THE nerves are starting to jangle, but Turvey Park's AFL draft prospect Pat Voss is taking a "what will be, will be" mindset before the big day approaches later this week.
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The 18-year-old is hopeful of having his name read out late in the draft on Thursday, or be rookie-listed on Friday, with the first round to take place on Wednesday.
"I'm a bit nervous about it all, but what will be will be," Voss said.
"I spoke to my manager yesterday (Monday) and he said it (draft chances) are probably 50-50, it's about how things pan out early.
"I'm still in the mix, but it could go either way. If I do get drafted it will be late or on the rookie list, so I probably won't be that nervous for the first 40-odd picks."
The 193cm key position player's hopes are aided by the fact he can play up forward or in defence, and played with NAB League club Oakleigh Chargers this year.
He was invited to the AFL Draft Combine, which ultimately wasn't held due to COVID, along with Narrandera's Harry Grintell.
It means at least five AFL clubs nominated them in their top 50 most likely draftees. The duo are among the Giants Academy members to be nominated for the draft along with The Rock-Yerong Creek product Jack Driscoll.
Voss was among 30 Victoria Metro players selected to attend a skills testing day at Sandringham early last week, giving clubs one last chance to cast their eyes over talent.
He also registered a personal best 6:36 mins 2km time trial, which players lodged individually through Strava.
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Currently back home in Wagga after completing his studies, Voss hopes his body of work in an interrupted season this year will be enough for a club to take him on.
"We didn't get a full year in, but the footy I did play I was happy with most of it," he said.
"It (lack of football) has been really frustrating. But it's all been part of it the last two years and the ones who really want it have been able to stay motivated enough and play some good footy."
Voss said watching fellow Riverina products like Cooper Sharman and Nick Murray be picked up by AFL clubs in their early twenties after being overlooked at the draft had provided peace of mind.
"Seeing those boys get picked up, they did that through different avenues (other than the draft)," Voss said.
"It's a good way to look at it. They weren't picked up the normal way as an 18-year-old taken through the draft, they were taken in the mid-season draft or what not.
"It's a good thing for me to know if I don't end up getting drafted, there's other ways and it's not the be all and end all."
If a Giant Academy-nominated player is selected by another club, the Giants have the option of matching that offer.
Voss said he'll be happy to go wherever he's given an opportunity.
"Anyone would take a spot on any AFL list," Voss said.
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