AFL draft hopeful Charlie Byrne ready for opportunity at top level

That didn't eventuate for the talented Albury and Murray Bushrangers product, but he didn't want the fact he played next to no football in his draft year due to COVID-19 to affect his chances.

He heads into Wednesday night's AFL national draft, to be conducted online, confident he couldn't have done much more to prove he belongs.

Byrne's hard work in the pre-season led to impressive performances in the midfield when he featured in practice matches for the Bushrangers at the start of the year.

A best on ground display against Bendigo Pioneers highlighted Byrne as a strong draft chance and there's been very few matches for clubs to go off since, which should hold the 18-year-old in good stead.

"It's a bit nerve-wracking heading into it, but I've done what I can and just have to wait it out and see how it goes," Byrne said.

"It's been hard to find motivation, but I think I found it by pushing myself towards the draft.

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"I've pushed myself harder than I ever have and gotten to the point where I think I'm ready for anything that's thrown at me.

"I've worked my butt off to get where I am today, and, unfortunately, due to circumstances out of my control, I was unable to showcase that throughout the season.

"Hopefully they take that into consideration on draft night and look at me as a potential pick.

"If nothing goes my way, I'll find the things I need to work on and work harder. The good thing is we've always got next year (with the Murray Bushrangers' program increasing to under-19s) so that kind of calms the nerves a bit."

Because he lives in NSW, Byrne was fortunate enough to be invited to play for the GWS Giants academy side against Sydney Swans' equivalent in August and took plenty from that experience.

"Any game played this year has helped out for anyone, so it's been good to get a couple in," he said.

"It was good to get out there and play against some very talented boys and showcase some of my skills."

Byrne has had contact with several AFL clubs via Zoom and said he has reached out to others for advice on how to best approach the draft.

"I've told myself even if I don't get picked up this year, there's plenty of opportunities and I shouldn't give up," he added.

"I think the mentality in the way you look at this year defines the footballer you are. The way I've been going about it has given me a lot of optimism.

"My Giants coach this year Cam Bernasconi has been a big help and encouraged me to do my best.

"Mark Brown and Mick Wilson at the Bushrangers are big motivators and don't lie to you. They're upfront and honest which is what you need going into a draft."

Wilson, Murray Bushrangers' talent manager, has been ultra impressed with Byrne throughout the disrupted 2020 campaign.

"He'll get another chance at the Bushrangers if he misses out because of the increase in the age level, but (coach) Mark Brown thinks he's ready to go now which is a pretty good endorsement," Wilson said.

Fellow Murray Bushrangers Elijah Hollands, Dominic Bedendo and Zavier Maher are also in contention.

The draft starts at 7pm.