When his name was called out at pick 46 on Tuesday night in the National AFL draft, it was a dream come true for local Barfold teenager Jack O’Sullivan, and a huge relief for his whole family.
Having played all his junior football with the Kyneton Tigers, Jack realises it is a massive step up to be selected by Hawthorn.
Congratulations have been flooding in from former teammates to the tough, elusive midfielder who can also make an impact up forward.
The year kicked off well for Jack with four solid games for the Oakleigh Charges in the NAB league, then six games with Xavier College in the APS competition.
He was selected for the Victoria Country Under 19 squad to play in the National Championships, however five minutes into the first game against South Australia in Adelaide he broke his collarbone.
Nine weeks later the fracture reopened during an Oakleigh Chargers match.
His mum Karen said he was devastated, but threw himself into a rehab program and VCE studies, showing his strong resilience and determination.
“An invitation to the AFL National Draft combine in October was evidence recruiters had seen enough promise and Jack attended the combine, tested fully fit and took out third for the vertical leap and vertical running leap,” Karen said.
“Jack interviewed with several AFL clubs, but it was Hawthorn who chose him to join their team, and now he’s a Hawk.”
Jack told the Express he couldn’t wait to get stuck into training.
“It’s been pretty hectic, it’s almost every day at the club, whether it be full training or a modified session,” he said.
“I’m keen to start getting into it.”
Jack said the moment he heard his named called out was “amazing”.
“It was the feeling of having a dream come true, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had,” he said.
“I’m really grateful the club has given me this chance.”
Jack will be taking a gap year from study next year to focus on football and then plans to study commerce the following year at either the University of Melbourne or Monash.
He is currently rooming with teammate Josh Ward and after Christmas will move in with a host family the club has organised.
Jack is the youngest of four brothers, all talented footballers, and they all celebrated together on Tuesday night with Tommy dialling in from the USA.
Jack played his junior football with Kyneton Football Netball Club and attended Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School, Sacred Heart College then went to boarding school at Xavier College in year nine.
He also represented Victorian Country in two U17s matches last season.
Kyneton Football Netball Club is understandably thrilled that one of its hugely talented juniors has now reached this level.
