Jordan Croft realised his childhood dream at approximately 8.34pm on Monday night.
He is officially a Western Bulldogs player.
Following in father Matthew’s footsteps, who played 186 games across 14 seasons, Jordan will now have his own opportunity to forge a career in the red, white and blue.
“It’s going to be an honour to hopefully pull on the jumper and play for the team you’ve been barracking for your whole life,” Jordan said.
“(Dad) has been a role model throughout my life and I always wanted to follow what he did.
“Having the opportunity to do that now is something that’ll be really enjoyable for me.”
AFL DRAFT – NIGHT ONE RECAP: TOP TALENT SECURED
Matthew echoed his son’s thoughts.
“Being a one-club player myself, and then looking to Jordan getting the opportunity to play at the same club – it’s very, very special (to me) and to all my family as well,” he said.
“I was quite open – I definitely wanted Jord to have a chance to play with the Bulldogs, but if that wasn’t the path to be then he could choose his own path or go through the draft and see where he ends up.
“Ultimately that’s what it is – it’s not about me moving forward, it’s about Jordan creating his own destiny.”
Jordan is a highly competitive athletic tall with great endurance, and was considered one of the standout talls in this year’s Draft pool.
A product of Maribyrnong Park and Calder Cannons, he said he can’t wait to get stuck in and continue learning.
“I think through junior footy and at Maribyrnong Park it’s just been a place to have fun and really enjoy playing football with your mates,” he said.
“When you get to that next level through Calder Cannons – I think that’s the footy where I thought this is a real opportunity to really step up to the next level.
“I’m just excited to play with them all, but players like Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton – they’re all really crafty forwards.
“I’m really keen to learn off them and improve myself.”
The remaining rounds of the 2023 AFL National Draft will be held tonight from 7pm AEDT.
