Otago based New Zealand representative Josh Mackie has been selected by the Northern Suns in the hotly contested Category 3 at the 2017 National Draft.
The 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership runners up also selected the exciting young duo of Will Kempt from Wellington and Chai Proctor from Otago along with superstar midfielder Robert Mostert from the North Shore Tigers in Auckland.
Category 1: William Kempt
Position: Forward
194cm Will Kempt has been drafted by the Northern Suns for the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
In his three games as a development player in the 2017 Premiership, Will spent time in the midfield, defence and forward line and didn’t look out of place coming up against players ten years his senior. His best highlight was kicking a goal with his first touch of the footy at Premiership level during Round 5 earlier this year and his performance in this game earned him the Rising Star award.
A very exciting young talent to keep an eye out for next season.
Category 2: Robert Mostert
Position: Midfield
Robert Mostert is a man that can do it all!
Playing in his debut season for the North Shore Tigers in the Auckland AFL, Mostert has kicked over 25 goals playing as a midfielder.
Category 3: Josh Mackie
Position: Midfield
Josh Mackie from Otago will return to the Northern Suns after being the first player selected in Category 3: Regionally based New Zealand representative.
The 18 year old will slot in nicely into the Suns midfield and is fearless in the way he plays.
His agility along with his height gives him the ability to take strong marks but also the attribute of evading players which showed in his performances throughout this year’s AFL International Cup.
Category 4: Chai Proctor
Position: Forward
Otago based Chai Proctor is an up and coming superstar who made an impression in his first season playing for the Central Giants in 2016.
The 18 year old will make the switch to the Northern Suns in 2018 and will look to make an impact early on.
A current New Zealand Under 18 squad member, Chai is a small forward who will develop into a strong midfielder who will challenge at every contest.
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