Football: Bootsma gets the Blues

Former North Albany footballer Josh Bootsma became the Great Southern’s latest AFL listed player when he was recruited by Carlton in last Thursday’s AFL national draft.

Bootsma was taken by Carlton with their first round pick, No. 22, their first selection in the national draft.

It ends a remarkable year for the 18-year-old, who in May was playing league football for North Albany in the Great Southern Football League.

The defender played six matches in the GSFL before moving to Perth to play colts for South Fremantle where he was part of the Bulldogs’ premiership side.

After being a late call up to the AFL draft combine, it is believed that Bootsma had received interest from 14 AFL clubs before last week’s draft.

Despite speculation the young star would end up at Fremantle where his father Brad played 23 games, Carlton beat the WA side to him.

The second-generation footballer said his father had played a huge role in his development.

“He’s been a great help,” he said.

“To have him helping with the move up here and then with my footy has been great. He’s been through it so he knows what it’s like.”

Bootsma’s ex-Kangas team mate Marley Williams was surprisingly overlooked in the national draft despite interest from both North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

Williams joined former Albany residents Dylan Morgan, Matthew Galantino and Jayden Woods among the players who were not picked.

Williams is almost certain to be snapped up in either the rookie or pre-season drafts held on December 13.

After his rapid rise to the national elite level, Bootsma encouraged any young country footballer to chase their dream.

“When I was down there, there were a lot of talented young guys and if they were to come up here and took their chance, who knows where they could end up,” Bootsma said.

“I just wanted to play the best footy I could and it’s worked out.”

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