Draft hope for Pioneers

DRAFT UPDATE: West Coast Eagles has sung the praises of its AFL draft quartet, including young Bendigo Pioneers gun Tom Cole.

The Eagles believe they  have added a diverse range of skill and coverage through the midfield, defence and attack after securing four talented youngsters in tonight’s National Draft at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The club claimed hard running South Australian midfielder Luke Partington with its opening selection, followed by Tom Cole (36), then secured another midfielder in Kurt Mutimer (57) before rounding out the process by nominating ruckman-forward Matthew Allen (62).

In reference to Cole, the Eagles said: “At 185cm and 80kg, he is a strong-bodied youngster and from a list perspective offers another dimension to the squad and although he can play through the engine room is considered more of a defender.”

DRAFT UPDATE: Bendigo Pioneers coach Brett Henderson has congratulated Tom Cole and Aidyn Johnson on their selection in tonight’s AFL draft.

He said the pair were joining excellent clubs after Cole went to West Coast with pick 36 and Johnson went to Port Adelaide with pick 45.

“I’ve already spoken to Tommy about moving over there and the next challenge in his footy career,” he said.

“I haven’t been able to get hold of Aidyn but I know he is a huge Port Adelaide supporter.

“He’ll be absolutely thrilled to be going over there.”

Henderson said the Eagles were getting an ultra-reliable and ultra competitive player in Cole who gave his best each week.

“Aidyn is perhaps a bit flashier and more an outside player than Tommy – he’s an excitement machine.

“Like Tommy, he’s ultra competitive. Both clubs have got really good boys.”

DRAFT UPDATE: A second Pioneers player will join Tom Cole in the AFL system.

Echuca speedster Aidyn Johnson was drafted to Port Adelaide with pick 45.

The midfielder and occasional half forward possesses explosive pace and agility.

A member of the NAB AFL Academy, Johnson’s season has been marred by injury.

He splits time playing football between Scotch College and the Bendigo Pioneers.

He joins a Power team which missed the finals this season after a preliminary final appearance in 2014.

EARLIER: A Bendigo Pioneer is AFL bound after being selected in tonight’s AFL National Draft in Adelaide.

Hard-running defender Tom Cole will join 2015 grand finalist West Coast, chosen with pick number 36.

Cole was a standout for the Pioneers under coach Brett Henderson, taking on a leadership role with the TAC Cup club in 2015.

The youngster came to AFL clubs’ notice when he played three sparkling games for Geelong’s reserves team in 2015.

He joins an Eagles team, under coach Adam Simpson, which contested this year’s grand final against Hawthorn.

The Pioneers are hopeful of at least one more player being drafted tonight.

As expected tall defender Jacob Weitering and key forward Josh Schache went with picks numbers one and two to Carlton and Brisbane respectively.

Murray Bushrangers midfielder Clayton Oliver, from Mooroopna, went to Melbourne with pick four.