Josh Deluca’s joy at lifeline thrown by Carlton Blues in AFL mid-season draft

Josh Deluca couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after Carlton revived his AFL career, swooping on the former Fremantle midfielder with the first pick in Monday’s mid-season rookie draft.

The four-time WAFL premiership hero was rewarded for his strong form for Subiaco since he was cut by the Dockers at the end of 2017.

The 23-year-old won the Simpson Medal as WA’s best player in their narrow loss to South Australia and is averaging nearly 26 disposals and five tackles for the Lions in 2019.

Deluca, who will move to Melbourne today after finding out the good news on Sunday night, said he felt he was a much better player since his first stint in the AFL came to an end after four games in as many seasons.

“I found out late last night, so I was prepared when my name was read out today,” Deluca said yesterday. “What a great opportunity and such a great club to go to, so I’m really excited.

“Since getting de-listed from Fremantle, I’ve recognised some things I needed to work on in my game and I feel like, I’m not the perfect player, but I’ve come close to rectifying them and improving my game.”

Deluca said while he was confident he was ready to add to his AFL games tally, he had to earn the respect of the playing group and coaches first.

“I’m not thinking I’m going to walk straight into the team, but if I come in and play my role and do the right thing I’m sure there will be opportunities,” he said.

Deluca will live down the road from his brother and fellow Subiaco product Chris after he relocated to Melbourne earlier this year. He is currently sidelined with a “one-to-two week” hamstring injury which caused him to miss the win over Claremont on Saturday.

Deluca’s manager, Andrew McDougall of Corporate Sports Australia, said his second chance was well deserved after the hard work he put in.

Fellow Lion, teenage forward Jack Mayo, was picked up by St Kilda with pick eight.

Fremantle selected 18-year-old East Fremantle swingman Dillon O’Reilly, the son of Stephen, who played with Geelong, Fremantle and Carlton.

South Fremantle star Marlion Pickett was one of the feelgood stories of the draft. The 27-year-old got his long-awaited chance in the AFL with Richmond at pick 13, two days after he sustained a serious finger injury.

Former Docker Cam Sutcliffe was thrown an AFL lifeline by Port Adelaide, who selected him with the ninth choice.

Sutcliffe, who played 104 games at Fremantle, moved back to SA this year to captain the Port Magpies in the SANFL after getting delisted.