Of the entire 2016 draft crop, Will Brodie is arguably the most ready to step straight into senior football next year.
The fiercely competitive inside midfielder has the runs on the board against bigger bodies, excelling for the NAB AFL Academy earlier in the year against VFL sides Werribee and Geelong, in which he averaged 21 disposals and won the MCC President’s Medal as the Academy’s best player against the Tigers.
Brodie admits he took a lot of confidence from those games and now believes he can match it with mature builds at AFL level.
“I think those games really gave me a lot of confidence,” Brodie told SUNS TV after being selected with pick No. 9 by the Gold Coast.
“Even to have them earlier in the year gave me a lot of confidence throughout the year that I can match it with the bigger bodies and some elite opposition.
“Going into pre-season, feels as though I’d be able to give it my best and have a crack.”
READ: AFL.com.au's Draft Verdict
Brodie said he felt ‘a bit of relief’ after his name was read out by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and was thrilled to be joining two of his best friends in Ben Ainsworth and Jack Scrimshaw at Metricon Stadium.
“It’s been a massive build up but to finally be at the club and just prepare for it now, just can’t wait to get started,” Brodie said.
“With Ben going before me and obviously ‘Scrim’ as well, I couldn’t be happier. They’ve been my best mates for a long time so absolutely rapt.
“Making the move will be a lot easier with my best mates but making the move to such a great place in Gold Coast and hopefully getting involved in the Gold Coast SUNS environment and thriving in the football environment. Just have a lot of fun, can’t wait.”
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SUNS recruiting chiefs Scott Clayton and Dom Ambrogio visited Brodie and his family at his home in Shepparton prior to the draft but gave no indications they would bring him to the Gold Coast.
However, now that he is officially a SUNS player, Brodie is over the moon.
“They come down to my house before the draft so I spoke to them a little bit but I was in a bit of a strange range where I could’ve been anywhere really,” Brodie said.
“To end up at the SUNS I couldn’t be happier.”
Pick 9
Will Brodie
Height: 189cm
Weight: 82kg
Junior Club: Murray Bushrangers
