnell remains positive despite missing out on AFL draft selection

ST Mary’s young gun Kieren Parnell missed out during the AFL draft last week, but despite this setback he has already bounced back mentally and will be raring to prove himself for next year’s selections.The 20-year-old has had a strong year which included playing 16 games for NT Thunder in the NEAFL and winning the INPEX Rookie of the Year award.

St Mary's young gun Kieren Parnell is still confident of playing in the AFL despite missing out during last week’s draft. Picture: HELEN ORR

ST Mary’s young gun Kieren Parnell missed out during the AFL draft last week, but despite this setback he has already bounced back mentally and will be raring to prove himself for next year’s selections.

The 20-year-old has had a strong year which included playing 16 games for NT Thunder in the NEAFL and winning the INPEX Rookie of the Year award.

He was being looked at by a couple AFL clubs ahead of the draft phase.

“I was a little disappointed, but I was also realistic of my chances and know I will be up for it again next year,” Parnell told the NT News.

“It’s always a dream of mine to play at the top level.”

The midfielder has retained his athleticism despite ACL injuries in the right knee that he suffered in both 2016 and 2017.

The AFL’s loss will be St Mary’s gain for the remainder of the season with coach Anthony Vallejo happy to retain the in-form player.

“He had a slow start because of Thunder commitments but he’s three or four games in a row for us now and is building nicely,” Vallejo said.

“His composure is probably one of his most impressive attributes, he’s also really athletic despite his knee injuries.

“I was disappointed he wasn’t selected, he’s a young player that puts in a lot of hard work so I was quietly hoping he would make it. Our focus will be on building what he has done so far this season.”

The young gun has been a continued asset for the side this year and will look to help put Saints deep into the finals.

“I’m looking to play consistent footy for Saints and help get the club back to where it belongs,” Parnell said.

“The belief is there, it’s back. The culture and belief amongst the boys is really there. The club just means so much to me.”

Parnell has been around the Saints senior set-up since he was 15 and made his debut at the age of 16 under then coach Ricky Nolan.

There’s a number of big names in the club to guide his progress, including the Rioli brothers Shannon and Ben, the Longs Anthony and Jack, and Jackson Geary.