Greater Western Victoria Rebel Lloyd Meek is counting down the hours until the AFL Draft, as he hopes his name will be read out after missing out last year.
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The ruck prospect played at the Rebels as a 19-year-old this season and said the nerves are starting to build ahead of Friday night’s National Draft.
“People started asking me a few weeks ago and it was not bad but each day that passes the nerves creep up a bit more,” he said.
“The clubs have not given much indication, going into interviews they keep it close to their chest.
“All the players respect that but it is frustrating as a player not knowing what will happen.”
The former SMW Rovers player will have a low key evening but will tune in to see if his efforts this season have been successful.
“I am going to head home to the farm in Mininera and watch it with my family,” he said.
“I would love the luxury of knowing I will get drafted so I can invite all my friends around but I do not think many will be there.
“Mum and Dad have been there from day one and if I do get drafted, they will celebrate as hard as everyone.”
Meek focused on improving his craft in the forward line this year to increase his chances of being drafted.
Meek said even if his name is not read out again this year, he will remain positive.
“I am comfortable knowing that whether I get drafted or not, I have done everything I could possibly do,” he said.
“If it does not happen this time around, I will continue doing the same thing each year and continue to improve until it does happen.”
He said he does not mind moving interstate if drafted by a non-Victorian club.
“I just want an opportunity, as long as I get a foot in the door I am confident I can do the work to make a career of it,” he said.
“I definitely think pure rucks have gone from the game, so it is good I have shown I can do things up forward but now it is just a waiting game.”
The Rebels player caught up with former teammate and current Brisbane Lion Hugh McCluggage recently.
“It was good to catch up with him but there is not really any advice for these moments to share,” Meek said.
“They all understand at this point in time there is nothing you can do, all the hard work has been done and you just have to sit and wait.”
The 19-year-old said he was grateful for all the support during the year, particularly from his TAC Cup club.
“My family and the Rebels have been enormous for me,” he said.
“When I first started at the Rebels, I came from the SMW Rovers and I was not much of a product then.
”It is full credit to Gerard FitzGerald and Phil Partington and all the coaches and staff at the Rebels who have helped me so much.”
