AFL Draft: Three Tasmanians picked in top 20 in historic night

Three Tasmanians were selected in the top 20 of the AFL Draft last night in an historic night for football in the state. Check out how it unfolded here.

Launceston’s Colby McKercher receives his jumper from North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey after he was taken at pick two by the Kangaroos in Monday night’s AFL Draft. Pic: Michael Klein

Tasmania is on track to celebrate arguably its greatest draft crop ever after three young guns were selected inside the top 20, headlined by Launceston ace Colby McKercher.

The midfielder was taken at pick two by North Melbourne on the opening evening of the two-night draft on Monday.

It is the highest a Tasmanian Devils player has ever been taken in the draft since its inception in the eighties. Smithton’s Daniel McAlister (1996) and Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij (2013) were both taken at pick five, while St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt was a number one pick after relocating to Queensland.

In an historic night for football in the state - and Launceston in particular - North Launceston’s Ryley Sanders was taken at pick six by the Western Bulldogs, while James Leake capped a memorable day for the Blues when he was snapped up by GWS with pick 17.

McKercher and Leake’s selections were met with rapturous applause from Launceston Football Club’s clubrooms, where members and supporters gathered to toast one of the biggest nights in club history.

McKercher was given his guernsey by Kangaroos legend and AFL games record holder Brent Harvey in Melbourne.

“I didn’t really have an idea, I kind of had an inkling it might be North Melbourne,” McKercher said.

“I’m super excited, they have a super exciting list and obviously Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) coming along. The future’s bright and I’m keen to be a part of it.”

McKercher’s grandfather was teary as he watched his the 18-year-old’s dream come true.

“Pop has been a big figure in my life and probably got me started on football. I just love hanging out with him,” McKercher said.

Sanders stamped himself as one of the nation’s most sought after youngsters after claiming the Larke Medal as the national championships’ best and fairest.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Ryley Sanders is presented his Western Bulldogs guernsey by former player Lindsay Gilbee after the club picked him at no.6 in Monday’s draft. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I had a good inkling I could end up at the Doggies. They’ve got so many great players I can learn off,” Sanders said.

“I had a great six weeks with the Allies boys to win the champs, then to win the medal was great.”

Leake said playing senior football with the Blues last year, where he won a TSL premiership aged just 16, was the boost he needed to star for Tasmania Devils this year.

“Last year I played TSL footy with Launceston, which was really good for my footy and helped me a lot,” Leake said.

“It gave me a lot of confidence I could be drafted.”

Launceston’s Arie Schoenmaker, Clarence’s Jack Callinan and Burnie pair Heath Ollington and Geordie Payne have attracted interest in the lead-up to the draft.

For a full rundown of all of Monday’s selections, click HERE.