AFL Draft: West Perth forward-ruck Kayle Gerreyn heading to Essendon with pick No.37

Kayle Gerreyn says he’s surprise but grateful to become the third West Australian drafted this year, with the West Perth forward-ruck picked up by Essendon with pick No.37. The 199cm Falcon was not excepting to land in the Bombers’ hangar, and was instead awaiting the following pick, where he was a chance to land at Port Adelaide. “It was pretty unexpected, I was expecting Port Adelaide at the next pick,” he said. “It was so unexpected but I am so grateful. It’s unreal.” Gerreyn had a stellar finish to the WAFL season, playing two league games for the Falcons including kicking two goals against South Fremantle. The key-position player then finished the season in the colts where he was dominant, averaging 23 disposals, 26 hit-outs and two goals in two games. He averaged 21.5 touches and 6.2 marks for the Falcons, while he played all four games for WA at the Under-18 Championships, averaging 12.5 touches and booting five goals. He was also ranked sixth in the agility test at the National Draft Combine, defying his size to run an incredible 8.08 seconds. Gerreyn said it was towards the back end of the season when he got confidence he could take his game to the next level. “At the back end of the year with my form but it never feels real until it happens,” he said. “I was worrying if it was going to happen during the week but I am glad it’s done and it’s a good result.” Gerreyn’s father Chris also played for Claremont and East Perth in the WAFL before being drafted by Hawthorn, but never played a game at the top level. The forward-ruck joined his WA Under-18 captain Bo Allan (West Coast) and Claremont speedster Cody Angove (Greater Western Sydney) as this year’s top three picks from the west.