Tasmania has a new AFL footballer, with North Launceston premiership player Jackson Callow drafted to Hawthorn.
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The 18-year-old key-position talent was selected by the Hawks with pick 17 of Wednesday night's mid-year draft after missing out on selection in December's national drafts.
After being overlooked, the former St Patrick's College student was invited to train with Hawthorn for a spot on the Hawks' list but was again met with disappointment.
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Heading to South Australia to play for SANFL side Norwood, Callow put his name on recruiters' minds, kicking 11 goals in eight matches, headlined by his 24-disposal, three-major showing against Adelaide's reserves.
It was this form that was described as "too good to refuse" by analysts Cal Twomey and Mitch Cleary on the draft's broadcast.
"I thought the Hawks having passed over him in the pre-season might have meant he'd have to look elsewhere given Emerson Jeka's come on, Mitch Lewis is making his way [and] Tim O'Brien [is] through that area as well," Cleary said.
"He's leading the SANFL in the contested marks and I love what he's done, he's come from Tasmania ... he's gone to play for Norwood in the SANFL, lights it up and gets an AFL list spot."
Twomey added: "He's almost followed the path of a player that he tracks pretty similar to in Brody Mihocek - he's a pretty similar key forward.
"So if you're Hawthorn fans thinking about what Jackson Callow might be able to bring to your football club, think of the work ethic and strength overhead that Brody Mihocek has at Collingwood."
Leading up to the draft, the teenager's name was on the lips of many, including former Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson, who said he would take him with the first pick.
In being drafted, Callow joins fellow Northern talents Isaac Chugg, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jay Lockhart, Tarryn Thomas, Chayce Jones, Toby Nankervis and Rhyan Mansell in the big league.
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