Six AFL greats will return to the footy field over the coming months after being selected by country teams in the Carlton Draft.
Nathan Buckley, David Mundy, Jordan Lewis, Josh Kennedy, Bernie Vince and Kane Cornes will all pull on the boots one more time after joining the second instalment of the local footy initiative sponsored by Carlton Draught.
Last year’s debut saw eight teams land a legend, highlighted by Dale Thomas’ best-on-ground performance for the Nhill Tigers, who helped them claim a first win in 1,029 days – and generate over $12,000 from the post-match scenes alone.
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Over 300 clubs applied for a legend but only six were selected for the matches which will take place across May 13 to July 23.
This time it was the Nilma Darnum Bombers, from near Warragul in Victoria’s east and the Ellenbank District Football League, who had the opening pick and they opted for 2003 Brownlow medallist Buckley – meaning he’ll have to don the hated red and black.
The Carngham Linton Saints, based near Ballarat who play in the Central Highlands Football League, had the second selection and opted for Fremantle games record holder Mundy.
With the third pick it was determined Hawthorn champion Lewis will don the blue and white of Buchan, from east Gippsland and the Omeo & District Football Netball League, while Sydney great Kennedy was picked up by Murrabit – who participate in the Golden Rivers Football League up on the Victoria-NSW border, near Swan Hill – with pick four.
Maryborough & District Football Netball League’s Maryborough Rovers snapped up Melbourne and Adelaide best and fairest winner Vince with the next selection leaving Cornes, the Port Adelaide champion, to play near the Grampians for Moyston Willaura in the Mininera & District Football Netball League.
THE CARLTON DRAFT PICKS
Pick 1: Nathan Buckley (Nilma Darnum)
Pick 2: David Mundy (Carngham Linton)
Pick 3: Jordan Lewis (Buchan)
Pick 4: Josh Kennedy (Murrabit)
Pick 5: Bernie Vince (Maryborough Rovers)
Pick 6: Kane Cornes (Moyston Willaura)
