Tassie duo keen to seize chance in grand final curtain raiser

Two Tasmanian draft prospects will play in a curtain raiser before Saturday’s AFL grand final at the MCG, and Launceston’s Lucas Wootton hopes it can help him achieve his AFL dream.

Lucas Wootton playing for the Devils. Picture: Linda Higginson/Solstice Digital

Launceston draft hope Lucas Wootton hopes to use Saturday’s grand final curtain raiser at the MCG as a chance to help push his prospects.

Wootton and fellow 17-year-old Devil Jasper Hay (Clarence) have been named in the National Futures Boys program squad of 46, which will play a game before Sydney battles Brisbane in the main act.

The versatile Wootton and ruck Hay were both named in the under-16 All Australian side last year.

Members of the squad are considered to be the best draft prospects for next year, and players are nominated by state talent programs, national selectors and AFL club recruiters.

“It’s definitely reward for effort I think. I’ve been working really hard and I’m really excited,” Wootton said.

“It’s a great opportunity to play on the MCG, and I can’t wait to play against the best in Australia.

“If you have a big game on Saturday it can put your name out a bit, and then hopefully have a big year next year.”

Wootton played a number of positions for the Devils this year, a ploy used by coach Jeromey Webberley to showcase his players’ versatility to potential AFL suitors.

“I’ve got thrown around a bit, trying to find that balance of where I play. He (Webberley) does like to put me in different spots because he thinks I can play in multiple positions,” Wootton said.

Jasper Hay in action for the Devils. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I reckon midfield is where I’ll mostly play next year, I don’t mind playing half-back and also getting forward and kicking a couple of goals.”

Wootton played nine TSL games for Launceston this year, booting nine goals.

“It was a different experience, a lot bigger bodies and against men. Around the stoppages was next level,” he said.

“I did learn a bit, you realise you’re not as big as you think you are sometimes.

“Thorpy (former Launceston coach Mitch Thorp) was good for me. He gave me a position at half forward and just let me play, and gave me some freedom.”

Also a talented basketballer, Hay had a standout season for the Devils and played in Clarence’s TSL qualifying final loss to North Launceston.

“He’s real athletic and can jump high, he’s almost like another midfielder. He wins the ruck and follows it up really well,” Wootton said.

Saturday’s match at the MCG is the highlight of a three-day camp in Melbourne for the National Futures Boys Program squad.