The Western Bulldogs have drafted Joel Freijah with pick 45 in the 2023 AFL National Draft.
Freijah is a composed and hard-running winger with clean hands and great vision from the GWV Rebels.
Hailing from Horsham, the talented teenager averaged 20 disposals, four marks and three inside 50s in his Coates Talent League campaign this year, which also saw him earn a spot on the wing in the Team of the Year.
Freijah’s best state-league outing this season came in Round 4 against the Stingrays, where he bagged six goals from 26 disposals to go with seven marks and seven tackles.
He joins Ryley Sanders and Jordan Croft in the Bulldogs’ 2023 Draft class.
Here’s how AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan described him:
A wingman who has real composure, is clean below his knees and distributes the ball very well. Announced himself as an AFL prospect when he kicked six goals from 26 disposals in the GWV Rebels’ loss to the Dandenong Stingrays in Round 4.
He holds his width when playing on the wing which provides his team with an outlet option with its ball movement. Had a consistent year at club level averaging 19.6 disposals in 14 matches for the Rebels and finished third in the best and fairest while playing in all four matches for Victoria Country.
A strong all-round athlete, he ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20m sprint during pre-season testing and then completed the 2km time trial in 6:13 at the national Draft Combine.
Joel Freijah - player profile
Height: 190cm
DOB: 14/11/2005
State: Vic Country
State league club: GWV Rebels
Community club: Horsham Saints
Position: Midfielder/wing
