MURRAY Bushrangers captain Kade Klemke’s disappointment at being overlooked in Saturday’s AFL draft has been eased by Richmond inviting him to train with the club.
Klemke and two other unknown players will spend a fortnight under coach Terry Wallace at Punt Road vying for one position in the pre-season draft on December 16.
The talented midfielder said yesterday the setback had made him even more determined to crack a spot in the big-time.
“It was a bit disappointing, but not the end of the world,” Klemke said.
“There are never any guarantees with the draft and it was just good to hear from Richmond straight away.
“Three players will train for one spot and I’ll just give it everything and see how it goes.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
If Klemke fails to make it onto Richmond’s list, the TAC Cup premiership player would most likely be snapped up by Sydney and put on its rookie list.
Murray Bushrangers regional manager Andrew Carson said Saturday’s draft was a day of mixed emotions with four players — Jack Ziebell, Steele Sidebottom, Sam Wright and Caleb Tiller — being picked up.
“Obviously it’s fantastic for Jack, Steele, Sam and Caleb and really exciting that they have found clubs,” Carson said.
“They have all worked hard and we are thrilled for them.
“But then we had a couple who were disappointed and we will be working to find them clubs to train with over the next few days.
“You can’t never predict what will happen on draft day, so we just want to do everything we can to support our players and hopefully find them spots.”
The Bushrangers best result in the draft was in 2000 when nine players — Justin Koschitzke, Kayne Pettifer, Blake Campbell, Allan Murray, Chris Hyde, Sean O’Keefe, Daniel Cross, Marc Bullen and Luke Hammond — found clubs.
It had seven players picked up in 1995, 1999 and 2001.
Klemke and Benalla’s Tom Rockliff were regarded the most unlucky to be overlooked, while Riley Milne, Andrew Browne and Jamie Sheahan also had claims.