By Mark Murray
WESTERN Jets ruckman Will Sullivan was given an Australian Football League (AFL) lifeline when he was picked up by the West Coast Eagles in the rookie draft last week.
Sullivan was overlooked in last month’s AFL National Draft despite enjoying an impressive TAC Cup season, but the door has been opened by the Eagles.
After Christmas he will relocate to Perth where he will have the luxury of working alongside West Coast superstar Dean Cox, arguably the best ruckman in Australia.
Western Jets region manager Shane Sexton said Sullivan deserved a chance to impress at AFL level.
“He is really excited about the prospects of joining a club like the West Coast Eagles and it’s a tremendous opportunity for him,” Sexton said.
“On a national scale not many kids get picked up, so it is fantastic that will has been given a chance and a pathway as a rookie.
“As a club we’re really pleased for Will and that he has found a way through.”
Callan Ward was the only other Jets player to be added to an AFL list, picked up by the Western Bulldogs in the National Draft.
He was taken at pick number 19 and became the sixth Jets player in as many years drafted.
Sullivan will have no trouble adapting to life away from Melbourne, according to Sexton.
“If anyone is suited to it, it would be Will,” he said.
“I think he will handle it very, very well.
“He is very mature and very diligent about his footy and it is a bit of an adventure for him.
“I think he will have no trouble settling into the Perth lifestyle and will adapt well.”
Sullivan is a big, mobile player who will be used in a key position when he develops.
He covered the ground exceptionally well this season for the Jets and was touted as a potential draftee early on.
Sexton said it would be handy for Sullivan to learn from Cox.
“Cox is as good as there is getting around, so Will will be exposed to that,” he said.
“I’m sure he will learn a lot and hopefully he will make the most of this opportunity.”
