Wanderers star forward Joel Jeffrey has ‘done all I can’ to be picked up after the AFL Combine

WANDERERS star forward Joel Jeffrey has not left a stone unturned in his quest to get picked up by an AFL club before the Draft Combine on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

AFL Draft hopeful and Wanderers star Joel Jeffrey says he has left no stone unturned in his quest to play at the elite level. Picture: CHE CHORLEY

WANDERERS star forward Joel Jeffrey has not left a stone unturned in his quest to get picked up by an AFL club before the Draft Combine on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

That is on the training track and during games.

The 18-year-old kicked 31 goals in just 14 games for the Muk Muks in the 2019-20 NTFL season.

And he hasn’t let up in the off-season.

“I’m really excited about it (the Draft Combine). I’ve done all I can,” Jeffrey told the NT News.

“I’ve done a lot of running because I love running with the ball.

“I’m really happy with how I played last season.”

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WANDERERS veteran Aaron Motlop believes the plethora of young talent coming through at the Muk Muks – led by AFL hopefuls Beau O’Connell and Joel Jeffrey – made his decision to commit to another NTFL season a no-brainer.

When asked why he believes he’s now in a position to play at the elite level Jeffrey, the son of former St Kilda and Brisbane Bears representative Russell Jeffrey, did not hesitate.

“I just love competing and trying to get better,” he said.

Jeffrey got a small taste of what it takes to succeed at AFL level when he got invited to attend a week on the Gold Coast as part of a Suns training and development program last month.

The Suns is his likely destination next year, with the Northern Territory now a key region in its expanded Academy region.

“I got heaps out of that. It was an eye-opener to see how professional the players at that level are,” Jeffrey said.

“Not just on the track but off the track too, with their eating and diet.”

Jeffrey – who made his NTFL Premier League debut at just 16 – said the Wanderers club had also done everything in its power to help put him in front of AFL talent scouts.

“All the leaders at the club like Braedon McLean, Marlon Motlop and Daniel Weetra have got around me,” he said.

Growing up in a football family has also assisted Jeffrey in chasing his football dream.

Brothers Julian, Jordan and Jai as well as older sister Lateesha – the reigning premiership-winning captain at Southern Districts – have all played their part in helping Jeffrey get to where he is today.

“They’ve all been great and got around me,” he said.

“Dad has been great in getting me to training, and he’ll often come out to the front yard and have a kick with me.”

NT Academy coach Jason Roe said Jeffrey had developed quickly in becoming a well-rounded footballer.

“Joel is a very versatile player who can play forward, mid and back,” Roe said.

“He’s a strong overhead mark and has very good foot skills.”