THE Murray Bushrangers have narrowly topped their average number of players drafted by AFL clubs.
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Six players – Ely Smith (pick 21, Brisbane Lions), Laitham Vandermeer (pick 37, Western Bulldogs), Jacob Koschitzke (pick 52, Hawthorn), Mat Walker (pick 63, Hawthorn), Finn O'Dwyer (pick 66, Carlton) and Jordon Butts (pick 39, Adelaide Crows rookie draft) – were picked up.
“The club is pretty happy with the result," Wilson said.
“It’s good to get six players into an elite environment.
“Our average is just under five every year so we just beat that which was pleasing.
“We would have liked to get a few more over the line but we will continue to work with those fellows.”
Shepparton United’s Zane Barzen and Nathalia’s Tom Boyd were considered the hard luck stories of the draft for the Murray Bushrangers.
They had attracted strong interest from clubs in the lead-up to Friday’s draft.
“We were hopeful Zane and Tom would go and they were obviously close,” he said.
“Every year two or three players are unlucky.
“They will keep chasing that dream by pursuing other avenues.”
The Bushrangers had four players drafted last year and 10 in 2016.
O’Dwyer was set to remain with the TAC Cup club as an over-age player before being snapped up late by Carlton.
Shepparton United’s Liam Fiore, Albury’s Ben Kelly and Wangaratta Rovers Will Christie have accepted over-age offers to play for the Bushrangers next season.
Benalla’s Mark Marriott has also received an offer but is weighing up his options.
Hawthorn has been particularly keen on Bushranger players in recent years with Koschitzke, Walker, Harry Jones, Harry Morrison, James Cousins and Daniel Howe finding their way to the club.
Oakleigh Chargers dominated this year’s draft with Yarrawonga’s James Jordon being drafted with pick 33.
He was cut by Sandringham in the pre-season.