Six players selected in 2022 AFL Mid-Season Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

Six SANFL players have been selected in the 2022 AFL Mid-Season Draft on Wednesday night, the most since its reintroduction in 2019.

Glenelg pair Brett Turner and Sam Durdin, West’s Josh Carmichael, North’s Jacob Bauer, Eagle Zane Williams and South’s Jye Menzie were all handed opportunities to play at elite level in the second half of the season.

Big-bodied midfielders featured in the first two picks with Turner, currently recovering from a foot injury, snapped up by Adelaide at Pick No.4 before Bloods recruit Josh Carmichael headed to Collingwood at Pick No.9.

”I’m glad Collingwood picked me, I’m excited – now I can finally relax and let it start to sink in,” Carmichael told the AFL website.

”I didn’t think this would happen and I would progress so quickly. I’ve got to thank everyone at West Adelaide as they have really looked after me so full credit to them.”

High-flying Roosters forward Jacob Bauer was the next to have his name called by Richmond at Pick No.10 before clever Eagles goalsneak Zane Williams learned he would play at Geelong after the Cats picked him at No.12.

Experienced Bays defender Sam Durdin, having previously played with North Melbourne, will have another opportunity at AFL level with Carlton after being chosen at No.13 ahead of South’s Tasmanian signing Jye Menzie, who landed at Essendon with Pick No.18.

”Now I’ve got another shot I’m really focused on getting the best out of myself. I’m ready to go so hopefully I get an opportunity to play in such a competitive side,” Durdin said.

”It was the most fun I’ve ever had at Glenelg, I’ve really enjoyed my time there.”

Five SANFL players were selected in the 2019 AFL Mid-Season draft before a further four were taken last year. SANFL clubs are provided with $10,000 compensation for each player selected.

Players who are selected in the 2022 AFL Mid-Season Draft that stay in their original State are subject to the following:

• They will not be permitted to play against their original club unless otherwise agreed by all parties.
• The player has the right to return to their original club to participate in finals if their service is no longer required at their AFL Club.