Draft dream awaits Hugh

TASMANIAN AFL prospect Hugh Dixon looks set to end 12 months of pain for the state in tonight’s 2017 national draft, with several clubs showing strong interest.st. “It is extremely nerve-racking, but it is extremely exciting at the same time,” the 18-year-old Tiger said.

TOP Tasmanian draft prospect Hugh Dixon is battling a mixture of emotions as he waits to learn his AFL fate but hopes it will be excitement that kicks in later tonight.

The talented tall appears set to end 12 months of pain for the state in tonight’s 2017 national draft, with several clubs showing strong interest and AFL national and international talent manager Kevin Sheehan placing him in his top 40.

Last year Tasmania failed to have one draftee — the first time ever a player from the state has not been selected.

But the 195cm sticky-fingered forward is tipped to break the drought, though he has no idea where he could land in the AFL system.

“It is extremely nerve-racking, but it is extremely exciting at the same time,” the 18-yearold said.

“I’m not really interested in reading much into it, I am doing as much as I can at the moment with the family to keep my mind occupied.

“The clubs keep their cards very close to their chest, they give you no indication, I wouldn’t be able to tell you what is going to happen.

“I would like to think I would get picked up but I have no idea, I’m just hopeful at the moment.

“You have to block stuff out and keep a level head and keep calm.”

Dixon admitted he surprised himself at the rapid improvement this season which thrust him into draft calculations.

He had an outstanding campaign that saw him impress for the Allies during the national carnival and then culminated with a starring role in an under-18 curtain-raiser to the Richmond-Adelaide AFL Grand Final.

Some solid testing results at the draft combine also further enhanced his prospects of joining former teammates Mackenzie Willis and Keiran Lovell