Late calls excite duo

Idun, Ham on way to big show

GEELONG Falcons teammates Connor Idun and Brayden Ham had almost given up hope of being drafted before being among the last picks in yesterday’s AFL draft.

Idun was about to walk out of the living room in despair before GWS organised a trade to get back into the draft and select the Drysdale utility at pick 61.

Across town, Ham thought the Hawks were going to swoop in at pick 63 after organising a pick swap with Collingwood, but was left shattered when Matthew Walker’s name was read out.

The Torquay family’s living room erupted soon after, however, when Essendon used its last selection at pick 72 to help Ham realise his AFL dream.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” he said.

“I thought it was pretty unlikely, but when I saw Essendon had a pick, Essendon was pretty keen I heard, so it all hit me at once I guess.

“They were the first to come over (to my home) and were stoked with how resilient I was last year missing out on the finals series for the Falcons and proving my point in the GFL finals.

“I had a little bit of hope, but they gave me absolutely nothing. I hadn’t spoken to them since that day, which was probably three or four months ago.”

Essendon general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Ham’s athleticism made him a valuable selection.

“Brayden will need some time to further develop but he is a 19-year-old who ticks all the boxes as far as speed, agility and endurance,” Dodoro said.

“He has modern-day football traits and uses the ball well so our team were really keen to get him on board. It was a great result.”

Idun shared the afternoon with only his immediate family — just in case things did not go his way.

“It got to the later stages and I was just about to walk out when they called my name,” he said.

“I was very relieved. I was prepared for the worst, so I didn’t really have too many expectations. I just hoped for the best and thankfully it turned out all right.”

Idun said the Giants were one of seven that showed interest in him, with the young club probably the most keen pre-draft.

“I felt like if it was going to be any club to draft me, it was the Giants,” he said.

Ham and Idun have taken calls from their senior coaches, while Idun has also received text messages from Giants stars Josh Kelly, Toby Greene and Adam Tomlinson.

Geelong Falcons talent manager Mick Turner said he expected Idun to be drafted earlier than pick 61, while he was rapt Ham, 19, was given an opportunity.

“Brayden Ham was the big win for us,” Turner said.

“Brayden Ham this year played as a 19-year-old but . . . he’s a lightly built player, a bit like Ned McHenry, and he had an outstanding year for us. For him to go to Essendon at 72 was a fantastic result.

“(Meanwhile Connor) played with us as a 17-year-old and played on talls and smalls. This year he was a key position player for us at centre halfforward and centre half-back and for Vic Country.

“I was surprised Connor went at 61. I think once he gets to an AFL club . . . I think he can play next year.”