Jackson Callow's pursuit of an AFL career is only just starting, says Launceston coach Mitch Thorp.
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The 194cm forward was considered one of Tasmania's top prospects heading into this week, but was overlooked in both the national and rookie drafts.
Thorp said while Thursday had been a positive day for Tasmanian footy with Isaac Chugg and Patrick Walker picked up by AFL clubs, he was disappointed for the likes of Callow, Clarence's Ollie Davis and overage Blue Jared Dakin.
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"Jared will be one of a couple of disappointed boys," Thorp said.
"Jackson Callow and young Ollie from Clarence, they'll be a bit flattened by [missing out] but I'm hopeful they get their opportunity in the years to come or months to come.
"I know there's a lot of interest in those two boys and they're both quality young men so I do feel for them.
"It's a tough day when you're half-expecting to be drafted and you miss out, but I think we've seen over the years now you can be drafted all the way up to the age of 26 really.
"You look at Brody Mihocek - another Tasmanian boy that did it a different way.
"I don't think this is going to be the end of the road for Jackson Callow in particular being a Northern Tasmanian that I've watched closely - I think he'll be ok."
Callow appeared to have the runs on the board after two seasons in the limelight.
His 2019 featured an impressive Devils campaign, a starring performance in North Launceston's grand final win and an All-Stars appearance on AFL grand final day.
He started 2020 with a bang and finished equal-seventh in the TSL player of the year award despite missing five games with an injury.
The 18-year-old will next consider whether to play another season with the Devils as an over-ager or to test the waters of the VFL or SANFL.
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Former Devils skipper Dakin, whose 2019 NAB League campaign was limited to just one game due to a broken leg, will also consider his next move after playing in the Blues' 2020 TSL flag.
"He's just weighing up his options at the moment and where to go from here," Thorp said.