MAT Walker has had one pleasant surprise in the past two months and he’s hoping for a second in the AFL draft on Friday.
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Still glowing after playing in Albury’s premiership in his first match with the club, the 18-year-old is a chance of being picked up in the fourth or fifth round of the draft.
“A few clubs have come down for a chat, but no promises have been made,” Walker said.
“I’ll just wait until Friday.
I struggled a bit early with a few two-week injuries but the end of the year was a lot better
- Mat Walker
“I’m trying to stay busy to keep my mind off it.”
Walker was thrown into the midfield for the Murray Bushrangers late in the season after recovering from several injuries and enhanced his prospects with some strong performances.
He is hoping it was enough to find him a spot on an AFL list.
“I struggled a bit early with a few two-week injuries but the end of the year was a lot better,” he said.
“I thought I finished off pretty well.
“Even though I like that mid-sized forward role and kicking goals, it was good to spend time in the midfield.”
Originally from Hume league club CDHBU, Walker joined Ovens and Murray heavyweight Albury this season and had to wait until the Tigers’ final match of the season to debut.
“I was an awesome experience playing in the grand final,” he said.
“I was pretty thankful to get a game.
“I trained with Albury all year and was meant to play earlier in the year but it didn’t work out with injuries and other commitments.
“CDHBU and Albury are awesome clubs.”
While Yarrawonga’s Ely Smith, Albury’s Jacob Koschitzke and Mooroopna’s Laitham Vandermeer have been touted as the Murray Bushrangers best chances of being drafted, the TAC Cup club has also had plenty of inquiries about Walker and Shepparton’s Jordan Butts.
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