JADE Gresham made history when he was recruited to St Kilda in the 2015 AFL National Draft.
The 18-year-old became the first South Morang Football Club player to be recruited to an AFL club since the draft’s inception in 1986.
Close to 100 people attended the South Morang club rooms on Tuesday night to watch the draft in anticipation of Gresham being selected.
Club president Brendan McDonald said it was a memorable moment for the entire club when Gresham’s name was read out by the Saints at pick 18.
“For me personally, I had a tear in my eye to be honest when he got drafted. It was amazing to see a dream come true,” McDonald said.
“We’re just so proud. He comes from a good family and for us it’s a feel-good story. Jade is now a part of South Morang history.”
McDonald hoped the example set by Gresham would enable other youngsters from the club to follow in his footsteps.
“We’re well represented at the (Northern) Knights this year so for us Jade is the first player drafted from the club, but hopefully won’t be the last.
“Other kids at the club can now look at the example that Jade has provided.
“This is a really good story for the rest of the boys at our club that they can make it.”
After watching the draft at home with his family, Gresham headed to the South Morang club rooms to celebrate with those who had gathered to watch the draft.
Gresham joined the Lions from Preston RSL in 2010 and has long been touted as an AFL prospect.
Northern Knights talent manager Peter Kennedy said St Kilda may well have landed a bargain selecting the 177cm midfielder at pick 18.
The Knights captain had a stellar 2015 campaign, winning both the Knights best and fairest award and the TAC Cup Coaches Award. He was also runner-up in the TAC Cup best and fairest, the Morrish Medal.
Selected in the centre of the TAC Cup Team of the Year, Gresham was also a standout for Vic Metro in the AFL Under-18 National Championships, winning the team’s Most Valuable Player award.
“He’s a natural and when I say that it means he’s got great skills,” Kennedy said.
He’s a beautiful kick, he’s got great game sense, he’s a good decision maker and as well as that he has very good speed. He’s also got that side step to get around players and he takes them on all the time.
“He can kick goals from outside 50, which in our last game of the season against Gippsland he kicked two goals in the last quarter from outside 50 that got us over the line by a point. He can be a match winner because he’s dangerous around goals.
“As well as the side step, he’s got this ability that if he goes to ground, he bounces back up. He doesn’t seem to fall over, he’s like a coil.”
Kennedy said St Kilda had long shown interest in Gresham, who averaged 22 possessions and a goal in his five games for Vic Metro at this year’s AFL Under-18 National Championships.
Speaking to St Kilda’s website, Saints recruiting manager Tony Elshaug echoed Kennedy’s sentiments.
“(Jade) has good pace, good speed, good endurance, making good decisions by right and left hand and foot,” Elshaug told Saints.com.au.
“He has shown a good capability to kick a goal and he finished off the year strongly as well. He is a very exciting player.”
The Northern Football League congratulates Jade on being drafted and wishes him the best of luck with the St Kilda Football Club.
