Western Jets captain Xavier O’Halloran gets a kick away during a TAC Cup wildcard final against Eastern Ranges last September. Photo: AFL MEDIA.
We’re less than a week away from the 2018 AFL draft, and a large bunch of talented young prospects will be feeling increasingly toey about what could be the start of professional careers at the game’s elite level.
Footyology has caught up with a couple of Western Jets hopefuls who have been lauded throughout 2018 as likely early selections, to take a closer look at the people behind the statistics, injuries and metrics.
In our first interview, we speak to a player branded as both a present and future leader, a sizeable responsibility for any 18-year-old.
For Western Jets and Vic Metro captain and draft hopeful Xavier O’Halloran, the duties he’s carried all the way through his junior football, as well as the support of a prestigious Footscray lineage, are what’s believed will carry the tough midfielder through to a successful AFL career.
You captained the Western Jets as well as Vic Metro this year, does your junior leadership history position you well to adjust at senior level?
I would think so. I think it’s always been a part of my game that I use to help me and the team play better. If I’m able to bring that and the qualities as a leader, that’s when I help in trying to benefit the team.
Your Draft Combine results were among the top in most areas, what effect has that had on your confidence going into draft?
I always wanted to go into the Combine and show my wares regarding my fitness capabilities. I did all right in a fair majority of the tests and that was a goal I had going in.
It gave me…not confidence, but relief that I did the best that I had, and it gives me a bit of ease leading into the draft and helps settle the nerves a tiny bit.
Do you feel that your cause was aided in the eyes of recruiters by your evasion of injury in 2018?
I’ve been pretty fortunate with injuries. I had carried an injury on my foot through 2016, but nothing as serious as what someone like (Max) King has gone through.
I think the recruiters do enough homework on players to know what they’re like and what they could develop into in the future, and the Combine is kind of a bonus.
If you’re injured, you can still get opportunities down the line.
What’s your typical pre-game routine? Any superstitions?
I suppose I have a superstition in that I like to eat a specific type of pasta that previous night. I try to kick the footy around early about 15-20 minutes before we go in and warm up and discuss what we’re going to do today with the other boys in the leadership group. Having to try and calm down boys who are nervous can take a bit out of my preparation but that’s the role that we give as captain, and I’m happy to do that and benefit the side.
What club do you support? How much would it mean to get picked up there?
I’ve been a Western Bulldogs supporter my whole life. I had a family link to the Doggies through my grandfather, who played in the 1954 premiership side. My whole immediate family go for them, and it’d be nice to be given an opportunity at the Dogs, but I’m willing to go anywhere. It’s been a dream of mine to play AFL footy my whole life and at the end of the day, if that’s somewhere else I’m more than happy to be given that chance.
How supportive has your family/friend group been of chasing your dream?
I’m used to all the support that I receive from my parents, brother and sister who are all invested in my dream. They’ve been there since day dot and no matter what I’m going through with my footy or otherwise, they’re always there for me. We’re all very close together and I’m very fortunate to have met Julian Petracca (brother of Melbourne’s Christian) and the Hemisphere Management Group developing my football and my character over the last two years. Without all of them, life would be pretty tough, so I’m extremely grateful.
What has been your approach to school and balancing life with football commitments in draft year?
It does get tough at times to give time to all aspects; school, family, friends and footy. But the support networks that I’ve had have enabled me to cope pretty effectively in getting through what I do in school and footy. Through the middle of the year with family, Jets footy, Metro footy and Year 12 it would get tough with keeping my head in four places at once, but in that period, I just tried to soak everything up and enjoy the ride as best I can. If I’m not enjoying my footy, then I’m not playing my best.
You identified Joel Selwood as your footballing role model, what do you feel is your strongest attribute outside of your leadership qualities?
I think my contested footy and being able to break packs open, especially nice and close where there might be three or four bodies and creating the impact I want to have through that.
I believe getting into that contested environment, breaking into the forward line or hitting up a player makes that inside element my strongest attribute.
Draft prediction: Pick 24 (Gold Coast)
