AFL Draft: Top WA prospect Bo Allan feeling ‘nervous’, has ‘indication’ of which clubs might pick him
Western Australia’s top prospect Bo Allan says he has a “little bit of an indication” which club could pick him up in the AFL Draft but admits anything can happen on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old flew to Melbourne on Tuesday as a likely first-round prospect, the only WA product invited to the opening night of the draft.
Allan admitted to feeling “a little bit nervous” but was thrilled he could be about to realise his AFL dream.
“Just looking forward to it and excited for what’s to come. It’ll be a good night,” Allan said.
“It was a slow build-up throughout the year… but it’s finally here, I’m keen and I’m ready to go.”
The West Australian understands Richmond, who currently hold picks 1, 6, 10 and 11, are among the clubs interested in the big-bodied midfielder/defender, while St Kilda (picks 7 and 8) and Melbourne (picks 5 and 9) also have their eye on Allan.
Despite being on West Coast and Fremantle’s radars this year, the Peel Thunder premiership player is expected to be off the table before both local clubs enter the draft at pick 12 and 14 respectively.
Camera IconBo Allan is set to go in the first round. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian
Allan said he is happy to go to whichever club gives him an opportunity.
“I’ve had a fair number of interviews and that’s been great, getting to know clubs as well,” he said.
“There is a little bit of an indication but a lot happens on the night and stuff changes, so just waiting and seeing what happens.
“I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t really have control over what can happen. I’m just going to embrace the opportunity if it comes and wherever it is.”
The WA skipper was honoured by the praise he had received in the lead-up to the draft, including being touted as a potential future captain of an AFL club by WA talent manager Adam Jones.
“It’s an honour for me to be seen that way by others and I try and hold myself to a good standard,” he said.
“That’s how I want to be seen and I still think there’s still a lot of growth in that but I’m really happy others are holding me in such high respect and regard.”
Camera IconBo Allan greets a fan at Perth Airport. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian
Allan added how proud he was of the state’s draft crop, who defied early dire expectations to have a number of players likely to end up on an AFL list by the end of the draft on Thursday.
“We got to work and Webby (WA coach Marc Webb) and Jonesy did a great job to get us up to standard and I think we raised some eyebrows this year,” he said.
“As a whole, WA did really well and I’m really proud of the committee and the boys.”
Allan will return to Perth after the draft after heading over with family, his girlfriend Tiarne and his manager Andrew McDougall, but admits he’s itching to get to started on his first pre-season.
“I’m so excited for what’s to come. It’s going to be an unreal experience. I just want to get to work and wherever it is, try and settle in and meet some new people,” he said.
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