For the first time since 2013, the Pioneers didn't have a player selected in the AFL National Draft.

Half-back/midfielder Cooper Hamilton was the most favoured of the Pioneers' squad to be selected, but he missed out.

AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan was surprised Hamilton missed out and he had some wise words for every young player that wasn't selected.

"I hope he's picked (tomorrow),'' Sheehan said of Cooper Hamilton on Fox Footy.

"I like his marking, his versatility and he was just underdone this year. He played four games of NAB League and some school footy at Caulfield Grammar.

"He didn't play at all last year, so there mightn't have been enough data to go on to pick him.

"Cooper's twin brother, Hugh, is a good player as well. He's a different player, he's an inside midfielder, so the pair of boys if it doesn't happen tonight, but it might happen tomorrow.

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"If not, you dig in like (Western Bulldogs draftee) Luke Cleary and the other boys we've spoken about and just prove (yourself).

"It tests your resilience and your love of the game. For 25 per cent of players over time it's not happened when they were up the first time for the draft.

"They'll improve.... and get their chances. It's riddled through 37 years of draft history - those sort of numbers.

"Hang in there is the message. It's full of disappointment - all professional sport is - whether you miss out on making the cricket team or the footy team. It's part of life.

"It's a very disappointing moment, but that goes away quickly as your mates get around you."

The AFL Rookie Draft will be held on Friday afternoon.

Bendigo Pioneers products that have thrived after being selected in the Rookie Draft include St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary and former Hawthorn and Sydney midfielder Ben McGlynn.

Last year the Pioneers had Seamus Mitchell selected in the National Draft and then had three players - Jack Ginnivan, Josh Treacy and Will Shaw - picked in the Rookie Draft.

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