AFL draft prospects George Wardlaw and Elijah Tsatas have shared a lot together.
The youngsters have been roommates at every footy camp since they met at the state-level under 12s. Their parents share a close bond, and they both had injury struggles during their top-year campaign.
Now, they’re in the spotlight together as contenders to be a top five pick at this year’s AFL draft.
Best buds: Elijah Tsatas (L) and George Wardlaw (R) are the one-two punch at this year’s draft. Credit:AFL Photos/Getty Images
Wardlaw, a 182-centimetre inside midfielder, and Tsatas a 187-centimetre midfield wing, played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League together, and for Vic Metro.
“Right from the get-go we got to know each other, and get along really well,” Wardlaw said.
“[They’re] two great mates, both have got a lot of enormous natural talent and potential,” AFL talent scout Kevin Sheehan said. “George has got the eye of the tiger … [Tsatas] just finds the footy. He steps through the traffic so brilliantly, he’s light on his feet.”
There’s a good amount of healthy competition between the two teammates: “We’ve played against each other in the past … I’m not going to go easy on him,” Wardlaw said.
The practice at playing against each other is likely to come in handy, with whispers that Essendon will use their fourth pick to nab Tsatas, and North Melbourne will take Wardlaw, along with Vic Metro and Sandringham Dragon’s midfield/forward Harry Sheezel, at picks two and three.
Early in the season, Wardlaw was a top contender for the No.1 spot at the draft, which he showcased at the opening round of the NAB League against the Dragons, collecting 24 disposals, eight tackles and a goal in an 18-point win. But after a string of hamstring injuries, he made only three appearances with the Chargers, and missed out on the senior Vic Metro team.
George Wardlaw in action for Vic Metro.Credit:Getty Images
“It’s been very frustrating at times,” Wardlaw said. “It’s hard … when the only thing you can do is not play.”
Tsatas had a tough campaign as well, after a foot fracture in May which sidelined the 18-year-old for three months. But the midfielder returned for a thrilling Vic Metro game where he showed his talent as a ball winner, finishing the match with 29 disposals and five clearances – only two possessions off the Dragons’ Will Ashcroft.
The players recovered in time to be among the 68 potential draftees to make it to the national combine, where they likened the interview process to sitting outside the principal’s office.
“It’s sort of intimidating. You had to sit on a chair outside the suites,” Wardlaw said.
“[The interviews] are very positive … the clubs, they know us boys are pretty good and pretty comfortable in our style.”
