But the Tiger grand final hero says his only chance of completing a fairytale rise from district footballer to AFL player will be as a mature age rookie on December 15.

At least three AFL clubs are believed to have requested DVDs of Mackie’s performances throughout the Ovens and Murray season and speculation has been rife in recent weeks that one may provide him with a similar opportunity given to Brett Kirk by the Sydney Swans in 1999.

“I doubt I’m a chance in this draft and, if I’m any chance at all, it would be as a mature age rookie in next month’s draft,” Mackie said yesterday.

“I’m not getting carried away that’s for sure.

“You have got to nominate to be any chance though.”

Mackie, 23, who led this year’s Morris medal at the halfway mark of the season and was best on ground with four goals in Albury’s grand final demolition of Yarrawonga, stunned O and M followers with his performances this year after playing in Hume league club Jindera’s 2008 premiership.

AFL talent identification manager Kevin Sheehan said a player could occasionally force their way into the AFL system from country leagues.

“You look at someone a few years ago like Brett Kirk ... he made his way to Sydney from playing O and M,” Sheehan said.

“They (AFL clubs) do scan the country leagues, history tells us there’s the odd one that bobs up from the country.

“... but normally clubs will try to get them to play for their VFL-aligned clubs and have a bit of a look at them there.

“I can confirm Joel Mackie has nominated ... you never know, he just might be a smoky.

“But he’s more likely to get a rookie spot (than be drafted).”

Mackie represented the O and M against the Goulburn Valley at Shepparton earlier this year and there were several AFL talent scouts in attendance.

To be eligible for the preseason and rookie draft, players must first nominate for the national draft.

Murray Bushrangers trio Sam Reid, Dylan McNeil and Brayden Norris are chances of being selected tomorrow with Reid rated by some as a potential top-30 pick.

More reports — page 62