OSCAR Morrison will use the disappointment at being overlooked in the national and rookie drafts as motivation to live out his AFL dream in the next 12 months.
Experts gave the Geelong Falcons defender every chance to find a home in late November, but his name remained uncalled.
While the disappointment is yet to fade completely, Morrison is now focussing on finding a VFL home, with Geelong, Werribee, Port Melbourne and Williamstown all showing varying levels of interest in the NAB League Team of the Year defender.
“I’m still going to be chasing the dream via the VFL and using that disappointment to get me there in the end,” Morrison said.
“Not everyone goes in the first draft that they enter. Hopefully, I’ll get to the ultimate goal via that pathway.
“Their messaging has all been pretty consistent; they want to give me the opportunity to continue to develop.
“After a disappointing couple of days, having some high-level coaches reach out and say they rate your talent is always a bit flattering.”
Knowing he wouldn’t be a first-round selection, Morrison admits it was tough watching the second night of the draft.
“Thursday was quite a long night just waiting and seeing the picks,” he said. “Especially when clubs I had spoken to were taking selections, you had your fingers crossed.
“It was disappointing when they were making picks, and my name wasn’t getting readout.
“I held out a little bit hope for Friday (Rookie Draft), but that was over pretty quick.”
Morrison revealed he made contact with each club he spoke to before the draft for feedback.
“They all said a similar thing; that I’ll be on their draft board next year, and I’m still on their radar, and I’m not far off it,” he said.
“I just need to show that I can play as a third tall defender and an intercept role, which is what my strengths are.
“And to go to a (VFL) club that’s going to give me the opportunity to show that.”
Morrison also has the option to remain a 19-year-old player with the Falcons.
“The Falcons have said to me that they want me to have a full VFL pre-season and then play VFL,” he said,
“But, if I’m not getting games, then I’ll play Falcons, if I’m available, up until the mid-season draft.
“Knowing the people at the Falcons and being comfortable in that environment, it’s definitely not the worst fallback option.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
