Clarence young gun Oliver Davis vetted by Essendon, West Coast, Gold Coast and Western Bulldogs

This young TSL ball-magnet hopes to kick off his AFL career in the 2020 Draft on Wednesday – and four clubs have shown a genuine interest in the teenage tyro. DETAILS >>

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CLARENCE young gun Oliver Davis has been interviewed by Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast and West Coast in the lead up to tomorrow’s AFL Draft, and that gives the Roos’ courageous inside midfielder a boost heading into the most important night of his life.

No one knows how many kids will get their chance to start a career in the AFL’s COVID-19 contracted football industry.

Davis, 18, hopes he is included among the chosen few.

Having just finished college at Guilford Young, the ball magnet known as “Ollie” does now know if he will need maths for a career in the workforce or to add up his AFL possessions.

Clarence teenager Ollie Davis one of the state's best hopes in this year's AFL Draft. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

After a season playing full-time in the TSL for Clarence, and becoming one of the league’s most dynamic inside mids with a bear-trap tackle, chats with the Bombers, Doggies, Suns and Eagles gives him optimism he could be among the lucky ones.

“I had a few Zoom interviews with some clubs _ they contacted me that way,” Davis said.

“There was a few nerves but once we got talking it was pretty free-flowing and I had a good chat with the recruiters and list mangers.”

Davis was flagged as a future AFL player last year when he dominated for the Tasmania Devils in the NAB League for the nation’s best under-18 players.

Tasmania Devils Oliver Davis during the game against Saindringham Dragons Invermay Park. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

To get that chance would be a dream come true.

“It would be an unbelievable achievement,” he said.

“It has been a childhood dream of mine and it would unbelievable and surreal to be on an AFL list.

“I go for the Hawks, but I wouldn’t mind where I go at all, just happy to get the opportunity.”

The majority of the Tasmanians’ draft rivals have not been able to play this year, giving the local lads an advantage.

“We’ve been able to have more games than the Victorians boys but they have all put themselves in good stead over the past couple of years for the draft,” Davis said.

“I’m not too sure really about my chances, because it’s a kind of compromised draft.

“I’m just trying to stay positive and hopefully get picked up.”