As a kid, Harry Sheezel knew he was going to try and make the AFL. He’s days away from securing that goal after a stunning season, among the list of top hopefuls at this year’s draft.
When his name is called out, the skilled footy player will not only have made his AFL dream come true, he’ll be making history as the first Jewish player to be drafted this century.
The 184-centimetre medium forward impressed clubs and talent scouts alike during his draft campaign with his goalkicking talent, playing in the NAB League for premiers Sandringham Dragons this year, where he kicked 36 goals across the season, and in the state league for Vic Metro, where he kicked eight goals.
At the draft on Monday, North Melbourne are likely to secure Sheezel using their second or third pick (the Roos are widely expected to bid on Will Ashcroft at No.1, pushing Sheezel a little further back), securing him as one of a handful of Jewish players to play in the AFL. It’ll also make him the only Jewish player to be drafted into the game since 1999.
Despite not practicing the faith, he sees as exciting his potential to inspire others in the community.
“I’m not religious at all, so it doesn’t affect my daily life. It’s just more of the [Jewish] community that I’ve involved in,” he says.
Read the article by Carla Jaeger in The Age.