LIAM Griffiths is one step closer to his AFL dream after he was short-listed by the GWS Giants as a potential 2014 AFL draft pick last week.
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The 18-year-old ex Trinity Catholic College student was nominated along with three other potential draftees from the Canberra region who were part of the Giants Academy.
It means that GWS consider Griffiths, along with Canberra based Tom Faul, Austin Logan and Jack Steele, as potential future Giants come the 2014 NAB AFL draft later in the year on November 27.
“For me, it’s the step I need to get drafted because if you don’t get that nomination from the Giants, who I have had the most exposure to, there would be no chance,” Griffiths said.
It’s been an exciting season for the youngster who had previously spent a week with GWS as part of the AIS program earlier in the year.
Griffiths also represented the Australian under-18s in Europe in exhibition matches against the European Legion side and he has been playing regular matches with the NSW/ACT under-18 Rams in the Australia wide TAC Cup.
Last weekend he kicked two goals in his Ainslie NEAFL debut and he will now finish the season with the GWS Giants reserves who look set to play finals.
“It hasn’t been a stroll the whole way through. It’s had its up and downs and it’s been tough,” he said.
“Now it’s just a matter of playing footy to the best that I can and then hopefully the rest takes care of itself.”
The speedy on-baller will then prepare for the October AFL draft combine where budding footballers will be tested on their speed, endurance and agility as well as decision making skills.
Should he be deemed as a future AFL star, he could then become the first AFL draftee from the Canberra region since Jason Tutt in 2009 and the first Goulburnian ever to make an AFL list.
“It’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out, because there are no guarantees until your name is read out,” he said.
It is possible come October 6 that other AFL clubs will put a bid in for him in a pre-draft bidding process.
If such an event happens it will be up to the Giants if they want to match the bid and keep Griffiths, or let him go.
“I’d love to go to the Giants but really, I’d love to go anywhere. Anyone that gives me the opportunity,” he said.
“I’m sure anyone who plays AFL will say that because it’s an industry which is cut throat and any opportunity you get - you take it.”
This weekend Griffiths is headed to the SGC where he’ll take on the Sydney Swans reserves as part of the GWS Giants reserve side.
“It’ll be a bit of exposure not only to the Swans and Giants but there will be a few other club recruiters there watching.”