WRFL junior players Connor Menadue and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow will take the next step in their young football careers after being picked up in the AFL Draft last night.
Dubbed as one of the best running prospects in the 2014 draft pool, Menadue will swap his Western Jets jumper for a yellow and black one after being selected by Richmond with its second pick (selection 33).
Developing his love of football with the Altona Juniors Football Club, Menadue made the switch to Spotswood Football Club in 2012, where his solid season saw him earn a spot with the Western Jets.
Averaging 20 disposals and four tackles for the Jets this year, Richmond Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson said Menadue’s versatility and performance in the speed and endurance categories at the AFL Combine was a standout.
“Connor is a tall and lean outside player who has electrifying pace and lateral movement.
“He will take the game on with run and carry and break the lines with his speed.
“He also has very good endurance, so he stays in the game and is a very good overhead mark for his size, which gives him some flexibility.”
The dream of playing AFL football is also a reality for fellow WRFL junior Dillon Viojo-Rainbow who was selected by Carlton at pick #28.
Renowned good decision making skills, the former Hoppers Crossing junior averaged 13 possessions in five matches at 73 per cent efficiency in NAB AFL Under-18 Championships earlier this year.
With a dangerous left foot kick and ability to push forward and kick long goals, Viojo-Rainbow is sure to wreak havoc over his opponents in the years to come.
It was also a good night for fellow Western Jets teammates Jayden Laverde, Liam Duggan and Corey Ellis who also found AFL homes.
Duggan will call Perth home after being taken as West Coast’s first draftee at pick #11, Laverde will join Essendon’s ranks at pick #20 while Ellis will join Menadue at Punt Road after also being selected by the Tigers at pick #12.
Last Modified on 28/11/2014 10:46