Geraldton’s Jed Hagan coming to terms with draft shock but will focus on the footy heading into next year

For all the moments of joy and inspirational stories that come out of the AFL draft there is always a hard-luck story and this year it struck Geraldton’s Jed Hagan. Hagan was widely tipped by multiple outlets to be picked up in round two or three after an outstanding season in the WAFL for East Fremantle and eye-catching performances at the State championships which saw him win under-18 All-Australian honours.. As well, he was selected to take part in the national combine, meaning he received nominations from five AFL clubs. Hagan did not compete in the combine because of an ankle injury which saw his stock slide, but he was still thought to be comfortably in the frame, especially with Fremantle who he had trained with as part of his Academy duties. But his name was not read out on either night and his last chance to get on a list was via the rookie draft on Wednesday afternoon also went by with the East Fremantle star snubbed. Hagan was despondent with the outcome but knows his journey is not over. “It was obviously hugely disappointing I’m just taking a few days to settle down and reassess with the family,” he told the Geraldton Guardian. “I still don’t think it has quite sunk in yet. “But for now I just have to focus on getting back and playing footy next year and I know I’ll be alright.”