WESTERN Storm duo Matt Hanson and Tim Jones are both feeling the nerves heading into tonight’s AFL national draft.
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The midfielders, who if selected would more than likely go as late picks, both know they have done all that they can do to have their AFL dream realised.
Hanson, 19, had a dominant year for the Storm in the State League and during their Foxtel Cup campaign, and made the State League team of the year.
Meanwhile, Tassie Mariners skipper Jones, 18, averaged 31 disposals a game in the under-18 championships, with the majority of his possessions the contested variety, and also played for the Allies on grand final day.
‘‘I think I’ve done as much as I can, and now all I can do is wait,’’ Hanson said.
‘‘I’ve been through this before and last year I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but this year there has been more interest.
‘‘But I feel I am ready if I have given a chance and I’d like to think after a good pre-season I could have an impact next year.’’
Like Hanson, Jones isn’t putting any expectations on himself.
‘‘There’s always something you could look back and say that you have done better, but I know I have put my best foot forward,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve gone through it all in my head and I think I am ready if it all does happen, but I am also ready if the opposite happens.’’
Hanson said there had been interest from Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Essendon, while Jones said ‘‘three or four’’ clubs had shown interest at draft combine testing.
Both boys will watch the draft at home with family, but will touch base with each no matter what the outcome is.
Jones and Hanson are two of seven Tasmanians who have a genuine chance of being drafted tonight.
Burnie’s Lachie Weller, now based in Queensland, is expected to be selected between picks 10 and 20, while Lauderdale’s Josh McGuinness, Burnie’s Caleb Hislop and Glenorchy duo Josh Watts and Mitch Rainbird are others who could go.