Priest, the 2008 Morrish medallist, wasn’t on a list of names released by the Bushrangers yesterday.

Bushies skipper Dylan McNeil, key position prospect Sam Reid and Brayden Norris have all been invited to the draft camp, while Brendan Allen, Nick Lawless, Chaz Sargeant, Taylor Duryea, Jonathon Ceglar and Sam Myors will all partake in the Victorian state screen.

But Priest is the surprise omission.

Priest tied for the TAC Cup’s best player last year, and this season has enjoyed solid form at the Bushrangers as well as playing several games for Vic Country at the national championships.

The Bushrangers’ vice-captain made a stunning senior O and M debut for Wangaratta last week, racking up three goals, 20 disposals and eight tackles against Corowa- Rutherglen.

Yesterday, Bushies region manager Andrew Carson said Priest would no doubt be disappointed.

“It is a bit disappointing for him but that’s not something we have control over — who gets invited is up to the AFL clubs,” he said.

“You can read into it in a number of ways, the clubs might think they know enough about Farran and need more information about other players — it’s out of our control.” But Carson said the rugged ball-winner shouldn’t drop his head, pointing to the fact he had been chosen to play for Geelong’s VFL team this weekend.

“He has a great opportunity to play with Geelong, which gives him a chance to impress them and prove he can play at that level,” he said.

“It looks like that’s the path he has to take.

“If he plays well, he’ll enhance his chances (of getting drafted).

“It was great to see him impress at Wangaratta, and it is so important that he makes the most of his opportunities.”

Euroa&rsq uo;s Brendan Allen will also play VFL this weekend, for Collingwood.