Football: Wilkes happy with Saints pick upc

Former Railways player Beau Wilkes is determined to add to his 23-game AFL career after he was thrown a second chance by St Kilda in last Thursday’s AFL national draft.

The Saints took Wilkes with pick No 68, and Wilkes said he could not have been happier when he heard his name read out.

“It was a pretty good feeling and I am really excited about the opportunity,” Wilkes said.

“I am honoured to get another crack at it and I am looking forward to getting stuck into it.”

Wilkes played 23 games for the West Coast Eagles during four seasons at the WA club but was delisted at the end of 2010.

The 25-year-old returned to the WAFL with Claremont and was part of the 2011 premiership side, receiving the best-on-ground award for the grand final.

Wilkes, who flew to Melbourne on Sunday and will begin training tomorrow, said he was aiming to play in the NAB cup and would play any role the Saints needed.

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