The North Melbourne Kangaroos have selected Josh Goater with pick No.22 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
A lifelong North Melbourne fan, 190cm Goater adds height and versatility to a Kangaroos midfield already stacked with developing talent, including the club's No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis.
"I followed North Melbourne my whole life and I'm absolutely stoked to be able to be at that pick to land myself at that club," Goater told Fox Footy after being selected on Thursday night.
"I'm absolutely rapt to be get into with that bunch of boys and get into it next week.
"I would have loved to go [in the first round of the Draft] last night, but I’m absolutely over the moon to land at North Melbourne tonight, it was worth the wait."
A midfielder who uses his natural spring, speed and agility to win and use the ball efficiently in a range of roles both inside and outside, Goater can also play in defence and was a forward throughout his junior career.
"Drew Petrie was always someone I always looked up to as a youngster," Goater said.
The 18-year-old's vision, decision-making and execution by hand and foot stood out in his seven matches in this year's NAB League, averaging 24 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency with four clearances for the Cannons.
He backed up that form to be one of Victoria Metro's best in its win over Victoria Country at Under-19s level with 23 disposals, with his pace and ball use drawing comparisons with Port Adelaide young gun Xavier Duursma.
"Josh is a versatile and athletic utility who can play all three zones of the ground," Kangaroos National Recruiting Manager Mark Finnigan said.
"In 2021 he shared his time between defence and midfield. As a defender he can intercept and penetrate the game through his run and kick. In the midfield he provides a big body with elite power and speed allowing him to break away from stoppages.
"Josh is very good at ground level and has also displayed he can take a big grab.
"We see Josh as a rebounding defender in his early days of his AFL career with the potential to play multiple roles with more exposure in the system.
"It’s always exciting when we can bring in a draftee who has been a lifelong North Melbourne supporter."
