By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
EMERSON Jeka is a name many recruiters and footy commentators are touting as a possible top 10 selection in the 2019 draft.
Despite the draft being two years away, the rising star from Altona Juniors is already making waves with his footy talent.
Last month, Jeka, was one of 22 players from across the country to be selected in the Level 1 AFL Academy.
Jeka said he was excited to be recognised by the Academy, saying he is honoured to be invited to take part in the squad.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to be chosen for the AFL Academy. I really hope to grow as person and as a player over the next 12 months and reach another level,” he said.
The Academy involves a six-day camp in Melbourne in December as well as a tour of New Zealand in April. The squad will take part in special Anzac Day celebrations and also play-off against a New Zealand team.
In Grand Final week next year, Jeka will also play in an All-Star exhibition game.
AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan has stated Jeka is a gifted talent and at 16 years of age, is a promising player.
Jeka says it’s flattering to have people like Sheehan take notice of his recent achievements, but admits he isn’t feeling any pressure.
“I appreciate that Kevin Sheehan has noticed my potential and possible draft prospects for 2019, but I’m not feeling any real pressure at the moment as there is a long way to go and plenty improvement in getting better and stronger,” he said.
“I’m very excited that I’m being recognised and praised, but I’m also very humble and take it in my stride. There’s still a lot work to do.”
St Bernard’s youngster Jeremy O’Sullivan has also been named on the Academy’s Development list.
O’Sullivan and Jeka played alongside each other at the Under-16 National Championships earlier this year.
O’Sullivan said he was honoured and excited to be selected in the elite squad.
“I can’t wait to find more about what is involved,” he said.
“This is the first year (the Development list) has been in existence, so I am really looking forward to finding out more. I imagine it will be an environment that will only help in developing me as a person and my football skills.”
Jeka and O’Sullivan have already set goals for next season, with both players hoping to make an impact at TAC Cup level with their respective teams, the Western Jets and Calder Cannons.
“I can’t wait to play the whole year as a bottom age Western Jets player, it’s very exciting to have the opportunity to play with the top age players,” Jeka said.
O’Sullivan said his aim was to play good quality, consistent football.
“I also hope to learn and grow as a player and utilise as many of the skills learned in the development squad and TAC to become a better player and person.”
St Albans star Buku Khamis was also picked in the 2017/18 NAB AFL Academy Level 2 squad.
He will travel to Darwin for a development camp in late November, before heading to Florida, USA in January.
Last Modified on 24/10/2017 11:23