The brilliant career of Wanderers product Joel Jeffrey will reach the summit on AFL Draft day

Territory football poised to welcome more players into the AFL with Joel Jeffrey, Maurice Rioli Jr and Brodie Lake ready to make the big step to the elite level

AFL draft hopeful Joel Jeffrey pictured at TIO Stadium. Picture: Che Chorley

JOEL Jeffrey will reach the summit at today’s AFL Draft when the Gold Coast Suns draft him as their Darwin Academy zone selection.

Already rated a top 30 pick in today’s virtual draft, where a big chunk of players will be interviewed from their loungerooms, Jeffrey is expected to be a long term player at the AFL’s newest franchise.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do from a very young age, even the first day I touched a footy I wanted to play at the highest level,’’ the 18-year-old told the NT News.

“Obviously having dad (Russell) around helped a lot with his knowledge and experience after playing at the highest level himself.’’

Russell Jeffrey’s playing career included playing stints with Geelong, St Kilda and Brisbane, with his Saints and Brisbane career embracing league football.

Jeffrey also praised older sister Lateesha for her patience and guidance through football and achieving an education.

He will be presented to the rest of the country from Metricom Stadium this morning when his name is called as a new addition to the Suns.

Jeffrey been on the Gold Coast for the last month as part of the recruiting process.

“I love coming to the Gold Coast, I arrived here a month ago and love the beaches and what’s on offer, life down here will be pretty good,’’ he said.

“Right now I’m working hard to make sure I get to the e elite level, hopefully on the back of a big pre-season with no injuries.

“That will allow me to go 100 per cent at winning a spot in the league side.’’

Essentially a forward with a lightning lead, strong mark and accurate kick, Jeffrey wants to continue that role in a Suns jumper.

Hopefully that will be in the forward line, I played down back with the Allies and didn’t mind it actually.

“But the forward line is obviously my preferred position so I’ll be working hard towards achieving that goal.

“Wanderers helped me big time through the junior grades and coming into the senior side with great leaders like Shannon, Daniel and all the Motlops and Braedon McLean and Daniel Weetra.’’

The Territory is tipped to secure a draft hat-trick today with Maurice Rioli Jr headed to Richmond under the father-son rule and Brodie Lake being courted by a number of clubs.