VFL CAT LING THROWS HIS HAT IN RING
GEELONG VFL co-captain Matt Ling is set to lead a deep contingent of local hopefuls on the list of players registered for the AFL mid-season draft when it is finalised on Tuesday.
Players have until 5pm on Tuesday to complete the paperwork to be eligible for the mid-season draft, which will be held on June 1.
More than 100 hopefuls have already put their hats in the ring, including former Sydney first-round choice and now Cats VFL star Ling, who confirmed to the Addy he had put his hand up for the draft.
The St Mary’s junior returned to Geelong from Sydney over the off-season and has been a standout in a turbulent season for the Cats, who have been hit by injuries to the AFL-listed players.
Ling has been a solid contributor playing mainly across half-back for Geelong, averaging 18 disposals per game in Geelong’s opening seven matches, including a best of 25 touches in round 1 against Essendon.
Taken with the 14th pick in the 2017 AFL Draft by the Swans, Ling managed four outings at AFL level in an injury plagued run.
The left-footer wowed observers in a run with St Mary’s late in the pre-season.
The draft could take in as many as 20 players, with clubs able to open up list spots by next week for any players with long-term injuries or who have retired.
Before last year’s midseason draft, more than 20 Geelong locals registered, with Charlie Ham selected by North Melbourne.
The AFL is set to send out a full list of registered players in coming days.