With their third pick in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft, the Western Bulldogs have selected Harvey Gallagher from the Bendigo Pioneers.
Overlooked in last year’s draft, Gallagher’s AFL dream has now become a reality.
Spending most of his football as a handy small forward/midfielder, a move to defence in the back half of this year is what catapulted the 19-year-old into draft contention
The Pioneers captain and best and fairest winner tore the league apart as a defender, averaging 35 disposals from five games in the backline.
"This year was the first time I'd played games in the backline,” he told afl.com.au this month.
“We sat down with the Pioneers coaching group with Danny O'Bree and spoke about what we could change and Danny threw out the idea of moving me behind the ball and trying to show some of my strengths there.
"I've played everywhere on the ground over the last two years at the Pioneers, so I don't really mind where I play. It's all about whatever suits the team and what's going to benefit everyone else, not only me.”
Gallagher possesses an impressive work rate, accumulates the ball well and is electric off half-back.
Champion Data ranked him ‘elite’ for disposals (23.8 per game), score involvements (6.1 per game) and goals (1.3 per game), as well as 'above average' for kicking efficiency (66.3 per cent) in his over-age year.
Harvey Gallagher – player profile
Height: 179cm
Weight: 77kg
DOB: 26/09/2003
State: Vic Country
State league club: Bendigo Pioneers
Community club: Sandhurst
Position: Utility
