Footy legend to don Ballan colours

THE LATEST crop of AFL legends donning the colours of grassroots football clubs has been announced, and a Moorabool club is one of the lucky five they’ll play for.

Last Friday, Carlton Draught announced that Trent Cotchin, Isaac Smith, Matthew Lloyd, Dylan Buckley, and Leigh Montagna would be available in this year’s Carlton Draft, and the Ballan Blues will get a pick.

After the financial difficulties brought on by COVID-19 and delays to completion of the club’s new pavilion, Ballan Football Netball Club president David O’Hanlon said it was fantastic news for the Blues.

“It’s a boost getting back to the club to start with, and this is a cherry on top,” Mr O’Hanlon said.

“Obviously with not being at home for the last four years and not being able to play home games, but still having to pay bills…no clubs were able to play during COVID, but we had another two years away from home on top of that, due to the rebuild.

“It wasn’t easy, the club’s financially had a lot of stress. I’d like to think this will be a pretty successful day, and help ease a bit of the pressure.”

But with eight premierships, a Brownlow Medal, and a Norm Smith Medal between the five draftees, which player to pick will be a difficult choice to make.

“They’re all great players and all should draw a great crowd. We’re just lucky and happy to be involved,” Mr O’Hanlon said.

“It’ll be great to be back at home base, and having a former AFL player on the field will be a good incentive to get more people along.

“We invite all the community to get involved, not just for that game, but all year. We’re a growing club with beautiful facilities. It’s a place people want to be.”

More than 170 clubs entered the running this year, with the Castlemaine Football and Netball Club, Toora Magpies, Old Collegians FNC, and Bunyip Bulldogs also successful.

The Carlton Draft Commissioner, Jonathan Brown, thinks this draft crop might be the most talented yet, and anticipates some huge performances from the former stars.

“We’ve had some big names across the first two seasons of the campaign including Nathan Buckley, Eddie Betts and Alex Rance, but I think this draft class may be the most talented we’ve seen to date,” Mr Brown said.

“Any of these players lining up for your local team will be a tantalising prospect, not only bringing a huge boost to clubs on the field, but hopefully bringing plenty of foot traffic through the gates and cash behind the canteen and bar.”

The Carlton Draft draft night will be held at The Pub at Crown Melbourne on 29 April, with matchdays to commence from late May.